bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spatial variability of snow chemistry in an alpine snowpack, southern Wyoming
Authors: Rohrbough Justin A. , Davis Donald R. , Bales Roger C.
Published: July 2003

The spatial variability of ionic concentrations in snowpack at the Glacier Lakes Ecosystem Experimental Site (GLEES) in Wyoming's Rocky Mountains during the 1988–1990 water years was examined using a variety of statistical analyses. Snow chemical concentrations were quite variable over small increments of time and space; however, the extensive sampling at GLEES allowed concentration patterns in the basin to be detected. Only Ca2+ and H+ had significantly different average values in pits from different parts of GLEES. These differences plus further geological and multivariate analyses indicated a separate eolian source for those ions. Concentration patterns resembled reports from other continental sites and were distinct from the Sierra Nevada of California, which has marine‐dominated snow chemistry. All major ions, except Ca2+ and NH4+, showed significant concentration differences in snow strata with different morphologies. Lower concentrations of H+ and NO3− were observed in more highly metamorphosed snow, and lower concentrations of NO3− were observed in shallow pits as compared to deeper pits at the same location, indicating that HNO3 was released from the pack prior to snowmelt. The large spatial variations in concentrations require 50 or more samples for reasonably narrow confidence intervals for basin‐wide values for most means and coefficients of variation.
Sequence‐based typing identifies a novel HLA‐DPB1 allele, DPB1*9601
Authors: Witter K. , Gervais T. , Dunn P.P.J. , Voorter C. , Muramoto J. , Albert E.D.
Published: July 2003

Abstract:  In this report we describe the identification of a novel HLA‐DPB1 allele, DPB1*9601, found in a Caucasian individual sample named ucla#356. The new allele was detected in the DNA of ucla#356 during routine HLA sequence‐based typing (SBT) of samples participating in the UCLA International HLA DNA Exchange (number 55) for HLA DNA Proficiency Testing. DPB1*9601 was identical to DPB1*3901 except for a single nucleotide substitution ‘G’→‘C’ in previously constant position 277 (position 177, respectively, counting only exon 2). This nucleotide change causes an amino acid substitution from aspartic acid in DPB1*3901 to histidine at codon 64 in the novel allele. This new allele has been submitted to the EMBL database and has been assigned the accession number AJ514871. The WHO Nomenclature Committee has officially assigned the name DPB1*9601.
Current and potential uses for DNA microarrays in transplantation medicine: lessons from other disciplines
Authors: Boussioutas A. , Haviv I.
Published: July 2003

Abstract:  DNA microarrays are used to study simultaneous gene expression in thousands of genes. This tool has moved beyond proof‐of‐principle and its integration into medical practice is slowly becoming a reality. This technology has enabled unparalleled progress into the study of complex polygenic diseases. Although cancer research introduced DNA microarrays into the medical arena other disciplines are beginning to exploit the power of this technology to advance medical research.

In this review we outline aspects of the design of a microarray experiment from the choice of platform, through the experimental procedure to the analysis of the results. We review the current applications and speculate on potential applications of this technology with particular reference to transplantation medicine.
Molecular forms of arginine decarboxylase in oat leaves
Authors: Ruiz O. A. , Bortolotti C. , Masgrau C. , Tiburcio A. F. , Altabella T.
Published: July 2003

Arginine decarboxylase (ADC, EC 4.1.1.19) is the first enzyme in one of the two biosynthetic pathways of putrescine in plants and has been characterized from a number of species, beginning with the work of Smith (1979; Phytochemistry 18: 1447–1452) who suggested that oat ADC had native sizes of 118 and 195 kDa. There are several studies showing a lack of correlation between changes in enzyme activity and mRNA or protein levels. In oats (Avena sativa L.) a posttranslational modification of ADC has been described. The protein is synthesized as a 66‐kDa precursor that is proteolytically processed into two polypeptides of 42 and 24 kDa with an associated gain of enzyme activity. In the present work, we have studied the existence of different ADC molecular forms in oat leaves by determination of enzymatic activity and using polyclonal antibodies obtained against an amino acid sequence near the C terminus deduced from the nucleotide sequence. In Avena sativa L. cv. Victory, we demonstrate the existence of 5 different molecular forms of ADC, with approximate molecular mass of 195, 115, 66, 38 and 23 kDa, that react with our antibodies and have enzymatic activity. Our results agree with previous work, but this is the first report showing all molecular forms simultaneously and might be a preliminary contribution to solve the question about the distribution of multiple forms of ADC and their importance in the correlation between the enzymatic activity and mRNA levels.
The end‐of‐day far‐red irradiation increases gibberellin A1 content in cowpea (Vigna sinensis) epicotyls by reducing its inactivation
Authors: Martínez‐García Jaime F. , Santes Cristina M. , García‐Martínez José L.
Published: July 2003

