bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
How to understand species’ niches and range dynamics: a demographic research agenda for biogeography
Authors: Schurr Frank M. , Pagel Jörn , Cabral Juliano Sarmento , Groeneveld Jürgen , Bykova Olga , O’Hara Robert B. , Hartig Florian , Kissling W. Daniel , Linder H. Peter , Midgley Guy F. , Schröder Boris , Singer Alexander , Zimmermann Niklaus E. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractRange dynamics causes mismatches between a species’ geographical distribution and the set of suitable environments in which population growth is positive (the Hutchinsonian niche). This is because source–sink population dynamics cause species to occupy unsuitable environments, and because environmental change creates non‐equilibrium situations in which species may be absent from suitable environments (due to migration limitation) or present in unsuitable environments that were previously suitable (due to time‐delayed extinction). Because correlative species distribution models do not account for these processes, they are likely to produce biased niche estimates and biased forecasts of future range dynamics. Recently developed dynamic range models (DRMs) overcome this problem: they statistically estimate both range dynamics and the underlying environmental response of demographic rates from species distribution data. This process‐based statistical approach qualitatively advances biogeographical analyses. Yet, the application of DRMs to a broad range of species and study systems requires substantial research efforts in statistical modelling, empirical data collection and ecological theory. Here we review current and potential contributions of these fields to a demographic understanding of niches and range dynamics. Our review serves to formulate a demographic research agenda that entails: (1) advances in incorporating process‐based models of demographic responses and range dynamics into a statistical framework, (2) systematic collection of data on temporal changes in distribution and abundance and on the response of demographic rates to environmental variation, and (3) improved theoretical understanding of the scaling of demographic rates and the dynamics of spatially coupled populations. This demographic research agenda is challenging but necessary for improved comprehension and quantification of niches and range dynamics. It also forms the basis for understanding how niches and range dynamics are shaped by evolutionary dynamics and biotic interactions. Ultimately, the demographic research agenda should lead to deeper integration of biogeography with empirical and theoretical ecology.
Observing pain management practice on a medical unit following changes arising from an action research study
Authors: Gregory Julie , Waterman Heather 
Published: August 2012

Aim.  To describe pain assessment practice within a medical unit, to identify factors that may affect the assessment of pain and evaluate changes in practice.Background.  Pain is a problem for patients in all areas of a hospital, but its assessment and management on medical units had not been investigated. An initial assessment of practice found that pain was not consistently assessed and managed on the unit. A variety of activities have been employed during an action research study to change pain management practice.Method.  Naturalistic unstructured participant observation of nurses and structured patient interviews were conducted.Results.  The need to communicate with many people led to interruptions, multi‐tasking and practical problems were observed which appeared to affect the provision of nursing care, in particular, the administration of medications. These factors also prevented a comprehensive assessment of pain, although the assessment of pain intensity appeared to have increased.Discussion.  The constant activity and interruptions observed may make it difficult for patients to discuss their experience of pain in detail. These accepted, every day and taken‐for‐granted aspects of nursing observed appeared to reduce opportunities for comprehensive pain assessment.Conclusion.  Pain assessment is one of a number of nursing activities, obtaining a pain score appears to have become routine practice. Nursing takes place in a complex environment, which may disrupt the provision of nursing care and impede communication.Relevance to practice.  To increase nurses awareness of the complexity of every day practice, the numerous tasks required, interruptions to the provision of care and the resultant effect on pain assessment and management. They need to then identify and reflect on these factors prior to attempting to change their practice.
Validity of a questionnaire for the semi‐quantitative evaluation of dietary intake of hospitalised patients compared to weighed records
Authors: Scognamiglio U. , Salvia A. , Paolucci S. , Garbagnati F. , Caltagirone C. , Musicco M. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractBackgroundMalnutrition in hospitalised patients is often underestimated. The present study aimed to evaluate the validity of a questionnaire for the semi‐quantitative evaluation of food intake compared to weighed records in patients who were hospitalised for the rehabilitation of neurological disorders.MethodsFood intake at breakfast, lunch and dinner was evaluated in 319 in‐patients, by weighing the meals and the residuals, and using a semi‐quantitative questionnaire, during five consecutive days. The questionnaire represented, for each offered food, the pictures of the nonconsumed quantities. The consumption of each food was determined by weighing foods that were served and the residuals after the meal. As a measure of validity of the questionnaire, the agreement over chance (kappa statistic) between the questionnaire and the weight was calculated. Considering the weight as the gold standard, the sensitivity and specificity of the questionnaire in detecting patients who consumed <50% or 75% of the meals was calculated.ResultsThe agreement between the two measures was satisfactory (κ ≥ 0.70) or almost satisfactory (0.60 < κ < 0.70) for most of the foods, with the exception of fruit and the first course at dinner. The sensitivity and specificity of the questionnaire in detecting consumers of <50% or 75% of the offered foods were always >80%, except for bread and first course, as well as fruit at dinner.ConclusionsThe present study shows that this semi‐quantitative questionnaire on food consumption reproduces with sufficient precision the measures obtained by weighing. The questionnaire appears also to be a valid and suitable instrument for the identification of patients with poor food intake in a neurorehabilitation hospital.
Confronting Goffman: how can mental health nurses effectively challenge stigma? A critical review of the literature
Authors: BATES L. , STICKLEY T. 
Published: August 2012

