bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the BacT/Alert automated blood culture system for detecting bacteria and measuring their growth kinetics in leucodepleted and non‐leucodepleted platelet concentrates
Authors: McDonald C. P. , Roy A. , Lowe P. , Robbins S. , Hartley S. , Barbara J. A. J.
Published: March 2003

Background and Objective

To evaluate the BacT/Alert automated blood culture system for the detection of bacteria in platelet concentrates, and to determine bacterial growth kinetics in leucodepleted and non‐leucodepleted units.

Materials and Methods

Apheresis (Cobe Leucocyte Reduction System™ [LRS]) and pooled buffy coat‐derived (Optipress™) platelet concentrates (PCs) were tested. Six organisms were used for spiking the PCs: Clostridium perfringens, Bacillus cereus, Group B Streptococcus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Units were inoculated to give a final concentration of ≈ 1 and 50 colony‐forming units (CFU)/ml. On days 0, 2 and 5, BacT/Alert standard aerobic and anaerobic bottles were inoculated with a 5‐ml fill volume and bacteria were enumerated.

Results

The BacT/Alert Automated blood culture system gave rapid determination times of spiked units, with all positives detected within 48 h and 98·1% detected within 24 h. In general, as the inoculum concentration increased, the detection time decreased. Rapid growth was obtained with all organisms tested except for B. cereus, which failed to grow on four occasions. Bacterial numbers on day 2 ranged from 105 to 1011 CFU/ml and on day 5 ranged from 104 to 1012 CFU/ml. Growth was not significantly greater in leucodepleted units.

Conclusions

The study confirmed that PCs are an excellent growth medium for bacteria. Rapid and substantial growth was obtained with all organisms under test. Leucodepletion does not appear to enhance bacterial proliferation. The BacT/Alert automated blood culture system could rapidly detect contamination of units. Bacterial screening using an automated blood culture system is therefore a potential option.
Donor selection in Japan: a trial of new criteria with predonation haemoglobin testing
Authors: Shimoyama R. , Nakase T. , Kojima S. , Tanaka S. , Yamamori K. , Kaneko C. , Ishimaru K. , Ikeda H.
Published: March 2003

Background and Objectives In Japan, eligibility for blood donation depends on blood specific gravity, which does not directly measure blood haemoglobin. Additionally, the criteria are not based on normal values. Therefore, we investigated the feasibility of predonation screening by using actual haemoglobin levels, and adopted a new criterion based on the normal range for men.

Materials and Methods Using a portable device, we measured haemoglobin in 1032 prospective blood donors, then applied this method to all blood donations. The criterion for men was set at the 95th percentile of haemoglobin distribution, namely 13·0 g/dl and 13·5 g/dl, respectively, for 200‐ml and 400‐ml donations. That for women remained unchanged.

Results The percentage of men ineligible by these criteria increased from 0·6 to 1·5%, while that of women decreased from 16·5 to 14·6%. Donors with abnormal haemoglobin levels were referred to hospitals.

Conclusion Predonation measurement of haemoglobin concentration, combined with the referral of those with abnormal values, provided a health benefit to that population.
Passive protection against fasciolosis in mice by immunization with a monoclonal antibody (ES‐78 MoAb)
Authors: Marcet Ricardo , Díaz Ailen , Arteaga Ernesto , Finlay Carlos M. , Sarracent Jorge
Published: March 2003

Recently, we reported a partial characterization of the epitope recognized by the ES‐78 monoclonal antibody (MoAb). This monoclonal antibody was obtained from spleen lymphocytes of a mouse immunized with excretory–secretory antigens of Fasciola hepatica adult worms. In the present study, we report the results obtained in experiments of passive protection using this MoAb in BALB/c mice infected with 15 Fasciola hepatica metacercariae. The monoclonal antibody was able to reduce the parasite burden when administered 24 h before challenge but not when delivered 7 days after challenge. The antibody recognition of digestive tract structures in 3‐week‐old parasites was demonstrated by immune histochemical techniques. The antigens purified by affinity chromatography using this antibody had molecular weights of 14–20, 25–29 and 36–45 kDa and demonstrated proteinase activity similar to cathepsin L. These results suggest that the antigens carrying the epitope recognized by the ES‐78 MoAb may be used as target in the protection against fasciolosis.
Pioneering the electronic school by using focus groups for planning
Authors: Katz L. , Williams A.
Published: March 2003

Abstract Focus groups are a useful way to determine the needs and input of stakeholders involved in formulating a technology policy for an educational setting. Drawing upon the results of four focus groups and several individual interviews (n = 40), with administrators, students, teachers, parents, and teachers in training, this paper assesses the ability of focus groups to highlight both the potential and limitations of technology in the classroom. Consideration is also given to the steps necessary for creating an ‘inclusive’ technology planning process for students aged 5–18 years.
Male size does not affect mating success (of Anopheles gambiae in São Tomé)
Authors: Charlwood J. D. , Pinto J. , Sousa C. A. , Ferreira C. , Rosário V. E. Do
Published: March 2003

