bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The anatomical position of three extraglottic airway devices in patients with clear airways
Authors: Van Zundert A. , Brimacombe J. , Kamphuis R. , Haanschoten M. 
Published: July 2006

SummaryWe tested the hypothesis that, in patients with clear airways, the anatomical position of three single‐use extraglottic airway devices is similar. The airways studied were: the laryngeal mask airway unique (LMA‐U™), the Softseal laryngeal mask airway (SS‐LM™) and the Cobra perilaryngeal airway (Cobra‐PLA™). Three hundred spontaneously breathing patients were randomly allocated to have their airway managed using one of these three supraglottic airway devices. A rigid endoscope was passed down the airway tube and the following anatomical assessments were made: position of the epiglottis; position of the glottis; and position of the cuff. The epiglottis was more frequently visible with the LMA‐U than with the SS‐LM (76 vs 57%, p = 0.006) and with the LMA‐U than with the Cobra‐PLA (76 vs 46%, p < 0.0001). The epiglottis was in contact with the mask aperture bars in 25% of patients, and in 34% of these, the epiglottis was seen to be herniated through the aperture bars. Herniation of the epiglottis through the mask aperture bars occurred more frequently with the Cobra‐PLA than the LMA‐U (8 vs 3%, p = 0.008). The vocal cords and arytenoids were more frequently visible with the LMA‐U and SS‐LM than with the Cobra‐PLA (both p < 0.006). Herniation of the arytenoids through the mask aperture bars was more frequently seen with the Cobra‐PLA than with the LMA‐U (8 vs 0%, p = 0.004). The position of the cuff was optimal for the LMA‐U and SS‐LM in 90% and 93% of patients, respectively. The cuff was more frequently in the midline with the LMA‐U than with the SS‐LM (p = 0.002). We conclude that the anatomical position of the LMA‐U and SS‐LMA is superior to that of the Cobra‐PLA in patients with clear airways. The mask aperture bars probably have no anatomical utility and predispose to herniation of the pharyngeal structures.
Suprastomal tracheal stenosis after dilational and surgical tracheostomy in critically ill patients
Authors: Koitschev A. , Simon C. , Blumenstock G. , Mach H. , Graumüller S. 
Published: July 2006

SummaryWe have previously reported cases of severe suprastomal stenosis after tracheostomy. In this observational study we investigated the occurrence of suprastomal stenosis as a late complication. Patients with persistent tracheostomy after intensive care underwent an endoscopic examination of tracheostoma, larynx and trachea. A percutaneous dilational tracheostomy was employed in 105 (71.9%) and surgical tracheostomy in 41 (28.1%) of the cases (n = 146). The incidence of severe suprastomal stenosis (grade II > 50% of the lumen) was 23.8% (25 of 105) after dilational tracheostomy and 7.3% (3 of 41) after surgical tracheostomy (p = 0.033). Age, gender, underlying disease, ventilation time, and swallowing ability were not significantly associated with the tracheal pathology. This study suggests that dilational tracheostomy is associated with an increased risk of severe suprastomal tracheal stenosis compared to the surgical technique.
Influence of floral resources on sugar feeding and nutrient dynamics of a parasitoid in the field
Authors: LEE JANA C. , ANDOW DAVID A. , HEIMPEL GEORGE E. 
Published: July 2006

Abstract 1. To investigate how floral resources impact feeding and nutrient dynamics of parasitoids, the ichneumonid Diadegma insulare (Cresson) was monitored in cabbage fields with and without buckwheat Fagopyrum esculentum Moench borders. Biochemical analyses of field‐collected wasps determined whether sugar feeding occurred, and whether it enhanced nutrient levels and increased parasitism of diamondback larvae Plutella xylostella (L.) from 2000 to 2003. The effects of experimental spatial scale on sugar feeding dynamics were also evaluated in 2001.2. The majority of D. insulare foraging on cabbage had fed upon sugar, but floral borders did not consistently increase the proportion of sugar‐fed wasps or their levels of glycogen and lipid over all 4 years. Floral borders increased sugar storage by females in 2001. More females fed on sugar when experimental plots were separated by at least 800 m compared with 67 m.3. Feeding on buckwheat nectar vs. honeydew produced by the soybean aphid Aphis glycines Matsumura in surrounding fields was distinguished using the ratio of fructose to total sugars, which was higher in nectar‐ than in honeydew‐fed parasitoids. Floral borders increased the probability that females collected from adjacent crops were nectar‐fed in 2002, demonstrating that floral resources were utilised by foraging parasitoids. Diadegma insulare that fed upon any sugar source had higher levels of sugar and glycogen than unfed wasps, and feeding on honeydew appeared to enhance nutrient storage.4. The prevalence of sugar or nectar feeding by female D. insulare was not correlated with parasitism rates over the 4 years from all plots, but nectar feeding was positively correlated with parasitism rates within floral plots.
Seasonal spatial dynamics and causes of nest movement in colonies of the invasive Argentine ant (Linepithema humile)
Authors: HELLER NICOLE E. , GORDON DEBORAH M. 
Published: July 2006

