bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Female Preferences for Sailfin and Body Size in the Sailfin Molly, Poecilia latipinna
Authors: MacLaren R. David , Rowland William J. , Morgan Nicole
Published: May 2004

We tested the mating preference of female sailfin mollies (Poecilia latipinna) by presenting them with pairs of dummy males differing in: (I) sailfin and body size together (holding sailfin : body size ratio constant); (II) body size alone (holding sailfin size constant); (III) sailfin size alone (holding body size constant); and (IV) sailfin : body size ratio (holding total lateral projection area constant). Females spent more time near dummies of greater sailfin or greater body size. The preference functions based on the first three sets of stimuli showed a similar pattern: the preference between any two simultaneously presented dummies increased with the magnitude of the discrepancy in lateral projection area (LPA) between them. However, when LPA was held constant in expt (IV), neither body size, sailfin size, nor any particular dummy (i.e. any particular sailfin + body size combination) was preferred. These findings suggest that increased LPA is more stimulating to sexually receptive females and that females consequently prefer larger males. The sailfin may therefore have evolved as a way for males to exploit this sensory bias and appear larger to prospective mates.
Medication management by graduate nurses: Before, during and following medication administration
Authors: Manias Elizabeth , Aitken Robyn , Dunning Trisha
Published: May 2004

The purpose of the present study was to explore graduate nurses’ perceptions of their medication management activities in the acute care context. A qualitative research design with a semistructured interview schedule was used to elicit information from participants. The sampling population consisted of graduate nurses involved in direct patient care in medical and surgical wards of a Melbourne metropolitan teaching hospital, completing a graduate nurse program. Twelve graduate nurses participated in the interviews. Two major themes emerged: (i) monitoring medications and (ii) interventions for patient care. The findings indicate that graduate nurses are required to address several facets of the medication management role in their daily practice. It is pertinent to examine ward dynamics to ensure that graduate nurses have ready access to experienced health care professionals. Through collegial support, graduate nurses should also be encouraged to critically examine the different possibilities when making clinical judgments about monitoring patient medications.
Parents’ experiences of asthma: Process from chaos to coping
Authors: Trollvik Anne , Severinsson Elisabeth
Published: May 2004

The aim of the present qualitative study was to describe nine parents’ everyday experiences of living with a child suffering from asthma. Data were collected by means of in‐depth interviews and phenomenological content analysis. Four main themes emerged: feelings of uncertainty, helplessness and guilt; the need for support and help from healthcare professionals; adaptation to everyday life; and the development of coping strategies. In addition, two subthemes; trying out and seeking information, emerged. Trying out was found to be an important strategy for parents in managing the illness. In encounters with healthcare professionals, parents felt that they were not respected and that their competence was questioned. In conclusion, this study emphasizes the importance of a mutual dialogue between healthcare professionals and parents to enable the parents to develop the competence necessary to care for their child.
Together we are heard: Effectiveness of daily ‘language’ groups in a community preschool
Authors: Hodge Telêri , Downie Jill
Published: May 2004

Strong oral language skills are a prerequisite for successful literacy and there is a strong interdependence between oral language acquisition and emergent literacy development. Ramifications of this are that children with language impairments are at great risk for difficulties in learning to read and write, with problems often persisting throughout the school years into adulthood. The Together we are heard program involved improving each child's oral language skills through group sessions facilitated by a speech pathologist on a daily basis at preschool. The aim of the present research was to determine the effectiveness of the program to identify the best way to assist children to develop appropriate language skills. The study showed that the children improved significantly in all four levels of the Preschool Language Assessment Inventory (PLAI). Importantly, the program was effective for both genders and there was no difference in the success of Indigenous children when compared to their European counterparts. There is a strong recommendation for further research and to expand such programs, particularly in areas that target children from impoverished and deprived environmental backgrounds.
Hand dermatitis among female nursing students in tropical Australia
Authors: Smith Derek R. , Leggat Peter A.
Published: May 2004

Although hand dermatitis is known to affect nursing students worldwide, the prevalence among their Australian counterparts has not been elucidated and the relative contribution of tropical environments is unclear. Therefore, we conducted the first investigation of hand dermatitis among 232 female, undergraduate nurses in tropical Australia using a previously validated methodology. Hand dermatitis prevalence rose from 10.8% in the first year to 27.4% by the third year and averaged 18.5% across all three grades. Pre‐existing atopic dermatitis caused a 7.8‐fold risk increase during logistic regression analysis (odds ratio [OR] 7.8, 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.0–21.1, P < 0.0001). Overall, this study suggests that hand dermatitis is less common among tropical Australian nursing students than their counterparts around the world. The identification of atopic dermatitis as a hand dermatitis risk factor was, however, consistent with previous research conducted in non‐tropical areas.
Assessments and nursing care for right brain‐damaged stroke patients: Focusing on neglect and related symptoms
Authors: Ohshima Hiroko , Murashima Sachiyo , Takahashi Ryutaro
Published: May 2004