It has been shown previously that gibberellins (GAs) mediate the phytochrome (Phy) control of cowpea (Vigna sinensis L.) epicotyl elongation induced by end‐of‐day (EOD)‐far‐red light (FR). In the present work, the EOD‐FR effect on GA metabolism and GA levels in cowpea has been investigated. GA1, GA8, GA19 and GA20 were identified in epicotyls, and GA1, GA19, GA20 and GA29‐catabolite in leaves of 6‐day‐old cowpea seedlings. The content of GA1 in the epicotyl paralleled the decrease of its growth rate, supporting the hypothesis that this is the GA bioactive in controlling cowpea epicotyl elongation. FR enhanced both the amount of [3H]GA1 in the epicotyl produced from applied [3H]GA20, and that of applied [3H]GA1 that remained unmetabolized in epicotyl explants, suggesting that Phy may regulate the inactivation of GA1. In agreement with this effect of light on GA1 metabolism, the contents of GA1 in the epicotyl remained higher in FR‐treated than in R‐treated explants. Moreover, in intact seedlings EOD‐FR treatment increased both epicotyl elongation and GA1 content in the responsive epicotyl, whereas it was not altered in the leaves. These results show, for the first time, that photostable Phys modulate the stem elongation in light‐grown plants by locally controlling the GA1 levels through regulation of its inactivation.
Approximate entropy of symptoms of mood: an effective technique to quantify regularity of mood
Authors: Yeragani Vikram K , Pohl Robert , Mallavarapu Mallika , Balon Richard
Published: July 2003

Objectives:  Several psychiatric conditions are associated with lability of affect. In this study, we investigated regularity of mood using APEN (Approximate Entropy) on daily subjective ratings using a Visual Analog Scale with 11 items pertaining to mood.

Methods:  APEN was applied to the data in a double‐blind placebo controlled investigation on the effects of fluoxetine (n=19), pemoline (n=18) and placebo (n=20) in normal controls. These subjects rated their subjective feelings daily at the end of each day. We analysed 56 data point time series (each value was obtained on each day) after the three experimental conditions.

Results:  While the mean or the SD of all the 56 points was not significantly different among the three conditions, APEN was highly and significantly lower for pemoline compared with fluoxetine and placebo. There was no significant correlation between average APEN and mean or SD (standard deviation). The one symptom that explained most of this difference among the groups after drug administration was the feeling of ‘happiness’.

Conclusions:  This result indicates that there was a more consistent subjective sense of happiness during the 8‐week period of pemoline administration compared with the other two drugs. Though this study was not designed to address the efficacy of mood stabilizing drugs, such daily subjective ratings may be useful in future studies that evaluate the stability of mood. APEN has been used in several different fields of research with small data sets and this study extends its possible use to evaluate changes in mood in certain populations such as patients with bipolar disorders.
Allelic association study between phospholipase A2 genes and bipolar affective disorder
Authors: Meira‐Lima Ivanor , Jardim Daniela , Junqueira Ricardo , Ikenaga Elisa , Vallada Homero
Published: July 2003

Objectives:  In vivo studies demonstrating that lithium is a powerful phospholipase A2 (PLA2) inhibitor suggest that PLA2 activation, and subsequent cell signaling overactivation by increased fatty acid release may be the primary abnormality in bipolar affective disorder (BPAD), thus making PLA2 genes attractive candidates for the susceptibility to BPAD. The present study investigates polymorphisms in cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2), calcium‐independent phospholipase A2 (iPLA2), and secretory phospholipase (sPLA2) genes in a Brazilian sample.

Methods:  A cross‐sectional study was performed with 181 unrelated DSM‐IIIR BPAD subjects and 312 controls. A polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism assay for BanI cPLA2 and AvrII iPLA2 polymorphisms was performed, and an ATT repeat in sPLA2 was assessed using a semiautomated genetic analyzer (ALFexpress).

Results:  There was no significant difference observed in the allelic and genotypic distribution between the BPAD and control groups for cPLA2 (genotype: χ2 = 0.8, 2df, p = 0.6; allele χ2 = 0, 1df, p = 0.9), iPLA2 (genotype: χ2 = 1.7, 2df, p = 0.4; allele: χ2 = 0.3, 1df, p = 0.6), and sPLA2 (allele: χ2 = 3.6, 6df, p = 0.8).

Conclusion:  Our results failed to demonstrate that the studied PLA2 polymorphisms were associated with an increased risk for BPAD in our sample.
GAMIAN‐Europe*/BEAM survey I – global analysis of a patient questionnaire circulated to 3450 members of 12 European advocacy groups operating in the field of mood disorders
Authors: Morselli Paolo Lucio , Elgie Rodney
Published: July 2003

Objectives: GAMIAN‐Europe is a pan‐European federation of national patient organizations from 30 European countries covering the whole spectrum of psychiatry. To gain a better understanding of what it is like to live with bipolar disorder (BD), GAMIAN‐Europe undertook a detailed patient‐based questionnaire, known as ‘GAMIAN‐Europe/BEAM Survey’, examining a variety of aspects.

Methods: The questionnaire was mailed to 3450 patients from 12 member organizations in 11 countries. A total of 1760 completed questionnaires were received but 28 were ruled out as inappropriate. Of the remainder, 1041 respondents stated that they had been, or were, suffering from BD. The remainder stated that they were suffering from depression, dysthymia or atypical depression.

