bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A volunteer companion‐observer intervention reduces falls on an acute aged care ward
Authors: Donoghue Judith , Graham Jenny , Mitten‐Lewis Suzanne , Murphy Moira , Gibbs Julie 
Published: March 2005

PurposeFalls are the most frequently reported adverse event in hospitalised patients and carry a risk of great harm for the frail elderly. This intervention aimed to prevent high‐risk in‐patients on an acute aged care ward from falling.Design/methodology/approachPatients assessed at high falls risk were accommodated in a room staffed by volunteer companion‐observers. The volunteers engaged them in conversation, played cards, opened meals and used the call bell to summon nurses if patients attempted to move from the bed or chair without assistance. Because of occupational health and safety considerations, the volunteers did not assist patients to ambulate.FindingsThe falls rate in the acute aged care ward decreased by 44 percent (p<0.000). No patients fell in the observation room when volunteers were present. Relatives of participating in‐patients expressed appreciation of the volunteer role, in terms of increased safety and also companionship. Volunteers exercised initiative in determining their pattern of work and developing resources to support their role.Research limitations/implicationsBecause volunteers are not present around the clock, other strategies are needed to prevent wandering, frequently confused older in‐patients from falling during the night.Practical implicationsIn a context where frail elderly patients need constant supervision, using volunteers is a reasonable strategy.Originality/valueThis intervention used an inexpensive, human resources‐based approach to significantly reduce the incidence of falls in the population at highest risk of falling. The additional benefits to patients in terms of cognitive improvement bear further investigation.
Quantifying root lateral distribution and turnover using pine trees with a distinct stable carbon isotope signature
Authors: JOHNSEN K. , MAIER C. , KRESS L. 
Published: March 2005

SummaryIn order to help assess spatial competition for below‐ground resources, we quantified the effects of fertilization on root biomass quantity and lateral root distribution of mid‐rotationPinus taedatrees. Open‐top chambers exposed trees to ambient or ambient plus 200 µmol mol−1atmospheric CO2for 31 months.Tank CO2was depleted in atmospheric13C; foliage of elevated CO2trees had δ13C of −42·9, compared with −29·1 for ambient CO2trees.Roots 1 m from the base of elevated CO2‐grown trees had more negative δ13C relative to control trees, and this difference was detected, on average, up to 5·8, 3·7 and 3·7 m away from the trees for 0–2, 2–5 and >5 mm root‐size classes, respectively. Non‐fertilized tree roots extended as far as fertilized trees despite the fact that their above‐ground biomass was less than half that of fertilized trees.These results are informative with respect to root sampling intensity and protocol, and the distances required between experimental manipulations to evaluate below‐ground processes of independent treatments.Fine‐root turnover has usually been estimated to range from weeks to 3 years, representing a major avenue of carbon flux. Using a mixing model we calculated that 0–2 mm roots had a mean residence time of 4·5 years indicating relatively slow fine‐root turnover, a result that has major implications in modelling C cycling.
Invasion in grassland gaps: the role of neighbourhood richness, light availability and species complementarity during two successive years
Authors: MILBAU A. , NIJS I. , DE RAEDEMAECKER F. , REHEUL D. , DE CAUWER B. 
Published: March 2005

SummaryWe examined how the performance of three grass species, inserted as invaders in the gaps of synthesized communities, was affected by percentage light transmittance in these gaps and by the species richness and productivity of the surrounding neighbour plants. We also investigated whether these influences changed through time.In both the first and the second season following invader establishment, realized growth (invader leaf length) was positively related to percentage light transmittance (which was the best predictor for invasibility), and negatively related to neighbour biomass, in all species examined. The richness–invasibility relationship became significant only in year 2, when increasing neighbourhood richness enhanced complementarity (demonstrated by means ofImax, an index for assessing the degree of complementary resource use), which in turn negatively affected invader leaf length. In the first year such a relationship had not yet developed, probably because the communities were still young and plant interactions were still limited. However, even in year 2 the richness effect saturated at low richness, with no mixture over‐yielding the best two‐species mixture.The data suggest that moderately productive, species‐rich communities, preferably with some broad‐leaved species, and with a nutrient input as low as possible, will offer the best defence against invasions.
Interaction between organ mass and citrate synthase activity as an indicator of tissue maximal oxidative capacity in breeding European Starlings: implications for metabolic rate and organ mass relationships
Authors: VÉZINA F. , WILLIAMS T. D. 
Published: March 2005

