bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Egg mass and incubation period allometry in birds and reptiles: effects of phylogeny
Authors: Deeming D. C. , Birchard G. F. , Crafer R. , Eady P. E. 
Published: May 2006

AbstractHere we test the hypothesis that the relationship between egg mass at oviposition (IEM) and incubation period (Ip) is a function of the taxonomic relatedness of bird and reptile species. Allometric relationships between IEM andIpwere examined for 1525 bird species and 201 reptilian species. Treating species as independent data revealed the allometric exponent linkingIpto IEM to be 0.234 for birds and 0.138 for reptiles. However, ANCOVA revealed that within both birds and reptiles the elevation and slope of the regression lines were dependent on the taxonomic order studied, indicating that the exponents were confounded by the phylogenetic relatedness of species. Thus, allometric exponents were recalculated based on the method of comparative analysis using independent contrasts. This technique revealed that the allometric exponent in both birds and reptiles was confounded by phylogeny. In birds the allometric relationship betweenIpand IEM was almost halved to 0.122, whereas in reptiles the exponent increased to 0.185. Importantly, the results demonstrate that some results of allometric analyses can be artefacts of the method of analysis of the dataset. That for bird eggsIpis not determined in large part by egg mass allows new questions to be posed regarding the ecological and physiological factors affecting the length of incubation, and hence rates of embryonic growth, for different taxa and habitats.
Continuity of care for acutely unwell older adults from nursing homes
Authors: Crilly Julia , Chaboyer Wendy , Wallis Marianne 
Published: May 2006

Abstract  Background:  Continuity of care (COC) for acutely unwell older adults, particularly those who are nursing home residents, who present to hospital, is complicated by the presence of co‐morbid conditions, long waiting times, both for the ambulance and in the department, and poor after‐hours general practitioner access.Aim:  To present a critical review of the literature on COC for older adults from nursing homes who present to hospital and who are acutely unwell. The review will answer the following questions: (i) What is the contemporary meaning of the construct continuity of care? (ii) What is the relevance of continuity of care to the population of older adults who reside in nursing homes and present to hospital? and (iii) What models exist for promoting continuity of care to older adults who present to hospital?Method:  Guided by the conceptual analysis process a database search of CINAHL and MEDLINE was carried out utilizing the search terms ‘continuity of care’, ‘older adults’, ‘nursing homes’, ‘emergency department’ and ‘acute illness’. A hand‐search of additional references was also conducted. Retrieved articles were critically reviewed if they focused on older adult patients, the acute care/community settings and COC.Findings:  The contemporary meaning of the COC is that it incorporates care of an individual patient over time by bridging discrete elements in the care pathway. Four distinct models of COC were identified. These were Primary Health Care; General Practice and Primary Medical Care; Consumers; and Health Policy and Systems. All are based on the proviso that the individual is sufficiently independent to be able to coordinate their own care and to take overall responsibility.Conclusions:  The connection between COC and acutely unwell older adults who present to hospital is a prolific area for further research. In particular, the effectiveness of programmes aimed at enhancing the advanced nursing practice role and the COC process for older adults, needs investigation.
Working conditions and cultural competence when interacting with children and parents of foreign origin – Primary Child Health Nurses’ opinions
Authors: Berlin Anita , Johansson Sven‐Erik , Törnkvist Lena 
Published: May 2006

Background:  Interaction with children and parents of foreign origin is an important part of Primary Child Health Care (PCHC) services. Cultural competence among Primary Child Health Nurses’ (PCHNurses’) must therefore be regarded as essential. Cultural competence has been described as a process with different steps through which an individual must proceed.Aim:  The present study investigates PCHNurses’ opinions regarding their working conditions and cultural competence. The focus will be placed on their interaction with children and parents of foreign origin.Methods:  A total of 270 PCHNurses working in the PCHC services in Stockholm County responded to a questionnaire (response rate 70%). The association between experiences of difficulties and nine explanatory variables were analysed with logistic regression.Results:  Many of the PCHNurses reported inadequate working conditions and dissatisfaction with the quality of their healthcare work and said that they lacked written guidelines, support and help. A majority (84%) experienced difficulties in their interactions with children and parents of foreign origin, although to different degrees. The odds of experiencing difficulties were increased when nurses were responsible for a high proportion of children of foreign origin, when nurses had long professional experience and when they worked more than 50% on child‐health‐services assignments. Many nurses had no formal training in cultural competence and the majority felt that their formal and clinical cultural competence was insufficient.Conclusions:  Deficiencies were found regarding the PCHNurses’ working conditions and cultural competence when interacting with children and parents of foreign origin. Improvements are needed to facilitate the nurses’ healthcare work and to enable high quality health care on equal terms for all children and parents visiting the PCHC services.
Self‐assessed quality of sleep, occupational health, working environment, illness experience and job satisfaction of female nurses working different combination of shifts
Authors: Sveinsdóttir Herdis 
Published: May 2006

