bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identifying freshwater mussels (Unionoida) and parasitic glochidia larvae from host fish gills: a molecular key to the North and Central European species
Authors: Zieritz Alexandra , Gum Bernhard , Kuehn Ralph , Geist Juergen 
Published: March 2012

AbstractFreshwater mussels (order Unionoida) represent one of the most severely endangered groups of animals due to habitat destruction, introduction of nonnative species, and loss of host fishes, which their larvae (glochidia) are obligate parasites on. Conservation efforts such as habitat restoration or restocking of host populations are currently hampered by difficulties in unionoid species identification by morphological means. Here we present the first complete molecular identification key for all seven indigenous North and Central European unionoid species and the nonnative Sinanodonta woodiana, facilitating quick, low‐cost, and reliable identification of adult and larval specimens. Application of this restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLP) key resulted in 100% accurate assignment of 90 adult specimens from across the region by digestion of partial ITS‐1 (where ITS is internal transcribed spacer) polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products in two to four single digestions with five restriction endonucleases. In addition, we provide protocols for quick and reliable extraction and amplification of larval mussel DNA from complete host fish gill arches. Our results indicate that this new method can be applied on infection rates as low as three glochidia per gill arch and enables, for the first time, comprehensive, large‐scale assessments of the relative importance of different host species for given unionoid populations.
Variation of landfill leachate phytotoxicity due to landfill ageing
Authors: Kalčíková Gabriela , Zagorc‐Končan Jana , Zupančič Marija , Gotvajn Andreja Žgajnar 
Published: March 2012

AbstractBACKGROUND: Landfill leachate is a heavily polluted liquid with important environmental impact. It can be generated in a landfill for a long time. During each phase of a landfill life cycle, landfill leachate with specific composition is produced and its treatment has to be optimized accordingly. Phytoremediation offers many benefits compared with conventional treatment methods. However, leachate can have a negative impact on plants and thus it is essential to evaluate the potential risk of landfill leachate for plants employed in phytoremediation.RESULTS: Phytotoxicity and composition of two landfill leachates were studied. Phytotoxicity testing and physico‐chemical parameters showed that the leachate generated in the active part of the landfill was significantly polluted and more toxic to plants than the leachate generated in the closed part of the landfill, which did not cause any significant adverse effects on root growth of plants tested in soil. However, the highest toxic effect of both leachates has been observed in the first days of plant germination.CONCLUSION: Phytotoxic pollutants have probably been degraded in the closed part of the landfill and leachates from such landfills are not significantly toxic to plants. Therefore phytoremediation appeared to be an appropriate restoration and treatment method. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Wavelet analysis of near-field pressure fluctuations generated by a subsonic jet
Authors: Grizzi S. , Camussi R. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractAn experimental study of the pressure field generated by a subsonic, single stream, round jet is presented. The investigation is conducted in the near-field region at subsonic Mach numbers (up to 0.9) and Reynolds numbers $\mathit{Re}\gt 1{0}^{5} $. The main task of the present work is the analysis of the near-field acoustic pressure and the characterization of its spectral properties. To this aim, a novel post-processing technique based on the application of wavelet transforms is presented. The method accomplishes the separation of nearly Gaussian background fluctuations, interpreted as acoustic pressure, from intermittent pressure peaks induced by the hydrodynamic components. With respect to more standard approaches based on Fourier filtering, the new technique permits one to recover the whole frequency content of both the acoustic and the hydrodynamic contributions and to reconstruct them as independent signals in the time domain. The near-field acoustic pressure is characterized in terms of spectral content, sound pressure level and directivity. The effects of both the Mach number and the distance from the jet axis are analysed and the results are compared with published far-field observations and theoretical predictions. Simultaneous velocity/pressure measurements have been also performed using a hot-wire probe and a microphone pair in the near field. It is shown that the cross-correlation between the near-field acoustic pressure and the axial velocity is large (of the order of 0.2) in the potential core region whereas large velocity/hydrodynamic pressure correlations are located at the nozzle exit and downstream of the potential core.
Population genetic evidence that basidiospores play an important role in the disease cycle of rice‐infecting populations of Rhizoctonia solani AG‐1 IA in Iran
Authors: Padasht‐Dehkaei F. , Ceresini P. C. , Zala M. , Okhovvat S. M. , Nikkhah M. J. , McDonald B. A. 
Published: March 2012

