bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nurses’ perceptions of their pharmacology educational needs
Authors: King Rachel L.
Published: December 2004

Background.  Pharmacology education in nursing has become increasingly important as nurses’ roles in administering, prescribing and educating patients about their medications have grown. Some authors have expressed concern at the lack of science teaching in nurse education, and others have suggested that there is a theory–practice gap in this area of the curriculum.

Aim.  This paper reports a study to explore nurses’ pharmacology education needs by identifying nursing roles that require pharmacology knowledge, and nurses’ preparation for practice from preregistration pharmacology education.

Method.  A qualitative approach was used to collect data from a purposive sample of 10 qualified nurses from an emergency admissions unit in a city in the north of England. Semi‐structured interviews were transcribed verbatim and categorized using Burnard's 14 stages.

Findings.  This study revealed a limited understanding of the subject, and dissatisfaction with the teaching of pharmacology, with resulting anxiety on qualifying. Nursing roles identified as requiring pharmacology knowledge included drug administration, patient assessment, nurse prescribing, and patient medication education.

Conclusion.  The findings suggest that, although nurses have a limited understanding of pharmacology, they recognize the need for pharmacology knowledge in practice. Improved pharmacology teaching might increase nurses’ confidence in performing drug administration, patient education, and nurse prescribing, and decrease anxieties related to these roles.
Hospital care of children in four countries
Authors: Shields Linda , Nixon Jim
Published: December 2004

Background. While perceptions of parents and staff about care of hospitalized children have been explored in developed countries, little research has examined these in developing countries. Assumptions about family‐centred care are often based on Western values, with little evidence of how cultural constructs affect care delivery in developing nations.

Aim. This paper reports a study to provide evidence from which culturally‐appropriate hospital care for children can be delivered.

Methods. Using a rigorously devised and trialed questionnaire, attitudes of staff and parents about the way children are cared for in children's hospitals in four countries were examined and subjected to a four way analysis: parents and staff within and between developed and developing countries.

Results. There were no questions where all parents and staff in both developed and developing country groups were in complete agreement. However, there was some indication that, while culture plays a major role in paediatric care delivery, basic concepts of family‐centred care are similar.

Conclusions. The findings are limited by the sampling strategy. Nevertheless, while differences were found between parents’ and staff's expectations of the delivery of care to children in hospitals, similarities existed and the influence of culture cannot be ignored. Education programmes for staff and parents should reflect these influences to ensure the optimum delivery of family‐centred care, regardless of where the hospital is situated.
Nurses and the ‘therapeutic relationship’: caring for adolescents with anorexia nervosa
Authors: Ramjan Lucie Michelle
Published: December 2004

Background.  Research studies suggest that hospital programmes for young people diagnosed with anorexia nervosa have high readmission rates and limited effectiveness. Nurses caring for these adolescents face a particular set of problems in seeking to establish therapeutic relationships.

Aim.  This paper reports a study with the original aim of providing rich data on the development of therapeutic relationships between adolescents diagnosed with anorexia and paediatric nurses. However, it was discovered that paediatric nurses were struggling to develop therapeutic alliances with these adolescents. The study was then modified to explore the difficulties and obstacles hindering the formation of therapeutic relationships in this context.

Method.  The study used naturalistic inquiry. The 10 participants were Registered Nurses from the acute wards of an Australian children's hospital with at least 2 years’ experience of caring for adolescents with anorexia nervosa. The data were collected using semi‐structured interviews that were recorded on audiotape and then thematically analysed both manually and with the aid of the NUD*IST computer package.

Findings.  Participants described how they struggled to develop therapeutic relationships in this clinical environment. Three themes emerged: (1) ‘Struggling for understanding’ explores the difficulties nurses experienced in coming to terms with the complexities of a diagnosis of anorexia nervosa and its recovery processes. (2) ‘Struggling for control’ examines the power struggle between nurses and patients and the mutual distrust that often developed between them as a consequence of this struggle. (3) ‘Struggling to develop therapeutic relationships’ describes the difficulties some nurses had in establishing therapeutic alliances with these adolescents.

Conclusion.  Recommendations are made for improving the nursing component of hospital treatment programmes for adolescents with anorexia nervosa in the direction of more genuinely therapeutic relationships.
Contribution of cAMP to the inhibitory effect of non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs in rat uterine smooth muscle
Authors: Hidalgo A. , Cantabrana B. , Pérez‐Vallina J. R.
Published: December 2004

The effect of the non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs naproxen, mefenamic acid, phenylbutazone, pioroxicam and tolmetin on the vanadate (0.3 mM)‐induced tonic contraction, as well as the modifications of these effects by the G‐protein inhibitor pertussis toxin, and the inhibitors of protein kinase A, Rp‐cAMPS (Rp‐Adenosine 3′,5′‐cyclic monophosphothioate triethylamine salt) and protein kinase C, H‐7 [1(5‐isoquinolynilsulfonyl)‐2‐methyl‐piperazine], have been assayed to study the possible nature of intracellular mediators contributing to the inhibitory effects of NSAIDs in rat uterine smooth muscle incubated in medium lacking calcium plus EDTA. The effect of phorbol 12, 13‐dibutyrate on vanadate contraction and its modification with H‐7 has also been examined.

