bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The inulin hydrogen breath test accurately reflects orocaecal transit time
Authors: Schneider A. R. J. , Jepp K. , Murczynski L. , Biniek U. , Stein J.
Published: September 2007

Background  The lactose[13C]ureide breath test (13C‐LUBT) has been validated and established as a reliable, non‐invasive test for the assessment of orocaecal transit time (OCTT). More recently, small studies have demonstrated that inulin could be an alternative substrate for H2‐based breath testing of the small bowel transit (H2‐INBT). We compared the performance of the H2‐INBT with the 13C‐LUBT in an appropriate number of participants, determined by sample‐size calculation.

Design  Twenty‐nine people underwent a combined 13C‐LUBT/H2‐INBT. Five Hundred mg of lactoseureide was ingested on the day before the test to induce an adequate enzyme activity in colonic bacteria. For the test, they received 500 mg of lactose[13C]ureide and 5 g inulin, dissolved in 400 mL of a standard enteral liquid nutrition orally. Breath samples were collected every 30 min for 8 h and analysed for H2[ p.p.m.] and 13CO2‐enrichment [δ‐13C]. For the 13C‐LUBT, the OCTT was defined as the interval with an increase of δ > 2·5SD above the running average of all previous points. The latter was defined as a rise of > 10ppm above baseline regarding the H2‐INBT.

Results  Breath tests produced evaluable data in 27/29 patients [93%]. Median OCTTs were 315 min (range 210–450 min) for the 13C‐LUBT and 300 min (180–420 min) for the H2‐INBT (P = 0·15). The 13C‐LU‐OCTT correlated well with the H2‐IN‐OCTT (r = 0·72). Bland‐Altman blot showed that the mean H2‐IN‐OCTTs were approximately 30 min shorter than predicted with the 13C‐LUBT.

Conclusions  Inulin is a reliable and inexpensive substrate for a hydrogen‐based assessment of the OCTT. In contrast to the 13C‐LUBT, the H2‐INBT does not require patients to refrain from physical activity and may additionally increase its acceptance for clinical purposes.
Factors controlling soil loss during sugar beet harvesting at the field plot scale in Belgium
Authors: Ruysschaert G. , Poesen J. , Wauters A. , Govers G. , Verstraeten G.
Published: September 2007

Considerable masses of soil may be lost from arable land during the harvest of crops such as sugar beet, potato and chicory roots, as soil adhering to these crops, soil clods and rock fragments are exported from the field (together with the crop) to places such as headlands, farmsteads and crop‐processing factories. This soil erosion process is referred to as soil losses due to crop harvesting (SLCH). These soil losses range from a few to tens of tonnes per hectare and per harvest and are thus the same order of magnitude as soil losses caused by water, wind or tillage erosion. However, only a few studies have incorporated SLCH as a soil erosion process. We investigated the variability of soil losses due to sugar beet harvesting at the field plot scale and the importance of controlling factors related to soil, agronomic practices and crop characteristics. Twenty‐six field parcels, distributed over the Belgian sugar beet growing area, were sampled during the harvesting seasons 2002, 2003 and 2004. Soil losses ranged between 1 and 30 Mg ha−1 harvest−1 with an average of 4 Mg ha−1 harvest−1. Gravimetric soil moisture content at harvest was by far the most important controlling factor and was positively and exponentially related to SLCH. Differences in SLCH between harvesting seasons could not be explained by the factors investigated in this study, which indicates that other factors also play a role in SLCH variability.
Microbial biomass dynamics and soil wettability as affected by the intensity and frequency of wetting and drying during straw decomposition
Authors: Zhang B. , Yao S.‐H. , Hu F.
Published: September 2007

Water repellency is influenced by soil management and biological process. We carried out a 60‐day laboratory incubation experiment to evaluate the effects of straw amendment, together with the intensity and frequency of wetting and drying (W/D), on microbial processes and water repellency. One W/D cycle consisted of 1.5‐day wetting at −0.03 kPa from the soil core bottom and different drying lengths in a temperature‐controlled laboratory, resulting in different drying intensities. At a regular interval, soil respiration rate (SRR) on drying and wetting, soil microbial biomass C and N (SMB‐C and N), and soil water repellency (SWR) after the wetting were measured simultaneously. Rice straw amendment had a greater effect on SRR, but smaller influences on SMB and SMB‐C : N than W/D frequency and drying intensity. The first W/D caused the largest decrease in soil respiration and the soil respiration recovered partly in the subsequent W/D cycles. The increase in SMB and SMB‐C : N as well as metabolic quotient with W/D frequency and intensity suggested a shift of microbial community from bacterial dominance to fungal dominance. SWR was significantly related to SMB‐C (R2= 0.689, P < 0.001). However, this study was limited to these indirect measurements. Direct measurements of fungal biomass and microbial community are needed in the future. The results suggest that rice straw amendment in dry season may increase C sequestration due to reduced decomposition and stabilize soil structure due to the enhancement of microbial induced water repellency.
Microbial CO2production, CH4dynamics and nitrogen in a wetland soil (New York State, USA) associated with three plant species (Typha,Lythrum,Phalaris)
Authors: Welsch M. , Yavitt J. B.
Published: September 2007

