bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Holding together: caring for clients undergoing assisted reproductive technologies
Authors: Payne Deborah , Goedeke Sonja 
Published: November 2007

AbstractTitle.  Holding together: caring for clients undergoing assisted reproductive technologies Aim.  This paper is a report of a study to investigate the roles and experiences of nurses caring for clients undergoing assisted reproductive technologies.Background.  Little has been written on nurses’ experiences of assisted reproductive technologies. Such interventions are emotionally fraught for clients, and working in areas of high emotional intensity can also be emotionally difficult for staff. Nurses are in a potentially unique position in the assisted reproductive technology environment in that, unlike other professionals who move in and out during the treatment cycle, they maintain a more constant contact with the client.Method.  A qualitative approach was taken and a convenience sample of 15 nurses from New Zealand was interviewed in 2005. Data were analysed using interpretive description.Findings.  The overarching theme identified was that of the potential role of the nurse to ‘hold together’ multiple components of the assisted reproductive technology process: holding together clients’ emotional and physical experiences of assisted reproductive technologies; holding together the roles of different specialist team members; and holding together personal own emotions. It encompasses practices such as information‐giving, interpreting, supporting and advocating.Conclusion.  Assisted reproductive technologies nurses require recognition of their role and how it may positively contribute to clients’ experiences, as well as adequate preparation and ongoing support. Nurses need to be educated in both the emotional and medical aspects involved in caring for clients being treated with these technologies.
EPUAP classification system for pressure ulcers: European reliability study
Authors: Beeckman Dimitri , Schoonhoven Lisette , Fletcher Jacqui , Furtado Kátia , Gunningberg Lena , Heyman Hilde , Lindholm Christina , Paquay Louis , Verdú José , Defloor Tom 
Published: November 2007

AbstractTitle.  EPUAP classification system for pressure ulcers: European reliability study Aim.  This paper is a report of a study of the inter‐observer reliability of the European Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel pressure ulcer classification system and of the differential diagnosis between moisture lesions and pressure ulcers.Background.  Pressure ulcer classification is a valuable tool to provide a common description of ulcer severity for the purposes of clinical practice, audit and research. Despite everyday use of the European Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel system, its reliability has been evaluated in only a limited number of studies.Methods.  A survey was carried out between September 2005 and February 2006 with a convenience sample of 1452 nurses from five European countries. Respondents classified 20 validated photographs as normal skin, blanchable erythema, pressure ulcers (four grades), moisture lesion or combined lesion. The nurses were familiar with the use of the European Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel classification scale.Results.  Pressure ulcers were often classified erroneously (κ = 0·33) and only a minority of nurses reached a substantial level of agreement. Grade 3 lesions were regularly classified as grade 2. Non‐blanchable erythema was frequently assessed incorrectly as blanchable erythema. Furthermore, the differential diagnosis between moisture lesions and pressure ulcers appeared to be complicated.Conclusion.  Inter‐observer reliability of the European Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel classification system was low. Evaluation thus needs to focus on both the clarity and complexity of the system. Definitions and unambiguous descriptions of pressure ulcer grades and the distinction between moisture lesions will probably enhance clarity. To simplify the current classification system, a reduction in the number of grades is suggested.
Direct dating of the Sete Lagoas cap carbonate (Bambuí Group, Brazil) and implications for the Neoproterozoic glacial events
Authors: Babinski Marly , Vieira Lucieth Cruz , Trindade Ricardo I. F. 
Published: November 2007

AbstractThe end of the Neoproterozoic is punctuated by glacial deposition, but the chronology of these deposits is hindered presently by the paucity of geochronological data. Here, we present new radiometric dating for the basal Sete Lagoas cap carbonate deposits that overlie glacial units in the São Francisco craton. Six samples from aragonite‐pseudomorph crystal‐rich facies, showing pristine textures and constant 87Sr/86Sr ratios around 0.7075, yielded a Pb–Pb isochron age of 740 ± 22 Ma, which is interpreted as the depositional age for these remarkably preserved rocks. This age can be used to infer a low‐to‐moderate palaeolatitude of 20–30° for carbonate (and glacial) deposition. In addition, as it overlaps the ages obtained for the oldest Neoproterozoic glacial successions, our result reinforces the idea of a long‐standing ‘Sturtian’ interval, suggesting that this event represents either different discrete glaciations or a protracted event encompassing almost 80 Ma.
Diminutive trace fossils in the Chengjiang Lagerstätte
Authors: Zhang Xi‐guang , Bergström Jan , Bromley Richard G. , Hou Xian‐guang 
Published: November 2007

