bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Applying a continua landscape approach to evaluate plant response to fragmentation: Primula vulgaris in the Cantabrian mountains
Authors: Valdés Alicia , García Daniel 
Published: July 2009

AbstractQuestion: Continua landscape approaches conceptualize the effects of habitat fragmentation on the biota by considering fragmented landscapes as continuous gradients, departing from the view of habitat as either suitable (fragment) or unsuitable (matrix). They also consider the ecological gradients or the ‘Umwelt’ (species‐specific perception of the landscape) to represent the processes that ultimately limit organisms' ability to colonize and persist within habitat remnants. Are these approaches suitable for evaluating the response of plant species to fragmentation?Location: Fragmented mid‐elevation temperate forests, Cantabrian range, Spain.Methods: The presence, abundance and demographic structure of populations of the perennial herb Primula vulgaris were sampled across a continuous extent of 100 ha, subdivided into 400 50 m × 50 m sampling units. These variables were related to forest availability, forest subdivision and edge density, topography and the spatial clumpiness of populations (a measure of plant dispersal constraints and, hence, a major surrogate of plant Umwelt).Results: Fragmentation processes, especially habitat loss, negatively affect P. vulgaris, with a stronger effect on presence than on abundance and demography. Despite the importance of habitat availability, P. vulgaris does not occupy all potentially suitable forest habitat, mostly owing to dispersal constraints. A positive effect of slope on plant presence also suggests some effect of habitat quality in determining establishment and occupancy of forest landscape.Conclusions: Within‐habitat dispersal constraints are as important as forest fragmentation in determining the landscape‐scale distribution of P. vulgaris. By assessing the relative role of the diverse fragmentation processes, and of the species' landscape perception, a continua landscape approach proves to be a valuable tool for predicting plant response to landscape change.
Investigation of Gibbs sampling conditions to estimate variance components from Japanese Black carcass field data
Authors: ARAKAWA Aisaku , IWAISAKI Hiroaki , ANADA Katsuhito 
Published: July 2009

ABSTRACTThe genetic evaluation using the carcass field data in Japanese Black cattle has been carried out employing an animal model, implementing the restricted maximum likelihood (REML) estimation of additive genetic and residual variances. Because of rapidly increasing volumes of the official data sets and therefore larger memory spaces required, an alternative approach like the REML estimation could be useful. The purpose of this study was to investigate Gibbs sampling conditions for the single‐trait variance component estimation using the carcass field data. As prior distributions, uniform and normal distributions and independent scaled inverted chi‐square distributions were used for macro‐environmental effects, breeding values, and the variance components, respectively. Using the data sets of different sizes, the influences of Gibbs chain length and thinning interval were investigated, after the burn‐in period was determined using the coupling method. As would be expected, the chain lengths had obviously larger effects on the posterior means than those of thinning intervals. The posterior means calculated using every 10th sample from 90 000 of samples after 10 000 samples discarded as burn‐in period were all considered to be reasonably comparable to the corresponding estimates by REML.
Genetic diversity of growth hormone receptor gene in cattle
Authors: LIN Bang Zhong , SASAZAKI Shinji , LEE June Heon , MANNEN Hideyuki 
Published: July 2009

ABSTRACTGrowth hormone receptor (GHR) belongs to a member of the cytokine receptor superfamily. Polymorphism of presence or absence of an approximately 1.2 kbp LINE‐1 element is observed in bovine GHR gene. The present study was carried out for estimating the genetic diversity and the origin of the LINE‐1 element in 10 European, Southeastern Asian and East Asian cattle breeds or populations. Genotyping of the LINE‐1 revealed predominant LINE‐1 presence in European breeds (0.917∼0.991), absence in the Bos taurus indicus populations (0.000∼0.017), and intermediate presence in Northeast Asian cattle (0.417∼0.522). From genetic features of LINE families, LINE‐1 of GHR could be attributed to the same origin in both European and Asian cattle, and Asian LINE‐1 may not be derived from recent introgression. This result suggested that LINE‐1 in bovine GHR gene could have arisen in an ancestral population of Bos taurus taurus.
The Development and Pilot Testing of an Instrument to Measure Nurses’ Working Environment: The Nursing Context Index
Authors: Slater Paul , McCormack Brendan , Bunting Brendan 
Published: July 2009