Naproxen (6‐600 μM), mefenamic acid (6—300 μM), phenylbutazone (6‐300 μM), piroxicam (6—600 μM) and tolmetin (6—600 μM) produced concentration‐dependent relaxation of vanadateinduced tonic contraction. The potency order, in acordance with their respective IC50 values was: phenylbutazone ≥ mefenamic acid ≥ naproxen > tolmetin ≥ piroxicam.

The relaxant effects of naproxen, Phenylbutazone, piroxicam and tolmetin were significantly antagonized with pertussis toxin (50 ng ml‐1), Rp‐cAMPS (100 μM) and H‐7 (1 μM). However, the effect of mefenamic acid was unmodified by the three drugs. This suggests that the effect of mefenamic acid and other NSAIDs occur by different mechanisms.

Phorbol 12,13‐dibutyrate relaxed the vanadate contraction but the maximal relaxation achieved (54.8 ± 8.3%, n = 4) was lower than those induced with the NSAIDs. On the other hand, H‐7 (1 μM) did not modify the relaxant effect of phorbol 12, 13‐dibutyrate. This suggests that H‐7 behaves as a PKA, but not a PKC inhibitor, under the present experimental conditions.

The relaxation by naproxen, phenylbutazone, piroxicam and tolmetin is presumably produced by increasing cAMP because the effects of these are antagonized with Rp‐cAMPS and H‐7, and by pertussis‐toxin‐sensitive mechanisms.
Pharmacological characterization and autoradiographic localization of a putative dopamine D4receptor in the heart
Authors: Ricci A. , Bronzetti E. , Fedele F. , Ferrante F. , Zaccheo D. , Amenta F.
Published: December 2004

The pharmacological profile and the anatomical localization of a putative dopamine D4receptor were assessed in sections of rat and human atria and ventricles using combined radioligand binding and autoradiographic techniques with [3H]‐spiperone as a ligand.

[3H]‐Spiperone was bound specifically to sections of human and rat atria and ventricles. The binding was time‐, temperature‐ and concentration‐dependent, belonging to a single class of high affinity sites. In atria, the dissociation constant value (Kd) was 0.45 nM in rats and 0.32 nM in humans, and the maximum density of binding sites (Bmax) was 31.6 ± 2.9 fmol mg−1tissue in rats and 18.8 ± 0.7 fmol mg−1tissue in humans. In ventricles, Kdwas 0.38 nM in rats and 0.39 nM in humans, and the Bmaxwas 43.5 ± 3.0 fmol mg−1tissue in rats and 56.4 ± 3.2 fmol mg−1tissue in humans.

The pharmacological profile of [3H]‐spiperone binding to sections of both rat and human atria and ventricles was consistent with the labelling of dopamine D2‐like receptors. [3H]‐Spiperone binding was more sensitive to displacement by the neuroleptic clozapine in sections of atria than of ventricles, suggesting the expression of a dopamine D4receptor in atrial tissue. Moreover, preincubation of some section with a dopamine D4receptor antibody and subsequent exposure to [3H]‐spiperone caused a remarkable decrease of radioligand binding to sections of atria, but only a slight reduction of binding to section of ventricles.

Light microscope autoradiography revealed the accumulation of silver grains over atrial tissue within atrial myocardiocytes. A higher density of silver grains was developed in rat than in human atria. In ventricles, silver grains were accumulated primarily in cluster areas both in rats and in humans.

The above findings suggest the expression of a dopamine D4receptor in rat atria, but not in ventricles. A similar site was identified in human atria. The possible relevance of a dopamine D4receptor in the heart is discussed.
Doctors’ and nurses’ perceptions of interdisciplinary collaboration in the NICU, and the impact of a neonatal nurse practitioner model of practice
Authors: Copnell Beverley , Johnston Linda , Harrison Denise , Wilson Anita , Robson Anne , Mulcahy Caroline , Ramudu Louisa , McDonnell Geraldine , Best Christine
Published: December 2004

Background.  The importance of interdisciplinary collaboration has been attested to by a number of authors. Some have suggested that Nurse Practitioners (NPs) may be able to improve collaboration between doctors and nurses, but this assertion does not appear to have been researched.

Aims and objectives.  To investigate doctors’ and nurses’ perceptions of interdisciplinary collaboration in two neonatal intensive care units, and to assess the impact of a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP) practice model on these perceptions. The study was conducted as part of a larger project to develop a NNP model of practice.

Design.  Survey, pre‐ and post‐intervention.

Methods.  Medical and nursing staff in both units were surveyed before and after introduction of the NP model of practice. The instrument consisted of 25 statements relating to nurse–doctor interactions, with which respondents indicated their level of agreement on a five‐point Likert scale. The Mann–Whitney U‐test was used to compare scores for individual items and for overall collaboration between various groups of staff, and between the first and second surveys.

Results.  Significant differences between the responses of nurses and doctors were found on both surveys. Areas of disagreement chiefly concerned doctors’ behaviour and their attitudes towards nurses, rather than nurses’ behaviour or environmental factors. Doctors consistently reported a higher degree of collaboration than did nurses. Few differences were found between first and second surveys.