AbstractDiminutive trace fossils described here have been well preserved in connection with certain pliable carapaces or skeletons of the Chengjiang animals. Taphonomic evidence suggests that these traces were formed in situ. The peculiar preservation indicates that some bilaterians of uncertain affinities seem to have been active at the burial site, constituting an important group of the hidden majority of Cambrian marine community. This may be an essential feature closely associated with the palaeoecology and exceptional preservation of the Cambrian fossil Lagerstätten. The rare preservation of such millimetre‐sized trace fossils raises further doubts about the timing of the initial benthic bilaterians by applying trace fossil evidence.
Heritability, plasticity and canalization of Ural owl egg size in a cyclic environment
Authors: KONTIAINEN P. , BROMMER J. E. , KARELL P. , PIETIÄINEN H. 
Published: November 2007

AbstractAvian egg size is highly variable on the population level, but is considered inflexible on the individual level. On the basis of 2969 measurements of individual eggs collected during 1981–2005, we analysed heritability, plasticity and selection on egg size in the Ural owl, a long‐lived bird that preys on voles. Vole abundance varied in a 3‐year cycle, creating varying food supply across the cycle’s phases. Ural owl egg size is heritable (h2 = 60%). Ural owls lay larger eggs in improved food conditions. On the basis of repeated breeding records of 59 females that bred in all vole cycle phases, we show that intra‐individual adjustment (plasticity) explained 22.4% of the variation in egg size across phases. Egg size was under stabilizing selection. Extremely small and extremely large eggs had reduced hatchability, and individuals who laid either large or small eggs had lower lifetime fledgling production than the ones laying intermediately sized eggs. Our findings illustrate how maternal investment in egg size can both be heritable and highly responsive to variable environmental conditions, and suggest that variation in the investment in egg size across individuals is canalized.
Spatio‐temporal variations in reproductive patterns and population structure of Pasiphaea multidentata (Decapoda: Caridea) in the Blanes canyon and adjacent margin, North‐western Mediterranean Sea
Authors: Ramirez‐Llodra Eva , Company Joan B. , Camps Mercedes , Rotllant Guiomar 
Published: November 2007

Abstract Pasiphaea multidentata is a deep‐water caridean shrimp fished in the Mediterranean in association with the commercially exploited red‐shrimp Aristeus antennatus. A previous study describes seasonality in the reproductive pattern of P. multidentata using external morphological parametres. This study assesses the spatio‐temporal variations in the population structure, sex ratio, ovary cycle and gametogenesis of P. multidentata from three different fishing grounds in the Blanes canyon and adjacent margin (North‐western Mediterranean) over an annual cycle. The oogenetic pattern of this species is typical of a caridean shrimp. There is a pool of previtellogenic oocytes at all times that develop from the periphery of the gonad towards the centre during maturation. Previtellogenic oocytes grow to approximately 200 μm before undergoing vitellogenesis. The vitellogenic oocytes are surrounded by a monolayer of accessory cells. The maximum size observed for a mature oocyte was 1420 μm. The oocyte‐size distribution confirmed the seasonal reproductive pattern of this species; in winter, the ovaries contained mainly previtellogenic oocytes, some of which start maturing in spring, resulting in a slightly bimodal distribution. In summer, the vitellogenic oocytes reach approximately 1000 μm and in late autumn the ovaries are fully mature and ready to spawn. There were no significant differences in the reproductive and population structure patterns of P. multidentata among the three sites, suggesting that the population’s distribution is not affected by the geomorphology of the area, in particular the presence of the canyon. The populations are dominated by females at all sites and all seasons, with the arrival of juveniles in spring. The seasonal variations in the reproduction and recruitment of P. multidentata and the lack of spatial segregation within the population are discussed in terms of the species’ known biology, the effects of canyons in energy supply to the deep‐sea floor and the relationships of this species with the red‐shrimp A. antennatus.
Efficacy and tolerability of vildagliptin vs. pioglitazone when added to metformin: a 24‐week, randomized, double‐blind study*
Authors: Bolli G. , Dotta F. , Rochotte E. , Cohen S. E. 
Published: November 2007

