bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) and the benthic community in a coastal Baltic lagoon: another example of enhancement?
Authors: Radziejewska Teresa , Fenske Christiane , Wawrzyniak‐Wydrowska Brygida , Riel Philip , Woźniczka Adam , Gruszka Piotr 
Published: September 2009

AbstractThe zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha), a sessile suspension feeder, has been known to enhance the benthos in the sediment around mussel beds and druses. The enhancement is mainly due to biodepositing activity of the mussel and the resultant organic enrichment of the sediment. In addition, mussel beds increase habitat complexity. In June 2007, we studied the distribution of D. polymorpha beds and their effects on the benthos in Kleines Haff, the western part of the Szczecin Lagoon, a Southern Baltic coastal water body. We expected that: (i) the sediment near a Dreissena bed will support meio‐ and macrobenthic assemblages more abundant than those living away from the bed, and (ii) the meio‐ and macrobenthic assemblages close to the Dreissena bed will show a stronger dominance of the taxa relying on the organic enrichment (nematodes among the meiofauna; oligochaetes and chironomids among the macrobenthos). Meiobenthos was sampled at two localities, one (MB4) featuring D. polymorpha druses and the other (MB5) supporting a distinct zebra mussel bed. The two localities differed in their meiobenthic communities: whereas no difference in abundance and composition was observed between the sets of samples collected at MB4, MB5 showed a distinctly more abundant meiobenthos in the uppermost sediment layer near the zebra mussel bed, but the overall abundance was lower than that away from the bed. We conclude that the meiobenthic response to the presence of D. polymorpha was, at least in part, mediated by site‐specificity of sediment characteristics. Macrozoobenthos was sampled at four stations in the vicinity of MB5 and around another Dreissena locality (MB10), and was also identified in the sediment samples collected for the meiobenthos. The macrobenthic abundance was higher by a factor of 2.4 (sandy sediment) to 4.9 (silty bottom) near the Dreissena beds than away from them. Irrespective of their situation relative to Dreissena aggregations, both meio‐ and macrobenthos were dominated by the taxa associated with organic enrichment. The macrobenthos associated with Dreissena beds included Gammarus tigrinus, a non‐indigenous amphipod, whereas another non‐native species, the polychaete Marenzelleria neglecta, was present in the macrobenthos of sandy sediments of the area.
A multidisciplinary study of the Cape Peloro brackish area (Messina, Italy): characterisation of trophic conditions, microbial abundances and activities
Authors: Leonardi Marcella , Azzaro Filippo , Azzaro Maurizio , Caruso Gabriella , Mancuso Monique , Monticelli Luis Salvador , Maimone Giovana , La Ferla Rosabruna , Raffa Francesco , Zaccone Renata 
Published: September 2009

AbstractIn the framework of the VECTOR DIVCOST Project, a 2‐year investigation was started in 2006, with the aim of testing the sensibility of microbial parameters to environmental changes and of assessing whether they can provide information about functional changes in the carbon cycle. The investigation was performed in the surface waters of two small brackish ponds (Ganzirri and Faro), located in the Cape Peloro transitional area (Sicily, Italy). The seasonal changes in both the microbial compartment [bacterioplankton, vibrios, exoenzymatic hydrolysis of proteins and polysaccharides, bacterial secondary production (HBP) and community respiration] and the trophic state of suspended matter [total suspended matter (TSM), particulate organic carbon (POC), particulate organic nitrogen (PON), C/N] were analysed in relation to the hydrological characteristics [temperature, salinity, oxygen, fluorescence, NH4, NO2, NO3, PO4]. Despite marked differences in the nutritional input and the diversification in both carbon budget and trophic level, the two ponds show similar trends in many of the investigated factors, hardly influenced by seasonal variations. Temporally coupled trends were observed for some parameters (enzyme activities, vibrios abundances, respiratory activity), whereas others (POC, PON, heterotrophic bacterial production, bacterioplankton) showed a seasonal shift between the two lakes. The different behaviour found for the some biotic parameters suggests that their response to environmental conditions may be modulated differently between the two lakes, which, despite their spatial proximity and reciprocal connection, do not always show contemporaneous functional processes.
Equipping patients for a time of helplessness: An educational intervention
Authors: Holliday Simon 
Published: September 2009