Conclusions.  Results suggest that problems in nurse–physician interactions exist in both units. No impact of the NNP role, as established in this project, on interdisciplinary collaboration could be demonstrated. Further research in this area is warranted.
Older patients with chronic heart failure within Swedish community health care: a record review of nursing assessments and interventions
Authors: Ehrenberg Anna , Ehnfors Margareta , Ekman Inger
Published: December 2004

Background.  Older patients with chronic heart failure constitute a large group within community home care that is at high risk for re‐hospitalization. However, hospital readmission can be prevented if early signs of deterioration are recognized and proper interventions applied.

Aims and objectives.  The aim of the study was to audit nursing care for older chronic heart failure patients within the Swedish community health care system.

Design.  The study adopted a retrospective descriptive design.

Methods.  In a Swedish urban municipality nursing documentation from 161 records on patients diagnosed with chronic heart failure was collected retrospectively from community nursing home care units. Patient records were reviewed for characteristics of nursing care and assessed for comprehensiveness in recording.

Results.  The main results showed that medical care of patients with chronic heart failure was poorly recorded, making it possible only to follow fragments of the care process. The nursing notes showed poor adherence to current clinical guidelines. Only 12% of the records contained notes on patients’ body weight and only 4% noted patients’ knowledge about chronic heart failure. When interventions did occur, they largely consisted of drug administration.

Conclusions.  The findings revealed flaws in the recording of specific assessment and interventions as well as poor adherence to current international clinical guidelines.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Supportive guidelines available at the point of care are needed to enhance proper community‐based home health care for older patients with chronic heart failure.
Effectiveness of nurse prescribing: a review of the literature
Authors: Latter Sue , Courtenay Molly
Published: December 2004

Background.  In the UK, the number of nurses able to prescribe medicines is rapidly increasing in line with Government policy directives. Whilst a number of research studies have been conducted on nurse prescribing, review and synthesis of the findings from these studies had not been undertaken.

Aims and objectives.  The literature review was conducted to identify key findings about the impact and effectiveness of nurse prescribing as well as under‐researched issues, in order to inform future research, education and practice in this area.

Methods.  A review of the literature on the first phase of nurse prescribing (1993–2002) in the UK was undertaken using electronic databases and specified search terms; some hand searching and identification of grey literature was also carried out.

Results.  Eighteen research‐based publications were included in the review. Findings indicate that patients are generally satisfied with district nurses’ and health visitors’ prescribing in the first phase of nurse prescribing. Nurses who prescribe are also generally satisfied with their role, although some concerns about the adequacy of their pharmacological knowledge have been raised. There is some variation in the prescribing patterns of district nurses’, health visitors’ and practice nurses, and the limitations of the original Nurse Prescribers’ Formulary (NPF) have been highlighted. Some preconditions for good nurse prescribing practice have begun to be identified. Some nurse prescribing outcomes – e.g. its impact on the prescribing practices of doctors, and the perspectives of certain patient groups – remain un‐evaluated. Research into the first phase of nurse prescribing is inevitably confined to those with a district nurse and/or health visitor qualification who were prescribing from the original NPF, thus limiting conclusions that can be drawn for the current policy context.

Conclusions.  The review highlights that nurse prescribing has generally been evaluated positively to date; however, there are both methodological weaknesses and under‐researched issues that point to the need for further research into this important policy initiative.

Relevance to clinical practice.  The review focuses on a clinical issue central to current and future forms of health care practice. Findings from the review highlight both the impact of nurse prescribing and the prerequisites that require consideration by those responsible for the development of nurse prescribing in clinical practice.
The effects of age on quality of life in implantable cardioverter defibrillator recipients
Authors: Hamilton Glenys A. , Carroll Diane L.
Published: December 2004

Background.  The implantable cardioverter defibrillator shows superiority over conventional pharmacological therapy. The implantable cardioverter defibrillator has been implanted with increasing frequency in patients who are either at risk for or have experienced a life‐threatening dysrhythmia. Implantable cardioverter defibrillator recipients experience a myriad of physical, emotional and social adjustments, with little being known about the impact of age on trajectory.

Aims, objectives and design.  Therefore the purpose of the study is to examine the effects of age on health status, quality of life, and mood states of implantable cardioverter defibrillator recipients during the first year after implantation using a repeated measures design.

Methods.  A comparison of implantable cardioverter defibrillator patients’ scores with other samples, both ill and well, are discussed to see how the two implantable cardioverter defibrillator age groups compare on the various measures. Human subjects approval was obtained from the institutional review board.

Results.  Seventy subjects, 51 males and 19 females, were recruited. There were 31 subjects between the ages of 21 and 62 years, mean age of 51 years, that comprised the younger age group, and 39 subjects between the ages of 67 and 84 years, mean age of 74 years, that comprised the older age group. Each subject completed the Medical Outcomes SF‐36, the Ferrans and Powers Quality of Life Index, and the Profile of Moods States at time of implantable cardioverter defibrillator implantation, and 6 and 12 months later.

