bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effects of intraoral splints on the masticatory system of pigs1
Authors: Sindelar B. J. , Herring S. W. , Alonzo T. A.
Published: July 2003

summary While evidence exists to support the effectiveness of splints on conditions involving the masticatory musculature, few research projects have examined the results of long‐term splint wear. The purpose of this study was to examine the function of the masticatory system over a 2‐month time period of splint wear. Young adult female miniature pigs were divided into three groups: a control (C) group that wore no intraoral splint, a control splint (CS) group that wore a splint increasing bite height, and a protrusive splint (PS) group that wore a splint increasing bite height and moving the mandible anteriorly. Splints were worn constantly. Fine‐wire needle EMG was performed prior to splint delivery and at 1 and 2 months post‐splint delivery. Bilateral superficial masseters and zygomaticomandibularis (ZM, equivalent to deep masseter) muscles were monitored during normal feeding. Absolute EMG output, percentage output, and cycle timing were unaffected by chronic splint wear. However, chewing coordination was significantly changed in the splinted groups in both sessions post‐splint delivery relative to baseline readings and to the C group (P < 0·005). Trends indicate that the coordination of the PS group was more greatly altered than that of the CS group.
Properties of a new photo‐activated composite polymerized with three different laboratory photo‐curing units
Authors: Tanoue N. , Atsuta M. , Matsumura H.
Published: July 2003

summary This study determined the hardness, solubility and curing depth of a new photo‐activated composite polymerized with three different laboratory photo‐curing units for the purpose of evaluating the post‐curing properties of the material. A new photo‐activated composite material for both direct and indirect applications (DiamondCrownTM) was polymerized with three photo‐curing units equipped with the following light sources: (i) two halogen lamps (DiamondLite‐VLTM. Halogen Light Curing Booth); (ii) two metal halide lamps (Hyper LII) and (iii) two xenon stroboscopic tubes (UniXS II). Knoop hardness, water solubility and curing depth were determined for groups of five specimens according to standardized testing methods. All data were compared using analysis of variance (anova) and Scheffe's S intervals (P < 0·05). The Knoop hardness number (KHN) generated with the metal halide unit (63·3 ± 2·4 KHN) was statistically (P < 0·05) greater than those produced by the other two curing units. Water solubility values for both the halogen unit (2·5 ± 0·5 μg mm−3) and the metal halide unit (2·5 ± 0·5 μg mm−3) were significantly (P < 0·05) lower than for the xenon unit (3·8 ± 0·5 μg mm−3). Of the three photo‐curing units, the metal halide curing‐unit consistently exhibited the greatest depth of cure. The composite material appears to be reliable, although its post‐curing properties were found to be influenced by the type of curing unit.
Effect of simulated resin‐bonded fixed partial denture clinical conditions on resin cement mechanical properties
Authors: Walker M. P. , Spencer P. , Eick J. D.
Published: July 2003

summary The purpose of this study was to determine changes in flexural properties of resin cement under simulated resin‐bonded fixed partial denture (RBFPD) clinical conditions using aqueous ageing and cyclic loading. Panavia F flexural modulus and strength were measured by static loading to failure after 48‐h and 60‐day aqueous ageing at 37 °C with and without simulated cyclic occlusal loading. Panavia F sorption and solubility were also measured. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to characterize the morphology of the fractured surfaces. A two‐factor anova (P ≤ 0·05) indicated that cyclic loading produced a significant increase in the flexural modulus with no significant effect on the flexural strength. Conversely, aqueous ageing time produced a significant decrease in flexural strength with no effect on the flexural modulus. The SEM fracture analysis indicated that resin matrix fracture occurred in static‐aqueous specimens; while in the aqueous‐cycled specimens, resin matrix fracture occurred in addition to an increasing proportion of filler/resin interface fracture. Collectively, these outcomes suggest that initial degradation under simulated resin cement clinical function may be related to breakdown of the filler/resin interface bond, which could contribute to in vivo RBFPD resin cement cohesive failure.
Fracture toughness of modified dental resin systems
Authors: Kerby R. E. , Tiba A. , Knobloch L. A. , Schricker S. R. , Tiba O.
Published: July 2003

summary This study compared the relative fracture toughness of a Bis‐GMA//TEGDMA (50:50 wt%)‐based resin system modified by 5, 10, and 15 wt% of a methacrylate‐terminated poly(butadiene‐acrylonitrile‐acrylic acid) terpolymer toughening agent. After storage in distilled water at 37 ± 2 °C for 7 days, plane strain fracture toughness (KIC) was determined on an Instron testing machine at a 0·5‐mm min−1 displacement rate. The glass transition temperature (Tg) in °C was determined after 7 days (dry and wet) storage by thermomechanical analysis. The results of this study showed significantly improved fracture toughness and lowered water sorption with the modified resin systems which was indicated by higher wet glass transition temperatures.
Studies on osteogenic differentiation of rat bone marrow stromal cells cultured in type I collagen gel by RT‐PCR analysis
Authors: Taira M. , Toyosawa S. , Ijyuin N. , Takahashi J. , Araki Y.
Published: July 2003