Abstract For malaria control, the utility of transgenic vector Anopheles mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) refractory to Plasmodium transmission, will depend on their interbreeding with the wild vector population. In many species, larger males are more successful in obtaining mates. In São Tomé island, we determined that size did not affect mating success of male Anopheles gambiae Giles sensu stricto, the main malaria vector in tropical Africa. Also we showed that larval intraspecific competition is probably insignificant in this population of An. gambiae. Thus, the potential success of transgenic An. gambiae is unlikely to be affected by size selection under field conditions.
Malaria outbreak control in an African village by community application of ‘deet’ mosquito repellent to ankles and feet
Authors: Durrheim D. N. , Govere J. M.
Published: March 2003

Abstract The malaria vector Anopheles arabiensis Patton (Diptera: Culicidae) shows a marked predilection (> 80%) for biting the ankles and feet of human subjects, as revealed by our previous observations at Malahlapanga in the Kruger National Park, South Africa. Topical application of insect repellent, 15% deet (N,N‐diethyl‐3‐methylbenzamide), to feet and ankles reduced the overall biting rate of An. arabiensis by 69%. A focal malaria epidemic in Albertsnek village (25°33′ S, 31°59′ E) near the Mozambique border, following flooding during February 2000, provided an opportunity to apply these findings of operational research for outbreak containment. Twice‐nightly topical application of deet to ankles and feet of Albertsnek inhabitants was followed by rapid restoration of pre‐epidemic malaria incidence levels after one incubation period. This encouraging outcome should be attempted in other outbreak‐prone settings where infective mosquito bites are sporadic and malaria has unstable endemicity.
An Information System for Community Nursing
Authors: Šušteršič Olga , Rajkovič Vladislav , Leskovar Robert , Bitenc Iztok , Bernik Mojca , Rajkovič Uroš
Published: March 2003

In this article, an information system for community nursing is presented. It is critically evaluated on the basis of practical experiences. Its goal is not only to reduce the workload with modern information and communication technology but also to improve the quality of nurses' work. The quality improved because of the process method of work, which led toward a better client/patient orientation and more creative and research‐oriented nurses' work based on nursing knowledge management support. It relies on an integrated and structured information picture, with special emphasis on transparency and interpretability.
Aspects of cancer immunotherapy
Authors: McKenzie Ian FC , Apostolopoulos Vasso , Plebanski Magdalena , Pietersz Geoffrey A , Loveland Bruce E
Published: March 2003

Cancer immunotherapy has traditionally undergone a ‘revolution’ every decade, from the use of Bacille Calmette‐Guérin by scarification in the 1970s, to interleukin‐2 therapies in the 1980s, and monoclonal antibody treatments in the early 1990s. Usually the early reports on the use of such agents were encouraging, but when more patients were studied in multiple centres, the initial promising results could not be confirmed. Now in a new century, we have more reagents and methods available than ever before − indeed, with such a plethora of reagents it is difficult to envisage them being fully and appropriately tested within the next decade, by which time there will be even more reagents to test. However, there have been three major advances which should lead to substantial progress in cancer immunotherapy: (1) the widespread use of genetic engineering, enabling identification of candidate vaccine proteins and manipulation of their sequences; (2) the production of antigens, antibodies and cytokines in large amounts by recombinant technologies, and (3) an understanding of the mode of presentation of peptides by major histocompatibility complex Class I and Class II molecules and their recognition by T cells. Despite these advances, there are major problems facing cancer immunotherapy, such as the ability of tumours to mutate and evade the immune system and the difficulty of precisely defining the interactions of effector cells in mediating ‘rejection’ or destruction of a tumour. There are clearly immunological similarities with diseases such as malaria and schistosomiasis, where the invading foreign organisms can use a variety of strategies to resist an elicited immune response. The failure to find a suitable vaccine for these diseases must lead to some pessimism for the development of immunotherapy for an autologous tumour. However, there are promising studies now in progress which should give an indication of the most important directions to follow. This review provides a commentary on aspects of cancer immunotherapy and in particular will deal with: (1) the selection of antigens as vaccine components; (2) the modes of presentation of antigens, particularly by major histocompatibility complex Class I molecules; and (3) new modes of delivery of vaccine immunogens.
Case Report. Acremonium falciforme fungemia in a patient with acute leukaemia
Authors: Nedret Koç A. , Erdem Fatma , Patıroğlu T.
Published: March 2003

Summary.  We describe a case of Acremonium falciforme fungemia under treatment of fluconazole. A. falciforme is a common saprophyte. This fungus has been isolated from a patient's specimen, and the organism may have contributed to his death.
Golgi secretion is not required for marking the preprophase band site in cultured tobacco cells
Authors: Dixit Ram , Cyr Richard
Published: March 2003

The preprophase band predicts the future cell division site. However, the mechanism of how a transient preprophase band fulfils this function is unknown. We have investigated the possibility that Golgi secretion might be involved in marking the preprophase band site. Observations on living BY‐2 cells labeled for microtubules and Golgi stacks indicated an increased Golgi stack frequency at the preprophase band site. However, inhibition of Golgi secretion by brefeldin A during preprophase band formation did not prevent accurate phragmoplast fusion, and subsequent cell plate formation, at the preprophase band site. The results show that Golgi secretion does not mark the preprophase band site and thus does not play an active role in determination of the cell division site.
Bifurcation, birooted primary canines: a case report
Authors: Mochizuki K. , Ohtawa Y. , Kubo S. , Machida Y. , Yakushiji M.
Published: March 2003

