bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A major shift in Daphnia genetic structure after the first ice‐free winter in a German reservoir
Authors: ZEIS B. , HORN W. , GIGENGACK U. , KOCH M. , PAUL R. J. 
Published: June 2010

Summary1. Climate warming may cause disruption of trophic linkages in aquatic ecosystems and lead to changes in abundance and genetic structure of zooplankton populations. We monitored the community of the Daphnia galeata‐hyalina hybrid complex in the Saidenbach Reservoir (Saxony, Germany) using allozyme electrophoresis for three consecutive years (2005–07), including one (2007) following an unusually warm winter that prevented the formation of ice cover for the first time in the history of the reservoir.2. Genetic composition during the 2007 season differed substantially from the two preceding years that experienced the usual 3‐month ice period. Three abundance peaks in June, July and October 2007 were dominated by hybrids of Daphnia galeata x hyalina, whereas in the 2005 and 2006 seasons two peaks in June and September were dominated by Daphnia hyalina genotypes.3. The genetic composition of the pool of diapausing eggs produced in autumn and the rate of change of genotype abundance during the following spring indicate recruitment of the D. hyalina subpopulation from ex‐ephippial animals during the spring population increase.4. The differing potential to contribute to the overwintering animal pool or to the inoculum from diapausing eggs was confirmed by results from laboratory life‐table experiments. Daphnia galeata clones survived longer and produced parthenogenetic offspring under winter conditions, whereas D. hyalina clones showed a shorter lifespan and produced resting eggs.5. Our results indicate a profound role of recruitment strategy in the observed shift in genetic composition. Increasing winter temperatures predicted in the context of climate change may thus favour overwintering animals, leading to an increase in the contribution of these genotypes to the population. Such microevolutionary processes may dampen possible seasonal mismatches between daphnid populations and their food or predator populations.
Inducible defences are a stabilizing factor for predator and prey populations: a field experiment
Authors: BOEING WIEBKE J. , RAMCHARAN CHARLES W. 
Published: June 2010

Summary1. Based on mathematical models, antipredator defence mechanisms are commonly believed to have stabilizing effects on communities. However, empirical data are still lacking.2. We tested stabilizing effects of an inducible vertical migration defence in two Daphnia pulex clones in a 5‐week field enclosure experiment. A defended (migrated down into darker water layers in the presence of fish chemicals in both laboratory and field experiments) and non‐defended (no ability to react to fish chemicals) clone were directly exposed to fish predators and compared to control enclosures (no fish).3. In the absence of planktivorous fish, both defended and non‐defended clones exhibited boom‐and‐bust dynamics, probably owing to over‐exploitation of the food source. Predation almost led to extinction of the non‐defended Daphnia clone during the experiment and the fish, deprived of food, lost weight. However, the population density of the defended clone was stable and it did not over‐exploit the algal food source, while there was a continuous supply of food to the fish, which consequently gained weight.4. We conclude that both consumptive and non‐consumptive (also called non‐lethal or trait‐mediated) predator effects, coupled with prey defences, are key contributors to prey stability. This has a positive effect on both the predator and the food organism of the prey.
Concept formation: a supportive process for early career nurses
Authors: Thornley Tracey , West Sandra 
Published: June 2010

Background.  Individuals come to understand abstract constructs such as that of the ‘expert’ through the formation of concepts. Time and repeated opportunity for observation to support the generalisation and abstraction of the developing concept are essential if the concept is to form successfully. Development of an effective concept of the ‘expert nurse’ is critical for early career nurses who are attempting to integrate theory, values and beliefs as they develop their clinical practice.Aim.  This study explores the use of a concept development framework in a grounded theory study of the ‘expert nurse’.Design.  Qualitative.Method.  Using grounded theory methods for data collection and analysis, semi‐structured interviews were conducted with registered nurses. The participants were asked to describe their concept of the ‘expert nurse’ and to discuss their experience of developing this.Results.  Participants reported forming their concept of the ‘expert nurse’, after multiple opportunities to engage with nurses identified as ‘expert’. This identification did not necessarily relate to the designated position of the ‘expert nurse’ or assigned mentors. When the early career nurse does not successfully form a concept of the ‘expert nurse’, difficulties in personal and professional development including skill/knowledge development may arise.Conclusion.  To underpin development of their clinical practice effectively, early career nurses need to be provided with opportunities that facilitate the purposive formation of their own concept of the ‘expert nurse’. Formation of this concept is not well supported by the common practice of assigning mentors.Relevance to clinical practice.  Early career nurses must be provided with the time and the opportunity to individually develop and refine their concept of the ‘expert nurse’. To achieve this, strategies including providing opportunities to engage with expert nurses and discussion of the process of concept formation and its place in underpinning personal judgments may be of assistance.
Asia‐Pacific nursing scholarship development: qualitative exploration of nurse scholars in Taiwan (Republic of China)
Authors: Turale Sue , Shih Fu‐Jin , Klunklin Areewan , Chontawan Ratanawadee , Ito Misae , Nakao Fujiko 
Published: June 2010

