bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The nature of comfort to hospitalized medical surgical patients
Authors: Cameron Brenda Leigh
Published: July 2003

Historically, comfort has been a quintessential aspect of nursing practice Currently, it is questionable whether or not comfort remains an integral facet of nursing care The increasing trend to focus on the technological and institutional aspects of patient care rather than the individual's response to illness and subsequent treatment is heard again and again from the growing vocal consumer movement This study of comfort from a patient's viewpoint (a grounded theory) attempted to address both the current state of comfort care found within nursing practice and the patient's view of what constituted comfort while in hospital The most significant finding was that comfort was not a passive process whereby the patients waited in hope of receiving comfort (i e such as someone to come and soothe their fevered brows) Comfort was found to be a dynamic process, with each patient actively engaged in increasing personal comfort levels Indeed, the lack of comfort was found to be the stimulus for patients to embark on a process called ‘integrative balancing’
Nurses' experiences of caring for ethnic‐minority clients
Authors: Murphy Kathy , Clark Jill Macleod
Published: July 2003

This paper describes a research study designed to explore the experiences of nurses caring for ethnic‐minority clients and to identify any specific problems nurses encounter when caring for these clients Data were collected through a process of in‐depth interviews with 18 trained nurses The findings of the study suggest that nurses caring for ethnic‐minority clients share many common experiences, problems and challenges Difficulties in communication with clients and a lack of knowledge about cultural differences were highlighted by all respondents The lack of holistic care and the inability to develop a therapeutic relationship were identified as major areas of frustration and stress The study demonstrates that there is an urgent need to develop cultural knowledge in nurse education programmes and that nurses need help and support with communication difficulties Interpreting services and dietary facilities available for ethnic‐minority clients were also found to be inadequate and it is suggested that there is a need to review these facilities within hospitals
The use of curriculum objectives in nursing education
Authors: Leino‐Kilpi Helena
Published: July 2003

This empirical study has its roots in the Finnish nursing education reform of the 1980s The reform emphasized the formulation of national curriculum objectives and a critenon‐oriented, responsive evaluation of learning outcomes The data were collected by using a questionnaire, answered by Finnish graduating nursing students in 1990 (n= 379) The results indicate certain problems in the critenon‐oriented evaluation
TgSUB2 is a Toxoplasma gondii rhoptry organelle processing proteinase
Authors: Miller Steven A. , Thathy Vandana , Ajioka James W. , Blackman Michael J. , Kim Kami
Published: July 2003

All parasites in the phylum Apicomplexa, including Toxoplasma gondii and Plasmodium falciparum, contain rhoptries, specialized secretory organelles whose contents are thought to be essential for successful invasion of host cells. Serine proteinase inhibitors have been reported to block host cell invasion by both T. gondii and P. falciparum. We describe the cloning and characterization of TgSUB2, a subtilisin‐like serine proteinase, from T. gondii. Like its closest homologue P. falciparum PfSUB‐2, TgSUB2 is predicted to be a type I transmembrane protein. Disruption of TgSUB2 was unsuccessful implying that TgSUB2 is an essential gene. TgSUB2 undergoes autocatalytic processing as it traffics through the secretory pathway. TgSUB2 localizes to rhoptries and associates with rhoptry protein ROP1, a potential substrate. A sequence within TgSUB2 with homology to the ROP1 cleavage site (after Glu) was identified and mutated by site‐directed mutagenesis. This mutation abolished TgSUB2 autoprocessing suggesting that TgSUB2 is a rhoptry protein maturase with similar specificity to the ROP1 maturase. Processing of secretory organelle contents appears to be ubiquitous among the Apicomplexa. As subtilases are present in genomes of all the Apicomplexa sequenced to date, subtilases may represent a novel chemotherapeutic target.
Host plant‐dependent phenotypic reversion of Ralstonia solanacearum from non‐pathogenic to pathogenic forms via alterations in the phcA gene
Authors: Poussier Stéphane , Thoquet Philippe , Trigalet‐Demery Danièle , Barthet Séverine , Meyer Damien , Arlat Matthieu , Trigalet André
Published: July 2003

Ralstonia solanacearum is a plant pathogenic bacterium that undergoes a spontaneous phenotypic conversion (PC) from a wild‐type pathogenic to a non‐pathogenic form. PC is often associated with mutations in phcA, which is a key virulence regulatory gene. Until now, reversion to the wild‐type pathogenic form has not been observed for PC variants and the biological significance of PC has been questioned. In this study, we characterized various alterations in phcA (eight IS element insertions, three tandem duplications, seven deletions and a base substitution) in 19 PC mutants from the model strain GMI1000. In five of these variants, reversion to the pathogenic form was observed in planta, while no reversion was ever noticed in vitro whatever culture media used. However, reversion was observed for a 64 bp tandem duplication in vitro in the presence of tomato root exudate. This is the first report showing a complete cycle of phenotypic conversion/reversion in a plant pathogenic bacterium.
Staphostatins: an expanding new group of proteinase inhibitors with a unique specificity for the regulation of staphopains, Staphylococcus spp. cysteine proteinases
Authors: Rzychon Malgorzata , Sabat Artur , Kosowska Klaudia , Potempa Jan , Dubin Adam
Published: July 2003