Plants furnish soil with organic carbon (OC) compounds that fuel soil microorganisms, but whether individual plant species – or plants with unique traits – do so uniquely is uncertain. We evaluated soil microbial processes within a wetland in which areas dominated by a distinct plant species (cattail –Typhasp.; purple loosestrife –Lythrum salicariaL.; reed canarygrass –Phalaris arundinaceaL.) co‐mingled. We also established an experimental plot with plant shoot removal. ThePhalarisarea had more acidic soil pH (7.08 vs. 7.27–7.57), greater amount of soil organic matter (19.0% vs. 9.0–11.5%), and the slowest production rates of CO2(0.10 vs. 0.21–0.46 μmol kg−1 s−1) and CH4(0.040 vs. 0.054–0.079 nmol kg−1 s−1). Nitrogen cycling was dominated by net nitrification, with similar rates (17.2–18.9 mg kg−114 days−1) among the four sampling areas. In the second part of the study, we emplaced soil cores that either allowed root in‐growth or excluded roots to evaluate how roots directly affect soil CO2and CH4. The three plant species had similar amounts of root growth (ca 290 g m−2 year−1). Fungal biomass was similar in soils with root in‐growth versus root exclusion, regardless of dominant plant species. Rates of soil CO2production did not differ with root in‐growth versus root exclusion, and added glucose increased CO2production rates by only 35%. Root in‐growth did lead to greater rates of CH4production; albeit, addition of glucose had much greater effect on CH4production (1.24 nmol kg−1 s−1) compared with controls without added glucose (0.058 nmol kg−1 s−1). Our data revealed relatively few subtle differences in soil characteristics and processes associated with different plant species; albeit, roots had little effect, even inhibiting some microbial processes. This research highlights the need for both field and experimental studies in long‐established monocultures of plant species to understand the role of plant biodiversity in soil function.
Spatial patterns of seston concentration and biochemical composition between nearshore and offshore waters of a Great Lake
Authors: SMITH RALPH E. H. , PARRISH CHRISTOPHER C. , DEPEW DAVID C. , GHADOUANI ANAS
Published: September 2007

1. The concentration and composition of seston were measured in the east basin of Lake Erie (U.S.A.–Canada) to determine whether the classical patterns of nearshore versus offshore zonation considered typical of large lakes have been altered by decades of change in nutrient loading and food web structure, and to test the possibility that food quality for seston consumers, as reflected in nutrient and lipid composition, may currently be diminished. Chlorophyll‐a (chl‐a), particulate organic carbon (POC), particulate P, total lipid (TL), lipid classes, fatty acids and major phytoplankton groups were compared between the nearshore (<20 m) and offshore zones in spring and early summer.

2. Particulate organic carbon, chl‐a and TL concentrations were lower nearshore than offshore, which is a reversal of the classical large lake pattern but consistent with other evidence from the Great Lakes that colonization by filter‐feeding dreissenid mussels can cause seston depletion in relatively shallow waters.

3. Terrestrial and bacterial fatty acid markers were slightly higher in the nearshore than the offshore, but there was little difference in nutrient, taxonomic or biochemical composition between zones otherwise. This shows a small differential influence of terrestrial and detrital inputs, and a slight shift away from phytoplankton dominance of seston composition in the nearshore, but little difference in potential food quality of seston.

4. Microscope counts, phytoplankton fluorescence, and fatty acid composition indicated succession from diatom dominance in May to dominance by cryptophyte and chromophyte flagellates in June and July. Depletion of dissolved P and Si, increased contribution of storage lipids, and changes in fatty acid composition suggested a mild degree of nutrient deficiency during this spring to summer transition.

5. Total lipids were dominated by classes typical of pigments and membranes with only moderate amounts of neutral (storage) lipids, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) were abundant (especially the long chain ω‐3 acids) and the POC : chl‐a and POC : particulate P ratios indicated P sufficiency or slight P‐deficiency. Despite concerns that some important consumers in the Great Lakes food web may be suffering from diminished food quality, these results point to a generally high seston food quality even with highly abundant mussels and incipient P deficiency in the east basin of Lake Erie.
Stochastic inversion of pressure and saturation changes from time‐lapse multi component data
Authors: Veire Helene Hafslund , Borgos Hilde Grude , Landrø Martin
Published: September 2007