Aim:  The aim of this study was to describe and compare the self‐assessed quality of sleep, occupational health, working environment, illness experience and job satisfaction among female nurses working different combinations of shifts.Background:  Evidence from several studies indicates that there is an association between the disruption of the circadian cycle caused by shift work and adverse health effects.Methods:  A cross‐sectional design was used with a sample of 348 nurses drawn from the registry of the Icelandic Nurses’ Association, representing 17% of the workforce of Icelandic nurses. A self‐administered questionnaire, measuring occupational health, quality of sleep, the illness experience, job satisfaction and working environment was used. Data were analysed according to type of shift (days only, rotating days/evenings, rotating days/evenings/nights) by use of analysis of variance and chi‐square.Results:  No difference was found between participants based on type of shift with regard to the illness experience, job satisfaction and quality of sleep. Nurses working rotating day/evening/night shifts reported a longer working day, more stressful environmental risk factors, more strenuous work and that they were less able to control their work‐pace. In general, the nurses reported low severity of symptoms; however, nurses working rotating days/evenings shifts experienced more severe gastrointestinal and musculoskeletal symptoms when compared with others. This was explained by the short rest period provided for between evening and morning shifts.Conclusions:  In general Icelandic nurses are satisfied with their work and their shift assignment does not seem to pathologically disrupt their circadian cycle. Nevertheless, nursing directors are advised to look more closely at the organization of nurses’ work during night shifts, as well as the rest period for nurses changing from evening to day shifts.
Doctor and patient perceptions of the level of doctor explanation and quality of patient–doctor communication
Authors: Hagihara Akihito , Tarumi Kimio 
Published: May 2006

Background:  Several measures, such as the frequency, duration and ratio of quantitative communication behaviours, have been used to evaluate patient–doctor communication; however, these measures have several major problems. Therefore, we examined whether doctors’ and patients’ perceptions of the level of doctors’ explanations provide a better measure for evaluating the quality of patient–doctor communication.Methods:  The subjects were 630 doctor–patient pairs in Japan. One‐way anova and multiple logistic regression analysis were used for the data analysis.Results:  Of 190 doctors and 950 patients selected randomly, 126 doctors and 630 patients returned questionnaires (response rates, both 66.3%). We found the following. (i) With respect to the sufficiency of the doctor explanation, the ‘patient‐better’ situation (i.e. when patients’ evaluations were better than doctors’ evaluations) had a more positive influence on patients’ outcome measures than did other situations. (ii) The ‘doctor better’ situation (i.e. when doctors’ evaluations were better than patients’ evaluations) had the most negative influence on patient outcome measures compared with the other situations. (iii) The length of clinical experience, patient gender and guidance concerning a change in lifestyle were predictors of the doctor‐better condition in the two types of doctor explanations.Conclusions:  A measure that classifies patient–doctor pairs into doctor‐better and the other situations might be effective for evaluating the quality of patient–doctor communication. As this is a new approach to evaluating patient–doctor communication, more studies are necessary to verify these findings.
Sequencing primers and SNPs for rapidly evolving reproductive loci in endangered ibex and their kin (Bovidae, Capra spp.)
Authors: JORDAN STEVE , MIQUEL CHRISTIAN , TABERLET PIERRE , LUIKART GORDON 
Published: May 2006