summary The purpose of this investigation was to examine by reverse‐transcriptase polymerase chain reaction analysis the osteogenic differentiation of twice‐passaged Sprague–Dawley rat bone marrow stromal cells in type I collagen gel cultured for 3 weeks. Two culture media were used here, namely Dulbecco's modified Eagle (DME) medium supplemented with vitamin C [Dex (–)] and those with vitamin C, dexamethasone and β‐glycerophosphate [Dex (+)]. Culture with Dex (–) medium in collagen gel for 3 weeks brought about the well‐developed cell network and middle‐stage osteogenic phenotype expression characterized by mRNA for alkaline phosphatase, osteonectin and osteopontin while those for bone sialo protein and osteocalcin were not detected. On the contrary, culture with Dex (+) medium in collagen gel for 3 weeks lead to necrosis of the cells. These results indicate that culture in collagen gel with Dex (–) DME medium containing vitamin C was useful for three‐dimensional culture and middle‐stage osteogenic differentiation of twice‐passaged bone marrow stromal cells.

This study might contribute to tissue engineering therapy to fix bone and periodontal defects in the future.
Clinical evaluation of a carbon fibre reinforced carbon endodontic post
Authors: King P. A. , Setchell D. J. , Rees J. S.
Published: July 2003

summary This study reports a prospective clinical trial comparing a carbon fibre reinforced carbon (CFRC) endodontic post with a conventional prefabricated post. Twenty‐seven single rooted maxillary anterior teeth in 18 patients (nine males and nine females; age range 18–60 years) were restored either with a CFRC post or a wrought precious alloy control. Cast type III gold alloy cores were used in conjunction with both post groups. The CRFC posts (n = 16) were cemented with a composite luting agent and the conventional posts (control) were cemented with zinc phosphate.

Four failures were recorded in the CFRC post group at 24, 29, 56 and 87 months, compared with one failure in the control group at 84 months.

These results suggest that post‐retained crowns utilizing a CFRC material and a composite resin luting agent do not perform as well as conventional wrought precious alloy posts.
Some reflections on cultural and social considerations in mental health nursing
Authors: BURR J. A. , CHAPMAN T.
Published: July 2003

This article critiques the contribution of two main theoretical perspectives on mental health care and ethnicity, with particular reference to Asian women. It considers the work of those who highlight the impact of culture on the health and illness experience (Kleinman 1980, Rack 1982, Fernando 1989) and the work of authors who argue that the impact of broader socio‐economic structures must be considered (Donovan 1989, Pearson 1989, Ahmad 1993). It is posited that the emphasis on cultural difference results in crude monolithic generalizations about Asian culture and operates as a smokescreen for the impact of poverty and racism.

The backdrop to this article is provided by an assessment of the problematic conceptual framework of Western mental health and the role it plays in perpetuating stereotypes.

It is concluded that mental health nurses need a thorough understanding of the complexity of the cultural and social factors that influence health and illness; an understanding which falls somewhere between these two theoretical perspectives. Such an approach needs to be grounded in the experience of mental health clients themselves if it is to be appropriate.
Developing user involvement in mental health services
Authors: HOSTICK T.
Published: July 2003

This paper describes the user consultation component of a corporate approach to the mental health needs assessment of a local population. The context of the paper is established by presenting the views of users and user representatives on current mental health services. This is followed by the development of participants' views of an ‘ideal’ mental health service within the boundaries of technical feasibility. Three focus groups were held with current service users, and one group with user representatives. The users have extensive experience of a range of mental health services. The findings suggest that user representatives tend to represent their own needs rather than those of users. It would also seem that service users are not a homogenous group, different groups having different priorities. Overall, users' views of current services generally reflect previous studies, but the ‘ideal’ approach seems to broaden the discussion and identify an agenda for change. This agenda is framed within categories of service delivery, service providers, labelling, advocacy, future research, leaving services, involvement, co‐ordination, information, choice and accessibility. There is no clear role specifically identified for mental health nurses by users, but many opportunities are highlighted. Exploration of the utility of co‐operative inquiry between mental health nurses and service users is recommended.
Psychiatry at the Front Line: CPNs working outside regular hours in an inner‐city A&E department
Authors: McEVOY P.
Published: July 2003

This paper reports on a study that examines the characteristics of patients with mental health problems, seen outside regular working hours, by CPNs working within an in an inner‐city A&E department. The study examined the range of presenting problems for each individual attendance rather than the primary diagnosis or main presenting problem. There were significant differences in the pattern of presentations between patients with and without a mental health professional (MHP) involved in their care. Patients with a MHP involved in their care were much more likely to present with psychosis and suicidal ideation in the absence of deliberate self‐harm. Those without a MHP were much more likely to have deliberately harmed themselves, to have interpersonal problems, to have misused alcohol or drugs or to have work/financial problems. The CPNs worked in an autonomous manner and appeared to reduce the intensity of the duty psychiatrists' workload by filtering out patients judged not to be in need of their specialist input.
A survey of psychiatric nurses' opinions of advanced practice roles in psychiatric nursing
Authors: ALLEN J.
Published: July 2003