The fungus Rhizoctonia solani AG‐1 IA causes sheath blight, one of the most important rice diseases worldwide. The first objective of this study was to analyse the genetic structure of R. solani AG‐1 IA populations from three locations in the Iranian Caspian Sea rice agroecosystem. Three population samples of R. solani AG‐1 IA isolates were obtained in 2006 from infected rice fields separated by 126–263 km. Each field was sampled twice during the season: at the early booting stage and 45 days later at the early mature grain stage. The genetic structure of these three populations was analysed using nine microsatellite loci. While the population genetic structure from Tonekabon and Amol indicated high gene flow, they were both differentiated from Rasht. The high gene flow between Tonekabon and Amol was probably due mainly to human‐mediated movement of infested seeds. The second objective was to determine the importance of recombination. All three populations exhibited a mixed reproductive mode, including both sexual and asexual reproduction. No inbreeding was detected, suggesting that the pathogen is random mating. The third objective was to determine if genetic structure within a field changes over the course of a growing season. A decrease in the proportion of admixed genotypes from the early to the late season was detected. There was also a significant (P = 0·002) increase in the proportion of loci under Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium. These two lines of evidence support the hypothesis that basidiospores can be a source of secondary inoculum.
Development of an instrument to determine competencies of postgraduate ICU nurses in Cyprus
Authors: Hadjibalassi Maria , Papastavrou Evridiki , Lambrinou Ekaterini , Tsangari Haritini , Athini Evdokia , Georgiou Evanthia , Nicolaou Elisavet , Merkouris Anastasios 
Published: March 2012

Aims and objectives: The study sought to explore the expected competencies for postgraduate intensive care unit nurses aiming to develop a future competency‐based curriculum. The aim of this part of the study is to develop a new instrument to determine what competencies are expected of postgraduate critical care nurses.Background: Despite existing competency frameworks that emerged from research in the area of critical care, globally and within countries there is diversity and an ongoing debate regarding level of critical care education, outcomes and competencies acquired.Design and methods: A combination of qualitative and quantitative approach was used. In first stage (qualitative), focus groups and interviews were used aiming to explore critical care nurses views concerning expected competencies of postgraduate critical care nurses. In second stage (quantitative), an 81 items Likert scale questionnaire, which was designed based on qualitative data and literature, was distributed among critical care nurses in Cyprus (n: 234, response rate 66%) aiming to receive feedback from clinical nurses and validate the instrument. Psychometric approaches such as internal consistency reliability using Cronbach's α and construct validity were used to validate the instrument.Results: The final questionnaire includes 72 items and has a four‐dimensional structure. The four dimensions are (1) leadership/management and professional development, (2) decision‐making and management of emergencies, (3) provision of care and professional practice and (4) ethical practice. All factors were highly reliable, with Cronbach's α ranging from 0·895 to 0·974.Conclusions: A new instrument to determine what competencies are expected of postgraduate critical care nurses was generated from this study. A new framework of competencies is grounded on this study that addresses the holistic, individualized and ethically informed quality care of critically ill and may inform educational strategies.Relevance to clinical practice: Critical care nurses competencies need to be determined for quality care and speciality development.
The Clinical Pharmacokinetics of Lu AA21004 and its Major Metabolite in Healthy Young Volunteers
Authors: Areberg Johan , Søgaard Birgitte , Højer Astrid‐Maria 
Published: March 2012

