bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Functions of Song in the Serin
Authors: Mota Paulo Gama
Published: March 2003

The function of song in the serin Serinus serinus was investigated by measuring variation in singing time and song flights by the male, and nest building by the female during the prelaying and laying period, and by correlating nest building, extra‐pair copulation attempts and chasing of the female with male singing time and song flights between pairs. Both singing time and nest building varied in relation to the female fertile period, peaking at day −4. Moreover, nest‐building activity correlated with singing time, but not song flights, between pairs. This suggests that song may have a function in stimulating the female to nest build or begin rapid yolk deposition. Pair copulations were not correlated with singing time or song flights either over days relative to laying or between pairs and pairs were not more likely to copulate in a given minute of observation when the male had sung in the previous minute than when he had not. However, extra‐pair copulation attempts and chasing of the female showed a tendency to be negatively correlated with song flight but not singing time, between pairs. This suggests that song flight may have a function in discouraging sexual competition from other males.
Parental Care and Sexual Selection in the Bluethroat,Luscinia s. svecica: A Field‐experimental Test of the Differential Allocation Hypothesis
Authors: Rohde Percy A. , Johnsen Arild , Lifjeld Jan T.
Published: March 2003

One of the processes by which secondary sexual characters in monogamous species with biparental care may evolve is described by the differential allocation hypothesis. It predicts that mates adjust their parental effort to the attractiveness of their partner. The more attractive sex is expected to withhold parental effort while the less attractive sex is expected to compensate for the partner’s decreased effort thus preventing a reduction in breeding success. Asymmetry in attractiveness then imposes costs on the less attractive sex which are thought to be exceeded by the indirect (i.e. genetic) benefits which result from sharing offspring with a highly attractive partner. This idea was tested with bluethroats,Luscinia s. svecica, a bird species in which the male is characterized by a complex multiple‐coloured plumage ornament on the throat and chest. We manipulated male attractiveness by attaching conspicuous coloured leg bands which matched the blue and chestnut components of the male ornament. Control males were banded with green and yellow bands. The results from another field experiment on mate‐guarding behaviour demonstrate the effectiveness of this treatment. As measures of parental effort we determined: 1. clutch size; 2. feeding rates by video recording feeding activity of both parents; and 3. brood mass up to day 9. The results do not support the differential allocation hypothesis. The experimental and control groups differed in none of the above variables. On the basis of these results we discuss the ecological factors which may influence the differential allocation process in monogamous birds.
Vibration Signal Modulates the Behavior of House‐hunting Honey Bees (Apis mellifera)
Authors: Visscher P. Kirk , Shepardson Jennifer , McCart Linda , Camazine Scott
Published: March 2003

Honey bees (Apis mellifera) in house‐hunting swarms perform vibration signals (dorsoventral abdominal vibration (DVAV)) of 18.05 ± 0.45 Hz for 1.36 ± 0.23 s throughout the house selection process. These signals are performed by a specialized subset of bees, most of whom never perform recruitment dances to nest sites. Individuals repeatedly vibrate others. The patterns of vibration signal performance are consistent with the hypothesis that it serves to activate bees for take‐off, but may also activate bees to scout for nest sites.
Discrimination against Water Containing Unrelated Conspecifics and a Marginal Effect of Relatedness on Spacing Behaviour and Growth in Juvenile Brown Trout, Salmo trutta L.
Authors: Ojanguren A. F. , Braña F.
Published: March 2003

In this study, we assessed whether juvenile brown trout are able to discriminate between, and swim towards, water containing unrelated conspecifics and blank stream water. In a second stage we investigated the behavioural response to sibling‐scented vs. nonsibling conspecific‐scented water, and how the social environment could affect growth. All the six families (full sibs) tested showed an overall preference to blank water instead of water scented by unfamiliar fish of similar age and size. This result reveals that juvenile brown trout are able to detect chemical water components released by conspecifics, and show a biased behaviour based on this ability. When trout were given the choice between water scented by sibs and unfamiliar nonsibs, results were variable, some families spent more time in the sibling‐scented water channel (only significant for one of six families) while others showed the opposite trend. Large within‐family variation was also observed in the responses of individual fish towards water scented by siblings and nonsiblings. When fish from three of the families were reared with either siblings or nonsiblings, we obtained results that were only partially consistent with the hypothesis that fish growth could be enhanced in the preferred social environment (which had been predicted from the results of the choice tests).
Implications for the Maintenance of Androdioecy in the Freshwater Shrimp, Eulimnadia texana Packard: Encounters between Males and Hermaphrodites are not Random
Authors: Medland Vicki L. , Zucker Naida , Weeks Stephen C.
Published: March 2003