A novel type of cysteine proteinase inhibitor (SspC) has been recently recognized in Staphylococcus aureus (Massimi, I., Park, E., Rice, K., Muller‐Esterl, W., Sauder, D.N., and McGavin, M.J. (2002) J Biol Chem 277: 41770–41777). In this paper we have identified homologous proteins encoded in the genome of S. aureus and other coagulase‐negative Staphylococci. Collectively we refer to these proteins as staphostatins as they specifically inhibit cysteine proteinases (staphopains) from Staphylococcus spp. The primary structure of staphostatins seems to be unique, although they resemble cystatins in size (105–108 residues). Recombinant staphostatin A, a product of the scpB gene and staphostatin B (SspC) from S. aureus have been characterized in details. Similar to the cystatins, the staphostatins interact specifically with their target proteinases forming tight and stable non‐covalent complexes, staphostatin A with staphopain A and staphostatin B with staphopain B. However, in contrast to the cystatins, each of which inhibits broad range of cathepsins, complex formation between staphostatin and staphopain appears to be exclusive, with no cross interaction observed. In addition, the activities of several tested cysteine proteinases of prokaryotic‐ and eukaryotic‐origin were not affected by staphostatins. Such narrow specificity limited to staphopains is presumed to be required to protect staphylococcal cytoplasmic proteins from being degraded by prematurely activated/folded prostaphopains. This function is guaranteed through the unique co‐expression of the secreted proteinase and the intracellular inhibitor from the same operon, and represents a unique mechanism of regulation of proteolytic activity in Gram‐positive bacteria.
Transition from reversible to irreversible attachment during biofilm formation by Pseudomonas fluorescens WCS365 requires an ABC transporter and a large secreted protein
Authors: Hinsa Shannon M. , Espinosa‐Urgel Manuel , Ramos Juan L. , O'Toole George A.
Published: July 2003

We report the identification of an ATP‐binding cassette (ABC) transporter and an associated large cell‐surface protein that are required for biofilm formation by Pseudomonas fluorescens WCS365. The genes coding for these proteins are designated lap for large adhesion protein. The LapA protein, with a predicted molecular weight of ∼900 kDa, is found to be loosely associated with the cell surface and present in the culture supernatant. The LapB, LapC and LapE proteins are predicted to be the cytoplasmic membrane‐localized ATPase, membrane fusion protein and outer membrane protein component, respectively, of an ABC transporter. Consistent with this prediction, LapE, like other members of this family, is localized to the outer membrane. We propose that the lapEBC‐encoded ABC transporter participates in the secretion of LapA, as strains with mutations in the lapEBC genes do not have detectable LapA associated with the cell surface or in the supernatant. The lap genes are conserved among environmental pseudomonads such as P. putida KT2440, P. fluorescens PfO1 and P. fluorescens WCS365, but are absent from pathogenic pseudomonads such as P. aeruginosa and P. syringae. The wild‐type strain of P. fluorescens WCS365 and its lap mutant derivatives were assessed for their biofilm forming ability in static and flow systems. The lap mutant strains are impaired in an early step in biofilm formation and are unable to develop the mature biofilm structure seen for the wild‐type bacterium. Time‐lapse microscopy studies determined that the lap mutants are unable to progress from reversible (or transient) attachment to the irreversible attachment stage of biofilm development. The lap mutants were also found to be defective in attachment to quartz sand, an abiotic surface these organisms likely encounter in the environment.
Pathogenic Leptospira species express surface‐exposed proteins belonging to the bacterial immunoglobulin superfamily
Authors: Matsunaga James , Barocchi Michele A. , Croda Julio , Young Tracy A. , Sanchez Yolanda , Siqueira Isadora , Bolin Carole A. , Reis Mitermayer G. , Riley Lee W. , Haake David A. , Ko Albert I.
Published: July 2003

Proteins with bacterial immunoglobulin‐like (Big) domains, such as the Yersinia pseudotuberculosis invasin and Escherichia coli intimin, are surface‐expressed proteins that mediate host mammalian cell invasion or attachment. Here, we report the identification and characterization of a new family of Big domain proteins, referred to as Lig (leptospiral Ig‐like) proteins, in pathogenic Leptospira. Screening of L. interrogans and L. kirschneri expression libraries with sera from leptospirosis patients identified 13 lambda phage clones that encode tandem repeats of the 90 amino acid Big domain. Two lig genes, designated ligA and ligB, and one pseudogene, ligC, were identified. The ligA and ligB genes encode amino‐terminal lipoprotein signal peptides followed by 10 or 11 Big domain repeats and, in the case of ligB, a unique carboxy‐terminal non‐repeat domain. The organization of ligC is similar to that of ligB but contains mutations that disrupt the reading frame. The lig sequences are present in pathogenic but not saprophytic Leptospira species. LigA and LigB are expressed by a variety of virulent leptospiral strains. Loss of Lig protein and RNA transcript expression is correlated with the observed loss of virulence during culture attenuation of pathogenic strains. High‐pressure freeze substitution followed by immunocytochemical electron microscopy confirmed that the Lig proteins were localized to the bacterial surface. Immunoblot studies with patient sera found that the Lig proteins are a major antigen recognized during the acute host infection. These observations demonstrate that the Lig proteins are a newly identified surface protein of pathogenic Leptospira, which by analogy to other bacterial immunoglobulin superfamily virulence factors, may play a role in host cell attachment and invasion during leptospiral pathogenesis.
Characterization of the roles of NikR, a nickel‐responsive pleiotropic autoregulator of Helicobacter pylori
Authors: Contreras Monica , Thiberge Jean‐Michel , Mandrand‐Berthelot Marie‐Andrée , Labigne Agnès
Published: July 2003