This postal survey established psychiatric nurses' opinions of the content of advanced practice psychiatric nursing roles. A random sample, consisting of 100 members of the Network for Psychiatric Nursing Research (NPNR), was surveyed. 78% returned completed questionnaires. Responses were analysed using the chi‐square test, and the Mann‐Whitney U‐test. Elements of the normal nursing role identified included psychiatric assessment, patient and carer education, and basic psychotherapeutic practices. Identified advanced practice roles included psychiatric diagnoses, prescribing single emergency doses and modifying doses of a wide range of psychotropic medication. Enhanced autonomy in admission and discharge and additional powers under the Mental Health Act were also supported. The prescription of full courses of medication and the prescription and administration of electroconvulsive therapy were rejected as nursing roles. University and Trust employed nurses responded differently in a number of these areas. The study concluded that an advanced practice role which incorporates restricted elements of psychiatric practice is supported by psychiatric nurses, and recommends that pilot sites should be established which test the acceptability and effectiveness of the identified role.
Research methods in clinical investigation: a case study analysis of medication levels and self‐harm
Authors: JONES J. , THOMAS‐PETER B. , UNTON D.
Published: July 2003

This paper uses a case study to illustrate an application of the scientist‐practitioner model to clinical practice. Through consultation with a clinical psychologist, a simple method of obtaining an objective overview of the therapeutic use of medication was developed. Focusing on a woman in a Regional Secure Unit, data were gathered from incident forms of self‐harm and the corresponding drug charts. Using basic statistical techniques (such as frequencies and measures of central tendency) to summarize these data, useful clinical information was obtained. Actual data from the case study are presented, as an example of a research process that can be applied to understanding the role of extraneous variables when pursuing a course of chemical treatment. Analyses of drug effects suggest that additional variables such as environmental, interpersonal and engagement factors needed to be considered. The paper advocates the ease of applicability of research methods to clinical investigation.
Semi‐structured and unstructured interviewing: a comparison of methodologies in research with patients following discharge from an acute psychiatric hospital
Authors: GIBSON C.
Published: July 2003

This comparison of interview methods was made during a preliminary investigation into the experiences and expectations of patients discharged from an acute psychiatric hospital. The data was collected by four unstructured and four semi‐structured interviews and included the views of respondents regarding the method used. A comparison of both interview methods was made. Analysis followed Miles & Huberman's (1994) guidance for data analysis, from which conclusions were drawn. Data were first reduced, then displayed using cross‐case analysis. The use of Miles & Huberman's (1994) model of data analysis proved effective in allowing for data to be displayed and compared in a robust manner.

Findings related to the comparative analysis showed that unstructured interviews resulted in greater depth and enabled positive and negative aspects of care to be identified in greater detail than semi‐structured interviewing. Additionally, when asked to reflect upon the interview methods used, respondents found that unstructured interviewing allowed them to describe their experiences and expectations in greater detail than semi‐structured interviews.
Admission trends to a special hospital: court diversion and prison transfers
Authors: MASON T. , WOODS P.
Published: July 2003

This paper reviews the literature regarding the diversion of mentally disordered offenders from the criminal justice system to the mental health services, with a specific focus on the high security psychiatric special hospitals. The traditional sources of admission to these institutions have been predominantly courts and prisons, with the majority of patients being admitted via the former route. This study reports on the admissions to a special hospital over a 20‐year period, and shows that over the previous decade there has been a reversal in this trend, with the number of patients transferred from prison being greater than that via any other route. The factors that may have contributed to this reversal are discussed and conclusions are drawn as to the external and internal forensic factors that may influence the court's decision in the referral process.
Consideration of three arenas of social control for the treatment and management of sexual offenders
Authors: KIRBY S. D.
Published: July 2003

This paper sets out to explore the influences of social control upon the discourse relating to treatment and management of sexual offenders. This discussion takes as its foci three environmental arenas (social, penal/judicial and health care), and examines their influences and culpability within this context. It is not the intention of this article to present, nor does it arrive at, any answers to the perpetual concerns of treatment and management of this offender group, preferring to leave it to the individual reader to draw their own conclusions.

