bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The importance of highly unsaturated fatty acids in zooplankton nutrition: evidence from experiments with Daphnia, a cyanobacterium and lipid emulsions
Authors: DEMOTT WILLIAM , MÜLLER‐NAVARRA DÖRTHE
Published: November 2003

1. We used laboratory growth and feeding experiments to evaluate the role of ω3 highly unsaturated fatty acids (HUFA) in zooplankton nutrition. Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) comprised 40% of total fatty acids (FA) in the green alga Scenedesmus acutus but only 6% in the cyanobacterium Synechococcus elongatus.Scenedesmus contained modest amounts of the ω3 HUFA eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 20 : 5ω3) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22 : 6ω3), whereas Synechococcus contained only a trace of EPA and no DHA.

2. One‐day‐old Daphnia maintained high growth rates for 2–3 days on a diet of Synechococcus but exhibited reduced growth or even lost weight over the later part of the 6‐ or 7‐day experiments. Daphnia magna grew better than D. galeata or D. pulicaria on a diet of pure Synechococcus. Daphnids fed the same concentration (0.5 mgC l–1) of green algae or a mixture of green algae and Synechococcus maintained high growth rates.

3. Supplementing Synechococcus with fish oil emulsions rich in ω3 HUFA markedly improved the growth and reproduction of all three Daphnia species. Supplementation with an emulsion of monounsaturated oleic acid (18 : 1ω9), however, did not affect the growth of D. galeata and caused a decrease in the growth of D. magna.

4. Short‐term (7 min) and long‐term (3 h) feeding trials with 14C‐labelled Synechococcus were used to evaluate the effects of acclimation and mixed diets on carbon incorporation. D. galeata that had fed on unlabelled Synechococcus for 3 days exhibited no decline in clearance rate but a marked decline in carbon incorporation in comparison with animals acclimated with Scenedesmus or fed a mixture of Synechococcus and Scenedesmus.

5. Our results support the hypothesis that the poor nutritional quality of a cyanobacterium is at least partially due to a HUFA deficiency. Growth and feeding experiments both suggest that the utilization of Synechococcus is enhanced by HUFA from lipid reserves or a mixed diet.
UV‐induced changes in phytoplankton cells and its effects on grazers
Authors: HESSEN DAG , DE LANGE HENDRIKA , VAN DONK ELLEN
Published: November 2003

1. This review addresses the effects of UV‐radiation on the morphology and biochemistry of phytoplankton and the potential effects on grazers.

2. UVA and UVB radiation inhibit the uptake of inorganic nutrients in phytoplankton. Reduced rates of ammonium and nitrate uptake in marine diatoms, and reduced uptake of phosphorus in freshwater flagellates are reported. The effects on cell stoichiometry are not settled.

3. UVA and UVB radiation promote increased cell volumes owing to a decoupling between the photosynthetic processes and cell division. Loss or inactivation of flagellae and loss of motility are also reported for a number of phytoplankton species.

4. UVA and UVB radiation may affect major biochemical constituents. Accumulation of intracellular, photosynthetic products (lipids or carbohydrates) is a common, although not unique, property of UV‐stressed algae. Fatty acid (FA) profiles seem susceptible to UV radiation. A relative increase of short‐chained, and a decrease in polyunsaturated FA (PUFA) are reported. The important membrane FA like eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 20 : 5ω3) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22 : 6ω3) seem particularly susceptible, owing to lipid peroxidation or reduced biosynthesis.

5. UV‐related responses are highly dependent on taxonomy, cell‐cycle stage, nutrient‐limitation and the UV : PAR (photosynthetic active radiation)‐ratio.

6. Nutrient deficiency, cell size, cell wall properties and FA can all have significant impacts on grazers. Thus the reported effects on cell morphology and biochemical constituents could have profound effects on grazers and energy transfer in aquatic foodwebs.
A model approach to planktonic stoichiometry and consumer‐resource stability
Authors: HESSEN DAG , BJERKENG BIRGER
Published: November 2003

1. The model explores stoichiometric feedback effects between an alga and a grazer (Daphnia) in a simplified chemostat‐type system in stagnant conditions or with fixed dilution rate.

2. When running the model with fixed stoichiometry and P‐sufficient food, the grazer with highest requirements for phosphorus (P) will exert the most efficient control of algal biomass owing to more P being allocated to zooplankton biomass and less P recycled.

3. When including potential P‐limitation of the grazer, the grazer with high P requirements (high P : C ratio) will be the least efficient grazer in a system with fluctuating and temporarily low P : C ratio in algae (Qa).

4. Qualitatively deficient food will yield decreased growth efficiency in zooplankton. As Qa decreases, the grazer isocline for zero net growth is shifted upwards, and the required algal biomass for positive growth increases. There may then be a critical level of Qa below which the grazer with high P : C suffers negative population growth regardless of algal biomass. In cases with low minimum Qa and a P‐demanding grazer, this may cause the system to enter an irreversible stage with high biomass of P‐deficient phytoplankton which do not support zooplankton growth.