Knowledge about saturation and pressure distributions in a reservoir can help in determining an optimal drainage pattern, and in deciding on optimal well designs to reduce risks of blow‐outs and damage to production equipment. By analyzing time‐lapse PP AVO or time‐lapse multicomponent seismic data, it is possible to separate the effects of production related saturation and pressure changes on seismic data. To be able to utilize information about saturation and pressure distributions in reservoir model building and simulation, information about uncertainty in the estimates is useful. In this paper we present a method to estimate changes in saturation and pressure from time‐lapse multicomponent seismic data using a Bayesian estimation technique. Results of the estimations will be probability density functions (pdfs), giving immediate information about both parameter values and uncertainties. Linearized rock physical models are linked to the changes in saturation and pressure in the prior probability distribution. The relationship between the elastic parameters and the measured seismic data is described in the likelihood model. By assuming Gaussian distributed prior uncertainties the posterior distribution of the saturation and pressure changes can be calculated analytically. Results from tests on synthetic seismic data show that this method produces more precise estimates of changes in effective pressure than a similar methodology based on only PP AVO time‐lapse seismic data. This indicates that additional information about S‐waves obtained from converted‐wave seismic data is useful for obtaining reliable information about the pressure change distribution.
Defective Toll‐like receptor 9‐mediated cytokine production in B cells from Bruton's tyrosine kinase‐deficient mice
Authors: Hasan Maroof , Lopez‐Herrera Gabriela , Blomberg K. Emelie M. , Lindvall Jessica M. , Berglöf Anna , Smith C. I. Edvard , Vargas Leonardo
Published: September 2007

Bruton's tyrosine kinase (Btk), a member of the Tec family of tyrosine kinases, plays an important role in the differentiation and activation of B cells. Mutations affecting Btk cause immunodeficiency in both humans and mice. In this study we set out to investigate the potential role of Btk in Toll‐like receptor 9 (TLR9) activation and the production of pro‐inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin (IL)‐6, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α and IL‐12p40. Our data show that Btk‐deficient B cells respond more efficiently to CpG‐DNA stimulation, producing significantly higher levels of pro‐inflammatory cytokines but lower levels of the inhibitory cytokine IL‐10. The quantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) analysis presented in this work shows that mRNA production of one of the important new members of the IL‐12 family, IL‐27, was significantly increased in Btk‐deficient B cells after CpG‐DNA stimulation. In this study, we demonstrate significant differences in CpG responsiveness between transitional 1 (T1) and T2 B cells for survival and maturation. Furthermore, TLR9 expression, measured both as protein and as mRNA, was increased in Btk‐defective cells, especially after TLR9 stimulation. Collectively, these data provide evidence in support of the theory that Btk regulates both TLR9 activation and expression in mouse splenic B cells.
Changes in Drosophila melanogaster midgut proteins in response to dietary Bowman–Birk inhibitor
Authors: Li H.‐M. , Margam V. , Muir W. M. , Murdock L. L. , Pittendrigh B. R.
Published: September 2007

The midgut proteome of Drosophila melanogaster was compared in larvae fed dietary Bowman–Birk inhibitor (BBI) vs. larvae fed a control diet. By using two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis, nine differentially expressed proteins were observed, which were associated with enzymes or transport functions such as sterol carrier protein X (SCPX), ubiquitin‐conjugating enzyme, endopeptidase, receptor signalling protein kinase, ATP‐dependent RNA helicase and α‐tocopherol transport. Quantitative real‐time PCR verified differential expression of transcripts coding for six of the proteins observed from the proteomic analysis. BBI evidently affects expression of proteins associated with protein degradation, transport and fatty acid catabolism. We then tested the hypothesis that SCPX was critical for the Drosophila third instars’ response to BBI treatment. Inhibition of SCPX caused the third instars to become more susceptible to dietary BBI.
A novel cadherin‐like gene from western corn rootworm, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), larval midgut tissue
Authors: Sayed A. , Nekl E. R. , Siqueira H. A. A. , Wang H.‐C. , Ffrench‐Constant R. H. , Bagley M. , Siegfried B. D.
Published: September 2007

A cadherin‐like gene associated with larval midgut tissues was cloned from western corn rootworm (Diabrotica virgifera virgifera: Coleoptera), an economically important agricultural pest in North America and Europe and the primary target pest species for corn hybrids expressing Cry3 toxins from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt). The full‐length cDNA (5371 bp in length) encodes an open reading frame for a 1688 amino acid polypeptide. The putative protein has similar architecture to cadherin‐like proteins isolated from lepidopteran midguts that have been shown to bind to Cry1 Bt toxins and have been implicated in Bt resistance. The D. v. virgifera cadherin‐like gene is expressed primarily in the larval midgut and regulated during development, with high levels of expression observed in all instars and adults but not pupae. The corresponding genomic sequence spans more than 90 kb and is interspersed with 30 large introns. The genomic organization of the cadherin‐like gene for this coleopteran species bears strong resemblance to lepidopteran cadherins suggesting a common molecular basis for susceptibility to Cry3 toxins in Coleoptera.
Aedes Dronc: a novel ecdysone‐inducible caspase in the yellow fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti
Authors: Cooper D. M. , Thi E. P. , Chamberlain C. M. , Pio F. , Lowenberger C.
Published: September 2007