Aim.  From the perspective of scholars, to describe a contemporary view of the development, facilitators of and barriers to nursing scholarship in Taiwan, to enhance policy‐making about research, education and practise development.Background.  Nursing scholarship in the Asia‐Pacific region is in different stages of development, depending on in‐country resources and socio‐economic conditions. Little is known about the facilitators or barriers to nursing scholarship in some of these countries, including Taiwan, where nursing education has changed considerably over the last decade.Design.  A qualitative exploratory design.Method.  The study used snowballing to identify scholars who underwent semi‐structured in‐depth interviews. These were digitally recorded, transcribed verbatim and subjected to content analysis.Results.  Interviews were held with 12 scholars and six major themes arose: ‘fulfilling our missions’; ‘active research productivity’; ‘low levels of collaborative research’; ‘increasing demands on time’; ‘gender issues’ and ‘developing effective collaborative networks across Taiwan and Asia’. Participants described Taiwanese scholarship development in terms of fulfilling the missions of universities; trying to balance work and culturally relevant family responsibilities, against a background of decreasing pressures to produce more qualified nurses and being more research productive in rapidly changing and challenging work environments.Conclusions.  Taiwan’s nursing scholarship is in a dynamic early stage of development, with increasing graduate programmes and research productivity, evidenced by rising international publications and the research productivity indexes of academics. However, scholars are facing increasing pressure because of high workloads and balancing family and work responsibilities.Relevance to clinical practice.  Understanding scholarship development and its facilitators and barriers in Taiwan helps inform policy makers, the higher education sector and nurses in the country and across the region about what needs to be done to improve nursing practice, raise health outcomes and enhance nursing research productivity and education.
Effect of hospital on variation in visual acuity and vision‐specific quality of life after cataract surgery
Authors: Quintana Jose M. , Escobar Antonio , Bilbao Amaia , Navarro Gemma , Begiristain Jose M. , De Larrea Nerea Fernandez , Perea Emilio , Alberdi Txomin ,   the IRYSS Cataract Group
Published: June 2010

AbstractObjective  To evaluate the contribution of hospital‐to‐hospital variability in changes in clinical and health‐related quality of life outcomes among patients undergoing cataract extraction by phacoemulsification.Methods  Prospective observational study of 14 public hospitals. We recruited consecutive patients on waiting lists for cataract extraction. Clinical data were collected prior to the intervention and 6 weeks afterward. Subjects completed the visual function index (VF‐14) prior to the procedure and 3 months afterward. Univariate and multivariate analysis were performed for visual acuity and VF‐14 scores.Results  Substantial differences were observed across the 14 hospitals. At baseline, mean visual acuity ranged from 0.16 to 0.34, and mean VF‐14 scores ranged from 48.06 to 75.89. Following cataract extraction, the mean improvement in visual acuity ranged from 0.35 to 0.57 and in VF‐14 scores from 10.94 to 41.70. The ranges were even more pronounced among patients with low visual acuity or low VF‐14 scores prior to the intervention. Significant differences remained in multivariate analysis. Within the multivariate analysis, the variable ‘hospitals’ had an R2 of 0.069 for the visual acuity model and of 0.073 for the VF‐14 model, 20% and 13%, respectively, of the total variability explained. Variation was also observed within geographic regions.Conclusions  Outcomes of patients undergoing cataract extractions vary widely from hospital to hospital, even within the same geographic region, explaining an important part of the results. Quality improvement efforts should concentrate on patients with low pre‐intervention visual acuity or vision‐related disability to reduce this variability in outcomes.
Impact of advanced exercise ECG analysis on cost of coronary artery disease management
Authors: Bigi Riccardo , Ferrando Alberto , Pagano Eva , Cortigiani Lauro , Merletti Franco , Fiorentini Cesare , Gregori Dario 
Published: June 2010

