bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
SYNTHESIS: Evolutionary ecology of microbial wars: within‐host competition and (incidental) virulence
Authors: Brown Sam P. , Fredrik Inglis R. , Taddei François 
Published: January 2009

AbstractInvading an occupied niche is a formidable ecological challenge, and one of particular human importance in the context of food‐borne microbial pathogens. We discuss distinct categories of invader‐triggered environmental change that facilitate invasion by emptying their niche of competitors. Evidence is reviewed that gut bacteria use such strategies to manipulate their environment (via bacteriocins, temperate phage viruses or immuno‐manipulation) at the expense of their competitors are reviewed. The possible virulence implications of microbial warfare among multiple co‐infecting strains are diverse. Killing competitors can reduce virulence by reducing overall microbial densities, or increase virulence if for example the allelopathic mechanism involves immuno‐manipulation. Finally, we place microbial anti‐competitor strategies in a social evolution framework, highlighting how costly anti‐competitor strategies can be understood as examples of microbial spite. We conclude by discussing other invasive species that have also developed such proactive strategies of invasion.
SYNTHESIS: Plastic parasites: sophisticated strategies for survival and reproduction?
Authors: Reece Sarah E. , Ramiro Ricardo S. , Nussey Daniel H. 
Published: January 2009

AbstractAdaptive phenotypic plasticity in life history traits, behaviours, and strategies is ubiquitous in biological systems. It is driven by variation in selection pressures across environmental gradients and operates under constraints imposed by trade‐offs. Phenotypic plasticity has been thoroughly documented for multicellular taxa, such as insects, birds and mammals, and in many cases the underlying selective pressures are well understood. Whilst unicellular parasites face many of the same selective pressures and trade‐offs, plasticity in their phenotypic traits has been largely overlooked and remains poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate that evolutionary theory, developed to explain variation observed in the life‐history traits of multicellular organisms, can be applied to parasites. Though our message is general – we can expect the life‐histories of all parasites to have evolved phenotypic plasticity – we focus our discussion on malaria parasites. We use an evolutionary framework to explain the trade‐offs that parasites face and how plasticity in their life history traits will be expressed according to changes in their in‐host environment. Testing whether variation in parasites traits is adaptive will provide new and fundamental insights into the basic biology of parasites, their epidemiology and the processes of disease during individual infections.
VEGF-A and i-NOS expression are prognostic factors in serous epithelial ovarian carcinomas after complete surgical resection
Authors: Engels K , du Bois A , Harter P , Fisseler-Eckhoff A , Kommoss F , Stauber R , Kaufmann M , Nekljudova V , Loibl S 
Published: January 2009

Aims:Clinical stage at the time of diagnosis and achievement of complete macroscopic resection during initial surgery are key factors determining the outcome of ovarian cancer. However, prediction of outcome lacks accuracy and more reliable prognostic factors are required. Therefore, an analysis and evaluation of key angiogenic factors was carried out to determine their diagnostic and prognostic value in serous ovarian cancer.Methods:Expression levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A, hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)1-α and inducible nitric oxide synthase (i-NOS) were analysed by immunohistochemistry in a homogenous group of 112 patients with serous adenocarcinoma of the ovary. Vascular density as an indicator of angiogenesis was assessed using the Chalkley eyepiece method after staining for CD34. The correlation of these data with survival and established prognostic factors such as histological grade, Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage, and residual tumour after surgery, was evaluated. Survival analyses, multivariate analyses and correlation tests were performed.Results:In the patient group with macroscopic complete tumour resection (R0) there was a significant correlation between VEGF-A and i-NOS expression. Kaplan–Meier analysis further revealed improved progression-free survival for R0 patients with VEGF-A-positive and i-NOS-negative tumours. The predictive relevance of VEGF-A regarding progression-free survival was sustained in multivariate analysis using FIGO stage, grading and resection status as fixed variables.Conclusion:VEGF-A and i-NOS are prognostic markers for clinical outcome in serous ovarian cancer patients with macroscopic complete tumour resection (R0). Hence, pre-therapeutic assessment of VEGF-A as predictive factor for an antiangiogenic therapy might be of clinical value.
Insect mitochondrial genomics 3: the complete mitochondrial genome sequences of representatives from two neuropteroid orders: a dobsonfly (order Megaloptera) and a giant lacewing and an owlfly (order Neuroptera)
Authors: Beckenbach Andrew T. , Stewart James Bruce 
Published: January 2009