ABSTRACT Background: Evidence shows that adopting a person‐centered approach to nursing alters the work environment, reduces anxiety levels among nurses in the long term, promotes teamwork among staff, and increases job satisfaction. However, few studies have attempted to quantify the outcomes from the adoption of person‐centered nursing. The lack of outcome measurement is in part influenced by the lack of a standardized instrument to measure person‐centered nursing. Aims: The aim of this study was to develop an instrument (the Nursing Context Index) to inform the development of person‐centered nursing and outcomes arising. Methods: The Nursing Context Index (NCI) was developed through three stages. Stage 1 involved a systematic literature review to identify the key characteristics that needed to be considered in the instrument. Stage 2 involved the identification and selection of items for inclusion in the instrument identified through focus group discussions. A 19‐construct instrument was developed. Face validity and content validity were gauged. In Stage 3, a pilot study (n = 23) was conducted to test the instrument. Measures of internal consistency were ensured using Cronbach's alpha. Criterion‐related validity of the instrument was ensured through comparison between factors contained in the instrument. Results: Findings show that the NCI is an accurate representation of the factors influenced by a clinical setting's progression to person‐centered nursing. The factors were deemed appropriate to the clinical settings, and possessed face and content validity. Initial statistical findings confirm the validity and usability of the NCI. Implications and Conclusions: The process used for the development and testing of the instrument was found to be effective. The NCI was deemed to be an effective measure of factors influenced by the implementation of person‐centered nursing and would help in redressing a scarcity of quantitative evidence to examine the benefits of nurses working in a person‐centered manner.
“Insufficient Evidence of Effectiveness” Is Not “Evidence of No Effectiveness:” Evaluating Computer‐Based Education for Patients with Severe Mental Illness
Authors: Stoltz Peter , Skärsäter Ingela , Willman Ania 
Published: July 2009

ABSTRACT Rationale: This article reports on commissioned research funded by the Swedish Council of Technology Assessment in Health Care (SBU) and the Swedish Nursing Society (SSF). The objective was to review computer‐based education programs. However, as the review produced insufficient evidence of effectiveness, the publication was withheld due to a previous incident where such evidence was misunderstood by Swedish policy and health care decision makers. Aims: This article highlights the concept of evidence with regard to the consequences of insufficient evidence of effectiveness being mistaken for evidence of no effectiveness. The aim is also to present a systematic review evaluating a computer‐based education program for patients suffering from severe mental illness. Methods: Systematic database searches in Medline, CINAHL, PsycINFO and the Cochrane Library identified a total of 131 potentially relevant references. Thereafter, 27 references were retrieved as full‐text documents, of which 5 were finally included and co‐reviewed by two independent researchers. Findings: The review found no decisive evidence of effectiveness regarding computer‐based education programs designed to assist persons suffering from severe mental illness. Implications for Practice and Policy: Failing to see the difference between insufficient evidence and evidence of no effectiveness may have unexpected consequences. As a result, practice may be misguided and treatments withheld, which at worse may have harmful consequences for patients. In the end, it is of utmost importance that researchers do good quality research by ensuring statistical power and quality of outcome measurement. For example, this review of computer‐based education programs could have revealed effective ways of dealing with severe mental illness if the studies included had been conducted using more sophisticated designs.
Continuing Medical Education: Incision and Grafting for Severe Peyronie’s Disease (CME)
Authors: Richardson Brian , Pinsky Michael R. , Hellstrom Wayne J.G. 
Published: July 2009

ABSTRACT

Background
Peyronie’s Disease is a wound healing disorder involving growth of fibrous plaques in the tunica albuginea, and often results in abnormal penile curvature and subsequent development of erectile dysfunction. A 59-year-old man with a history of untreated penile trauma who presented with a 6-year history of worsening penile curvature that interfered with sexual functioning and resulted in associated erectile dysfunction.

