bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The shackles of abuse: unprepared to work at the edges of reason
Authors: WARNE T. , MCANDREW S.
Published: November 2005

Childhood sexual abuse is an international public health problem. Research suggests similar prevalence rates in both Western and non‐Western societies. The long‐term consequences of child sexual abuse include wide ranging mental health problems in adult life. Psychiatric services and, in particular, counselling has been highlighted as being the most helpful to those who have experienced child sex abuse. This evidence base should be informing mental health nursing education and practice. However, we argue there is a divergence between the discourse of evidence‐based theory and practice reality. The aim of this paper is to explore the preparedness of mental health nurses to work with adults who have experienced sexual abuse during their childhood. It is the first part of a three‐part research project and reviews the literature relating to how (and if) mental health nurses are prepared to work with those who have sexual abuse histories. An important issue considered in this review is the impact upon patient/nurse relationships as a consequence of the nurse themselves being survivors of sexual abuse. We argue that a number of conflicting discourses need to be addressed, if mental health nurses are to be appropriately prepared to offer cogent, sensitive care to those in their care who are shackled to their past sexual abuse through the confines of their current mental illness.
Pharmacokinetics of cefepime administered by i.v. and i.m. routes to ewes
Authors: ISMAIL M.
Published: November 2005

The pharmacokinetics of cefepime were studied following i.v. and i.m. administration of 20 mg/kg in 10 ewes. Following i.v. administration of a single dose, the plasma concentration–time curves of cefepime were best fitted using a two‐compartment open model. The elimination half‐life (t1/2β) was 1.76 ± 0.07 h, volume of distribution at steady‐state [Vd(ss)] was 0.32 ± 0.01 L/kg and total body clearance (ClB) was 2.37 ± 0.05 mL/min·kg. Following i.m. administration, the drug was rapidly absorbed with an absorption half‐life (t1/2ab) of 0.49 ± 0.05 h, maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) of 31.9 ± 1.5 μg/mL was attained at (tmax) 1.1 ± 0.2 h and the drug was eliminated with an elimination half‐life (t1/2el) of 2.06 ± 0.11 h. The systemic bioavailability (F) after i.m. administration of cefepime was 86.8 ± 7.5%. The extent of plasma protein binding measuredin vitrowas 14.8 ± 0.54%. The drug was detected in urine for 36 h postadministration by both routes.
PK and PK/PD of doxycycline in drinking water after therapeutic use in pigs
Authors: PRATS C. , EL KORCHI G. , GIRALT M. , CRISTÒFOL C. , PEÑA J. , ZORRILLA I. , SABORIT J. , PÉREZ B.
Published: November 2005

A commercial doxycycline formulation was administered in drinking water to 12 pigs at the recommended dose of 10 mg/kg daily for 5 days. The mean plasma concentration at steady‐state was 1.37 ± 1.21 μg/mL, which was reached at 68 ± 27.2 h postadministration. Absorption and elimination half‐life values were 7.20 ± 2.42 and 7.01 ± 2.10 h, respectively. Most plasma concentrations during dosing were higher than the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) described for the main porcine bacterial pathogens of the respiratory tract (Pasteurella multocida, Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae, Bordetella bronchiseptica and Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae). It is concluded that when pigs were treated with doxycycline in drinking water at the recommended rate, therapeutically effective concentrations were achieved throughout the treatment period, supporting the clinical use of this tetracycline in the control of respiratory infections. However, inter‐animal differences were marked.
Macrophage cytotoxicity produced by adenylate cyclase toxin from Bordetella pertussis: more than just making cyclic AMP!
Authors: Hewlett Erik L. , Donato Gina M. , Gray Mary C.
Published: November 2005

The cytotoxic effect of adenylate cyclase (AC) toxin from Bordetella pertussis on host cells has been attributed to the production of supraphysiologic levels of cyclic AMP by the toxin. We have tested this hypothesis and show that at least two different mechanisms, cAMP accumulation/ATP depletion and oligomerization/pore formation, contribute, perhaps synergistically, to AC toxin‐induced cytotoxicity. Wild‐type (WT) AC toxin causes cell death associated with an increase in cAMP, a reduction in ATP, activation of caspases 3/7, and increased annexin V and TUNEL staining. In contrast, a non‐acylated, enzymatically active, non‐haemolytic form of AC toxin is able to increase cAMP, reduce ATP and elicit annexin V staining, but the decrease in ATP and the annexin staining are transient and there is minimal caspase activation, TUNEL staining and cell death. Mutant AC toxins defective in either enzymatic activity or the ability to deliver their enzymatic domain are able to kill J774 cells, without cAMP production, and with minimal caspase activation and TUNEL staining. Comparison of the potencies of WT toxin and those of mutants that only increase cAMP or only create transmembrane pores establishes that at least two mechanisms are contributory and that simply the production of cAMP is not enough to account for the cytotoxicity produced by AC toxin.
Pentoxifylline attenuates the increase in whole blood viscosity after transfusion
Authors: Bacher A. , Eggensperger E. , Koppensteiner R. , Mayer N. , Klimscha W.
Published: November 2005

Background:  Pentoxifylline improves tissue oxygenation and intestinal blood flow in models of haemorrhagic shock, and it has been used for the treatment of intermittent claudication due to its beneficial effects on haemorheology. We investigated the effects of pentoxifylline on whole blood viscosity during packed red‐blood cell transfusion in critically ill adult patients.

