bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A review of chemical control options for invasive social insects in island ecosystems
Authors: Gentz M. C. 
Published: April 2009

AbstractSocial insects present unique challenges to chemically based management strategies, especially because fast‐acting compounds commonly applied for many pest insects may not be the most effective for colony elimination. The reproductive caste of a colony is the most protected from direct damage by insecticides, and compounds that cause rapid mortality among foragers frequently do not impact the reproductive members or even markedly reduce overall colony size. With recent bans on persistent insecticides that previously have been used to control social insects, especially termites, new compounds must be used. Island and coastal ecosystems are particularly sensitive to the effects of widespread pesticide use and concerns about unintentional water pollution and runoff are common, and international attention is being paid to developing sustainable pesticide options for agricultural and urban pest insects in particularly sensitive environments. Given the precarious status of many native insects and arthropods care must be taken to minimize exposure to potentially harmful insecticides and the non‐target impacts of these chemicals. However, recent developments in the synthesis and discovery of highly selective insecticides with low mammalian and non‐target toxicity provide viable alternatives to the broad‐spectrum persistent organochlorine insecticides that have been largely deregistered. Novel technologies, particularly synthetic analogues of biologically active compounds, yield new chemical control options and management strategies for island and other sensitive ecosystems; case studies from Australia, the Galapagos Islands and New Zealand highlight current challenges and successes.
Paediatric pain assessment: Differences between triage nurse, child and parent
Authors: Rajasagaram Umadevan , Taylor David McD , Braitberg George , Pearsell James P , Capp Bronwyn A 
Published: April 2009

Aim:  To compare the severity of paediatric pain as assessed by the triage nurse, child and parent.Methods:  This was an analytical, observational study undertaken in a tertiary referral emergency department between January and June (inclusive) 2006. A convenience sample of children (aged 3–15 years) with painful conditions was enrolled. The triage nurse, child and parent were asked to assess the child's pain using the Wong–Baker FACES pain rating scale (young children) or a linear numerical pain rating scale (nurse, older children, parent). Each participant was blinded to the assessments of the others.Results:  Eighty‐six patients were enrolled: 52 (60.5%) male, mean age 9.1 (standard deviation 4.0) years. The median (inter‐quartile range) pain scores recorded by the nurses, parents and children were 4.0 (3.0–6.0), 6.0 (5.0–7.5) and 6.5 (5.0–8.0), respectively. There were significant differences between the pain scores of the three groups (P < 0.001, Kruskal–Wallis test). The nurses' score was significantly lower than both the parents' and the children's scores (P < 0.001, Mann–Whitney U test). There was no significant difference between the parents and children's scores (P = 0.11, Mann–Whitney U test). The nurses scored consistently lowest regardless of the cause of the pain or the child's age or gender.Conclusion:  Relative to the children and parents, triage nurses assign significantly lower paediatric pain scores. The findings may have important implications for the management of paediatric pain which may need to be based upon the children's or parent's assessment rather than that of the nurse.
RNA silencing in the model mycorrhizal fungus Laccaria bicolor: gene knock‐down of nitrate reductase results in inhibition of symbiosis with Populus
Authors: Kemppainen Minna , Duplessis Sébastien , Martin Francis , Pardo Alejandro G. 
Published: April 2009