A rare case of birooted primary canines is reported. A male patient aged 6 years 4 months of age presented with pain and swelling related to the upper right first primary molar. Radiographic examination revealed an incidental finding of bifurcation of the roots of all four primary canines. This represents a rare finding. The prevalence of birooted permanent canines in the Japanese population has been reported, but the prevalence of this abnormality of primary canines in other populations is unknown. This report discusses the findings in the context of the available literature. The possible aetiology, possible inferences for the developing dentition, and the need for careful assessment prior to root canal therapy or extraction are highlighted.
The thymidylate synthase gene of Hz‐1 virus: A gene captured from its lepidopteran host
Authors: Chen Hong‐Hwa , Tso Dan‐Ju , Yeh Wen‐Bin , Cheng Hsien‐Jen , Wu Ting‐Feng
Published: March 2003

The sequence analysis of a thymidylate synthase gene was identified in the Hz‐1 virus HindIII‐D fragment. The viral thymidylate synthase gene encodes a protein of 295 amino acids, and is closely related to that of insect, mammals and herpesvirus. The thymidylate synthase gene identified was a genuine viral gene in that it was only detected in cells infected with Hz‐1 virus but not in the mock infected cells, by Southern blot analysis and by RT‐PCR. Results of phylogenetic analysis based on non‐synonymous and amino acid distances suggested that the TS gene of Hz‐1 virus was grouped closely with that of Bombyx mori. High bootstrap values confirmed that the thymidylate synthase of Hz‐1 virus was acquired by a capture event from its lepidopteran host. Results of both sequence divergences and phylogenetic analysis suggested that TS genes in insect viruses, Hz‐1, CIV, and MsEPV may have a different history or originated from different capture events.
A cluster of four D7‐related genes is expressed in the salivary glands of the African malaria vector Anopheles gambiae
Authors: Arcà B. , Lombardo F. , Lanfrancotti A. , Spanos L. , Veneri M. , Louis C. , Coluzzi M.
Published: March 2003

Four genes expressed in the Anopheles gambiae adult female salivary glands and similar in sequence to the Aedes aegypti D7 gene were identified. The genes, called D7‐related (D7r), are included in a single cluster encompassing approximately six kilobases on chromosome arm 3R. The deduced proteins contain secretory signals and they are probably injected by the mosquito into the host with the saliva during blood feeding. The region of similarity to D7 encompasses the carboxy‐terminal part of the Ae. aegypti protein and the different An. gambiae D7r show a degree of similarity to each other, varying from 53% to 73%. The weak but significant similarity to members of a wide family of insect proteins, including odourant‐ and pheromone‐binding proteins, raises the possibility that the D7r‐encoded proteins may bind and/or carry small hydrophobic ligands.
The genetic mating system and tests for cuckoldry in a pipefish species in which males fertilize eggs and brood offspring externally
Authors: Mccoy E. E. , Jones A. G. , Avise J. C.
Published: March 2003

Highly variable microsatellite loci were used to study the mating system of Nerophis ophidion, a species of pipefish in which pregnant males carry embryos on the outside of their body rather than in an enclosed brood pouch. Despite this mode of external fertilization and brooding, otherwise rare in the family Syngnathidae, the genotypes of all embryos proved to be consistent with paternity by the tending male, thus indicating that cuckoldry by sneaker males is rare or nonexistent in this species. N. ophidion is a phylogenetic outlier within the Syngnathidae and its reproductive morphology is thought to be close to the presumed ancestral condition for pipefishes and seahorses. Thus, our genetic results suggest that the evolutionary elaboration of the enclosed brood pouch elsewhere in the family was probably not in response to selection pressures on pregnant males to avoid fertilization thievery. With regard to maternity assignments, our genotypic data are consistent with behavioural observations indicating that females sometimes mate with more than one male during a breeding episode, and that each male carries eggs from a single female. Thus, the polyandrous genetic mating system in this species parallels the social mating system, and both are consistent with a more intense sexual selection operating on females, and the elaboration of secondary sexual characters in that gender.
Ecology and population genetics of Sonoran DesertDrosophila
Authors: Pfeiler E. , Markow T. A.
Published: March 2003

Three species of cactophilicDrosophilaendemic to the Sonoran Desert of North America,D. nigrospiracula,D. pacheaandD. mettleri, experience marked differences in spatial resource availability, and the first two of these display significant differences in dispersal behaviour. We employed starch gel and cellulose acetate electrophoresis for eight allozyme loci to test for a relationship between these variables and genetic differentiation among geographical populations of each species. No evidence was found for population structure in any of the three species, populations of which were separated by geographical distances of up to 475 km. Allele frequencies for two loci,Mdh‐1andEst‐2, inD. nigrospiraculaandD. pacheawere very similar to those obtained ≈ 30 years ago by other workers, indicating that the polymorphisms are remarkably stable under the stressful and variable conditions of the desert environment. High longevity, dispersal and multiple female remating are likely to contribute to the apparent high level of gene flow in all three species.
Detection of residual disease by cytology in patients with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia III post‐large loop excision of the transformation zone
Authors: Tangtrakul Somsak , Linasmita Vasant , Israngura Nathpong , Srisupundit Somkeart , Bullangpoti Sunchai , Wilailak Sarikapan
Published: March 2003

Objective: To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of cytology in detecting residual disease in patients with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) III post‐large loop excision of the transformation zone (LLETZ).