Methods:  Twenty critically ill patients were randomly assigned to one of two groups (pentoxifylline group: n  =  11, placebo group: n  =  9) and prospectively studied. Forty‐five minutes before and during the packed red‐blood cell transfusion (10 ml min−1) over a period of 80 min, 1.5 mg kg−1 · h−1 pentoxifylline or placebo were administered intravenously. Haematocrit, plasma fibrinogen concentration, total protein concentration, whole blood viscosity (at a shear rate of 10 s−1, 50 s−1, and 100 s−1) and plasma viscosity were measured.

Results:  After the packed red‐blood cell transfusion, haematocrit levels increased significantly in both groups (pentoxifylline group: from 26.1 ± 2.8% to 33.0 ± 3.2; placebo group: from 24.4 ± 3.3% to 32.6 ± 2.6%; means ± standard deviation). Compared to baseline, whole blood viscosity increased in both groups at all shear rates after the transfusion, but the increase was significantly less in the pentoxifylline group (26 ± 15% vs. 49 ± 14%, 23 ± 11% vs. 39 ± 12%, and 22 ± 11% vs. 35 ± 12% for the pentoxifylline vs. placebo groups at shear rates of 10 s−1, 50 s−1, and 100 s−1, respectively). Plasma viscosity, total protein concentration, and fibrinogen concentration remained unchanged and no significant differences among groups were observed.

Conclusions:  These results suggest that pentoxifylline is effective in attenuating the increase in whole blood viscosity after a transfusion of packed red‐blood cells. Plasma viscosity is not influenced by pentoxifylline.
Thermogenic effect of amino acids not demonstrated in heart surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass
Authors: Selldén E. , Rimeika D. , Settergren G.
Published: November 2005

Background:  In abdominal surgery and in healthy volunteers, amino acids increased thermogenesis. In this double‐blind study we investigated if a similar effect would ensue in heart surgery and accelerate the rewarming process postoperatively.

Methods:  Thirty‐four patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting or aortic valve replacement were randomized into two groups, and received either 500 ml of amino acids or Ringer's solution intravenously during 4 h. The infusion was started approximately 30 min before the end of a cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), performed at a temperature of 34°C with rewarming to 36–37°C. The lowest pulmonary artery (PA) temperature after the CPB and the time interval until the temperature reached 37°C were recorded. Oxygen uptake was calculated from cardiac output (thermodilution) and the pulmonary av‐difference of oxygen after induction of anaesthesia, at the end of surgery, and 1 and 2 h after the CPB.

Results:  Demographic data, medication including β‐blockers, CPB data and case mix were similar. The lowest temperature after the CPB was 35.9 ± 0.1°C in the amino acid group and 35.6 ± 0.2°C in the control group, and the increase per hour was 0.6 ± 0.1°C and 0.6 ± 0.0°C, respectively, with no differences between the groups. During the infusion, oxygen uptake was higher in the amino acid group, 115 ± 4 ml m−2, than in the controls, 102 ± 3 ml m−2 (P < 0.05). No adverse effects of the infusions were noted.

Conclusion:  The lack of a thermal effect of the amino acids in the heart surgery was most probably due to the temperature gradients between the different body compartments, and also may have been due to the use of β‐blockers.
Analysis of multiple casualty incidents – a prospective cohort study
Authors: Kuisma M. , Hiltunen T. , Määttä T. , Puolakka J. , Boyd J. , Nousila‐Wiik M. , Hakala T.
Published: November 2005

Background:  Our aim was to report the rate and causes for multiple casualty incidents (MCI) to analyse the prehospital part of responding to MCIs, report mortality and find areas for improvement.

Methods:  A prospective cohort study conducted in an urban emergency medical service (EMS) between 1.3.1998 and 28.2.2004.

Results:  Fifty‐nine MCIs involving 263 patients (167 walking, 96 non‐walking) occurred. The incidence of MCIs was 1.8/100,000 inhabitants year−1. Traffic accidents were the most common cause followed by residential fires, intoxications and stabbings or shootings. Early MCI alarm by the dispatching centre was performed in 18 MCIs. Deviations from standard emergency medical care occurred in 12% of patients. Lack of immobilization of the neck or back in trauma patients and lack of administration of 100% oxygen in suspected carbon monoxide intoxication were the most common deviations. Deviations were related to the lack of presence of on‐scene medical command (P = 0.0013) and inadequate resources (P = 0.0342). One hundred and ninety‐two patients were transported to emergency departments. Mortality during the prehospital phase was 4.9% (13/263) and during the next 28 days 2.3% (6/263). Adequate resources for safe and effective management of a MCI were related to an early MCI alarm by the dispatching centre (P = 0,022) and to the presence of on‐scene medical command (P < 0,001).

Conclusions:  Traffic accidents, residential fires and intoxications were the leading causes for MCIs. Emergency medical service could respond to most MCIs efficiently and safely. Majority of deviations from standard medical care seemed potentially preventable. Several areas for improvement were identified. From prehospital links, the dispatching centre and on‐scene medical command had a vital role in the successful management of MCIs.
Changes in respiratory mechanics and gas exchange during the acute respiratory distress syndrome
Authors: Nunes S. , Valta P. , Takala J.
Published: November 2005

Background:  The time course of impairment of respiratory mechanics and gas exchange in the acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) remains poorly defined. We assessed the changes in respiratory mechanics and gas exchange during ARDS. We hypothesized that due to the changes in respiratory mechanics over time, ventilatory strategies based on rigid volume or pressure limits might fail to prevent overdistension throughout the disease process.