Aim:  The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and tolerability of vildagliptin vs. pioglitazone as add‐on therapy in patients with type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled with metformin monotherapy.Methods:  This 24‐week, multicentre, double‐blind, randomized, active‐controlled study compared vildagliptin (100 mg daily, given as equally divided doses, n = 295) and pioglitazone (30 mg daily, given as a single q.d. dose, n = 281) in patients with inadequate glycaemic control (A1C 7.5–11%) while receiving a stable metformin dose (≥1500 mg daily). The adjusted mean changes from baseline to study endpoint (AMΔ) in A1C, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), fasting lipids and body weight were compared by analysis of covariance.Results:  When added to a stable dose of metformin (mean dose at baseline >2000 mg/day), both vildagliptin and pioglitazone decreased A1C (AMΔ = −0.9 ± 0.1% and −1.0 ± 0.1%, respectively) from identical baseline values (8.4 ± 0.1%). The between‐group difference in AMΔ A1C was 0.1 ± 0.1%, and non‐inferiority of vildagliptin to pioglitazone was established at both 0.4 and 0.3% margins for upper limit of the 95% confidence intervals. Pioglitazone decreased FPG (AMΔ = −2.1 ± 0.1 mmol/l) to a greater extent than vildagliptin (AMΔ = −1.4 ± 0.1 mmol/l), but only pioglitazone increased body weight (AMΔ = +1.9 ± 0.2 kg: between‐group difference = −1.6 ± 0.3 kg, p < 0.001). Adverse events (AEs) were reported by 60% of vildagliptin‐treated patients and by 56.4% of pioglitazone‐treated patients; serious AEs were reported by 2.0 and 4.6% of patients receiving vildagliptin and pioglitazone respectively. Mild hypoglycaemia was reported by one patient (0.3%) in the vildagliptin group and by no patients receiving pioglitazone.Conclusions:  When added to metformin, the efficacy of vildagliptin is non‐inferior to that of pioglitazone. The treatments were similarly well tolerated, but only pioglitazone increased body weight.
Volatile Compounds in the Flowers of Freesia Parental Species and Hybrids
Authors: Fu Yang , Gao Xiang , Xue Yiqun , Hui Yuejun , Chen Fengqing , Su Quanping , Wang Li 
Published: November 2007

AbstractFor centuries, freesia has been one of the most important crops in the floriculture industry. Here, aqua‐space samples collected from entire flowers of diploidFreesia refracta, three tetraploid freesia cultivars, and interspecific hybrids of three tetraploid freesia cultivars were analyzed using gas chromatograph coupled with mass selective detector. In all, 75 different compounds were identified. The compounds were mainly terpenes, hydrocarbons, alcohols, fatty acid esters and aromatic class compounds. Among these, linalool was detected from all the sweet‐scented flowers except for scentless white tetraploidF. hybrida. Stable inheritance of linalool betweenF. hybridaand their F1 progeny was observed. Based on the present analyses, the relationship between the aroma of freesia and linalool was discussed.
THIS ARTICLE HAS BEEN RETRACTED  Modeling Responses of Leafy Spurge Dispersal to Control Strategies
Authors: Miao Zewei 
Published: November 2007