AbstractObjectives:  Quantify rates of awareness about, and ownership of, End‐of‐Life Planning (ELP) instruments. Examine whether this rate is increased by brief education during routine team care. Measure the time required by this exercise. Design:  Quality Improvement Activity. Setting:  General Practice on Mid‐North Coast, New South Wales. Participants:  Forty‐two consecutive, consenting elderly patients undertaking a Home Health Assessment. Main outcome measures:  This study assessed rates of ELP instruments at baseline, at 2 weeks, at 2 months and at 2 years following the provision and discussion of a fact sheet while measuring the clinicians' time required. Results:  This education exercise increased the number of patients with ELP instruments from one to ten (24%). On average it took 5.6 min of nursing time and 3.9 min for the GP. Conclusions:  Brief education during Home Health Assessments may empower patients to prepare for a scenario where they lost competency to make fully informed decisions. This may alleviate patient's fears about causing problems between those close to them and having treatments against their wishes.
Mediating and moderating effects of work–home interference upon farm stresses and psychological distress
Authors: McShane Connar Jo , Quirk Frances 
Published: September 2009

AbstractObjective:  This study investigated whether work–home (WHI) or home–work interference (HWI) explained or affected the strength of the relationship between farmers' stresses and reported psychological distress. Design:  Distribution of questionnaire package; included Work–Home Conflict Scale, Farm Stress Survey, Depression Anxiety Stress Scale. Participants recruited via advertising in newsletters and newspapers, and distribution through businesses and meetings. Participants:  The majority of farmers (N = 51, male = 45, female = 5) were recruited from the one district. Farmers were individuals who identified their occupation as a farm owner, farm manager, or farm hand.Main outcome measures:  It was predicted farmers would report higher levels of WHI than HWI; time, a determinant of interference, would mediate the relationship between farmers' stresses and psychological distress; WHI and HWI would moderate farmers' stresses and their psychological distress; overall reported level of psychological distress would be in normal to mild range because of positive general economic conditions. Results:  Farmers reported significantly higher levels of WHI than HWI (M = 3.21, M = 2.76, P < 0.001 respectively). WHI and time‐based WHI mediated farmers' stresses and psychological distress, particularly anxiety. WHI, time and strain, determinants of WHI mediated personal finances and subcomponents of psychological distress (stress, anxiety, depression). Time‐based HWI mediated personal finances and stress. No moderating effects were found for WHI (r  = −0.02, P = 0.882) or HWI (r = 0.15, P = 0.306).Conclusions:  Farmers of this specific sample presented a unique work–home interface. Limitations include the small sample size, recruitment methods, and culturally irrelevant measures as well as only assessing work‐related stresses. Future research should aim to develop measures appropriate for farmers of Australia.
Correlates of comorbid mental disorders in a regional community‐based sample
Authors: Heathcote Katharine E. , Kelly Brian , Earnest Arul , Beard John R. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractObjective:  The common coexistence of psychiatric disorders has been identified as a significant factor contributing to the disability associated with mental illness. Identifying indicators to the development of coexisting disorders has potential clinical implications. This study aimed to investigate the correlates and impact of coexisting disorders in a rural setting. Design:  Cross‐sectional analyses of data from a cohort interviewed in two phases. Setting:  A regional community sample in Northern New South Wales, Australia. Participants:  A total of 1407 participants were interviewed and 968 were re‐interviewed at follow up. Main outcome measures:  Multinomial logistic regression modelling compared subjects with multiple psychiatric disorders with those with a single disorder for sociodemographic characteristics, measures of personal and social vulnerability, psychological distress, functional disabilities and help‐seeking behaviours. Results:  Participants with coexisting disorders were more likely to be male, report a history of severe childhood assault and had higher levels of neuroticism, psychological distress and help‐seeking behaviour. Conclusions:  The findings suggest the role of early developmental factors on the complexity and severity of adult mental illness in a rural setting and the significant clinical consequences of comorbidity.
Linkage, coordination and integration: Evidence from rural palliative care
Authors: Masso Malcolm , Owen Alan 
Published: September 2009

