bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An analysis of the stressors and coping strategies of Chinese adults with a partner admitted to an intensive care unit in Hong Kong: an exploratory study
Authors: Chan Keung‐Sum , Twinn Sheila 
Published: November 2006

Aims.  The aim of this study was to identify the major stressors affecting Chinese adults whose partner had been admitted to an intensive care unit and to understand the major coping strategies employed to manage such stressors.Background.  Recently a greater number of patients of higher acuity have been admitted to intensive care units and survive lengthy illnesses of an unpredictable course. Such critical illnesses have been identified as a major life event to family members of these patients. Little is known, however, about the stressors and coping mechanisms of Chinese adults whose critically ill partner is admitted to an intensive care unit.Methods.  An exploratory qualitative design was selected to achieve the aims of the study. A purposive sample of 10 Chinese adults with a partner in an intensive care unit of a regional general hospital in Hong Kong participated in tape‐recorded semi‐structured interviews. Content analysis was employed to analyse the translated interviews.Findings.  Categories of stressors included uncertainty, difficulties in communication, changes in roles and responsibilities, difficulties in decision making, financial strain as well as changes in relationships. Analysis identified a range of coping strategies which included seeking information, seeking support, reliance on cultural beliefs and practices, turning to religious beliefs, maintaining hope and acceptance of illness.Conclusions.  The findings demonstrate the importance of cultural beliefs and practices in determining the coping mechanisms employed to manage the stressors identified by this sample of Chinese adults. Such findings indicate the use of both internal and external coping strategies in order to maintain equilibrium in the family.Relevance to clinical practice.  Implications for nursing practice highlight the significance of seeking information throughout the critical period and also culturally appropriate support from healthcare professionals.
Review of effective advanced cardiac life support training using experiential learning
Authors: Kidd Tracy , Kendall Sharon 
Published: November 2006

Aims and objectives. This paper examines issues of contention regarding current practices and suggests the application of the experiential theory of learning (incorporating reflective practice) to advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) training.Background. The need for formalized training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and ACLS is well documented. However, the effectiveness of traditional training programmes has not been firmly established. The question still remains – how to best ensure transfer of learning enabling learners to apply classroom knowledge successfully in the clinical setting. It is argued that educators can no longer rely on traditional teaching methods and more effective learner‐centred education techniques are required.Method. A review of available literature regarding ACLS training has been conducted for this discussion. Data sources and selection: MEDLINE, CINAHL, OVID, Expanded Academic and Proquest were searched using textwords. English‐language articles related to CPR and ACLS practices and also experiential learning were reviewed. Additional references were also reviewed from the bibliographies and from citation searches on key articles. Articles related to CPR/ACLS and experiential learning practices published within the last 10 years were reviewed.Results. There is evidence that past ACLS training programmes have proven inconsistent and inadequate, with numerous studies reporting trainees have poor retention; and, therefore, ineffective ACLS skills as a result.Conclusions. The reviewed literature demonstrates that the need for effective ACLS training is clear. Increasing numbers of critically ill patients in hospitals means that it has never been more important to ensure the competence of healthcare professionals. Training must give learners a chance to pull together all aspects of ACLS and the use of experiential learning has the potential to achieve this aim.Relevance to clinical practice. It is argued that providing training designed and implemented using experimental learning enhances learning through critical thinking and reflection, and subsequently should improve ACLS outcomes.
A systematic review of predictors and screening instruments to identify older hospitalized patients at risk for functional decline
Authors: Hoogerduijn Jita G , Schuurmans Marieke J , Duijnstee Mia SH , De Rooij Sophia E , Grypdonck Mieke FH 
Published: November 2006