The Helicobacter pylori genome contains a gene (hp1338 or nikR) that encodes a nickel‐dependent regulator that is homologous to the Escherichia coli nickel‐responsive regulator, NikR. The H. pylori nikR product acts as a pleiotropic metal‐dependent regulator. We constructed a non‐polar isogenic mutant deleted for the nikR gene. NikR was essential for the survival of H. pylori in the presence of high nickel and cobalt ion concentrations in vitro. We screened a DNA macroarray for genes that were differentially expressed in parental and nikR‐deficient H. pylori strains grown in the presence of excess nickel. We found that H. pylori NikR mediates the expression of nickel‐activated and ‐repressed genes. In the presence of excess nickel, NikR activated the transcription of ureA‐ureB (hp72–73), nixA (hp1077 ), copA2 (hp1072), hpn (hp1427 ) and hpn‐like (hp1432) genes and repressed the expression of genes encoding proteins involved in ferric iron uptake and storage [pfr (hp0653), fur (hp1027 ), frpB4 (hp1512), exbB/exbD (hp1339–1340), ceuE (hp1561)], motility [cheV (hp616), flaA (hp0601), flaB (hp0115 )], stress responses [hrcA‐grpE‐dnaK (hp111–110–109)] and encoding outer‐membrane proteins [omp11(hp0472), omp31 (hp1469), omp32 (hp1501)]. Slot blot DNA/RNA hybridization experiments using RNA from three independent bacterial cultures confirmed the transcriptome data for 10 selected genes. The results of gel shift experiments using purified native NikR, β‐galactosidase assays with the region between nikR and the exbB/exbD divergent operon, and the study of exbB gene expression using a gentamicin/apramycin reporter gene in H. pylori indicated that NikR is an autorepressor that binds to this intergenic region and also controls the expression of the exbB/exbD/tonB operon, which provides energy for ferric iron uptake. Thus, as previously suggested for Fur in H. pylori, NikR appears to be a global regulator of the metabolism of some divalent cations within a highly complex regulated network.
Regulation of fungal gene expression via short open reading frames in the mRNA 5′untranslated region
Authors: Vilela Cristina , McCarthy John E. G.
Published: July 2003

We review how the expression of fungal mRNAs can be controlled by ribosome interactions with short upstream open reading frames (uORFs) within the 5′untranslated region. The efficiency of uAUG recognition modulates the impact of a uORF but steps during and after translation of the uORF also influence uORF function. The post‐termination behaviour of ribosomes, therefore, plays a major role in determining the expression level of these main ORFs. Translation of a uORF can produce a cis‐acting peptide that causes effector molecule‐dependent stalling of the ribosomes at the end of the uORF. In other cases it is the length or position, or other features of the uORF, rather than the peptide it encodes, that determine the efficiency with which ribosomes reinitiate translation downstream of it. Whether the form of the ribosome that resumes scanning after termination is the 40S subunit alone or the entire 80S ribosome is not known. Translation of the uORF can also control gene expression by affecting the stability of the mRNA. Finally, trans‐acting factors may participate in the regulatory mechanisms. Future work will need not only to provide more information on the mechanisms underlying the known cases of uORF‐mediated control but also to define the full complement of uORF‐containing mRNAs in at least one fungal organism.
Three pathways for trehalose metabolism in Corynebacterium glutamicum ATCC13032 and their significance in response to osmotic stress
Authors: Wolf Andreas , Krämer Reinhard , Morbach Susanne
Published: July 2003

Genome scanning of Corynebacterium glutamicum ATCC13032 revealed the presence of five different genes encoding enzymes belonging to three putative trehalose biosynthesis pathways (OtsAB, TreYZ, TreS). The function of the different pathways and of trehalose as an osmoprotectant was studied by characterizing several strains defective for individual trehalose biosynthetic routes. Trehalose synthesis was shown to increase upon hyperosmotic conditions. Cytoplasmic trehalose levels varied considerably depending on kind and accessibility of carbon and nitrogen sources. In contrast to other organisms, osmoregulated trehalose synthesis in C. glutamicum is mediated by the TreYZ and not by the OtsAB pathway. Irrespective of their significance for the osmotic response, otsA and treS were upregulated at the transcriptional level after hyperosmotic shock. In vivo, TreS‐mediated trehalose synthesis only occurred if maltose was used as the carbon source. In vitro, TreS catalysed the conversion of maltose into trehalose and, conversely, trehalose into maltose. As the reaction seems to be near equilibrium, TreS appears to be important for trehalose degradation rather than synthesis because a 1000‐fold excess of trehalose to maltose was detected in the cytoplasm. Also, evidence is given that both the OtsAB and the TreYZ pathways are involved, but not essential, in supplying trehalose for mycolic acid biosynthesis.
Touch and go: tying TonB to transport
Authors: Postle Kathleen , Kadner Robert J.
Published: July 2003

The TonB system of Gram‐negative bacteria appears to exist for the purpose of transducing the protonmotive force energy from the cytoplasmic membrane, where it is generated, to the outer membrane, where it is needed for active transport of iron siderophores, vitamin B12 and, in pathogens, iron from host‐binding proteins. In this review, we bring the reader up to date on the developments in the field since the authors each wrote reviews in this journal in 1990.
Effects of drought on nitrogen fixation in soybean root nodules
Authors: STREETER J. G.
Published: July 2003