AbstractObjective:  Review the findings from the evaluations of three rural palliative care programs. Design:  Review by the authors of the original material from each evaluation. The conceptual framework for the review was provided by the work of Leutz, including his distinction between linkage, coordination and full integration. Setting:  Community‐based palliative care in rural Australia. Interventions:  Fifteen projects across all six states of Australia that focused on integration between general practitioners and other community‐based health providers. Results:  The projects set out to improve networking and collaboration between providers; improve coordination and integration of care for patients; reduce duplication of services; and achieve a multidisciplinary, collaborative approach to palliative care. The most common interventions were establishment of formal governance structures, provision of education programs, case conferencing, dissemination of information, development of formal arrangements, development of protocols and use of common clinical assessment tools. The terms ‘integration’ and ‘coordination’ were used frequently but without clear definitions. Coordination required someone specifically designated to do the coordinating, usually a nurse. Formal arrangements to improve linkage and coordination were difficult to maintain. The main mechanism to achieve full integration was the development of common clinical information systems. Conclusions:  The ‘laws’ proposed by Leutz and the concepts of linkage, coordination and full integration provide a useful framework to understand the barriers to integrating GPs and other health providers. It is important to be clear on what level of integration is required. Improving links might be sufficient (and realistic), rather than striving for full integration.
Excellence in regional stroke care: An evaluation of the implementation of a stroke care unit in regional Australia
Authors: McCann Leanne , Groot Patrick , Charnley Chris , Gardner Anne 
Published: September 2009

AbstractObjective:  To assess the effectiveness of a formalised stroke service in a regional hospital. Design:  A pretest post‐test design. Setting:  An acute stroke unit in a regional health service. Participants:  Overall sample comprised 80 patients with 36 (45.0%) men. Forty patients (19 men, 21 women) comprised pre‐intervention group and 40 (17 men, 23 women) post‐intervention group. Interventions:  Establishment of an acute stroke unit. Main outcome measure(s):  Increased frequency in meeting key performance indicators for acute stroke care as recommended by National Stroke Foundation. Results:  On discharge, fewer survivors in the pre‐intervention group were independent (n = 5) and returned home (n = 9) than the post‐intervention group (n = 13) for both independent and returned home. More survivors in the pre‐intervention group were discharged to aged care or inpatient rehab (n = 22) than the post‐intervention group (n = 12). Within required time frames, the frequency of CT scans (χ2 (1, 80) = 4.1, P < 0.05), swallow assessments (χ2 (1, 80) = 9.0, P < 0.01), occupational therapy assessments (χ2 (1, 80) = 14.5, P < 0.0001), multidisciplinary meetings involving patient and family (χ2 (1, 80) = 19.9, P < 0.0001) and self‐management plans (χ2 (1, 80) = 10.9, P < 0.05) all increased significantly.Conclusions:  Our evaluation demonstrated that introduction of formalised stroke care to a regional hospital resulted in improved compliance with key performance indicators and better patient outcomes. Thus evidence‐based specialised stroke care can be offered with confidence in regional populations.
The epidemiology of hepatitis C in Australia: Notifications, treatment uptake and liver transplantations, 1997–2006
Authors: Gidding Heather F , Topp Libby , Middleton Melanie , Robinson Kate , Hellard Margaret , McCaughan Geoffrey , Maher Lisa , Kaldor John M , Dore Gregory J , Law Matthew G 
Published: September 2009

