bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Allelic variant inCTLA4alters T cell phosphorylation patterns
Authors: Maier Lisa M. , Anderson David E. , De Jager Philip L. , Wicker Linda S. , Hafler David A.
Published: November 2007

Little is known regarding the functional effects of common autoimmune susceptibility variants on human immune cells. The SNP CT60 (rs3087243; A/G) located in the 3′ UTR of theCTLA4gene has been associated with autoimmune diseases. We examined a cohort of healthy individuals stratified by genotypes atCTLA4to gain insight into the functional effects of allelic variation on T cell signaling. Using phospho-site-specific mAbs, we tested the hypothesis that the CT60 genotype atCTLA4is associated with altered T cell antigen receptor (TCR) signaling in naive and/or memory T cells. By normalizing for the extent of the initial TCR signaling event at CD3ζ, we observed that the relative responsiveness to TCR stimulation as assessed by phosphorylation levels of downstream signaling molecules was altered in naive (CD4+CD45RAhigh) and memory (CD4+CD45RAlow) T cells obtained from individuals with the disease-susceptibility allele atCTLA4. Thus, allelic variation associated with autoimmune disease can alter the signaling threshold of CD4+T cells. These experiments provide a rational approach for the dissection of T cell-susceptibility genes in autoimmune diseases.
Dandruff-associated
Malassezia
genomes reveal convergent and divergent virulence traits shared with plant and human fungal pathogens
Authors: Xu Jun , Saunders Charles W. , Hu Ping , Grant Raymond A. , Boekhout Teun , Kuramae Eiko E. , Kronstad James W. , DeAngelis Yvonne M. , Reeder Nancy L. , Johnstone Kevin R. , Leland Meredith , Fieno Angela M. , Begley William M. , Sun Yiping , Lacey Martin P. , Chaudhary Tanuja , Keough Thomas , Chu Lien , Sears Russell , Yuan Bo , Dawson Thomas L.
Published: November 2007

Fungi in the genus
Malassezia
are ubiquitous skin residents of humans and other warm-blooded animals.
Malassezia
are involved in disorders including dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis, which together affect >50% of humans. Despite the importance of
Malassezia
in common skin diseases, remarkably little is known at the molecular level. We describe the genome, secretory proteome, and expression of selected genes of
Malassezia globosa
. Further, we report a comparative survey of the genome and secretory proteome of
Malassezia restricta
, a close relative implicated in similar skin disorders. Adaptation to the skin environment and associated pathogenicity may be due to unique metabolic limitations and capabilities. For example, the lipid dependence of
M. globosa
can be explained by the apparent absence of a fatty acid synthase gene. The inability to synthesize fatty acids may be complemented by the presence of multiple secreted lipases to aid in harvesting host lipids. In addition, an abundance of genes encoding secreted hydrolases (e.g., lipases, phospholipases, aspartyl proteases, and acid sphingomyelinases) was found in the
M. globosa
genome. In contrast, the phylogenetically closely related plant pathogen
Ustilago maydis
encodes a different arsenal of extracellular hydrolases with more copies of glycosyl hydrolase genes.
M. globosa
shares a similar arsenal of extracellular hydrolases with the phylogenetically distant human pathogen,
Candida albicans
, which occupies a similar niche, indicating the importance of host-specific adaptation. The
M. globosa
genome sequence also revealed the presence of mating-type genes, providing an indication that
Malassezia
may be capable of sex.
Structure of an archaeal heterotrimeric initiation factor 2 reveals a nucleotide state between the GTP and the GDP states
Authors: Yatime Laure , Mechulam Yves , Blanquet Sylvain , Schmitt Emmanuelle
Published: November 2007

Initiation of translation in eukaryotes and in archaea involves eukaryotic/archaeal initiation factor (e/aIF)1 and the heterotrimeric initiation factor e/aIF2. In its GTP-bound form, e/aIF2 provides the initiation complex with Met–tRNA
i
Met
. After recognition of the start codon by initiator tRNA, e/aIF1 leaves the complex. Finally, e/aIF2, now in a GDP-bound form, loses affinity for Met–tRNA
i
Met
and dissociates from the ribosome. Here, we report a 3D structure of an aIF2 heterotrimer from the archeon
Sulfolobus solfataricus
obtained in the presence of GDP. Our report highlights how the two-switch regions involved in formation of the tRNA-binding site on subunit γ exchange conformational information with α and β. The zinc-binding domain of β lies close to the guanine nucleotide and directly contacts the switch 1 region. As a result, switch 1 adopts a not yet described conformation. Moreover, unexpectedly for a GDP-bound state, switch 2 has the “ON” conformation. The stability of these conformations is accounted for by a ligand, most probably a phosphate ion, bound near the nucleotide binding site. The structure suggests that this GDP–inorganic phosphate (Pi) bound state of aIF2 may be proficient for tRNA binding. Recently, it has been proposed that dissociation of eIF2 from the initiation complex is closely coupled to that of Pi from eIF2γ upon start codon recognition. The nucleotide state of aIF2 shown here is indicative of a similar mechanism in archaea. Finally, we consider the possibility that release of Pi takes place after e/aIF2γ has been informed of e/aIF1 dissociation by e/aIF2β.
Phylogenetic analysis of the scaling of wet and dry biological fibrillar adhesives
Authors: Peattie A. M. , Full R. J.
Published: November 2007