Results: The findings indicate that, on average, a bipolar patient is expected to wait for 5.7 years for a correct diagnosis from the first onset of symptoms. Many patients have a family history of mood and anxiety disorders. They experience a high degree of stigmatization from all quarters. This is reflected in the difficulties they experience in obtaining employment despite high academic achievement.

Most patients receive combination therapy. Compliance problems resulting from adverse side‐effects are less significant than in the past. Overall, the level of satisfaction with pharmacotherapy was high yet, paradoxically, patients had reservations about dependency issues and possible long‐term side‐effects.

Conclusions: There was a clear need for more patient education about pharmacological and psychosocial interventions, despite material progress having been made over the past decade. There is an urgent need for more information and education for both relatives and the public in most European countries to improve awareness and understanding of BDs and other mood disorders and the doctor–patient dialogue.
Risk factors in relation to an emergence of bipolar disorder: a systematic review
Authors: Tsuchiya Kenji J , Byrne Majella , Mortensen Preben B
Published: July 2003

Objective: There is a consensus that genetic factors are important in the causation of bipolar disorder (BPD); however, little is known about other risk factors in the aetiology of BPD. Our aim was to review the literature on such risk factors – risk factors other than family history of affective disorders – as predictors for the initial onset of BPD.

Methods: We conducted a literature search using the MEDLINE, PsycINFO and EMBASE databases. We selected factors of interest including demographic factors, factors related to birth, personal, social and family backgrounds, and history of medical conditions. The relevant studies were extracted systematically according to a search protocol.

Results: We identified approximately 100 studies that addressed the associations between antecedent environmental factors and a later risk for BPD. Suggestive findings have been provided regarding pregnancy and obstetric complications, winter–spring birth, stressful life events, traumatic brain injuries and multiple sclerosis. However, evidence is still inconclusive. Childbirth is likely to be a risk factor. The inconsistency across studies and methodological issues inherent in the study designs are also discussed.

Conclusion: Owing to a paucity of studies and methodological issues, risk factors of BPD other than family history of affective disorders have generally been neither confirmed nor excluded. We call for further research.
Oral choline decreases brain purine levels in lithium‐treated subjects with rapid‐cycling bipolar disorder: a double‐blind trial using proton and lithium magnetic resonance spectroscopy
Authors: Lyoo In Kyoon , Demopulos Christina M , Hirashima Fuyuki , Ahn Kyung Heup , Renshaw Perry F
Published: July 2003

Objectives: Oral choline administration has been reported to increase brain phosphatidylcholine levels. As phospholipid synthesis for maintaining membrane integrity in mammalian brain cells consumes approximately 10–15% of the total adenosine triphosphate (ATP) pool, an increased availability of brain choline may lead to an increase in ATP consumption. Given reports of genetic studies, which suggest mitochondrial dysfunction, and phosphorus (31P) magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) studies, which report dysfunction in high‐energy phosphate metabolism in patients with bipolar disorder, the current study is designed to evaluate the role of oral choline supplementation in modifying high‐energy phosphate metabolism in subjects with bipolar disorder.

Methods: Eight lithium‐treated patients with DSM‐IV bipolar disorder, rapid cycling type were randomly assigned to 50 mg/kg/day of choline bitartrate or placebo for 12 weeks. Brain purine, choline and lithium levels were assessed using 1H‐ and 7Li‐MRS. Patients received four to six MRS scans, at baseline and weeks 2, 3, 5, 8, 10 and 12 of treatment (n = 40 scans). Patients were assessed using the Clinical Global Impression Scale (CGIS), the Young Mania Rating Scale (YRMS) and the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) at each MRS scan.

Results: There were no significant differences in change‐from‐baseline measures of CGIS, YMRS, and HDRS, brain choline/creatine ratios, and brain lithium levels over a 12‐week assessment period between the choline and placebo groups or within each group. However, the choline treatment group showed a significant decrease in purine metabolite ratios from baseline (purine/n‐acetyl aspartate: coef = −0.08, z = −2.17, df = 22, p = 0.030; purine/choline: coef = −0.12, z = −1.97, df = 22, p = 0.049) compared to the placebo group, controlling for brain lithium level changes. Brain lithium level change was not a significant predictor of purine ratios.

Conclusions: The current study reports that oral choline supplementation resulted in a significant decrease in brain purine levels over a 12‐week treatment period in lithium‐treated patients with DSM‐IV bipolar disorder, rapid‐cycling type, which may be related to the anti‐manic effects of adjuvant choline. This result is consistent with mitochondrial dysfunction in bipolar disorder inadequately meeting the demand for increased ATP production as exogenous oral choline administration increases membrane phospholipid synthesis.
Thyroid indices and treatment outcome in bulimia nervosa
Authors: Gendall K. A. , Joyce P. R. , Carter F. A. , McIntosh V. V. , Bulik C. M.
Published: July 2003

Objective: This study examined the thyroxine (T4) and free T4 (FT4) status of women with bulimia nervosa and its value as a predictor of outcome.