Summary

Numerous studies have suggested that basal metabolic rate (BMR) is related to variation in mass of specific ‘energy‐expensive’ organs such as heart and kidney.
However, there are inconsistencies among studies with regard to those organs that show positive relationships with BMR, potentially because such studies assume constant organ metabolic intensity or capacity (e.g. oxidative activity).
This paper investigates metabolic adjustments (citrate synthase activity) in four key organs (pectoral muscle, heart, kidney and liver) in free‐living reproductive female European Starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) throughout the breeding season to determine if the cost of egg production results in readjustments in organ mass‐specific enzyme activity.
Citrate synthase (CS) activity varied in relation to breeding stage and/or year, but this variation was not consistent among different organs. For some organs, total enzymatic activity was directly related to changes in organ mass in relation to breeding stage. For others, increased organ mass was associated with a decrease in mass‐specific CS activity, resulting in no net change in total organ oxidative capacity among breeding stages.
Even though the liver is actively involved in yolk precursor production during egg formation, no evidence was found for up‐regulation of mass‐specific oxidative enzyme activity in this organ.
Metabolic adjustments at the organ level may occur independently from organ mass changes and this confounding effect may be responsible for part of the inconsistencies found between previous studies in terms of organs mass–RMR relationships.
The paradox of the weakening combatant: trade‐off between closing force and gripping speed in a sexually selected combat structure
Authors: LEVINTON J. S. , ALLEN B. J. 
Published: March 2005

Summary

Previous evidence demonstrates that closing force decreases proportionally as fiddler crab claw size increases. Larger crabs do have greater absolute closing force, but less than would be expected if claw proportions were isometric. In the Mud Fiddler Crab, Uca pugnax, this is explained by a decrease in mechanical advantage with increasing claw size.
We here re‐measure mechanical advantage with a more direct method than used previously; the relationship of mechanical advantage to claw size was similar to the older indirect measure. Because the fiddler crab claw is a simple lever, we predicted that the observed decline in closing force should be compensated by a proportional increase in closing speed.
We tested this hypothesis using high‐speed video to observe crabs closing their major claws spontaneously under controlled conditions. Closing speed scaled positively to claw length as predicted, and the value of the exponent conformed to expectation from a simple biomechanical model.
Evolution of the fiddler crab claw therefore involved a trade‐off of closing force for closing speed. An adaptive explanation of relative weakening with increasing body size may lie in the increased ability to rapidly grasp an opponent, a crucial advantage in fiddler crab combat.
SARS: caring for patients in Hong Kong
Authors: Chung Betty Pui Man , Wong Thomas Kwok Shing , Suen Esther Suk Bing , Chung Joanne Wai Yee 
Published: March 2005

Aim and objective.  To explore in depth the experiences of nurses' caring for SARS patients in Hong Kong.Background.  Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) dramatically demonstrates the global havoc that can be wreaked by a newly emerging infectious disease. The current literature either has a predominantly biomedical focus or deals with the psychological impact on healthcare workers. Published studies on the lived experience of nurses caring for SARS patients are currently lacking.Design.  A phenomenological design.Methods.  Using methods consistent with Husserl's philosophy, eight Registered Nurses working in three regional hospitals in Hong Kong were invited to participate in sharing their lived experience of caring for SARS patients and data were analysed using Colaizzi's approach.Results.  The three major themes explicated were: the various emotions experienced in caring for SARS patients, the concept of uncertainty and revisiting the ‘taken for granted’ features of nursing.Conclusion.  These themes, when taken together, describe the essence of the voyage undertaken by nurses who cared for SARS patients during the outbreak. The findings of this study indicate that extensive and ongoing support is needed to prepare and enable nurses to care for SARS patients during a crisis and make it easier for nurses to deal with the various uncertainties.Relevance to clinical practice.  The essence of caring for SARS patients is highlighted in this study. The experience of caring for SARS patients prompts nurses to find meaning in their experience(s), and to develop knowledge and attitudes on how best to care for patients and prepare for a new crisis in the future. This paper considers a more in‐depth understanding of the lived experience of nurses during the crisis and the relevance of this perspective for education and support of nurses.
Evaluation of drug therapy and risk factors in diabetic hypertensives: a study of the quality of care provided in diabetic clinics in Bahrain*
Authors: Al Khaja Khalid A. Jassim , P. Sequeira Reginald , Damanhori Awatif H. H. 
Published: March 2005