Abstract 1. Colony organisation and movement behaviour of the Argentine ant (Linepithema humile) was studied over 3 years in field populations in California and in captive colonies in the laboratory. This invasive species is highly polydomous and unicolonial; colonies consist of expansive and fluid networks of nests and trails. The spatial and temporal organisation of colonies may contribute to ecological dominance.2. Argentine ant nests and inter‐nest trails shift in size, abundance, and location, so that colony networks are spatially contracted in the winter and expanded spring to autumn. Colonies occupy permanent sites; ants migrated to and from the same winter nest locations year after year, and occupied 30% of the same nests repeatedly during seasonal migrations.3. Nests were moved on average 2–3 m. Forty‐two per cent were occupied less than 1 month, 4% the entire study, and the other 54% lasted 3.9 ± 2.3 months (mean ± SD).4. Nests were located within 2–4 m of woody plants, in warm sites in the winter and cool sites in the summer. Both humidity and food availability influenced nest‐site choice in laboratory colonies. However, when faced with a trade‐off between factors, the ants chose humid nest boxes over nest boxes near food, and ants moved nests only in response to changes in humidity and not distance to food.5. The results indicate that L. humile colonies are seasonally polydomous, and that nest movements are driven by changes in microclimate. Colony organisation maintains high local density and increases food supply, which may improve the competitive ability of L. humile colonies and reduce opportunities for species coexistence.
Host‐plant use in the range expansion of the pine processionary moth, Thaumetopoea pityocampa
Authors: STASTNY MICHAEL , BATTISTI ANDREA , PETRUCCO‐TOFFOLO EDOARDO , SCHLYTER FREDRIK , LARSSON STIG 
Published: July 2006

Abstract 1. During range expansions of phytophagous insects, secondary or novel hosts may allow colonisation of areas without primary hosts. Because plant species often differ in their relative attractiveness and suitability for insects, insect preference for, and performance on, these hosts can determine recruitment potential in the current and future expansion areas.2. This study explores the relative roles of female preference and larval performance in an important pine defoliator, Thaumetopoea pityocampa (Denis & Schiffermüller) (Lepidoptera, Notodontidae), which colonises three Pinus species at its current range margin in the Italian Alps: P. nigra (primary host), P. sylvestris (secondary host), and P. mugo (novel host).3. Host use patterns in multiple insect populations were studied through choice and no‐choice oviposition experiments in cages, field surveys of mixed stands, and laboratory and field monitoring of larval growth and mortality. It was predicted that a specific life‐history trait – time limitation of short‐lived females to lay a single batch of eggs – would act as a component of female performance, and lead to similar rates of host acceptance in no‐choice settings.4. In the choice experiment, P. nigra was accepted the most frequently while P. sylvestris was accepted the least frequently, confirming nest density patterns in the field. Contrary to prediction, females remained discriminating in no‐choice settings in spite of time limitation. In contrast, relative growth rate (RGR) and mortality of larvae did not differ significantly among the three hosts, highlighting a discrepancy between female preference and larval performance.5. Recruitment potential of T. pityocampa in future expansion into stands of P. sylvestris and P. mugo is evaluated by combining host quality, conservatism in oviposition behaviour, habitat suitability, and the opportunity for local adaptation.
The chloroplast lumen and stromal proteomes of Arabidopsis thaliana show differential sensitivity to short‐ and long‐term exposure to low temperature
Authors: Goulas Estelle , Schubert Maria , Kieselbach Thomas , Kleczkowski Leszek A. , Gardeström Per , Schröder Wolfgang , Hurry Vaughan 
Published: July 2006