Method: A total of 135 women with bulimia nervosa underwent 12‐weeks cognitive behavioral therapy treatment. Prior to and at 3‐year follow‐up patients completed psychiatric assessments and serumT4 and FT4 were measured.

Results: At 3‐year follow‐up, 71% had no eating disorder and 29% met criteria for any eating disorder diagnosis. Mean T4 and FT4 concentrations were within normal ranges. Pre‐treatment T4 and FT4 concentrations were inversely associated with food restriction and purging frequency, respectively. Compared with women with no eating disorder, those with any eating disorder at follow‐up had lower pretreatment T4 concentrations. When pre‐treatment food restriction, oral contraceptive use and binge frequency where controlled for, low T4 concentration was the only predictor of eating disorder diagnosis at follow‐up.

Conclusion: Low T4 concentrations at pretreatment may be a predictor of poor outcome in bulimia nervosa.
Psychological effects of the November 1999 earthquake in Turkey: an epidemiological study
Authors: Kılıç C. , Ulusoy M.
Published: July 2003

Objective: This study assessed the traumatic stress symptoms and related factors in two towns affected by two earthquakes, which killed 20 000 people in 1999 in Turkey.

Method: A total of 430 people in selected households were seen 18 months after the earthquake. They were given a self‐report questionnaire assessing post‐traumatic stress (PTSD) and depressive symptoms, demographics and trauma exposure.

Results: The rates of PTSD and depression were higher in the site closer to the epicenter. The traumatic stress symptom checklist scores were predicted by fear during earthquake, loss of friends and neighbours, female gender, lower education and living in rented accomodation. Depression was predicted by study site, death of relatives and past psychiatric illness.

Conclusion: These results show that severe earthquakes can cause long‐lasting morbidity. Our previous findings that showed a differential prediction for depressive and traumatic stress symptoms after earthquakes are also supported.
Eating disorders and aggressiveness among adolescents
Authors: Miotto P. , De Coppi M. , Frezza M. , Petretto D. R. , Masala C. , Preti A.
Published: July 2003

Objective: To explore the links between propensity to aggression and eating disorders in a sample of school‐aged adolescents in a northeastern area of Italy.

Method: In a mixed male–female sample of 1000 adolescents (10% of the district's population aged 15–19 years) we administered the Eating Attitudes Test, the Bulimic Investigatory Test of Edinburgh and the Body Attitudes Test, as measures of abnormal eating attitudes and behaviours, and the Aggression Questionnaire, as a measure of the propensity to aggression.

Results: Females scored significantly higher than males at all eating disorders inventories (P < 0.0001). Males scored higher than females at the Aggression Questionnaire. In both genders, there was a positive correlation between scores at any of the eating disorders inventories and those at the Aggression Questionnaire (P < 0.0001).

Conclusion: Overtly expressed aggression might have a negative impact on the course of eating disorders and on the compliance with treatment, also enhancing the risk of suicide.
Comorbidity of impulse control disorders in pathological gamblers
Authors: Grant J. E. , Kim S. W.
Published: July 2003

Objective: To investigate the rate of impulse control disorders among pathological gamblers and examine the relationship of comorbidity to gambling severity.

Method: Ninety‐six adult pathological gamblers [mean age: 46.7 ± 11.0 years; female: 44 (45.8%)] completed the following: Minnesota Impulsive Disorders Interview, Yale‐Brown Obsessive–Compulsive Scale Modified for Pathological Gambling, and Gambling Symptom Assessment Scale.

Results: Twenty‐two subjects (22.9%) reported a comorbid impulse control disorder, most commonly compulsive sexual behaviour and compulsive buying. Subjects with comorbidity reported significantly greater intensity of urges (t = −2.021; df = 94; P = 0.046) and thoughts (t = −2.147; df = 42.3; P = 0.038) related to gambling, and greater interference (t = −3.913; df = 48.1; P < 0.001) and distress (t = −2.504; df = 52.7; P = 0.015) secondary to gambling urges and thoughts.

Conclusion: Impulse control disorders appear common among pathological gamblers and are associated with more severe gambling symptoms.
Examination stress in Singapore primary schoolchildren: how compliance by subjects can impact on study results
Authors: Parker G. , Cai Y. , Tan S. , Dear K. , Henderson A. S. , Poh G. T. , Kwee G. C.
Published: July 2003

Objective: Examinations are anecdotally viewed as extremely stressful to Singapore schoolchildren. We test this postulate by obtaining parental ratings of children's emotional stress levels longitudinally in a large representative sample of sixth (P6) and fifth (P5) class primary schoolchildren, respectively, exposed and unexposed to a streaming examination.

Method: Children's stress levels were rated monthly by a parent for 10 months.

Results: Analyses failed to find evidence of any differential stress impact across P6 and P5 comparison groups, apart from a subset of P6 children whose parents complied with every monthly survey.