Methods:  Seventeen severe ARDS patients {PaO2/FiO2 10.1 (9.2–14.3) kPa; 76 (69–107) mmHg [median (25th−75th percentiles)] and bilateral infiltrates} were studied during the acute, intermediate, and late stages of ARDS (at 1–3, 4–6 and 7 days after diagnosis). Severity of lung injury, gas exchange, and hemodynamics were assessed. Pressure‐volume (PV) curves of the respiratory system were obtained, and upper and lower inflection points (UIP, LIP) and recruitment were estimated.

Results:  (1) UIP decreased from early to established (intermediate and late) ARDS [30 (28–30) cmH2O, 27 (25–30) cmH2O and 25 (23–28) cmH2O (P = 0.014)]; (2) oxygenation improved in survivors and in patients with non‐pulmonary etiology in late ARDS, whereas all patients developed hypercapnia from early to established ARDS; and (3) dead‐space ventilation and pulmonary shunt were larger in patients with pulmonary etiology during late ARDS.

Conclusion:  We found a decrease in UIP from acute to established ARDS. If applied to our data, the inspiratory pressure limit advocated by the ARDSnet (30 cmH2O) would produce ventilation over the UIP, with a consequent increased risk of overdistension in 12%, 43% and 65% of our patients during the acute, intermediate and late phases of ARDS, respectively. Lung protective strategies based on fixed tidal volume or pressure limits may thus not fully avoid the risk of lung overdistension throughout ARDS.
Randomized double‐blind comparison of ropivacaine–fentanyl and bupivacaine–fentanyl for spinal anaesthesia for urological surgery
Authors: Lee Y. Y. , Ngan Kee W. D. , Muchhal K. , Chan C. K.
Published: November 2005

Background:  Early studies have suggested that ropivacaine causes less motor block than bupivacaine, which might be advantageous in spinal anaesthesia for short procedures. The aim of this study was to compare plain ropivacaine 10 mg and plain bupivacaine 10 mg, both with fentanyl 15 µg, for spinal anaesthesia in urological surgery.

Methods:  This was a prospective randomized double‐blind study. After written informed consent had been obtained, 34 ASA I–III patients scheduled for urological surgery were randomly assigned to receive intrathecal injection of either plain ropivacaine 10 mg with fentanyl 15 µg (ropivacaine group) or plain bupivacaine 10 mg with fentanyl 15 µg (bupivacaine group) using a combined spinal–epidural technique.

Results:  All patients achieved sensory block to the T10 dermatome or higher at 15 min after intrathecal injection. One patient in the ropivacaine group was excluded because of unexpectedly prolonged surgery. The primary outcome, the duration of motor block, was shorter in the ropivacaine group (median, 126 min; interquartile range, 93–162 min) compared with the bupivacaine group (median, 189 min; interquartile range, 157–234 min; difference between medians, 71 min; 95% confidence interval, 28–109 min; P = 0.003). The duration of complete motor block was also shorter in the ropivacaine group compared with the bupivacaine group. There was no difference in the onset time of motor block. The characteristics of sensory block and the haemodynamic changes were similar between the groups.

Conclusion:  Plain ropivacaine 10 mg plus fentanyl 15 µg provided similar sensory anaesthesia, but with a shorter duration of motor block, compared with plain bupivacaine 10 mg plus fentanyl 15 µg when used for spinal anaesthesia in urological surgery.
Introgression of a gene for delayed pigment gland morphogenesis from Gossypium bickii into upland cotton
Authors: Zhu S. J. , Reddy N. , Jiang Y. R.
Published: November 2005

The presence of gossypol and its derivatives above the WHO/FAO standards (0.02–0.04%) in cotton seed oil and meal limits its usage as food and feed. To the contrary, the presence of pigment glands filled with gossypol and its derivatives helps to protect cotton plants from phytophageous pests. Thus a desirable cultivar would have glandless seeds on a glanded plant. This paper describes results on the successful introgression of this trait from Gossypium bickii into cultivated upland cotton. Five different tri‐specific hybrids (ABH1, ABH2, ABH3, ABH4 and ABH5) were obtained by crossing the amphidiploid F1 (G. arboreum × G. bickii) with different gland genotypes of G. hirsutum as male parent. The hybrids were highly sterile, and their chromosome configuration at meiosis metaphase 1 (M1) in pollen mother cell (PMC) was 2n = 52 = 41.04 I + 4.54 II + 0.57 III + 0.04 IV. All five hybrids were similar in morphological characters, except for the gland expression and gossypol contents. The hybrid (ABH3) derived from genotype Gl2Gl2gl3gl3 of upland cotton (a single gene dominant line) had completely introgressed the target trait of G. bickii. While ABH1 and ABH2, which derived from recessive (gl2gl2gl3gl3) or dominant (GlGl) glandless upland cotton genotypes, had glandless seeds too, but the density and size of the glands on the plant were reduced significantly.
Analysis of quantitative trait loci associated with leaflet types in two recombinant inbred lines of soybean
Authors: Kim H.K. , Kang S.T. , Suh D.Y.
Published: November 2005