It is accepted that there is no gender demarcation amongst sexual offenders, though in this paper, the masculine tense is used.
Chronically mentally ill individuals re‐entering the community after hospitalization
Authors: MONTGOMERY P. , JOHNSON B.
Published: July 2003

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to increase the understanding of the experiences of chronically mentally ill individuals who are re‐entering the community after hospitalization. Ten individuals from an acute care psychiatric hospital who had had two or more admissions within a 12‐month period were interviewed, shortly before discharge and subsequently between two and four times while in the community. Three interrelated themes emerged. First, at the time of discharge, the optimism of the participants about returning home was tempered by a realistic recognition of their problems. As time passed, their problems seemed to become their preoccupying focus and optimism faded. Second, for most of the participants, relationships with others, positive, negative or both, played an important role in their return to home and community. Third, participants who experienced more positive social relationships also described individual achievements and community involvement. The re‐entry process was not a smooth transition for these individuals.
‘I wanted to be a nurse … but I didn't get that far’: women with serious ongoing mental health problems speak about their lives
Authors: REPPER J. , PERKINS R. , OWEN S.
Published: July 2003

Within mental health services there are fewer women than men with serious mental health problems and there is evidence that their needs are relatively neglected resulting in specific deleterious effects. In research, as in services, the abilities of women with serious mental health problems appear to be under‐estimated, and there is almost a total absence of research into the views and experiences of such women. This study aimed to explore the lives of women with serious ongoing mental health problems and their experience of services, to develop understanding of the context and impact of mental distress. In a series of 5 focus group interviews, the women, who were using a range of services for people with long‐term mental health problems, described lives which, even before the onset of mental health problems, were marked by material, social and personal disadvantage. Their mental health problems led to numerous losses: loss of homes, jobs, relationships, children and loss of ‘normality’, yet the women retained hopes and aspirations for the future. The women clearly identified aspects of the service that they valued, in particular the support and company of women workers and other women service users. The implications of these findings are discussed in relation to planning and providing mental health services for women.
Perceptions of adolescents living with parental alcoholism
Authors: MURRAY B. L.
Published: July 2003

The purpose of this study was to explore and understand the experience of parental alcoholism from an adolescent's perspective. The stories of five adolescents were used to generate descriptions and explanations about the phenomenon. The study was exploratory in nature and was conducted using a qualitative research design. Data were collected by means of in‐depth interviews with each adolescent. Field notes, personal reflections, and transcripts of all interviews made over the course of the research process, constituted the data for analysis.

Four significant themes emerged from the data, which illuminated and provided a fuller understanding of the perceptions of adolescents living with parental alcoholism. The initial theme, ‘The Nightmare’, described the adolescents' memories and what it was like for them growing up with parental alcoholism. The second theme, ‘The Lost Dream’, explored their recognition of loss in terms of the experiences of the nightmare. The third theme, ‘The Dichotomies’, explained the daily struggles between what the adolescents thought, what they felt, and how their thoughts and feelings influenced their behaviour. The fourth theme, ‘The Awakening’, described the adolescents' recognition of their present responsibilities, and their understanding about their pasts, which enabled them to begin to let go and move on.

The study concludes with reflections on the significance, meaning, and interrelatedness of the identified themes, and a discussion of findings and implications. The main findings were the resilience and strength of the participants, the uniqueness of each of their stories, and the therapeutic benefit to the participants from the opportunity to tell their stories. An understanding of the individual and contextual nature of adolescents' perceptions of parental alcoholism provides professional caregivers with new opportunities to offer specialized services to adolescents and their families.
The healing process, the road to recovery and positive mental health
Authors: LONG A.
Published: July 2003

This paper is designed to explore and examine the experience of loss following a hysterectomy. The painful aftermath of the ordeal and the work involved in the healing process are outlined and discussed from both a personal and professional perspective. The manuscript highlights a number of inner struggles that had to negotiated before an equilibrium in mental health and wellbeing was successfully achieved. The forces that move the dialogue forward from one theme to the other are complex in their simplicity. The enigmatic dimensions of physical pain and emotional torment are expressed and worked through in a sensitive and intimate manner. The mysteries of internalized, conflicting messages on socialization issues, such as gender roles and living in and identifying with only one culture are discussed and debated. In addition, the disharmony between spiritual ideals, the meaning and purpose of life, the process of self‐actualizing and the physical realities involved in living are identified and elaborated upon. Embroidered within the tapestry of the text is the need to revisit the curriculum for the education and training of mental health nurses to enhance the quality and provision of effective, humane and therapeutic nursing care.
Social dancing: a way to support intellectual, emotional and motor functions in persons with dementia
Authors: PALO‐BENGTSSON L. , WINBLAD B. , EKMAN S.‐L.
Published: July 2003

Dementia causes serious impairments and the inability to perform those activities which give meaning to a person's life. Therefore, these persons are in need of professional nursing care interventions as well as a special supporting environment. In this study, social dancing has been regarded as a nursing intervention that supports persons with dementia in nursing home settings. The aim was to find out how persons with dementia functioned in social dance sessions, in order to understand the reasons behind the use of social dancing as a nursing intervention in a nursing home setting. Six persons with dementia were videotaped during four dance sessions in one nursing home. The qualitative content analyses were carried out deductively, using a guide developed from the variables in the Gottfries, Brâne and Steen rating scale (GBS scale). The findings show that, for persons with dementia, retained abilities were prominent in dancing. It was obvious that social dancing was supportive and seemed to have meaning to both patients and their carers. Social dancing seems to be a nursing intervention that supports patients' positive feelings, communication and behaviour. The carers' preunderstanding of the patients' levels of dementia and the wholeness of the situation was of importance.
Mental illness and Irish people: stereotypes, determinants and changing perspectives
Authors: CLARKE L.
Published: July 2003