The purpose of present study was to identify the behavioural characteristics and examine assessments of nursing care among right brain‐damaged stroke patients with neglect within 1 year following initial onset. Characteristics related to higher cerebral dysfunction were extracted and patient grouping was attempted through cognition (Mini‐Mental State Examination) and physical function (Barthel Index) plots. The characteristics and implications for nursing care for each group were analyzed. Twelve patients were classified into four groups using cognitive‐physical function evaluations together with subjective and objective data associated with neglect. ‘Neglect’ has been regarded as a disorder of spatial perception. However, the characteristics observed in Group 2 suggest that ‘neglect’ may have another facet, manifesting as disorders in perceiving continuous spatio‐temporal changes of an action and comprehending the context of a situation. In these patients, although ‘by calling attention’ is the conventional care, more appropriate care should be provided based on an assessment of cognitive‐physical function and spatio‐temporal recognition of an action.
Living with Huntington's disease: Need for supportive care
Authors: Dawson Sky , Kristjanson Linda J. , Toye Christine M. , Flett Penny
Published: May 2004

Huntington's disease is a genetic, neurological disorder characterized by mid‐life onset, involuntary movements, cognitive decline, behavioral disturbance, and inexorable progression. The impact of Huntington's disease is devastating for individuals and their families as it is a disease with a long trajectory; many young people are aware that they may develop the illness for years before there are obvious symptoms. There is therefore ample opportunity to plan and choreograph the care and supportive services for people with Huntington's disease and their families. The present study was conducted to explore the needs for palliative (supportive) care service provision of people with Huntington's disease and their families/informal carers. Six people with the disease, 19 informal carers and seven health care workers with specialized knowledge took part in individual, semistructured interviews, which were analyzed thematically. Themes were: (i) adjusting to the impact of the illness; (ii) surviving the search for essential information; (iii) gathering practical support from many sources; (iv) bolstering the spirit; (v) choreographing individual care and; (vi) fearing the future. Our findings demonstrate that palliative care services for people with Huntington's disease and their informal carers need to provide expert psychological and practical support and perhaps most importantly, be flexible, adequately planned and choreographed.
Ethical concerns: Comparison of values from two cultures
Authors: Wros Peggy L. , Doutrich Dawn , Izumi Shigeko
Published: May 2004

The present study was a secondary analysis of data from two phenomenological studies of nurses in the USA and Japan. The study incorporated hermeneutics and feminist methodologies to answer the following questions. Are there common values and ethical concerns and values within the nursing cultures of Japan and the USA? What are some commonalities and differences between Japanese nurses’ ethical concerns and those of American nurses? Findings indicated that nurses from the USA and Japan share common values and ethical concerns as professional nurses, including competence, respect for the patient as a person, responsibility, relationship and connection, importance of the family, caring, good death, comfort, truth‐telling, understanding the patient/situation, and anticipatory care. Although ethical concerns are similar, related background meanings and actions often look different between cultures; truth‐telling is described as an example. Nurses in each country also hold unique values not found in the nursing practice of the other country. Understanding these commonalities and differences is critical for the development of global nursing ethics.
Impact of in‐depth interviews on the interviewer: Roller coaster ride
Authors: Beale Barbara , Cole Rose , Hillege Sharon , McMaster Rose , Nagy Sue
Published: May 2004

The authors investigated the experiences of parents with children/adult children in metropolitan Sydney, Australia who were living with, or had recovered from, an eating disorder. During regular team meetings, the research assistant who conducted the interviews had described her reactions which led the research team to investigate her experience in more depth. The aim of the present paper was to explore the impact on the research assistant who conducted 22 in‐depth interviews with the parents. One of the members of the research team interviewed the research assistant to elicit her reactions. The interview was content analyzed and the following themes were identified: (i) appreciation of an egalitarian model of research; (ii) the emotions expressed by the research assistant; (iii) making sense of the inexplicable and (iv) reflections and comparison to her own life role. The research team would like to advance the theory that the adoption of a formal debriefing mechanism be integrated into the qualitative research process.
Health care seeking behavior of Korean women with lymphedema
Authors: Cho Myoung Ok
Published: May 2004

The present biocultural study aimed to describe the health care use patterns of women with lymphedema. Data came from interviews and participant observations with eight key informants between February 2000 and February 2002. Analyzing the process of seeking health care, this paper explored how Korean women with lymphedema make use of all the available resources in the three sectors of the health care system: professional, folk and popular health. In these three sectors of the health care system, informants showed different patterns of behavior. In the professional health care sector, they behave based on scientific Western medicine and holistic herbal medical frameworks. Informants want scientific technological treatment from a Westernized doctor and perfect humanistic and holistic treatment from a herbal doctor. In the folk sector, informants’ behavior is ruled by a pragmatic and supernatural framework. Informants seek religious healers who have strong spirituality and non‐religious healers who have experience and skills. Informants complied with these healer's remedies based on efficacy and empirical healing evidence. In the popular sector of the health care system, informants behave based on their concept of illness and rules of daily life. They believe lymphedema comes from poor blood circulation and they want to be regarded as members of society, not as patients with lymphedema. Therefore, informants practised popular remedies that they believed were good for promoting blood circulation and keeping their social network active. This description about health care seeking behaviors being embedded in Korean socio‐medical culture can serve to understand patients with other chronic health problems. With these results, we can put a bridge over the river of cultural conflict between health professionals and patients.
Introduction
Authors: Ostwald Sharon K. , Duggleby Wendy
Published: May 2004