Accessible summary

Stigma is well researched as a phenomenon within mental health services and has a number of theoretical concepts which attempt to explain it.

It is clear that there is a degree of stigma demonstrated towards service users, whether consciously or unconsciously by healthcare professionals.

This paper critically evaluates the nature and processes which underpin the perpetuation of stigma within the mental health system and those working in it.

By doing this, it contributes to an improved understanding of the situation facing nurses who aim to reduce stigma and to encourage a new approach to reducing its impact upon the lives of people with mental health problems.

AbstractThis paper critically reviews the issues and questions surrounding the ways in which mental health nurses can best address stigma in the 21st century. It begins with a brief discussion of the nature and definition of the term stigma and explores some of the theoretical basis behind it before drawing out potential flaws in the theory and using this as the basis for an exploration of the way in which stigma is formed and shaped by public and professional attitudes. The discussion then turns to the underlying principles of contemporary mental health legislation and evaluates the tensions between various strands of UK legislation, the way in which risk is perceived and managed by practitioners, and whether risk‐averse practice perpetuates stigma. This leads onto the question of how mental health law itself might contribute to the perpetuation of stigma by removing power and responsibility from the hands of service users. Finally, the discussion concludes with some suggestion about how a future change in the principles of mental health law might alter the way in which mental health problems are perceived and allow nurses to practice in a way that is less focussed on risk management and places more emphasis on recovery
The effect of flow limitation on the cardiorespiratory response to arousal from sleep under controlled conditions of chemostimulation in healthy older adults
Authors: GOFF ELIZABETH A. , NICHOLAS CHRISTIAN L. , KLEIMAN JAN , SPEAR OWEN , MORRELL MARY J. , TRINDER JOHN 
Published: August 2012

SummaryThe influence of flow limitation on the magnitude of the cardiorespiratory response to arousal from sleep is of interest in older people, because they experience considerable flow limitation and frequent arousals from sleep. We studied older flow‐limiting subjects, testing the hypothesis that the cardiorespiratory activation response would be larger when arousal occurred during flow limitation, compared to no flow limitation, and chemical stimuli were controlled. In 11 older adults [mean ± standard deviation (SD) age: 68 ± 5 years] ventilation was stabilized using continuous positive airway pressure, and flow limitation was induced by dialling down the pressure. Partial pressure of end‐tidal carbon dioxide (PetCO2) was maintained by titration of the inspired CO2 and hyperoxia was maintained using 40% O2 balanced with nitrogen. Flow limitation at the time of arousal did not augment cardiovascular activation response (heart rate P = 0.7; systolic blood pressure P = 0.6; diastolic blood pressure P = 0.3), whereas ventilation was greater following arousals during flow limitation compared to no flow limitation (P < 0.001). The pre–post‐arousal differences in ventilation reflected significant pre‐arousal suppression (due to flow limitation) plus post‐arousal activation. In summary, the cardiovascular response to arousal from sleep is not influenced by flow limitation at the time of arousal, when chemical stimuli are controlled in older adults. This finding may contribute to the decreased cardiovascular burden associated with sleep‐disordered breathing reported in older adults, although our data do not exclude the possibility that flow limitation in the presence of mild hypoxic hypercapnia could increase the cardiovascular response to arousal.
HCV RNA decline in chronic HCV genotype 2 and 3 during standard of care treatment according to IL28B polymorphism
Authors: Stenkvist J. , Sönnerborg A. , Weiland O. 
Published: August 2012