Methods: This prospective study was performed between February 1994 and August 1999 at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ramathibodi Hospital, and involved 90 patients who underwent LLETZ and had histologic confirmation of CIN III. Simple hysterectomy was performed in all patients 2–3 months after LLETZ. Two Papanicolaou smears were taken using Ayre spatula on each patient 6 weeks after LLETZ and 1 day before hysterectomy. Histologic findings of hysterectomy specimens were used as the ‘gold standard’.

Results: Forty‐six cases (51.1%) were found to have residual diseases: seven cases with CIN I, 11 cases with CIN II, 27 cases with CIN III and one case with invasive squamous cell carcinoma. Using the most severe diagnosis of two Papanicolaou smears performed on each patient as the cytologic diagnosis, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value were 28.3, 93.2, 81.3 and 55.4%, respectively. The accuracy rate was 60.0%. Residual diseases were found in 62.5 and 39.0% of cases with the presence and absence of CIN at the margin of the LLETZ specimen, respectively.

Conclusions Cytology using the Ayre spatula has low accuracy in detecting residual disease in the cervix post‐LLETZ.
Effects of nitric oxide(NO)‐donor and ‐scavenger on contractile responses in isolated fetal sheep carotid and renal arteries
Authors: Anzai Ken , Okawa Toshiaki , Honda Shinya , Sanpei Minoru , Fujimori Keiya , Yanagida Kaoru , Sato Akira
Published: March 2003

Objective: The aim of this study was to illuminate the mechanism of a redistribution of blood flow in fetuses. Nitric oxide (NO) is now known to play important functional roles in the vasculature. We measured plasma nitrate (the metabolites of nitric oxide) concentrations in maternal and fetal sheep at term, and compared the effect of NO donors on isolated carotid and renal arteries from fetuses.

Methods: (1) Blood samples were taken from maternal and fetal arteries in sheep at 132 ± 2 days’ gestation, and were collected for nitrate determination with Griess reagent. (2) Rings of carotid and renal arteries with intact endothelium from fetal sheep were positioned in organ chambers filled with Krebs‐Henseleit solution (37°C) bubbled with 5% CO2 in air (pH: 7.4) and isometric tension was recorded. Concentration‐response relationships to sodium nitroprusside (SNP), nitroglycerine (NTG) and diethylamine nitric oxide (DEA/NO) with pretreatment NO scavenger, oxyhemoglobin (10–5 M), and vehicle were determined.

Results: (1) Plasma nitrate levels were significantly higher in fetuses than in maternal sheep. (2) Nitric oxide donor concentrations dependently inhibited in phenylepherine‐precontracted carotid and renal arteries. The relaxation of both rings was attenuated by previous treatment with oxyhemoglobin. Nitric oxide sensitivity was greater in carotid arteries than in renal arteries. The order of potency was SNP > NTG > DEA/NO in the two types of arteries.

Conclusion: These observations indicate that NO may play an important role in the redistribution of blood flow in fetuses.
Relationship between fertilizing ability of ejaculated human spermatozoa and its chromatin heterogeneity
Authors: Hashimoto Shinako , Yanagida Kaoru , Katayose Haruo , Yamada Hidekazu , Yamada Hiroko , Sato Akira
Published: March 2003

Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between the fertilizing ability of ejaculated human sperm and its chromatin heterogeneity.

Methods: We used the D‐AO staining method (acridine orange epifluorescence accompanied by diamide, a thiol oxidizing agent) to analyze the sperm chromatin structure of infertile patients with IVF‐ET treatment. SDS‐PAGE was performed to analyze the sperm nuclear proteins collected from patients with immature sperm (stained red with D‐AO staining) and proven fertile men.

Results (1) It was suggested that D‐AO staining allowed the immature sperm to be divided into two groups. One was immature sperm, which had disturbance of S‐S formation in the epididymides, and the other was that which had an abnormal exchange process of nuclear proteins in the testes. (2) The stainability after D‐AO staining showed no correlation with the findings of semen analysis. (3) The fertilization rate of IVF‐ET was significantly correlated to the percentage of green sperm staining with D‐AO staining. (4) In the pregnant group after IVF‐ET, it was noticed that sperm of the green type with D‐AO staining was increased in comparison with the non‐pregnancy group. (5) The fertilization rate in the group of the sperm stained red with D‐AO staining was increased to 73.5% by ICSI. (6) Definite differences were noticed between the protein components of the patients with immature sperm and those of the proven fertile men by analyzing with SDS‐PAGE.