The causes of psychological illness in Irish people have been identified with colonial rule and the catastrophic conditions deriving from famine in the nineteenth century. In particular, the scourge of unremitting emigration, resulting from famine, has formed a background against which speculative theories of inferiority, alienation and mental illness have been constructed. In particular, the long standing idea that Irish people exhibit higher rates of schizophrenia, both in Ireland and abroad, is discussed. Contemporary studies which suggest that these elevated rates do not correspond to international diagnostic criteria for schizophrenia are introduced. Rather, these enhanced rates may reflect a malaise which resembles schizophrenia but which is really a product of historical dispossession. The importance of these factors is underscored by the previous neglect of Irish people, considered as an ethnic minority, as well as the particular distaste which many Irish people display towards such a notion.
Operational feasibility of routine bacterial monitoring of platelets
Authors: Macauley A. , Chandrasekar A. , Geddis G. , Morris K. G. , McClelland W. M.
Published: July 2003

Summary.  Bacterial contamination of platelets poses the greatest risk of mortality and morbidity to platelet transfusion recipients. Some European countries have introduced routine bacterial monitoring of platelets to reduce the risk of transmission of bacteria. A pilot study was carried out at the Northern Ireland Blood Transfusion Service, using the BacT/ALERT automated culture system, to assess the operational feasibility of routine bacterial monitoring of platelets.

About 4885 platelet concentrates (PCs) were tested in a 1‐year period. Of the 28 (0·57%) initial reactive cultures, 13 (46%) were reproducible on repeat culturing. Of these, 10 were detected within 24 h of incubation either in aerobic or both aerobic and anaerobic culture bottles. A sample of time‐expired units (423) that had initial negative culture results remained negative when retested on day 8. About 213 time‐expired units were subjected to routine quality assessment and more than 85% were found to conform to quality standards specified in the UKBTS guidelines for platelet count (≥240 × 109 per adult dose PC) and pH (6·4–7·4). There was a reduction in the platelet count because of the volume removed (15 mL) for sampling.

Routine bacterial testing with day 2 sampling and a negative culture result after 24 h as a mandatory release criterion would improve product safety. Implementation of 100% testing would be operationally feasible but may require extension of the shelf life if unacceptable wastage is to be avoided.
‘Tag and label’ system for checking and recording of blood transfusions
Authors: Whitehead S. , Kenny‐Siddique S. , Scott Y. , Parker P. I. , Hardy J. , Wallis J. P.
Published: July 2003

Summary.  Guidelines for checking and recording of blood transfusion mandate the use of a blood transfusion compatibility form. We have introduced and assessed a ‘tag and label’ system that does away with the compatibility form. A compatibility tag with a peel‐off self‐adhesive label is attached to the unit for transfusion. No compatibility form is issued to the site of the transfusion. The peel‐off label is signed and fixed in patient notes at the time of transfusion. We have found the system easier to use and to be preferred by nursing staff administering transfusions. During 2 years, we have transfused over 100 000 blood components, including 70 000 units of red cells, and have not recognized any episode during which the wrong blood was transfused to a patient. Recording in the patient notes of units transfused has significantly improved compared with local and national figures in a previous survey. We conclude that it is possible to dispense with the compatibility form without compromising the safety of the transfusion process.
The annual cost of blood transfusions in the UK
Authors: Varney S. J. , Guest J. F.
Published: July 2003

Summary.  This study estimated the annual UK cost of blood transfusions in 2000/2001, updating a study we performed in 1994/1995. The analysis was based on published data, information from interviews with National Health Service (NHS) personnel and a structured questionnaire for blood donors. The annual cost of provision and transfusion of blood products increased by 256% in real terms, to £898 million in 2000/2001, whereas the number of whole‐blood donations increased by 2% to 2·8 million. The number of apheresis donations decreased by 52% to 70 000. Total blood product units issued to hospitals in 2000/2001 increased by 17% and were used in an estimated 1·7 million transfusions. The estimated NHS cost for an adult transfusion was £635 for red blood cells, £378 for fresh frozen plasma, £347 for platelets and £834 for cryoprecipitate. Blood donors incurred an annual direct cost of £8·1 million and 3·1  million hours of used leisure time. There was also an indirect cost of £7·2 million arising from lost productivity. The large increases since 1994/1995 reflect a real increase in expenditure by the blood transfusion services, partly due to the introduction of leucodepletion, greater hospital resource use due to more transfusions being undertaken and under‐recording of hospital activity in 1994/1995.
Automated collection of blood components: their storage and transfusion
Authors: Rock G. , Moltzan C. , Alharbi A. , Giulivi A. , Palmer D. , Bormanis J.
Published: July 2003

Summary.  The performance of an automated device, the Gambro TRIMA™, was evaluated for component production, and an in vivo assessment of the platelets was carried out.