5. Cumulative primary production for scenarios with continuous P input is, in general, higher the more Qa is allowed to drop below saturation values, and highest when this is combined with a grazer with a high P : C ratio. The lower growth rate of P‐deficient phytoplankton was compensated for by reduced success of the P‐limited grazer, yielding low grazing pressure and resulting in larger phytoplankton biomass.
Effects of enhanced ultraviolet‐B radiation on the production of lipid, polysaccharide and protein in three freshwater algal species
Authors: ARTS MICHAEL , RAI HAKUMAT
Published: November 2003

1. The effects of ultraviolet‐B (UVB‐enhanced) radiation on the production of photosynthates (lipid, protein, polysaccharide and low molecular weight compounds) was examined for three species of algae. Cryptomonas sp., Nitzschia palea and Synechococcus elongatus were selected as representatives of the Cryptophyceae, Bacilliarophyceae and Cyanobacteria, respectively.

2. Laboratory experiments were performed at several UVBweighted dose rates ranging from 0.018 to 0.391 mW cm–2. These dose rates span the range of dose rates used in other studies.

3. Effects on the overall photosynthetic rate were observed, even at relatively low UVBweighted dose rates (0.047 mW cm–2).

4. The effect of UVB radiation on the fixation of carbon into the main macromolecular pools differed, depending not only on the dosage but on the species examined. However, the observed inhibitory effects were generally non‐stochastic. In addition, within each species there were differences in the apparent sensitivity of the various fractions to inhibition by UVB radiation.

5. These results suggest that exposure to UVB radiation has the potential to alter the relative allocation of recently fixed carbon to lipid, protein, polysaccharide and low molecular weight compounds in algae in a species‐specific manner.
Can physicochemical factors predict lipid content in phytoplankton?
Authors: WAINMAN B.C. , SMITH R.E.H.
Published: November 2003

1. We hypothesized that a large collection of reasonably standardized data for natural algal assemblages would reveal the influence of environmental factors on the fraction of recently produced photosynthate allocated to lipid.

2. Our analysis of photosynthate allocation in fresh‐ and saltwater systems showed that allocation of carbon to lipid was not well correlated with any one environmental factor.

3. Allocation to lipid increases with temperature up to 12 °C (lipid allocation = 11.7 + 1.70*temperature (°C), n = 48, r2 = 0.50, P < 0.001) but not above.

4. The relationship between temperature and lipid allocation appears to be caused by a unique convergence of nutrient limitation (nitrate or silicate) in the presence of facultative lipid‐producing algae (diatoms or other chrysophytes) which occurs at or below 12 °C during stratification of the water column.
Effects of fatty acid and phosphorus content of food on the growth, survival and reproduction ofDaphnia
Authors: SUNDBOM MARCUS , VREDE TOBIAS
Published: November 2003

1. Mixtures of microencapsulated lipids and Scenedesmus quadricauda grown at different degrees of P limitation were used as food for Daphnia galeata in two growth experiments. Thereby, food quality in terms of ω3‐fatty acid (ω3‐FA) or phosphorus (P) content could be assessed without interference from other factors.

2. ω3‐highly unsaturated fatty acids (ω3‐HUFA), given to Daphnia as fish oil or eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) together with non P‐limited algae, decreased the time to first reproduction. When fed fish oil, somatic growth and survival were also enhanced. Linolenic acid also decreased the time to first reproduction but to a lesser extent than EPA.

3. Food quality depended to a large extent on the degree of P limitation of Scenedesmus, which is consistent with P limitation of Daphnia. The overall impact of P was always larger than the effect of ω3‐FA. Growth, survival and reproduction were elevated when Daphnia were fed non P‐limited Scenedesmus compared to treatments with P‐limited algae.

4. The relative importance of ω3‐HUFA and P content in the food changed over a C : P gradient, with stronger effects of ω3‐HUFA at low C : P ratios.
Effect of the addition of polyunsaturated fatty acids to the diet on the growth and fecundity ofDaphnia galeata
Authors: WEERS PAUL , GULATI RAMESH
Published: November 2003

1. The importance of long‐chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), in particular eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), for the growth and development of Daphnia galeata (Sars) was tested using food types differing in PUFA and EPA contents.

2. Life history experiments of D. galeata fed with the cryptophyceans Rhodomonas lacustris (Pascher & Ruttner) and Cryptomonas pyrenoidifera (Gentler), and the green alga Scenedesmus acutus (Meyen), showed that both cryptophycean species were higher in quality than S. acutus.

3. Since the cryptomonads contained significant amounts of EPA while no EPA could be detected in Scenedesmus, tests were performed to ascertain whether EPA was responsible for the differences in food quality. Feeding daphnids a mixed diet of Scenedesmus and emulsion particles that were rich in EPA and DHA, resulted in a significant improvement in the intrinsic population growth rate. The initial difference in food quality between Scenedesmus and the cryptomonads was completely compensated for by addition of emulsion to the Scenedesmus food.

4. From the observed stimulatory effect of the addition PUFA to the daphnid diet, this study concludes that the presence of such long‐chain PUFA improves food quality for daphnids.
Use of fatty acids for the assessment of zooplankton grazing on bacteria, protozoans and microalgae
Authors: DESVILETTES CH. , BOURDIER G. , AMBLARD CH. , BARTH B.
Published: November 2003

1. The distribution of fatty acids in different groups of bacteria, ciliated protozoans and microalgae is reviewed emphasizing specific fatty acids like odd‐branched fatty acids and (n‐3) polyunsaturated fatty acids.