Aims and objectives. To determine a valid, reliable and clinical user‐friendly instrument, based on predictors of functional decline, to identify older patients at risk for functional decline. The predictors of functional decline are initially considered and, subsequently, the characteristics and psychometric qualities of existing screening instruments are investigated.Background. Functional decline is a common and serious problem in older hospitalized patients, resulting in a change in quality of life and lifestyle. Studies have shown that 30–60% of older people develop new dependencies in activities of daily living (ADL) during their hospital stay. Adverse health outcomes such as mortality, a prolonged hospital stay, nursing home placement and increased dependency of older people at home are the results. Not only are the personal costs high but also, in a rapidly growing older population, the impact on health‐care costs is also high.Results. Age, lower functional status, cognitive impairment, preadmission disability in instrumental activities of daily life (IADL), depression and length of hospital stay were identified as predictors of functional decline. Three screening instruments to identify hospitalized patients at risk for functional decline were found in the literature: the Hospital Admission Risk Profile, the Identification of Seniors at Risk and the Care Complexity Prediction Instrument. The reported validity was moderate. Reliability and the ease of use in the clinical setting were not well described.Conclusion. These three instruments should be further tested in a hospitalized older population.Relevance to clinical practice. Screening is a first step to identify patients at risk for functional decline and this will make it possible to treat patients who are identified so as to prevent functional decline. Because of their ability to observe and to guide the patients and the overall view they have, nurses play a key role in this process.
Fine‐scale spatial genetic structure and dispersal among spotted salamander (Ambystoma maculatum) breeding populations
Authors: ZAMUDIO KELLY R. , WIECZOREK ANIA M. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractWe examined fine‐scale genetic variation among breeding aggregations of the spotted salamander (Ambystoma maculatum) to quantify dispersal, interpopulation connectivity and population genetic structure. Spotted salamanders rely on temporary ponds or wetlands for aggregate breeding. Adequate breeding sites are relatively isolated from one another and field studies suggest considerable adult site fidelity; therefore, we expected to find population structure and differentiation at small spatial scales. We used microsatellites to estimate population structure and dispersal among 29 breeding aggregations in Tompkins County, New York, USA, an area encompassing 1272 km2. Bayesian and frequency‐based analyses revealed fine‐scale genetic structure with two genetically defined demes: the North deme included seven breeding ponds, and the South deme included 13 ponds. Nine ponds showed evidence of admixture between these two genetic pools. Bayesian assignment tests for detection of interpopulation dispersal indicate that immigration among ponds is common within demes, and that certain populations serve as sources of immigrants to neighbouring ponds. Likewise, spatial genetic correlation analyses showed that populations ≤ 4.8 km distant from each other show significant genetic correlation that is not evident at higher scales. Within‐population levels of relatedness are consistently larger than expected if mating were completely random across ponds, and in the case of a few ponds, within‐population processes such as inbreeding or reproductive skew contribute significantly to differentiation from neighbouring ponds. Our data underscore the importance of these within‐population processes as a source of genetic diversity across the landscape, despite considerable population connectivity. Our data further suggest that spotted salamander breeding groups behave as metapopulations, with population clusters as functional units, but sufficient migration among demes to allow for potential rescue and recolonization. Amphibian habitats are becoming increasingly fragmented and a clear understanding of dispersal and patterns of population connectivity for taxa with different ecologies and life histories is crucial for their conservation.
Genetic analysis reveals population structure and recent migration within the highly fragmented range of the Cross River gorilla (Gorilla gorilla diehli)
Authors: BERGL RICHARD A. , VIGILANT LINDA 
Published: November 2006

AbstractRecently developed methods of individual‐based analysis of genetic data allow an unprecedented opportunity to understand the relationships among fragmented populations. By defining population structure and identifying migrant individuals, such analyses can provide a framework to aid in evaluating the threats posed by inbreeding and reduced genetic variability as a consequence of limited gene flow among fragments. Here we investigate population structure in the critically endangered Cross River gorilla (Gorilla gorilla diehli) by applying a suite of individual‐based analyses to data obtained from between one‐quarter and one‐third of the estimated total population through the use of noninvasively collected DNA samples. The population structure inferred using data from 11 autosomal microsatellite loci was broadly consistent with geography and habitat fragmentation, but showed no simple isolation‐by‐distance effects. In contrast to previous field surveys, which suggested that all gorilla localities were isolated from one another, we infer low levels of gene flow and identify migrants between habitat fragments as well as individuals of admixed ancestry, suggesting persistent recent reproductive contact between many of the localities. These results are encouraging for the conservation of the Cross River gorilla population. Conservation efforts should strive to maintain connectivity between subpopulations that are still in migratory contact and attempt to restore connectivity where it has been lost.
Hybridization between white‐headed ducks and introduced ruddy ducks in Spain
Authors: MUÑOZ‐FUENTES V. , VILÀ C. , GREEN A. J. , NEGRO J. J. , SORENSON M. D. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractThe ruddy duck, Oxyura jamaicensis, was introduced to Great Britain in the mid‐20th century and has recently spread to other Western European countries. In Spain, ruddy ducks hybridize with the globally endangered white‐headed duck, Oxyura leucocephala. We assessed the effects of hybridization on the Spanish white‐headed ducks, which constitute 25% of the global population of this species, using a panel of eight nuclear intron markers, 10 microsatellite loci, and mtDNA control region sequences. These data allowed parental individuals, F1 hybrids, and the progeny of backcrossing to be reliably distinguished. We show that hybrids between the two species are fertile and produce viable offspring in backcrosses with both parental species. To date, however, we found no extensive introgression of ruddy duck genes into the Spanish white‐headed duck population, probably due to the early implementation of an effective ruddy duck and hybrid control programme. We also show that genetic diversity in the expanding European ruddy duck population, which was founded by just seven individuals, exceeds that of the native Spanish white‐headed duck population, which recently recovered from a severe bottleneck. Unless effective control of ruddy ducks is continued, genetic introgression will compromise the unique behavioural and ecological adaptations of white‐headed ducks and consequently their survival as a genetically and evolutionary distinct species.
Tectono‐sedimentary evolution of lower to middle Miocene half‐graben basins related to an extensional detachment fault (western Crete, Greece)
Authors: Seidel Markus , Seidel Eberhard , Stöckhert Bernhard 
Published: November 2006