Leaf area, length and width affect the photosynthetic capability of a plant and so increasing the photosynthetic rate per unit leaf area may improve seed yield in soybean. In this study, simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers were used to identify the genomic regions significantly associated with the quantitative trait locus (QTL) that controls length, width and the length/width ratio of the terminal and lateral leaflet in two segregating F2:10 recombinant inbred line (RIL) populations, ‘Keounolkong’ × ‘Shinpaldalkong’ (K/S) and ‘Keounolkong’ × ‘Iksan10’ (K/I). In the K/S population, one QTL was identified for terminal leaflet length (TLL), two for lateral leaflet length (LLL), four for terminal leaflet width (TLW), four for lateral leaflet width (LLW), two for terminal leaflet length/width ratio (TLR) and four for lateral leaflet length/width ratio (LLR), with total phenotypic variations of 7.43, 10.9, 26.57, 23.46, 20.25 and 23.31%, respectively. In the K/I population, two QTLs were identified for TLL, two for LLL, three for TLW, and two for LLW, four for TLR and two for LLR with total phenotypic variations of 29.89, 22.77, 18.5, 12.15, 22.96 and 17.85%, respectively. Only a few QTLs coincided among the leaflet traits and no relationships were observed between the two populations. Many QTLs were associated with leaflet traits but each single QTL made only a minimal contribution. Thus, pyramiding the favourable alleles for leaflet traits in soybean breeding programmes may accelerate vegetative growth and perhaps lead to higher yields by maximizing total photosynthetic performance.
Molecular marker‐assisted selection for development of common bean lines resistant to angular leaf spot
Authors: de Oliveira E. J. , Alzate‐Marin A. L. , Borém A. , de Azeredo Fagundes S. , de Barros E. G. , Moreira M. A.
Published: November 2005

The objective of this work was to develop homozygous common bean lines carrying angular leaf spot resistance genes derived from the cultivars ‘Mexico 54’, ‘MAR 2’ and ‘BAT 332’ through marker‐assisted selection. Molecular markers SCAR OPN02890, RAPD OPE04500 and OPAO12950 linked to the resistance genes of ‘Mexico 54’, ‘MAR 2’ and ‘BAT 332’, respectively, were used in segregating backcross‐derived populations to selection. DNA fingerprinting was used to select homozygous BC2F3 and BC1F3 resistant plants genetically closer to the recurrent parent. Two homozygous BC2F2:3 and two and five BC1F2:3 families derived from ‘Ruda’ vs. ‘Mexico 54’ (RM), ‘MAR 2’ (RMA) and ‘BAT 332’ (RB) crosses were selected, respectively. After only one (RMA, RB) or two backcrosses (RM), five and eight BC1F3 lines derived from RMA and RB, respectively, and seven BC2F3 lines derived from RM, with 14.9–16.6, 16.9–18.6 and 9.3–11.1% of relative genetic distances to the recurrent parent were selected. This is the first report of lines resistant to angular leaf spot carrying genes of the cultivars ‘Mexico 54’, ‘MAR 2’ and ‘BAT 332’ developed with the aid of molecular markers.
Inheritance of partial resistance to spot blotch in barley
Authors: Arabi M. I. E.
Published: November 2005

Diallel crosses (without reciprocals) were made among 10 different barley genotypes with genetic variability for spot blotch resistance. Forty‐five F1 hybrids and their parents were assessed for their combining abilities for the disease resistance. Three experiments, two in a growth chamber on detached leaf and seedlings tests and one in the field on adult plant stages, were undertaken using a randomized complete block design with five replicates. A mixed conidial suspension of nine virulent isolates of the pathogen was used for inoculation. Statistical analysis showed genetic variability for spot blotch resistance. Results showed that the cultivar Banteng, the Ethiopian line CI‐5791 and the Syrian line 79‐SIO‐9 had partial resistance in all experiments. General combining ability was significant, with either positive or negative values. Resistant genotypes show favourable GCA‐effects, and they could therefore be successfully used for breeding purposes.
Identification and mapping of a QTL for rachis internode length associated with cleistogamy in barley
Authors: Turuspekov Y. , Kawada N. , Honda I. , Watanabe Y. , Komatsuda T.
Published: November 2005

General knowledge of the closed flowering trait, or cleistogamy, of barley is still limited. The relationship between cleistogamy and spike morphology characters was studied and linkage of cleistogamy genes with a highly significant quantitative trait locus (QTL) for rachis internode length on the long arm of chromosome 2H was detected. The mapping populations consisted of 129 doubled haploid lines of ‘Mikamo Golden’ × ‘Harrington’ and 150 F2 plants of ‘Misato Golden’ × ‘Satsuki Nijo’. The phenotypic variance explained by this QTL accounted for 77.5% and 82.6% of the variance in rachis internode lengt, respectively, in these two populations. The peaks of the QTL coincided with the positions of the cleistogamy gene loci.
Resistance in wheat to a new North American–Russian wheat aphid biotype
Authors: Porter D. R. , Baker C. A. , El‐Bouhssini M.
Published: November 2005

The Russian wheat aphid (RWA), is a serious threat to wheat production worldwide. The identification of a new RWA biotype in the USA virulent to all commercially grown winter wheats poses new challenges to wheat breeders. Wheat germplasm was evaluated to identify accessions resistant to the new virulent RWA isolate (biotype 2). Eleven biotype 1‐resistant wheats and one susceptible check were challenged with RWA biotype 2. Two resistant wheat entries were identified (one highly resistant and one moderately resistant). This information is useful to wheat breeders searching for sources of resistance to the new RWA biotype to incorporate into their breeding programmes.
AFLP analysis of genetic variability among Stylosanthes guianensis accessions resistant and susceptible to the stylo anthracnose
Authors: Jiang C.‐S. , Ma X.‐R. , Zhou D.‐M. , Zhang Y.‐Z.
Published: November 2005