2. Odd‐branched fatty acids and (n‐6) fatty acids appear to be good indicators of zooplankton grazing on bacteria and ciliates when they are detected in microcrustacean triacylglycerols. We give several examples where these fatty acids may be used as markers. The value of (n‐3) fatty acids in describing zooplankton grazing on phytoplankton seems to be low.
Effects of food type on the life history of Daphnia clones from lakes differing in trophic state. II. Daphnia cucullata feeding on mixed diets*
Authors: REPKA SARI
Published: November 2003

1. The effects of feeding on suboptimal foods were investigated in Daphnia cucullata a zooplankton common in many types of lakes. Eleven clones of D. cucullata were collected from four lakes of varying trophic levels and fed a high (1 mg C l–1) concentration of one of two diets: (i) a 1 : 9 mixture of the cryptophyte Cryptomonas pyrenoidifera with the green alga Scenedesmus obliquus; and (ii) a 1 : 9 mixture of the cryptophyte C. pyrenoidifera with the filamentous cyanobacterium Oscillatoria limnetica.

2. As expected, the diet dominated by Oscillatoria was found to be significantly poorer compared with the diet dominated by Scenedesmus. All D. cucullata clones were, however, able to achieve positive population growth rates on both diets, supporting the view that daphnids can grow and reproduce on a diet dominated by filamentous cyanobacteria.

3. Clones originating from different types of lakes differed in their responses to the two diets. On the Scenedesmus‐dominated diet, clones originating from moderately eutrophic lakes had lower population growth rates than clones from hypertrophic lakes. In contrast, on the Oscillatoria‐dominated diet, the clones from moderately eutrophic lakes had higher population growth rates than clones from hypertrophic lakes. Contrary to expectation, clones originating from lakes dominated by filamentous cyanobacteria had more difficulty utilizing filamentous cyanobacteria as food than clones from less eutrophic lakes which contain less filamentous cyanobacteria.

4. As the reactions of clones originating from same type of lake resembled each other, it is hypothesized that the life histories of D. cucullata populations are locally adapted to environmental factors other than abundance of filamentous cyanobacteria, which are correlated with trophic levels.
‘A good person does not feel envy’: envy in a nursing community
Authors: Heikkinen Eija , Nikkonen Merja , Aavarinne Helena
Published: November 2003

The definition of envy is commonly based on psychoanalytical views of organizational culture. The purpose of this paper is to describe envy in a nursing community. The population study consisted of random sample of 120 subjects drawn from among the employees of one central hospital in Finland. The study material consisted of data collected by questionnaires (response rate 65%). The data were processed by various statistical methods. Open‐ended questions were analysed by inductive content analysis. The results of this study indicated that the employee's view of his/her official position in the nursing community, his/her relationships with his/her fellow workers and the management as well as relationships with other nursing communities are all related to envy. The employee's view of his/her official position intensified his/her feelings of envy, if he/she had other negative feelings, anxiety, dissatisfaction with him/herself, and negative feelings towards fellow workers. The major object of envy was fellow workers’ salaries. Envy towards other nursing communities was generated by alleged differences in the amount of labour, or by the charge nurse's greater interest in other sections. Employees coped with envy by hiding these feelings and being modest. Women coped with envy by being silent, while men denied the value of the object of envy.
Privacy in hospital
Authors: Bäck Eva , Wikblad Karin
Published: November 2003

Privacy during hospitalization can be jeopardized as caring situations are often intimate. The aims of the current study were to explore patients’ and nurses’ attitudes towards privacy and to study whether nurses’ perceptions of patients’ privacy needs corresponded with the patients’ own reported needs. Two questionnaires were used for the data collection, which included 120 consecutive patients and 42 nurses responsible for the participating patients’ individual care. The main findings indicated that patients and nurses agree in the ratings of the major components of privacy in general, but privacy in hospital was estimated more highly by the nurses than by the patients themselves. Being allowed to talk to the physician in private was given the highest preference. Patients in long‐term care had higher privacy preferences than those in acute care. An explanatory approach is needed to study the need for privacy in different caring situations and how privacy needs could be recognized and met by nurses.
Temperature effect on inclusion body formation and stress response in the periplasm of Escherichia coli
Authors: Hunke Sabine , Betton Jean‐Michel
Published: November 2003

We previously characterized a defective‐folding mutant of maltose‐binding protein of Escherichia coli, MalE31, which formed periplasmic inclusion bodies. Here, we show that MalE31 aggregation does not affect bacterial growth at 30°C but is lethal at 37°C. Surprisingly, under mild heat shock conditions at 42°C, inclusion bodies are degraded and bacterial growth is restored. One physiological consequence for the cells overproducing MalE31 was to induce an extracytoplasmic stress response by increasing the expression of the heat shock protease DegP via the CpxA/CpxR two‐component signalling pathway. Furthermore, we show that the Cpx response is required to rescue the cells from the toxicity mediated by MalE31. Finally, expression of highly destabilized MalE variants that do not aggregate in the periplasm also induces the Cpx pathway, indicating that inclusion body formation is not necessary to activate this specific extracytoplasmic stress regulatory system.
Cell wall stress responses in Bacillus subtilis: the regulatory network of the bacitracin stimulon
Authors: Mascher Thorsten , Margulis Neil G , Wang Tao , Ye Rick W. , Helmann John D.
Published: November 2003