Caspases are cysteinyl‐aspartate‐specific proteases known for their role in apoptosis. Here, we describe the characterization of Aedes Dronc, a novel caspase in the yellow fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti. Aedes Dronc is predicted to contain an N‐terminal caspase recruitment domain and is a homologue of Drosophila Dronc and human caspase‐9. An increase in transcripts and caspase activity coincides with developmental changes in the mosquito, suggesting that Aedes Dronc plays a role in developmental apoptosis. Exposure of third instar larvae to ecdysone resulted in a significant increase in both transcript levels and caspase activity. We present here a functional characterization of the first caspase recruitment domain‐containing caspase in mosquitoes, and will initiate studies on the role of apoptosis in the innate immune response of vectors.
Validity, trustworthiness and rigour: reasserting realism in qualitative research
Authors: Porter Sam
Published: September 2007

Title.  Validity, trustworthiness and rigour: reasserting realism in qualitative research

Aim.  This paper challenges recent sceptical approaches to the possibility of validating qualitative research and underlines the benefits of adopting a realist approach to validity.

Background.  In recent discussion about the methodological bases for qualitative research it has been argued that, because different methodologies take different approaches to validity, attempts to develop a common set of validation criteria are futile. On the basis of this sceptical view, a number of strategies for judging qualitative research have been proposed. These include suggestions that: it should be judged according to aesthetic or rhetorical criteria, rather than epistemological validity; responsibility for appraisal should move from researchers to readers; each methodology should be assessed individually according to its own merits.

Discussion.  None of these suggestions provide a viable alternative to validity, defined as the extent to which research reflects accurately that to which it refers. Because the form of research does not determine its content, replacement of epistemology by aesthetics is unsustainable. Because research reports mediate between writer and reader, a one‐sided approach to this relationship constitutes a false dichotomy. If we accept the criterion of practitioner confidence as a means of judging methodological approaches, this involves rejection of judgement according to a methodology’s own merits.

Conclusion.  If qualitative research is actually about something, and if it is required to provide beneficial information, then a realist approach to validity holds out greatest promise.
Sources of burnout among healthcare employees as perceived by managers
Authors: Glasberg Ann‐Louise , Norberg Astrid , Söderberg Anna
Published: September 2007

Title.  Sources of burnout among healthcare employees as perceived by managers

Aim.  This paper is a report of a study to investigate healthcare managers’ perspectives on factors contributing to the increase of healthcare employees on sick leave for burnout symptoms.

Background.  Current turbulent healthcare reorganization has resulted in structural instability, role conflicts and vague responsibility commitments, all of which contribute to increasing numbers of sick days caused by burnout symptoms. Managers’ perceptions of burnout sources are important as these perceptions guide the actions taken to prevent burnout.

Method.  Interviews were carried out with 30 healthcare managers, with different occupational backgrounds and from different units. The data were collected in Sweden in 2003 and analysed using thematic qualitative content analysis.

Findings.  According to the healthcare managers, continuous reorganization and downsizing of healthcare services has reduced resources and increased demands and responsibilities. These problems are compounded by high ideals and expectations, making staff question their own abilities and worth as well as making them feel less confirmed and less valued as people. The main finding indicates that healthcare employees are thrown into a spiralling sense of inadequacy and an emerging sense of pessimism and powerlessness.

Conclusion.  To understand and influence people’s actions, one has to understand their perceptions and thoughts – their explanatory models. This study shows the complexity and interconnection between sources of burnout as perceived by healthcare managers, and highlights the encouragement of realism without the destruction of enthusiasm as an important factor in management and healthcare practice.
The lived body and the perioperative period in replacement surgery: older people’s experiences
Authors: Gustafsson Birgitta Åkesdotter , Ponzer Sari , Heikkilä Kristiina , Ekman Sirkka‐Liisa
Published: September 2007

Title.  The lived body and the perioperative period in replacement surgery: older people’s experiences

Aim.  This paper is a report of a study to explore older people’s experiences of their lived bodies during the perioperative period for a hip or knee replacement.

Background.  Replacement surgery of a major joint for older people suffering from osteoarthritis is an established treatment in developed countries. Scientific knowledge is available on replacement surgery from several perspectives, but not about older people’s experiences of the entire perioperative period of a replacement procedure.

Method.  A qualitative longitudinal study was conducted between 2002 and 2004. Audiotaped interviews were carried out with 12 older people, on five different occasions during the perioperative period. The data were analysed using latent qualitative content analysis.

Findings.  The perioperative period of a hip or knee replacement can be regarded as a process of transition which includes six critical phases. The transition was supported with the dream of becoming as able‐bodied as previously in life, by having surgery. In addition, our findings revealed that the care recipients lacked knowledge about the surgical intervention as a whole.

Conclusion.  The meaning of having joint replacement surgery was to overcome the confinement of living with a painful and unreliable body. Furthermore, care recipients struggled to regain a body in charge and control of their lives, yet from a new starting point. The care recipients were not prepared for the transitional changes through the perioperative period. Further research is needed to develop an appropriate programme for patient care during the perioperative period, in order to facilitate the process of transition.
Assessment of dependency levels of older people in the community and measurement of nursing workload
Authors: Byrne Gobnait , Brady Anne‐Marie , Horan Paul , Macgregor Catriona , Begley Cecily
Published: September 2007

Title.  Assessment of dependency levels of older people in the community and measurement of nursing workload

Aim.  This paper is a report of a study to explore the relationship between the dependency levels of older people who are part of the community nurse’s caseload and the volume and nature of nursing input required.