Methods
The patient’s Peyronie’s Disease was evaluated in clinic with a focused physical exam and a penile vasculature study using a color duplex Doppler ultrasound. Since the patient did not have proper insurance coverage for an inflatable penile prosthesis, but did have normal arterial flow with only boderline veno-occlusive disease, he instead underwent an incision and grafting procedure. After degloving the penis, a lateral approach parallel to the corpus spongiosum was used to enter Buck’s fascia and isolate the neurovascular bundles. The fibrous plaque was incised with a residual tunical defect of 4 × 5 cm, and covered with a pericardial graft.

Results
Preoperatively, artificially induced erection during the patient’s Doppler study demonstrated dorsal curvature greater than 80 degrees. Intraoperatively, after completing the incision and grafting procedure, artificial erection demonstrated minimal (less than 15 degrees) residual curvature. At his 1-week postoperative visit, he reported spontaneous erections and minimal pain. One month postoperatively, his incisions were well healed and an artificially induced erection continued to demonstrate minimal curvature.

Discussion
Management of severe Peyronie’s Disease with significant penile curvature is a challenging clinical problem. In extreme cases, placement of an inflatable penile prosthesis with ancillary techniques usually gives the best clinical outcome. Although more difficult to execute in severe cases, incision and grafting represents an acceptable alternative in the appropriately selected patient.
THE EFFECT OF DIFFERENT SUBSTRATES AND PROCESSING CONDITIONS ON THE TEXTURAL CHARACTERISTICS OF BACTERIAL CELLULOSE (NATA) PRODUCED BY ACETOBACTER XYLINUM*
Authors: JAGANNATH A. , MANJUNATHA S.S. , RAVI N. , RAJU P.S. 
Published: July 2009

ABSTRACT Bacterial cellulose (nata) produced by Acetobacter xylinum on different substrates like tomato juice, pineapple juice, pineapple wastes, tender coconut water and microbial undefined media was compared for textural properties. Different processing conditions typical to the manufacture of nata were also studied using three instrumental texture analyses, viz., puncture test, measurement of shear and texture profile analysis (TPA). Different processing conditions significantly (P < 0.05) influenced the water holding capacity of nata, while no effect of substrates was indicated. The moisture content was neither affected by processing conditions nor by various substrates. In the puncture test, significant effect of both substrates and processing conditions on all the puncture test parameters was seen at 3 mm probe penetration depths, while processing conditions did not significantly influence any of the studied puncture parameters at 1 and 2 mm penetration depths. Shearing stress and shearing energy (area under the curve) were affected only as a function of different substrates and not of processing conditions. TPA indicated significant effect of both the substrates and the processing conditions on all the textural attributes studied.PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSThe work is a beginning to understand the textural properties of a novel product like nata and will help in setting standards and specifications for good‐quality nata with superior textural properties.
Clients' strict liability towards victims of sex-trafficking
Authors: Keren-Paz Tsachi , Levenkron Nomi 
Published: July 2009

In this paper, we argue that clients who purchase commercial sex from victims of forced prostitution should be strictly liable in torts towards the victims. Such an approach is both normatively defensible and doctrinally feasible. Fairness and equality demand that clients would compensate victims, even if one refuses to acknowledge that purchasing sex from a prostitute who might be a victim is a faulty behaviour. Clients profit from the activity of purchasing commercial sex, so fairness demands they will bear the costs they impose on victims who are unable to refuse the contact. Strict liability will bring about desirable distributive results along the lines of sex, class and race. Imposing strict liability will ensure consistency of the English law of trespass and it is supported by several instrumental considerations.Such strict liability could be grounded in battery, despite the appearance of apparent consent by the victim to sell sexual services to the client. This is so for two main reasons. First, the extreme coercion operated on the victim renders her consent void so that an innocent third party cannot rely on the appearance of consent. Secondly, the client should be considered as having constructive notice with respect to the trafficker's coercion. Our argument is supported by – but does not hinge upon accepting – the insight that the client's behaviour is ultimately faulty.
Toxicity in three dogs from accidental oral administration of a topical endectocide containing moxidectin and imidacloprid
Authors: See AM , McGill SE , Raisis AL , Swindells KL 
Published: July 2009