SummaryMycorrhizal symbioses are a rule in nature and may have been crucial in plant and fungal evolution. Ectomycorrhizas are mutualistic interactions between tree roots and soil fungi typical of temperate and boreal forests. The functional analysis of genes involved in developmental and metabolic processes, such as N nutrition, is important to understand the ontogeny of this mutualistic symbiosis. RNA silencing was accomplished in the model mycorrhizal fungus Laccaria bicolor by Agrobacterium‐mediated gene transfer. Promoter‐directed expression of double‐stranded RNA with a partial coding sequence of the Laccaria nitrate reductase gene resulted in fungal transgenic strains strongly affected in growth with nitrate as N source in a medium with high concentration of an utilizable C source. The phenotype correlated with a clear reduction of the target gene mRNA level and this effect was not caused by homologous recombination of the T‐DNA in the nitrate reductase locus. Transformation with the hairpin sequence resulted in specific CpG methylation of both the silenced transgene and the nitrate reductase encoding gene. The methylation in the target gene was restricted to the silencing trigger sequence and did not represent the entire genomic DNA in the dikaryon suggesting that the epigenetic changes accompanying RNA silencing affected only the transformed nucleus. Mycorrhization experiments of Populus with strongly silenced fungal strains revealed a systematic inhibition of symbiosis under mycorrhization conditions (C starvation) and nitrate as N source compared with the wild type. This inhibition of mycorrhization was reversed by an organic N source only utilizable by the fungus. These observations would indicate that the plant may be capable of monitoring and detecting the nutritional status of a potential symbiont avoiding the establishment of an unsatisfactory interaction. A probable control mechanism conducted by the plant would inhibit symbiosis when the metabolic profile of the fungal partner is not proper and mutual benefit from the symbiotic structure cannot be assured. Our results are the first report showing that the alteration of expression of a fungal gene impairs mycorrhization. Moreover, this work is the first demonstration of RNA silencing in mycorrhizal fungi and clearly shows that gene knock‐down is a powerful tool for further functional genomic studies in mycorrhizal research.
Individual and contextual factors associated with follow‐up use of diabetes self‐management education programmes: a multisite prospective analysis
Authors: Gucciardi E. , DeMelo M. , Booth G. , Tomlinson G. , Stewart D. E. 
Published: April 2009

AbstractAims Although a considerable body of research supports the efficacy of diabetes self‐management education (DSME), these programmes are often challenged by high attrition rates. Little is known about factors influencing follow‐up use of DSME services, thus the aim of this study was to identify these factors.Methods In this multisite prospective analysis, adults with Type 2 diabetes (n = 268) who attended one of two diabetes management centres (DMCs) were followed over a 1‐year period from their initial visit. The influence of individual and contextual factors on the number of contacts with DMC providers was examined. Data were analysed within the context of the Health Behavioral Model of Health Services Utilization.Results In a multivariable negative binomial regression model, the number of contacts over 1 year was greater for those who were female, non‐smokers, unemployed, self‐referred to the DMC, lived closer to the DMC, had a lower body mass index, or had a longer known duration of diabetes. Follow‐up use of services differed significantly between the two sites. Provider contacts were greater at the centre that offered flexible hours of services and a variety of optional educational modules.Conclusions Healthcare professionals need to encourage ongoing use of DSME, particularly for individuals prone to lower follow‐up use of these services. Providing services that are accessible, convenient, and can easily fit into patients’ schedules may increase follow‐up use. Further exploration into how operations and delivery of these services influence utilization patterns is strongly recommended.
Hierarchical multiobjective routing in Multiprotocol Label Switching networks with two service classes: a heuristic solution
Authors: Girão‐Silva Rita , Craveirinha José , Clímaco João 
Published: April 2009

AbstractModern multiservice network routing functionalities have to deal with multiple, heterogeneous and multifaceted Quality of Service (QoS) requirements. A heuristic approach devised to find “good” solutions to a hierarchical multiobjective alternative routing optimization problem in Multiprotocol Label Switching networks with two service classes (and different types of traffic flows in each class), namely QoS and Best Effort services, formulated within a hierarchical network‐wide optimization framework, is presented. This heuristic solution is based on a bi‐objective constrained shortest path model and is applied to a test network used in a benchmarking case study. An experimental study based on analytic and discrete event simulation results is presented, allowing for an assessment of the quality of results obtained with this new heuristic solution for various traffic matrices. A dynamic version of the routing method is formulated and its performance with the same case study network is analysed.
Combining a dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitor, alogliptin, with pioglitazone improves glycaemic control, lipid profiles and β‐cell function in db/db mice
Authors: Moritoh Y , Takeuchi K , Asakawa T , Kataoka O , Odaka H 
Published: April 2009