Conclusions.  The older age group was as expected less physically active, less satisfied with their physical functioning, and had slightly more anxiety at 6 and 12 months than the younger counterparts. The younger implantable cardioverter defibrillator recipients demonstrated some improvements over time in the perception of their physical adjustment and anxiety.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Comparison of the SF‐36 with other populations with or without a medical condition revealed scores below norms in physical health for both groups, and only slightly higher than patients with heart failure for the older group.
Coronary artery bypass grafting: social support for patients and their significant others
Authors: Rantanen Anja , Kaunonen Marja , Åstedt‐Kurki Päivi , Tarkka Marja‐Terttu
Published: December 2004

Background.  Patients and significant others may experience physical and psychological stress symptoms during the recovery time from coronary artery bypass surgery. It has been shown that social support is associated with health and well‐being in various situations. It is important to study how patients and significant others describe the social support received.

Aim and objective.  To describe social support for bypass surgery patients and their significant others from the social network and nurses during hospitalization and the association between demographic variables and support received from nurses.

Design.  A descriptive study using a questionnaire. This was a pilot study.

Method.  Questionnaires were mailed to 146 subjects and 103 responded. The questionnaires included background variables, the Social Support from the Social Network Scale and the Support from Nurses during Hospitalization Scale.

Results.  In most cases, the spouse, children and friends were the major sources of support for patients and significant others. Patients reported equal amounts of both affect and aid or concrete support while significant others reported the highest level of affect and the lowest level of affirmation from the social network. Patients and significant others reported the highest level of affirmation and the lowest level of aid from nurses during hospitalization.

Conclusions.  Relatives are important sources of support for bypass surgery patients and their significant others. Patients reported higher levels of all types of social support from both the social network and nurses than did significant others.

Relevance to clinical practice.  The provision of nursing support for significant others can be enhanced by focusing nursing care on the whole family. This would promote the health of the whole family.
Understanding experience in nursing
Authors: Arbon Paul
Published: December 2004

Background.  This paper reviews research that considered the life stories of experienced nurses and the relationships between life experience, the way in which people find meaning in their experience(s), the development of nursing knowledge, and the influence of these events and understandings on the characteristics and clinical practice of experienced nurses.

Aims and objectives.  The dominant perspectives in nursing about the place of experience in the development of nurses’ practice are considered and the paper argues for a broader understanding of experience; placing experience within the context of nurses’ lives, connection with others and their individual understandings about nursing care.

Relevance to clinical practice.  The place of experience in the development of nurses has not been well understood although the nursing discourse continues to value clinical experience highly. Becoming experienced as a nurse is described as a progressive and continuous interaction between experience, meaning and the lived world resulting in a personal and unique understanding of practice. The culture and discourse of nursing have tended to exclude or dampen individual difference and the paper considers a more expansive understanding of the place of experience and individual difference in nursing and the relevance of this perspective for the education of nurses.
Menopausal women: perceiving continuous power through the experience of regular exercise
Authors: Jeng Chii , Yang Shun‐Hsuan , Chang Pi‐Chen , Tsao Lee‐Ing
Published: December 2004

Background.  Menopausal women are at high risk for cardiovascular diseases and osteoporosis. However, for so long, women have devoted much of their time and energy to family, children, and work such that they could not regularly exercise. There are few studies addressing the experiences of Taiwanese women who regularly exercise.

Objectives.  The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of regularly exercising, defined as thoughts or actions by menopausal women who did not regularly exercise before menopause, but who now exercise regularly.

Design.  A grounded theory research design was used.

Methods.  In‐depth interviews were undertaken with a purposive sampling of 12 menopausal women who began to do regular exercises after menopause and who have continued exercising for more than 6 months. The constant comparative method was used to analyse the interview data.

Results.  ‘Perceiving Continuous Power’ was the core category during the process of regularly exercising. Every participating woman perceived that her body and mind were filled with continuous power including the subcategories of ‘Overcoming the initial discomfort’, ‘Experiencing Benefits to Body and Mind’ and ‘Broadening’ during the process. ‘Awareness of Health Crisis’, which included the subcategories of ‘Cureless Chronic Disease’, ‘Mood Swings’, and ‘Conflict on Medication’, was identified as occurring when these women first began regularly exercising. Throughout the process of perceiving continuous power, women experienced the following interactive behaviour categories: ‘Exercise Selection’ with subcategories of ‘Self‐Evaluation’, ‘Seeking and Fitting’, ‘Comparing’ and ‘Health Becoming’ with the subcategories of ‘Releasing Health Crisis’, ‘Regaining Flowering Life’, and ‘Self‐Fulfilling’.

Conclusions.  Regular exercises provided continuous power for menopausal women.