In response to sublethal concentrations of antibiotics, bacteria often induce an adaptive response that can contribute to antibiotic resistance. We report the response of Bacillus subtilis to bacitracin, an inhibitor of cell wall biosynthesis found in its natural environment. Analysis of the global transcriptional profile of bacitracin‐treated cells reveals a response orchestrated by two alternative σ factors (σB and σM) and three two‐component systems (YvqEC, YvcPQ and BceRS). All three two‐component systems are located next to target genes that are strongly induced by bacitracin, and the corresponding histidine kinases share an unusual topology: they lack about 100 amino acids in their extracellular sensing domain, which is almost entirely buried in the cytoplasmic membrane. Sequence analysis indicates that this novel N‐terminal sensing domain is a characteristic feature of a subfamily of histidine kinases, found almost entirely in Gram‐positive bacteria and frequently linked to ABC transporters. A systematic mutational analysis of bacitracin‐induced genes led to the identification of a new bacitracin‐resistance determinant, bceAB, encoding a putative ABC transporter. The bcrC bacitracin resistance gene, which is under the dual control of σX and σM, was also induced by bacitracin. By comparing the bacitracin and the vancomycin stimulons, we can differentiate between loci induced specifically by bacitracin and those that are induced by multiple cell wall‐active antibiotics.
Cyclophilin A and calcineurin functions investigated by gene inactivation, cyclosporin A inhibition and cDNA arrays approaches in the phytopathogenic fungusBotrytis cinerea
Authors: Viaud Muriel , Brunet‐Simon Adeline , Brygoo Yves , Pradier Jean‐Marc , Levis Caroline
Published: November 2003

Calcineurin phosphatase and cyclophilin A are cellular components involved in fungal morphogenesis and virulence. Their roles were investigated in the phytopathogenic fungusBotrytis cinereausing gene inactivation, drug inhibition and cDNA macroarrays approaches. First, theBCP1gene coding for cyclophilin A was identified and inactivated by homologous recombination. Thebcp1Δnull mutant obtained was still able to develop infection structures but was altered in symptom development on bean and tomato leaves. Opposite to this, calcineurin inhibition using cyclosporin A (CsA) modified hyphal morphology and prevented infection structure formation. CsA drug pattern signature on macroarrays allowed the identification of 18calcineurin‐dependent (CND) genes among 2839B. cinereagenes. Among the co‐regulatedCNDgenes, three were shown to be organized as a physical cluster that could be involved in secondary metabolism. The signature ofBCP1inactivation on macroarrays allowed the identification of only three BCP1cyclophilin‐dependent (CPD) genes that were different fromCNDgenes. Finally, no CsA drug pattern signature was observed in thebcp1Δnull mutant which provided a molecular target validation of the drug.
Evidence for the importance of genetic structuring to the structural and functional specialization of the Plasmodium falciparum var gene family
Authors: Kraemer Susan M. , Smith Joseph D.
Published: November 2003

The var gene family encodes Plasmodium falciparum erythrocyte membrane 1 (PfEMP1) proteins that act as virulence factors responsible for both antigenic variation and cytoadherence of infected erythrocytes. These proteins orchestrate infected erythrocyte sequestration from blood circulation and contribute to adhesion‐based complications of P. falciparum malaria infections. For this study, we analysed the genetic organization and strain structure of var genes and present evidence for three separately evolving groups that have, in part, functionally diverged and differ between subtelomeric and central chromosomal locations. Our analyses suggest that a recombination hierarchy limits reassortment between groups and may explain why some var genes are unusually conserved between parasite strains. This recombination hierarchy, coupled with binding and immune selection, shapes the variant antigen repertoire and has structural, functional and evolutionary consequences for the PfEMP1 protein family that are directly relevant to malaria pathogenesis.
The RcsC sensor kinase is required for normal biofilm formation in Escherichia coli K‐12 and controls the expression of a regulon in response to growth on a solid surface
Authors: Ferrières Lionel , Clarke David J.
Published: November 2003

Bacteria are often found associated with surfaces as sessile bacterial communities called biofilms, and the formation of a biofilm can be split up into different stages each requiring the expression of specific genes. The production of extracellular polysaccharides (EPS) is important for the maturation of biofilms and is controlled by the Rcs two‐component pathway in Escherichia coli (and other Gram‐negative bacteria). In this study, we show, for the first time, that the RcsC sensor kinase is required for normal biofilm development in E. coli. Moreover, using a combination of DNA macroarray technology and transcriptional fusion analysis, we show that the expression of > 150 genes is controlled by RcsC in E. coli. In silico analyses of the RcsC regulon predicts that 50% of the genes encode proteins that are either localized to the envelope of E. coli or have activities that affect the structure/properties of the bacterial surface, e.g. the production of colanic acid. Moreover, we also show that RcsC is activated during growth on a solid surface. Therefore, we suggest that the RcsC sensor kinase may play an important role in the remodelling of the bacterial surface during growth on a solid surface and biofilm formation.
Mutation spectrum and polymorphisms in ATP7B identified on direct sequencing of all exons in Chinese Han and Hui ethnic patients with Wilson's disease
Authors: Gu Y‐H , Kodama H , Du S‐L , Gu Q‐J , Sun H‐J , Ushijima H
Published: November 2003

