bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Independent effects of habitat loss, habitat fragmentation and structural connectivity on the distribution of two arboreal rodents
Authors: Mortelliti Alessio , Amori Giovanni , Capizzi Dario , Cervone Cristina , Fagiani Stefano , Pollini Barbara , Boitani Luigi 
Published: November 2010

Summary1. Habitat loss must be distinguished from habitat fragmentation so that appropriate conservation management can be applied. Few studies have evaluated the independent effects of habitat loss and habitat fragmentation on the distribution of vertebrates, and none has evaluated the independent effect of changes in structural connectivity. We carried out a landscape‐scale experiment to assess the independent contribution of these three processes and to examine what landscape scale factors affect the distribution of two forest‐dependent arboreal rodents: the hazel dormouse Muscardinus avellanarius and the red squirrel Sciurus vulgaris.2. Habitat loss, rather than habitat fragmentation per se, was the major driver of distribution patterns for both species. As predicted, structural connectivity (hedgerow networks) played an important role in determining the distribution of the hazel dormouse, but not of the red squirrel.3. Our models predict that long lengths of hedgerows (>30 km) are unlikely to increase the probability of occurrence of hazel dormouse in landscapes where there are low levels of forest cover (<5%–10%).4. Synthesis and applications. Our empirical findings indicate that structural connectivity and habitat loss may have additive effects on vertebrate distribution. For the hazel dormouse, improving structural connectivity will be ineffective if the amount of forest cover in the landscape is less than 5–10%. The key message from this study is that resources should not be invested in landscape linkages until their efficacy for the given level of suitable habitat has been assessed.
Professionals and the public: power or partnership in health research?
Authors: Robinson Lisa , Newton Julia , Dawson Pam 
Published: November 2010

AbstractRationale, aims and objectives Involving members of the public in health research is said to produce higher quality research of greater clinical relevance. However, many of the anecdotal accounts of public involvement published in the academic literature to date have focused on the process of recruiting and involving members of the public and the effect of participation on these individuals rather than on how public involvement influenced the research process or outcomes. To strengthen the evidence base, there is clearly a need for more formal methods of capturing and documenting the impact of public involvement in health research.Methods In the first half of this paper, we discuss the importance of public involvement in health research and critically review the literature to identify current barriers to its successful implementation. In the second half, we present a conceptual model for evaluating and reporting the impact of public involvement in health research. Developed from our examination of the academic literature, we provide empirical support for the model by applying it to our recent experience of conducting a clinically based falls prevention study with members of the public.Results The conceptual model presented in this paper proposes key concepts and terminology that promote consistency when evaluating and reporting the impact of public involvement in health research. Reflecting on the experiential learning process, we demonstrate how the model promotes conceptual clarity whilst permitting the degree of flexibility required when working in a diverse culture such as the National Health Service.Conclusion If more evidence can be provided that public involvement enhances research processes and outcomes, researchers may be less inclined to treat this initiative as something they have to do in order to satisfy funding agencies and regulatory bodies and actively embrace this phenomenon, producing accounts of successful public involvement that transcend current barriers to its successful implementation.
Managing peripheral venous catheters: an investigation on the efficacy of a strategy for the implementation of evidence‐based guidelines
Authors: Frigerio Simona , Di Giulio Paola , Gregori Dario , Gavetti Dario , Ballali Simonetta , Bagnato Silvia , Guidi Gabriella , Foltran Francesca , Renga Giovanni 
Published: November 2010