Soybean plants [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] were grown in silica sand and were drought stressed for a 4 week period during reproductive development and without any mineral N supply in order to maximize demand for fixed nitrogen. A strain of Bradyrhizobium japonicum that forms large quantities of polysaccharide in nodules was used to determine whether or not the supply of reduced carbon to bacteroids limits nitrogenase activity. A depression of 30–40% in nitrogen content in leaves and pods of stressed plants indicated a marked decline in nitrogen fixation activity during the drought period. A 50% increase in the accumulation of bacterial polysaccharide in nodules accompanied this major decrease in nitrogen fixation activity and this result indicates that the negative impact of drought on nodules was not due to a depression of carbon supply to bacteroids. The drought treatment resulted in a statistically significant increase in N concentration in leaves and pods. Because N concentration and chlorophyll concentration in leaves were not depressed, there was no evidence of nitrogen deficiency in drought‐stressed plants, and this result indicates that the negative impact of drought on nodule function was not the cause of the depression of shoot growth. At the end of the drought period, the concentration of carbohydrates, amino nitrogen, and ureides was significantly increased in nodules on drought‐stressed plants. The overall results support the view that, under drought conditions, nitrogen fixation activity in nodules was depressed because demand for fixed N to support growth was lower.
Ethylene is required in tobacco to successfully compete with proximate neighbours
Authors: PIERIK R. , VISSER E. J. W. , DE KROON H. , VOESENEK L. A. C. J.
Published: July 2003

Plants sense neighbours even before these cause a decrease in photosynthetic light availability. Light reflected by proximate neighbours signals a plant to adjust growth and development, in order to avoid suppression by neighbour plants. These phenotypic changes are known as the shade‐avoidance syndrome and include enhanced shoot elongation and more upright‐positioned leaves. In the present study it was shown that these shade‐avoidance traits in tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) are also induced by low concentrations of ethylene. Furthermore, it was shown that transgenic plants, insensitive to ethylene, have a delayed appearance of shade‐avoidance traits. The increase in both leaf angles and stem elongation in response to neighbours are delayed in ethylene‐insensitive plants. These data show that ethylene is an important component in the regulation of neighbour‐induced, shade‐avoidance responses. Consequently, ethylene‐insensitive plants lose competition with wild‐type neighbours, demonstrating that sensing of ethylene is required for a plant to successfully compete for light.
A test of the hydraulic limitation hypothesis in fast‐growingEucalyptus saligna
Authors: BARNARD H. R. , RYAN M. G.
Published: July 2003

The hydraulic limitation hypothesis proposes that (1) reduced growth in taller trees is caused by decreased photosynthesis resulting from a decrease in hydraulic conductance promoted by a longer root‐to‐leaf flow path, and (2) this mechanism reduces stand productivity after canopy closure. This hypothesis was tested by comparing the physiology of 7 m (1 year) and 26 m (5 year)Eucalyptus salignaplantations where above‐ground productivity for the 26 m trees was approximately 69% of that for the 7 m trees, and water and nutrients were not limiting. The study compared whole tree physiology [water flux (Ql), average crown conductance (GT), crown hydraulic conductance per unit leaf area (KL), carbon isotope discrimination (δ13C)] and leaf physiology under light saturation (leaf water potential at the canopy top (ΨLEAF), photosynthetic capacity (Amax), and photosynthesis (A) and stomatal conductance (gs).KLwas 50% lower in the taller trees, but whole treeQlandGTwere the same for the 7 m and 26 m trees. Photosynthetic capacity was the same for leaves at the canopy top, butδ13C was −1.8‰ lower for the 26 m trees.Aandgswere either lower in the taller trees or equal, depending on sampling date. The taller trees maintained 0.8 MPa lowerΨLEAFduring the day and had 2.6‐times higher sapwood area per unit leaf area; these factors compensated for the effects of increased height and gravitational potential in the taller trees to maintain higherGT. The hydraulic limitation hypothesis (as originally stated) failed to explain the sharp decline in net primary productivity after canopy closure in this study. The effects of increased height appear to be a universal hydraulic problem for trees, but compensation mitigated these effects and maintainedQlandGTin the present study. Compensation may induce other problems (such as lowerΨLEAFor higher respiratory costs) that could reduce carbon gain or shift carbon allocation, and future studies of hydraulic limitation should consider compensation and associated carbon costs. In this study, the combination of similarGTand lowerδ13C for the 26 m trees suggests that total crown photosynthesis was lower for the 26 m trees, perhaps a result of the lowerΨLEAF.
Stomatal sensitivity to vapour pressure difference over a subambient to elevated CO2 gradient in a C3/C4 grassland
Authors: MAHERALI H. , JOHNSON H. B. , JACKSON R. B.
Published: July 2003