Androdioecy is a mixed‐mating system in which there are males and hermaphrodites but no pure females. Few species exhibit such a mating system. Eulimnadia texana is a branchiopod crustacean that has recently been identified as an androdioecious species. This system is ideal for testing questions related to the evolution of sexual reproduction. We are testing a model that predicts androdioecy to be a stable mixed‐mating system under certain conditions. Specifically, we investigated whether encounters between males and hermaphrodites are random or if either sex seeks out the other for mating. Focal male or hermaphrodite clam shrimp were presented with stimulus shrimp of the other sex or kept alone. Swimming speed and time spent within different areas of a test chamber were recorded. Males did not alter mean swimming speed or spend more time than expected by chance near partitioned hermaphrodites. Hermaphrodites, however, decreased mean swimming speed in the presence of males and also spent more time than expected by chance near partitioned males, suggesting that hermaphrodites respond to male chemical and/or visual stimuli. Modified swimming behaviour probably facilitates inter‐sexual contact, thereby increasing opportunities for out‐crossing above that expected by random encounters.
Investment in Mate Guarding May Compensate for Constraints on Ejaculate Production in the Cricket Gryllodes sigillatus
Authors: Bateman Philip W. , Gilson Lauren N. , Ferguson J. W. H.
Published: March 2003

Although there is a corpus of evidence that females of many taxa are choosy about males, there is less information on how males may react to females of different ‘quality’ (i.e. potential fecundity). The cricket Gryllodes sigillatus shows distinct mate guarding behaviour. We examined how long males mate guard females of different sizes (reflecting egg load and potential fecundity). We also examined the sperm number in ampullae donated to females of different sizes to see if males make a concomitant difference in investment in ejaculate. We also examined mate‐guarding behaviour and ejaculate size of males mated to virgin and nonvirgin females of the same size to see if males equate size with increased age and increased likelihood of mating (increased sperm competition). The results showed that males mate guard larger females for longer but make no difference in ejaculate investment between sizes of female. Males make no significant difference in mate guarding investment or ejaculate investment between virgins and nonvirgins of the same size. There is evidence that other species of crickets do alter their ejaculate depending on the female size and mating history, but have less distinct guarding behaviour. We suggest that mate‐guarding investment in G. sigillatus may serve a similar function to that of ejaculate investment in other crickets.
Racial Differences in Division of Labor in Colonies of the Honey Bee (Apis mellifera)
Authors: Brillet Charles , Robinson Gene E. , Bues R. , Le Conte Yves
Published: March 2003

We measured the age at onset of foraging in colonies derived from three races of European honey bees, Apis mellifera mellifera, Apis mellifera caucasica and Apis mellifera ligustica, using a cross‐fostering design that involved six unrelated colonies of each race. There was a significant effect of the race of the introduced bees on the age at onset of foraging: cohorts of A. m. ligustica bees showed the earliest onset, regardless of the race of the colony they were introduced to. There also was a significant effect of the race of the host colony: cohorts of bees introduced into mellifera colonies showed the earliest onset of foraging, regardless of the race of the bees introduced. Significant inter‐trial differences also were detected, primarily because of a later onset of foraging in trials conducted during the autumn (September–October). These results demonstrate differences among European races of honey bees in one important component of colony division of labor. They also provide a starting point for analyses of the evolution of division of labor under different ecological conditions.
Rank Acquisition Through Birth Order in Mouflon Sheep (Ovis gmelini) Ewes
Authors: Guilhem Colette , Gerard Jean‐François , Bideau Eric
Published: March 2003

The relationship between mothers’ and daughters’ dominance ranks was studied in a captive herd of mouflon sheep (Ovis gmelini), including nine adult ewes and their daughters, observed as lambs and yearlings. We found a positive correlation between the ranks of mothers and those of their yearling daughters, even though every mother dominated all the yearlings. We then tested the hypothesis that daughters from subordinate ewes became subordinate within their own age class because, as lambs, they had received more aggression from the other ewes in the herd. Recorded data were inconsistent with the hypothesis, even showing a trend for female lambs to receive aggression more frequently when born from dominant ewes. We also tested the hypothesis that resemblance between mothers’ and daughters’ ranks was due to inheritance of aggressiveness. No significant correlation was found between mothers’ and daughters’ aggressiveness, so the hypothesis was not supported. Finally, we found a significant concordance between mothers’ ranks, daughters’ ranks, and daughters’ birth dates. Earlier‐born daughters became dominant over later‐born ones, probably because of larger body size and more advanced social behaviour. The age of most of the mothers was undetermined, but in mouflon sheep, older ewes generally dominate younger ewes and are known to lamb earlier during the birth season. Accordingly, it is suggested that dominant ewes have daughters dominant in their own age class, because (1) age influences the parturition date during the birth season, and (2) age strongly influences rank, even in individuals born during the same lambing season.
Chemical Predator Inspection in a Characin Fish (Hemigrammus erythrozonus,Characidae, Ostariophysi): The Effects of Mixed Predator Diets
Authors: Brown Grant E. , Zachar Melissa M.
Published: March 2003