AbstractBackground  Conventional analysis of exercise electrocardiogram (EX‐ECG) has limited accuracy. This study aims to evaluate the potential impact of improving EX‐ECG accuracy on costs of diagnosis and number of misdiagnoses of coronary artery disease (CAD).Methods  A decision‐tree model was simulated including sequential application of diagnostic procedures for suspected CAD. The model was structured in two main branches (presence or absence of CAD). A probabilistic sensitivity analysis was then performed for several combinations of improvement in test sensitivity and specificity.Results  A clear trend in cost reduction was observed at improving EX‐ECG specificity (about 8–8.5 million dollars, corresponding to a 5.6–7.6% reduction according to the prevalence level). Wrong diagnoses counted for 9–13% of test. Improvements in test parameters lead to reductions in wrong diagnoses, especially when increasing specificity (8.8–12.5%).Conclusions  A proper improvement in EX‐ECG sensitivity and specificity would have a relevant impact on the costs of CAD management, while reducing the number of misdiagnoses.
Comparing the quality of care across Belgian hospitals from medical basic datasets: the case of thromboembolism prophylaxis after major orthopaedic surgery
Authors: Gerkens Sophie , Crott Ralph , Closon Marie‐Christine , Horsmans Yves , Beguin Claire 
Published: June 2010

AbstractRationale, aims and objectives  In the current context, the assessment of the quality of care in daily clinical practice becomes essential. The aim of this study was to use medical basic datasets associated with information on pharmacological treatments to assess the quality of care of a prophylaxis treatment after major orthopaedic surgery and to compare hospitals' clinical practices.Methods  The study was performed in 20 Belgian hospitals. Patients who underwent total hip replacement (THR), total knee replacement (TKR), or hip fracture surgery (HFS) were selected retrospectively from the hospitals' 2002 and 2003 administrative databases (n = 14 991). Quality indicators assessed were incidence of venous thromboembolism, major bleeding and death. Prophylaxis analysed were enoxaparin, nadroparin and fondaparinux.Results  Venous thromboembolism and major bleeding events were rare (1.9% and 1.1% respectively). Patients who underwent HFS were at greater risk of having pulmonary embolism [OR = 2.01; confidence interval (CI) = 1.38–2.92; P = 0.0002], major bleeding (OR = 4.00; CI = 2.93–5.46; P < 0.0001) or death from any cause (OR = 8.86; CI = 6.85–11.45; P < 0.0001) than patients who underwent THR or TKR. Multivariate analyses showed that the hospital variable had a significant impact on the probability to have adverse events and that patients who received enoxaparin were at greater risk of death than patients who received nadroparin (ORenoxaparin vs fraxiparin = 1.59; 95% CI = 1.04–2.44; P = 0.033).Conclusion  Results indicate that differences in thromboembolism prophylaxis practices among hospitals have a significant impact on adverse events. This reinforces the need to develop data‐processing tools that enable better monitoring of quality of care.
Rehabilitation services following total joint replacement: a qualitative analysis of key processes and structures to decrease length of stay and increase surgical volumes in Ontario, Canada
Authors: Fancott Carol , Jaglal Susan , Quan Victoria , Berg Katherine , Cott Cheryl A. , Davis Aileen , Flannery John , Hawker Gillian , Landry Michel D. , Mahomed Nizar N. , Badley Elizabeth 
Published: June 2010