In the present study the response of stomatal conductance (gs) to increasing leaf‐to‐air vapour pressure difference (D) in early season C3 (Bromus japonicus) and late season C4 (Bothriochloa ischaemum) grasses grown in the field across a range of CO2 (200–550 µmol mol−1) was examined. Stomatal sensitivity to D was calculated as the slope of the response of gs to the natural log of externally manipulated D (dgs/dlnD). Increasing D and CO2 significantly reduced gs in both species. Increasing CO2 caused a significant decrease in stomatal sensitivity to D in Br. japonicus, but not in Bo. ischaemum. The decrease in stomatal sensitivity to D at high CO2 for Br. japonicus fit theoretical expectations of a hydraulic model of stomatal regulation, in which gs varies to maintain constant transpiration and leaf water potential. The weaker stomatal sensitivity to D in Bo. ischaemum suggested that stomatal regulation of leaf water potential was poor in this species, or that non‐hydraulic signals influenced guard cell behaviour. Photosynthesis (A) declined with increasing D in both species, but analyses of the ratio of intercellular to atmospheric CO2 (Ci/Ca) suggested that stomatal limitation of A occurred only in Br. japonicus. Rising CO2 had the greatest effect on gs and A in Br. japonicus at low D. In contrast, the strength of stomatal and photosynthetic responses to CO2 were not affected by D in Bo. ischaemum. Carbon and water dynamics in this grassland are dominated by a seasonal transition from C3 to C4 photosynthesis. Interspecific variation in the response of gs to D therefore has implications for predicting seasonal ecosystem responses to CO2.
Abscisic acid activates ATPase in developing apple fruit especially in fruit phloem cells
Authors: PENG Y.‐B. , LU Y.‐F. , ZHANG D.‐P.
Published: July 2003

Abscisic acid (ABA) improves the sink strength by promoting the phloem unloading and regulating the assimilate metabolism in the economic sink organs of crops, although its mechanism remains unknown. The present experiment, using the techniques of the in vivo injection of ABA into the intact apple fruit attached to a growing apple tree and the in vivo incubation of the fruit tissue in the ABA‐contained medium, showed that ABA strongly activated the fruit ATPase especially P‐ATPase, of which the activity was doubled by ABA treatment. This ATPase activation was shown to be in vivo tissue‐dependent. The ABA‐induced P‐ATPase activation was fruit developmental stage‐, ABA dose‐, medium pH‐ and incubation time‐dependent. Physiological active (+)ABA was shown more effective to stimulate P‐ATPase activity than (+/–)ABA, and two ABA analogues (–)ABA and trans‐ABA, had no effect on P‐ATPase activation, indicating that only physiologically active cis(+)ABA can induce the enzyme activation, and so the ABA‐induced effects are stereospecific. The protein synthesis inhibitor cycloheximide was shown to have no effect on P‐ATPase activation by ABA, suggesting that synthesis of new proteins was not involved in the enzyme activation. The cytochemical assay revealed that P‐ATPase was activated by ABA in both the phloem and its surrounding flesh parenchyma cells, and that the most strongly P‐ATPase activation was observed in the plasma membrane of sieve element/companion cell complex. These data suggest that the improvement of phloem unloading by ABA previously reported in this fruit as in other crop sink organs may be attributed, at least partly, to the ABA‐induced ATPase activation especially in phloem cells.
Infection of plant material derived from Solanum acaule with Clavibacter michiganensis ssp. sepedonicus: temperature as a determining factor in immunity of S. acaule to bacterial ring rot
Authors: Laurila J. , Metzler M. C. , Ishimaru C. A. , Rokka V.‐M.
Published: July 2003

The development of potato (Solanum tuberosum) cultivars immune (completely free of infective agents) to bacterial ring rot disease, caused by Clavibacter michiganensis ssp. sepedonicus, would be a significant step toward eradication of the disease. Earlier results suggested that the wild potato species Solanum acaule, acc. PI472655 (genotype 7‐8), was immune to C. michiganensis ssp. sepedonicus. The goal of the present study was to investigate the possibility of transferring this desirable trait to cultivated potato through interspecific somatic hybridization. Eight different somatic hybrids between S. acaule and S. tuberosum, with three different genome ratios, were tested for susceptibility to infection in the glasshouse using two C. michiganensis ssp. sepedonicus strains. All the somatic hybrids expressed symptoms of ring rot and were susceptible to infection as determined by IFAS (indirect immunofluorescent antibody staining) tests. The genome compositions of the hybrids influenced bacterial titres. Most of the hybrids with a higher proportion of the S. acaule genome contained lower numbers of C. michiganensis ssp. sepedonicus cells than hybrids with lower proportions of the S. acaule genome. In growth chamber tests, temperature was found to be a determining factor in the expression of immunity in the tetraploid S. acaule 7‐8 line. At 21°C, S. acaule 7‐8 was immune to infection by C. michiganensis ssp. sepedonicus, but at 15°C, plants supported large populations of the pathogen. However, none of the S. acaule plants expressed disease symptoms. Thus, S. acaule exhibits temperature‐dependent immunity to infection by C. michiganensis ssp. sepedonicus and should be considered tolerant rather than immune.
Optimizing conditions for growth and sporulation of Pyrenophora semeniperda
Authors: Campbell M. A. , Medd R. W. , Brown J. B.
Published: July 2003

The effects of photoperiod, light quality, wounding and sealing of culture plates on in vitro growth and sporulation of Pyrenophora semeniperda were examined to define conditions conducive to the abundant and rapid production of conidia. For maximum growth and sporulation, the leaf‐spotting and seedborne plant pathogen required an alternating light/dark sequence. Fewer conidia were produced under conditions of constant illumination or constant darkness. Growth was enhanced by light of wavelengths longer than 500 nm, while sporulation was enhanced by light of wavelengths shorter than 500 nm. Sporulation was enhanced under conditions of alternating temperature with a diurnal photoperiod and by mycelial wounding. Sealing of Petri plates had an inhibitory effect on sporulation. Significantly more conidia of higher quality formed when unsealed cultures, wounded after 7 days, were exposed to 23°C during the light phase and 19°C during darkness. Under these optimal conditions, conidial numbers were increased by 800% or more compared with unwounded cultures grown at constant 25°C in 12 h alternating cool‐white light.
Surface ocean temperatures in the north‐east Atlantic during the last 500 000 years: evidence from foraminiferal census data
Authors: Kandiano Evguenia S. , Bauch Henning A.
Published: July 2003