Many prey organisms will approach (inspect) potential predators, primarily to assess local risk of predation. It has been demonstrated that Ostariphysan prey fishes can detect conspecific alarm pheromones in the diet of potential predators and use this chemical information to reduce their risk of predation while still gaining significant benefits associated with predator inspection. We conducted the current study to examine the possible effects of mixed diets on the use of these chemical predator diet cues during inspection visits. Shoals of four glowlight tetras (Hemigrammus erythrozonus) were exposed to Jack Dempsey cichlids (Cichlasoma octofaciatum) which had been fed diets consisting of: 100% tetras (with alarm pheromone); 75% tetra, 25% swordtail (Xiphophorus helleri, which lack a recognizable alarm pheromone); 25% tetra, 75% swordtail; or 100% swordtails. Tetras significantly increased their anti‐predator behaviour in response to predators fed 100% tetra or the two mixed predator diets, but not when exposed to predators fed a 100% swordtail diet. Likewise, we observed significant differences in inspection behaviour. Tetras took longer to initiate an inspection, inspected in smaller groups and directed a greater proportion of inspection visits towards the tail region of the predator when it had been fed 100% tetra or either of the two mixed prey diets. We found no significant differences in either anti‐predator or inspection behaviour among the three diet treatments containing tetras. These data strongly suggest that glowlight tetras are capable of detecting relatively small amounts of conspecific alarm pheromone in the diet of potential predators and that they modify their behaviour based on the presence or absence of these cues.
Reversed Sex‐Change in the Protogynous Reef Fish Labroides dimidiatus
Authors: Kuwamura Tetsuo , Tanaka Naomi , Nakashima Yasuhiro , Karino Kenji , Sakai Yoichi
Published: March 2003

Protogynous hermaphroditism, or female‐to‐male sex change, is known for many reef fishes including wrasses (family Labridae) in which large males monopolize mating. When the dominant male disappears from a polygynous group, the largest female may change sex within a few weeks. Such social control of sex change was first documented in harems of the cleaner wrasse Labroides dimidiatus almost 30 yr ago. To examine whether change of social status would induce males of L. dimidiatus to perform reversed sex‐change, we conducted experiments: (i) releasing single males near lone males whose mates have been removed in the field; and (ii) keeping two males in a tank. Smaller males changed back to females when they became subordinate: it took 53–77 d (n=3) for them to complete gonadal sex change and release eggs in the aquarium. The male–male pairs performed spawning behavior, with the smaller male in the female role already 5–58 d before completion of gonadal sex change. This is the first report of reversed sex‐change among protogynous wrasses. Moreover, we conducted another experiment, keeping a pair of a male and a larger female in a tank (n=1). We found sex change by both mates, which has not been reported from any fishes. Thus, the sex of L. dimidiatus is strictly determined by social status whenever it changes after mate loss.
Parental Feeding Rates in the House Sparrow, Passer domesticus: Are Larger‐Badged Males Better Fathers?
Authors: Voltura Karen M. , Schwagmeyer P. L. , Mock Douglas W.
Published: March 2003

Elaborated secondary sexual characteristics may reflect genetic quality or good health, either of which may be associated with an individual's competence as a parent. We examined whether female house sparrows (Passer domesticus) paired to large vs. small‐badged mates gain benefits in the form of increased parental care or improved nestling welfare. House sparrow nests where the male had been trapped and banded were observed for 1 h on at least 5 d during the peak growth period of nestlings. Male feeding shares, measured as the proportion of total feeds per chick made by the male, were marginally positively correlated with male badge size. Moreover, higher male shares of nestling feeding were associated with improved prospects for offspring survival, and a greater proportion of chicks fledged from the nests of larger‐badged males. These results suggest that females paired to large‐badged males gain direct benefits in the form of enhanced nestling survival, which presumably stem from factors associated with increases in the proportion of nestling feeding contributed by their mates.
Subordinate Males in Harem Groups of Jamaican Fruit‐Eating Bats (Artibeus jamaicensis): Satellites or Sneaks?
Authors: Ortega Jorge , Arita Héctor T.
Published: March 2003

In the caves of Yucatan, Mexico, the Jamaican fruit‐eating bat, Artibeus jamaicensis, forms harems consisting of four to 18 females and a dominant male that defends the group against foreign males. Large groups (>14 females) contain an additional subordinate male. In theory, subordinate males can associate with harem groups either as satellites, if they provide at least some benefits to the dominant male, or as sneaks, if they only impose costs on the dominant male. We assessed the costs and benefits of subordinate males in three removal experiments. In the first experiment, when a dominant male was removed from its group, its role was occupied by the subordinate male (in large groups) or by a foreign male (in small groups). Former subordinate males took less time to gain control of the harems and stayed longer with the groups than foreign males. In the second experiment, when a subordinate male was removed, the rate of visitation by foreign males and the number of agonistic displays by the dominant male both increased. In the third experiment, when the number of females in large groups was reduced, subordinate males spent less time with their groups and the rate of visitation by foreign males increased. However, the frequency of agonistic displays by dominant males towards subordinate males did not change. Dominant males invest large amounts of energy in defending the harems, but obtain direct and immediate benefits from the presence of subordinate males in the form of access to a larger number of females, and suffer no obvious costs. Subordinate males apparently invest little energy in defending the harems, obtain no obvious immediate benefit, but gain long‐term benefits by having priority access to vacant positions left by dominant males. Subordinate males in harem groups of the Jamaican fruit‐eating bat can be considered satellites because their presence brings immediate benefits to the dominant males.
When to Come Out from a Refuge: Balancing Predation Risk and Foraging Opportunities in an Alpine Lizard
Authors: Martín José , López Pilar , Cooper William E.
Published: March 2003