Background and purpose:  Alogliptin, a highly selective dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 (DPP‐4) inhibitor, enhances incretin action and pioglitazone enhances hepatic and peripheral insulin actions. Here, we have evaluated the effects of combining these agents in diabetic mice.Experimental approach:  Effects of short‐term treatment with alogliptin alone (0.01%–0.1% in diet), and chronic combination treatment with alogliptin (0.03% in diet) and pioglitazone (0.0075% in diet) were evaluated in db/db mice exhibiting early stages of diabetes.Key results:  Alogliptin inhibited plasma DPP‐4 activity up to 84% and increased plasma active glucagon‐like peptide‐1 by 4.4‐ to 4.9‐fold. Unexpectedly, alogliptin alone lacked clear efficacy for improving glucose levels. However, alogliptin in combination with pioglitazone clearly enhanced the effects of pioglitazone alone. After 3–4 weeks of treatment, combination treatment increased plasma insulin by 3.8‐fold, decreased plasma glucagon by 41%, both of which were greater than each drug alone, and increased plasma adiponectin by 2.4‐fold. In addition, combination treatment decreased glycosylated haemoglobin by 2.2%, plasma glucose by 52%, plasma triglycerides by 77% and non‐esterified fatty acids by 48%, all of which were greater than each drug alone. Combination treatment also increased expression of insulin and pancreatic and duodenal homeobox 1 (PDX1), maintained normal β‐cell/α‐cell distribution in islets and restored pancreatic insulin content to levels comparable to non‐diabetic mice.Conclusions and implications:  These results indicate that combination treatment with alogliptin and pioglitazone at an early stage of diabetes improved metabolic profiles and indices that measure β‐cell function, and maintained islet structure in db/db mice, compared with either alogliptin or pioglitazone monotherapy.
Neuropeptide S selectively inhibits the release of 5‐HT and noradrenaline from mouse frontal cortex nerve endings
Authors: Raiteri L , Luccini E , Romei C , Salvadori S , Calò G 
Published: April 2009

Background and purpose: Neuropeptide S (NPS) is a recently identified neurotransmitter/neuromodulator able to increase arousal and wakefulness while decreasing anxiety‐like behaviour. As several classical transmitters play a role in arousal and anxiety, we here investigated the possible presynaptic regulation of transmitter release by NPS.Experimental approach: Synaptosomes purified from mouse frontal cortex were prelabelled with [3H]5‐hydroxytryptamine (5‐HT), noradrenaline, dopamine, choline, D‐aspartate or GABA and depolarized in superfusion with 12–15 mmol·L−1KCl to evoke [3H]neurotransmitter exocytosis. NPS was added at different concentrations (0.001 to 100 nmol·L−1).Key results: NPS behaved as an extremely potent inhibitor of the evoked overflow of [3H]5‐HT and [3H]noradrenaline exhibiting EC50values in the low picomolar range. The inhibitory action of NPS on [3H]5‐HT release was mimicked by [Ala2]NPS that was, however, about 100‐fold less potent than the natural peptide. NPS (up to 100 nmol·L−1) was unable to affect the depolarization‐evoked overflow of [3H]D‐aspartate and [3H]GABA. The neuropeptide only weakly reduced the overflow of [3H]dopamine and [3H]ACh when added at relatively high concentrations.Conclusions and implications: NPS, at low picomolar concentrations, can selectively inhibit the evoked release of 5‐HT and noradrenaline in the frontal cortex by acting directly on 5‐hydroxytryptaminergic and noradrenergic nerve terminals. These direct effects may explain only in part the unique behavioural activities of NPS, while an indirect involvement of other transmitters, especially of glutamate, must be considered.
Clinical practice recommendations for depression
Authors: Malhi G. S. , Adams D. , Porter R. , Wignall A. , Lampe L. , O’Connor N. , Paton M. , Newton L. A. , Walter G. , Taylor A. , Berk M. , Mulder R. T. 
Published: April 2009