Relevance to clinical practice.  The experiences with exercise we uncovered in this study can provide a reference for nurses to guide menopausal women with their regular exercise plans.
Cataract formation in Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., smolt relative to dietary pro‐ and antioxidants and lipid level
Authors: Waagbø R , Hamre K , Bjerkås E , Berge R , Wathne E , Lie Ø , Torstensen B
Published: December 2004

The development of cataracts in Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., was studied in 16 groups of smolts fed diets differing in prooxidant (iron, copper, manganese) and antioxidant (vitamin E, vitamin C, astaxanthin) composition and lipid level for 23 weeks in sea water, using a 27‐‐3 reduced factorial design. The seven dietary variables were systematically varied at low (requirement level and 150 g lipid kg−1) and high levels (below known toxic levels and 320 g lipid kg−1). A mean endpoint cataract incidence of approximately 36% was observed. High dietary levels of vitamin C and astaxanthin reduced cataract frequency, whereas high dietary lipid level, iron and manganese were associated with increased cataract frequencies. Considering the nutritional status of selected organs of the fish, only the status of ascorbic acid correlated negatively to cataract development (P < 0.05). The lens glutathione (GSH) status was not correlated to cataract frequency, nor statistically explained by the dietary variables. However, the study shows that balancing the diet with respect to pro‐ and antioxidant nutrients may significantly protect Atlantic salmon against development of cataracts. An incidence of reversible osmotic cataract observed at week 14 was positively correlated to plasma glucose concentration.
Disseminated gonococcemia
Authors: Mehrany Khosrow , Kist Joseph M. , O'Connor William J. , DiCaudo David J.
Published: December 2004

A 26‐year‐old woman presented with a high‐grade fever and chills of 2 days’ duration. She complained of associated joint pain, especially in the wrists and knees. One day before admission, tender skin lesions began to develop on the fingers, and subsequently spread to the more proximal extremities. The patient recalled having a sore throat and a nonproductive cough before the onset of the fever and eruption.

The past medical history was significant for Gardnerella vaginitis and several urinary tract infections. The patient was taking oral contraceptive pills; her most recent menstruation was 3 weeks before admission. She reported having sexual intercourse with her boyfriend 2 weeks before admission.

The patient's temperature was 40 °C. Dermatologic examination revealed a 6‐mm, hemorrhagic pustule on an ill‐defined pink base, overlying the volar aspect of the left second proximal interphalangeal joint (Fig. 1a). Scattered on the upper and lower extremities were occasional round, ill‐defined pink macules with central pinpoint vesiculation (Fig. 1b). A skin biopsy of the digit revealed a dense neutrophilic infiltrate with leukocytoclasis and marked fibrin deposition in the superficial and deep dermal vessels (Fig. 2a). Gram stains demonstrated the presence of Gram‐negative diplococci (Fig. 2b).

Dermatologic appearance. (a) Tender, hemorrhagic pustule overlying the volar aspect of the second proximal interphalangeal joint. (b) Round, ill‐defined, pink macule with central pinpoint vesiculation on the forearm

image

Results of skin biopsy. (a) Neutrophilic infiltrate with leukocytoclasis and marked fibrin deposition in a deep dermal vessel (hematoxylin and eosin stain; original magnification, × 100). (b) Gram‐negative diplococci within and surrounding a dermal blood vessel (Gram stain; original magnification, × 600)

image

Laboratory findings included leukocytosis (leukocyte count of 20 × 109/L, with 81% neutrophils). Analysis of an endocervical specimen by polymerase chain reaction was positive for Neisseria gonorrhoeae and negative for Chlamydia trachomatis. Throat and blood cultures grew N. gonorrhoeae. Specimen cultures obtained by skin biopsy yielded no growth. Results of serologic analysis for human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis, syphilis, and pregnancy were negative.

Beginning on admission, intravenous ceftriaxone, 2 g, was administered every 24 h for 6 days, followed by oral cefixime, 400 mg twice daily for 4 days. Oral azithromycin, 1 g, was administered to treat possible coinfection with C. trachomatis. By treatment day 4, the patient was afebrile, with the resolution of leukocytosis and symptomatic improvement of arthralgias.
Clinical course of psoriasis during pregnancy
Authors: Raychaudhuri Siba P. , Navare Teja , Gross Jeff , Raychaudhuri Smriti K.
Published: December 2004

Background Since the landmark study on rheumatoid arthritis, many reports have suggested that physiological changes during pregnancy often induce remission of systemic and cutaneous inflammatory diseases. In this study we investigated the clinical course of psoriasis during pregnancy.

Objective In this retrospective study information was collected from Psoriasis Life History Questionnaires. The data obtained from 736 questionnaires were entered into a computerized database. Information relevant to the clinical course of psoriasis during pregnancy was evaluated in respect to improvement/worsening, number of pregnancies, severity of the disease, and certain other clinical parameters.

Results In a majority of the patients psoriasis improved during pregnancy. Data available from 91 pregnancies revealed: psoriasis improved in 51 (56%), worsened in 24 (26.4%), and remained unchanged in 16 (17.6%). Also, appearance of psoriasis new lesions was found to be frequent during the early postpartum period. Patients who improved in the first pregnancy were found to have a similar response in the following pregnancies.

Conclusion Research on immuno‐endocrine interactions during pregnancy is a relatively new field. Proinflammatory Th‐1 cytokines are up‐regulated in psoriasis and play a key role in the inflammatory cascades of psoriasis. It is likely that during pregnancy the Th‐2 cytokine‐mediated down‐regulation of the immune response by virtue of its anti‐inflammatory and antagonizing effects on the Th‐1 cytokines improves psoriasis.
Prevalence of skin disease in HIV‐positive pregnant women
Authors: Alonso Norma , Lugo‐Somolinos Aída , Torres‐Paoli Damaris , Sánchez Jorge L.
Published: December 2004

Background The rate of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in women of reproductive age has increased dramatically in the last decade. The effects of pregnancy on the prevalence of cutaneous diseases in this group is unclear.