The symposium was held at the University of Texas Health Science Center on Aging at Houston, Texas, USA. Approximately 20 participants attended from three different counties: Japan, Canada and the USA. The goal of the symposium was to present current research and to discuss possibilities for future collaborative international research. Eleven papers were presented in three categories: research studies, research methodology and mechanisms for future collaboration.
Effects of carrying different weights on surface electromyogram and heart rate in middle‐aged women
Authors: Iwamoto Mieko , Yoneda Junko , Matsui Miho
Published: May 2004

A large number of middle‐aged and young women are engaged in nursing and care giving in Japan. While transporting patients and lifting heavy objects, they sometimes carry weights of 10–20 kg. The purpose of this study was to investigate the physical impact of lifting different weights on middle‐aged and young women using surface electromyogram and heart rate. Eleven middle‐aged (mean age 59.4 years) and 10 young healthy women (mean age 20.4 years) participated in this study. Muscle strain and heart rate increased significantly with the increase of weight in both middle‐aged and young women (P < 0.001). However, the increased rates of muscle strain and heart rate in middle‐aged women were greater than those of young women. The results of this study suggest that middle‐aged women engaged in nursing and care giving should carry weights less than 20 kg in order to prevent muscle strain and significant increases in heart rate.
Spousal relationship changes in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Holland Christi
Published: May 2004

Over 4 million Americans are affected by Alzheimer's disease (AD). Research suggests that caregivers are at risk for developing serious health problems due to the demands of the role. The purposes of this grounded theory study were to explore the changes experienced by spouse caregivers in their marital relationships because of AD, describe the challenges they faced, and to discover the process used by the caregivers to explain what was happening to them, their spouses, and their relationships over time.

Guided by the conceptual perspectives of Modeling‐Role Modeling and Attachment‐Loss‐Reattachment, the process of imposed detachment emerged as the grounded theory that captured the participants’ descriptions of what happened within the marital relationship over time while caring for a partner with AD. Findings of this study provide direction to future research and suggest to clinical practitioners that healing interventions can be developed to support the needs of this special group of caregivers.
Stress and coping in African‐American grandparents who are raising their grandchildren
Authors: Trail Ross Mary Ellen
Published: May 2004

This research study investigated the degree of stress in 50 African‐American grandparents (mean age 63.12 years) who are raising their grandchildren. It also identified coping strategies utilized by grandparents, the importance of caregiver characteristics, the caregiving situation, and specific coping strategies that influence their degree of stress. Data were collected via interview at area senior centers and churches. The instruments used to measure stress and coping were the Parenting Stress Index (Abidin) and the Ways of Coping Questionnaire (Folkman and Lazarus). Ninety‐four percent of grandparents reported a ‘clinically significant’ level of stress. Counseling, special school programs, and length of caregiving were associated with lower stress. Coping strategies significantly correlated with less stress were accepting responsibility, confrontive coping, self‐control, positive reappraisal, planful problem‐solving, and distancing. This study suggests the need for counseling, support groups, and education related to resources, parenting, stress management and coping.
Methodological issues in focus group data analysis
Authors: Duggleby Wendy
Published: May 2004

Focus groups have become a popular method of data collection in qualitative health sciences research. However, focus group data analysis is complex, as three levels of data exist: individual, group and group interaction data. The most under‐utilized and re‐ported is group interaction data. Group interaction data reflects the interactive patterns within focus groups. The purpose of this presentation is to discuss the following questions regarding focus group data analysis: How should the three levels of data be (a) analyzed; (b) integrated and; (c) reported? The discussion of methodological issues related to these questions will be based on the results of a literature review and data from the author's focus group re‐search on the aging experience of well older women.
Implementation of an intervention study: CAReS (committed to assisting with recovery after stroke)
Authors: Ostwald Sharon K.
Published: May 2004

Once a grant is received, the work of implementing the study so that it can be replicated by other researchers really begins. CAReS, a 5‐year, randomized clinical intervention study, funded by the NINR began mid‐2001. The first 3 months involved finalizing the budget and subcontracts, developing brochures, hiring and training the staff, finalizing procedures, meeting with recruitment sites and securing final approvals from review boards in all affiliated institutions. Forty specific protocols that guided the intervention (recovery, therapy, stress, coping, special problems and lifestyle) were finalized. A project Access database was developed to track participants in the longitudinal study to insure timely assessments and decrease attrition. A second Access database was developed to track the types of intervention protocols used with each couple and the specific content covered, as well as process details such as the time spent in the home and the individuals participating in the visit.
Active learning in nursing education (ALINE): New model for teaching and learning
Authors: Fay Vaunette , Johnson Janet
Published: May 2004