SummaryCold acclimation and over‐wintering by herbaceous plants are energetically expensive and are dependent on functional plastid metabolism. To understand how the stroma and the lumen proteomes adapt to low temperatures, we have taken a proteomic approach (difference gel electrophoresis) to identify proteins that changed in abundance in Arabidopsis chloroplasts during cold shock (1 day), and short‐ (10 days) and long‐term (40 days) acclimation to 5°C. We show that cold shock (1 day) results in minimal change in the plastid proteomes, while short‐term (10 days) acclimation results in major changes in the stromal but few changes in the lumen proteome. Long‐term acclimation (40 days) results in modulation of the proteomes of both compartments, with new proteins appearing in the lumen and further modulations in protein abundance occurring in the stroma. We identify 43 differentially displayed proteins that participate in photosynthesis, other plastid metabolic functions, hormone biosynthesis and stress sensing and signal transduction. These findings not only provide new insights into the cold response and acclimation of Arabidopsis, but also demonstrate the importance of studying changes in protein abundance within the relevant cellular compartment.
The mitochondrial electron transfer flavoprotein complex is essential for survival of Arabidopsis in extended darkness
Authors: Ishizaki Kimitsune , Schauer Nicolas , Larson Tony R. , Graham Ian A. , Fernie Alisdair R. , Leaver Christopher J. 
Published: July 2006

SummaryIn mammals, the electron transfer flavoprotein (ETF) is a heterodimeric protein composed of two subunits, α and β, that is responsible for the oxidation of at least nine mitochondrial matrix flavoprotein dehydrogenases. Electrons accepted by ETF are further transferred to the main respiratory chain via the ETF ubiquinone oxide reductase (ETFQO). Sequence analysis of the unique Arabidopsis homologues of two subunits of ETF revealed their high similarity to both subunits of the mammalian ETF. Yeast two‐hybrid experiments showed that the Arabidopsis ETFα and ETFβ can form a heteromeric protein. Isolation and characterization of two independent T‐DNA insertional Arabidopsis mutants of the ETFβ gene revealed accelerated senescence and early death compared to wild‐type during extended darkness. Furthermore in contrast to wild‐type, the etfb mutants demonstrated a significant accumulation of several amino acids, isovaleryl CoA and phytanoyl CoA during dark‐induced carbohydrate deprivation. These phenotypic characteristics of etfb mutants are broadly similar to those that we observed previously in Arabidopsis etfqo mutants, suggesting functional association between ETF and ETFQO in Arabidopsis, and confirming the essential roles of the ETF/ETFQO electron transfer complex in the catabolism of leucine and involvement in the chlorophyll degradation pathway activated during dark‐induced carbohydrate deprivation.
Spontaneous regression of generalized eruptive histiocytosis: Possible involvement of apoptosis?
Authors: Tang Xu , Shen Hong , Xu Aie , Sun Xiukun , Wang Yiling , Shi Guifen , Kang Kefei 
Published: July 2006