Objectives To compare the prevalence of cutaneous diseases in healthy pregnant women, HIV‐positive pregnant women, and HIV‐positive nonpregnant women.

Methods Fifty HIV‐positive pregnant women and 52 HIV‐positive nonpregnant women were compared with a control group of 50 HIV‐negative pregnant women for the prevalence of cutaneous diseases.

Results The prevalence of cutaneous diseases was higher (65%) in the HIV‐positive nonpregnant group than in the HIV‐positive pregnant group (42%) or the control group (28%). Infectious diseases were more frequent in the HIV‐positive nonpregnant group.

Conclusions Pregnancy does not seem to increase the prevalence of cutaneous diseases that occur during the course of HIV disease.
Efficacy of betamethasone valerate foam formulation in comparison with betamethasone dipropionate lotion in the treatment of mild‐to‐moderate alopecia areata: A multicenter, prospective, randomized, controlled, investigator‐blinded trial
Authors: Mancuso Giuseppe , Balducci Antonella , Casadio Chiara , Farina Paolo , Staffa Mauro , Valenti Lorenzo , Milani Massimo
Published: December 2004

Background Betamethasone valerate foam (BVF) is a new topical corticosteroid formulation. In scalp psoriasis patients BVF has induced a significantly greater clinical improvement in comparison with corticosteroid lotions. No data are available to date regarding the efficacy and safety of BVF in mild‐to‐moderate alopecia areata (AA).

Study aim To evaluate the efficacy, tolerability and safety of BVF treatment in patients with mild‐to‐moderate AA.

Subjects and Methods Sixty‐one patients (26 men and 35 women; mean age 41 ± 13 years) with mild‐to‐moderate AA (hair loss < 26%) were enrolled in a parallel‐group, investigator‐blinded trial. Subjects were assigned randomly to BVF (31 patients) or to betamethasone dipropionate lotion (BDL) (30 subjects). Both treatments were applied to the affected areas twice a day for 12 consecutive weeks.

Outcomes The primary study outcome was to compare the hair regrowth rate. Efficacy was evaluated at weeks 8 and 12 and at follow up (week 20), using a hair regrowth score (RGS) with a scale ranging from 0 (regrowth < 10%) to 4 (regrowth > 75%).

Results Fifty‐seven subjects (93%) completed the trial. At week 20, the RGS was 3.1 ± 1.5 and 1.8 ± 1.6 in the BVF and BDL groups, respectively (P < 0.01). A RGS > 3 was observed in 61% of patients in the BVF group (19/31) in comparison with 27% (8/30) in the BDL group (P < 0.03). No serious adverse events were observed in both groups during the study.

Conclusion Betamethasone valerate foam has shown to be an effective and well‐tolerated treatment of mild‐to‐moderate AA. Further trials are warranted to evaluate the role of this new formulation in comparison or in combination with intralesional corticosterioids in AA treatment.
Genetic and social control of male maturation in Phallichthys quadripunctatus (Pisces: Poeciliidae)
Authors: Kolluru G. R. , Reznick D. N.
Published: December 2004

Age and size at maturity can have significant fitness consequences. Selection often favors early‐maturing individuals because of their higher survival to maturity and greater relative contribution to population growth rate, but it may also favor delayed maturation if fitness increases with age or size at maturity. Males of several poeciliid fishes exhibit variation in age and size at maturity primarily controlled by a sex‐linked gene called the P‐locus. Wild‐caught Phallichthys quadripunctatus males show a bimodal size distribution, which is often associated with a P‐locus polymorphism in other poeciliids. We conducted two experiments to evaluate the inheritance of male age and size at maturity and the influence of social environment (presence of mature or juvenile males during development) on these traits. We specifically tested the hypothesis that male age and size at maturity in P. quadripunctatus are governed by a single Y‐linked locus, and modified by the social environment. Although our results imply both a genetic and an environmental component to the dimorphism in maturation, both large and small males were able to sire both large and small sons, allowing us to reject the hypothesis that age and size at maturity in this species are controlled by a single, Y‐linked locus. Our data do not conform adequately to any of the genetic mechanisms described to date for maturation polymorphism in poeciliids. We suggest alternative mechanisms that may operate in P. quadripunctatus.
Sex investment ratios in monogyne and polygyne populations of the fire ant Solenopsis invicta
Authors: Vargo E. L.
Published: December 2004