Prey often respond to predator presence by increasing their use of refuges, but because this strategy may be costly, the decision regarding when to come out from a refuge should be optimized. The loss of foraging opportunities may be one of the main costs when safer microhabitats (i.e. refuges) are also the poorest in terms of their foraging profitability. We present the results of an experimental field study to test whether emergence times from a refuge of the Iberian rock lizard, Lacerta monticola, vary as a function of expected foraging opportunities and level of satiation of the lizard. As predicted, short‐term fluctuations in availability of food influenced emergence times; when a lizard had just detected some food in the recent past, emergence times decreased greatly, because the loss of opportunities for foraging increased costs of refuge use. Furthermore, the characteristics and success of the encounter with food, nutritional state of lizards, and the added possibility of capturing new food items influenced the duration of hiding times. Therefore, foraging requirements and avoidance of predators may be conflicting demands that L. monticola lizards balance by modifying the duration of time spent in refuges.
Incidence of Heterobasidion annosum in precommercial thinning stumps in coastal British Columbia
Authors: Morrison D. J. , Johnson A. L. S.
Published: March 2003

Coniferous stumps in 83 stands in coastal British Columbia were sampled 3‐5 years after precommercial thinning. The percentage of stumps and surface area colonized by Heterobasidion annosum were determined for 25 stumps of each species in each 5‐cm diameter class present in each stand. There were significant differences among species in the percentages of stumps and surface area colonized, with Douglas‐fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) having the lowest values, amabilis fir (Abies amabilis) and Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis) the highest and western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla) being intermediate. For stumps of each species 5–20 cm in diameter, both the percentage of stumps and surface area colonized increased with increasing diameter. In stumps that were grafted to an adjacent tree, there was decreased incidence of H. annosum for Douglas‐fir and Sitka spruce and increased incidence for western hemlock and amabilis fir. There were trends in the percentage of stumps and area colonized for season of thinning and biogeoclimatic subzones with the values for most species decreasing as the amount of precipitation increased. Colonization of precommercial thinning stumps by H. annosum occurs throughout the coastal region of British Columbia, and this will increase the amount of inoculum and will likely increase the incidence of butt rot. The results of this study suggest that the increase in inoculum can be minimized by thinning before age 15, by cutting only trees less than 10 cm in diameter and by thinning during low risk seasons.
Susceptibility of species of Juglans to pathovars of Xanthomonas campestris
Authors: Belisario A. , Zoina A. , Pezza L. , Luongo L.
Published: March 2003

Bacterial blight is considered one of the most serious diseases affecting the genus Juglans. Artificial inoculations with Xanthomonas campestris pv. Juglandis were performed in the field by spraying seedlings of Juglans cinerea, Juglans hindsii, Juglans mandshurica, Juglans nigra, Juglans regia and Juglans sieboldiana. Juglans nigra, J. cinerea ana J. sieboldiana proved to be the most resistant. The multiplication ability of Xanthomonas campestris pv. corylina, X. c. pv. juglandis, and X. c. pv. campestris was evaluated by injecting 2‐year‐old seedling leaves of J. mandshurica, J. nigra and J. regia. The bacterial growth was monitored in the infected tissue over 12 days. Xanthomonas c. pv. juglandis exhibited a high growth rate and induced black greasy spots in J. mandshurica and J. regia; X. c. pv. campestris grew in leaf tissues without inducing symptoms, X. c. pv. corylina showed a very low growth rate. None of the tested bacterial strains multiplied in the leaves of J. nigra. This confirms the results obtained in the field tests. Juglans regia was the most susceptible among the walnut species tested.
Susceptibility of cones and seeds to fungal infection in a pine (Pinus spp.) collection
Authors: Vujanovic V. , St‐Arnaud M. , Neumann P‐J.
Published: March 2003

Summary Thirty‐one fungi, members of Ascomycota and Deuteromycota, were isolated from cones/seeds of 28 hosts (Pinus spp.) originating from East Asia, Europe and North America, and growing at the Montreal Botanical Garden, Canada. A total of 21 taxa of these isolated fungi are considered pathogens. The damage severity was most prevalent on Diploxylon pines of European provenance (Pinus nigra, Pinus mugo and Pinus sylvestris), and one indigenous North American species (Pinus albicaulis). Twelve fungi occurred on different hosts, i.e. Sphaeropsis sapinea (12), Herpotrichia juniperi (8), Truncatella hartigii (7), Ceuthospora sp. (5), Fusarium, spp. (5), Pestalotiopsis funerea (3), Phomopsis sp. (3), Valsa spp. (anamorph. Cytospora) (3), Diaporthe sp. (3), Fusicoccum sp. (2) and Sirococcus strobilinus (2). Sphaeropsis sapinea, Herpotrichia juniperi, Phomopsis conorum, Truncatella hartigii, Tubercularia sp. and Valsa spp. were related to high cone and seed damage. For the most frequently observed Sphaeropsis sapinea damage, the subgenus Haploxylon was less susceptible than Diploxylon, and P. sylvestris less than P. nigra and P. mugo. Pinus resinosa showed more tolerance to S. sapinea. Truncatella hartigii was more frequently associated with necrotic lesions on cones/seeds in comparison with Pestalotiopsis funerea. The results are discussed in the context of arboretum, seed orchard, nursery and quarantine management.
Mycosphaerella species occurring on Eucalyptus globulus and Eucalyptus nitens plantations of Tasmania, Australia
Authors: Milgate A. W. , Yuan Z. Q. , Vaillancourt R. E. , Mohammed C.
Published: March 2003