Traditional teaching and learning pedagogical models do not adequately address the needs of students and often present substantial barriers to incorporating the benefits of technology enhanced learning. Active learning in nursing education (ALINE) is a practical teaching and learning model that: (a) provides a well‐defined framework for accurate assessment of learning outcomes/objectives by requiring each outcome and/or objective be linked to an identified primary nursing competency; (b) identifies and defines the core components of a course (elements, objects and modules) and provides a framework for development of each of the components; (c) requires active learning principles be applied to every action taken by the learner throughout the course. The purpose of this presentation is to discuss the ALINE learning model and the first virtual conference on aging that was held between 21 April to 2 May 2003.
Actigraphy of movement
Authors: Nelson Francine
Published: May 2004

The use of actigraphy to examine sleep disorders is extensively presented in the literature. This quantitative measure for sleep and activity has many other applications to clinical research beyond sleep disorders. Two examples of other applications of actigraphy will be described. The first is a study to examine sleep, pain and rhythms in preoperative and postoperative surgery patients, and the second is a study to examine differences in levels of mobility of elderly long‐term care facility residents. A selection of results of actigraph measures for subjects from the above studies will be presented and discussed.
‘Being young’: Aging experience of well older women
Authors: Duggleby Wendy , Bateman Joan , Croissant Deborah
Published: May 2004

The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the aging experience among well community living older women. The specific aims were: (a) describe the experience of aging; (b) describe how participants deal with aging and; (c) describe age‐cohort variations in themes. Forty‐six women who attend seniors’ and recreation centers in north central Texas participated in focus groups based on their age: young‐old (65–74 years); old‐old (75–84 years) and oldest old (> 85 years of age). Three participants, one from each age group, were interviewed to confirm data analysis. Themes did not vary according to age cohort. Participants described dealing with multiple changes by ‘being young’, ‘staying connected’ and ‘persevering’. Rather than feeling their age, they described the importance of being themselves. The findings challenge the negative stereotypes of aging and assist in identifying the strategies and resources used by older women to age well. This study was funded by the University of Texas at Arlington Enhancement Fund.
Prevention of elderly falls
Authors: Fujii Akihiro , Nakamura Ippei , Kage Haruko , Matsubara Asako , Tan Nobusuke , Kunitsugu Ichiro , Sugiyama Shinichi , Okuda Masayuki , Hobara Tatsuya
Published: May 2004

Falling is a leading cause of morbidity and immobil‐ity in people over 65 years of age in Japan. Many researchers have studied the relationship of physical decline and falls in older adults. However, only a few studies have focused on describing the Japanese living environment and lifestyle as potential risk factors for falls. The purpose of this study is to describe situational factors contributing to falls among community dwelling elderly people in Japan. After analyzing traditional Japanese housing characteristics and daily living behaviors of older Japanese adults, possible interventions to reduce situational fall risk factors are discussed. The results from this study are important as they suggest strategies to prevent falls in community dwelling elderly in Japan as well as providing a foundation for future cross‐cultural research.
Meaning of health for Japanese elders
Authors: Liehr Patricia , Takahashi Ryutaro , Nishimura Chie
Published: May 2004

Since 1997, our research team has been building a research program to explore aspects of health for Japanese elders. Some of the substantive findings are: (1) highest blood pressure occurred during conversation and lowest during sleep for elders with stroke, who wore 24 h ambulatory blood pressure monitors; (2) when stroke subjects talked about health, the higher use of future tense words was associated with lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure, while the higher use of past tense words was associated with higher diastolic blood pressure and; (3) when cardiac subjects talked about health, the higher use of negative feeling words was associated with higher systolic blood pressure. This substantive knowledge represents only one dimension of what we are learning. The meaning of health for Japanese elders is a collaborative research space which has enabled connecting with valued colleagues abroad to pursue understanding which informs health care research and practice in both countries.
Longitudinal study of caregiver burden: Differences between Japanese female and male spouse caregivers of people with dementia
Authors: Yoneda Junko , Ishikawa Yumiko
Published: May 2004

Approximately 14 million Japanese people with dementia are living in the community with family members. Unfortunately, little is known about: (a) factors contributing to subjective caregiver burden; (b) caregiving gender response differences or; (c) patterns of caregiver burden over time. This proposed study would analyze spouses’ burden patterns and compare female and male caregiver groups over a 2‐year period. Two‐hundred female and male spouse caregivers of people suffering from dementia recruited from 20 peer support groups will be asked to complete the Burden Interview, the Memory and Behavior Problem Checklist, the Bristol Activities of Daily Living Scale, length of caregiving, and types of received home care through telephone interviews every 3 months after the initial in‐take office interview. The results of the study may be applied to nursing interventions for spouse caregivers with possible differing approaches for female and male caregivers.
Phytotoxic sites of action for molecular design of modern herbicides (Part 2): Amino acid, lipid and cell wall biosynthesis, and other targets for future herbicides
Authors: WAKABAYASHI KO , BÖGER PETER
Published: May 2004