Abstract Leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula L.) has substantial negative effects on grassland biodiversity, productivity, and economic benefit in North America. To predict these negative impacts, we need an appropriate plant‐spread model which can simulate the response of an invading population to different control strategies. In this study, using a stochastic map lattice approach we generated a spatially explicitly stochastic process‐based model to simulate dispersal trajectories of leafy spurge under various control scenarios. The model integrated dispersal curve, propagule pressure, and population growth of leafy spurge at local and short‐temporal scales to capture spread features of leafy spurge at large spatial and long‐temporal scales. Our results suggested that narrow‐, medium‐, and fat‐tailed kernels did not differ in their ability to predict spread, in contrast to previous works. For all kernels, Allee effects were significantly present and could explain the lag phase (three decades) before leafy spurge spread accelerated. When simulating from the initial stage of introduction, Allee effects were critical in predicting spread rate of leafy spurge, because the prediction could be seriously affected by the low density period of leafy spurge community. No Allee effects models were not able to simulate spread rate well in this circumstance. When applying control strategies to the current distribution, Allee effects could stop the spread of leafy spurge; no Allee effects models, however, were able to slow but not stop the spread. The presence of Allee effects had significant ramifications on the efficiencies of control strategies. For both Allee and no Allee effects models, the later that control strategies were implemented, the more effort had to be input to achieve similar control results.
Traits of Masson Pine Affecting Attack of Pine Wood Nematode
Authors: Shi Juan , Luo You‐Qing , Song Ji‐Ying , Wu Hai‐Wei , Wang Lei , Wang Gary Z. 
Published: November 2007

Abstract Masson pine characteristics were analyzed in five sample plots in Zhejiang Province, China. Bursaphelenchus xylophilus (Steiner et Buhrer) Nickle (pine wood nematode, PWN) carried by Monochamus alternatus predominately attacked Masson pines in the lower diameter classes. Among the 10 tree characteristics examined, mean crown width, percentage of bole with crown, 5‐year cumulative diameter growth, and resin amount showed significant variation between successfully attacked and unattacked trees. The attacked trees had a lower percentage of the bole covered with tree crown, lower crown width, lower radial growth in the last 5 years, and produced less induced resinosis than unattacked trees. Results allowed for effective ranking of the pine forest based on individual tree resistance to PWN. This index of resistance should be considered throughout the development of an “Evaluation Criterion and Indicator System”. The preceding ranking can be used to evaluate the resistance and resiliency of the pine forest ecosystem to PWN's invasion, which is similar to Pest Risk Analysis (PRA).
Importance of Prudent Antibiotic Use on Dairy Farms in South Carolina: A Pilot Project on Farmers’ Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices
Authors: Friedman D. B. , Kanwat C. P. , Headrick M. L. , Patterson N. J. , Neely J. C. , Smith L. U. 
Published: November 2007

SummaryInappropriate use of antibiotics in humans and animals contributes to decreased antimicrobial susceptibility in bacteria of medical importance. Resistant bacteria being transferred from animals to humans are causing public health concern. In‐person interviews were conducted with 20 dairy farmers in rural counties of South Carolina to determine farmers’ knowledge and attitudes about prudent antibiotic use among livestock. Four focus groups (n = 22) were also conducted to ascertain farmers’ specific information needs about proper antibiotic use. Survey results showed that participants (100%) typically determined a need for antibiotic treatment using symptom assessment and reported following some form of operating procedures regarding administration of antibiotics. Few farmers (32%) had actual written antibiotic protocols. Preferred information sources about antibiotics were veterinarians (100%) and other dairy farmers (50%). Most farmers (86%) were not concerned that overuse of antibiotics in animals could result in antibiotic resistance among farm workers. Qualitative analysis of focus groups revealed significant barriers to following proper antibiotic procedures including limited finances and lack of time. The need for bilingual educational resources for Hispanic/Latino dairy workers was expressed. Desired formats for educational materials were posters, flowcharts, videos, and seminars. Education of South Carolina dairy farmers by veterinarians and public health professionals on the appropriate use of antibiotics in dairy cattle is needed to ensure antibiotic effectiveness in both animals and humans.
Detection of hepatitis C virus natural recombinant RF1_2k/1b strain among intravenous drug users in Uzbekistan
Authors: Kurbanov Fuat , Tanaka Yasuhito , Avazova Dildora , Khan Anis , Sugauchi Fuminaka , Kan Nataliya , Kurbanova‐Khudayberganova Dinara , Khikmatullaeva Aziza , Musabaev Erkin , Mizokami Masashi 
Published: November 2007