AbstractCrustal extension in the overriding plate at the Aegean subduction zone, related to the rollback of the subducting African slab in the Miocene, resulted in a detachment fault separating high‐pressure/low‐temperature (HP‐LT) metamorphic lower from non‐metamorphic upper tectonic units on Crete. In western Crete, detachment faulting at deeper crustal levels was accompanied by structural disintegration of the hangingwall leading to the formation of half‐graben‐type sedimentary basins filled by alluvial fan and fan‐delta deposits. The coarse‐grained clastic sediments in these half‐grabens are exclusively derived from the non‐metamorphic units atop the detachment fault. Being in direct tectonic contact with HP‐LT metamorphic rocks of the lower tectonic units today, the basins must have formed in the period between c. 20 and 15 Ma, prior to the exposure of the HP‐LT metamorphic rocks at the surface, and juxtaposed with the latter during ongoing deformation.
A CDPK isoform participates in the regulation of nodule number inMedicago truncatula
Authors: Gargantini Pablo R. , Gonzalez‐Rizzo Silvina , Chinchilla Delphine , Raices Marcela , Giammaria Verónica , Ulloa Rita M. , Frugier Florian , Crespi Martin D. 
Published: November 2006

SummaryMedicagospp. are able to develop root nodules via symbiotic interaction withSinorhizobium meliloti. Calcium‐dependent protein kinases (CDPKs) are involved in various signalling pathways in plants, and we found that expression ofMtCPK3, a CDPK isoform present in roots of the model legumeMedicago truncatula, is regulated during the nodulation process. Early inductions were detected 15 min and 3–4 days post‐inoculation (dpi). The very early induction ofCPK3messengers was also present in inoculatedM. truncatuladmimutants and in wild‐type roots subjected to salt stress, indicating that this rapid response is probably stress‐related. In contrast, the later response was concomitant with cortical cell division and the formation of nodule primordia, and was not observed in wild‐type roots inoculated withnod −strains. This late induction correlated with a change in the subcellular distribution of CDPK activities. Accordingly, an anti‐MtCPK3 antibody detected two bands in soluble root extracts and one in the particulate fraction. CPK3::GFP fusions are targeted to the plasma membrane in epidermal onion cells, a localization that depends on myristoylation and palmitoylation sites of the protein, suggesting a dual subcellular localization.MtCPK3mRNA and protein were also up‐regulated by cytokinin treatment, a hormone linked to the regulation of cortical cell division and other nodulation‐related responses. An RNAi‐CDPK construction was used to silence CPK3 inAgrobacterium rhizogenes‐transformed roots. Although no major phenotype was detected in these roots, when infected with rhizobia, the total number of nodules was, on average, twofold higher than in controls. This correlates with the lack ofMtCPK3induction in the inoculated super‐nodulatorsunnmutant. Our results suggest that CPK3 participates in the regulation of the symbiotic interaction.
Mate Choice and Spawning Success in the Fighting FishBetta splendens: the Importance of Body Size, Display Behavior and Nest Size
Authors: Clotfelter Ethan D. , Curren Leslie J. , Murphy Caleb E. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractCourtship displays should be exaggerated enough to attract mates and yet tempered so as not to deter them. We tested this hypothesis in the fighting fishBetta splendensby studying courtship displays and body size and their relationships with male parental quality and female fecundity, as well as the effects of display behavior and body size on mate choice decisions and spawning success. Because of their high degree of parental investment, males are expected to be discriminating in their choice of mates. Males who displayed more frequently built larger nests, a measure of parental quality, but larger males did not. When females were paired with males with high display rates, however, the pair had fewer eggs in their nest, even when accounting for female body mass. In a mate choice test using computer‐generated male stimuli that differed only in display behavior, females showed no preferences for displaying males vs. non‐displaying males, or for males with higher display rates vs. lower display rates. In similar tests in which the computer‐generated males differed only in size, females preferred larger males, but also preferred males that differed with respect to body size (negative assortative mating). Males preferred computer‐generated females that performed courtship displays over non‐displaying females, but showed no preferences for female body size. Neither a female's body size nor her display behavior was a significant predictor of her fecundity as estimated by the number of eggs released during spawning. Thus, our results suggest that femaleB. splendensmust balance male parental quality (nest size) with the risk of potentially disruptive or dangerous behavior during spawning, and that females may minimize these risks through negative size‐assortative mating. Female display behavior, while unrelated to fecundity in our study, may attract males because it indicates reproductive readiness or serves a species‐recognition function.
First Detection of Canine Parvovirus Type 2c in Pups with Haemorrhagic Enteritis in Spain
Authors: Decaro N. , Martella V. , Desario C. , Bellacicco A. L. , Camero M. , Manna L. , D'Aloja D. , Buonavoglia C. 
Published: November 2006