Conclusion: The streaming examination in the final year of primary school did not emerge as a general stressor to children, but achieved salience within a defined subset of children whose parents were highly study compliant. Study compliance may be a proxy variable of some import, and have wider relevance to other cohort studies and to intervention trials.
Total plasma l‐tryptophan, free l‐tryptophan and competing amino acid levels in a homicidal male adolescent with conduct disorder
Authors: Virkkunen M. , Ebeling H. , Moilanen I. , Tani P. , Pennanen S. , Liesivuori J. , Tiihonen J.
Published: July 2003

Objective: Several studies have shown abnormal findings in human serotonin metabolism, such as increased total plasma l‐tryptophan and free l‐tryptophan levels among habitually violent antisocial offenders. It is not clear if these increased l‐tryptophan levels are associated with adult antisocial personality disorder (ASP) or history of substance abuse, or if these levels are already present in adolescent subjects with conduct disorder (CD).

Method: Total plasma and free l‐tryptophan and competing amino acids (CAAs) were measured in a 15‐year‐old adolescent offender, who was convicted for two homicides, and in 10 healthy male controls of similar age and body mass index (BMI).

Results: In the juvenile offender, plasma total l‐tryptophan/CAA was 84% and free l‐tryptophan/CAA 143% higher than average mean among controls.

Conclusion: From this very aggressive boy with CD, findings of free l‐ and total l‐tryptophan/CAA values were similar to those of habitually violent adult ASP offenders. As severe CDs in adolescence tend to develop into adults with ASP, increased l‐tryptophan/CAA and free l‐tryptophan/CAA values may serve as early indicators for the development of habitually violent adult offenders.
A critical examination of the amenorrhea and weight criteria for diagnosing anorexia nervosa
Authors: Watson T. L. , Andersen A. E.
Published: July 2003

Background: Amenorrhea and weight loss to below 15% of ‘healthy’ weight are current diagnostic criteria for anorexia nervosa (AN). This study compares females who meet current International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, tenth revision (ICD‐10) and Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fourth edition (DSM‐IV) criteria for AN with females who meet the essential psychopathology and significant self‐starvation, but lack either amenorrhea or weight loss below 85%.

Method: This study retrospectively examined the medical charts of 588 consecutive admissions to an in‐patient treatment program. All diagnoses conformed to ICD‐10 and DSM‐IV.

Results: Of 588 admissions, 297 females had some form of AN with 77.4% (230 of 297) meeting current criteria, while 22.6% (67 of 297) with core psychopathology and self‐starvation were classified as eating disorders not otherwise specified or ‘atypical’ because of some menstrual function or final weight above 85%. The groups showed few statistically significant differences on demographics, illness history, and treatment response, psychopathology, or bone density.

Conclusion: Amenorrhea may not be a useful diagnostic criterion. Also, requiring below 85% of healthy weight may need generalization.
Gender differences in unipolar depression: an update of epidemiological findings and possible explanations
Authors: Kuehner C.
Published: July 2003

Objective: To give an update on epidemiological findings on sex differences in the prevalence of unipolar depression and putative risk factors.

Material and methods: Systematic review of the literature.

Results: Recent epidemiological research yields additional evidence for a female preponderance in unipolar depression, holding true across different cultural settings. Current explanations include artefacts, genetic, hormonal, psychological and psychosocial risk factors. Rather consistently, intrapsychic and psychosocial gender role related risk factors have been identified which may contribute to the higher depression risk in women. Gender role aspects are also reflected in endocrine stress reactions and possibly influence associated neuropsychological processes.

Conclusion: There is a need for more integrative models taking into account psychological, psychosocial, and macrosocial risk factors as well as their interactions, which also connect these factors with physiological and endocrine responses. Furthermore, it is conceivable that across the life span, as well as across cultural settings, individual risk factors will add with varying emphasis to the higher prevalence of depression in women.
The Enteric Nervous System I: Organisation and Classification
Authors: Hansen Mark Berner
Published: July 2003

Abstract:Major advances have been made in our understanding of the nervous system in the gastrointestinal tract,the enteric nervous system. Because of its importance,neurogastroenterologyis being increasingly recognised in clinical pharmacology. The enteric nervous system is a collection of neurones that can function more or less independently of the central nervous system and controls or modulates motility, exocrine and endocrine secretions, microcirculation and immune and inflammatory processes. Increasing knowledge of the physiology, pathophysiology, and pharmacology of the enteric nervous system will provide a basis for creation of new approaches to the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders. This review is part one of three and will describe the organisation and classification of the enteric nervous system.
How does elevated ozone impact soybean? A meta‐analysis of photosynthesis, growth and yield
Authors: MORGAN P. B. , AINSWORTH E.A. , LONG S. P.
Published: July 2003