We describe the complete mitochondrial genomes from representatives of two orders of the Neuropterida: a dobsonfly, Corydalus cornutus (Megaloptera: Corydalidae, GenBank Accession No. FJ171323), a giant lacewing Polystoechotes punctatus (Neuroptera: Polystoechotidae, FJ171325), and an owlfly, Ascaloptynx appendiculatus (Neuroptera: Ascalaphidae, FJ171324). The dobsonfly sequence is 15 687 base pairs with a major noncoding (A+T rich) region of approximately 967 bp. The gene content and organization of the dobsonfly is identical to that of most insects. The giant lacewing sequence is 16 036 bp with a major noncoding region of about 1123 bp, while the owlfly sequence is 15 877 bp with a major noncoding region of about 1066 bp. The two Neuroptera sequences include a transposition of two tRNA genes, tRNATrpand tRNACys. These tRNA genes are coded on opposite strands and overlap by seven residues in the standard insect mitochondrial gene arrangement. Thus, the transposition required a duplication of at least the region of overlap. It is likely that the transposition occurred by a duplication of both genes followed by deletion of one copy of each gene. Examination of this region in two other neuropteroid species, a snakefly, Agulla sp. (Raphidioptera: Raphidiidae), and an antlion, Myrmeleon immaculatus (Neuroptera: Myrmeleontidae), shows that the rearrangement is widespread in the order Neuroptera but not present in either of the other two orders of Neuropterida.
An X chromosome effect responsible for asymmetric reproductive isolation between maleDrosophila virilisand heterospecific females
Authors: Nickel Desirée , Civetta Alberto 
Published: January 2009

Reproductive isolation between closely related species is expressed through uncoordinated courtship, failed fertilization, and (or) postzygotic barriers. Behavioural components of mating often form an initial barrier to hybridization between species. In many animals, females are responsible for mating discrimination in both intra- and interspecific crosses; males of Drosophila virilis group represent an exception to this trend. Using overall productivity tests, we show that a lower proportion of D. virilis males sire progeny when paired with a heterospecific female ( Drosophila novamexicana or Drosophila americana texana ) for 2 weeks. This suggests male mate discrimination or some other kind of asymmetrical incompatibility in courtship and mating or early zygote mortality. We used males from D. virilis – D. novamexicana and from D. virilis – D. a. texana backcross populations to map chromosome effects responsible for male reproductive isolation. Results from the analysis of both backcross male populations indicate a major X chromosome effect. Further, we conduct a male behavioural analysis to show that D. virilis males significantly fail to continue courtship after the first step of courtship, when they tap heterospecific females. The combined results of a major X chromosome effect and the observation that D. virilis males walk away from females after tapping suggest that future studies should concentrate on the identification of X-linked genes affecting the ability of males to recognize conspecific females.
The role of semantics in games and simulations
Authors: Tutenel Tim , Bidarra Rafael , Smelik Ruben M. , Kraker Klaas Jan De 
Published: January 2009