Red cell concentrates (RCCs), platelets and plasma were collected and stored according to standard blood bank procedures and evaluated for quality by in vitro measurements. Additionally, single‐donor platelets (n = 10) were transfused to thrombocytopenic patients after 5 days of storage. Platelet counts were measured after 1 h and the corrected count increment (CCI) was calculated.

No significant changes were seen before or after procedure in donor haemoglobin, haematocrit, coagulation factors or platelet count. Return‐line samples showed no increase in the level of plasma haemoglobin. Plasma haemoglobin and potassium increased following RBC storage, but there was no change in the red cell number. Platelet aggregation decreased from 52 to 11% (adenosine diphosphate) and the Kunicki morphology score dropped from 379 to 174. Little change was seen in the hypotonic shock response (69–63%) or in the percentage of CD62 expression (4·8–19·8) over time. The CCI averaged 28 ± 26 × 103 µL−1 in 10 patients 1 h after transfusion.

The TRIMA™ machine collects RCCs, platelets and plasma in a variety of combinations in one session. For autologous collection, two units of RCC plus platelets can be collected at one time, reducing administrative and testing costs. The platelets have good in vivo recovery, as shown by the CCI values. An added advantage is that the TRIMA™ machine can be used in hospitals to generate components in times of shortage without the need for a component's laboratory.
Prevalence and specificity of clinically significant red cell alloantibodies in Chinese women during pregnancy – a review of cases from 1997 to 2001
Authors: Lee C. K. , Ma E. S. K. , Tang M. , Lam C. C. K. , Lin C. K. , Chan L. C.
Published: July 2003

Summary.  Guidelines for the prevention and management of red cell alloantibodies during pregnancy, related to anti‐D in particular, are well established in Caucasian populations. However, because of the racial difference of the blood group distribution, applicability to Chinese is unknown as a result of insufficient data on the prevalence and their outcome. In a retrospective review of 28 303 (21 327 Chinese) antenatal attendances from 1997 to 2001, 213 (0·79%) women were found to have a total of 230 irregular antibodies. About 137 (0·64%) were ethnic Chinese, and a total of 160 irregular antibodies were identified in their blood samples. About 58 of these Chinese women (0·27%) were found to have 66 clinically significant antibodies. There was only one case of anti‐D detected in an Rh(D)‐negative subject. Our study shows the overall prevalence of clinically significant antibodies in Chinese women, which was not different from that of the Western population. However, the specificities of the antibodies differ with the commonest antibodies encountered; these being anti‐Mi (57·6%), anti‐E (19·7%), anti‐S (10·6%) and anti‐c (7·6%). Neonatal jaundice was observed in 37 babies and 10 of them required phototherapy. The findings support the previous recommendation that routine antenatal antibody screening for Chinese women may not be worthwhile except in Rh(D)‐negative subjects or those with an antecedent history of haemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN). The relative high incidence of anti‐Mi in the present study and the local population, in general, may warrant a large‐scale prospective study of pregnancy outcome in these subjects, especially in the light of the previous case reports of HDN because of anti‐Mi.
Severe neonatal neutropenia due to anti‐human leucocyte antigen B49 alloimmunization only: a case report
Authors: Tomičić M. , Starčević M. , Bux J. , Zach V. , Hundrić‐Hašpl Ž. , Dražić V. , Grahovac B.
Published: July 2003

Summary.  Alloimmune neonatal neutropenia (ANN) is a rare but potentially life‐threatening disorder of neonates. Demonstration of alloantibodies against granulocyte‐specific antigens shared by neonatal and paternal granulocytes in the maternal serum is essential in the diagnosis of ANN. In contrast to granulocyte‐specific alloantibodies, the significance of human leucocyte antigen (HLA) class I antibodies for ANN is still a matter of debate. We report on a case of severe isolated and prolonged neutropenia due to anti‐HLA B49 alloimmunization only. Immediately after birth, severe, isolated neutropenia was observed and lasted for up to 2 months. Results of serologic testing showed only anti‐HLA B49 antibodies in the maternal and neonate's sera. HLA typing showed HLA class I (B49) incompatibility between the mother and the child. Granulocyte‐specific antibodies were not detected. Adsorption of the maternal serum with HLA B49‐bearing platelets removed serum reactivity with paternal neutrophils. Our results support the idea that certain HLA class I antibodies can induce ANN.
Severe immune haemolysis in a group A recipient of a group O red blood cell unit
Authors: Barjas‐Castro M. L. , Locatelli M. F. , Carvalho M. A. , Gilli S. O. , Castro V.
Published: July 2003