The genus Mycosphaerella Johanson contains many pathogens capable of causing a severe impact on the growth of susceptible eucalypt species. The lack of knowledge about which species are present in Tasmania and their potential risk to the plantation industry prompted this study into the Mycosphaerella species occurring on Eucalyptus globulus and Eucalyptus nitens plantations in Tasmania. A total of 36 plantation and five road verge sites of E. globulus and E. nitens were sampled. Five Mycosphaerella species and three species from associated anamorph genera were isolated and identified in Tasmania; Mycosphaerella nubilosa, Mycosphaerella cryptica, Mycosphaerella tasmaniensis, Mycosphaerella grandis, Mycosphaerella vespa, Coniothyrium ovatum, Sonderhenia eucalypticola and Sonderhenia eucalyptorum. The most frequently isolated species with the highest incidence and severity of infection were M. cryptica and M. nubilosa. These two species appear to have the greatest potential to damage juvenile eucalypt plantations in Tasmania. A link between Mycosphaerella vespa and Coniothyrium ovatum is described for the first time.
Symptoms in slash pine seedlings following inoculation with the cone rust fungus Cronartium strobilinum
Authors: Shukla A. N. , Schmidt R. A. , Miller T.
Published: March 2003

Six‐week‐old seedlings of slash pine (Pinus elliottii) were inoculated with sporidia of Cronartium strobilinum, which is the cause of southern cone rust disease, by wounding the apical tips of the seedlings. Pycnial sori developed abundantly within 1 month of inoculation on the epicotyl and primary needles. The progress of the pathogen was confirmed histologically within the cells of the stem and haustoria were observed near the nucleus of the cells. In the needles, pycnial pustules developed and the fungus was abundant in the mesophyll.
In vitro inhibition of Heterobasidion annosum by Phaeotheca dimorphospora
Authors: Roy G. , Bussières G. , Laflamme G. , Dessureault M.
Published: March 2003

The antagonistic fungus Phaeotheca dimorphospora has been tested in vitro on agar plates and wood discs to evaluate its potential use against P (Eastern Canada) and S (Finland) intersterility groups strains of Heterobasidion annosum using two methods. Production of antifungal metabolites by P. dimorphospora was demonstrated on agar plates as well as on Pinus resinosa and Picea abies discs using the bi‐layer technique. Diffusible metabolites inhibited the growth of the pathogen on both substrates. Direct confrontation on wood discs showed that a 7‐day period of advanced growth by P. dimorphospora completely prevented the colonization of the tissue by H. annosum. Control was partial when the antagonist had only one day of advanced growth. Growth inhibition was superior against S group strains with less than 1% of the samples colonized by H. annosum compared with 22% for P group strains. Moreover, P. dimorphospora was isolated in more than 83% of the samples in the absence of the pathogen in both wood species. In vitro tests demonstrated that P. dimorphospora is able to colonize red pine as well as Norway spruce tissue and to use wood components for the production of antifungal metabolites.
Growth and physiological responses of chestnut calli to crude extracts of virulent and hypovirulent strains of Cryphonectria parasitica
Authors: PIAGNANI C. , ASSANTE G. , SCALISI P. , ZOCCHI G. , VERCESI A.
Published: March 2003

The effect of crude extracts (CEs) of virulent (V‐E4) and hypovirulent (H‐E13) Cryphonectria parasitica strains on growth and physiological activities of chestnut calli was investigated on cell cultures obtained from either a susceptible Castanea sativa or a resistant Castanea mollissima chestnut species. The V‐E4 CEs significantly reduced calli fresh weight in both species when used at 50 and 500 μg g–1 and, in general, showed an inhibitory effect on either O2 uptake and H+‐ATPase activity. Only the highest (500 μg g–1) concentration of H‐E13 CEs had a detrimental effect on callus growth, whereas the lowest one (5 μg g–1) induced a slight, but significant early increase in callus fresh weight of both genotypes. The O2 uptake and H+‐ATPase activity were enhanced by the presence of H‐E13 CEs. The decrease of callus growth and physiological activities, caused by V‐E4 CEs, was attributed to toxic compounds produced by the C. parasitica virulent strain, whereas the stimulatory effects of H‐E13 CEs on the overall callus metabolism seemed to be due either to the lack or very reduced amount of phytotoxic compounds and to growth‐regulating substances produced only by the hypovirulent strain of the fungus.
Involvement of phytoplasmas in a decline of Ulmus chenmoui in Central Italy
Authors: SFALANGA A. , MARTINI M. , SURICO G. , BERTACCINI A.
Published: March 2003