AbstractLu AA21004 is a novel multimodal antidepressant that is currently in phase 3 development. The objective of this report was to detail the clinical pharmacokinetics of Lu AA21004 and its major but inactive metabolite Lu AA34443 (3‐methyl‐4‐(2‐piperazine‐1‐yl‐phenylsulfanyl)‐benzoic acid) in healthy men and women aged between 18 and 53 years. Data from two single‐dose and one multiple‐dose study were combined; the total number of volunteers was 97 (64 men, 33 women). Blood and urine samples were collected after p.o. and i.v. administrations to determine the content of Lu AA21004 and Lu AA34443 performed with a validated method. Standard pharmacokinetic parameters were estimated with non‐compartmental analysis. The absolute bioavailability was 75%. After oral administration, Lu AA21004 showed an extended absorption phase, a medium clearance and a large volume of distribution resulting in late tmax values and a mean elimination half‐life of 57 hr. The exposure of Lu AA21004 showed a linear relationship with dose in the dose ranges studied (up to 75‐mg single dosing and 60‐mg multiple dosing). After weight correction, no differences in exposure for Lu AA21004 and Lu AA34443 were observed between men and women. The renal clearance of Lu AA21004 was negligible. The major metabolite Lu AA34443 had a half‐life similar to that of Lu AA21004 but a lower accumulation ratio at steady‐state, indicating formation‐rate‐limited elimination. In conclusion, Lu AA21004 showed an extended absorption phase, a medium clearance and a large volume of distribution.
Comparing the needs of families of children dying from malignant and non-malignant disease: an in-depth qualitative study
Authors: Price Jayne , Jordan Joanne , Prior Lindsay , Parkes Jackie 
Published: March 2012

ObjectiveTo examine the experiences of bereaved parents concerning the care provided to children who died from cancer compared to those who died from a non-malignant condition.DesignAn in-depth qualitative study with bereaved parents of children who died as a result of a life-limiting diagnosis, recruited through two regional centres.ResultsAlthough parents' accounts displayed commonalities, key differences were discernible. Typically, parents of children with cancer considered care at the end of life as well resourced and responsive to their and their child's needs. In contrast, parents of children with non-malignant conditions reported under-resourced and inadequately responsive services. Although both groups of parents called extensively on military metaphors such as ‘battle’, ‘fight’ and ‘struggle’, the focus of their respective energies was different. In the one case the adversary was disease and illness; in the other it was service providers and service provision.ConclusionsCommunity-based services for children and young people with cancer at the end of life were perceived by parents as responsive to parent and child needs. Conversely, community services for children and young people with non-malignant conditions were experienced as ad hoc and under-resourced. Community services for children with non-malignant conditions may require further development if they are to meet the levels of support offered to parents of children with cancer. If improvement is to be achieved, the need to raise awareness regarding hospice services, hospice referral and eligibility criteria across the entire gamut of service providers is essential.
Supporting family caregivers of hospitalised palliative care patients: a psychoeducational group intervention
Authors: Hudson Peter L , Trauer Thomas , Lobb Elizabeth , Zordan Rachel , Williams Anne , Quinn Karen , Summers Michael , Thomas Kristina 
Published: March 2012

BackgroundMany family caregivers of palliative care patients experience poor health and have other unmet needs, requiring health professionals' support. However, there are few evidence-based supportive interventions to address these issues.PurposeThe purpose of this project was to undertake preliminary testing of a psychoeducational group education programme, delivered in an in-patient setting, designed to prepare family caregivers for the role of supporting a relative currently receiving hospital-based palliative care.MethodsA pilot phase was conducted to develop the intervention and explore its utility. Thereafter the single session intervention was delivered in five palliative care units in three states of Australia and its effectiveness was examined using a pre–post design. Outcome variables included caregiver preparedness, competence and unmet needs. Psychological wellbeing was measured in order to determine if there were any deleterious psychological outcomes.ResultsOne hundred and twenty-six participants completed Time 1 data and 107 (84.9%) completed Time 2 data (post-intervention). There were statistically significant improvements in caregivers' sense of preparedness (p=<.001; effect size (ES) 0.43) and a significant reduction in unmet caregiver needs (p=014; ES 0.22). There was no significant effect on psychological wellbeing and the improvement on competence fell short of statistical significance.ConclusionsThis study reinforces the notion that psychoeducational interventions for this population can potentially be applicable, acceptable and effective. However, the number of participants who were recruited and attended each session was fewer than anticipated, resulting in methodological implications. It is recommended that the intervention undergo further empirical inquiry, such as via a controlled trial.
Efficacy of an incident-reporting system in cellular pathology: a practical experience
Authors: Rakha Emad A , Clark David , Chohan Brinder Singh , El-Sayed Maysa , Sen Soumadri , Bakowski Liz , O'Connor Simon 
Published: March 2012