AbstractRapidly evolving genes (e.g. candidate selected loci) are of increasing interest to molecular ecologists and conservation geneticists. Here, we report primers for five regions from three independent nuclear reproductive genes that reliably generate polymorphic sequences across the widespread wild goats of the Capra ibex species group and likely many other species of bovids. From three to nine single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified in each gene region among C. ibex subspecies. Average numbers of SNPs per 1000 bp across all five gene regions was 15.0, with a high of 25.3 in the ZP3 exons 3 and 4 sequence and a low of 6.1 in the TNP1 sequence.
Polymorphic microsatellite markers for the Eucalyptus fungal pathogen Colletogloeopsis zuluensis
Authors: CORTINAS M. N. , BARNES I. , WINGFIELD B. D. , WINGFIELD M. J. 
Published: May 2006

AbstractNine polymorphic microsatellite markers for the phytopathogenic fungus Colletogloeopsis zuluensis, the causal agent of an important stem canker disease of Eucalyptus, were isolated and characterized. Two methods, random amplified microsatellite sequences (RAMS) and fast isolation by AFLP of sequences containing repeats with modifications (M‐FIASCO), were used to isolate the microsatellites. Primers for 28 prospective microsatellite regions were designed and nine of these were polymorphic for C. zuluensis. Allelic diversity ranged from 0.12 to 0.80 with a total of 37 alleles. These markers will be used in future to determine the population genetic structure of C. zuluensis isolates and to monitor their global movement.
Development of SSR markers located in the G1 linkage group of apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) using a bacterial artificial chromosome library
Authors: VILANOVA S. , SORIANO J. M. , LALLI D. A. , ROMERO C. , ABBOTT A. G. , LLÁCER G. , BADENES M. L. 
Published: May 2006

AbstractSixteen simple sequence repeats (SSRs) of apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) were isolated from a bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) library. Twelve restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) probes mapped on LG1 of the Prunus general map were hybridized to the BAC library in order to select clones belonging to G1 linkage group of apricot. Selected BACs were digested, subcloned and hybridized with probes containing repeat motifs (GA)10 and (TA)10. Sequencing of the positive subclones revealed 18 unique SSR sequences of which 16 allowed the design of primers flanking the SSR. From the 16 primer pairs, 10 amplified polymorphic markers with an average of observed and expected heterozygosities of 0.44 and 0.68, respectively. The procedure described here proves to be a useful technique for obtaining markers in target areas of a genome.
Development and characterization of microsatellite markers for a monoecious Ficus species, Ficus insipida, and cross‐species amplification among different sections of Ficus
Authors: VIGNES H. , HOSSAERT‐MCKEY M. , BEAUNE D. , FEVRE D. , ANSTETT M.‐C. , BORGES R. M. , KJELLBERG F. , CHEVALLIER M. H. 
Published: May 2006

AbstractThe animal‐mediated pollination and seed‐dispersal mutualisms of Ficus species give them key roles in tropical ecosystems, but may make them vulnerable to habitat fragmentation. The development of highly polymorphic markers is needed to analyse their genetic diversity and investigate the effects of fragmentation on gene flow. Of thirteen microsatellite loci isolated from Ficus insipida, a monoecious species in French Guiana, eleven were polymorphic (two to six alleles each). High levels of variation were found among loci; expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.151 to 0.715. All markers revealed a broad cross‐species affinity when tested in 23 other Ficus species.
Characterization of 16 microsatellite loci for a common coral reef fish, the fierce shrimpgoby Ctenogobiops feroculus
Authors: THOMPSON ANDREW R. , THACKER CHRISTINE E. , SHAW EMILY Y. , ROJE DAWN M. 
Published: May 2006

AbstractWe developed 16 pairs of primers for microsatellite loci of the fierce shrimpgoby, Ctenogobiops feroculus. Analysis of 35–40 gobies per locus from five islands in French Polynesia indicated that allele frequency varied from two to 30 per locus, while observed heterozygosity ranged between 0.05 and 0.98. These microsatellites should provide insight into patterns of dispersal and connectivity among populations of this common coral reef fish.
Temperature affects longevity and age‐related locomotor and cognitive decay in the short‐lived fish Nothobranchius furzeri
Authors: Valenzano Dario R. , Terzibasi Eva , Cattaneo Antonino , Domenici Luciano , Cellerino Alessandro 
Published: May 2006