AbstractRationale, aims and objectives  Until now, the evaluation of the effectiveness of guideline implementation in nursing and allied health professions has received relatively little attention. The aims of this study were (i) to describe the development process of guidelines concerning the management of peripheral venous catheters (PVCs) implemented in an Italian hospital; and (ii) to evaluate the effectiveness of guideline dissemination in terms of both clinical outcomes (signs of infection) and process outcomes (measures of appropriateness of PVC management).Methods  An observational study was conducted before and after the adoption of a new protocol in the CTO‐CRF‐Maria Adelaide Hospital. Data from 306 PVCs (153 before and 153 after) were collected. For each PVC, a wide range of outcome measures was collected, including: data on fixation system type of dressing; visibility of the insertion site; registration of the insertion date; duration of catheter insertion; presence of connectors, taps and needles; and signs of infection. The effect of guideline implementation was evaluated using a logistic regression model to adjust for the confounding variable represented by the nurses' average years of working experience.Results  The risk of using inappropriate dressing was significantly reduced [odds ratio (OR) 0.43; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.27–0.70], while the use of transparent dressing increased (OR 2.39; 95% CI 1.46–3.89).Conclusion  Our study shows significant improvement in practices relevant to the correct management of PVCs 2 months after guideline implementation. A second survey (after a minimum of 6 months) is necessary to assess persistence of improvement in clinical practices.
GP group profiles and involvement in mental health care
Authors: Fleury Marie‐Josée , Bamvita Jean‐Marie , Farand Lambert , Aubé Denise , Fournier Louise , Lesage Alain 
Published: November 2010

AbstractRationale and objectives  Mental health is one of the leading causes of morbidity worldwide. Its impact in terms of cost and loss of productivity is considerable. Improving the efficiency of mental health care system has thus been a high priority for decision makers. In the context of current reforms that privilege the reinforcement of primary mental health care and integration of services, this article brings new lights on the role of general practitioners (GPs) in managing mental health, and shared‐care initiatives developed to deal with more complex cases. The study presents a typology of GPs providing mental health care, by identifying clusters of GP profiles associated with the management of patients with common or serious mental disorders (CMD or SMD).Methods  GPs in Quebec (n = 398) were surveyed on their practice, and socio‐demographic data were collected.Results  Cluster analysis generated five GP profiles, including three that were closely tied to mental health care (labelled, respectively: group practice GPs, traditional pro‐active GPs and collaborative‐minded GPs), and two not very implicated in mental health (named: diversified and low‐implicated GPs, and money‐making GPs).Conclusion  The study confirmed the central role played by GPs in the treatment of patients with CMD and their relative lack of involvement in the care of patients with SMD. Study results support current efforts to strengthen collaboration among primary care providers and mental health specialists, reinforce GP training, and favour multi‐modal clinical and collaborative strategies in mental health care.
Measuring the range of services clinicians are responsible for in ambulatory practice
Authors: Semel Marcus E. , Bader Angela M. , Marston Amy , Lipsitz Stuart R. , Marshall Richard E. , Gawande Atul A. 
Published: November 2010

AbstractRationale, aims and objectives  At present, the range of services delivered in a health system is not known. Currently there are no accepted methods for defining the scope of ambulatory care. Therefore we used data from the electronic medical record and billing system of a large non‐profit multi‐specialty group practice to measure the number of different diagnoses that clinicians managed as well as the number of different medications, laboratory tests, imaging studies, referrals and procedures ordered.Methods  All patient encounters and clinicians in the group practice in 2008 were eligible for inclusion in the analysis. Data were analysed cumulatively for the practice and by specialty. Quantile regression models were used to adjust for differences in full‐time equivalents (FTE) among physicians at the practice.Results  In one year for this practice, with 324 229 patients who made 3 193 917 office visits to 578 physicians and 248 other clinicians, patients presented with 5638 primary and 6411 secondary diagnoses. Overall, patient management resulted in unique orders for 9481 medications, 1182 laboratory tests, 613 referrals, 284 imaging studies and 1701 procedures. After adjusting for FTE, physicians managed a median of 249 primary diagnoses and 347 secondary diagnoses. They ordered a median of 278 medications, 128 laboratory tests, 51 referrals, 29 imaging studies and 39 procedures.Conclusion  Physicians routinely manage a substantial variety of diagnoses, medications, and other tests and procedures. Quality improvement and health services researchers have generally focused on individual services but also must consider the wide variety and range of services delivered.
Hepatocellular carcinoma: diagnostics and screening
Authors: Patel Madhvi , Shariff Mohamed I.F. , Ladep Nimzing G. , Thillainayagam Andrew V. , Thomas Howard C. , Khan Shahid A. , Taylor‐Robinson Simon D. 
Published: November 2010

AbstractHepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the commonest primary hepatic malignancy and the third most common cause of cancer‐related death worldwide. Incidence remains highest in the developing world and is steadily increasing across the developed world. The majority of HCC occurs on a background of cirrhosis, principally caused by two major risk factors, chronic hepatitis B and hepatitis C infection. Current diagnostic modalities, of ultrasound and α‐fetoprotein, are expensive and lack sensitivity in tumour detection. Early diagnosis is integral to improved survival rates and there have been recent advances in technology that have enabled early identification of the process of hepatocarcinogenesis. This review outlines the epidemiological trends and risk factors for HCC; diagnostic techniques and current guidelines for screening and surveillance; and newer methods of screening.
Neuropathological changes correlate temporally but not spatially with selected neuromodulatory responses in natural scrapie
Authors: Sisó S. , González L. , Blanco R. , Chianini F. , Reid H. W. , Jeffrey M. , Ferrer I. 
Published: November 2010

S. Sisó, L. González, R. Blanco, F. Chianini, H. W. Reid, M. Jeffrey and I. Ferrer (2011) Neuropathology and Applied Neurobiology37, 484–499 Neuropathological changes correlate temporally but not spatially with selected neuromodulatory responses in natural scrapie Aim: Neuropathological changes classically associated with sheep scrapie do not always correlate with clinical disease. We aimed to determine if selected neuromodulatory responses were altered during the course of the infection as it has been described in Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease and experimental bovine spongiform encephalopathy. Methods: Hemi‐brains from healthy sheep and natural scrapie cases at two stages of infection were examined for biochemical alterations related to the expression of type I metabotropic glutamatergic receptors (mGluR1) and type I adenosine receptors I (A1R), and of selected downstream intermediate signalling targets. Immunohistochemistry for different scrapie‐related neuropathological changes was performed in the contralateral hemi‐brains. Results: PrPd deposition, spongiform change, astrocytosis and parvalbumin expression were significantly altered in brains from clinically affected sheep compared with preclinical cases and negative controls; the latter also showed significantly higher immunoreactivity for synaptophysin than clinical cases. Between clinically affected and healthy sheep, no differences were found in the protein levels of mGluR1, while phospholipase Cβ1 expression in terminally ill sheep was increased in some brain areas but decreased in others. Adenyl cyclase 1 and A1R levels were significantly lower in various brain areas of affected sheep. No abnormal biochemical expression levels of these markers were found in preclinically infected sheep. Conclusions: These findings point towards an involvement of mGluR1 and A1R downstream pathways in natural scrapie. While classical prion disease lesions and neuromodulatory responses converge in some affected regions, they do not do so in others suggesting that there are independent regulatory factors for distinct degenerative and neuroprotective responses.
Weed seed predation in a phenologically late crop
Authors: WESTERMAN P R , LUIJENDIJK C D , WEVERS J D A , VAN DER WERF W 
Published: November 2010

Westerman PR, Luijendijk CD, Wevers JDA & Van DerWerf W (2011). Weed seed predation in a phenologically late crop. Weed Research51, 157–164.SummarySeed predation of weed seeds in crops depends on the seasonal overlap between seed availability and the activity period of the predators. Published data show that the activity period of seed predators is directly related to canopy cover. In phenologically early crops, such as cereals, maturation of leaves results in a decreasing cover prior to weed seed shed, resulting in lower seed losses than maximally possible. We hypothesised that there would be better temporal overlap in sugar beet, a phenologically late crop. The pattern of predation of Chenopodium album L. seeds was consistent over fields and years, low in July and August and gradually increasing until harvest in September/November. The patterns of seed production and shed, measured using seed traps, differed among weed species. The proportion of annual seed losses by predators calculated from these measurements ranged from 0.26 to 0.83, depending on the duration of seed exposure on the soil surface. As expected, sugar beet had better temporal overlap between predator activity and weed seed production, which may cause higher seed losses than previously reported for any other annual crop.
The Effect of Time of Insemination With Fresh Cooled Transported Semen and Natural Mating Relative to Ovulation on Pregnancy and Embryo Loss Rates in the Mare
Authors: Newcombe JR , Cuervo‐Arango J 
Published: November 2010