Background and aimsIncident reporting (IR) refers to systematic documentation of adverse incidents to facilitate their appropriate investigation and institution of corrective or remedial actions, and provide data to identify risk trends for recurrent problems. Minimisation of errors and reduction in process variation is recognised as an important goal of quality management and is an essential part of continuous quality improvement. Published data on the role IR plays in cellular pathology remains scanty.MethodsIn this study, the authors collected and analysed all incidents and adverse events reported in their department over a 2-year period.Results584 incidents were reported (0.5% of all cases processed). The majority (59%) occurred in the pre-analytical phase of the laboratory process with 23% in the analytical and 18% in the post-analytical phases. Booking-in and specimen labelling-related incidents were the largest single group (56% of all incidents), prompting further root cause analysis, but no other obvious patterns or trends were identified, and most incidents were followed by corrective actions on an individual basis. Most incidents (79%) posed potential harm, as opposed to causing actual harm to the service or patients. Only 78 cases (14%) posed a major risk to patients, such as specimen loss or mix-up, whereas 27% were associated with moderate risk and 59% with minor or insignificant risk.ConclusionMajor risk incidents are relatively rare in the cellular pathology laboratory. IR should be included as an important component of a risk management strategy and clinical governance framework.
The persistence of irregular treatment of hypertension in the former Soviet Union
Authors: Roberts Bayard , Stickley Andrew , Balabanova Dina , Haerpfer Christian , McKee Martin 
Published: March 2012

BackgroundHypertension is one of the leading causes of avoidable mortality in the former Soviet Union (fSU). In previous work, the authors described patterns of irregular hypertension treatment in eight countries of the fSU in 2001. This paper presents new data on changes in the use of hypertension treatment in the same countries.MethodsUsing household survey data from 18 420 (2001) and 17 914 (2010) respondents from Armenia, Azerbaijan (2010 only), Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Russia and Ukraine, the authors describe changes in rates of irregular treatment use (less than daily) between 2001 and 2010. Multivariate logistic regression was also used to analyse the characteristics associated with irregular treatment.ResultsIrregular treatment was extremely high at 74% in 2001 and only fell to 68% in 2010 (all countries combined). Irregular treatment remained particularly high in 2010 in Armenia (79%), Kazakhstan (73%) and Moldova (73%). Recurring characteristics associated with irregular treatment included gender (men), younger age, higher fitness levels, and consuming alcohol and tobacco.ConclusionsIrregular hypertension treatment continues to be a major problem in the countries of the fSU and requires an urgent response.
Case study of copper poisoning in a British dairy herd
Authors: Bidewell C. A. , Drew J. R. , Payne J. H. , Sayers A. R. , Higgins R. J. , Livesey C. T. 
Published: March 2012

Following the initial diagnosis of chronic copper poisoning (CCP), the copper (Cu) status of a British dairy herd was investigated. Eight fatal cases of CCP were identified over a 17‐month period, from December 1999 to May 2001, involving seven Jersey cows and one Holstein‐Friesian; seven cows were dry when CCP occurred. Case diagnostic criteria were necrotising hepatopathy associated with abnormally high liver and kidney Cu concentrations. Analysis of the ration for the high‐yielding Jersey cow group revealed about 50 mg Cu/kg dry matter intake (DMI). Risk factors predisposing to fatal CCP were Jersey breed, previous high yield, first two weeks of the dry period and moderately high dietary Cu (greater than 40 mg Cu/kg DMI).
Description of Bursaphelenchus arthuroides sp. n. (Nematoda: Aphelenchoididae), a second parthenogenetic species of Bursaphelenchus Fuchs, 1937
Authors: Gu Jianfeng , Wang Jiangling , Zheng Jingwu 
Published: March 2012