Conclusion D‐AO staining was an efficient method for evaluating the fertilizing ability of human ejaculated sperm, and to determine an appropriate ART tool such as ICSI.
Lack of toxicity of EGFR antisense gene therapy
Authors: Zeng Qing , Kanter Peter M. , Dhir Rajiv , Gooding William E. , Huang Leaf , Grandis Jennifer Rubin
Published: March 2003

Purpose: EGFR is overexpressed in many human cancer cells, including head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). We have previously shown that elevated EGFR levels in the primary HNSCC tumor are associated with decreased survival. Reduction of EGFR tumor expression levels using an antisense EGFR sequence under the control of the U6 small nuclear RNA promoter abrogates tumor growth in a head and neck xenograft model. In support of a phase I clinical trial of an EGFR antisense gene‐liposome complex administered to HNSCC patients, we conducted a series of studies to evaluate the safety of intralesional injections of EGFR liposomal antisense gene therapy in normal mice.

Methods: Three dose tiers were examined including the starting DNA‐lipid dose for the clinical trial.

Results: Tissues and blood were harvested from mice treated with the liposome‐mediated gene therapy and control mice at several time points for analysis. In this dosing range, administration of the antisense EGFR DNA‐liposome complex had no apparent adverse effect on renal, hepatic and hematologic parameters studied. No major organ pathologic changes were observed.

Conclusions: These results suggest that the toxicity of intralesional EGFR antisense DNA plus liposomes is restricted to a self‐limited inflammation at the injection site, and may be well‐tolerated in the clinical setting. EGFR antisense gene therapy was reviewed by the Recombinant DNA Advisory Committee and the Food and Drug Administration, and a phase I clinical trial is currently underway in patients with advanced HNSCC.
Hexadecylphosphocholine does not influence phospholipase D and sphingomyelinase activity in human leukemia cells
Authors: Berkovic Dinko , Berkovic Katharina , Binder Claudia , Haase Detlef , Fleer Eduard A.M.
Published: March 2003

Hexadecylphosphocholine (HePC) is the first representative of the alkylphosphocholines (APC), a new group of biologically active compounds. HePC has pronounced antiproliferative effects on neoplastic cells in vitro and in vivo. The molecular mechanism by which HePC exerts its biological effects is still under investigation. Recently there has been growing evidence that HePC probably interferes with cellular signalling via phospholipases. It has been shown to inhibit both forms of phospholipase C (PLC), the phosphatidylinositol‐ and the phosphatidylcholine‐specific PLC, and phospholipase A2. Here we present data showing that HePC inhibits the activity of phospholipase D in vitro, whereas the action of this enzyme in leukemic cell lines is not affected. Furthermore HePC does not seem to disturbe the activity of sphingomyelinase, another enzyme of phospholipid metabolism which has been shown to play an important role in cellular signalling as well.
Genomic plus‐strand RNA synthesis by the brome mosaic virus (BMV) RNA replicase requires a sequence that is complementary to the binding site of the BMV helicase‐like protein
Authors: Sivakumaran K. , Kao C. C.
Published: March 2003

Initiation of genomic plus‐strand RNA synthesis by the brome mosaic virus (BMV) replicase in vitro requires a 26‐nucleotide (nt) RNA sequence at the 3′ end of the minus‐strand RNA and a nontemplated nucleotide 3′ of the initiation cytidylate [Sivakumaran, K. and Kao, C.C. (1999)J. Virol.64, 6415–6423]. At the 5′ end of this RNA is a 9‐nt sequence called the cB box, the complement of the previously defined B box. The cB box can not be functionally replaced by the B box and has specific positional and sequence requirements. The portion of the cB box that is required for RNA synthesis in vitro is well‐conserved in species in the Bromoviridae family. An equivalent RNA from Cucumber mosaic virus was unable to direct efficient RNA synthesis by the BMV replicase until the cB box was positioned at the same site relative to the BMV RNA and guanylates were present at positions +6 and +7 from the initiation cytidylate. These results further define the elements required for the recognition and initiation of viral genomic plus‐strand RNA synthesis and suggest that a sequence important for minus‐strand RNA synthesis is also required for plus‐strand RNA synthesis.
A thaumatin‐like gene from Asparagus officinalis (AoPRT‐L) exhibits slow activation following tissue maceration or salicylic acid treatment, suggesting convergent defence‐related signalling in monocots
Authors: Darby Robert M. , Firek Simon , Mur Luis A. J. , Draper John
Published: March 2003

Messenger RNA derived from mechanically separated cells of asparagus has proved to be an enriched source of defence‐related transcripts. We describe the characterization of a novel PR‐5 gene coding for a secreted protein of neutral pI (AoPRT‐L) that is strongly up‐regulated following cell isolation or following accelerated tissue ageing caused by tissue maceration, but which is also responsive to salicylic acid, a defence‐related signal not normally associated with wound responses. Infection with the necrotizing fungal pathogen Stemphylium vesicarium confirmed the responsiveness of AoPRT‐L to pathogen challenge in intact plants. An upstream region of the AoPRT‐L gene of less than 500 bp was sufficient to confer SA‐inducibility in transgenic tobacco. The expression profile of AoPRT‐L in both macerated and pathogen challenged tissue suggested there were complex, convergent signalling mechanisms operating during responses to these different stresses.
Spontaneous deletion enhances movement of a cucumber necrosis virus based chimera expressing the red clover necrotic mosaic virus movement protein gene†
Authors: Reade Ron , Delroux Karine , Macdonald Kim , Sit Tim L. , Lommel Steven A. , Rochon D’Ann
Published: March 2003