ContentsOne hundred and fifty‐four mares were inseminated with fresh semen either during the pre‐ or post‐ovulatory periods at different intervals relative to ovulation: 36–24 h (n = 17) and 24–0 h (n = 30) before ovulation; 0–8 h (n = 21), 8–16 h (n = 24), 16–24 h (n = 48) and 24–32 h (n = 14) h after ovulation. All mares received the same routine post‐mating treatment consisting of an intrauterine infusion with 1 litre of saline and antibiotics followed 8 h later by an intravenous administration of oxytocin. Artificial inseminations (AI) from 36 h before ovulation up to 16 h post‐ovulation were performed with transported cooled semen. While there was no data available for inseminations later than 16 h, data from natural mating after 16 h post‐ovulation were included. Pregnancy rate (PR) of mares inseminated 36–24 h (29.4%) was significantly lower (p < 0.05) than mares inseminated 24–0 h before ovulation (60%), 0–8 h (66.7%) and 8–16 h (70.1%) post‐ovulation. Embryo loss rate (ELR) was highest in mares mated 24–32 h after ovulation (75%). PR of mares mated 16–24 h post‐ovulation (54.1%) did not differ significantly from any other group (p > 0.05); however, the ELR did increased markedly (34.6%) compared with inseminations before 16 h post‐ovulation (<12%). At ≥30 days post‐ovulation, PR of mares mated 16–24 h after ovulation (35.4%) was significantly lower than mares mated 0–16 h after ovulation (62%). Good PR with acceptable ELR can result from inseminations within 16 h of ovulation, at least with this specific post‐mating routine treatment.
Is Gippsland environmentally iodine deficient? Water iodine concentrations in the Gippsland region of Victoria, Australia
Authors: Rahman Ashequr , Deacon Nicholas , Panther Barbara , Chesters Janice , Savige Gayle 
Published: November 2010

AbstractObjective:  This paper provides evidence of environmental iodine deficiency in the Gippsland region. Design:  Quantitative study; water samples were collected from 18 water treatment plants and four rain water tanks across Gippsland and water iodine concentrations were measured. Setting:  Gippsland region of Victoria, Australia. Main outcome measures:  This paper reports on the iodine concentration of drinking water from sources across Gippsland and examines the contribution of iodine from water to the Gippsland diet. This study also briefly examines the relationship between the concentration of iodine in water and distance from the sea. The cut‐off value for water iodine concentrations considered to be indicative of environmental iodine deficiency is <2 µg L−1. Results:  The mean iodine concentration of water from 18 Gippsland water treatment plants was 0.38 µg L−1 and would therefore make negligible difference to the dietary intake of iodine. This finding also falls well below the suggested dietary intake of iodine from water estimated by the 22nd Australian Total Diet Study. Our study found no linear relationship between the water iodine concentration and distance from the sea. Conclusion:  As Gippsland has environmental iodine deficiency there is a greater probability that people living in this region are at higher risk of dietary iodine deficiency than those living in environmentally iodine sufficient regions. Populations living in areas known to have environmental iodine deficiency should be monitored regularly to ensure that problems of iodine deficiency, especially amongst the most vulnerable, are addressed promptly.
Levels of occupational stress in the remote area nursing workforce
Authors: Opie Tessa , Dollard Maureen , Lenthall Sue , Wakerman John , Dunn Sandra , Knight Sabina , MacLeod Martha 
Published: November 2010