Surface ozone concentrations ([O3]) during the growing season in much of the northern temperate zone reach mean peak daily concentrations of 60 p.p.b. Concentrations are predicted to continue to rise over much of the globe during the next 50 years. Although these low levels of ozone may not induce visible symptoms on most vegetation, they can result in substantial losses of production and reproductive output. Establishing the vulnerability of vegetation to rising background ozone is complicated by marked differences in findings between individual studies. Ozone effects are influenced by exposure dynamics, nutrient and moisture conditions, and the species and cultivars that are investigated. Meta‐analytic techniques provide an objective means to quantitatively summarize treatment responses. Soybean has been the subject of many studies of ozone effects. It is both the most widely planted dicotyledonous crop and a model for other C3 annual plants. Meta‐analytic techniques were used to quantitatively summarize the response of soybean to an average, chronic ozone exposure of 70 p.p.b., from 53 peer‐reviewed studies. At maturity, the average shoot biomass was decreased 34% and seed yield was 24% lower. Even in studies where [O3] was < 60 p.p.b., there was a significant decrease in biomass and seed production. At low [O3], decreased production corresponded to a decrease in leaf photosynthesis, but in higher [O3] the larger loss in production was associated with decreases in both leaf photosynthesis and leaf area. The impact of ozone increased with developmental stage, with little effect on vegetative growth and the greatest effect evident at completion of seed filling. Other stress treatments, including UV‐B and drought, did not alter the ozone response. Elevated carbon dioxide significantly decreased ozone‐induced losses, which may be explained by a significant decrease in stomatal conductance.
Expression of the ipomoelin gene from sweet potato is regulated by dephosphorylated proteins, calcium ion and ethylene
Authors: CHEN Y.‐C. , TSENG B.‐W. , HUANG Y.‐L. , LIU Y.‐C. , JENG S.‐T.
Published: July 2003

A wound‐inducible cDNA, ipomoelin (IPO) was isolated from the subtraction library of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas cv. Tainung 57) and used as a molecular probe to investigate the transduction pathway of wounding signal within plant cells. Following mechanical wounding of the leaves of sweet potato, IPO mRNA accumulation peaked at 6 h and then continuously declined. However, IPO gene expression in the apical unwounded leaves began at 6 h after wounding and continued for a further 10 h. Besides mechanical wounding, methyl jasmonate (MeJA) was identified as a signal transducer leading to the accumulation of IPO mRNA. Treatment with salicylic acid reduced the production of IPO mRNA, further supporting the involvement of the octadecanoid pathway in the signal transduction of wounding in sweet potato. In addition, ethylene was involved in the signal pathway and induced the expression of the IPO gene. Furthermore, the application of okadaic acid, a protein phosphatase inhibitor, blocked the accumulation of IPO mRNA induced by MeJA or ethylene, indicating that activation of the IPO gene by both MeJA and ethylene was via dephosphorylated proteins. The presence of a calcium ion chelator or channel blockers also inhibited the expression of the IPO gene after wounding. However, investigation by confocal scanning microscopy further pointed out that mechanical wounding rather than the application of MeJA induced the accumulation of the calcium ion. These results may indicate that the calcium ion is also involved in the activation of IPO mRNA. In addition, wounding signals the accumulation of calcium ion first and then stimulates the biosynthesis of MeJA in sweet potato. Hence, the reaction sequence of signal transducers, including the calcium ion, MeJA and protein kinase/phosphatase, in the wounding signalling pathway of sweet potato is suggested in this report.
Coping strategies and health status of elderly arthritic women
Authors: Burke Mary , Jean Sister Mary
Published: July 2003

With increasing age many elderly people experience personal and social losses Physical health declines, there is a loss of vigour and an increased susceptibility to disease Osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis in the elderly, is the greatest cause of disability and limitation of activity in older populations The purpose of this descriptive study was to investigate how elderly women cope with the physical impairment and pain associated with osteoarthritis and to examine the relationship between coping strategies and health status The sample consisted of 130 women over 75 years, living alone in one of five life care communities Three instruments were used to collect data The Ways of Coping Scale, The Arthritis Impact Measurement Scale and The Musculoskeletal Impairment Index Pearson product‐moment correlations and stepwise multiple regression were used to analyse data The mean age of the sample was 82 2 years and over 40% had attained bachelor's degree or higher The most utilized coping strategy was self‐control The study variables accounted for 49% of the variance in physical health and 20% in psychosocial health
Interactions of nurses with elderly patients: relationship to nurses’ attitudes and to formal activity periods
Authors: Salmon Peter
Published: July 2003

Two different strategies are possible for improving nurses’ interactions with elderly patients One is to arrange special periods, such as reality orientation, in which a high level of appropriate interaction is encouraged The other is to improve nurses’ attitudes to patients and treatment, or select nurses with better attitudes, on the grounds that poor attitudes might underly poor behaviour This study was designed to find out whether nurses’ interactions with elderly patients varied in relation to their attitudes, or differed between periods of routine care or of special activities based on reality orientation organized by the nurses Systematic observations were made of the behaviour of 27 nurses working on two psychogeriatric wards, before all nurses completed questionnaires measuring attitudes to nursing care and to elderly people A higher proportion of interactions were ‘positive’(i e involved nurses’ informing, questioning or making general conversation) during activity periods than at other times No attitudinal measure predicted the proportion of interactions which were positive, although this was greater in qualified nurses The results are consistent with the view that formal reality orientation periods can improve the quality of nurses’ interactions with elderly patients, but are inconsistent with the view that targeting nurses’ attitudes would be effective
Quality of care in nursing homes: from the resident's perspective
Authors: Pearson Alan , Hocking Susan , Mott Sarah , Riggs Anne
Published: July 2003