SummaryThe IL28 gene is highly associated with sustained viral response (SVR) in patients infected with genotype 1 after standard of care (SOC) treatment with peg‐IFN and ribavirin. It is also associated with a steeper first phase HCV RNA decline during treatment. In genotype 2 and 3 infections, these correlations are less obvious. We studied the IL28B association to rapid viral response (RVR), SVR, first and second phase HCV RNA decline during treatment in 100 HCV mono‐infected and 13 HCV/HIV co‐infected patients. We found a significantly higher mean baseline HCV RNA level in IL28B SNP CC than non‐CC mono‐infected patients, 6.99 vs 6.30 log10 IU/mL (P = 0.02), and a significantly larger median 1st phase decline in patients with CC than non‐CC genotype, 2.03 vs 1.37 log10 IU/mL, respectively. The overall SVR rate in HCV mono‐infected patients was 87% vs 77% in HCV/HIV co‐infected patients, with no correlation to IL28B SNP. In mono‐infected patients with RVR, the SVR rate was high and independent of IL28B genotype. In mono‐infected patients who failed to achieve RVR who had IL28B CC and non‐CC genotype, 64% and 67% achieved SVR, respectively. In genotype 2 and 3 infected patients, the 1st phase HCV RNA decline was steeper in patients with IL28B CC vs non‐CC genotype during SOC treatment. This did not translate into a higher frequency of RVR or SVR. Hence, the clinical relevance of pretreatment analysis of IL28B polymorphisms in genotype 2 and 3 infected patients can be questioned in patients with expected high SVR rate.
Meropenem inhibits D,D‐carboxypeptidase activity in Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Kumar Pradeep , Arora Kriti , Lloyd John R. , Lee Ill Y. , Nair Vinod , Fischer Elizabeth , Boshoff Helena I. M. , Barry Clifton E. 
Published: August 2012

SummaryCarbapenems such as meropenem are being investigated for their potential therapeutic utility against highly drug‐resistant tuberculosis. These β‐lactams target the transpeptidases that introduce interpeptide cross‐links into bacterial peptidoglycan thereby controlling rigidity of the bacterial envelope. Treatment of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) with the β‐lactamase inhibitor clavulanate together with meropenem resulted in rapid, polar, cell lysis releasing cytoplasmic contents. In
Mtb it has been previously demonstrated that 3‐3 cross‐linkages [involving two diaminopimelate (DAP) molecules] predominate over 4‐3 cross‐linkages (involving one DAP and one D‐alanine) in stationary‐phase cells. We purified and analysed peptidoglycan from Mtb and found that 3‐3 cross‐linkages predominate throughout all growth phases and the ratio of 4‐3/3‐3 linkages does not vary significantly under any growth condition. Meropenem treatment was accompanied by a dramatic accumulation of unlinked pentapeptide stems with no change in the tetrapeptide pools, suggesting that meropenem inhibits both a D,D‐carboxypeptidase and an L,D‐transpeptidase. We purified a candidate D,D‐carboxypeptidase DacB2 and showed that meropenem indeed directly inhibits this enzyme by forming a stable adduct at the enzyme active site. These results suggest that the rapid lysis of meropenem‐treated cells is the result of synergistically inhibiting the transpeptidases that introduce 3,3‐cross‐links while simultaneously limiting the pool of available substrates available for cross‐linking.
Infliximab for steroid refractory or dependent gastrointestinal acute graft‐versus‐host disease in children after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Yang Jun , Cheuk Daniel Ka Leung , Ha Shau Yin , Chiang Alan Kwok Shing , Lee Tsz Leung , Ho Marco Hok Kung , Chan Godfrey Chi Fung 
Published: August 2012