A bird's eye review was tried in Part 2 of this series, ‘Phytotoxic sites of action for molecular design of modern herbicides’, in order to select the best selection of known and some novel plant‐specific targets for molecular design of modern herbicides, which affect amino acid, lipid and cell wall biosynthesis. Although amino acid biosynthesis pathways, particularly those for aromatic amino acids, ammonia assimilation and branched amino acids, have been confirmed as reasonable herbicidal target domains, the other targets affecting plant growth more markedly than inhibition of 5‐enolpyruvylshikimate‐3‐phosphate synthase, glutamine synthetase and acetolactate synthase are discussed. In three essential enzymes involved in fatty acid biosynthesis in or in the vicinity of chloroplasts, acetyl‐CoA carboxylase (ACCase), elongase(s) for very long chain fatty acids (VLCFA) and linolate monogalactosyldiacylglycerol desaturase, ACCase and elongase are more important targets for new herbicides. Although the effect of cellulose biosynthesis inhibitors is restricted to cell wall formation in growing plant cells only, there is a good chance to design the low‐use rate herbicides also in this class of inhibitors. Other possible targets for new herbicides are also discussed.
Influence of water management, application timing and temperature on efficacy of MTB‐951, a mycoherbicide using Drechslera monoceras to control Echinochloa crus‐galli L.
Authors: HIRASE KANGETSU , YOSHIGAI SATOSHI , NISHIDA MAKOTO , TAKANAKA KAZUNORI , SHINMI TATSUO
Published: May 2004

MTB‐951 is a potential mycoherbicide using a fungal plant pathogen (Drechslera monoceras) isolated from native Echinochloa species in Japan. Conidia of this pathogen were used as the active ingredient and its herbicidal performance was examined in a greenhouse. The efficacy of MTB‐951 on Echinochloa crus‐galli L. was higher in deep water (7–9 cm) than in relatively shallow water (3–5 cm). In a postemergence application, the efficacy decreased as the leaf stage of E. crus‐galli proceeded between the 1 and 2.5 leaf stage. For example, the control ratio (%) of E. crus‐galli was 95% when applied at the 1 leaf stage, and 72% at the 2.5 leaf stage in 5 cm water. Generally, mycoherbicidal efficacy was less when applied pre‐emergence rather than postemergence. Efficacy was also influenced by the duration of submergence in deep water. For example, when water depth was kept at 5 cm for more than 7 days after application and then decreased down to 3 cm, the efficacy was high. However, when the water depth was kept at 5 cm for less than 7 days, the efficacy was low. Efficacy was lower under high temperatures (35°C/25°C, day/night) than under low temperatures (25°C/15°C, day/night). Water management, application timing and temperature are important factors on herbicidal efficacy of MTB‐951 to control E. crus‐galli.
Differential levels of antioxidants in paraquat‐resistant and ‐susceptible Erigeron canadensis biotypes in Korea
Authors: PYON JONG YEONG , PIAO REN ZHE , ROH SOG WON , SHIN SEUNG YONG , KWAK SANG SOO
Published: May 2004

To characterize the biochemical differences in paraquat‐resistant and ‐susceptible biotypes of Erigeron canadensis L. collected from Korea, we investigated the constitutive levels of various antioxidants such as antioxidant enzymes and low molecular weight antioxidants in leaves, as well as after paraquat treatment. The activities of superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, ascorbate peroxidase, and catalase were higher in the paraquat‐resistant biotype than in the paraquat‐susceptible biotype. Reduced ascorbic acid content was higher in the resistant biotype, but the content of reduced glutathione was higher in the susceptible biotype. These results indicate that one of the paraquat‐resistant mechanisms in E. canadensis in the present study might be related to protecting the activities of antioxidant enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase, peroxidase ascorbate peroxidase, and catalase, as well as the contents of low molecular weight antioxidants such as ascorbate and glutathione.
Antioxidative enzymes response to NaCl stress in salt‐tolerant Sesbania rostrata
Authors: JUNGKLANG JARUNEE , SUNOHARA YUKARI , MATSUMOTO HIROSHI
Published: May 2004

Sesbania rostrata Brem. & Oberm. has been used as a promising halophytic plant to improve saline soil in north‐east Thailand. Our previous study suggested that the salt tolerance of this plant was associated with its ability to translocate Na+ and Cl− ions from roots to shoots and trap them in the shoot cells. The present study further investigated the effect of NaCl on the activity of antioxidative enzymes and the tolerance to an active oxygen species generator, paraquat in S. rostrata leaves. Higher constitutive levels of antioxidative enzyme activities, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and glutathione reductase (GR), as well as higher levels of induced CAT and SOD activities with salinity stress were found in salt‐tolerant S. rostrata than salt‐sensitive Phaseolus vulgaris L. cv. Meal. Tolerance of S. rostrata to paraquat determined by the chlorophyll content in leaf disks increased with NaCl treatment. These findings indicate that S. rostrata exhibits better protection against the oxidative damage caused by NaCl, at least partly due to a higher constitutive and induced activities of antioxidative enzymes.
Effect of nitrogen fertilizer application on growth, biomass production and N‐uptake of torpedograss (Panicum repens L.)
Authors: HOSSAIN MOHAMMAD AMZAD , ISHIMINE YUKIO , AKAMINE HIKARU , KURAMOCHI HITOSHI
Published: May 2004