The 35‐kDa movement protein (MP) gene of red clover necrotic mosaic virus (RCNMV) and 3′ flanking sequence were inserted in a cucumber necrosis virus (CNV) deletion mutant lacking a large portion of the coding region for the MP. Nicotiana benthamiana plants inoculated with chimeric synthetic transcripts of the resulting hybrid cDNA clone (M5/RM2) developed both local and systemic symptoms and accumulated high levels of chimeric viral RNA. Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) and sequence analysis of viral RNA extracted from systemically infected leaves of four different plants revealed that in each plant a large portion (305, 308, 315 or 127 nts) of the 3′ terminus of the inserted sequence spontaneously deleted during infection. In three of the deletion derivatives, the truncated RCNMV MP open reading frame (ORF) was fused in‐frame with the remaining portion of the 3′ terminal region of CNV MP ORF. The movement efficiencies of M5/RM2, a cloned copy of one of the deletion derivatives (ClM5/RM2dd1), and a stop codon mutant of ClM5/RM2dd1 (ClM5/RM2dd1stop), which prevents translational fusion to the CNV MP, were compared and it was determined that deletion of RCNMV MP sequences in conjunction with fusion to CNV MP sequences increases the movement efficiency of the chimeric virus genome. Absence of the C‐terminal region of the RCNMV MP in RCNMV RNA‐2 abolished RCNMV movement. However, movement could be complemented in trans if cells were coinoculated with ClM5/RM2dd1. Complementation of RCNMV movement did not occur using ClM5/RM2dd1stop, suggesting a role for appended CNV MP sequences in movement of the RCNMV genome. The ability of the CNV replicase to delete unnecessary or deleterious RCNMV sequences and to append the required CNV MP sequences reinforces the role of RNA recombination in the adaptation and evolution of viral genomes.
De novo generation of Lettuce infectious yellows virus defective RNAs in protoplasts
Authors: Rubio Luis , Tian Tongyan , Yeh Hsin‐Hung , Livieratos Yannis , Falk Bryce W.
Published: March 2003

Lettuce infectious yellows virus (LIYV)‐infected plants contain a heterogeneous population of defective RNAs (D RNAs) derived from LIYV genomic RNA 2. To partly address how LIYV D RNAs are generated, in vitro synthesized transcripts corresponding to the LIYV genomic RNAs 1 and 2 were inoculated to protoplasts, and these were analysed for genomic and D RNAs. De novo generated D RNAs were readily detected by 48 h post‐inoculation. Furthermore, when separate aliquots from the same protoplast preparation were separately inoculated with aliquots of the same LIYV RNA 1 and RNA 2 transcript preparations, different D RNA populations were detected in each. Thus, different D RNAs arose de novo within separate protoplast samples. Nucleotide sequence analysis of some de novo LIYV D RNAs revealed that they have a similar structure to the LIYV D RNAs described previously from whole plants, and to those of other plant viruses, consisting of one large internal deletion of the LIYV genomic RNA 2, but retaining 5′ and 3′ terminal sequences. However, one of the LIYV D RNAs had two non‐contiguous internal deletions.
National Library of Medicine Classification compared with Bliss class H
Authors: BURY SUSAN
Published: March 2003

A comparison of the National Library of Medicine Classification with class H of Bliss' Bibliographic Classification is made under three headings. Firstly the author's 12 criteria for judging classification schemes are used to compare these two schemes in detail. These criteria cover basis, order, universality, hospitality, adaptability, terminology, indication of relations, synthesis, notation, ease of use, revision and practical use. Bliss is shown to be superior in all except one aspect of notation. In the second part the twelfth criterion is used to compare the practical use of the schemes, a test file of 13 titles being classified by the two schemes and relative merits and disadvantages discussed. Bliss always gives specific if sometimes long class marks, but the National Library of Medicine Classification has the disadvantages of lack of specificity, lack of synthesis and two places for some subjects. The third part compares the indexes of the two schemes, showing that Bliss contains more indexing terms despite the National Library of Medicine Classification's larger bulk, and that Bliss gives clear, unambiguous, full and specific subject indexing. The disadvantages of alphabetic subject indexing are mentioned. Finally some defences put forward for the National Library of Medicine Classification are criticized.
Towards a coordinated approach for management information in the NHS
Authors: PARRIS GILLIAN
Published: March 2003

This study examines the provision of information services for NHS management against the historical development of library and information services to all health service personnel, with particular reference to information needs, patterns of provision and coordination through all levels of the National Health Service (NHS). The information needs peculiar to management are examined in the context of the recommendations of the Körner Group and their implementation. Particular attention is paid to documentary sources of information and recommendations for the functions, staffing, management arrangements and computer policy of the District Information Service are explored in relation to Regional and National Information Networks. Finally, constraints on the development of such a comprehensive management information strategy are highlighted.
Recognizing the variety of need–library services to older people*
Authors: BOWEN JUDITH , DEE MARIANNE
Published: March 2003