Yang J, Cheuk DKL, Ha SY, Chiang AKS, Lee TL, Ho MHK, Chan GCF. Infliximab for steroid refractory or dependent gastrointestinal acute graft‐versus‐host disease in children after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.Abstract:  aGVHD of the GI tract is common after allogeneic HSCT. Corticosteroids are the mainstay of treatment. Recent data suggest infliximab might be beneficial for steroid refractory aGVHD. We reviewed our experience in 10 pediatric patients who developed severe steroid refractory aGVHD (stage 3, n = 6; stage 4, n = 4), after an allogeneic matched unrelated HSCT for various hematological diseases (leukemia, n = 7; thalassemia, n = 3). The median age was 9.5 yr (range, 0.8–18.5 yr). All patients received 10 mg/kg infliximab weekly for 3–4 doses. Eight patients had CR and two had partial response. None of the patients developed therapy‐related adverse effects. All patients developed infections subsequently, which may or may not be related to infliximab. Five patients developed chronic GVHD (cGVHD) (four severe, one mild). Six patients died at 66–1451 days post‐transplant, from infection (n = 3), aGVHD (n = 1), lung cGVHD (n = 1), or idiopathic pneumonia (n = 1). Four patients were alive at 238–924 days post‐transplant, all of whom had an increase in BMI by six months post‐transplant. In conclusion, infliximab is well tolerated and appears effective in children with steroid refractory or dependent GI aGVHD. Infection is common and mortality remains high.
Characteristics of diabetes after pediatric liver transplant
Authors: Greig Fenella , Rapaport Robert , Klein Genna , Akler Gidon , Annunziato Rachel , Miloh Tamir , Arnon Ronen , Florman Sander , Kerkar Nanda 
Published: August 2012

Greig F, Rapaport R, Klein G, Akler G, Annunziato R, Miloh T, Arnon R, Florman S, Kerkar N. Characteristics of diabetes after pediatric liver transplant.Abstract:  Studies of DALT in pediatric recipients describe incidence and risk factors, but diagnostic criteria varied. This study reports characteristics and course of pediatric DALT by established diabetes criteria. Retrospective chart review of pediatric LT recipients evaluated for hyperglycemia (1/1/1997–12/30/2009) and matched, non‐diabetic controls. DALT: random blood glucose >11.1 mm, ≥2 times, with insulin treatment. DALT diagnosed in 8.0% (24/300) included 7/24 (29.2%) with severe hyperglycemia (>27.7 mm), ketoacidosis in 2/24 (8.3%). At diagnosis, age was ≥11 yr old in 22/24 (91.7%); body mass was lean (BMIz −0.2 ± 1.5). Mean blood glucose was 24.6 mm with negative diabetes autoantibodies (19/19) and elevated C‐peptide (2.3 nm). DALT onset median 5.0 months included 29.1% >12 months. Insulin duration median 4.6 months included 41.7% >6 months. DALT resolved in 83.3% over 4.9 (0.9–9.1) yr. DALT differed from controls by increased preceding rejections, prednisolone dose, tacrolimus level, and triple immunosuppression (all p < 0.01). In conclusion, pediatric DALT occurred in non‐obese adolescents with insulin resistance, distinct from diabetes types 1 or 2. DALT was associated with preceding rejection and increased immunosuppression. Blood glucose monitoring, especially during increased immunosuppression following LT, could allow early diagnosis and reduce morbidity.
Patent processus vaginalis in adults who underwent robot‐assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy: Predictive signs of postoperative inguinal hernia in the internal inguinal floor
Authors: Lee Dong Hoon , Jung Ha Bum , Chung Mun Su , Lee Seung Hwan , Chung Byung Ha 
Published: August 2012