Abstract Changes in North Atlantic sea surface temperature (SST) are regarded as a key element of the climate during the Quaternary. However, there are relatively few long‐term records providing quantitative SST estimates from this region. Using planktic foraminiferal‐derived SSTs together with changes on species level and iceberg‐rafted debris, the last 500 ka were studied. Pronounced SST changes, as determined from the last glacial–interglacial cycle, characterize most colder periods. Peak interglacial temperatures were found for marine isotope stages (MIS) 1, 5e and 11, the latter two being the warmest. The warm substages within MIS 7 and 9 are marked by enhanced dissimilarity coefficients, indicating that SSTs obtained for these times appear to be overestimated. This is corroborated by differences within the species assemblage, which show enhanced cold water components. It is therefore concluded that detailed analysis down to species level is a crucial prerequisite to better reconstructions of SST.
Rift‐zone development around a plume‐related magma centre on the Isle of Skye (Scotland): a model for stress inversions
Authors: Doubre Cécile , Geoffroy Laurent
Published: July 2003

ABSTRACT Using the example of the Isle of Skye in Scotland, we investigate the influence of pressure variations in upper‐crustal magma reservoirs on the development of rift‐type normal faulting around central volcanoes. The regional synmagmatic stress regime is of strike‐slip type in Scotland during the Lower Tertiary. During a prolonged period of overall high pressure in the Skye magma reservoir (gabbro intrusion stage), crustal extension results from the injection of basaltic dykes parallel to the trend of the far‐field maximum stress. During a subsequent period of pressure decrease in the reservoir (granites intrusion stage) normal faults trending parallel to the dykes are initiated. These faults tilt the upper‐crustal blocks along with the former dyke swarm and associated lava pile. Finite‐element modelling shows that a decrease of magma pressure in a circular cavity may lead, as in Skye, to a change from a regional strike‐slip to a local rift‐type normal stress regime.
Late Ordovician glaciation in southern Turkey
Authors: Monod O. , Kozlu H. , Ghienne J.‐F. , Dean W. T. , Günay Y. , Hérissé A. Le , Paris F. , Robardet M.
Published: July 2003

ABSTRACT We present a new survey of several Palaeozoic sections in both the Taurus range and the Border Folds that documents typical glacial features including a glacial pavement and striated dropstones (Halevikdere Formation) and demonstrates the former presence of an ice sheet in southern and south‐eastern Turkey. Evidence for the late Ashgill (Hirnantian) age of this episode is provided by macro‐ and microfossils found within the glacial formation. The extension of ice‐related deposits into the northernmost part of the Arabian Platform (Mardin region) implies a much wider distribution of the Ordovician ice sheet than was previously believed, and strongly suggests that southern Turkey lay close to Egypt during the Lower Palaeozoic.
Ciclopirox for the treatment of superficial fungal infections: a review
Authors: Gupta Aditya K. , Skinner Alayne R.
Published: July 2003

Ciclopirox is a broad‐spectrum antifungal agent that also exhibits anti‐inflammatory and antibacterial activity. The lotion and cream formulations of ciclopirox are effective in many types of infection, including tinea corporis/cruris, tinea pedis, cutaneous candidiasis, pityriasis (tinea) versicolor, and seborrheic dermatitis. The new ciclopirox gel 0.77% formulation is also indicated for the treatment of seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp, interdigital tinea pedis and tinea corporis.
Ciclopirox gel for seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp
Authors: Aly Raza , Katz H. Irving , Kempers Steven E. , Lookingbill Donald P. , Lowe Nicholas , Menter Alan , Morman Manuel , Savin Ronald C. , Wortzman Mitchell
Published: July 2003

Background  Seborrheic dermatitis is a common inflammatory skin disorder that usually occurs in patients with pre‐existing seborrhea. The etiology of seborrheic dermatitis is uncertain. Typically, sites dense with sebaceous glands support growth of the lipophilic yeast Malassezia furfur. Ciclopirox (Loprox®) gel is a hydroxypyridone, broad‐spectrum antifungal agent proven effective against the yeast M. furfur.

Objective  A multicenter, randomized, double‐blind, vehicle controlled study of 178 subjects evaluated the efficacy of ciclopirox gel in treating seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp.

Methods  One hundred and seventy‐eight subjects were randomized to apply either ciclopirox gel 0.77% twice daily, or vehicle twice daily for 28 days. Subjects’ signs and symptoms of severity (erythema, scaling, pruritus and burning) were rated on a scale of 0–3 (none to severe); for inclusion, a minimum score of 4, for the sum of the individual ratings was required. Efficacy evaluations were performed at baseline, days 4, 8, 15, 22, 29, and at end‐point (final visit, up to day 33). The primary efficacy variable was clinical response assessed by a global improvement, based on a scale of 0–5 (100% clearance to flare of treatment area). Changes in signs/symptoms severity scores within the target lesion were also evaluated.

Results  Global evaluation scores demonstrated that significantly more ciclopirox‐treated subjects achieved over 75% improvement compared with vehicle at days 22, 29, and endpoint (P < 0.01). Change‐from‐baseline mean score for total signs and symptoms was significantly greater in ciclopirox subjects compared with vehicle subjects at the same time points as above (P < 0.001), as well as day 15 (P < 0.01). Twenty‐nine percent of subjects rated ciclopirox as having excellent cosmetic acceptability. There were only mild adverse events, with the most common being burning sensation in 13% of ciclopirox subjects and 9% of vehicle subjects.