AbstractBackground and Aim:  Regular monitoring of hepatitis C (HCV)‐related surveillance data is essential to inform and evaluate strategies to reduce the expanding HCV burden. The aim of this study was to examine trends in the epidemiology and treatment of HCV in Australia.Methods:  We reviewed data about HCV notifications, treatment of HCV infection through the Highly Specialised Drugs (s100) Program, and liver transplants (Australia and New Zealand Liver Transplant Registry) for the period 1997–2006.Results:  HCV case notification rates declined by almost 50% between 1999 and 2006, with the greatest reductions between 2001 and 2002 and amongst young adults. For newly acquired HCV cases, 89% were Australian‐born and 90% reported injecting drug use as a risk factor for infection. Overall, 30% of liver transplant recipients had HCV‐related cirrhosis, but the number and proportion of HCV diagnoses increased between 1997 and 2006. HCV treatment also increased over the review period. However, only 1.4% of the 202 400 people estimated to be living with chronic HCV at the end of 2006 received treatment that year.Conclusion:  The decline in HCV notifications is consistent with a decline in HCV incidence in Australia. However, the burden of advanced HCV disease continues to expand. To reduce this burden, treatment uptake needs to increase. Consistent and sensitive surveillance mechanisms are required to detect newly acquired cases together with an expansion of surveillance for chronic HCV infections.
Biliary drainage, photodynamic therapy and chemotherapy for unresectable cholangiocarcinoma with jaundice
Authors: Fuks David , Bartoli Eric , Delcenserie Richard , Yzet Thierry , Celice Pierre , Sabbagh Charles , Chatelain Denis , Joly Jean‐Paul , Cheron Nathalie , Dupas Jean‐Louis , Regimbeau Jean‐Marc 
Published: September 2009

AbstractBackground and Aim:  The combination of photodynamic therapy and biliary stenting seems to be beneficial in the palliative treatment of unresectable cholangiocarcinoma. We aimed to assess the accuracy of photodynamic therapy in a single centre.Methods:  Fourteen selected patients, with jaundice related to unresectable cholangiocarcinoma, underwent photodynamic therapy and biliary stenting (with or without chemotherapy). Photofrin was injected intravenously (2 mg/kg) 2 days before intraluminal photoactivation. In case of malignant progression, photodynamic therapy was repeated. The outcome parameters were overall survival and quality of life.Results:  There were eight men and six women (median age: 67 [42–81]). Unresectability was related to a low Karnofski index (n = 2), peritoneal carcinomatosis (n = 4), vascular involvement (n = 3), invasion of the hepatoduodenal ligament (n = 2) and an under‐sized liver remnant (n = 3). Biliary stenting was efficient (≥ 50% total bilirubin) in 78.5% of cases. Eight patients developed cholangitis. The mean number of photodynamic therapy procedures was two (1–4). Six (43%) patients needed ≥ 2 procedures. No severe toxicity was noted. Photodynamic therapy improved the Karnofski index in 64% of cases. Six (42.8%) patients received concomitant chemotherapy (gemcitabine). The median survival time was 13.8 [0.7–29.2] months. The 3‐, 6‐ and 12‐month survival rates were 85%, 77% and 77%, respectively.Conclusion:  These results confirm the beneficial effect of biliary drainage, photodynamic therapy and chemotherapy for unresectable cholangiocarcinoma in selected patients with jaundice.
Effect of miRNA‐10b in regulating cellular steatosis level by targeting PPAR‐α expression, a novel mechanism for the pathogenesis of NAFLD
Authors: Zheng Lin , Lv Guo‐cai , Sheng Jifang , Yang Yi‐da 
Published: September 2009

AbstractBackground and Aim: Accumulating evidence supports the effects of miRNA in lipid metabolism, providing a potential linkage between certain miRNA and non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). We aimed to investigate the miRNA expression pattern in a steatotic L02 cell model and explore the function of certain miRNA target pairs.Methods: The cell model was established by culturing L02 cells with a high concentration of free fatty acid. Micro‐array and stem‐loop reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT–PCR) were utilized to detect dysregulated miRNA, whereas computational algorithms were used for target prediction. Real time RT–PCR, Western blot, luciferase activity measurement, and other techniques were employed for target verification.Results: Seventeen upregulated and 15 downregulated miRNA were found in steatotic L02 cells, while miRNA‐10b was proven to regulate the steatosis level. Peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐α (PPAR‐α) was also found to participate in steatosis, as its protein level was decreased in steatotic L02 cells and its overexpression by transfection into the PPAR‐α–pcDNA 3.1 vector could partially alleviate steatosis. We further found that PPAR‐α is the direct target of miRNA‐10b as it showed significantly changed protein expression, but a relatively unchanged mRNA level in steatotic L02 cells transfected with pre‐miRNA‐10b and anti‐miRNA‐10b. Moreover, the action of miRNA‐10b on PPAR‐α depends on the presence of a single miRNA‐10b binding site, as the activity of a luciferase reporter carrying the mutant PPAR‐α 3′‐untranslated region was not reduced by the expression of miRNA‐10b.Conclusion: The established miRNA profile of the steatotic L02 cell model and the novel effect of miRNA‐10b in regulating hepatocyte steatosis may provide a new explanation of the pathogenesis of NAFLD.
Stress‐coping strategies of patients with gender identity disorder
Authors: Matsumoto Yosuke , Sato Toshiki , Ohnishi Masaru , Kishimoto Yuki , Terada Seishi , Kuroda Shigetoshi 
Published: September 2009