Three dogs were presented with a history of oral administration of a topical endectocide containing imidacloprid and moxidectin. They were diagnosed with imidacloprid and moxidectin intoxication, having ingested doses ranging from 7.5 to 1.4 mg/kg of imidacloprid and 1.9 to 2.8 mg/kg of moxidectin. The three dogs were affected to different degrees of severity, but all displayed signs of ataxia, generalised muscle tremors, paresis, hypersalivation and disorientation. Temporary blindness occurred in two cases. The three dogs were tested for the presence of the multi‐drug resistance 1 gene deletion, which can cause an increased sensitivity to the toxic effects of moxidectin, and were found to be negative. Treatment included gastrointestinal decontamination, intravenous fluid therapy and benzodiazepines to control muscle tremors. All three dogs made a complete recovery within 48 h of ingestion.
Transcutaneous ultrasound over the right flank to diagnose mid‐ to late‐pregnancy in the dairy cow
Authors: Hunnam JC , Parkinson TJ , McDougall S 
Published: July 2009

Objective To investigate the practical application and image quality of transcutaneous ultrasonography across the right flank for the diagnosis of mid‐ to late‐gestation in cattle.Procedure Dairy cows of known pregnancy status were used to establish criteria for the identification of mid‐ to late‐stage pregnancy by transcutaneous ultrasonography. Factors involved in the practical application of transcutaneous ultrasound for routine use in pregnancy diagnosis in dairy cattle were also examined.Results Transcutaneous ultrasound, using a 3.5‐MHz sector transducer applied over the caudodorsal right flank fold, allowed rapid and detailed visualisation of bovine pregnancy (i.e. fetus, fetal fluids, placentomes and/or fetal membranes) and could be used to establish criteria for the diagnosis of pregnancy. The commonly available cattle holding facilities of the herringbone dairy, rotary herringbone dairy, AI race or crush, and walk‐through dairy all allow safe access to the right flank of a dairy or beef cow. However, transcutaneous scanning over the right flank is difficult in modern rotary turnstile dairies.Conclusion A 3.5‐MHz sector transducer applied over the caudodorsal right flank fold allows detailed visualisation of the bovine fetus in most types of cattle‐holding facilities. Further investigation of the sensitivity and specificity of this technique over the entire gestation period and its possible use in ageing of the bovine fetus is merited.
Clinical imaging characteristics of herniation pits of the femoral neck
Authors: Gao Zhen‐hua , Yin Jun‐qiang , Ma Ling , Wang Jin , Meng Quan‐fei 
Published: July 2009

Objective:  To discuss imaging features of radiographs, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and radionuclide imaging of the herniation pit of the femoral neck and their implications for pathogenesis.Methods:  Twenty‐seven patients with 31 herniation pits of the femoral neck were analyzed. All patients were examined by plain radiographs, 18 by CT, 16 by MRI, and 8 by radionuclide imaging.Results:  Thirty‐one herniation pits located in the anterior part of the femoral neck or the base of the femoral head were round, oval or ‘8’‐shaped subcortical defects. The pits were usually seen as mild radiolucent areas on radiographs, soft‐tissue attenuation with a thin sclerotic rim and a focal cortical perforation on CT and three different signal intensities on MRI. Only one of eight pits revealed mild focal increased uptake on bone radionuclide scans.Conclusion:  The occurrence of a herniation pit of the femoral neck correlates closely with the particulars of the structure of the hip joint and corresponding mechanical forces. Round or oval subcortical defects surrounded by a thin sclerotic rim in the superior lateral part of the femoral neck or the anterior lateral base of the femoral head, which are usually normal on radionuclide imaging and have focal cortical perforations on CT, are specific signs for diagnosing herniation pits of the femoral neck.
Soft tissue balancing in total hip arthroplasty for patients with adult dysplasia of the hip
Authors: Wu Xing , Lou Lie‐ming , Li Shao‐hua , Wu Wei‐ping , Cai Zheng‐dong 
Published: July 2009