This paper derives from a study conducted by the Deakin Institute of Nursing Research between 1988 and 1990, whose major objective was to determine the impact of staffing mix on nursing residents’ quality of care and life Resident satisfaction with life in the nursing home is a key element in determining the quality of care and quality of life provided Both the literature review and the study objectives supported the view that resident outcome can be collected through assessing the quality of care and the quality of life, through assessment by informed observers using instruments derived from explicitly stated standards, and through eliciting the perceptions of residents themselves A schedule designed to measure satisfaction with care was developed and resident interviews were undertaken using this measure and the Life Satisfaction Index (A) The majority of responses to the resident satisfaction schedule were positive The high percentage of positive responses did not correlate with the observations of the research assistants and there was some concern that while residents were able to assess care they were reluctant to criticize the staff or their behaviour
Measuring feeding difficulty in patients with dementia: perspectives and problems
Authors: Watson Roger
Published: July 2003

The feeding problems of demented elderly people are well documented and the need for research into the assessment of feeding difficulty and intervention by nurses has been raised The present paper reviews the literature in this area of care and outlines the problems which exist in attempting to investigate the feeding difficulty of demented patients Demented elderly people display a range of behaviours related to feeding including excessive eating in the early stages of dementia and then difficulty with feeding, refusal to eat and, finally, inability to self‐feed at all The problems with research in this area revolve around the issue of measurement of feeding difficulty There are problems in deciding what to measure and in how measurements should be made which are clinically meaningful A possible strategy for investigating the feeding difficulty of demented elderly patients is suggested which includes the design of a tool for measurement and the application of single‐case studies Any tool which is used for measurement should enable researchers, in the first instance, and then clinicians to categorize the feeding difficulty of individual patients Moreover, such a tool should also be sufficiently sensitive to respond to change in feeding ability The single‐case methodology is considered to be the most ethically and statistically appropriate for research with this particular group of patients
The emerging role of the British nurse teacher in Project 2000 programmes: a Delphi survey
Authors: Crotty Margaret
Published: July 2003

The findings of a three‐round Delphi survey, conducted to explore the role of the British nurse teacher as it emerges within Project 2000 programmes, are discussed The panel of experts comprising 201 grade 2 nurse teachers was drawn from the 25 of the 28 colleges in England who had implemented Project 2000 between September 1989 and April 1991 The findings highlight the complex and multifaceted role of the nurse teacher and the changes which are occurring in the role Currently, the main changes are related to teaching and learning activities These emphasize the depth, level and specialist nature of the teaching, and teaching on a variety of courses at diploma and degree level Assessment activities are given the highest overall rating as important, and recruitment activities the lowest, in both the current and future roles Educational management and administrative activities are found to be numerous and currently do not appear to be declining The few changes that have occurred to the administrative areas have been replaced with similar activities Another important area for the future was perceived to be research activity In view of the developing partnership with higher education in the United Kingdom, this is not a surprising finding
Pushing techniques in the second stage of labour
Authors: Thomson Ann M
Published: July 2003

It is routine to require women to ‘take a deep breath in, hold it and push’ in the second stage of labour, but there is no scientific evidence to support this practice. In a randomized controlled trial of spontaneous (n= 15) versus directed (n= 17) pushing in the second stage, no adverse effects of spontaneous pushing on the woman or baby were found. There was a negative correlation between the length of the second stage and the venous cord blood pH at delivery in the directed pushing group, suggesting that a long second stage was disadvantageous to the fetus when the woman was using a directed pushing technique. No such association was found in the spontaneous pushing group, despite the fact that the women in this group had a significantly longer mean second stage.
Caring is loving
Authors: Jacono Brenda J.
Published: July 2003

This paper explores nursing's current fascination with defining and exploring the term ‘caring'. Fear of caring is proposed as the reason for this fascination. Factors at the root of this fear are identified and an expanded definition of caring (one which arises from the dispelling of such fear) is proposed. This expanded definition is given a new label — loving. For, as this author contends, has not loving always been at the heart of nursing?
Psychophysiological effects of back massage on elderly institutionalized patients
Authors: Fraser Joy , Kerr Janet Ross
Published: July 2003