SummaryCanine parvovirus type 2 (CPV‐2), the aetiological agent of haemorrhagic enteritis in dogs, includes three antigenic variants, types 2a, 2b and 2c. CPV‐2c has been detected initially in Italy and subsequently in Vietnam. We report the first identification of this novel antigenic variant in Spain, where it caused an outbreak of fatal enteritis in basset hound pups in association with canine coronavirus type I and type II. We suggest that this new antigenic variant of CPV‐2 could spread throughout Europe and that there is a subsequent need to update current CPV vaccines.
Protection of Gruntlings against Classical Swine Fever Virus‐Infection after Oral Vaccination of Sows with C‐strain Vaccine
Authors: Kaden V. , Lange E. , Müller T. , Teuffert J. , Teifke J. P. , Riebe R. 
Published: November 2006

SummaryThe objective of this study was to investigate the maternal protection of gruntlings derived from wild sows vaccinated orally against classical swine fever (CSF) using C‐strain vaccine. Three vaccinated sows and one unvaccinated control sow were included. Challenge infection of the progeny was carried out either intranasally or by contact at the beginning of the third month of life (61–65 days post‐natum). Whereas, two of three litters had maternal antibodies, the progeny of one vaccinated sow was seronegative at challenge. The progeny of the control sow, which was challenged by contact infection, developed moderate clinical signs except for one animal which became ill and died. Two gruntlings derived from the vaccinated sows also died of CSF, although one of them had a relatively high maternal antibody titre (128 ND50). The transient infection and partial virus shedding observed in a small number of gruntlings with maternal antibodies and the fact that one animal with maternal antibodies became ill and died confirm the incomplete maternal protection at this age. The reason for this incomplete protection is discussed. As none of the surviving gruntlings could be shown to carry CSFV or viral RNA at the end of the experiment (36 or 70 d.p.i.), it may be concluded that these animals do not represent a potential CSFV reservoir.
A Simple Statistical Approach for Assessing Inter‐laboratory Comparison Tests for Classical Swine Fever Diagnosis
Authors: Depner K. R. , Ziller M. , Staubach C. 
Published: November 2006

SummaryThe aim of this study was to compare on an objective basis the results obtained during five classical swine fever (CSF) ring tests conducted in Germany between 1999 and 2003. A novel and simple statistical approach used in behavioural sciences was used. For each ring test, the regional laboratories received a panel of five lyophilized pig sera. The panel contained CSF virus positive and negative samples. The final task of the laboratory was to ascertain if a serum sample was positive for CSF or not. Some sera were very easy to diagnose as CSF positive while some sera had border line values and proved to be challenging. Depending on the degree of difficulty the sera were divided into five categories. The evaluation of the ring test results was performed using a scoring system based on a score from −3 to +3 which takes into consideration the degree of difficulty to produce a correct diagnosis. To compare the results between different laboratories and/or between different ring tests more easily the total score of one laboratory was expressed in percentage. The final analysis of the data showed that the CSF diagnostic quality improved continuously.
Porcine Acute Phase Protein Concentrations in Different Diseases in Field Conditions
Authors: Parra M. D. , Fuentes P. , Tecles F. , Martínez‐Subiela S. , Martínez J. S. , Muñoz A. , Cerón J. J. 
Published: November 2006

SummaryFive acute phase proteins (APPs) [C‐reactive protein (CRP), serum amyloid A (SAA), haptoglobin (Hp), pig‐MAP and albumin] were measured in pigs with naturally occurring infections by porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV), Aujeszky's disease virus (ADV), porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) andMycoplasma hyopneumoniae, and in animals with tail and ear bites, arthritis and other acute inflammatory processes. Healthy specific pathogen‐free (SPF) pigs were used as controls. In PRRSV‐infected pigs, all APPs with the exception of pig‐MAP exhibited significant changes compared with controls. In animals affected with ADV only Hp presented changes of statistical significance, whereas pigs with PCV2 showed marked modifications in all APPs tested. Animals affected with Mycoplasmosis showed concentrations of all positive APPs significantly above levels obtained in SPF pigs, though albumin concentrations did not differ from controls. Finally, all APPs studied showed substantial changes in pigs with acute inflammation. The results indicated that an acute phase response was developed in the different diseases studied, this response being higher in animals with clinical signs and concurrent bacterial processes. Haptoglobin would be the APP that better reflects pathological states; however, to get more complete and valuable information it might be advisable to perform APPs profiles including another APP, such as CRP or SAA.