Powerful graphics hardware is enabling strong improvements in both the appearance and the complexity of virtual worlds for games and simulations. However, current practices in the design and development of virtual worlds mostly resemble high-tech variants of traditional handcrafts, resulting in increasingly unbearable design costs.
In this article we state that an essential key to overcoming these problems lies in the enrichment of object models with several kinds of semantic data. We discuss numerous and promising uses for semantic information in virtual worlds, and show, for many of them, how previous results of recent research can be successfully applied. We also identify the fundamental challenges in this new cross-disciplinary area, and point out a number of open issues lying ahead, including the need for (i) a suitable way of specifying semantic data, providing a powerful vocabulary that is useful and usable for all disciplines involved in game design and development; (ii) a seamless integration of semantic data integrated with procedural generation techniques, in order to provide designers with a new and powerful generation of tools; and (iii) a consistency maintenance among evolving objects in a changeable environment, for which powerful constraint-solving methods will be instrumental.
We conclude that, as the expectancy for future games and simulations steadily shifts from improved graphics and appearance towards improved character behavior, plausible realism and coherent gameplay, embedding the game world and its objects with richer semantics is going to play a crucial role. We can therefore expect that, in the near future, increasing research efforts and influential results will be emerging in this new exciting area.
Brief Multi-Disciplinary Treatment for Torture Survivors in Nepal: a Naturalistic Comparative Study
Authors: Tol Wietse A. , Komproe Ivan H. , Jordans Mark J.D. , Thapa Suraj B. , Sharma Bhogendra , De Jong Joop T.V.M. 
Published: January 2009

Background: Little is known about the effectiveness of treatment for torture survivors in low-income settings. Multi-disciplinary treatment is an often used approach for this target group. Aims: This study was aimed at examining the effectiveness of brief multi-disciplinary treatment for torture survivors in Nepal. Methods: A naturalistic comparative design with help-seeking torture survivors and internally displaced persons assigned to a treatment and a comparison group respectively ( n = 192; treatment group n = 111, comparison group n = 81), with baseline measurements on psychiatric symptomatology, disability, and functioning and a five-month follow-up ( n = 107; treatment group n = 62; comparison group n = 45), was employed. Intervention consisted of brief psychosocial services, minimal medical services and/or legal assistance. Results: Study groups were generally comparable and non-completers did not significantly differ from completers. The treatment group improved more than the comparison group on somatic symptoms, subjective well-being, disability and functioning, with mostly moderate effect sizes. Conclusion: Treatment was moderately effective, with regards to reducing the nonspecific mental health consequences of torture, but disability scores remained high. For clients presenting with more severe mental health problems, other treatments that are realistic in the resource-poor Nepali context need to be sought.
Disorders of Functions and Disorders of Capacity in Relation To Sick Leave in Mental Disorders
Authors: Baron S. , Linden M. 
Published: January 2009

Background: With the publication of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF), the description of functional health as opposed to symptoms of illness has gained in importance. Aims: To study the interrelation between disorders of functions, capacity and participation in mental disorders. Method: Two hundred and thirteen psychosomatic inpatients were assessed with the Mini-ICF-Rating for Mental Disorders (Mini-ICF-P), the Symptom Checklist (SCL-90-R) and an interview on sick leave. Results: The highest scores in the Mini-ICF-P were found for `flexibility' ( M = 1.64, SD = 0.94), `structuring of tasks' ( M = 1.12, SD = 1.05) and `endurance' ( M = 1.12, SD = 1.02), the lowest for `self maintenance' ( M = 0.19, SD = 0.44), `mobility' ( M = 0.43, SD = 0.85) and `adherence to regulations' ( M = 0.74, SD = 0.98). The correlation between Mini-ICF-P and SCL-90-R GSI is r = 0.51 ( p < 0.001), between sick leave and GSI is r = —0.05 and between sick leave and Mini-ICF-P r = 0.34 ( p < 0.001). Conclusion: Disorders of capacity are more closely related to disorders of participation/sick leave than disorders of functions.
The Malaga Schizophrenia Case-Register (Resma): Overview of Methodology and Patient Cohort
Authors: Moreno-Küstner Berta , Mayoral Fermín , Pérez Olga , García-Herrera José María , Algarra José , Rivas Fabio , Pérez Rita , Becerra Francisco , Gornemann Isolde 
Published: January 2009