Wilson's disease (WD), an autosomal recessive copper transport disorder, usually presents with symptoms involving the liver or central nervous system. The disease is caused by a large number of mutations in the ATP7B gene comprising 21 expressed exons. Some of the mutations appear to be population specific, whereas others are found in probands from a variety of different ethnic backgrounds. This paper presents the results of screening of the ATP7B gene by means of the direct sequencing of all exons in the gene in 39 Han and one Hui ethnic Chinese patients. Nineteen novel mutations were revealed along with nine others that have been previously described; 57.5% of the mutations were located in exons 8, 13, and 12. In particular, the Arg778Leu mutation in exon 8 was found in 55% of these Chinese patients in at least one allele. Five patients were homozygotes and 17 patients were heterozygotes for Arg778Leu. The detection rate on direct sequencing of the polymerase chain reaction products of all exons of the ATP7B gene in 40 unrelated patients was 83.8% of alleles. Seventeen polymorphisms were also identified in patients and healthy controls. We first reported the presence of ATP7B mutations in Chinese Hui ethnic patients and summarize our results here along with the previously reported findings. A significant correlation between genotype and phenotype was not found in 37 homozygotes and 52 heterozygotes for Arg778Leu.
Notch signaling in development and disease
Authors: Harper JA , Yuan JS , Tan JB , Visan I , Guidos CJ
Published: November 2003

Notch receptors and ligands were first identified in flies and worms, where they were shown to regulate cell proliferation, cell differentiation, and, in particular, binary cell fate decisions in a variety of developmental contexts. The first mammalian Notch homolog was discovered to be a partner in a chromosomal translocation in a subset of human T‐cell leukemias. Subsequent studies in mice and humans have shown that Notch signaling plays essential roles at multiple stages of hematopoiesis, and also regulates the development or homeostasis of cells in many tissues and organs. Thus, it is not surprising that mutations which disrupt Notch signaling cause a wide range of cancers and developmental disorders. Perhaps because it is so widely used, Notch signaling is subject to many unusual forms of regulation. In this review, we will first outline key aspects of Notch signaling and its regulation by endocytosis, glycosylation, and ubiquitination. We will then overview recent literature elucidating how Notch regulates cell‐lineage decisions in a variety of developmental contexts. Finally, we will describe the roles of dysregulated Notch signaling in causing several types of cancer and other pathologies.
Coral Cover Change Associated to El Niño, Eastern Pacific, Costa Rica, 1992–2001
Authors: Jiménez Carlos E. , Cortés Jorge
Published: November 2003

Abstract.  Changes in live and dead coral cover were documented at three localities off the Costa Rican central Pacific coast first in 1992 during the aftermath of the 1991–1992 El Niño; again in the period between 1994 and 1995, and last in January 2001. Recovery of coral communities after the 1991–1992 El Niño was expressed by a significant increase (∼40 %) in 1994 of live coral cover at one locality (Manuel Antonio). A subsequent decrease (∼50 %) in response to the very strong 1997–1998 episode was recorded at Manuel Antonio and Ballena, mainly due to partial tissue mortality of branching (Pocillopora spp.) and massive (Porites lobata) corals. Mortality of entire colonies associated to that event was scarce and confined to branching and nodular (Psammocora stellata) corals. This species was not found at one locality (Cambutal) in the 2001 survey and it is presumed locally extinct. The recovery of this coral and others will depend on recruits from surviving colonies in deeper waters and other coral communities in the vicinity. Within sites at a given locality, contrasting results in live coral cover variability were found. This is partially due to distinct coral assemblages, coral growth, physical exposure to tidal regime, and, related to the latter, variable duration and intensity of the warming event. In general, predominant meteorological conditions at the studied area are conducive to solar radiation (UV) stress during El Niño years and are related to changes in the atmosphere‐ocean interactions in response to the warming events.
IDENTIFYING MUSCULOSKELETAL CONDITIONS AMONG RURAL INDIGENOUS PEOPLES
Authors: Vindigni Dein , Perkins Janice
Published: November 2003

Objective: To critically review the methodological properties of previous musculoskeletal studies among Indigenous populations. In particular, non‐rheumatic, musculoskeletal conditions of mechanical origin are examined as these appear to be commonly related to syndromes of pain and disability.

Design: Systematic review.

Setting: Rural, Indigenous communities throughout the world.

Subjects: Indigenous peoples aged 16 and over living in rural communities.

Main outcome measure: Minimum requirements for methodologically sound musculoskeletal health research according to previously published criteria.

Results: Due to methodological limitations in the 14 studies reviewed, only five methodologically acceptable studies were found.