Both monogyne (single queen per colony) and polygyne (multiple queens per colony) populations of the fire ant Solenopsis invicta are good subjects for tests of kin selection theory because their genetic and reproductive attributes are well‐characterized, permitting quantitative predictions about the degree to which sex investment ratios should be female‐biased if workers and not queens control reproductive allocation. In the study populations, an investment ratio of 3 females: 1 male is predicted (a proportional investment in females of 0.75) in the monogyne form, whereas a proportional investment in females between 0.637 and 0.740 is expected in the polygyne form. To test these predictions, colonies from a single population of each social form were collected and censused during three different seasons. Consistent with their alternative modes of colony founding, monogyne colonies invested more in reproduction (sexual production) and less in growth/maintenance (worker production) than did the polygyne colonies. Overall, the sex investment ratios were female‐biased in both forms, although there was considerable seasonal variation. After adjusting for sex‐specific energetic costs, the proportional investment in females was 0.607 in the monogyne population, a value in between those expected under complete control by either the queen or the workers. However, when combined with data from four other previously studied monogyne populations in the U.S.A., the mean investment ratio did not differ significantly from the value predicted if workers have exclusive control. In the polygyne population, the proportional investment in females of 0.616 was consistent with the level of female bias expected under partial to complete worker control, although the potential influence of two confounding factors — possible contact with monogyne colonies and the preponderance of sterile diploid males — weakens this conclusion somewhat. Taken as a whole, the sex investment ratios of monogyne and polygyne populations of S. invicta are consistent with at least partial worker control. Of several ultimate and proximate explanations that have been proposed to explain inter‐colonial variation in the sex investment ratio, only the effect of the primary sex ratio (female‐determined eggs: male‐determined eggs) laid by the queen appears to account for the observed variation among monogyne colonies. In the polygyne population, there is limited support for the hypothesis that greater resource abundance favors investment in females.
Weed Control of Four Higher Plant Species in Paddy Rice Fields in Southeast Asia
Authors: Hong N. H. , Xuan T. D. , Tsuzuki E. , Terao H. , Matsuo M. , Khanh T. D.
Published: December 2004

Four higher plants, namely glory bowers (Clerodendrum trichotomum L.), jimsonweed (Datura stramonium L.), beggarweed (Desmodium triflorum L.) and Chinaberry (Melia azedarach L.), with the strong allelopathic potential among 19 allelopathic species from Southeast Asia, were tested for their effects on weed emergence in paddy soil and field. In a greenhouse experiment, D. stramonium, D. triflorumand M. azedarach exhibited similar inhibitory magnitude at 1 t ha−1 achieving more than 90 % weed control. C. trichotomum achieved about 70 % weed reduction at 2 t ha−1. In paddy fields, D. triflorum was the most promising material for weed control and attained the highest rice yield among treatments, at the concentration of 2 t ha−1, whereas the inhibition of D. stramonium and M. azedarach was weakened in the greenhouse. No injury of rice plants was observed. These plants might be used as natural herbicides to reduce the dependence on synthetic herbicides.
Field Pea Seeding Management for Semi‐arid Mediterranean Conditions
Authors: Tawaha A. M. , Turk M. A.
Published: December 2004

The effects of seeding rate (30, 60 and 90 seeds m−2), seeding date (14 January, 28 January and 12 February), seed weight (0.18 and 0.25 g seed−1), seeding depth (3 and 6 cm), and phosphorus fertilization rate (17.5, 35.0 and 52.5 kg P ha−1) and placement method (banded or broadcasted) on field pea (Pisum sativum L.) development and seed yields were investigated in irrigated field experiments conducted in northern Jordan in 2000 and 2001. Results and treatment responses were consistent in both years. Seeding rate, seeding date, seed weight and rate and method of phosphorus fertilization had significant effects on most traits measured; planting depth however did not affect any of the traits. Generally a positive correlation was observed between each factor and seed yield and yield components, with the exception of a negative correlation between seeding rate and yield components, and seeding date and yield and yield components. Increase in seeding rate from 30 to 90 seeds m−2, and increase in P fertilization from 17.5 to 52.5 kg ha−1 alone increased seed yields by 50 and 41 %, respectively. Each delay of 2 weeks for seeding from mid‐January resulted in reductions of 12 % in seed yields. Overall, the results revealed that a combination of early seeding (14 January), of large seeds at an high seeding rate (90 seeds m−2), with P fertilizer banding (52.5 kg P ha−1) maximize field pea yields in irrigated fields in semi‐arid Mediterranean environments. With such management pea seed yields can be as high as 2800 kg ha−1.
Cultured mosquito cells Aedes albopictus C6/36 (Dip., Culicidae) responsive to 20‐hydroxyecdysone and non‐steroidal ecdysone agonist
Authors: Smagghe G. , Braeckman B. P. , Huys N. , Raes H.
Published: December 2004

Abstract: A cell line derived from an important mosquito, Aedes albopictus Skuse, was responsive to treatments with the insect moulting hormone 20‐hydroxyecdysone (20E) and two new insecticides, RH‐5849 and RH‐5992, by cell clumping and inhibition of cell proliferation. The Aedes C6/36 cells showed typical numerous long extensions, and fluorescent BODIPY®‐phalloidin staining demonstrated that they resulted from F‐actin polymerization. In addition, the ultrastructure of treated cells showed a high degree of vacuolarization that is in accord with protein synthesis. SDS‐PAGE demonstrated that three proteins were induced that may belong to the hsp70 family. In conclusion, an insect cell line that responds to 20E may be useful for screening and identifying hormone analogues and novel insecticides.
Morphology of female sex pheromone gland in the horse chestnut leafminer Cameraria ohridella (Lep., Gracillariidae)
Authors: Raspotnig G. , Schicho R. , Stabentheiner E. , Magnes C. , Stelzl M.
Published: December 2004