Stylosanthes guianensis, belonging to the genus Stylosanthes, is one of the most important tropical forage legumes and is native to South and Central America and Africa. Anthracnose, caused by the fungus Colletotrichum gloeosporioides (Penz.) Sacc., is a major constraint to the extensive use of Stylosanthes as tropical forage. Forty‐two accessions of S. guianensis were assessed with amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) for genetic diversity and for resistance to anthracnose. In AFLP analysis, four selective primer combinations screened from 96 primer combinations were used to analyse these accessions, and a total of 225 clear bands were used for genetic similarity (GS) analysis, showing a 95.5% level of polymorphism on average. GS from 31.0% to 95.0% among the accessions was calculated with ntsys‐pc software. The dendrogram was constructed with unweighted pair group method of averages (UPGMA) based on the AFLP data, and five clusters were defined at 48% GS. Two typical strains of C. gloeosporioides from Stylosanthes in China were used for anthracnose resistance screening. Most of the plant accessions showed variation in the reaction to two strains, and the correlation of resistance had a value of 0.904 (P < 0.01), suggesting common resistance to the two strains. The resistance accessions were randomly distributed in different groups of UPGMA clustering. These results demonstrate that AFLP analysis is an efficient method for evaluating the genetic diversity among S. guianensis accessions.
Mental health nurse practitioners in Australia: Improving access to quality mental health care
Authors: Fisher Jacklin E.
Published: November 2005

ABSTRACT:  Under The Nurses Amendment (Nurse Practitioners) Act 1998, New South Wales became the first state in Australia to legislate for nurse practitioners. Mental health was identified as a priority ‘area of practice’ for nurse practitioners. Issues surrounding the implementation of the nurse practitioner role in Australia and the potential for the role to address the current crisis in mental health nursing and the mental health sector will be discussed. The potential for partnerships with other health‐care providers, in particular medical practitioners, will demonstrate how successful implementation of the role can fulfil consumer demand for primary prevention counselling, improve access to mental health services and early intervention, and provide mental health services that better reflect national priorities. This examination of the Australian context will be contrasted with a review of the overseas literature on mental health nurse practitioners.
The mixed attitudes of nurse's to caring for people with mental illness in a rural general hospital
Authors: Reed Frances , Fitzgerald Les
Published: November 2005

ABSTRACT:  Mainstreaming of mental health care and the prevalence of mental illness have increased the requirement for care by nurses in the general hospital setting. In rural Australia, mental health services are limited and nurses have less access to support and education. Little is known about how these factors influence attitudes and the care of people with mental illness in rural hospitals. A qualitative descriptive study was used to investigate nurses’ attitudes to caring for people with mental illness, the issues that impact on their ability to provide care, and the effect of education, experience, and support. In 2003, 10 nurses from two wards in a rural hospital were interviewed. Participants from one ward had education and support from mental health nurses. Attitudes were found to be inextricably linked to issues that influence nurses’ ability to provide care. Dislike was apparent from nurses who suggested it was not their role. Others identified fear, causing avoidance. Conversely, those receiving support and education described increased comfort, with some nurses expressing enthusiasm for mental health care, seeing it as integral to nursing. The priority of physical care, time constraints, environmental unsuitability, rurality, and the lack of skill, knowledge, and mental health services reduced safety and effective care. A limited ability to help was reported, despite support for Mental Health Strategy goals. Positive experience promoted through education and support was required for nurses to improve care and attitudes. Notably, collaboration with mental health nurses was identified as helping nurses overcome fear and increase competence in caring for people with mental illness.
Sense of coherence and social support in relation to recovery in first‐episode patients with major depression: A one‐year prospective study
Authors: Skärsäter Ingela , Langius Ann , Ågren Hans , Häggström Lars , Dencker Karina
Published: November 2005

ABSTRACT:  Major depression is a common illness, with a lifetime prevalence rate of 10–13% for men and 21–24% for women. The experience of having a serious illness such as major depression affects the individual's quality of life and requires significant adaptation in order to cope. The aim of this study was to explore sense of coherence and social support in patients treated for a first episode of major depression in a 1‐year follow up. The study design was prospective and longitudinal. A total of 24 patients, aged 18 years or over, with a first episode of major depression were included. Semi‐structured interviews and self‐assessment questionnaires were used at baseline as well as in a 1‐year follow up in order to measure the level of severity of the depression, social support, and sense of coherence. The result showed that 71% of the patients had recovered at follow up. The sense of coherence scores were low at baseline, although the patients who recovered increased their sense of coherence scores significantly. Another factor of importance for recovery was a significant increase in social support. Social support is an important cornerstone in the restoration of a person's sense of coherence. It can be used in interventions that include the patient's family or close social network in combination with support to assist the patient to view his/her situation as comprehensible, manageable, and meaning ful, thereby promoting or improving health. Mental health nurses are in a key position to identify patients’ strengths and weaknesses so that the support and interventions provided can be tailored to meet the needs of each patient.
Identification of asymmetrically localized transcripts along the animal–vegetal axis of the Xenopus egg
Authors: Kataoka Kensuke , Tazaki Akira , Kitayama Atsushi , Ueno Naoto , Watanabe Kenji , Mochii Makoto
Published: November 2005