A research project on public library services to older people which was funded by the British Library is described. The objectives were to assess the level and nature of current activity; to explore the extent to which librarians still adopted a ‘medical model’ when planning services; and to investigate to what extent the needs of a younger more active group of people are now recognized. Some of the principal findings are discussed, particularly those which may be of interest to health service professionals, including librarians. The survey covered all public library authorities and six were visited to obtain more information in depth.
Computers and medical education: lessons from the USA
Authors: MCATEER C. O.
Published: March 2003

Computers are impinging on every sphere of medical education and their use is most highly developed in the USA. Applications in the areas of the medical record, interactive learning systems, library and research facilities and artificial intelligence are described and discussed with particular reference to postgraduate medical education in general practice.
Personal reference management software—how to evaluate it?
Authors: MOORE CAROLINE
Published: March 2003

The background to the development of personal reference management software is outlined and the difference between the two basic types—database management software and text retrieval software—is explained. In conclusion a checklist for evaluating personal reference management software is given.
Management by agreement: contracting for library services in South West Thames
Authors: CARMEL M.
Published: March 2003

On 1 April 1991, the financial base of the NHS underwent its most dramatic change since its inception in 1948. All NHS services are now based on contracts and this has major implications for library services. This change was perceived by the South West Thames Regional Library Service as presenting a unique opportunity and the paper outlines the background to the thinking and the strategy adopted to meet the challenges. Sources of library funding and precise spending details were identified by means of a survey and contracts agreed covering all NHS staff in each of the 13 districts. The contracts are operating as ‘shadow contracts’ for 1991–92 allowing a valuable period of evaluation and monitoring before any money actually changes hands. The survey form for collecting library budgetary information and the service agreement are included as Appendices to the article.
Using new electronic information products to fund others
Authors: COX JOHN , FLETCHER ANNE
Published: March 2003

Small medical libraries can, with a planned approach, respond positively to extra user demands generated by new information products, such as CD‐ROM databases, by takig the initiative to raise, through fee‐based services, income which can be used to fund other products.
Children in hospital: I. Survey of library and book provision*
Authors: MATTHEWS DAVID A. , LONSDALE RAY
Published: March 2003

Between 1989 and 1991 two related research projects were undertaken by the authors at the Department of Information and Library Studies, Aberystwyth, into services for children in hospital. This article summarizes the findings of the first of the projects, a survey of book and library services to children in hospital, giving a national profile of provision. It demonstrates a substantial provision of reading and other materials available to children in hospital but a small number of library services, as such. Nurses, teachers and hospital play staff generally exploited these materials for pleasure, educational and therapeutic purposes. The survey was based on questionnaires sent to all hospitals in the UK which treated children and was addressed, where possible, to hospital librarians, otherwise to the senior paediatric nurse. A shorter questionnaire was also addressed to all local authority Young People's and Schools Library services for a public library or school library perspective. Where there was evidence of the use of reading therapy, a further questionnaire was sent to explore its practice. A second article will discuss the results of the second project, which was devoted to a further exploration of reading therapy with children in hospital.
Children in hospital: II. Reading therapy and children in hospital
Authors: MATTHEWS DAVID A. , LONSDALE RAY
Published: March 2003

Following the survey of book and library service in the first of these two articles (Health Libraries Review, 8, 210–219), a research project funded by BNB Research Fund in 1991 investigated the theory and practice of reading therapy with childrcn in hospital. Hospital play staff had been identified as the therapists most commonly involved and a number of them were interviewed using advance notice questionnaires and structured discussion. The following aspects were investigated: definitions of reading therapy, children in hospital, the reading therapy process, materials used, evaluation, services to facilitate and promote reading therapy, training and the role of libraries and librarians. Recommendations relate to practice, to provision and listing of materials, to evaluation procedures and to training. The final conclusions relate to the role of librarians in the processes and development of reading therapy with children in hospital.
Responsibility for funding NHS library services*
Authors: STEWART DAVID
Published: March 2003

This paper is intended to contribute to discussion and debate on sources of funding for NHS library services which is a complex issue in the present climate of organizational change. Topics covered include the management and organization of services, the users, their requirements and sources of funding. In conclusion a number of specific issues that need addressing are raised.
Subject strengths and weaknesses of four current‐awareness services on diskette
Authors: BAKKER SUZANNE
Published: March 2003

This paper reports on a comparison of four current‐awareness services on floppy disk: current contents on diskette‐life sciences, current contents on diskette—clinical medicine, medical science weekly and reference update. The four differ considerably not so much in the number of journals as in the subject emphasis of journal titles covered. Like most bibliographic databases the area of particular interest to the individual or organization will dictate which of these services is the best choice. For many subspecialties the differences are too big to ignore; subject strengths and weakncsses are discussed in this article since many (end)users will depend on the advice of medical librarians.
ADONIS: a document delivery solution? A case study
Authors: MORRIS WAYNE
Published: March 2003