Background.  International healthcare policy has consistently emphasized the reorientation of health services from hospital to community care. It is necessary to determine ways to use nursing resources appropriately to meet service needs of an increasing older population.

Method.  This quantitative study was conducted in one region of Ireland, which included a city and sparsely populated rural areas. Over a 4‐week period in 2004, a volunteer sample of 44 nurses assessed all older people (1482) on their community caseload using the Community Client Need Classification System. In addition, participants recorded the amount of care time spent with each individual client by all members of the community nursing team.

Findings.  The vast majority of clients were seen in their own homes (85%, n = 1259). On the 5‐point Community Client Need Classification System, the majority (39%, n = 571) were assessed at level 2 (low level of need) and 4% (n = 61) at level 5 (high level of need). As client need level increased, the consumption of community nursing time also increased.

Conclusion.  The tool was successful in discriminating between care needs levels of older people and may be useful in predicting the type and amount of human resources required by individuals who need community nursing services. Lack of information on demographic variables may limit the transferability of these findings.
Sedentary patients with venous or mixed leg ulcers: determinants of physical activity
Authors: Heinen M.M. , Evers A.W.M. , Van Uden C.J.T. , Van der Vleuten C.J.M. , Van De Kerkhof P.C.M. , Van Achterberg T.
Published: September 2007

Title.  Sedentary patients with venous or mixed leg ulcers: determinants of physical activity

Aim.  This paper is a report of a study to identify the determinants of physical activity (PA) in patients with venous leg ulcers to develop recommendations for behavioural interventions aimed at enhancing physical activity.

Background.  Physical activity promotes wound healing and prevents the recurrence of wounds in venous patients with leg ulcers. Many patients with leg ulcers, however, have a sedentary lifestyle.

Method.  A random sample of 25 patients from two clinics were interviewed in 2003 using a combination of prestructured and open‐ended questions. All these patients were being treated at an outpatient dermatology clinic and had a leg ulcer with venous or mixed aetiology at the time of the interview or in the month prior to the interview.

Findings.  Only nine of the 25 patients (36%) reported sufficient levels of moderate strenuous physical activity, defined as 30 minutes a day on at least 5 days a week. The results show limited knowledge about the relationship between physical activity and leg ulceration, and low self‐efficacy for increasing physical activity. In addition, multi‐morbidity, pain and social support were identified as main determinants of physical activity.

Conclusion.  Suggestions for improving physical activity levels include influencing knowledge, beliefs and self‐efficacy. Patient’s individual physical limitations, pain, adequate footwear and social support should be taken into account. Programmes offered by specialized dermatology nurses to stimulate physical activity might fulfil patient needs and help enhance physical activity levels.
A secondary care nursing perspective on medication administration safety
Authors: McBride‐Henry Karen , Foureur Maralyn
Published: September 2007

Title.  A secondary care nursing perspective on medication administration safety

Aim.  This paper is a report of a study to explore how nurses in a secondary care environment understand medication administration safety and the factors that contribute to, or undermine, safe practice during this process.

Background.  Medication safety is an important issue in which acute care nurses are actively involved on a daily basis. International research highlights that, despite attempts to maintain patient safety during this process, many errors are made.

Method.  Data were collected in 2005 using three focus groups of nurses that formed part of a larger study examining organizational safety and medication administration from a nursing perspective. A narrative approach was employed to analyse the transcripts.

Findings.  Participants had good understandings of organizational culture in relation to medication safety and recognized the importance of effective multi‐disciplinary teams in maintaining a safe environment for patients. Despite this, they acknowledged that not all systems work well, and offered a variety of ways to improve current medication practices.

Conclusion.  These findings highlight the meaningful contribution nurses can make to patient safety and emphasize the importance of including the nursing voice in any quality improvement initiatives. Researchers must seek nurses’ opinions on safe medication practice in order that medication safety can be improved. Local contexts may influence medication safety in ways that only nurses can identify. When addressing the issue of medication safety, it is important to focus nursing research on both the macro and the micro contexts.
Development and evaluation of a childbirth education programme for Malawian women
Authors: Malata Address , Hauck Yvonne , Monterosso Leanne , McCaul Kieran
Published: September 2007

Title.  Development and evaluation of a childbirth education programme for Malawian women

Aim.  This paper is a report of a study to develop and evaluate a childbirth educational programme for Malawian women.

Background.  Providing parent education is integral to the midwife’s role. Malawian midwives face a challenge in fulfilling this role, with no existing childbirth education programme to facilitate this process.