Conclusion: Given the paucity of methodologically sound musculoskeletal studies among Indigenous populations, the true prevalence of musculoskeletal conditions in these communities remains largely unknown.
BALANCING HOSPITAL AND COMMUNITY TREATMENT: EFFECTIVENESS OF AN EXTENDED‐HOURS COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH TEAM IN A SEMI‐RURAL REGION OF AUSTRALIA
Authors: Habibis Daphne , Hazelton Mike , Schneider Rosemary , Davidson John , Bowling Alison
Published: November 2003

Objective: To examine the effectiveness of the introduction of a community mental health team on consumer psychosocial outcomes.

Design: Longitudinal panel design.

Setting: District general hospital in a semi‐rural region of Australia.

Numbers: Two matched groups (n = 37 in each group)

Main outcome measure: These included: Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS), Global Assessment Scale (GAS), Rosenberg Self‐Esteem, Life Skills Profile as well as self‐report.

Results: The study found that the introduction of the new service resulted in few significant differences in consumer outcomes.

Conclusions: The paper argues that because the state was the only specialist mental health service provider and it was unable to offer assertive community treatment, hospital care remained central. Evidence that a substantial proportion of consumers and carers preferred hospital to community care is placed against this background. The paper argues that in regions like these, where community‐based services are likely to remain underdeveloped, it may be best to maintain quality hospital services and to target community services more precisely on what is achievable rather than developing community services at the expense of hospital care.

What is already known: Studies on the efficacy of assertive community treatment suggest that it can lead to improved consumer outcomes. However, these studies are usually in urban settings and involve experimental teams. In many rural and regional areas community treatment teams offer standard rather than assertive community care. It is therefore important to investigate the effectiveness of community treatment teams in rural and regional Australia.

What this study adds: This study suggests that in rural and regional areas characterised by limited resources, it is too much to expect community treatment teams to have a measurable impact on consumer outcomes. In these settings hospital care remains at the heart of the service. This means that regions such as these need to focus their community services on what is achievable given the level of resources and social ecology. For example, they may need to consider offering either crisis intervention or rehabilitation services and to rely on innovations, such as telehealth or strategic alliances with other service providers to fill the gap.
Effects of losartan on pressure overload‐induced cardiac gene expression profiling in rats
Authors: Li Jinliang , Li Ping , Feng Xinheng , Li Zhaoping , Hou Rong , Han Chide , Zhang Youyi
Published: November 2003

1. In the present study, the effects of losartan on myocardial gene expression changes following cardiac hypertrophy were investigated.

2. Male Wistar rats were randomized to receive 5 or 30 mg/kg per day losartan (i.p.) 1 day after suprarenal abdominal aortic constriction. Two weeks later, cardiac morphology and function were recorded with echocardiography and mean arterial central pressure was measured using carotid catheters. Myocardial gene expression was assessed with cDNA microarrays.

3. The ratios of left ventricular weights to bodyweights, the posterior thickness of the left ventricle and mean arterial central pressure were significantly increased by aortic constriction and attenuated by losartan in a dose‐related manner. Genes in different functional categories were regulated in pressure overload‐induced cardiac hypertrophy and the majority of changes in gene expression were inhibited by losartan in a dose‐dependent manner.

4. However, there were still some genes that were unaffected by losartan, even at a higher dose. In contrast, losartan, especially at a lower dose, was able to induce changes in the expression of several additional genes that were unregulated in simple aortic constriction.

5. In conclusion, losartan is able to inhibit pressure overload‐induced cardiac hypertrophy, as well as the majority of pressure overload‐related changes in gene expression. The genes that remained unaffected or those that were additionally induced by losartan are likely to be new targets for investigation or therapy.
Effect of cross‐fostering on blood pressure and renal function in the New Zealand genetically hypertensive rat
Authors: Ashton Nick , Kelly Philip , Ledingham Janet M
Published: November 2003

1. The severity of hypertension displayed by adult spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and Dahl (SS/Jr) rats can be reduced by 20–30 mmHg if the hypertensive pup is cross‐fostered to a normotensive mother within the first 2 weeks of birth. In the SHR, at least, this blood pressure‐lowering effect arises through programming of the neonatal kidney to excrete sodium more effectively. Thus, cross‐fostering may only be effective in lowering pressure in salt‐sensitive hypertensive strains. Accordingly, the aim of the present study was to determine whether cross‐fostering is effective in lowering adult blood pressure in the salt‐resistant New Zealand genetically hypertensive (GH) rat.

2. Genetically hypertensive and control normotensive (N) rat pups were reared by either their natural mothers or a foster mother of the opposite strain (NX and GHX). Blood pressure was tracked from the age of 6–18 weeks, at which time renal function was assessed using standard clearance techniques in anaesthetized rats. Renal function was also assessed in a separate group of young rats at 5–6 weeks of age.

3. Cross‐fostered GHX rats had lower blood pressure than GH rats, but this difference was only apparent until 9 weeks. The NX rats had higher blood pressures than N rats, but again pressure converged at 10 weeks. Basal renal function did not differ between GH and GHX rats or between N and NX rats at either age. However, young GH rats had lower renal blood flow, glomerular filtration rate, urine output and sodium excretion than N rats.