Background: Little information has become available after psychiatric reforms regarding outcomes of persons with schizophrenia and related disorders cared for in community-based mental health facilities. Aims: The aim of this study was to determine the consequences of psychiatric services in the users of mental health services in Malaga. Method: We describe the cohort and methods involved in the Schizophrenia Case Register (RESMA) in Malaga, Spain. All cases ( n = 1,022) were users of public mental health services provided in the catchment area over one year. The majority were male (65%), single (68%), living with their original family (50%), with primary education (41%) and living on disability benefits (52%). Results: Concerning use of services, the majority had out-patient contacts (89%). Results show a substantial overlap in the use of different services during the study period. Conclusion: The Malaga Schizophrenia Case Register provides sociodemographic, clinical and service use information for a large sample of patients with schizophrenia or related disorders. Results obtained from the cohort studied will be instrumental for the follow-up and evaluation of the mental health care reform.
Public Beliefs About the Treatment of Schizophrenia and Depression in Brazil
Authors: De Toledo Piza Peluso Érica , Blay Sérgio Luís 
Published: January 2009

Background: Little is known about public beliefs concerning the treatment of mental disorders in developing countries. Aims: To assess preferences on sources of help and treatment and the perception of prognosis for schizophrenia and depression. Method: A household survey was carried out in 2002 with a probabilistic sample of 1000 individuals, residents of São Paulo city, Brazil, with ages ranging from 18—65. Vignettes in colloquial language describing individuals with schizophrenia and depression (according to DSM-IV and ICD-10) were presented, together with a structured questionnaire with questions about the vignette. Results: Results indicated the same general tendencies for schizophrenia and depression. The public considered the help of lay people and psychologists the most useful. Medical professionals are viewed less favorably. The treatments and activities most recommended are psychotherapy and general activities, such as physical activities and attending church services. Medical treatments are seen as more harmful than helpful. The more important determinants were: identification as mental illness, religion, sex and years of school completed. Prognosis with treatment for both disorders is viewed as favorable. Conclusions: These results may indicate that the public need to receive more information on the full range of treatments options, especially those related to medical treatment.
The Camberwell Elderly Mentally Ill and Their Needs for Services
Authors: Abdul-Hamid W. , Johnson S. , Thornicroft G. , Holloway F. , Stansfeld S. 
Published: January 2009

Background: Previous studies on the elderly mentally ill (graduates) have been undertaken in mental hospital settings and on populations being resettled from hospitals. This paper aims to assess the characteristics and service needs of an epidemiological sample of elderly mentally ill. Aims: The aim of this study was to identify the characteristics, problems, service utilization and needs of a sample of elderly patients with functional psychosis in a defined epidemiological area. Method: Data collected by PRiSM on psychotic patients who lived in two districts of Maudsley Hospital's catchment area were analyzed using the characteristics, problems and the needs for mental health services of those patients who were over the age of 64. These patients were compared with younger patients using the same data. Results: The elderly patients differed significantly in their characteristics and problems from the younger mentally ill persons. The needs assessment procedure (Camberwell Assessment of Needs, CAN) was less sensitive to physical and psychiatric needs of the elderly as it did not reflect the differences between the two age groups. Conclusions: The lower rate of schizophrenia in the elderly mentally ill compared to the younger community patients and asylum mentally ill is discussed. The explanation may lie in the natural history of the disorder or more plausibly in the implementation of `community care policy'. The paper concluded that a needs assessment procedure specifically designed to assess the needs of the elderly is required.
Caring, Mutuality and Reciprocity in Social Worker—Client Relationships
Authors: Alexander Carla , Charles Grant 
Published: January 2009