In many organisms, proper embryo development depends on the asymmetrical distribution of mRNA in the cytoplasm of the egg. Here we report comprehensive screening of RNA localized in the animal or vegetal hemisphere of the Xenopus egg. Macroarrays including over 40 000 independent embryonic cDNA clones, representing at least 17 000 unigenes, were differentially hybridized with labeled probes synthesized from the mRNA of animal or vegetal blastomeres. After two rounds of screening, we identified 33 clones of transcripts that may be preferentially distributed in the vegetal region of the early stage embryo, but transcripts localized in the animal region were not found. To assess the array results, we performed northern blot and quantitative real‐time reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction analysis. As a result, 21 transcripts of the 33 were confirmed to be localized in the vegetal region of the early stage embryo. Whole‐mount in situ hybridization analysis revealed that 11 transcripts, including 7 previously reported genes, were localized in the vegetal hemisphere of the egg. These 11 transcripts were categorized into three groups according to their expression patterns in the egg. The first group, which contained four transcripts, showed uniform expression in the vegetal hemisphere, similar to VegT. The second group, which contained three transcripts, showed gradual expression from the vegetal pole to the equator, similar to Vg1. The last group, which contained three transcripts, was expressed at the germ plasm, similar to Xdazl. One transcript, Xwnt11, showed both the second and the third expression patterns.
Endothelin‐3 controls growth of colonic epithelial cells by mediating epithelial–mesenchymal interaction
Authors: Fukamachi Hiroshi , Narita Takanori , Yahagi Naohisa , Takeda Hiroyuki , Ichinose Masao
Published: November 2005

It has been repeatedly reported that endothelin‐3 (ET‐3) is expressed by gastrointestinal mesenchymes, and that paracrine signaling between ET‐3 and its receptor plays an essential role in controlling differentiation of the enteric nervous system in the gut, especially in the colon. However it remains to be solved whether ET‐3 plays a role in regulating the growth of gastrointestinal epithelial cells. We have previously reported culture systems for forestomach, glandular stomach and duodenal epithelial cells, but a system for colonic epithelial cells has not been established. In the present study, we examined optimal culture conditions for colonic epithelial cells, and examined whether ET‐3 affects the growth of gastrointestinal epithelial cells, with special reference to colonic cells. We found that ET‐3 dose‐dependently and region‐specifically stimulated their growth in primary culture: colonic epithelial cells were most responsive, followed by duodenal and glandular stomach epithelial cells. Reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction analysis showed that ET‐3 and a receptor for ET‐3 were expressed by both colonic mesenchymes and epithelia, but the levels were much higher in mesenchymes than in epithelia. These results suggest that ET‐3 plays an important role in the growth control of colonic epithelial cells, possibly by mediating epithelial–mesenchymal interactions.
Extraocular dorsal signal affects the developmental fate of the optic vesicle and patterns the optic neuroepithelium
Authors: Kagiyama Yuka , Gotouda Nanaka , Sakagami Kiyo , Yasuda Kunio , Mochii Makoto , Araki Masasuke
Published: November 2005

Dorsal–ventral (DV) specification in the early optic vesicle plays a crucial role in the proper development of the eye. To address the questions of how DV specification is determined and how it affects fate determination of the optic vesicle, isolated optic vesicles were cultured either in vitro or in ovo. The dorsal and ventral halves of the optic vesicle were fated to develop into retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and neural retina, respectively, when they were separated from each other and cultured. In optic vesicles treated with collagenase to remove the surrounding tissues, the neuroepithelium gave rise to cRax expression but not Mitf, suggesting that surrounding tissues are necessary for RPE specification. This was also confirmed in in ovo explant cultures. Combination cultures of collagenase‐treated optic vesicles with either the dorsal or ventral part of the head indicated that head‐derived factors have an important role in the fate determination of the optic vesicle: in the optic vesicles co‐cultured with the dorsal part of the head Mitf expression was induced in the neuroepithelium, while the ventral head portion did not have this effect. The dorsal head also suppressed Pax2 expression in the optic vesicle. These observations indicate that factors from the dorsal head portion have important roles in the establishment of DV polarity within the optic vesicle, which in turn induces the patterning and differentiation of the neural retina and pigment epithelium.
Molecular pathological subclassification of mucinous adenocarcinoma of the colorectum
Authors: Li Dong , Semba Shuho , Wu Ming , Yokozaki Hiroshi
Published: November 2005

The purpose of the present report was to examine the possibility of molecular pathological subtyping of mucinous adenocarcinomas (MAC) of the colorectum. Thirty‐five formalin‐fixed and paraffin‐embedded MAC specimens of the colorectum were analyzed. Genetic alterations of p53 gene and microsatellite instability (MSI) as well as immunohistochemical analysis of mucin subtypes (human gastric mucin (HGM), anti‐mucin monoclonal antibody recognizing gastric gland mucous cells‐1, MUC2, CD10) and expression levels of human mutL homolog 1 (hMLH1), p53 and Ki‐67 were performed. According to MSI and p53 status, these tumors were subclassified into three groups: mutator‐type tumors with a high frequency of MSI (20%), suppressor/p53‐type tumors with p53 mutation, p53 overexpression or loss of heterozygosity of D17S250 (an adjacent locus to p53; 40%) and the unclassified tumors (40%). The suppressor/p53‐type tumors had a significant association with distal colon location (P = 0.019), venous invasion (P = 0.002), extent of lymph node metastasis (P = 0.007) and higher tumor stage (P = 0.018). In contrast, mutator‐type tumors had frequent expression of HGM (P = 0.005) and prominent lymphocytic infiltration at the advancing front of the tumor (P = 0.005). These results indicate that MAC of the colorectum could be subclassified according to molecular pathological background, reflecting distinct clinicopathological and phenotypic characteristics.
Scaling up keystone effects from simple to complex ecological networks
Authors: Brose Ulrich , Berlow Eric L. , Martinez Neo D.
Published: November 2005