Objective: To provide clinically relevant evidence‐based recommendations for the management of depression in adults that are informative, easy to assimilate and facilitate clinical decision making.Method: A comprehensive literature review of over 500 articles was undertaken using electronic database search engines (e.g. MEDLINE, PsychINFO and Cochrane reviews). In addition articles, book chapters and other literature known to the authors were reviewed. The findings were then formulated into a set of recommendations that were developed by a multidisciplinary team of clinicians who routinely deal with mood disorders. The recommendations then underwent consultative review by a broader advisory panel that included experts in the field, clinical staff and patient representatives.Results: The clinical practice recommendations for depression (Depression CPR) summarize evidence‐based treatments and provide a synopsis of recommendations relating to each phase of the illness. They are designed for clinical use and have therefore been presented succinctly in an innovative and engaging manner that is clear and informative.Conclusion: These up‐to‐date recommendations provide an evidence‐based framework that incorporates clinical wisdom and consideration of individual factors in the management of depression. Further, the novel style and practical approach should promote uptake and implementation.
Prevalence of alcohol use disorders in schizophrenia – a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Koskinen J. , Löhönen J. , Koponen H. , Isohanni M. , Miettunen J. 
Published: April 2009

Objective:  Our aim was to present recent studies of alcohol use disorders (AUDs) in patients with schizophrenia, estimate overall prevalence and characteristics affecting the prevalence of AUDs.Method:  We conducted a search using three literature databases and a manual search on articles published in 1996–2008. Meta‐regression was used to study how prevalence is affected by different study characteristics. Articles that reported diagnoses according to DSM or ICD diagnostic systems were included.Results:  Altogether 60 studies met our criteria. The median of current AUD prevalence was 9.4% (inter‐quartile range, IQR 4.6–19.0, 18 studies) and median of lifetime AUD prevalence 20.6% (IQR 12.0–34.5, 47 studies). In studies using DSM‐III‐R median prevalence was higher than that in studies using DSM‐IV, ICD‐9 or ICD‐10 (32/17/11/6%).Conclusion:  Approximately every fifth patient with schizophrenia had lifetime AUD diagnosis. When contrasted with the most recent review, there might be a descending trend in AUD prevalence in patients with schizophrenia.
Periodontal health of an adult population in Hungary: findings of a national survey
Authors: Hermann Péter , Gera István , Borbély Judit , Fejérdy Pál , Madléna Melinda 
Published: April 2009

AbstractObjectives: To estimate the levels of periodontal health conditions of Hungarian adults.Material and Methods: Periodontal data on 4153 adults in 304 survey locations from all Hungarian regions were analysed. The Community Periodontal Index (CPI) was used to report the occurrence of probing pocket depth, calculus, and gingival inflammation.Age, gender, socioeconomic and health status, oral hygiene and lifestyle habits, dental office attendance, level of education, and fixed partial denture (FPD) treatment were evaluated for their association with periodontal conditions. CPI score as an outcome was dichotomized using an accepted threshold as low (<3) and high (3, 4) for multiple logistic regression modelling.Results: CPI2 was the most prevalent score in all age groups. CPI scores were also strongly associated with the independent variables. Approximately 66% of subjects visited a dentist only in the case of an emergency. Lack of periodontal aspects of restorative care was demonstrated by the result of CPI0 among 16% of non‐FPD wearers compared with only 9% of individuals treated with FPD.Conclusion: The present survey indicates that oral hygiene standards and periodontal health conditions need improvement in Hungary. Effective intervention programme for the prevention and control of periodontal disease are recommended at a national level.
Motor performance in very preterm infants before and after implementation of the newborn individualized developmental care and assessment programme in a neonatal intensive care unit
Authors: Ullenhag Anna , Persson Kristina , Nyqvist Kerstin Hedberg 
Published: April 2009