Method.  A mixed method approach was used for this three‐phase study. In Phase 1, childbirth information needs of Malawian women were determined from literature and interviews with midwives. In Phase 2, a structured childbirth education programme was developed. In Phase 3, a quasi‐experimental design using sequential sampling was conducted to evaluate the education programme. Participants were pregnant women who attended antenatal clinics in 2002, with 104 in the control group and 105 in the intervention group. Changes in childbirth knowledge were determined over a 6‐week period.

Findings.  The childbirth education programme included information, teaching strategies and a schedule for implementation for content relevant to the antenatal, labour and birth and postnatal time periods. Results revealed no significant difference in knowledge in the control group between pretest and post‐test scores. For the intervention group, however, an overall significant increase in knowledge across all time periods was demonstrated (P < 0·01).

Conclusion.  A childbirth education programme, developed for the Malawian context, was associated with important increases in maternal knowledge about antenatal, labour and birth and postnatal topics. The findings have implications for midwives in other developing countries and offer an example of a midwifery‐led initiative to provide formal childbirth education to these vulnerable women.
The influence of climate on the spatial patterning of Neotropical plant families
Authors: Punyasena Surangi W. , Eshel Gidon , McElwain Jennifer C.
Published: September 2007

Aim  Climate is recognized for the significant role it plays in the global distribution of plant species diversity. We test the extent to which two aspects of climate, namely temperature and precipitation, explain the spatial distribution of high taxonomic groupings (plant families) at a regional spatial resolution (the Neotropics). Our goal is to provide a quantitative and comparative framework for identifying the local effects of climate on the familial composition of tropical forests by identifying the influence of climate on the number of individuals and the number of species within a given family.

Location  One hundred and forty‐four 0.1‐ha forest transect sites from the Neotropics (19.8°N–27.0°S and 40.1°W–105.1°W). Data were originally collected by A.H. Gentry.

Methods  Spatial variability in the abundance (density) and species richness of 159 tropical plant families across a range of predominately lowland Neotropical landscapes were attributed to eight temperature and precipitation measures using the eigen analysis method of two‐field joint single‐value decomposition.

Results  Climate significantly affects the within‐clade diversity of several ecologically important Neotropical plant families. Intrafamily abundance and richness covary with temperature in some families (e.g. Fabaceae) and with precipitation in others (e.g. Bignoniaceae, Arecaceae), with differing climatic preferences observed even among co‐occurring families. In addition, the family‐level composition of Neotropical forests, in both abundance and richness, appears to be influenced more by temperature than by precipitation. Among lowland families, only Asteraceae increased in species richness with decreasing temperature, although several families, including Melastomataceae and Rubiaceae, are more abundant at lower temperatures.

Main conclusions  Although plant diversity is known to vary as a function of climate at the species level, we document clear climatic preferences even at the rank of family. Temperature plays a stronger role in governing the familial composition of tropical forests, particularly in the richness of families, than might be expected given its narrow annual and diurnal range in the tropics. Although other environmental or geographic variables that covary with temperature may be more causally linked to diversity differences than temperature itself, the results nonetheless identify the taxonomic components of tropical forest composition that may be most affected by future climatic changes.
Contrasting responses of arable spiders to the landscape matrix at different spatial scales
Authors: Schmidt Martin H. , Thies Carsten , Nentwig Wolfgang , Tscharntke Teja
Published: September 2007

Aim Animal communities can be influenced by the composition of the surrounding landscape through immigration. Depending on habitat preferences, however, the effect of the landscape matrix can be positive or negative and can vary with scale. We tested this idea with arable spiders and tried to infer dispersal distances from relationships between local density and landscape composition at different spatial scales.

Location Thirty‐eight landscapes around the cities of Göttingen and Giessen, Germany.

Methods Spiders were captured with pitfall traps in one field of winter wheat in each landscape. Landscape composition around the fields was characterized at 11 scales from 95 m to 3 km radius by land‐use mapping and subsequent GIS analysis. Correlation tests were performed between landscape composition and local densities or species richness.

Results In both study regions, local species richness was enhanced by non‐crop habitats on a landscape scale. The overall densities of wolf spiders (Lycosidae), long‐jawed spiders (Tetragnathidae), crab spiders (Thomisidae), and dwarf sheet spiders (Hahniidae) increased significantly in landscapes with high percentages of non‐crop habitats. Out of the 40 species tested, 19 responded positively to the percentage of non‐crop habitats in the surrounding landscape, and five responded negatively. Depending on the species, the spatial scales with the highest explanatory power ranged from 95 m to 3 km radius around the study fields, potentially reflecting dispersal distances.

Main conclusions Arable spider species showed contrasting responses to the landscape context with respect both to the direction and to the spatial scale of the relationship. The variation in landscape requirements among species ensures high spider densities in a wide range of situations, which contributes to ecosystem resilience. However, species richness of arable spiders depends on heterogeneous landscapes with high percentages of non‐crop habitats.
Areas of endemism and patterns of diversity for aphids of the Qinghai‐Tibetan Plateau and the Himalayas
Authors: Huang Xiao‐Lei , Lei Fu‐Min , Qiao Ge‐Xia
Published: September 2007

Aim The study aimed to identify areas of endemism for aphids in the Qinghai‐Tibetan Plateau and the Himalayas (QTPH), and to test congruence between patterns of endemism and patterns of overall species richness identified in a previous study.