AbstractObjective:  To identify key workplace demands and resources for nurses working in very remote Australia and measure levels of occupational stress in this population. Methods:  The study used a cross‐sectional design, utilising a structured questionnaire. Setting:  Health centres in very remote Australia. Results:  Nurses working in very remote Australia experience significantly higher levels of psychological distress and emotional exhaustion, compared with other professional populations. Paradoxically, results also highlight higher than average levels of work engagement. Nurses working in very remote regions in Australia further report moderate levels of job satisfaction. Most significant job demands identified were emotional demands, staffing issues, workload, responsibilities and expectations, and social issues. Key job resources included supervision, opportunities for professional development, and skill development and application. Conclusion:  In a context of high stress, high levels of work engagement and moderate levels of job satisfaction do not obviate high workforce turnover for this population. There is a need to reduce job demands and increase job resources in order to foster long‐term work engagement and reduced emotional exhaustion. This might subsequently decrease remote area nursing workforce turnover.
The prevalence of pulmonary fibrosis combined with emphysema in patients with lung cancer
Authors: USUI Kazuhiro , TANAI Chiharu , TANAKA Yoshiaki , NODA Hiromichi , ISHIHARA Teruo 
Published: November 2010

ABSTRACTBackground and objective:  Combined pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema (CPFE) is a unique disorder of the upper lobe, whereas emphysema is usually associated with lower lobe fibrosis. Although CPFE might increase the risk of lung cancer, the prevalence of CPFE in patients with lung cancer and the incidence of lung cancer in patients with CPFE are unknown. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of CPFE in lung cancer patients and to assess the clinical features of these patients.Methods:  A total of 1143 patients with lung cancer were reviewed. Based on HRCT performed at diagnosis of lung cancer, patients were categorized into four groups: normal, emphysema, fibrosis and CPFE. The clinical characteristics of patients with CPFE were compared with those of the other groups.Results:  CPFE, emphysema and fibrosis were identified in 101 (8.9%), 404 (35.3%) and 15 (1.3%) patients with lung cancer, respectively. The median overall survival of CPFE patients (n = 101, 10.8 months) was significantly less than that of normal patients (n = 623, 53.0 months) or that of patients with emphysema alone (n = 404, 21.9 months). Acute lung injury occurred in 20 (19.8%) patients with CPFE.Conclusions:  CPFE is more prevalent than fibrosis in patients with lung cancer, and patients with CPFE had a poorer prognosis in the present study. Further investigation is therefore necessary to elucidate whether CPFE is an independent risk factor for lung cancer.
Estimating the Value of Undergrounding Electricity and Telecommunications Networks
Authors: McNair Ben , Abelson Peter 
Published: November 2010

Abstract Underground low‐voltage electricity and telecommunications networks have a number of advantages over overhead networks, including reliability of supply, safety and improved visual amenity. This article investigates the value of these benefits to households by estimating the relationship between house prices and type of network service in three suburbs in Canberra, Australia. Holding other house and neighbourhood characteristics constant, we find that underground networks increase house prices by 2.9 per cent. Although the electricity network in Canberra has some unusual features, this approach can provide valuable information to policy‐makers considering undergrounding programs in residential areas.
Expanding Prosperity by Becoming an Eco‐Municipality
Authors: SILBERSTEIN JANE 
Published: November 2010

ABSTRACTMuch of rural America has unique qualities that, when guided by the Eco‐Municipality model, can strengthen local community and assist in the movement toward sustainability. The Eco‐Municipality model, originating in Sweden and guided by ecological and social justice values and The Natural Step, is sweeping across the United States and has been adopted by many communities, ranging in size from 300 to 80,000. These communities have better positioned themselves for long‐term, economic, social and environmental well‐being by, for example, retaining sense of place, capitalizing on existing assets, diversifying the local economy, minimizing economic leaks—in part by nurturing local entrepreneurs—making improvements to the local inventory of housing and access to health care, and most importantly, establishing a consistent systems approach to community development.