AbstractObjectives  The purpose of this study was: (1) to identify key total joint replacement (TJR) care processes and structures from acute care and rehabilitation hospitals; (2) to determine the perceived implications of practice patterns and processes on wait times, discharge planning, transitions in care, utilization of rehabilitation services, and outcomes; and (3) to understand how acute care hospitals funded for additional cases were addressing current and future rehabilitation needs.Methods  A qualitative descriptive approach using key informant interviews was used to provide further insights and depth of understanding to current practice patterns, structures and processes of care for TJR patients.Results  Twenty‐three key informants from a total of 15 hospitals across Ontario participated in this project. Themes that emerged related to processes of care (e.g. patient education, preoperative services, clinical pathways), and structures that supported these processes of care (e.g. organizational supports, increased funding and resources). The results point to a number of key practices that can facilitate smooth, integrated care for TJR patients, particularly in relation to best practices to decrease length of stay and increase surgical volumes. Increased funding related to strategic priorities placed on TJRs by the provincial government was viewed as an important impetus to implement a number of these key practices.Conclusion  From a rehabilitation perspective, there is need for consistent funding to secure more rehabilitation services for both preoperative and post‐operative management of care that allows for shorter lengths of stay and to ensure optimal outcomes.
General practitioners' preferences for managing insomnia and opportunities for reducing hypnotic prescribing
Authors: Siriwardena A. Niroshan , Apekey Tanefa , Tilling Michelle , Dyas Jane V. , Middleton Hugh , Ørner Roderick 
Published: June 2010

AbstractRationale, aims and objectives Insomnia and sleep problems are common with many sufferers seeking medical help from general practitioners (GPs) whose clinical response is limited, often involving prescription of hypnotic drugs. The case for improving the quality of care for patients with insomnia is compelling but there is little evidence about how better care could be achieved in a primary care setting. The aim of this study was to investigate GPs' management preferences for sleep problems and their awareness and perception of opportunities for improving care as well as reducing the use of benzodiazepines and Z drugs.Methods Cross‐sectional survey of GPs using a self‐administered postal questionnaire in 2005 to all GPs in West Lincolnshire Primary Care Trust Lincolnshire, UK.Results A total of 84 of 107 (78.5%) questionnaires sent to GP principals were returned after one reminder. Respondents favoured Z drugs over benzodiazepines for the majority of indications. Respondent attitudes to benzodiazepines and Z drugs were generally negative whereas they were positive towards initiatives to reduce hypnotic prescribing through personal guidance, awareness‐raising strategies and organizational interventions.Conclusions GPs were negative in attitude towards hypnotics and positive towards reducing prescribing for sleep problems. They need to develop resources and better strategies for assessment and non‐pharmacological management of patients presenting with insomnia for the first time as well as those on long‐term hypnotics. The feasibility and effectiveness of psychosocial interventions tailored to patient and service needs in primary care setting should be evaluated systematically seeking to understand potential clinical benefits as well as potential undesirable effects of service changes.
Comparison of the metabolic and economic consequences of long‐term treatment of schizophrenia using ziprasidone, olanzapine, quetiapine and risperidone in Canada: a cost‐effectiveness analysis
Authors: McIntyre Roger S. , Cragin Lael , Sorensen Sonja , Naci Huseyin , Baker Tim , Roussy Jean‐Pascal 
Published: June 2010

AbstractRationale, aims and objectives  Second‐generation antipsychotic agents have varying propensities to cause weight gain, elevated lipid levels and associated long‐term complications. This study evaluates the cost‐effectiveness of four second‐generation antipsychotic agents used in Canada for the treatment of schizophrenia (ziprasidone, olanzapine, quetiapine, risperidone) with a focus on their long‐term metabolic consequences.Method  Using data from the Clinical Antipsychotic Trials of Intervention Effectiveness Study, a semi‐Markov model was developed to predict the incidence and associated costs of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular complications (e.g. angina, myocardial infarction, stroke, cardiovascular disease death), and acute psychiatric hospitalizations in patients with chronic schizophrenia treated over 5 years. Incremental costs per quality‐adjusted life year (QALY) gained were calculated from the perspective of the Canadian provincial ministries of health. Scenario and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were performed.Results  The total average cost of treatment with ziprasidone was $25 301 versus $28 563 with olanzapine, $26 233 with quetiapine and $21 831 with risperidone. Ziprasidone had the lowest predicted number of type 2 diabetes cases and cardiovascular disease events, and the highest QALY gains. Patients receiving quetiapine had the highest predicted number of hospitalizations. Ziprasidone was less costly and resulted in more QALYs compared with olanzapine and quetiapine. Compared with risperidone, ziprasidone was more costly and had higher QALYs, with an incremental cost per QALY gained of $218 060.Conclusion  Compared with olanzapine and quetiapine, ziprasidone produced savings to the health care system. Although ziprasidone generated incremental expenditures versus risperidone, it resulted in more QALYs. Based on this analysis, ziprasidone treatment possesses cost and therapeutic advantages compared with olanzapine and quetiapine.
Sulfachlorpyrazine residues depletion in turkey edible tissues
Authors: ŁEBKOWSKA‐WIERUSZEWSKA B.I. , KOWALSKI C. J. 
Published: June 2010