To verify the role of phytoplasma infections in a decline of Ulmus chenmoui in Central Italy, two plots of seedlings established in two locations were studied. Roots and twigs with leaves were sampled in June and in September 1996 from 11 U. chenmoui plants located at San Rossore (Pisa), and in July 1996 and September 1997 from nine U. chenmoui plants at Presiola (Ravenna). The plants at San Rossore showed a generalized decline consisting of small, pale green leaves and death of small twigs, whereas those at Presiola had an healthy appearance in 1996 and started to decline in 1997. Molecular analyses resulted in the identification of elm yellows‐related phytoplasmas in three out of the twenty plants examined (two from San Rossore and 1 from Presiola). The same phytoplasma was identified in both locations in yellows‐diseased elm hybrids employed as positive controls. Phytoplasmas belonging to other groups were also detected in one U. chenmoui plant and in weeds and insects tested from the Presiola plot. Restriction fragment length polymorphism analyses on 16Sr DNA, spacer region and ribosomal protein fragment coding for the 3′ end of rpl22 and the entire rps3 genes, did not show a genetic variability in elm yellows phytoplasmas detected in U. chenmoui. No differences among these isolates, phytoplasmas infecting other elm species in these plots and the reference elm yellows isolates were found.
The 4th quinquennial national community mental health nursing census of England and Wales
Authors: White Edward
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACT

Since 1980, a survey of community mental health nursing has been conducted in the United Kingdom, at five‐yearly intervals. These three data sets have been uniquely useful in plotting trends in Community Mental Health Nursing (CMHN) activity over time. Substantial administrative changes to the National Health Service have taken place in England and Wales since 1990, however, and these have impacted on the nature of mental health service provision. These changes have implications for all mental health service personnel and, in particular, the work of community mental health nurses. This article presents selected findings from the national census, conducted between 1996 and 1997. It sets these findings within the context of data derived from the three previous national studies in the series and within the contemporary national policy context and discusses the substantive implications which flow from the changes detected over time in the practice, organisation and management, and education of community mental health nurses in England and Wales.
Scoping mental health nursing education
Authors: Clinton Michael , Hazelton Mike
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACT:

In late 1999 the National Mental Health Working Group of the Australian Health Ministers Advisory Council commissioned the Australian and New Zealand College of Mental Health Nurses to undertake a scoping study of mental health nursing. A final report will be submitted to the National Mental Health Working Group in February 2000. The purpose of this article is to draw attention to some of the systemic problems that confront the education of mental health nurses in Australia. Shortcomings in the preparation of undergraduate students of nursing for commencing practice in mental health nursing are described and comments are given on issues affecting the quality of postgraduate mental health nursing education.

KEY WORDS:
mental health, nursing education.
The relationship between emotions and stress among mental health nurses
Authors: Humpel Nancy , Caputi Peter , Martin Carol
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACT:

This paper presents findings from an exploratory correlational study that examined the relationships between Emotional Competency, Trait Affectivity, Stress and Experienced Emotions among 43 mental health nurses in Australian regional hospitals. A significant relationship was found between Emotional Competency and Personal Self‐doubt in male nurses only; however, no association was found between Emotional Competency and Experienced Emotions. Trait Affectivity was found to be associated with Experienced Emotions but not Stress. Gender differences were found in Trait Affectivity and Experienced Emotions. The results of the study have implications for the retention of mental health nurses in their profession.
Professional convergence in forensic practice
Authors: Mercer Dave , Mason Tom , Richman Joel
Published: March 2003

This paper outlines the development and convergence of forensic science and secure psychiatric services in the UK, locating the professionalization of forensic nursing within a complex web of political, economic, and ideological structures. It is suggested that a stagnation of the therapeutic enterprise in high and medium security provision has witnessed an intrusion of medical power into the societal body. Expanding technologies of control and surveillance are discussed in relation to the move from modernity to postmodernity and the ongoing dynamic of medicalized offending. Four aspects of globalization are identified as impacting upon the organization and application of forensic practice: (i) organized capitalism and the exhaustion of the welfare state; (ii) security versus danger and trust versus risk; (iii) science as a meta‐language; and (iv) foreclosure as a mechanism of censorship. Finally, as a challenge for the profession, some predictions are offered about the future directions or demise of forensic nursing.
AN OVERVIEW OF DISTAL RADIAL FRACTURES
Authors: Mehta Janak A. , Bain Gregory I.
Published: March 2003

Fractures of the distal radius include a wide spectrum of fracture patterns. As well as involving the distal radius, these injuries can involve the wrist, the distal radio‐ulnar joint and the distal ulna. The management of these injuries is consequently diverse, ranging from a plaster cast to advanced surgery. The principles of treatment are to reduce and maintain the reduction by restoring the radial height, volar tilt and intra‐articular step. The acceptable reduction is to have radial height to within 2 mm of the ulnar, volar tilt greater than 0° and intra‐articular step less than 1 mm. The present paper reviews the current concepts in the diagnosis, management and complications of distal radial fractures.
ASTHMA MANAGEMENT IN RURAL AUSTRALIA
Authors: Watts Richard W.
Published: March 2003