Conclusion  Ciclopirox gel is effective and safe in the treatment of seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp.
Effect of Different Levels of Wheat Straw Soil Surface Coverage on Weed Flora in Vicia faba Crops
Authors: Bilalis D. , Sidiras N. , Economou G. , Vakali C.
Published: July 2003

The crop system implemented on organic farms requires that crop residues are incorporated into the soil following the end of wheat cultivation. This system leads to a reduction in soil moisture and the creation of favourable conditions for the emergence of weeds. In contrast, covering the soil with 60 % crop residues was found to maintain soil moisture and lead to a reduction in dry weed mass, population density and population frequency as well as a reduction in population diversity, regardless of the initial weed flora before the implementation of different soil tillage systems. Finally, an increase in the prevalence of broad‐leafed weeds was observed as the level of soil cover increased.
Environmental Situation and Yield Performance of the Sugar Beet Crop in Germany: Heading for Sustainable Development
Authors: Märländer B. , Hoffmann C. , Koch H.‐J. , Ladewig E. , Merkes R. , Petersen J. , Stockfisch N.
Published: July 2003

The environmental situation and current yield performance of sugar beet production in Germany are described and compared to those in other European regions. A continuous increase in yield performance and enhanced technical quality have been achieved through progress in breeding and improvements in crop management systems. This rise in yield potential has been brought about not by increased production intensity, but by better use of natural resources and production factors. In Germany, legislation rules many environmental aspects of agricultural plant production, and special laws are in force concerning fertilizer use, soil protection, and pesticide use. In sugar beet, nitrogen fertilizer use has decreased greatly and may be reduced further in some regions. A further reduction of potassium and phosphorus fertilizer use does not seem to be appropriate. Conservation tillage contributes to soil protection and is already performed on > 100 000 ha of land growing sugar beet. Strategies of integrated production aim to reduce pesticide use to the bare minimum. Integrated pest management is effective to control insects, nematodes and leaf spot diseases. Pesticide use in sugar beet is dominated by herbicide application. The most promising strategy to reduce the amount of active ingredient seems to be the growing of genetically modified herbicide‐tolerant varieties. Possible directions for future research are discussed, and the prospects for sustainable development, in terms of economic, ecological and social factors, are considered.
Following the path of ICU survivors: a quality‐improvement activity
Authors: Chaboyer Wendy , Grace Joy
Published: July 2003

• Recent interest in continuity of care has meant that the illness trajectory experienced by intensive care unit (ICU) patients has received more attention

• Using continuous quality improvement as a framework, this paper describes information obtained during a 3‐year period relating to ICU patients’ long‐term experiences after being discharged from hospital

• This information identified that most participants had been discharged home but that many experienced problems with mobility, disability and fatigue. Changes in employment status and the need for financial assistance were noted

• As a result of the information provided by this activity, clinical practice has changed and a number of formal research studies have been undertaken
Early warning system scores and response times: an audit
Authors: Day Barbara A
Published: July 2003

• In response to NHS reforms within critical care, the surgical directorate of the Southern Derbyshire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust developed and introduced a modified early warning system (DMEWS)

• Anecdotal evidence from nursing staff indicated that response times by doctors, when triggered by use of the DMEWS, were outside the established timescale

• An audit was undertaken to determine the response times to calls for assistance triggered by use of the DMEWS and to identify any disparity between response times

• The audit confirmed that whilst DMEWS triggered the nurses to initiate action for immediate treatment, response by members of the surgical teams was below the agreed standards

• Further studies are planned to indicate whether longer response times have an adverse effect on patient welfare or outcome
Mild Cognitive Deterioration with Subcortical Features: Prevalence, Clinical Characteristics, and Association with Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Community‐Dwelling Older Persons (The InCHIANTI Study)
Authors: Geroldi Cristina , Ferrucci Luigi , Bandinelli Stefania , Cavazzini Chiara , Zanetti Orazio , Guralnik Jack M. , Frisoni Giovanni B.
Published: July 2003

OBJECTIVES:To identify subjects with minimal or mild nonamnestic cognitive impairment with parkinsonian stance and gait and investigate vascular correlates of this condition.

DESIGN:First wave of an epidemiological longitudinal study (InCHIANTI) on factors predicting loss of mobility in older persons.

SETTING:The Chianti geographic area (Tuscany, Italy).

PARTICIPANTS:Five hundred fifty‐six subjects aged 70 to 90 with Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores greater than 23 of 30, of the 1,260 persons aged 65 and older randomly selected from the population registry of Greve in Chianti and Bagno a Ripoli, two small towns near Florence.

METHODS:Low cognitive performance (LCP) was defined as an age‐ and education‐adjusted MMSE below the 50th percentile for the InCHIANTI population. Subcortical features were plastic rigidity on neurological examination (parkinsonism), gait disturbance (small‐step gait or parkinsonian gait), and dysexecutive features. Two hundred forty‐three participants had high cognitive performance, 166 had LCP without subcortical features, and 75 had LCP with subcortical features. Vascular risk factors were hypertension, atrial fibrillation or pathological findings on electrocardiogram (ECG), low serum high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) or high low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, diabetes mellitus, obesity, and heavy smoking.