4. These data show that cross‐fostering is effective in lowering blood pressure in GH rats, albeit transiently. The kidneys do not appear to play a role, because renal function did not differ under the current experimental conditions between GH and GHX rats. However, the kidney may play a greater role in the onset of hypertension in the GH rat than previously thought.
Cerebral vascular effects of reactive oxygen species: Recent evidence for a role of NADPH‐oxidase
Authors: Paravicini Tamara M , Sobey Christopher G
Published: November 2003

1. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are a diverse family of molecules that are produced throughout the vascular wall. Many ROS, such as the superoxide anion (·O2–) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), are now known to act as cellular signalling molecules within blood vessels. In particular, these molecules can exert powerful effects on vascular tone.

2. Cerebral arteries are relatively unusual in their responsiveness to ROS. Unlike in many systemic vessels, both ·O2– and H2O2 can cause vasodilatation in the cerebral microcirculation.

3. Reactive oxygen species can be produced in the vasculature via a variety of mechanisms; however, it appears that the primary source of ·O2– within blood vessels is the enzyme NADPH‐oxidase.

4. In cerebral vessels, activation of NADPH‐oxidase causes both ·O2– production and vasodilatation, indicating that NADPH‐oxidase‐derived ROS may have a functional role in the regulation of cerebral vascular tone.

5. Elevated levels of NADPH‐oxidase activity and expression occur in cardiovascular disease states such as hypertension, atherosclerosis and subarachnoid haemorrhage.

6. Thus, ROS may contribute to the regulation of cerebral vascular tone during both physiological and pathological conditions.
In silico insights: Chemical and structural characteristics associated with uridine diphosphate‐glucuronosyltransferase substrate selectivity
Authors: Smith PA , Sorich MJ , McKinnon RA , Miners JO
Published: November 2003

1. Undesirable absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion properties are the cause of many drug development failures and this has led to the need to identify such problems earlier in the development process. This work highlights computational (in silico) approaches used to identify characteristics influencing the metabolism of uridine diphosphate (UDP)‐glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) substrates. Uridine diphosphate‐glucuronosyltransferase facilitates conjugation between glucuronic acid and a nucleophilic site within a substrate and is one of the major drug‐metabolizing enzymes.

2. An understanding of the relevant structural and chemical characteristics of the ligand and the enzyme active site will lead to greater utilization of metabolically relevant structural information in drug design. However, an X‐ray crystal structure of UGT is not yet available, little has been reported about important structurally or catalytically relevant amino acids and only recently has the reported substrate profile of UGT isoforms reached an interpretable level.

3. A database of all the known substrates and non‐substrates for each human UGT isoform was assembled and a range of modelling approaches assessed. Currently, pharmacophore models developed using Catalyst™ (Accelrys, San Diego, CA, USA) indicate that substrates of the UGT1A family share two key hydrophobic regions 3 and 6–7 Å from the site of glucuronidation in a well‐defined spatial geometry. Furthermore, two‐dimensional quantitative structure‐activity relationship models show significant reliance on substrate lipophilicity and a range of other descriptors that are known to capture information relevant to ligand–protein interactions.

4. In conclusion, substrate‐based modelling of UGT appears both useful and feasible, with significant potential for determining aspects of chemical structure associated with metabolism and to quantify the nature of the relationship for UGT substrates. The development of a novel, user‐defined ‘glucuronidation feature’ for alignment was crucial to the development of pharmacophore‐based UGT models.
Responses to ischaemia and reperfusion in the mouse isolated perfused heart and the phenomenon of ‘contractile cycling’
Authors: Sutherland Fiona J , Baker Kathryn E , Shattock Michael J , Hearse David J
Published: November 2003

1. The aims of the present study were to examine the response of the murine heart to ischaemia and reperfusion and to determine whether these responses are influenced by the strain of mouse.

2. Isolated, paced (600 b.p.m.) murine (T/O mice) hearts were perfused aerobically (2.6 mL/min) with buffer for 40 min before being subjected to whole‐heart (global) ischaemia (37°C) for 20, 30, 35, 40 or 50 min prior to 90 min reperfusion. Contracture was measured during ischaemia and the reperfusate was collected and assayed for creatine kinase.

3. With increasing durations of ischaemia, there was a progressive decline in postischaemic recovery such that left ventricular developed pressure (LVDP) after 20, 30, 35, 40 or 50 min ischaemia was 75 ± 4, 65 ± 4, 38 ± 6, 18 ± 2 and 18 ± 2% of pre‐ischaemic controls, respectively.

4. There was a reciprocal increase in creatine kinase leakage, indicative of a time‐dependent increase in tissue injury.

5. To compare the ischaemic vulnerability of different strains, hearts from Swiss and C57BL/6 mice were perfused for 20 min, followed by 40 min global ischaemia (37°C) and 60 min reperfusion. Functional recovery of LVDP in Swiss mouse hearts was significantly higher than in C57BL/6 mouse hearts (39 ± 7 vs 20 ± 4%, respectively; P < 0.04, t‐test; 10 d.f.).

6. During our investigations, we encountered and characterized the phenomenon of ‘contractile cycling’ (cyclical patterns of declining and increasing left ventricular systolic pressure of variable severity and duration).