AbstractObjective  To evaluate control of blood pressure (BP) and diabetes and the associated risk factors in diabetic hypertensives treated by diabetic clinic primary care physicians.Methods  A retrospective analysis of the medical records of diabetic hypertensives from six primary care diabetic clinics in Bahrain.Results  The recommended BP target <130/<85 mmHg and of glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1C) <7% were achieved in 7.5% and 14.5%, respectively. Most of the patients with uncontrolled BP and HbA1C were at high cardiovascular risk. More patients were on antihypertensive monotherapy than on combination therapy (60.6% vs. 36.7%; P < 0.0001). The recommended two‐ and three‐antihypertensive drug combinations were less often prescribed. In high‐risk patients glycaemic control achieved was poor: antidiabetic combination therapy vs. monotherapy did not significantly differ. Inappropriate prescribing practices, such as the use of immediate‐release nifedipine monotherapy, use of sulphonylurea instead of metformin in obese patients, and a trend towards prescribing of glyburide rather than a gliclazide in the elderly, were observed. Lipid‐lowering (13.5%) and antiplatelet (12.8%) drugs were infrequently prescribed.Conclusions  Hypertension and diabetes in patients treated at the primary care diabetic clinics were inadequately controlled. In several instances, mono‐ and combination antihypertensives prescribed were irrational. Lipid‐lowering and platelet aggregation inhibition strategies have received little attention. Intensive antihypertensive and antidiabetic complementary combination therapy should be encouraged. Continuous professional education of diabetic clinic physicians and expert‐supervised diabetic clinics are desirable.
Arabidopsis AtcwINV3 and 6 are not invertases but are fructan exohydrolases (FEHs) with different substrate specificities
Authors: DE CONINCK BARBARA , LE ROY KATRIEN , FRANCIS ISOLDE , CLERENS STEFAN , VERGAUWEN RUDY , HALLIDAY AILEEN M. , SMITH STEVEN M. , VAN LAERE ANDRÉ , VAN DEN ENDE WIM 
Published: March 2005

ABSTRACTThe genome of Arabidopsis thaliana contains six putative cell‐wall type invertase genes (AtcwINV1‐6). Heterologous expression of AtcwINV1, 3 and 6 cDNAs in Pichia pastoris revealed that the enzymes encoded by AtcwINV3 and 6 did not show invertase activity. Instead, AtcwINV3 is a 6‐FEH and AtcwINV6 is a fructan exohydrolase (FEH) that can degrade both inulin and levan‐type fructans. For AtcwINV6 it is proposed to use the term (6&1) FEH. In contrast, AtcwINV1 is a typical invertase. FEH activity was also detected in crude extracts of different parts of Arabidopsis. To verify that the FEH activity of AtcwINV3 and 6 were not artefacts of the heterologous expression system, the protein corresponding to AtcwINV3 was isolated from whole Arabidopsis plants and indeed showed only 6‐FEH activity and no invertase activity. Although no fructans can be detected in Arabidopsis plants, it is shown that kestoses (trimers) can be synthesized in crude leaf extracts. The putative physiological significance of FEH in so‐called non‐fructan plants is discussed.
Sensitivity of Laminariales zoospores from Helgoland (North Sea) to ultraviolet and photosynthetically active radiation: implications for depth distribution and seasonal reproduction
Authors: ROLEDA M. Y. , WIENCKE C. , HANELT D. , VAN DE POLL W. H. , GRUBER A. 
Published: March 2005