AbstractAim: To compare motor performance in supine position at the age of 4‐months corrected age (CA) in very preterm (VPT) infants cared for in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) before and after the implementation of the Newborn Individualized Developmental Care and Assessment Program (NIDCAP).Methods: Assessments of motor performance in supine position according to level of motor development and quality of motor performance were made, using the Structured Observation of Motor Performance in Infants (SOMP‐I).Subjects: VPT infants cared for in a NICU at a Swedish university hospital before, Group A (n = 68), and after, Group B (n = 58), the implementation of developmentally supportive care based on NIDCAP.Results: The infants who were treated after the introduction of NIDCAP showed higher level of motor development in the arms/hands and trunk. No significant group differences were noted in total deviation score for the respective limbs, but lower frequency of lateral flexion in head movements, extension–external rotation–abduction, extension–internal rotation–adduction and varus and valgus position in the feet was found in the NIDCAP group, compared with those treated before the introduction.Conclusion: The infants who were treated after NIDCAP care had been implemented showed a higher level of motor development in arms/hand and trunk and fewer deviations in head, legs and feet at 4‐months CA than infants treated before NIDCAP implementation. The observed changes may be due to NIDCAP and/or improved perinatal and neonatal care during the studied time period.
The Role of Viral Infection in Inducing Variability in Virus‐Free Progeny in Tomato
Authors: Marii Liliana , Chiriac Gheorghe 
Published: April 2009

Abstract The effect of virus‐host interactions on subsequent generations is poorly understood. The evaluation of the effects of viral infection on inheritance of quantitative traits in the progeny of infected plants and elucidation of a possible relationship between chiasma frequency in the infected plants and variability of traits in the progeny were investigated. The current study involved genotypes of four intraspecific hybrids of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.), their parental forms and two additional cultivars. Used as infection were the tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) and potato virus X (PVX). The consequences of the effect of viral infection were evaluated based on chromosome pairing in diakinesis and/or by examining quantitative and qualitative traits in the progeny of the infected tomato plants. Tomato plants infected with TMV + PVX were found to differ in chiasma frequency per pollen mother cell or per bivalent. Deviations have been observed for genotypes of both F1 hybrids and cultivars. At the same time, differences in mean values of the traits under study have only been found for progeny populations (F2‐F4) derived from virus‐infected F1 hybrids, but not in the case of progeny of the infected cultivars. The rate of recombinants combining traits of both parents increased significantly (2.22–8.24 times) in progeny populations of hybrids infected with TMV + PVX. The above suggests that the observed effects could be the result of modification of recombination frequencies that can be manifested in heterozygous hybrids and make small contributions to variability in cases of ‘homozygous’ tomato genotypes (i.e. cultivars).
Can 14,737 women be wrong? A meta‐analysis of the LSI‐R and recidivism for female offenders*
Authors: Smith Paula , Cullen Francis T. , Latessa Edward J. 
Published: April 2009

Research Summary Over the past two decades, researchers have been increasingly interested in measuring the risk of offender recidivism as a means of advancing public safety and of directing treatment interventions. In this context, one instrument widely used in assessing offenders is the Level of Service Inventory‐Revised (LSI‐R). Recently, however, the LSI‐R has been criticized for being a male‐specific assessment instrument that is a weak predictor of criminal behavior in females. Through the use of meta‐analytic techniques, we assessed this assertion. A total of 27 effect sizes yielded an average r value of .35 ([confidence interval] CI = .34 to .36) for the relationship of the LSI‐R with recidivism for female offenders (N= 14,737). When available, we also made within‐sample comparisons based on gender. These comparisons produced effect sizes for males and females that were statistically similar. Policy Implications These results are consistent with those generated in previous research on the LSI‐R. They call into question prevailing critiques that the LSI‐R has predictive validity for male but not for female offenders. At this stage, it seems that corrections officials should be advised that the LSI‐R remains an important instrument for assessing all offenders as a prelude to the delivery of treatment services, especially those based on the principles of effective intervention. Critics should be encouraged, however, to construct and validate through research additional gender‐specific instruments that revise, if not rival, the LSI‐R.