Aim:  A series of recent studies have indicated the presence of natural intergenotypic recombinant hepatitis C virus (HCV) strains in distinct parts of the world. The majority of the current genotyping methods are based on analysis of either 5′UTR, structural (Core/E1/E2) or non‐structural (NS5B) genomic regions of the virus.Methods:  In the present study, based on both structural and non‐structural regions, we determined the genotype of 55 anti‐HCV‐positive intravenous drug users (IDUs) in Uzbekistan.Results:  HCV‐3a (67.3%) was the most prevalent genotype in this cohort, followed by HCV‐1b (27.3%). A discrepancy in results was observed between structural and non‐structural regions in one case (1.8%). Phylogenetically this strain was related to the previously reported RF1_2k/1b variant. Based on accumulated sequences, specific primers were designed for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) spanning the tentative intergenotypic crossover point of RF1_2k/1b. The sensitivity and specificity of the method were assessed using generated template clones of HCV‐1b, 2a, 2 k and RF1_2k/1b. The method was applied to 55 cases in the present study and only one case showed a positive result, indicating that in these individuals, the variant is not present as a minor quasispecies clone.Conclusion:  In conclusion, the finding of RF1_2k/1b in Central Asia indicates that the variant has wide geographic distribution. The PCR‐based screening method developed in this study should be useful in further epidemiological and clinical studies on the recombination phenomenon in HCV.
Vegetative Hyphal Fusion Is Not Essential for Plant Infection by
Fusarium oxysporum
Authors: Prados Rosales Rafael C. , Di Pietro Antonio 
Published: November 2007

ABSTRACT

Vegetative hyphal fusion (VHF) is a ubiquitous phenomenon in filamentous fungi whose biological role is poorly understood. In
Neurospora crassa
, the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) Mak-2 and the WW domain protein So are required for efficient VHF. A MAPK orthologous to Mak-2, Fmk1, was previously shown to be essential for root penetration and pathogenicity of the vascular wilt fungus
Fusarium oxysporum
. Here we took a genetic approach to test two hypotheses, that (i) VHF and plant infection have signaling mechanisms in common and (ii) VHF is required for efficient plant infection.
F. oxysporum
mutants lacking either Fmk1 or Fso1, an orthologue of
N. crassa
So, were impaired in the fusion of vegetative hyphae and microconidial germ tubes. Δ
fmk1
Δ
fso1
double mutants exhibited a more severe fusion phenotype than either single mutant, indicating that the two components function in distinct pathways. Both Δ
fso1
and Δ
fmk1
strains were impaired in the formation of hyphal networks on the root surface, a process associated with extensive VHF. The Δ
fso1
mutants exhibited slightly reduced virulence in tomato fruit infection assays but, in contrast to Δ
fmk1
strains, were still able to perform functions associated with invasive growth, such as secretion of pectinolytic enzymes or penetration of cellophane sheets, and to infect tomato plants. Thus, although VHF per se is not essential for plant infection, both processes have some signaling components in common, suggesting an evolutionary relationship between the underlying cellular mechanisms.
Extracellular Vesicles Produced by
Cryptococcus neoformans
Contain Protein Components Associated with Virulence
Authors: Rodrigues Marcio L. , Nakayasu Ernesto S. , Oliveira Debora L. , Nimrichter Leonardo , Nosanchuk Joshua D. , Almeida Igor C. , Casadevall Arturo 
Published: November 2007

ABSTRACT

Cryptococcus neoformans
produces vesicles containing its major virulence factor, the capsular polysaccharide glucuronoxylomannan (GXM). These vesicles cross the cell wall to reach the extracellular space, where the polysaccharide is supposedly used for capsule growth or delivered into host tissues. In the present study, we characterized vesicle morphology and protein composition by a combination of techniques including electron microscopy, proteomics, enzymatic activity, and serological reactivity. Secretory vesicles in
C. neoformans
appear to be correlated with exosome-like compartments derived from multivesicular bodies. Extracellular vesicles manifested various sizes and morphologies, including electron-lucid membrane bodies and electron-dense vesicles. Seventy-six proteins were identified by proteomic analysis, including several related to virulence and protection against oxidative stress. Biochemical tests indicated laccase and urease activities in vesicles. In addition, different vesicle proteins were recognized by sera from patients with cryptococcosis. These results reveal an efficient and general mechanism of secretion of pathogenesis-related molecules in
C. neoformans
, suggesting that extracellular vesicles function as “virulence bags” that deliver a concentrated payload of fungal products to host effector cells and tissues.