Łebkowska‐Wieruszewska, B.I., Kowalski, C.J. Sulfachlorpyrazine residues depletion in turkey edible tissues.J. vet. Pharmacol.Therap. doi: 10.1111/j.1365‐2885.2009.01147.x.Sulfachlorpyrazine (SCP) is currently used to treat coccidian infections in turkeys; however, there is no information available about the withdrawal period necessary for the turkey to be safe for human consumption. A high performance liquid chromatography method with ultraviolet‐visible light detection was adapted and validated for the determination of SCP in turkey tissues. The procedure is based on isolation of the (SCP sodium) compound from edible turkey tissues (muscles, liver, kidneys, and fat with skin) with satisfactory recovery (72.80 ± 1.40) and specificity. The residue depletion of SCP in turkeys was conducted after a dose of 50 mg/kg body weight/day had been administrated orally for 3 days. After treatment has been discontinued residue concentrations were detected in tissues on the 7th day. The highest SCP concentrations were measured in muscles. Based on the results presented in this study, it could be assumed that a withdrawal period of 21 days, before medicated turkeys could be slaughtered, would be sufficient to ensure consumer safety.
Bioavailability and pharmacokinetics of metronidazole in fed and fasted horses
Authors: Britzi M. , Gross M. , Lavy E. , Soback S. , Steinman A. 
Published: June 2010

Britzi, M., Gross, M., Lavy, E., Soback, S., Steinman, A. Bioavailability and pharmacokinetics of metronidazole in fed and fasted horses.J. vet. Pharmacol. Therap.33, 511–514.Metronidazole (1‐[2‐hydroxyethyl]‐2‐methyl‐5‐nitroimidazole) is a bactericidal antimicrobial agent used for treatment of infectious diseases caused by anaerobic bacteria and protozoa. Pharmacokinetics of metronidazole following its administration to horses was previously described (Sweeneyet al., 1986;Baggotet al., 1988;Spechtet al., 1992;Steinmanet al., 2000). The bioavailability (F) was 85% (ranging from 57% to 105%) and the time to reach maximum serum concentration (tmax) was 1–2 h after oral dose at 25 mg/kg body weight (Sweeneyet al., 1986).Baggotet al.(1988)found thatFwas 74.5% (ranging from 58.4% to 91.5%) andtmaxwas 1.5 h after oral dose at 20 mg/kg body weight.Spechtet al.(1992)reported thatFwas 97% (ranging from 79% to 111%) andtmaxwas 40 min after oral dose at 15 mg/kg body weight. In an earlier study by our groupFwas 74% andtmaxwas 65 min after oral dose at 20 mg/kg body weight (Steinmanet al., 2000). These individual variations inFmight be partially explained by the effect of feed, among other factors, mainly on metronidazole absorption. Interactions between food and drugs may reduce or increase the drug effect. The majority of clinically relevant food–drug interactions are caused by food‐induced changes on the bioavailability of the drug (Schmidt & Dalhoff, 2002). In dogs, absorption of metronidazole is enhanced when given with food, but delayed in humans (Plumb, 1995). Although, metronidazole is used commonly to treat various clinical conditions in horses with relatively little adverse effects (Sweeneyet al., 1991), narrow margin of safety was suggested because histological evidence of peripheral neurotoxicity and hepatotoxicity were noted in horses treated with doses as low as 30 mg/kg body weight every 12 h orally for 30 days (Whiteet al., 1996). For drugs with a narrow therapeutic index, even small changes in dose–response effects can have significant consequences (Schmidt & Dalhoff, 2002).