Objective:  To evaluate the risk for postoperative inguinal hernia according to the presence of patent processus vaginalis in an adult population.Methods:  Medical records of 205 patients who underwent robot‐assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy from May 2007 to November 2011 were reviewed. Age, prostate‐specific antigen, prostate volume, body mass index, operative time and history of previous abdominal surgery were evaluated. The existence of patent processus vaginalis was also evaluated for the development of postoperative inguinal hernia.Results:  Postoperative inguinal hernia occurred in 20 out of 410 (4.9%) groins (17/205 patients; 8.3%), and patent processus vaginalis was observed in 49 out of 410 (11.9%) groins. In the normal groin group, inguinal hernia occurred in seven out of 361 (1.9%) groins. However, in the patent processus vaginalis group, it occurred in 13 out of 49 (26.5%) groins. On univariate analysis using Cox proportional hazards model, age, body mass index, history of previous abdominal surgery and patent processus vaginalis were significant risk factors. Among them, patent processus vaginalis significantly increased the risk of postoperative inguinal hernia in multivariate analysis (hazard ratio 22.37). In the patent processus vaginalis group, inguinal hernia developed at 12.9 ± 9.2 months after robot‐assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy and 15 ± 7.4 months in the normal groin group. Inguinal hernia‐free ratios were significantly lower in the patent processus vaginalis group than the normal groin group (P < 0.001).Conclusions:  The existence of patent processus vaginalis represents an important risk factor for postoperative inguinal hernia in adults. Urologists should consider the possibility of postoperative inguinal hernia when patent processus vaginalis is observed during surgery.
Spatial ecology of bluetongue lizards (Tiliqua spp.) in the Australian wet–dry tropics
Authors: PRICE‐REES SAMANTHA J. , BROWN GREGORY P. , SHINE RICHARD 
Published: August 2012

AbstractNew technologies for quantifying animal locations enable us to document habitat‐selection patterns of cryptic taxa in extraordinary detail. Northern bluetongues (Tiliqua scincoides intermedia) and centralian bluetongues (Tiliqua multifasciata) are large heavy‐bodied scincid lizards that are broadly sympatric in the wet–dry tropics of north‐western Australia. We used data from GPS‐based radiotelemetry (n = 49 lizards, tracked for 2–121 days, total n = 61 640 locations) to examine the size, internal structure and overlap of lizard home ranges. Despite substantial habitat differences at our two study sites (semi‐arid and relatively pristine habitat at Keep River National Park, Northern Territory, vs. highly disturbed and fragmented flood plain habitat in an agricultural area near Kununurra, Western Australia), home ranges were similar between the two areas, and between the two species. Our radio‐tracked lizards continued to disperse into previously unused areas throughout the duration of the study, so that the total areas used by lizards continued to increase. Based on the minimum convex polygon method, total home ranges averaged 4 ha (range 2–12 ha), but only about two‐thirds of each home range was used intensively. Each home range had multiple core areas, and overlap of core as well as peripheral areas (especially with same‐sex conspecifics) was high at the disturbed (Western Australia) site where lizard densities were high. The concentration of lizard activity within small core areas, often used by multiple individuals, suggests that these heavily used sites are critical to lizard conservation. However, the lizards' infrequent long‐distance displacements also make them vulnerable to changes in the wider landscape mosaic. Because GPS‐based radiotelemetry can quantify habitat use at finer spatial and temporal scales than earlier technologies, it can provide a robust base for management of at‐risk fauna.
Postgraduate surgical education and training in Canada and Australia: each may benefit from the other's experiences
Authors: Pollett William G. , Waxman Bruce P. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractCanada and Australia share similar cultural origins and current multicultural societies and demographics but there are differences in climate and sporting pursuits. Surgeons and surgeon teachers similarly share many of the same challenges, but the health care and health‐care education systems differ in significant ways. The objective of this review is to detail the different postgraduate surgical training programs with a focus on general surgery and how the programs of each country may benefit from appreciating the experiences of the other. The major differences relate to entry requirements, the role of universities in governance of training, mandatory skills courses in early training, the accreditation process, remuneration for surgical teachers and the impact of private practice. Many of the differences are culturally entrenched in their respective medical systems and unlikely to change substantially. Direct entry into specialty training without an internship per se is now firmly established in Canada just as delayed entry after internship is mandated by the Australian Medical Board. Both recognize the importance of establishing goals and objectives, modular curricular and the emerging role of online educational resources and how these may impact on assessments. The Royal Australasian College of Surgeons is unlikely to cede much responsibility to the universities but alternative academic models are emerging. Private health care in the two countries differs, but there are increasing opportunities for training in the private sector in Australia. In spite of the differences, both provide excellent health care and surgical training opportunities in an environment with significant fiscal, technological and societal challenges.