An experimental design was used to measure the effects of back massage on anxiety levels of elderly residents in a long‐term care institution. Twenty‐one residents, 17 females and four males, participated in the study. Subjects were randomly assigned to three groups which received ‘back massage with normal conversation',‘conversation only’ and ‘no intervention’ respectively. The dependent variable, anxiety, was measured prior to back massage, immediately following, and 10 minutes later, on four consecutive evenings. The Spielberger Self‐Evaluation Questionnaire (STAI), electromyographic recordings, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and heart rate were used as measures of anxiety. Analysis of variance was used to examine differences in group mean scores over the pre‐test to post‐test, post‐test to delayed time interval, and pre‐test to delayed time intervals, Scheffè comparisons being made where indicated. With the exception of mean DBP which showed no change from pre‐test to post‐test and HR which increased from post‐test to delayed time interval, there was a statistically insignificant decrease in mean scores on all variables in the back massage group from pre‐test to post‐test and from post‐test to delayed time interval. There was a statistically significant difference in the mean anxiety (STAI) score between the back massage group and the no intervention group. The difference between the back massage group and the conversation only group approached statistical significance. Verbal reports from subjects indicated that they perceived back massage as relaxing. Back massage may be an effective, non‐invasive technique for promoting relaxation and improving communication with patients. It was recommended that touch be encouraged in caring for the elderly and that further investigation of the effects of such therapies as back massage are indicated.
Fatigue associated with congestive heart failure: use of Levine's Conservation Model
Authors: Schaefer Karen Moore , Potylycki Mary Jean Shober
Published: July 2003

This study aimed to refine and extend the findings of an original study which focused on the description of fatigue associated with congestive heart failure. A descriptive approach based on Levine's Conservation Model provided both quantitative and qualitative data. Qualitative data addressed personal integrity and quantitative data measured energy conservation, structural and social integrity. Patients described fatigue as being tired and exhausted and containing both physical and emotional components. Fatigue occurred as a result of stress, physical activity and disease. Patient‐identified interventions included rest, distraction, medicine, and physical and spiritual activities. Age, pH and oxygen saturation were significantly related to fatigue. The findings are examined using the concept of adaptation as defined by Levine. Implications for nursing are discussed within the framework of the Conservation Model with emphasis on a holistic approach to patient care.
Measuring the quality of care in psychogeriatric wards
Authors: Gilloran Alan J. , McGlew Tom , McKee Kevin , Robertson Alex , Wight Daniel
Published: July 2003

This paper discusses the way in which quality of care has been measured and in particular draws attention to the vagueness of concepts such as autonomy, individuality and dignity. In our research we have put forward a number of indicators for the quality of care received by patients and, in addition, we have constructed a method by which they can be measured, through the use of standardized observation schedules. This paper therefore describes our indicators and the data collection process followed. This aspect of our work is part of a larger study into work satisfaction and quality of care in psychogeriatric wards in Scotland. Ultimately, the data will allow us to identify factors affecting high and low levels of job satisfaction as well as factors influencing good and bad quality of care. Further, we will be able to examine any association between work satisfaction and the quality of care delivered to patients. The results of this research are due to be published shortly.
Ethical decision making on starting terminal care in different health‐care units
Authors: Kuuppelomäki Merja
Published: July 2003

Set in the context of a major research project on terminal care for cancer patients, this paper examines the process in which the ethical decision is taken to proceed to the stage of terminal care. The sample consisted of 191 nurses from three different health‐care units in Finland: a health centre, a central hospital and a radiotherapy clinic. The data were collected in August and September 1989 by means of a postal questionnaire, and they were analysed by cross‐tabulation and chi‐squared tests. According to the nurses in all three units, there is often no definite and explicit decision to commence terminal care with elderly cancer patients. It was felt that patients and relatives have only very little say in the decision‐making process. The nurses themselves would also have wanted to be more closely involved. Most of them said that the decision is usually taken by the doctor alone, especially in the central hospital. The nurses at the radiotherapy clinic said that almost all of their patients are informed of the decision to start terminal care. At the health centre and central hospital, only less than half of the patients are informed.
Reflective peer journals: developing authentic nurses
Authors: Cameron Brenda Leigh , Mitchell Agnes Marie
Published: July 2003

Nursing education courses often require students to write about their learning experiences in a Journal or a log book. Students write the Journal/log and submit it to the instructor. The instructor reads, comments, and may or may not grade it. This paper is a reflection on the use and misuse of journals in nursing education from the viewpoints of students and instructors. Related literature is integrated into a dialogue with concepts that relate to nursing education. A theoretical framework, a format and guidelines for peer journals are presented, along with the rationale for having students keep peer journals rather than student/instructor logs.
Action research: what is it? How has it been used and how can it be used in nursing?
Authors: Holter Inger Margrethe , Schwartz‐Barcott Donna
Published: July 2003

Action research has enjoyed increasing popularity across a wide variety of disciplines including nursing. Action research was designed specifically to bridge the gap between theory, research and practice and incorporates both humanistic and naturalistic scientific methods. As such, action research is a highly compelling method for nursing. However, action research does not easily lend itself to definition. A variety of approaches, definitions and uses have emerged since it was created by Kurt Lewin and have given rise to much debate within social and behavioural sciences. This confusion has carried over into nursing literature without any systematic identification of or debate about the core characteristics of action research or the multitude of approaches or uses that have come to be associated with this method. Thus this paper addresses the central characteristics, three major approaches to action research that exist today and how action research has been used and can be used in nursing.