Predicting the consequences of species loss requires extending our traditional understanding of simpler dynamic systems of few interacting species to the more complex ecological networks found in natural ecosystems. Especially important is the scaling up of our limited understanding of how and under what conditions loss of ‘keystone’ species causes large declines of many other species. Here we explore how these keystone effects vary among simulations progressively scaled up from simple to more complex systems. Simpler simulations of four to seven interacting species suggest that species up to four links away can strongly alter keystone effects and make the consequences of keystone loss potentially indeterminate in more realistically complex communities. Instead of indeterminacy, we find that more complex networks of up to 32 species generally buffer distant influences such that variation in keystone effects is well predicted by surprisingly local ‘top‐down’, ‘bottom‐up’, and ‘horizontal‘ constraints acting within two links of the keystone subsystem. These results demonstrate that: (1) strong suppression of the competitive dominant by the keystone may only weakly affect subordinate competitors; (2) the community context of the target species determines whether strong keystone effects are realized; (3) simple, measurable, and local attributes of complex communities may explain much of the empirically observed variation in keystone effects; and (4) increasing network complexityper sedoes not inherently make the prediction of strong keystone effects more complicated.
Expenditure freeze: the metabolic response of small mammals to cold environments
Authors: Humphries Murray M. , Boutin Stan , Thomas Donald W. , Ryan John D. , Selman Colin , McAdam Andrew G. , Berteaux Dominique , Speakman John R.
Published: November 2005

There is renewed focus on the ecological determinants of animal metabolism and recent comparative analyses support the physiological expectation that the field metabolic rate (FMR) of homeotherms should increase with declining ambient temperature. However, sustained elevation of FMR during prolonged, seasonal cold could be prevented by intrinsic limits constraining FMR to some multiple of basal metabolic rate (BMR) or extrinsic limits on resource abundance. We analysed previous measures of mammalian FMR and BMR to establish the effect of ambient temperature on both traits and found no support for intrinsic limitation. We also measured the FMR of a northern population of red squirrels (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus) exposed to ambient temperatures much colder than all but one previous study of mammal FMR. These measurements revealed levels of energy expenditure that are, unexpectedly, among the lowest ever recorded in homeotherms and that actually decrease as it gets colder. Collectively, these results suggest the metabolic niche space of cold climate endotherms may be much larger than previously recognized.
Novel and simple method for isolating autologous mesothelial cells from the tunica vaginalis
Authors: Asano Touko , Takazawa Ryoji , Yamato Masayuki , Kageyama Yukio , Kihara Kazunori , Okano Teruo
Published: November 2005

OBJECTIVE

To report the development of a new method of isolating autologous mesothelial cells from the tunica vaginalis that are easily obtained and generally free from the effects of abdominal cancer, and to investigate whether transplanting these mesothelial cells is effective in preventing postoperative adhesions.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The tunica vaginalis was resected from male Lewis rats, and mesothelial cells were collected by enzymatic disaggregation. To investigate the efficacy of mesothelial cells in preventing adhesion, harvested cells were transplanted into a rat intestinal hernia adhesion model.

RESULTS

Cells isolated from the tunica vaginalis were homogenous, polygonal when confluent, expressed cytokeratin and vimentin, and the cell surface was covered with microvilli, which is the characteristic appearance of endogenous mesothelial cells. The transplantation of autologous mesothelial cell sheets reduced peritoneal adhesion.

CONCLUSION

We developed a new method of obtaining autologous mesothelial cells from the tunica vaginalis. These cells may provide a valuable option for treating patients at risk of postoperative adhesions.
Concomitant management of renal calculi and pelvi‐ureteric junction obstruction with robotic laparoscopic surgery
Authors: Atug Fatih , Castle Erik P. , Burgess Scott V. , Thomas Raju
Published: November 2005

Authors from the USA describe their experience using robotic‐assisted laparoscopic pyeloplasty and stone extraction, and present their technical recommendations. They point out the not unexpected finding that concurrent stone extraction and pyeloplasty was rather longer than in patients having pyeloplasty alone.

OBJECTIVE

To present technical recommendations for robotic‐assisted laparoscopic pyeloplasty (RALP) and stone extraction, as patients with kidney stones proximal to a pelvi‐ureteric junction obstruction (PUJO) present a technical challenge, and have traditionally been managed with open surgery or percutaneous antegrade endopyelotomy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

From November 2002 to April 2005, 55 patients had RALP for PUJO; eight of these had concomitant renal calculi. Stone burden and location were assessed with a preoperative radiological examination. Before completing the PUJO repair, one robot working arm (cephalad one) was temporarily undocked to allow passage of a flexible nephroscope into the renal pelvis and collecting systems under direct vision. Stones were extracted with graspers or basket catheters and removed via the port. The surgical‐assistant port in the subxiphoid area was used to introduce laparoscopic suction and other instruments.

RESULTS

The Anderson‐Hynes dismembered pyeloplasty was the preferred reconstructive technique in all patients. Operations were completed robotically with no conversions to open surgery. All patients were rendered stone‐free, confirmed by imaging, and there were no intraoperative or delayed complications during a mean (range) follow‐up of 12.3 (4–22) months. The mean operative time was 275.8 min, 61.7 min longer than in patients who did not have concomitant stone removal.