ABSTRACTDepth distribution of kelp species in Helgoland (North Sea) is characterized by occurrence of Laminaria digitata in the upper sublittoral, whereas L. saccharina and L. hyperborea dominate the mid and lower sublittoral region. Laminaria digitata is fertile in summer whereas both other species are fertile in autumn/winter. To determine the light sensitivity of the propagules, zoospores of L. digitata, L. saccharina and L. hyperborea were exposed in the laboratory to different exposure times of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR; 400–700 nm), PAR + UVA radiation (UVAR; 320–400 nm) and PAR + UVAR + UVB radiation (UVBR; 280–320 nm). Optimum quantum yield of PSII and DNA damage were measured after exposure. Subsequently, recovery of photosynthetic efficiency and DNA damage repair, as well as germination rate were measured after 2 and 3 d cultivation in dim white light. Photosynthetic efficiency of all species was photoinhibited already at 20 µmol photons m−2 s−1 PAR, whereas UV radiation (UVR) had a significant additional effect on photoinhibition. Recovery of the PSII function was observed in all species but not in spores exposed to irradiation longer than 4 h of PAR + UVA + UVB and 8 h of PAR + UVA. The amount of UVB‐induced DNA damage measured as cyclobutane–pyrimidine dimers (CPDs) increased with exposure time and highest damage was detected in the spores of lower subtidal L. hyperborea relative to the other two species. Significant removal of CPDs indicating repair of DNA damage was observed in all species after 2 d in low white light especially in the spores of upper subtidal L. digitata. Therefore, efficient DNA damage repair and recovery of PSII damage contributed to the germination success but not in spores exposed to 16 h of UVBR. UV absorption of zoospore suspension in L. digitata is based both on the absorption by the zoospores itself as well as by exudates in the medium. In contrast, the absorption of the zoospore suspension in L. saccharina and L. hyperborea is based predominantly on the absorption by the exudates in the medium. This study indicates that UVR sensitivity of zoospores is related to the seasonal zoospore production as well as the vertical distribution pattern of the large sporophytes.
Long‐term hydraulic acclimation to soil texture and radiation load in cotton
Authors: LI YAN , XU HAO , COHEN SHABTAI 
Published: March 2005

ABSTRACTThe concept of root contact hypothesizes that the absorbing roots grown in sandy soil are only partially effective in water uptake. Co‐ordination of water supply and demand in the plant requires that the capacity for water uptake from the soil should correspond to an operational rate of water loss from the leaves. To examine how the plant hydraulic system responds to variations in soil texture or evaporative demand through long‐term acclimation, an experiment was carried on cotton plants (Gossypium herbaceum L.), where three grades of soil texture and three grades of evaporative demand were applied for the whole life cycle of the plants. Plants were harvested 50 and 90 d (fully grown) after sowing and root length and leaf area measured. At 90 d hydraulic conductance was measured as the ratio of sap flow (measured with sap flow sensors or gravimetrically) and water potential. Results showed that for plants grown at the same evaporative demand, those in sandy soil, where root‐specific hydraulic conductance was low, developed more absorbing roots than those grown in heavy‐textured soil, where root specific conductance was high. This resulted in the same leaf specific hydraulic conductance (1.8 × 10−4 kg s−1 Mpa−1 m−2) for all three soils. For plants grown in the same sandy soil, those subjected to strong evaporative demand developed more absorbing roots and higher leaf‐specific hydraulic conductance than those grown under mild evaporative demand. It is concluded that when soil texture or atmospheric evaporative demand varies, plants co‐ordinate their capacities for liquid phase and vapour phase water transport through long‐term acclimation of the hydraulic system, or plastic morphological adaptation of the root/leaf ratio.
Effects of draught load exercise and training on calcium homeostasis in horses
Authors: Vervuert I. , Coenen M. , Zamhöfer J. 
Published: March 2005

SummaryThis study was conducted to investigate the effects of draught load exercise on calcium (Ca) homeostasis in young horses. Five 2‐year‐old untrained Standardbred horses were studied in a 4‐month training programme. All exercise workouts were performed on a treadmill at a 6% incline and with a constant draught load of 40 kg (0.44 kN). The training programme started with a standardized exercise test (SET 1; six incremental steps of 5 min duration each, first step 1.38 m/s, stepwise increase by 0.56 m/s). A training programme was then initiated which consisted of low‐speed exercise sessions (LSE; constant velocity at 1.67 m/s for 60 min, 48 training sessions in total). After the 16th and 48th LSE sessions, SETs (SET 2: middle of training period, SET 3: finishing training period) were performed again under the identical test protocol of SET 1. Blood samples for blood lactate, plasma total Ca, blood ionized calcium (Ca2+), blood pH, plasma inorganic phosphorus (Pi) and plasma intact parathyroid hormone (PTH) were collected before, during and after SETs, and before and after the first, 16th, 32nd and 48th LSE sessions. During SETs there was a decrease in ionized Ca2+and a rise in lactate, Piand intact PTH. The LSEs resulted in an increase in pH and Pi, whereas lactate, ionized Ca2+, total Ca and intact PTH were not affected. No changes in Ca metabolism were detected in the course of training. Results of this study suggest that the type of exercise influences Ca homeostasis and intact PTH response, but that these effects are not influenced in the course of the training period.
Investigations on the effects of Ca‐soap of linseed oil on rumen fermentation in sheep and on milk composition of goats
Authors: Cenkvári É. , Fekete S. , Fébel H. , Veresegyházi T. , Andrásofszky E. 
Published: March 2005