Location The QTPH.

Methods A distribution data base of 326 endemic aphids in the QTPH was compiled. The study area was divided into a grid of 2°× 2° operative geographical units. Parsimony analysis of endemicity (PAE) was used to identify areas of endemism, and the diversity patterns of endemic species were then mapped using GIS.

Results We identified 326 endemic species belonging to 138 genera within Adelgidae and 14 subfamilies of Aphididae. Five areas of endemism were found using PAE analysis: the eastern Himalayas, the western Himalayas, north‐western Yunnan, southern Tibet and the eastern QTPH. Maps of patterns of endemism identified four major centres for endemic aphids, namely the western Himalayas, the eastern Himalayas (or Sikkim‐Assam Himalayas), north‐western Hengduan Mountains and the mountains of southern Gansu Province, and three minor centres, southern Tibet, south‐eastern Tibet and the eastern Qinghai Province in the north‐eastern QTPH.

Main conclusions Our study identifies major centres of aphid endemism. Furthermore, there is a noticeable congruence between patterns of endemism and patterns of species richness. The patterns of endemism were most likely influenced by the recent uplift of the QTPH.
DNA ploidy‐level variation in native and invasive populations of Lythrum salicaria at a large geographical scale
Authors: Kubátová Barbora , Trávníček Pavel , Bastlová Daša , Čurn Vladislav , Jarolímová Vlasta , Suda Jan
Published: September 2007

Aim  This study aimed to document precisely the patterns of DNA ploidy variation in the native and secondary ranges of Lythrum salicaria distribution. The hypothesis that species invasiveness had been induced by a switch in ploidy level was addressed.

Location  Europe, Middle East, North America.

Methods  DNA ploidy levels of 1884 progenies of 578+ plants collected at 124 localities were determined by DAPI flow cytometry.

Results  Large cytotype variation (2x, 3x, 4x and 6x) was found across the native area of distribution (64 populations covering 12 European and two Middle Eastern countries). DNA hexaploids were detected for the first time, and rare DNA triploids were reliably confirmed. DNA tetraploids largely prevailed across the native range studied, while DNA diploids and DNA hexaploids were recorded only in Israel and Turkey, respectively. DNA triploid progenies occurred in one population from Hungary (together with DNA tetraploids). Sympatric growth of DNA tetraploids and DNA hexaploids was repeatedly encountered in Turkey. In contrast, cytotype uniformity was a typical feature of the invasive North American plants. Sixty populations, covering 13 states of the USA and provinces of Canada, were characterized by the presence of only DNA tetraploids.

Main conclusions  Several L. salicaria cytotypes (2x, 3x, 4x, 6x) occur in the native range of distribution, with much variation concentrated in the Middle Eastern countries, whereas only DNA tetraploids appeared to occur in North America. Our data show that the invasive spread of North American populations was not triggered by differences in ploidy level. Alternative explanations should be sought.
Influence of tongue pressure and width on tongue indentation formation
Authors: YANAGISAWA K. , TAKAGI I. , SAKURAI K.
Published: September 2007

Summary  The purpose of this study was to clarify which physiological and anatomical factors were involved in the formation of tongue indentations, which are believed to be a clinical sign of clenching. Twenty‐four dentulous subjects were investigated. They were divided into two groups, depending on the presence or absence of tongue indentations: (i) a tongue indentation group and (ii) a no tongue indentation group. Intraoral appliances containing a small pressure sensor were placed at the lingual surfaces of the upper and lower right first molars. Lingual pressure on the lingual surfaces of the upper and lower right first molars was then recorded under different conditions. The tasks selected as physiological factors to be recorded were: (i) silent reading at rest for 10 min, (ii) maximum voluntary clenching (MVC) for 5 s, (iii) 10% of MVC for 1 min and (iv) swallowing. The results for all tasks were compared between groups. Tongue width and dental arch width were also measured as anatomical factors. No significant differences were found between groups during silent reading at rest, clenching, swallowing, or in tongue pressure integration during silent reading at rest. However, a significant difference was found in terms of tongue width (P < 0·05). These results indicate that neither volume of lingual pressure exerted on the lingual surface of the teeth during rest, clenching, nor swallowing are related to the formation of tongue indentations. The results do suggest; however, that tongue width at rest plays an important role in the formation of tongue indentations.
The effect of hydrogen peroxide concentration on metal ion release from dental casting alloys
Authors: Al‐SALEHI S. K. , HATTON P. V. , JOHNSON A. , COX A.G. , MCLEOD C.
Published: September 2007