Generalized eruptive histiocytosis (GEH) is a rare generalized non‐X histiocytosis, first described in 1963 by Winklemann and Muller1. Since then more than 20 patients with GEH, mainly adults but also a few children, have been reported. We report a case of GEH in a middle‐aged woman with spontaneous regression, in which the ultrastructural findings of apoptosis were observed.
Novel mutations in two families with Darier's disease
Authors: Amichai B. , Karpati M. , Goldman B. , Peleg L. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractBackground  Darier's disease (DD) is an autosomal dominant skin disorder characterized by abnormal keratinization and acantholysis. Deleterious mutations in the gene ATP2A2 which encodes SERCA2, a calcium pump of the sarco/endoplasmic reticulum underlie the disease.Objective  To identify the genetic defect in two Jewish families of eastern‐European ancestry with DD.Methods  DNA was extracted from peripheral blood of six patients and three healthy members of the two families. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was carried out to amplify the exons and flanking intron boundaries of the ATP2A2 gene followed by direct sequencing. Restriction fragment analysis verified the presence or absence of the mutations.Results  Two novel mutations were identified. A nonsense mutation, a change of C391 to T (R131X) in exon 5, was found in one family and a missense mutation, a change of A530 to C (Q177P) in the second. The mutations were not present in 50 healthy individuals of the same ethnic origin. Both pathogenic mutations are in codons that are located in a highly conserved cytoplasmic β‐strand domain which functions as the transduction site.Conclusion  The existence of two mutations in two Jewish families of the same ancestry might confirm the previously published reports that most mutations in that gene are private.
Large‐scale study of the −232C > G polymorphism of PCK1 in Type 2 diabetes
Authors: Wegner L. , Andersen G. , Albrechtsen A. , Sparsø T. , Glümer C. , Borch‐Johnsen K. , Jørgensen T. , Hansen T. , Pedersen O. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractAims  Phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) is a catalyst of the rate‐limiting step in the gluconeogenic pathway and is regulated at the transcriptional level predominantly by insulin, glucocorticoids, glucagon, and cAMP. The −232C > G polymorphism in the gene encoding PEPCK (PCK1) is reported to associate with Type 2 diabetes in Canadian Caucasians and Oji‐Cree populations. We have estimated the impact of the PCK1−232C > G polymorphism in a relatively large‐scale case‐control study of Type 2 diabetes and in association studies of common metabolic phenotypes. Interaction studies of the PCK1−232C > G polymorphism with variants in the genes encoding peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐γ co‐activator (PGC)‐1α and hepatic nuclear factor (HNF)‐4α were also performed.Methods  PCK1−232C > G was genotyped in a total of 7467 Danish white subjects using TaqMan allelic discrimination. A case‐control study of Type 2 diabetes was performed using 6057 of the participants, and quantitative trait studies of metabolic variables were carried out in a subgroup of 5718 non‐diabetic subjects. Additionally, variants in PGC‐1α (Gly482Ser) and HNF‐4α (Thr130Ile, Val255Met, and rs1884614) were investigated for epistatic interaction with the PCK1−232C > G polymorphism.Results  In the case‐control study of Type 2 diabetes of 1377 Type 2 diabetic patients and 4680 normoglycaemic and normal glucose‐tolerant subjects we found no association of the PCK1−232C > G polymorphism with diabetes. In addition, the variant was not associated with age of clinical onset of Type 2 diabetes. In the study of 5718 non‐diabetic subjects, we found no relationships of quantitative metabolic traits with the PCK1−232C > G polymorphism. We failed to demonstrate any convincing epistatic effects of the variants in the genes encoding PGC‐1α and HNF‐4α with the PCK1−232C > G polymorphism.Conclusions  The PCK1−232C > G polymorphism is not a major contributor to the pathogenesis of Type 2 diabetes in the Danish population.
Trends in bed occupancy for inpatients with diabetes before and after the introduction of a diabetes inpatient specialist nurse service
Authors: Sampson M. J. , Crowle T. , Dhatariya K. , Dozio N. , Greenwood R. H. , Heyburn P. J. , Jones C. , Temple R. C. , Walden E. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractAims  To compare diabetes bed occupancy and inpatient length of stay, before and after the introduction of a dedicated diabetes inpatient specialist nurse (DISN) service in a large UK Hospital.Methods  We analysed bed occupancy data for medical or surgical inpatients for 6 years (1998–2004 inclusive), with a DISN service in the final 2 years. Excess bed days per diabetes patient were derived from age band, specialty, and seasonally matched data for all inpatients without diabetes. We also analysed the number of inpatients with known diabetes who did not have diabetes recorded as a discharge diagnosis.Results  There were 14 722 patients with diabetes (9.7% of all inpatients) who accounted for 101 564 occupied bed days (12.4% of total). Of these, 18 161 days (17.8%) were excess compared with matched patients without diabetes, and were concentrated in those < 75 years old. Mean excess bed days per diabetes inpatient under 60 years of age was estimated to be 1.9 days before the DISN appointment, and this was reduced to 1.2 bed days after the appointment (P = 0.03). This is equivalent to 700 bed days saved per year per 1000 inpatients with diabetes under 60 years old, with an identical saving for those aged 61–75 years (P = 0.008), a saving of 1330 diabetes bed days per year by one DISN. Excess diabetes bed occupancy was 167 excess bed days per year per 1000 patients with diabetes in the local population after the DISN appointment. One quarter of the known Type 2 diabetes population were admitted annually, but one quarter of patients had no diagnostic code for diabetes.Conclusions  Diabetes excess bed occupancy was concentrated in patients < 75 years old, and this was reduced notably following the introduction of a DISN service.
Nurse educators’ perceived challenges in mandatory continuing nursing education
Authors: Xiao L.D. 
Published: July 2006