SummarySix rumen‐cannulated wethers were fed by a diet composed of alfalfa hay and concentrate and supplemented by 75 g Ca‐soap of linseed oil (5.4% in dry matter, DM) daily. A model trial was performed to detect the effects of the Ca‐soap on rumen fermentation parameters and on fibre digestion. Approximately 3 h after feeding Ca‐soap, ratio of C2:C3 decreased (from 4.33 to 4.02) and the production of i‐ and n‐butyrate and i‐ and n‐valeriate increased by 28, 5.3, 11.76% and 6.80% respectively. Total volatile fatty acid concentration in rumen fluid did not change (126.1 vs. 126.4 mm) as a result of Ca‐soap supplementation. The in vitro trial showed no detrimental influence of Ca‐soap on the acid detergent fibre (ADF) degradation. Using feed samples containing Ca‐soap to be incubated in tubes, ADF digestion proved to be significantly higher (p < 0.001). Approximately 14 goats (Saanen breed, 30–70 days in lactation) were used to test the effects of Ca‐soap on milk composition. Their ration contained alfalfa hay, millet straw and a concentrate. In the experimental group (seven goats) the diet was supplemented with Ca‐soap of linseed oil (75 g/animal/day). The milk composition was changed (slightly reduced solid content, sometimes significantly reduced milk fat contents), when Ca‐soap was included in the diet of lactating goats.
Effects of different phosphorus sources in the diet on bone composition and stability (breaking strength) in broilers
Authors: Hemme A. , Spark M. , Wolf P. , Paschertz H. , Kamphues J. 
Published: March 2005

SummaryIn two fattening trials (in each 100 broilers kept in four groups with 25 animals) as well as in a balance trial (four groups with four broilers in a group) the effects of inorganic phosphorus sources [monocalcium phosphate (MCP), dicalcium phosphate (dihydrate; DCP) and defluorinated phosphate (DFP)] in broiler diets were examined. The four diets contained up to 9 g calcium and 6 g phosphorus per kg and comparable energy and nutrient contents. Controls were fed a commercial diet with Ca‐Na‐phosphate as inorganic phosphorus source supplemented by phytase. In both fattening trials body weight gain, feed consumption and feed conversion were proved as well as the calcium and phosphorus levels in serum, the breaking strength of tibia or humerus and the femur mineralization (ash content in the fat free dry matter). Furthermore, in the balance trial the retention of calcium and phosphorus was determined by calculation (intake minus excretion) as well as by analysis of body composition. On a high performance level (that was only slightly influenced by the different treatments), the addition of DFP resulted in significantly reduced phosphorus availability (estimated by analysis of the whole carcass: control/MCP/DCP/DFP: 48.6/46.0/45.7/35.5%). The significantly reduced phosphorus level in serum (1.77 ± 0.20/1.77 ± 0.24/1.73 ± 0.28 1.34 ± 0.33 mmol/l) indicates the lower phosphorus retention in broilers given DFP. Furthermore, the crude ash content (582 ± 17.6/580 ± 18.6/563 ± 15.2/547 ± 29.7 g/kg fat free DM) and the breaking strength of bones (in right tibia in trial 2: 232 ± 82.4/227 ± 51.5/232 ± 41.7/196 ± 655 N) were lowest when given DFP. For diagnostic purposes it is of special interest that the phosphorus levels in the serum reflected markedly the different concentrations of available phosphorus in the diet.