The ADONIS document delivery system was assessed for its potential application within the University of Wales College of Medicine Library. Potential benefits and disadvantages were identified. The Library's inter‐library loan statistics were analyzed to assess the popularity of titles covered by ADONIS, and then used to assess the possible financial savings to be made by the introduction of ADONIS. These results were then considered and lessons, which may be more widely applicable, were discussed.
Health Facts Information Centre, Frenchay Hospital, Bristol: five years 1988–1992
Authors: Sweetland Jane
Published: March 2003

The Health Facts Information Centre at Frenchay Hospital, Bristol was officially opened in March 1988. It provides information in lay terms about illnesses and self‐help groups for patients, the public and health professionals. Enquiries are made by letter, telephone or personal visit.
Audit of health services—the crucial role of information
Authors: ROBERTS JEAN
Published: March 2003

A healthcare delivery agency evaluates its effectiveness and efficiency by the use of audit techniques. The audit can either be an ad hoc occurrence or part of a scheduled programme of examination and can be initiated by a specific concern, review of good practice or a process of change. Information plays a crucial role in defining the actual situation and informing the discussion from the earliest pre‐audit stage to the decision‐making process which follows the assessment of the audit outcomes. Measurement of any changes that have actually occurred as a result of actions undertaken is very important. It is necessary to quantify the movement from a baseline since the last scrutiny, rather than rely on anecdotal evidence or perceptions. The information to underpin the consideration of the topic of the healthcare audit must be consistent, contemporary, complete and correct information. This paper makes observations based on a number of studies carried out in the UK for both public and private healthcare organizations, and stresses the need for the availability of good information to determine the benefits of actions taken and changes made.
The evolution of undergraduate medical informatics programmes
Authors: MURPHY JEANNETTE
Published: March 2003

This article summarizes developments in the teaching of medical informatics to undergraduate health care professionals. Whilst clinical schools are adopting quite different approaches to informatics education and training, there seem to be a number of common factors shaping educational policies and the resultant programmes. Different professional schools face similar problems in relation to resources and staff development. At the same time, examination of different syllabuses suggests the existence of divergent models as to what medical informatics should encompass, as well as different views as to what elements of the domain should be included in preliminary or undergraduate courses. The relevance of these trends to health libraries is briefly considered.
Assembling the evidence: patient‐focused outcomes research
Authors: COULTER ANGELA
Published: March 2003

Wide variations in medical practice point to the need for better information about the effectiveness of medical interventions derived from well‐conducted outcomes studies. The best outcomes research is patient‐focused. The example of hysterectomy is used to illustrate the type of information patients need if they are to be active participants in decisions about their care. These decisions are complex, involving the weighing up of a number of potential risks, benefits and uncertainties. Patients as well as doctors need reliable summaries of the evidence to promote shared decision‐making and to increase the chance of beneficial health outcomes.
A GRiPPing yarn—getting research into practice: a case study
Authors: NEEDHAM GILL
Published: March 2003

This article describes the GRiPP initiative in the (old) Oxford Region which set out to explore the potential role of purchasers or commissioners of health care in putting the findings of research into the practice of healthcare. A short account of the background to GRiPP is followed by a more detailed description of the GRiPPfully project carried out in Buckinghamshire and some of the lessons which may be use to other health authorities. The final section of the article considers the role of the healthcare librarian in the context of ‘Getting Research into Practice and Purchasing’.
Expression of CD44 in premalignant and malignant Barrett's oesophagus
Authors: Lagorce‐Pages  , Paraf  , Dubois  , Belghiti  , FLÉjou
Published: March 2003

Aims: To establish the prevalence of CD44 protein expression in a large surgical series of Barrett's adenocarcinoma and associated preneoplastic lesions and to correlate this expression with clinicopathological data and prognosis.

Methods and results:

CD44H and variants (V4/V5,V6) expression was detected by immunohistochemistry in formalin‐fixed, paraffin wax tissue samples of Barrett's mucosa (50) and Barrett's adenocarcinoma (73) obtained from surgical resections from 73 patients. This expression was correlated with pathological features of the tumour and prognosis. CD44H and V6 expression was found in 62% and 55% of Barrett's specialized mucosa negative for dysplasia and in 70% and 63% of Barrett's adenocarcinoma, respectively. CD44H and V6 expression was restricted to the lower part of the crypts in Barrett's specialized mucosa negative for dysplasia and reached the upper part of the crypts in high‐grade dysplasia. A significant relation was found between CD44V6 expression and depth of tumour invasion in the oesophageal wall (P = 0.05), neoplastic vascular invasion (P = 0.0001), neoplastic perineural invasion (P = 0.0004) and stage in Rosenberg's classification (P = 0.02). Cancers with CD44V6 expression had a significantly poorer prognosis (5‐year survival: 17%) than those without (5‐year survival: 44%) (P = 0.02) in univariate analysis. However, multivariate analysis showed that CD44V6 expression had no independent prognostic value when tumour invasion and lymph node involvement were taken as explanatory variables.

Conclusion:

CD44H and V6 are frequently expressed in Barrett's oesophagus. The pattern of expression that we observed from mucosa negative for dysplasia to adenocarcinoma suggests that CD44H and V6 may be involved in the carcinogenesis of Barrett's mucosa. CD44V6 expression in adenocarcinoma is correlated to aggressive pathological features.