Aim:  This paper reports a study that leads to understanding challenges facing nurse educators implementing mandatory continuing nursing education in The People’s Republic of China.Background:  Mandatory continuing nursing education was instituted to maintain and develop registered nurses’ competence in the context of healthcare reform in China in 1996. However, there is an increasing complaint of credit‐focused and teacher‐centred learning in Chinese literature. Despite an increasing appeal to improve the learning situation, little consensus has been reached. By examining nurse educators’ perceived challenges and their coping strategies in implementing mandatory continuing nursing education, this study illuminates the possibilities for reform in mandatory continuing nursing education.Methods:  Data were collected through in‐depth interactive dialogues between the researcher and five nurse educators in five healthcare organizations in China, utilizing Gadamer’s philosophical hermeneutics.Findings:  Three themes were found in this study described as finding a way to support nurses’ competence within a constrained situation, reconciling credit requirements and representing all stakeholders’ interests.Conclusions:  A tension between the mandatory continuing nursing education policy and the context of implementing the policy can contribute to credit‐focused and teacher‐centred learning. Regular policy review and educational support for nurse educators are crucial aspects to improve mandatory continuing nursing education.
A comparison of sexual satisfaction and post‐natal depression in the UK and Taiwan
Authors: Huang Y.C. , Mathers N.J. 
Published: July 2006

Aim:  To compare the sexual expression and sexual satisfaction of women in the UK and Taiwan before and after childbirth, to determine if there is an association between self reported sexual satisfaction and postnatal depression (PND) and the main sources of sexual information for women during this period.Method:  A comparative survey of postnatal women in the UK and Taiwan using a selfadministered questionnaire, a semi structured interview and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) to investigate sexual satisfaction, sexual expression and main sources of information as well the prevalence of postnatal depression.Results:  Seventy per cent of the UK women and 89% of the Taiwanese women were generally satisfied with their sex life during the postnatal period although in both countries women thought that sexual expression was not as important to themselves as to their partner. There were differences in ranking criteria for physical and emotional sexual satisfaction in the two countries. Eighty‐three per cent of UK women had sufficient information about sex during the postnatal period compared to 60% of Taiwanese women. There was no significant difference in the prevalence of PND (18% UK, 19% Taiwan p < 0.01 ANOVA) but significant negative associations (correlation coefficient) between ‘sexual self‐confidence’ and PND in the UK (p < 0.01) and Taiwan (p < 0.05). UK Women with an unsatisfactory sex life (p < 0.05), insufficient sexual information (p < 0.05) and sexual worries after birth (p < 0.05) were more likely to have symptoms of PND. There was a strong association between a poor relationship with her partner and PND (p < 0.001).Conclusions:  These associations may be either a consequence of or a contributing factor to PND. The observed differences between the two countries may be attributed to cross cultural factors and differences in health care systems although further investigation is required.
Improving the health of Indigenous Australians: reforms in nursing education. An opinion piece of international interest
Authors: Turale S. , Miller M. 
Published: July 2006

Aim:  This paper overviews Indigenous disadvantage in relatively wealthy Australia. It describes efforts to increase the recruitment and retention of Indigenous people in nursing and to reform nursing education to be more inclusive of Indigenous culture, health and history.Background:  Indigenous people on average die 17 years younger than non‐Indigenous people and have health problems similar to those of people in some underdeveloped countries. Moreover, social injustice and human rights issues affect their health and well‐being and educational opportunities. They are under‐represented in the health professions, including nursing, often through a lack of educational preparation and historical, socio‐economic and cultural factors hindering them from entering and succeeding in university studies.Methods:  In 2000, a project was funded by the Australian commonwealth government and led by the Indigenous Nursing Education Working Group. This Group worked for five years on a wide range of methods that included consultation within the profession, information dissemination and longitudinal surveying of university schools of nursing and Indigenous support units.Results:  Findings show that collaborative efforts between key stakeholders in nursing education appear to be succeeding to increase the numbers of Indigenous students of nursing. Around two–thirds of schools of nursing now include Indigenous content in their undergraduate curricula, but the majority is yet to provide Indigenous cultural awareness/cultural safety training for faculty.