SummaryTemperature variations are known to modulate aging and life‐history traits in poikilotherms as different as worms, flies and fish. In invertebrates, temperature affects lifespan by modulating the slope of age‐dependent acceleration in death rate, which is thought to reflect the rate of age‐related damage accumulation. Here, we studied the effects of temperature on aging kinetics, aging‐related behavioural deficits, and age‐associated histological markers of senescence in the short‐lived fish Nothobranchius furzeri. This species shows a maximum captive lifespan of only 3 months, which is tied with acceleration in growth and expression of aging biomarkers. These biological peculiarities make it a very convenient animal model for testing the effects of experimental manipulations on life‐history traits in vertebrates. Here, we show that (i) lowering temperature from 25 °C to 22 °C increases both median and maximum lifespan; (ii) life extension is due to reduction in the slope of the age‐dependent acceleration in death rate; (iii) lowering temperature from 25 °C to 22 °C retards the onset of age‐related locomotor and learning deficits; and (iv) lowering temperature from 25 °C to 22 °C reduces the accumulation of the age‐related marker lipofuscin. We conclude that lowering water temperature is a simple experimental manipulation which retards the rate of age‐related damage accumulation in this short‐lived species.
Reactive oxygen species, dietary restriction and neurotrophic factors in age‐related loss of myenteric neurons
Authors: Thrasivoulou C. , Soubeyre V. , Ridha H. , Giuliani D. , Giaroni C. , Michael G. J. , Saffrey M. J. , Cowen T. 
Published: May 2006

SummaryWe have studied the mechanisms underlying nonpathological age‐related neuronal cell death. Fifty per cent of neurons in the rat enteric nervous system are lost between 12 and 18 months of age in ad libitum (AL) fed rats. Caloric restriction (CR) protects almost entirely against this neuron loss. Using the ROS‐sensitive dyes, dihydrorhodamine (DHR) and 2‐[6‐(4′‐hydroxy)phenoxy‐3H‐xanthen‐3‐on‐9‐yl]benzoic acid (HPF) in vitro, we show that the onset of cell death is linked with elevated intraneuronal levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Treatment with the neurotrophic factors NT3 and GDNF enhances neuronal antioxidant defence in CR rats at 12–15 months and 24 months but not in adult or aged AL‐fed animals. To examine the link between elevated ROS and neuronal cell death, we assessed apoptotic cell death following in vitro treatment with the redox‐cycling drug, menadione. Menadione fails to increase apoptosis in 6‐month neurons. However, in 12–15mAL fed rats, when age‐related cell death begins, menadione induces a 7‐ to 15‐fold increase in the proportion of apoptotic neurons. CR protects age‐matched neurons against ROS‐induced apoptosis. Treatment with neurotrophic factors, in particular GDNF, rescues neurons from menadione‐induced cell death, but only in 12–15mCR animals. We hypothesize that CR enhances antioxidant defence through neurotrophic factor signalling, thereby reducing age‐related increases in neuronal ROS levels and in ROS‐induced cell death.
RothCUK – a dynamic modelling system for estimating changes in soil C from mineral soils at 1‐km resolution in the UK
Authors: Falloon P. , Smith P. , Bradley R. I. , Milne R. , Tomlinson R. , Viner D. , Livermore M. , Brown T. 
Published: May 2006