Bursaphelenchus arthuroides sp. n. is described and figured from pine packaging wood originating in Brazil, and inspected in Ningbo harbour, P. R. China. The new species clearly belongs to the fungivorus group. It is characterised by four lines in the lateral field; spicules medium sized (15-17 μm), dorsal part distinctly sclerotised, with a high rounded condylus and a blunted pointed rostrum in the middle position, capitulum with a shallow depression, the posterior third of the dorsal limb ventrally bent, distal end broadly rounded without cucullus; the shape of the female tail conical and slim, posterior third distinctly ventrally bent with a finely pointed terminus; vulval lips slightly protruding but not forming a vulval flap and post-uterine sac extending for about half the vulva-anus distance. Species status is supported by ITS-RFLP patterns and molecular phylogenetic analysis based on partial LSU sequences, ITS1/2 and partial LSU sequences, which revealed that B. arthuroides sp. n. is closest to B. arthuri. Propagation tests also confirmed that the new species is parthenogenetic.
Nonlethal ectoparasitism of the mycophagous nematode Filenchus discrepans (Nematoda: Tylenchidae)
Authors: Sawahata Takuo , Nakamura Hitoshi , Okada Hiroaki , Sasaki Atsuko , Kanematsu Satoko 
Published: March 2012

Filenchus discrepans ingested hyphal contents of Botrytis cinerea without killing the hyphal cells that they fed on. Individuals of this nematode penetrated B. cinerea hyphae with their stylets, after which intense pulsation of the median bulb and dorsal gland duct followed (indicating salivation). In addition, light pumping of the median bulb (indicating food ingestion) was also observed. Fungal cells continued to show cytoplasmic streaming while the nematode ingested hyphal contents. Moreover, actively growing tips of the hyphae usually continued their growth during and after cytoplasm ingestion by the nematode. In less active, older hyphae the penetrated tip cells stopped growing during nematode feeding. However, the majority of the tip cells resumed growth after feeding by the nematode. The hyphal tips often exhibited an abnormal shape during nematode feeding and gradually regained normal shape and growth afterwards. The growth rate of hyphal tip cells decreased to less than 10% compared with the growth of intact hyphal tip cells during attack by F. discrepans, which often fed on a hyphal cell for up to 3 h. Filenchus discrepans propagated well in B. cinerea cultures and their population growth rate ranged between six- and 11-fold 1 month after incubation. This is the first report of nonlethal ectoparasitism by a mycophagous nematode, showing that the nematode does not kill fungal cells during and after feeding.
Global Modernity and Temporal Multiplicity
Authors: Lee Raymond L.M. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractGlobal modernity is not only shrinking the world in terms of communication, trade, travel and many forms of social exchange but also implanting the idea that only the present matters. This logic of ‘presentism’ is infused with a growing sense of sameness precipitated by the rapidity of transnational commercialism and the seductive pull of neo-liberal ideologies. In a context marked by a hypermodern inflation of wants and commodities, the notion of globality cannot do without a perspective that emphasizes the spatialization of time where distance becomes almost superfluous. Yet the shrinking of the world is not exclusively space-centered since concurrent exposure to myriad cultures and their histories is producing an alternate sensitivity to time-centered meanings of modernity. By historicizing change, temporal geographies emerge in the form of multiple modernities that makes problematic the idea of spatio-temporal uniformity in a globalized world. Instead, crosscurrents of global interconnectivity are producing varying patterns of spatial and temporal perception to suggest a new sense of co-evalness or an interplay of diachronic, synchronic and desynchronized actions.