summary  There are concerns that tooth bleaching agents may adversely affect dental materials. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that increasing concentrations of hydrogen peroxide (HP) are more effective than water at increasing metal ion release from two typical dental casting alloys during bleaching. Discs (n = 28 for each alloy) were prepared by casting and heat treated to simulate a typical porcelain‐firing cycle. Discs (n = 7) of each alloy were immersed in either 0%, 3%, 10% or 30% (w/v) HP solutions for 24 h at 37 °C. Samples were taken for metal ion release determination using inductively coupled plasma‐mass spectrometry and the data analysed using a two‐way anova followed by a one‐way anova. The surface roughness of each disc was measured using a Talysurf contact profilometer before and after bleaching and the data analysed using a paired t‐test. With the exception of gold, the differences in metal ion concentration after treatment with 0% (control) and each of 3%, 10% and 30% HP (w/v) were statistically significant (P < 0·05). Metal ion release from the two alloys increased with increasing HP concentrations (over 3000% increase in Ni and 1400% increase in Pd ions were recorded when HP concentration increased from 0% to 30%). Surface roughness values of the samples before and after bleaching were not significantly different (P > 0·05) Exposure of the two dental casting alloys to HP solutions increased metal ion release of all the elements except gold.
Spontaneous clearance of childhood hepatitis C virus infection
Authors: Yeung L. T. F. , To T. , King S. M. , Roberts E. A.
Published: September 2007

Summary.  To describe the spontaneous clearance rate of childhood hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, to determine whether route of transmission affects the clearance rate and to identify other predictors of clearance. Children with chronic hepatitis C were identified between 1990 and 2001. The rate of spontaneous clearance (defined as ≥2 positive anti‐HCV antibody test but negative HCV RNA) was calculated using survival analysis. Univariate and multivariate predictor variables [route of transmission, age at infection, age at last follow‐up, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and gender] for clearance were evaluated. Of 157 patients, 28% of children cleared infection (34 transfusional and 10 nontransfusional cases). The 123 transfusional cases were older at time of infection and at follow‐up, compared with the 34 nontransfusional cases. Younger age at follow‐up (p < 0.0001) and normal ALT levels (p < 0.0001) favoured clearance. Among cases of neonatal infection, 25% demonstrated spontaneous clearance by 7.3 years. The rate of spontaneous clearance of childhood HCV infection was comparable between transfusional and nontransfusional cases. If clearance occurs, it tends to occur early in infection, at a younger age.
Hepatitis C virus: from oxygen free radicals to hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Farinati F. , Cardin R. , Bortolami M. , Burra P. , Russo F. P. , Rugge M. , Guido M. , Sergio A. , Naccarato R.
Published: September 2007

Summary.  Epidemiological evidence clearly identifies chronic infection with hepatitis C virus (HCV) as a major risk factor for the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Among the mechanisms that have been implicated in the pro‐carcinogenic effect of HCV infection, an increased production of reactive oxygen species in the liver seems to have a major pathogenetic role in leading from chronic inflammation to cancer. Recent data have also demonstrated that HCV is capable of inducing this active production of free radicals per se, not just through inflammation, a feature peculiar to this virus and the specific activity of its core protein. This paper provides an overview of the inter‐relationships between HCV, liver damage, free radical production and HCC, describing at least in part the complex network involving DNA oxidative damage, cytokine synthesis, proto‐oncogene activation and oestrogen receptor expression, that may all be deeply involved in liver carcinogenesis.
Therapy expectations and physical comorbidity affect quality of life in chronic hepatitis C virus infection
Authors: Taliani G. , Rucci P. , Biliotti E. , Cirrincione L. , Aghemo A. , Alberti A. , Almasio P. L. , Bartolozzi D. , Caporaso N. , Coppola R. , Chiaramonte M. , Floreani A. , Gaeta G. B. , Persico M. , Secchi G. , Versace I. , Zacharia S. , Mele A.
Published: September 2007

Summary.  Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is associated with a significant reduction of health related quality of life (QOL), the causes and mechanisms of which are still unknown. To explore whether treatment history could affect QOL, we examined patients with detectable HCV viraemia who had a different therapeutic background. Two hundred sixty‐four consecutive subjects with chronic HCV infection and detectable viraemia were enrolled. Of these, 163 were untreated patients, 43 were relapsers, 58 were nonresponders (NR) to nonpegylated interferon (IFN) therapy. To assess QOL, three self‐report instruments were employed: the Short Form‐36 (SF‐36), the Chronic Liver Disease Questionnaire (CLDQ‐I) and the World Health Organization Quality of Life assessment (WHOQOL‐BREF). Clinical and demographic data were collected, and the QOL scores of HCV‐positive patients were compared with those of an Italian normative sample and healthy controls. Further antiviral treatment was offered to untreated and relapsed patients but not to NR. All patient groups displayed lower QOL scores compared with the normative sample and controls. NR displayed lower QOL scores in several areas compared with untreated patients and relapsers. In multivariate regression analyses, being NR and having a physical comorbidity were significantly associated with poorer QOL. Conclusions: Treatment history and expectations and physical comorbidity may affect QOL in HCV‐positive patients. Untreated and relapsed patients have comparable levels of QOL and higher scores than NR.