Summary.  Haemolysis caused by passive ABO antibodies is a rare transfusional complication. We report a case of severe haemolytic reaction in a 38‐year‐old man (blood group A) with lymphoma who had received one red blood cell (RBC) unit group O. After transfusion of 270 mL, the patient experienced fever, dyspnoea, chills and back pain. On the following morning he was icteric and pale. Haptoglobin was inferior to 5.8 mg dL−1, haemoglobin was not increased and lactate dehydrogenase was elevated. Haemolysis was evident on observation of the patient's post‐transfusion samples. The recipient's red cells developed a positive direct antiglobulin test and Lui elution showed anti‐A coated the cells. Fresh donor serum had an anti‐A titre of 1024, which was not reduced by treating the serum with dithiothreitol. Donor isoagglutinin screening has been determined by microplate automated analyser and showed titre higher than 100. Physicians should be aware of the risk of haemolysis associated with ABO‐passive antibodies. There is generally no agreement justifying the isoagglutinin investigation prior to transfusion. However, automated quantitative isoagglutinin determination could be part of the modern donor testing process, mainly in blood banks where identical ABO group units (platelets or phenotyped RBCs) are not available owing to limited supply.
Pathogenic effects of Xenorhabdus nematophilus and Photorhabdus luminescens (Enterobacteriaceae) against pupae of the Diamondback Moth, Plutella xylostella (L.)
Authors: Abdel‐Razek A. S.
Published: July 2003

The relationship between Xenorhabdus nematophilus and Photorhabdus luminescens, the bacterial symbionts of the entomopathogenic nematodes Steinernema carpocapsae and Heterorhabditis bacteriophora, against the diamondback moth, P. xylostella (L.), pupae showed the pathogenic capability of P. luminescens to be over that of X. nematophilus. They gave 60 and 40 % mortality with LC50 values of 5 × 104 and 5.5 × 105 cells/ml, respectively.

The number of bacterial cells influences the rate of killing the pupae of P. xylostella and a direct correlation between mortality of the pupae, percentage of deformed adults and the spraying dose with significant differences were observed. An inverse correlation found between the no. of eggs laid/female, percentage of hatching, adult survival and the spraying dose. These bacterial effects have been attributed to different toxic bacterial enzymes which damage the haemocytes and inhibit activation of the humoral immune system of the insect.
Electrophysiological responses of Thaumetopoea pityocampa females to host volatiles: implications for host selection of active and inactive terpenes
Authors: Zhang Q.‐H. , Schlyter F. , Battisti A. , Birgersson G. , Anderson P.
Published: July 2003

Volatiles from newly cut branches with needles of Pinus sylvestris L. were collected with headspace sampling technique, and then identified and quantified by combined gas chromatographic‐mass spectrometry (GC‐MS). The response of antennae of the female pine processionary moth, Thaumetopoea pityocampa, to these volatiles was recorded by coupled gas chromatographic‐electroantennographic detection (GC‐EAD). Surprisingly, the most common and major monoterpene hydrocarbons (MT), α‐pinene, 3‐carene, and β‐pinene were antennally inactive. Female antennae responded strongly only to four minor MT components, myrcene, β‐phellandrene, trans‐β‐ocimene, and terpinolene. Weaker, but repeatable responses were also found to limonene, cis‐β‐ocimene, and γ‐terpinene. Further EAD recordings with two synthetic MT mixtures supported our findings from the natural material. When separating the two enantiomers of limonene by running different synthetic MT mixtures, the EAD response was found only to the(−)‐enantiomer, but not to the opposite (+)‐enantiomer. EAD‐responses were also found to some less volatile compounds, such as sesquiterpenes (SqT), active at ng‐levels. The sensitivity and specificity of the antenna to a select number of active host MTs and SqTs suggest that these play a role in the host selection process of T. pityocampa females.
Cronartium flaccidum produces uredinia and telia on Melampyrum nemorosum and on Finnish Vincetoxicum hirundinaria
Authors: Kaitera J. , Nuorteva H.
Published: July 2003

Uredinia and telia were produced on Melampyrum nemorosum through inoculations with Cronartium flaccidum aeciospores collected from northern Finland, proving that M. nemorosum serves as the telial host of C. flaccidum. Melampyrum nemorosum plants were either grown from seeds collected from several geographical provenances or transplanted from natural forest stands. They were inoculated with several geographical aeciospore sources of C. flaccidum in a greenhouse. Vincetoxicum hirundinaria, M. pratense and M. sylvaticum were used as positive controls. Detached leaves of Melampyrum spp. and V. hirundinaria were also inoculated but uredinia and telia formed only on V. hirundinaria. Most of the aeciospore sources from northern Finland produced abundant uredinia and telia both on M. nemorosum from two geographical locations and on V. hirundinaria in the greenhouse. Statistically significant differences were observed in the dimensions of artificially produced telia, teliospores and urediniospores among the tested alternate hosts and spore sources. The results suggest that M. nemorosum is susceptible to C. flaccidum and therefore may play a role in southern Fennoscandia as an alternate host but it has potentially a greater role in central and eastern Europe, where M. nemorosum occurs commonly.
Modeling the probability of observing Armillaria root disease in the Black Hills
Authors: Kallas M. A. , Reich R. M. , Jacobi W. R. , Lundquist J. E.
Published: July 2003