RESULTS:Three main vascular risk factors were significantly more prevalent in LCP with subcortical features: hypertension (P= .02), atrial fibrillation or ECG changes (P= .04), and low HDL cholesterol (P= .001). LCP with subcortical features was significantly associated with cerebrovascular risk factors (P= .001).

CONCLUSION:Gait disturbance and nonamnestic cognitive symptoms might be the consequence of subcortical vascular damage.
The Relationship Between Psychological Factors and Disabling Musculoskeletal Pain in Community‐Dwelling Older Persons
Authors: Reid M. Carrington , Williams Christianna S. , Gill Thomas M.
Published: July 2003

OBJECTIVES: To determine the relationship between two psychological factors (depressive symptoms and low functional self‐efficacy) and the occurrence of disabling musculoskeletal pain in community‐dwelling older persons.

DESIGN: A 12‐month prospective cohort study.

SETTING: Community‐based.

PARTICIPANTS: Two hundred twenty‐six community‐dwelling persons residing in the greater New Haven, Connecticut, region, aged 70 and older, who had a history of clinically evident musculoskeletal pain and were independent in bathing, walking, dressing, and transferring.

MEASUREMENTS: Levels of depressive symptoms and functional self‐efficacy were determined during a comprehensive baseline assessment along with information regarding participants' demographic, medical, and physical/cognitive status. The occurrence of disabling musculoskeletal pain, defined as staying in bed for at least one‐half day or cutting down on one's usual activities due to joint or back pain, was ascertained during monthly interviews.

RESULTS: The mean number of months of disabling musculoskeletal pain, adjusted for baseline covariates, increased from the lowest to the highest quartile of depressive symptoms: 1.2 (95% confidence intervals = 0.8–1.7), 1.4 (1.0–2.0), 2.0 (1.5–2.8), 2.3 (1.7–3.1), respectively, P for trend = .002. The corresponding results for functional self‐efficacy were (from highest to lowest quartile) 1.4 (1.0–2.0), 1.6 (1.2–2.2), 1.6 (1.2–2.2), 2.2 (1.6–3.0), P for trend = .068. There was no interaction between depressive symptoms and functional self‐efficacy.

CONCLUSION: Depressive symptoms and, to a lesser extent, low functional self‐efficacy were each associated with the occurrence of disabling musculoskeletal pain among community‐dwelling older persons.
Predictive Value of Nonspecific Symptoms for Acute Illness in Nursing Home Residents
Authors: Boockvar Kenneth S. , Lachs Mark S.
Published: July 2003

OBJECTIVES: To examine the predictive value of nonspecific symptoms for acute illness in nursing home residents.

DESIGN: Prospective, observational study.

SETTING: Academic nursing home located in an urban setting.

PARTICIPANTS: Two hundred two newly admitted residents.

MEASUREMENTS: Eleven nonspecific symptoms were ascertained by review of observations documented by nursing home staff in the medical record. Research staff independently identified acute illness according to previously established criteria from nurse report and medical record review. Follow‐up was divided into 10‐day intervals, and concordance between nonspecific symptoms and acute illness within these intervals was determined. Predictive values were calculated according to standard formulae.

RESULTS: Nonspecific symptoms and acute illnesses occurred in 21.7% and 12.5% of 10‐day intervals, respectively. Positive predictive values (PPVs) were highest for lethargy, weakness, and decreased appetite, each of which correctly predicted the presence of an acute illness one out of two times the symptoms were reported. Agitation and disorientation predicted an acute illness one out of three times, and falls predicted an acute illness one out of four times. Overall, the PPV of the occurrence of any nonspecific symptom was 0.24, and the negative predictive value of the absence of nonspecific symptoms was 0.91.

CONCLUSION: Hypoactive nonspecific symptoms are more likely than other nonspecific symptoms to be signs of incipient acute illness. Studies are needed to determine whether an intervention in residents with these nonspecific symptoms can enable earlier detection and treatment of acute illness.
Sarcopenia, Calf Circumference, and Physical Function of Elderly Women: A Cross‐Sectional Study
Authors: Rolland Yves , Lauwers‐Cances Valérie , Cournot Maxime , Nourhashémi Fati , Reynish William , Rivière Daniel , Vellas Bruno , Grandjean Hélène
Published: July 2003

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether calf circumference (CC), related to appendicular skeletal muscle mass, can be used as a measure of sarcopenia and is related to physical function.

DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of data from 1992 to 1994 of the European Patient Information and Documentation Systems Study.

SETTING: Community setting in France.

PARTICIPANTS: One thousand four hundred fifty‐eight French women aged 70 and older without previous history of hip fracture were recruited from the electoral lists.

MEASUREMENTS: Muscular mass was assessed using dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry (DEXA). CC was measured using a tape measure. Anthropometric measurements (height; weight; and waist, hip, and calf circumference), strength markers (grip strength), and self‐reported physical function were also determined. Sarcopenia was defined (using DEXA) as appendicular skeletal muscle mass (weight (kg)/height (m2)) less than two standard deviations below the mean of a young female reference group.

RESULTS: The prevalence of sarcopenia was 9.5%. CC was correlated with appendicular skeletal muscle mass (r = 0.63). CC under 31 cm was the best clinical indicator of sarcopenia (sensitivity = 44.3%, specificity = 91.4%). CC under 31 cm was associated with disability and self‐reported physical function but not sarcopenia (defined using DEXA), independent of age, comorbidity, obesity, income, health behavior, and visual impairment.

CONCLUSION: CC cannot be used to predict sarcopenia defined using DEXA but provides valuable information on muscle‐related disability and physical function.