Aims:  Previous research has not addressed gender differences in coping strategies among patients with gender identity disorder (GID). Nor has the relationship of coping strategies to other demographic characteristics ever been clarified in GID. In this study, we tried to clarify the relationship between stress‐coping strategies and demographic characteristics among patients with GID.Methods:  The coping strategies of 344 patients with GID [227 female‐to‐male (FTM) and 117 male‐to‐female (MTF)] were assessed using the Japanese version of the Ways of Coping Questionnaires, Lazarus Stress‐coping Inventory.Results:  Comparison of the stress‐coping inventory between MTF and FTM GID patients revealed that FTM GID patients were significantly more reliant on positive reappraisal strategies in stressful situations than MTF GID patients (P = 0.007).Conclusions:  The difference in the usage of positive reappraisal strategies between MTF and FTM type GID patients was not explained by other demographic characteristics, and we suppose that the gender difference in GID patients might influence the usage of positive reappraisal strategies. The ratio of FTM GID patients might be higher at our center because MTF GID patients can obtain vaginoplasty easily, whereas phalloplasty surgery for FTM GID patients is performed at only a few centers, including our clinic, in Japan. As a result, more FTM GID patients come to our clinic with a clear intention to undergo sexual rearrangement surgery, which might influence the gender difference in using positive reappraisal.
DOES TEACHER QUALITY AFFECT STUDENT PERFORMANCE? EVIDENCE FROM AN ITALIAN UNIVERSITY
Authors: De Paola Maria 
Published: September 2009

ABSTRACTIn this paper, we analyse whether the characteristics of university teaching staff matter with regard to students' performance and interest in the discipline. We use data on about 1000 students enrolled on the first‐level degree course in business and economics at a medium‐sized Italian university. Thanks to the random assignment of students to different teaching classes during their first year, we are able to analyse the effect that teachers with different characteristics, in terms of experience and research productivity, produce both on students' performance, measured in terms of the grades obtained at subsequent examinations, and on courses chosen. Our results suggest that teacher quality has statistically significant effects on students' grades in subsequent courses. These effects are also robust after controlling for unobserved individual characteristics. On the other hand, we find less clear evidence when relating teacher quality to student involvement with a subject. It emerges that research productivity does not produce a statistically significant effect on the probability of a student undertaking additional courses in a subject, while more experienced teachers have a negative impact. However, also this effect does not become statistically significant when we run separate regressions for different disciplines.
eNVyMyCar: A Multiplayer Car Racing Game for Teaching Computer Graphics
Authors: Ganovelli F. , Corsini M. 
Published: September 2009

Abstract The development of a computer game is widely used as a way of conveying concepts regarding Computer Science. There are several reasons for this: it stimulates creativity, it provides an immediate sense of achievement (when the code works), it typically covers all the aspects of an introductory course, and it is easy to find ideas just by looking around and finding stimulation from one's environment and from fellow students. In this paper we present eNVyMyCar, a framework for the collaborative/competitive development of a computer game, and report the experience of its use in two Computer Graphics courses held in 2007. We developed a multiplayer car racing game where the student's task is just to implement the rendering of the scene, while all the other aspects, communication and synchronization are implemented in the framework and are transparent to the developer. The innovative feature of our framework is that all on‐line users can see the views produced by their fellow students. This motivates students to improve their work by comparing it with other students and picking up ideas from them. It also gives students an opportunity to show off to their classmates.