AbstractWe describe the development and application of an integrated data and modelling system for estimating soil carbon (C) fluxes from mineral soils caused by changes in climate, land use and land management at 1‐km resolution in the UK (RothCUK). The system was developed with the aim of improving methods for United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and Kyoto Protocol accounting and integrates national scale data sets of soil properties, land use and climate with the Rothamsted carbon model (RothC). A preliminary estimate of soil C fluxes because of land use change (LUC) over the period 1990–2000 is presented as an example application of the system. RothCUK shows LUC to be a net source of CO2 from 1990 to 2000 although the RothC estimate was smaller (6488 kt C) than the estimate from the single exponential model (SEM) method currently used to calculate C fluxes due to LUC for the UK National Greenhouse Gas Inventory (mean: 9412 kt C). Based on previous studies, an uncertainty range in our estimates of ±50–100% seems plausible. In agreement with the SEM, RothCUK suggests that the largest single contributor to soil C fluxes from LUC was conversion of grassland to arable land. Differences between the results may be attributed to differences in the two models and the assumptions and underlying data used in making the calculations. The RothCUK system provides a powerful method for estimating changes in soil C stocks, enabling areas and management systems with particularly large changes in soil C stocks to be located at fine resolution.
Some effects of tramlines on surface runoff, sediment and phosphorus mobilization on an erosion‐prone soil
Authors: Withers P. J. A. , Hodgkinson R. A. , Bates A. , Withers C. M. 
Published: May 2006

AbstractAlthough introduced into UK farming to help ensure more even application of agrochemicals, tramlines (marked wheelways through crops) are a potential cause of surface runoff and transfer of diffuse pollutants, including sediment and phosphorus (P), into watercourses. To help quantify these potential effects, the impact of tramlines on sediment and P movement in surface runoff was assessed on an erosion‐prone sloping (5°) fine sandy soil over two successive winters. Three replicate and hydrologically isolated runoff plots measuring 15 m long and 2 m wide, and either with, or without, a tramline, were established on field demonstration areas which had received different soil (traditionally ploughed vs. reduced cultivated) and crop (early vs. late drilling) management practices. Reduced cultivation (minimum tillage) consisted of heavy discing (5–8 cm depth) instead of ploughing (20–25 cm depth). Over monitoring periods ranging up to 5 months, plots with tramlines running up and down the slope generated, on average, 46% more runoff (+1–2 mm) compared with plots without tramlines on ploughed soils. This extra runoff resulted in up to fivefold greater sediment loss (+0.4 t ha−1) and up to fourfold greater total P loss (+0.3 kg ha−1) from the plots. However, the presence of tramlines had no significant impact on runoff, or sediment and P transfers, where the soil received reduced cultivation. Plots with tramlines that were partially crop covered, or which ran across the slope rather than up and down the slope, produced the same amount of runoff, sediment and P transfer as plots without tramlines. Greatest entrainment of sediment and P in runoff occurred where tramlines coarsely indented the soil, or caused erosion rills to form. Establishing tramlines in dry soils reduced the degree of soil indentation and the risk of channelled runoff causing sediment and P entrainment. The data suggest that tramlines can be managed more sensitively on erosion vulnerable soils to help minimize the risk of sediment and P pollution of our surface waters, and various options are discussed.
Evaluation of a CAMHS in Primary Care Service for General Practice
Authors: Wiener Andrew , Rodwell Helen 
Published: May 2006

Background:  Many CAMH Services have Tier 2 provision in primary care, but there has been little published evaluation. In a service aimed at general practice, this study examined: 1) the clinical activities of the primary mental health workers; 2) the effect of the service on referrals to specialist CAMHS; and 3) the utilisation and perceived usefulness of the service.Method:  clinical activity data collection, evaluation of referral patterns, and a postal questionnaire.Results:  Informal (unstructured) consultation‐liaison was used more than formal consultation. Referrals to specialist CAMHS increased from practices using the service. The service was perceived as helpful and accessible.Conclusions:  The service supported primary care staff in their work with child and adolescent mental health issues. Referrals to Tier 3 may increase as a result of the service.
Is Sure Start an Effective Preventive Intervention?
Authors: Rutter Michael 
Published: May 2006

Background:  Sure Start was established with the aim of eliminating child poverty and social exclusion.Method:  The findings from the reports of the National Evaluation of Sure Start Team, published in November 2005, are reviewed and critiqued.Results:  The family and child functioning after 3 years of Sure Start, as compared with Sure Start‐to‐be areas, showed very few significant differences, with some indication of adverse effects in the most disadvantaged families.Conclusions:  These findings are discussed in relation to their service, research and policy implications–with the conclusion that the research evaluation was well conducted, but the findings are inconclusive. There are lessons on how to improve Sure Start and what should have been done differently.