A glasshouse study was conducted to evaluate the effects of different rates (0, 50, 100, 200 and 400 kg ha−1) of nitrogen (N) fertilizer application on the growth, biomass production and N‐uptake efficiency of torpedograss. The growth responses of torpedograss to the N application were significant throughout the observation periods. Torpedograss grown for 60 days obtained the highest total biomass of 23.0 g plant−1 with an application of 200 kg ha−1 N, followed by 20.4 g plant−1 with an application of 100 kg ha−1 N; when it was grown for 90 days a significantly higher biomass of 102.3–106.0 g plant−1 was obtained with the 200–400 kg ha−1 N than the biomass (68.0 g plant−1) obtained with the fertilizer applied at a lower rate. When the torpedograss was grown for 130 days the highest biomass was 230.0 g plant−1 with the 400 kg ha−1 N application, followed by a biomass of 150.0 g plant−1 with the 200 kg ha−1 N application, but the above‐ground shoot in all treatments was over mature for animal food. The ratio of the above‐ground shoot to the underground part increased with the increase in N application up to 400 kg ha−1 during the 90 days after planting (DAP), but the above‐ground shoot biomass was the same with the 200 and 400 kg ha−1 N. The agronomic efficiency of the N application decreased to 5–38 with the increase in N application to 400 kg ha−1, which was less than half the agronomic efficiency with the 200 kg ha−1 N. The agronomic efficiency of N was very low (5–22) during the 60 DAP, which indicated that the N application would not be economically viable in this period for torpedograss as a pasture, and short‐duration plants could be cultivated in torpedograss‐infested fields to minimize weed‐crop competition. The nitrogen concentration (%) in the torpedograss increased with the increase in N application, but N‐uptake efficiency was the opposite and the value was very low with the 400 kg ha−1 N. The above results lead us to conclude that the N application rate of 200 kg ha−1 is the most effective for torpedograss growth.
UV‐absorbing compounds and susceptibility of weedy species to UV‐B radiation
Authors: DAI QIUJIE , FURNESS NANCY H. , UPADHYAYA MAHESH K.
Published: May 2004

Stratospheric ozone (O3) depletion has led to increased terrestrial ultraviolet‐B (UV‐B) radiation (290–320 nm). Leaves exposed to this radiation produce UV‐absorbing compounds in the epidermal cells, which protect plants from UV‐B damage. To determine the role of UV‐absorbing compounds in the UV‐B sensitivity of weeds (common chickweed (Stellaria media), downy brome (Bromus tectorum), green smartweed (Polygonum scabrum), redroot pigweed (Amaranthus retroflexus), spotted cat’s‐ear (Hypochoeris radicata), and stork’s‐bill (Erodium cicutarium)) seedlings were  exposed  to  0,  4  (field  ambient),  7  (18%  O3  depletion)  and  11  (37%  O3 depletion) kJ m−2 d−1 of biologically effective UV‐B radiation in a greenhouse. Ultraviolet‐absorbing compounds were extracted from the second true‐leaf (0.5 cm2 samples) with methanol : distilled water : HCl (79 : 20 : 1) in an 85°C water bath for 15 min, and the absorbance of the extracts measured at 300 nm. The shoot dry biomass was recorded to determine the susceptibility to UV‐B radiation. Common chickweed was the most sensitive and green smartweed the least sensitive  weed to UV‐B radiation. The latter accumulated more UV‐absorbing compounds and this  accumulation  occurred  earlier compared with common chickweed.  As  UV‐BBE  radiation  levels  increased  from  0  to  11 kJ m−2 d−1, the green smartweed shoot biomass did not decline. However, the biomass of all five susceptible species declined despite an increase in the UV‐absorbing compounds in response to increased UV‐B radiation. Therefore, formation of a ‘UV‐screen’ in these species is not sufficient to fully prevent UV‐B damage. When the concentration of UV‐absorbing compounds in the six species was plotted against their susceptibility to UV‐B radiation, no relationship was observed. Thus, while the accumulation of UV‐absorbing compounds may be a major factor in the protection of certain species against UV‐B radiation and may offer some degree of defence in other species, it does not explain UV‐B susceptibility differences in weedy species in general.
Application method of nitrogen fertilizer affects weed growth and competition with winter wheat
Authors: BLACKSHAW ROBERT E.
Published: May 2004