Abstract: The internal and external morphology of the female sex pheromone gland in Cameraria ohridella Deschka & Dimic, an European pest on Aesculus hippocastanum L., has been investigated by histological and electron microscopic techniques. The gland consists of a single layer of modified epidermal cells in the dorsal part of the intersegmental membrane between the eighth and ninth abdominal segments and laterally extends to the posterior apophyses. The epithelium contains large columnar‐ and cone‐shaped cells with basally situated nuclei. The cuticle, which covers the glandular region, has a wrapped appearance and is divided into a hyalin and thickened endocuticle and a thin outer epicuticle: it considerably expands when the gland is protruded and provides a sufficiently large surface for evaporation of the pheromone. The cuticle does not show any orifices of pore channels. In the retracted position, the gland is folded within the body cavity of the seventh and eighth abdominal segments but is exposed to the environment by extension of the abdominal tip along with female calling. In virgin females, pheromone glands are well developed at least within the first days after eclosion; if copulation occurs, glandular epithelia degenerate soon. According to the current classification, the glandular type of C. ohridella most easily is consistent with eversible dorsal scent folds that are widely distributed amongst diverse taxa of Lepidoptera. However, this is the first report on the morphology of pheromone glands in the Gracillariidae.
Identification of sulcatol, a potential pheromone of the ambrosia beetle Gnathotrichus materiarius (Col., Scolytidae)
Authors: Flechtmann C. A. H. , Berisford C. W.
Published: December 2004

Abstract: We report the identification of a potential pheromone for Gnathotrichus materiarius (Fitch) (Col., Scolytidae). The population sex ratio is close to 1 : 1, and males initiate attacks on host trees. Headspace and hindgut samples from single males showed the presence of the putative pheromone 6‐methyl‐5‐hepten‐2‐ol, sulcatol. Unmated males released sulcatol for at least 12 days, and ceased producing the pheromone after 20 days. The peak sulcatol release occurred after 2 days. Males cease production of sulcatol 24 h after being paired with females. Single females were unable to initiate galleries, and no sulcatol was detected from their headspace and hindgut samples. The chiral ratio of the pheromone, observed from headspace samples, was 31% (S)‐(+)‐ and 69% (R)‐(−)‐sulcatol.
Isolation of repellent ingredients from Lantana camara (Verbenaceae) flowers and their repellency against Aedes mosquitoes
Authors: Dua V. K. , Pandey A. C. , Singh R. , Sharma V. P. , Subbarao S. K.
Published: December 2004

The repellent properties of different fractions isolated from Lantana camara flowers by using steam distillation, solvent partition and chromatographic methods were evaluated against Aedes mosquitoes. Maximum protection time of one fraction eluted by chloroform from a silica gel column was 3.45 h. One application of this fraction gave 100% protection for 2 h and may protect 75.8% at 7 h (t = 7.00, P < 0.001) against the bites of Aedes mosquitoes. Further purification of the most efficient fraction into pure compounds did not result in any increase in repellency.
N‐acetyltransferase‐2 gene polymorphism as a possible biomarker for prostate cancer in Japanese men
Authors: Hamasaki Takashi , Inatomi Hisato , Katoh Takahiko , Aono Hisami , Ikuyama Toshihiro , Muratani Tetsuro , Matsumoto Tetsuro
Published: December 2004

Background: The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency of a polymorphism of the candidate metabolic enzyme N‐acetyltransferase‐2 (NAT2) in Japanese prostate cancer patients and Japanese non‐cancer controls, in order to determine if an association exists between NAT2 genotype and the occurrence, clinical stage and grade of prostate cancer.

Methods: In the present case‐control study, 111 patients with prostate cancer and 152 controls were genotyped for the NAT2 polymorphism using the polymerase chain reaction‐based restriction fragment length polymorphism method. The NAT2 genotypes (slow or rapid acetylator genotype) were determined by the combination of three known NAT2 mutant alleles (M1, M2, M3) and the wild‐type allele.

Results: The NAT2 slow acetylator genotype was statistically higher among prostate cancer patients (17.1%) compared with controls (8.6%) (Odds ration (OR) = 2.21; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.04–4.69; P = 0.0289). In addition, there was a statistically increased risk of prostate cancer among smokers with the NAT2 slow genotype (OR = 3.78: 95% CI, 1.48–9.66; P = 0.0041). Furthermore, the NAT2 slow acetylator genotype was significantly higher among prostate cancer patients with locally advanced and metastatic disease (22.7%) compared with controls (8.6%) (OR = 3.14; 95% CI, 1.40–7.06; P = 0.0051). Lastly, the NAT2 slow acetylator genotype was significantly higher among prostate cancer patients with high‐grade tumors (31.4%) compared with controls (8.6%) (OR = 4.90; 95% CI, 1.97–12.20; P = 0.0010).

Conclusion: These data demonstrate that the NAT2 slow acetylator genotype plays an important role in determining the risk of developing prostate cancer in Japanese men and is also associated with more clinically advanced and pathologically aggressive disease. Furthermore, a possible interaction between the NAT2 slow acetylator genotype and smoking status was suggested.