Objective:  To summarize our surgical experience of release and balance of soft tissues around the hip in total hip arthroplasty (THA) for patients with adult dysplasia of the hip (ADH).Methods:  From January 2001 to January 2006, 29 adult patients with dysplastic hips (31 hips) were included in this study. Among them, there were 19 women and 10 men, aged from 38 to 65 years. According to the Crowe classification system, there were 8 type I, 12 type II, 6 type III and 5 type IV. THA was performed via a lateral approach. All acetabular cups were reconstructed at the original anatomic location through soft tissue releasing around the hip to restore limb length, and techniques of balance of soft tissue were applied to extend the strength of the hip abductor and improve its function.Results:  All patients had restoration of limb length (range, 1.5–4.5 cm). One postoperative dislocation occurred due to slight enlargement of the angle of abduction of the acetabulum. At 1.5‐year follow‐up (mean, 3.2 years) in 29 patients, the Harris score had increased from 42.6 preoperatively to 85.4. All hips were pain free with good function.Conclusion:  In order to restore the anatomic structure and physiologic function of the affected hip, the technique of release and balance of soft tissues around the hip should be applied cautiously in arthroplasty of ADH.
Evaluation of biocompatibility of a pectin/polyvinyl alcohol composite hydrogel as a new nucleus material
Authors: Yao Nv‐zhao , Huang Cao , Jin Da‐di 
Published: July 2009

Objective:  To evaluate the biocompatibility of a new kind of prosthetic nucleus: a pectin/polyvinyl alcohol composite (CoPP) hydrogel.Methods:  According to Chinese national standard GB/‐T16886 documents, the toxicity of the CoPP prosthetic nucleus material was examined by cytotoxicity, sensitization, Ames, mice marrow micronucleus, chromosome aberration test of mammalian cell and implantation tests.Results:  Cell growth was similar in the CoPP culture and control groups. No significant difference was found between the CoPP culture and control groups at each time point (P > 0.05). The cell proliferation rate was greater than 100%. In accordance with the relationship between cytotoxicity to proliferation rate, it was confirmed that the cytotoxicity of CoPP was 0 grade. Mice had no allergic reaction when injected with an extract of CoPP. A reverse mutation test with Salmonella typhimurium showed that no significant effect on the number of histidine revertants of TA97, TA98, TA100 and TA102 strains after CoPP was added. The micronucleus rate in bone marrow cells was less than 5%; there was no significant difference compared with the negative control group (P > 0.05). The rate of chromosome aberration was less than 5%; no significant difference was found between the CoPP culture and the control groups. All experimental animal wounds achieved primary healing without exudation, infection or sinus formation. On macroscopic observation, no abscess or hematoma formed at the implantation site.Conclusion:  The CoPP prosthetic nucleus has good biocompatibility and can potentially be used as an implant material.
Ecology and evolution of antibiotic resistance
Authors: Baquero F. , Alvarez‐Ortega C. , Martinez J. L. 
Published: July 2009

SummaryThe evolution of bacterial pathogens towards antibiotic resistance is not just a relevant problem for human health, but a fascinating example of evolution that can be studied in real time as well. Although most antibiotics are natural compounds produced by environmental microbiota, exposure of bacterial populations to high concentrations of these compounds as the consequence of their introduction for human therapy (and later on for farming) a few decades ago is a very recent situation in evolutionary terms. Resistance genes are originated in environmental bacteria, where they have evolved for millions of years to play different functions that include detoxification, signal trafficking or metabolic functions among others. However, as the consequence of the strong selective pressure exerted by antimicrobials at clinical settings, farms and antibiotic‐contaminated natural ecosystems, the selective forces driving the evolution of these potential resistance determinants have changed in the last few decades. Natural ecosystems contain a large number of potential resistance genes; nevertheless, just a few of them are currently present in gene‐transfer units and disseminated among pathogens. Along the review, the processes implied in this situation and the consequences for the future evolution of resistance and the environmental microbiota are discussed.