7. We have shown that this confounding phenomenon is a manifestation of an underlying metabolic disturbance of unknown origin that can be attenuated by the addition of substrates, such as pyruvate or acetate, to the standard glucose‐containing perfusion buffer.
Why Smaller Councils Make Sense
Authors: Allan Percy
Published: November 2003

This article presents a case for smaller local governments based on notions of economic efficiency and community identity service responsiveness and political accountability. The arguments of sceptics (or those favouring greater council amalgamations) are challenged and refuted. Further elaboration of the case can be found in my recent book Secession: A Manifesto for an Independent Balmain Local Council (2001).
Food Safety Issues, Trade and WTO Rules: A Developing Country Perspective
Authors: Athukorala Prema‐Chandra , Jayasuriya Sisira
Published: November 2003

The SPS Agreement and the related WTO dispute settlement mechanism are an important first step in strengthening the global trade architecture, bringing in greater transparency and orderly conditions to world food trade. However, implementation of the new trade rules has turned out to be a more complex task than the traditional market access issues handled by the WTO. Several factors, including inadequate financial and technical resources, have constrained devel‐oping countries from becoming effective participants in the implementation process, and there is widespread suspicion that SPS regulations are being used as hidden protectionist devices by developed countries. However, despite all the problems, some developing countries have been quite successful in penetrating developed country food markets; they have done so by accepting the consumer preferences and standards in quality‐sensitive high‐income markets and implementing domestic supply‐side measures. While making full use of available international assistance initiatives, developing countries should view the task of complying with SPS standards not just as a barrier but also as an opportunity to upgrade quality standards and market sophistication in the food export sector.
Singapore and the New Regionalism: Bilateral Trade Linkages with Japan and the US
Authors: Rajan Ramkishen S. , Sen Rahul , Siregar Reza
Published: November 2003

Free Trade Areas (FTAs) have recently become an integral part of Singapore trade policy. This paper discusses the reasons behind Singapore's recent embracement of ‘new regionalism’ with particular reference to the proposals to form FTAs with Japan and the US. The paper goes on to examine various aspects of Singapore's trade linkages with the two economic superpowers in some detail. Popular discussion of FTAs gives one the appearance that such a trade policy is entirely benign. The paper sounds a cautionary note, highlighting some reasons to be concerned with Singapore's recent embracement of the ‘new regionalism’.
‘Keeping Quiet’ or ‘Going Nuts’: Some Emerging Strategies Used by Young Black People in Custody at a Time of Childhood Being Re‐constructed
Authors: Wilson David
Published: November 2003

Abstract: This article concerns some emerging and preliminary findings related to what young black men in prison say about how they organise their lives inside, and as such uses an ethnographic approach to give young black people a ‘voice’. It suggests that they use their street level experiences of policing and adapt these to suit penal conditions, and thus strategise to resist the inspection and control of prison either through ‘keeping quiet’ or ‘going nuts’. The article thus emphasises the importance of recognising how children can actively construct their social lives, even when in prison, and offers some thoughts as to the reconstruction of childhood that it is suggested is currently taking place.
Access to Legal Advice for Young Suspects and Remand Prisoners
Authors: Brookman Fiona , Pierpoint Harriet
Published: November 2003

Abstract: This article argues that legal advice is particularly important for young suspects and pre‐trial remand prisoners. We explore the experience of these two groups in accessing legal advice and consider whether it breaches Article 6(3)(c) of the Human Rights Act 1998 (HRA), which guarantees the right to consult a lawyer when charged with a criminal offence. We find that, whilst policies may appear compatible on paper, the reality in terms of practice is more problematic. As well as considering the implications of the HRA where contraventions persist, we suggest several reforms which might ensure compliance.
Representing ‘The Killing State’: The Death Penalty in Nineties Hollywood Cinema
Authors: O'sullivan Sean
Published: November 2003

Abstract: This article explores the ways in which the issue of capital punishment was raised in nineties Hollywood cinema. It is argued that the death penalty cycle of the mid‐ to late‐1990s represented a conscious attempt by film makers to diffuse an anti‐capital punishment sentiment through popular culture. Consideration of the effects of this cycle of films should be included in any assessment of the reasons for the waning of public support for capital punishment in America at the turn of the century.
Population pharmacokinetics of imipenem in burn patients
Authors: Dailly Eric , Kergueris Marie France , Pannier Michel , Jolliet Pascale , Bourin Michel
Published: November 2003

The interindividual variability of imipenem pharmacokinetic parameters in burn patients suggest that these parameters have to be estimated with a large number of patients. The aim of this study is (i) to estimate these parameters with a population pharmacokinetic approach, and (ii) to test the influence of factors on pharmacokinetics parameters. Data are provided by therapeutic drug monitoring (n = 47, 118 samples) and analysed by a nonlinear mixed effect modelling method. Among the tested covariates (age, gender, body weight, height, size of burn and creatinine plasma level) creatinine plasma level affects imipenem pharmacokinetic parameters substantially. The best fit is obtained with a two‐compartment model integrating a linear–inverse relationship between imipenem clearance and creatinine plasma level. The estimates of imipenem clearance (16.37 ± 0.204 L/h) and of the distribution volume of the central compartment (0.376 ± 0.039 L/kg) are higher in the population of burn patients than the estimates in healthy subjects. This result is connected with high values of glomerule filtration rate and confirms the interest of therapeutic drug monitoring of imipenem in burn patients and particularly for patients with extreme values of creatinine clearance.