Armillaria root disease (ARD) occurrence on ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) is not uniform in the Black Hills of South Dakota, USA. To help manage this ecosystem, a model was developed to predict the probability of observing diseased trees. A kernel density estimator was used to estimate the probability of observing ARD using presence data from two field studies. An eight‐parameter regression equation using topographical data (Universal Trans Mercator coordinates, elevation and slope) derived from a Digital Elevation Model was fitted to the estimated probabilities and the residuals kriged to produce correction factors for the regression estimates. The final model, which had a relative mean squared error of 0.128, identified two peaks of high probability in the north‐west portion of the Black Hills and several peaks of moderate probability throughout the Black Hills.
Endophytic foliar fungi in Betula spp. and their F1 hybrids
Authors: Saikkonen K. , Helander M. L. , Rousi M.
Published: July 2003

We examined foliar endophyte frequencies in two native (Betula pendula and Betula pubescens) and three exotic (Betula ermanii, Betula platyphylla and Betula resinifera) birch species and their hybrids in Punkaharju, Finland. The most frequently isolated endophytic fungi in the experimental trees were Fusicladium betulae and Gnomonia setacea making up 80–90% of all endophyte infections. Total endophyte infection levels varied from 0.5 colony forming units (CFU)/cm2 in B. platyphylla to 8.6 CFU/cm2 in B. pubescens that had highest total infection levels of both examined endophyte species. The resistance of hybrids was generally very close to the more resistant parent (the only exception being Fusicladium in B. platyphylla × B. pendula hybrid) supporting the hypothesis that the resistance of birch hybrids to these fungi is genetically based and caused by dominant inheritance of resistance traits.
Effectiveness of modified White's solution at removing ascomycetes associated with the bark beetle Ips pini
Authors: Kopper B. J. , Klepzig K. D. , Raffa K. F.
Published: July 2003

Modified White's solution (1 g HgCl2/l H2O) is widely used to surface disinfest bark beetles of their phoretic fungi. We investigated the effectiveness of this solution at disinfesting adult Ips pini from its associated ophiostomatoid fungi. A treatment for 1, 4 or 8 min does not completely rid beetles of phoretic fungi, but does substantially reduce the amount of fungi they carry externally. Sterilizing with modified White's solution caused limited mortality (<16%).
Seasonal effect on infection and development of lesions caused by Cryphonectria parasitica in Castanea sativa
Authors: Guérin L. , Robin C.
Published: July 2003

Seasonal variation in the development of chestnut blight, caused by Cryphonectria parasitica, was investigated by inoculating in situ chestnut trees and in vitro excised chestnut segments, at either monthly or 3‐monthly intervals throughout 30 months. Inoculations were made with conidia and mycelium of a virulent isolate and with mycelium of a hypovirulent isolate. Conidial inoculations of living sprouts or excised segments between May and July resulted in the greatest incidence of infection whereas inoculations in autumn and winter, in vitro as well as in situ, did not reveal any visible disease. However, from these symptomless inoculated stems, C. parasitica was isolated 3 months after inoculation. Inoculations with the mycelium of the virulent isolate always resulted in lesions, except in January 1999, and the greatest rate of lesion development occurred for inoculations made in the spring and summer. There was a significant seasonal effect on lesion development. Lesions caused by the hypovirulent isolate, smaller than those caused by the virulent isolate, followed a similar seasonal pattern. The same seasonal variations were observed for inoculations in vitro of excised segments. Relative water content (RWC) of chestnut bark significantly varied with bark sampling date. The rate of lesion development in sprouts significantly correlated with average minimum (ATn) and maximum (ATx) temperatures and the sum of rainfall during inoculation period, with the rate of lesion development measured in excised segments 10 days after inoculation (R10d) and with RWC measured on the day of inoculation. In multiple regression models, variables ATx and R10d best explained variation in lesion development.
Soil factors associated with infection by Collybia fusipes and decline of oaks
Authors: Camy C. , de Villebonne D. , Delatour C. , Marçais B.
Published: July 2003

Collybia fusipes is the cause of a root rot of oaks in Europe. Infection by the pathogen is site dependent and inconsistently correlated with crown deterioration. This study aimed at clarifying the relationship between soil factors and the impact of C. fusipes on tree health. The database of the Département de la Santé des Forêts, the forest health survey service, collected over the French forest during the last 12 years allowed us to perform a large scale study dealing with soil textures in which C. fusipes was reported to induce problems on Quercus robur and/or Q. petraea. Furthermore, a specific survey from 30 plots in north eastern France was carried out to determine which of the soil factors, such as texture, degree of waterlogging, presence and nature of a layer limiting rooting, carbon/nitrogen ratio, cation exchange capacity, or pH could be related to an increased risk of decline of pedunculate oaks infected by C. fusipes. The main results were that C. fusipes is preferentially distributed on coarse textured soils and that its negative impact on tree crown deterioration also increased with the soil sand content.