This article explores the question of whether rural location influences the diagnosis, management and outcome for patients with asthma. Three cases of asthma respiratory arrest are presented to highlight some of the difficulties of asthma management in rural communities, followed by a review of the current literature relevant to rural asthma.
NEONATAL RESUSCITATION IN THE ISOLATED SETTING
Authors: Provis‐Vincent Neil , Moynihan Mike
Published: March 2003

This review attempts a practical guide to unscheduled resuscitation of the newborn in the isolated setting, where high‐risk cases have been screened for, identified and referred for delivery in the tertiary care. Regarding airway management in this emergency, there is for the most part consensus in Australia, but this is less so for cardiovascular aspects. Material from the ‘Advanced Paediatric Life Support’ course, which offers definitive instruction in necessary techniques, has been used as a framework, with added material based on the Australian experience. Internationally, specific aspects of resuscitation are under review.
ROLES AND ACTIVITIES OF THE COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENTS OF RURAL HEALTH
Authors: Humphreys John S. , Lyle David , Wakerman John , Chalmers Elizabeth , Wilkinson David , Walker Judi , Simmons David , Larson Ann
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACT

Since 1996, University Departments of Rural Health (UDRH) have been established at Broken Hill, Mount Isa, Shepparton, Launceston, Whyalla, Alice Springs and Geraldton. Each UDRH is underpinned by Commonwealth funding for an initial period of 5 years. The role of the UDRHs is to contribute to an increase in the rural and remote health workforce through education and training programs, as well as a reduction in the health differentials between rural and urban people and between indigenous and non‐indigenous peoples. A strong population health focus involving partnerships between existing health providers in a targeted region and the university sector underpins their operation. While UDRHs have been established as a means of addressing a national workforce problem, their organisational arrangements with universities and local service providers vary widely, as does the program mix of activities in education, research service development, facilitation and advocacy. This article outlines some of the activities and progress of the UDRHs to date.
A PRIMARY MENTAL HEALTH‐CARE MODEL FOR RURAL AUSTRALIA: OUTCOMES FOR DOCTORS AND THE COMMUNITY
Authors: Malcolm Helen
Published: March 2003

To address the high rate of depression and suicide in rural Australia requires a multifaceted approach to educate the community, improve the skills of health workers and provide user‐friendly patient counselling. The present paper describes a model that covers each of these aspects and details the outcomes with respect to the doctors and the community. Improved awareness in the community of mental illness and the availability of treatment, decreasing the stigma of such a diagnosis, and increasing the skills and reducing the isolation of doctors in rural areas who treat mental illness were all positive benefits from this cost‐effective way of providing mental health care in a primary setting. The adoption of this model in all primary care settings is advocated.
Work practices of rural and remote physiotherapists
Authors: Sheppard Lorraine
Published: March 2003

Physiotherapists in rural and remote areas face challenges in their service delivery. The challenge is to provide accessible and comprehensive services to rural and remote Australians. Research was undertaken regarding the work practices of physiotherapists and the availability of other health professionals in rural and remote South Australia and Northern Territory. Rural and remote area physiotherapists in this study are likely to be sole practitioners with a generalist practice. The high number who have practising rights at public hospitals gives rise to service delivery with a wide range of clients and reduced opportunity for specialisation. In addition, the demand for physiotherapists to be multiskilled is increased with the lower number of resident medical specialists and allied health professionals in rural areas. Greater access to other professionals for rural and remote Australians may come from the development of resource networks supported by regional organisation of resources and infrastructure.
WHERE THE DATA ARE DEFICIENT: A FIELD EVALUATION OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF PNEUMOCOCCAL VACCINATION IN REMOTE AUSTRALIA
Authors: Mak Donna B. , Plant Aileen J. , Rushworth R. Louise
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACT: The aims of the study were to: (i) determine whether a field evaluation of a pneumococcal vaccination program conducted in 1991–1993 could show whether the program was effective; and (ii) to describe the epidemiology of invasive pneumococcal disease using laboratory surveillance data. As part of quality assurance, we undertook a retrospective cohort study to compare the hospitalisation and mortality rates of a pneumococcal‐vaccine‐vaccinated and an unvaccinated group and a correlational study to compare the before‐ and after‐vaccination hospitalisation rates for the vaccinated and unvaccinated groups. We used laboratory data to describe the epidemiology of invasive pneumococcal disease. The cohort study consisted of 815 subjects (306 vaccinated, 509 comparison). No significant differences were observed in the admission rates for pneumonia and lower respiratory tract infection between the two groups. By using a correlational study, we examined before‐ and after‐vaccination hospitalisation rates and this also failed to reveal any differences, except for persons aged 50 years and older. Laboratory surveillance of invasive disease demonstrated that children younger than 6 years and adults younger than 50 years with alcohol‐related problems accounted for most of the cases. Despite the study's limitations, it supports the use of pneumococcal vaccine in persons aged older than 50 years, while at the same time highlighting the ongoing need for better vaccines, especially for children and those aged younger than 50 years with medical conditions predisposing to pneumococcal disease.
Remote Area Aboriginal Health Services Managers: Key Practice Challenges
Authors: Wilson John
Published: March 2003