The management of crop fertilization may be an important component of integrated weed management systems. A field study was conducted to determine the effect of various application methods of nitrogen (N) fertilizer on weed growth and winter wheat yield in a zero‐tillage production system. Nitrogen fertilizer was applied at 50 kg ha−1 at the time of planting winter wheat over four consecutive years to determine the annual and cumulative effects. The nitrogen treatments consisted of granular ammonium nitrate applied broadcast on the soil surface, banded 10 cm deep between every crop row, banded 10 cm deep between every second crop row, and point‐injected liquid ammonium nitrate placed between every second crop row at 20 cm intervals and 10 cm depth. An unfertilized control was also included. Density, shoot N concentration and the biomass of weeds was often lower with subsurface banded or point‐injected N than with broadcast N. The winter wheat density was similar with all N fertilizer application methods but wheat shoot N concentration and yield were consistently higher with banded or point‐injected N compared with broadcast N. In several instances, the surface broadcast N did not increase the weed‐infested wheat yield above that of the unfertilized control, indicating that it was the least preferred N application method. Depending on the weed species, the weed seedbank at the conclusion of the 4 year study was reduced by 29–62% with point‐injected N compared with broadcast N. Information gained from this study will be used to develop more integrated weed management programs for winter wheat.
Changes in seed bank size and dormancy characteristics of the glyphosate‐resistant biotype of goosegrass (Eleusine indica[L.] Gaertn.)
Authors: CHUAH T. S. , SALMIJAH S. , TENG Y. T. , ISMAIL B. S.
Published: May 2004

A study on changes in the seed bank size of a glyphosate (N‐(phosphonomethyl)glycine)‐resistant (R) Eleusine indica biotype was carried out on a naturally occurring infestation of a young oil palm plantation. The total number of shed seeds collected was 53% of the predicted potential total number of seeds produced by the plants. Ametryn (N‐ethyl‐N′‐(methylethyl)‐6‐(methylthio)‐1,3,5‐triazine‐2, 4‐diamine) was found to be able to control the R seed population in the soil. The periodicity of seedling emergence was influenced by rainfall subsequent to the 1 month period of seed shedding. Seed burial at 2, 10 and 20 cm depths showed that 39, 33 and 79%, respectively, of viable seed persisted in the soil after 2 years. Seeds in the state of enforced dormancy played an important role in maintaining the seed population throughout the 2 year period of burial in the soil.
Evaluation and management of renal injuries: consensus statement of the renal trauma subcommittee
Authors: Santucci R.A. , Wessells H. , Bartsch G. , Descotes J. , Heyns C.F. , McAninch J.W. , Nash P. , Schmidlin F.
Published: May 2004

The first in this series of five papers concerns the evaluation and management of renal injuries. The authors of this paper come from four continents and seven countries, and they reviewed all papers on renal injury published between 1966 and April 2002. The results of the authors’ deliberations are present here as a consensus document.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the optimal evaluation and management of renal injuries by review of the world's English‐language literature on the subject.

METHODS

A consensus conference convened by the World Health Organization and the Societé Internationale d’Urologie met to critically review reports of the diagnosis and treatment of renal trauma. The English‐language literature about renal trauma was identified using Medline, and additional cited works not detected in the initial search obtained. Evidence‐based recommendations for the diagnosis and management of renal trauma were made with reference to a five‐point scale.

RESULTS

There were many Level 3 and 4 citations, few Level 2, and one Level 1 which supported clinical practice patterns. Findings of nearly 200 reviewed citations are summarized.

CONCLUSIONS

Published reports on renal trauma still rely heavily on expert opinion and single‐institution retrospective case series. Prospective trials of the most significant issues, when possible, might improve the quality of evidence that dictates the behaviour of practitioners.
Diet and prostate cancer
Authors: Mazhar D. , Waxman J.
Published: May 2004

There are four mini‐reviews in this section, all on different areas of urological interest. Diet and prostate cancer continues to offer areas of clinical and laboratory research for investigation. Not every urologist looks after patients with spinal cord injury, but neuropathic bladder problems caused by other conditions are common. One of the acute conditions in these patients is autonomic dysreflexia, and this is covered here. I am about to introduce a series of papers which will form a consensus on the management of genitourinary trauma, which appears elsewhere in the journal. In this section this month, authors from Germany describe the diagnosis and treatment of male genital injuries. Finally, the concept that the urologists who operate on the largest volume of cases have the best outcomes from a particular operation is examined.
Male genital injury: diagnostics and treatment
Authors: Van Der Horst C. , Martinez Portillo F.J. , Seif C. , Groth W. , Jünemann K.P.
Published: May 2004

This article reviews the current status of information on external male genital injuries, focusing on cause, diagnostic and therapeutic management of this uncommon entity. Because of the high risk of infection and the major importance of preserving fertility, male genital injuries represent a serious urological disorder that demands immediate urological treatment. The diagnostic procedure classically consists of taking a history and inspecting the wound; this provides enough diagnostic information for the correct choice of conservative or surgical treatment. In most cases open injuries of the genitalia require surgical exploration to determine the extent of possible scrotal, testicular, epididymal, cavernosal or urethral damage, to debride nonviable superficial or deep tissue, to drain existing haematomas or to control active bleeding. Furthermore, the correct therapeutic approach is crucial for preserving fertility and penile erection. In cases where bilateral ablation is necessary, measures to preserve sperm, e.g. testicular or microsurgical sperm extraction, or squeezing the ductus during orchidectomy, must be considered.
An analysis of risk factors for biochemical progression in patients with seminal vesicle invasion: validation of Kattan's nomogram in a pathological subgroup
Authors: Ramsden A.R. , Chodak G.
Published: May 2004