• Summary: In this article we report the findings of a qualitative study of social workers' experiences of receiving care from their clients to present a case for a re-examination of the social worker—client relationship. • Findings: Participating social workers describe their awareness of the mutuality within their relationships with clients, including an awareness of the care their clients have and express towards them. However, participants report that this openness to mutuality and reciprocity in their relationships with clients is subversive of social work practice norms, which warn against dual relationships. These findings indicate that there is a serious disconnection between social work training and standards, and the ways social workers practice in the field. This puts workers in a potentially untenable position caught between ideals of professional behaviour and their relationships with their clients. • Application: The findings of this study suggest the need for potentially radical shifts in how we conceptualize worker—client relationships within social work practice. We suggest that the accommodation of a theoretical orientation that incorporates an understanding of mutuality of care and the interdependency of identity and human development within all interpersonal relationships provides a significant opportunity to our profession to reexamine how we interact with our clients.
Adult Protection
Authors: Mansell Jim , Beadle-Brown Julie , Cambridge Paul , Milne Alisoun , Whelton Beckie 
Published: January 2009

• Summary: This study focused on the incidence of adult protection referrals, the people involved as victims, perpetrators and referrers and the type of abuse in two local authorities in the south-east of England. • Findings: The number of referrals increased over time; those for older people stabilized but those for younger adults were still rising. There was a clear association between location or setting, perpetrator and type of abuse. A referral about someone living in a care home was more likely to identify abuse by multiple staff and institutional abuse or neglect, especially if the individual was an older person with mental health problems. People with learning disabilities were more likely to experience sexual abuse, mainly from other service users or members of their family. Those living in a private home with others, primarily relatives, tended to be at risk of financial, physical or psychological abuse. Older people living alone were particularly vulnerable to financial abuse by family members or, less frequently, home care workers. • Applications : This study suggests that well-developed adult protection procedures identify many more cases than previously estimated. Further research is needed to explain the low level of referrals from mental health services and variation between territories.
Lived Experiences of Vulnerability in the Childhood of Persons Recovering from Substance Abuse
Authors: Valtonen Kathleen , Padmore Jacqueline Cameron , Sogren Michele , Rock Letnie 
Published: January 2009

• Summary: The aim of the study was to deepen understanding of the context of vulnerability which is associated with drug-taking behaviour and addiction. The researchers sought to identify recurring psychosocial and environmental factors in the childhood and early adulthood backgrounds of the participants. They further scrutinized the data for pairs or co-occurrences of such risk factors across the target groups. Qualitative methodology was employed, based on in-depth interviews. The participants were accessed in drug rehabilitation centres in Trinidad and in Barbados, bringing a cross-national dimension to the work. The Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA) method was used to analyse the data. • Findings: It is significant that nearly half of the Trinidad group and two-thirds of the Barbados group reported experience of rejection or abandonment in childhood. A profile of stressful or traumatic experiences was compiled for each participant, from which it was possible to identify co-ocurring pairs of stressors, which suggest inter-relationships between the phenomena. Marked co-occurrence was found between domestic violence and alcoholism; domestic violence in the participants' family background and non-attainment of. Secondary School Certification; non-attainment of Secondary School Certification and rejection; poverty and rejection; domestic violence and rejection. • Applications: Case management techniques can benefit from research-generated insights on interrelationships between critical risk-connected phenomena, especially in developing concerted approaches to problems of substance abuse using preventive techniques.
Trying to Complete Socially Just, Politically Sensitive Social Work Research
Authors: Fraser Heather 
Published: January 2009

• Summary: For new social work researchers — especially those committed to using research to create a better society — research can entail a daunting series of challenges. In this article I review some of the lessons I have learned from the research I have undertaken over the last two decades, including those associated with, getting started; creating a focus; acquiring the requisite resources; using theory; using supervision; handling ethical dilemmas; writing up; and finishing the research. • Findings: Knowledge creation activities involve many potential opportunities and stumbling blocks. Emotions and politics are part of the process. Appreciating some of the easily overlooked dimensions of the research process may help new researchers avoid some of the problems. • Applications: This article is dedicated mostly to new researchers hoping to avoid commonly experienced problems associated with undertaking socially just and politically sensitive research. More seasoned researchers might use the article as guide to re-evaluate their own research histories.