CONCLUSIONS

Concurrent stone extraction and PUJO repair can be successful with RALP. Operative times are longer than in patients with isolated PUJO repair, but this is to be expected as there is an additional procedure.
Renal oncocytoma: a clinicopathological analysis of 45 consecutive cases
Authors: Gudbjartsson Tomas , Hardarson Sverrir , Petursdottir Vigdis , Thoroddsen Asgeir , Magnusson Jonas , Einarsson Gudmundur V.
Published: November 2005

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the clinical behaviour and pathology of renal oncocytoma in a well‐defined population over a 30‐year period.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In a retrospective population‐based study we assessed relevant clinical and pathological factors in 45 patients (31 men and 14 women) diagnosed with renal oncocytoma in Iceland between 1971 and 2000. Clinical presentation, pathology, survival and causes of death were evaluated.

RESULTS

The age‐standardized incidence was 0.3 per 100 000 per year for both men and women, the incidence of oncocytomas being 5.5% of renal cell carcinomas (RCCs) diagnosed during the same period in Iceland. Fourteen patients were diagnosed at autopsy for an unrelated disease. Of 31 living patients (mean age 70.5 years), seven were diagnosed incidentally (23%), and the others had presented with haematuria (32%), abdominal pain (29%), and weight loss (10%). All the patients had a radical nephrectomy, except for one with bilateral oncocytoma who had a partial nephrectomy. The mean (range) tumour size was 5.7 (0.9–12) cm. Eighteen patients (58%) were diagnosed at Tumour‐Node‐Metastasis stage I, 10 at stage II (32%) and three at stage III (10%), all of those at stage III having renal capsular penetration or tumour invasion into perirenal fat tissue (T3aN0M0). No patients were diagnosed with lymph node or distant metastasis. Two cases of coexisting RCC were detected. After a median follow‐up of 8.3 years there were no recurrences or deaths from oncocytoma (100% disease‐specific survival). The overall 5‐year survival was 63%, with most patients dying from cardiovascular diseases or nonrenal cancers.

CONCLUSIONS

In most cases renal oncocytoma behaves like a benign tumour; the long‐term prognosis is excellent. Thus, in the present patients, radical nephrectomy could be regarded as an over‐treatment and nephron‐sparing surgery as more appropriate, especially in patients with small tumours. However, both coexisting RCC and perirenal fat invasion, a hallmark of malignant behaviour, might indicate that more radical surgery is warranted in some of these patients.
Protective effects of grape suspension on in vivo ischaemia/reperfusion of the rabbit bladder
Authors: Lin Alpha Dian‐Yu , Mannikarottu Anita , Chaudhry Ahsen , Whitbeck Catherine , Kogan Barry A. , Chichester Paul , Levin Robert M.
Published: November 2005

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the potential protective effect of a grape suspension in a rabbit model of in vivo bilateral ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R), which is a causal factor in obstructive bladder dysfunction.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Six groups of four New Zealand White rabbits were treated by twice‐daily gavage with aqueous grape suspension (groups 1–3) or sugar‐water vehicle (groups 4–6) for 3 weeks. Groups 1 and 4 then received bilateral ischaemia for 2 h, and groups 2 and 5 received bilateral ischaemia for 2 h and reperfusion (recovery) for 1 week. Groups 3 and 6 were controls (sham‐operated). The effects on cystometry, in vitro contractile responses, and morphology were evaluated.

RESULTS

Ischaemia resulted in significant reductions in the contractile responses to all forms of stimulation in vehicle‐fed rabbits, whereas there were no reductions in grape‐fed rabbits. Contractile responses were significantly reduced in both I/R groups, but significantly more in vehicle‐fed than in grape‐fed rabbits. Immunohistochemical studies showed less hypoxia in the bladders of grape‐fed rabbits than in vehicle‐fed rabbits for both ischaemia‐only and I/R groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Feeding rabbits with grape suspension provided significant protection against the hypoxic effects of bilateral ischaemia and I/R.
Changes in bladder nerve‐growth factor and p75NTR genetic expression in streptozotocin‐induced diabetic rats
Authors: Tong Yat‐Ching , Cheng Juei‐Tang
Published: November 2005

OBJECTIVE

To assess changes associated with diabetes in urinary bladder nerve‐growth factor (NGF) and NGF receptor p75NTR expression using a streptozotocin (STZ)‐induced diabetic rat model.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Male Wistar rats (32) were divided into four equal groups: group I, vehicle‐treated normal rats; group II, vehicle‐treated 9‐week STZ‐diabetic rats; group III, insulin‐treated 9‐week STZ‐diabetic rats; group IV, phlorizin‐treated 9‐week STZ‐diabetic rats. Bladder NGF levels were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Expressions of the mRNAs that encoded NGF and NGF receptor p75NTR in the rat bladder were evaluated using reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS

The mean (sem) NGF level in the STZ‐diabetic rat bladder was significantly lower than in the control group, at 56.56 (8.28) and 84.33 (11.05) pg/µg protein, respectively (P < 0.01). The mRNA expressions of bladder NGF and p75NTR in the diabetic rats were significantly lower than in the control group (P < 0.05 and <0.001, respectively). Treatment with either insulin or phlorizin restored the normal blood sugar level; moreover, the bladder NGF levels and the expressions of both NGF and p75NTR mRNAs were normal.

CONCLUSION

The decrease in the genetic expression of NGF and p75NTR might be responsible for the pathogenesis of diabetic cystopathy while hyperglycaemia is part of the cause of these changes.