The following reflections on the author’s management practice are based on the text of an address given by the author at the 1999 International Conference of the Royal Australasian College of Medical Administrators in Sydney. These reflections arise out of the author’s experience for the past 5 years as manager of Nganampa Health Council, an Aboriginal community‐controlled health organisation located in the remote north‐west of South Australia. Nganampa Health Council is a large regional service with a national reputation for clinical and administrative excellence. It has several leading‐edge health programs, which provide an exemplar for other remote health services across Australia. The author discusses three generic key management issues that remote health services managers typically encounter and argues that services are likely to be most effective when resources are applied in a focused and strategic manner and when management practices that are pragmatic and culturally appropriate are adopted.
Optic disc topographic changes post‐trabeculectomy visualized by anaglyphs
Authors: Barry Chris J , Kanagasingam Yogesan , Morgan William
Published: March 2003

Background: Publications on changes of optic disc topography usually illustrate their findings with two‐dimensional images.

Methods: With the introduction of computerized imaging, anaglyphs of stereo images can be produced for illustrations. Anaglyphs are viewed three‐dimensionally with red–green spectacles that are included in refraction sets and are normally used to assess phoria. An anaglyph of progressive, glaucomatous progression is included to demonstrate the method, along with conventional colour images.

Results: We present two cases of severely altered optic disc topography post‐trabeculectomy and illustrate these cases with anaglyphs that can be viewed three‐dimensionally.

Conclusion: Three‐dimensional viewing of illustrations assists with the visualization, perception and interpretation of optic disc changes.
Orbital malignancy in Papua New Guinea: A 21 year review
Authors: Verma Nitin , Murthy D Prashant , Kerek Apisai
Published: March 2003

Background: Information about orbital malignancies in Papua New Guinea (PNG) is limited to reports published 20 years ago. The present retrospective study was performed to establish the pattern of malignant orbital lesions occurring in PNG and to see whether the pattern is any different from that reported in the earlier series and in other countries. Papua New Guinea is special in that it has a large and relatively homogenous population unaffected, to a large extent, by contact with the ‘outside world’.

Methods: The records of 176 proven cases of orbital malignancy treated between 1975 and 1996 were studied with respect to type of tumour, age, gender, mode of presentation and, where possible, treatment and its outcome.

Results: Orbital tumours were found to be uncommon relative to other malignancies. The most common orbital tumour encountered in the present study was orbital extension of retinoblastoma (40.3%). These tumours were all unilateral and were associated with a very high mortality. No bilateral or familial cases were seen. Squamous cell carcinomas were the second most common tumours (25.6%) and were seen in young adults (average age 36.6 years). Basal cell carcinomas (9.1%) occurred later (average age 54 years) and were more common in the lighter‐skinned Southern Highlanders and expatriates. The other malignancies seen included lacrimal gland tumours (3.4%), malignant melanomas (4.5%), lymphomas (3.4%), rhabdomyosarcomas (1.7%), meibomian cell carcinomas (1.7%) and soft tissue sarcomas.

Conclusions: Most patients presented late and the mortality rate was high. This could also reflect the relative paucity of ophthalmic and oncological services in the country as well as psychosocial attitudes to disease. Many patients live far from medical services and may be treated by traditional healers before coming to a hospital.
Corneal laceration and forehead erythema: A syndrome in infants
Authors: Calveley Stephen , Coop Harold V
Published: March 2003

Purpose: To illustrate a syndrome of transient erythema in the first division of the fifth cranial nerve caused by minor corneal laceration, occurring in infants.

Methods: Case reports are presented, together with photographs. These must, of necessity, usually be obtained by the general practitioner because of the short duration of the signs.

Results/Conclusions: Opinion is sought as to whether other practitioners have recognized this association and whether it has been described elsewhere.
Conservative management of documented neuroretinitis in cat scratch disease associated with Bartonella henselae infection
Authors: Rosen Bradley S , Barry Chris J , Nicoll Alan M , Constable Ian J
Published: March 2003

Background:
Bartonella henselae has been identified as the causative agent of the neuroretinitis associated with cat scratch disease (CSD). Immunofluorescent antibody tests with good sensitivity and specificity are available to aid in diagnosis. Despite diagnostic advances, optimal management remains controversial. We present a case of documented B. henselae macular neuroretinitis managed without antibiotics and discuss antibiotic use in this condition.

Methods: We examined a young woman with macular neuroretinitis and established a diagnosis of CSD. Management consisted of a review of the literature, followed by educating her about the condition and close observation. We documented the course of her disease.

Results: We diagnosed neuroretinitis associated with B. henselae infection based on immunofluorescent antibody titres and clinical presentation. Our patient’s neuroretinitis resolved promptly without antibiotic therapy.

Conclusions: Macular neuroretinitis in CSD can be satisfactorily diagnosed with the use of fluorescent antibodies in the appropriate clinical setting. Optimal treatment for the disease has not been established and observation combined with patient education remains an appropriate option. The self‐limited nature of the disease implies that treatment studies not using controls must be interpreted with great caution. Adverse drug reactions and other iatrogenic complications can be reduced by limiting antibiotic use in settings where a meaningful treatment benefit has not been established.