OBJECTIVE

To assess the ability of a recently published nomogram to predict failure after radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP) in a cohort of patients with seminal vesicle invasion (SVI) of the resected specimen, widely regarded as a very poor prognostic factor in patients with prostate cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Men with SVI after RRP were analysed retrospectively; patients with positive lymph nodes, adjuvant radiotherapy or hormone therapy were excluded. Age, race, baseline prostate specific antigen (PSA) level, clinical stage, Gleason score, margin status, perineural invasion, capsular invasion, laterality and route of invasion were recorded. Biochemical recurrence was defined as one PSA measurement of 0.4 ng/mL. Biochemical disease‐free survival probability was plotted using the Kaplan‐Meier method. Kattan's nomogram was applied to each patient and a receiver‐operator characteristic (ROC) curve produced to assess the test's reliability.

RESULTS

In all, 67 patients with SVI were identified (mean age 64.6 years, sd 5.9; median follow‐up 30.5 months). Biochemical disease‐free survival was significantly better for men with negative margins, unilateral SVI and perineural invasion. No other significant factors were detected. The median (95% confidence limit) area under the ROC curve was 0.739 (0.604–0.847).

CONCLUSION

There were significant prognostic differences for three of the factors assessed. Although components of the Kattan nomogram were not significant in this group its predictive value approached that found originally, suggesting that it can be applied to patients with SVI in helping to direct adjuvant therapy and guide postoperative counselling.
Preferences for sexual information resources in patients treated for early‐stage prostate cancer with either radical prostatectomy or brachytherapy
Authors: Davison B.J. , Keyes M. , Elliott S. , Berkowitz J. , Goldenberg S.L.
Published: May 2004

OBJECTIVE

To identify the preferences for sexual information resources of patients before and after definitive treatment for early‐stage prostate cancer with either radical prostatectomy (RP) or brachytherapy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Two hundred patients (mean age 64 years) treated with either RP or brachytherapy were recruited from radiation oncology (100) and urology (100) outpatient clinics. Patients completed a survey questionnaire to identify the types of information used, preferred sources of information, knowledge of treatments for erectile dysfunction (ED), effect of sexual function on the treatment decision, and the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) to assess their current level of sexual function.

RESULTS

Urologists were identified as the main source of sexual information. Written information, Internet access and videos were identified as preferred sources of information before and after treatment. The effects of treatment on sexual function had no apparent significant influence on the men's definitive treatment choice. Compared with patients in the brachytherapy group, patients in the RP group reported having significantly higher levels of sexual desire (P < 0.001) after treatment, but otherwise the erectile domains of the groups were remarkably similar. Two‐thirds of patients wanted more information on the effects of treatment on sexual function, and on available treatments for ED.

CONCLUSIONS

These results support the need for physicians to offer patients access to information on the effect of treatment for early‐stage prostate cancer on erectile function before and after treatment.
Comparative evaluation of various prostate specific antigen ratios for the early detection of prostate cancer
Authors: Ozdal O.L. , Aprikian A.G. , Bégin L.R. , Behlouli H. , Tanguay S.
Published: May 2004

OBJECTIVE

To compare the performance of various ratios using total prostate specific antigen (PSA), complexed PSA (cPSA) and free PSA (fPSA) in the early detection of prostate cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The study included 535 consecutive patients evaluated at a prostate cancer detection clinic between January 1998 and October 1999. Patients had blood samples drawn before transrectal ultrasonography and prostate biopsy to measure PSA, cPSA and fPSA. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves (sensitivity vs 1 − specificity) were used to evaluate the performance of PSA, cPSA, f/tPSA, cPSA/tPSA, fPSA/cPSA, tPSA/prostate volume (PV), fPSA/PV, and cPSA/PV. The areas under the curve (AUC) were calculated for each ratio. The performance of each ratio over all patients or in those with a tPSA of 4–6 or 4–10 ng/mL were evaluated.

RESULTS

Of the 535 patients, 204 (38%) had biopsy‐confirmed prostate cancer. The AUC obtained with tPSA alone was 0.64; when measured for all patients the cPSA/PV (0.78), PSA/PV (0.77), f/tPSA (0.76) and fPSA/cPSA (0.75) performed better than tPSA alone. Furthermore, in patients with a tPSA of 4–10 ng/mL, tPSA/PV (0.72), cPSA/PV (0.71), f/tPSA (0.69), fPSA/cPSA (0.69) and cPSA/tPSA (0.62) performed better than tPSA alone (0.52). Finally, in patients with a tPSA of 4–6 ng/mL, PSA/PV and cPSA/PV performed better than the other ratios.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of PSA ratios gives a higher sensitivity and specificity for detecting prostate cancer than the use of tPSA alone.