Fibrillar, or “hairy,” adhesives have evolved multiple times independently within arthropods and reptiles. These adhesives exhibit highly desirable properties for dynamic attachment, including orientation dependence, wear resistance, and self-cleaning. Our understanding of how these properties are related to their fibrillar structure is limited, although theoretical models from the literature have generated useful hypotheses. We survey the morphology of 81 species with fibrillar adhesives to test the hypothesis that packing density of contact elements should increase with body size, whereas the size of the contact elements should decrease. We test this hypothesis in a phylogenetic context to avoid treating historically related species as statistically independent data points. We find that fiber morphology is better predicted by evolutionary history and adhesive mechanism than by body size. As we attempt to identify which morphological parameters are most responsible for the performance of fibrillar adhesives, it will be important to take advantage of the natural variation in morphology and the potentially suboptimal outcomes it encompasses, rather than assuming evolution to be an inherently optimizing process.
Soluble factors mediate competitive and cooperative interactions between cells expressing different levels of
Drosophila
Myc
Authors: Senoo-Matsuda Nanami , Johnston Laura A.
Published: November 2007

When neighboring cells in the developing
Drosophila
wing express different levels of the transcription factor, dMyc, competitive interactions can occur. Cells with more dMyc proliferate and ultimately overpopulate the wing, whereas cells with less dMyc die, thereby preventing wing overgrowth. How cells sense dMyc activity differences between themselves and the nature of the process leading to changes in growth and survival during competition remain unknown. We have developed a cell culture-based assay by using
Drosophila
S2 cells to investigate the mechanism of cell competition. We find that
in vitro
coculture of S2 cells that express different levels of dMyc leads to cellular interactions that recapitulate many aspects of cell competition in the developing wing. Our data indicate that both cell populations in the cocultures participate in and are required for the competitive process by releasing soluble factors into the medium. We demonstrate that the response of naive cells to medium conditioned with competitive cocultures depends on their potential to express dMyc: Cells that can express high levels of dMyc gain a survival advantage and proliferate faster, whereas cells with lower dMyc levels are instructed to die. We suggest that the ability of cells to perceive and respond to local differences in Myc activity is a cooperative mechanism that could contribute to growth regulation and developmental plasticity in organs and tissues during normal development and regeneration.
Individual Versus Group Family-Focused Cognitive–Behaviour Therapy for Childhood Anxiety: Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: de Groot Jules , Cobham Vanessa , Leong Joyce , McDermott Brett
Published: November 2007

Objective: The aim of the present study was to compare the relative effectiveness of group and individual formats of a family-focused cognitive–behavioural intervention, for the treatment of childhood anxiety disorders.

Method: Twenty-nine clinically anxious children aged between 7 and 12 years were randomly allocated to either individual cognitive–behaviour therapy (ICBT) or group cognitive–behaviour therapy (GCBT).

Results: At post-treatment assessment 57% of children in the ICBT condition no longer met criteria for any anxiety disorder, compared to 47% of children in the GCBT condition. At 3 month follow up these improvements were retained with some weakening. By the 6 month follow up 50% of children in the ICBT compared to 53% of children in the GCBT condition were anxiety diagnosis free. In terms of questionnaire data, no significant differences were detected between the ICBT and GCBT conditions at any of the follow-up points. However, a significant treatment effect for time was found, with both self-reports and parent reports indicating a significant reduction over time in anxiety symptoms.

Conclusion: Overall, results suggest that children with anxiety disorders appear to improve following a family-focused cognitive behavioural intervention, regardless of individual or group administration. The interpretation and potential clinical implications of these findings are discussed, together with the limitations of this study and suggestions for future research.
Understanding Drug Addiction: A Neuropsychological Perspective
Authors: Yücel Murat , Lubman Dan I. , Solowij Nadia , Brewer Warrick J.
Published: November 2007

The purpose of the present review is to describe the neuropsychological correlates of long-term substance abuse and to discuss the findings within the context of premorbid vulnerabilities, comorbidity and adolescent neurodevelopment. The authors critically review key findings from the neuropsychological literature related to the long-term sequelae of alcohol, cannabis, inhalant, opiates, psychostimulants and ecstasy use. Leading electronic databases such as PubMed were searched to identify relevant studies published in the past 20 years. References identified from bibliographies of pertinent articles and books in the field were also collected and selectively reviewed. Across substances, individuals with long-term abuse consistently demonstrate neuropsychological impairments of executive (inhibitory) control, working memory and decision making, together with neurobiological abnormalities involving frontotemporal and basal ganglia circuits. In some instances these deficits are dose dependent, implying that they are a direct consequence of prolonged drug exposure. However, comorbid behavioural, personality and mental health problems are common among drug-using populations and are associated with similar neuropsychological deficits. Presented herein is a neuropsychological model of addictive behaviour that highlights the complex interplay between cognition, brain maturation, psychopathology and drug exposure.
Palaeoenvironment of the Karelian Isthmus, the easternmost part of the Gulf of Finland, during the Litorina Sea stage of the Baltic Sea history
Authors: Miettinen Arto , Savelieva Larissa , Subetto Dmitry A. , Dzhinoridze Rimma , Arslanov Khikmat , Hyvārinen Hannu
Published: November 2007

The palaeoenvironment of the Karelian Isthmus area during the Litorina Sea stage of the Baltic Sea history, between 8.0 and 4.5 kyr BP (8.8‐5.2 cal. kyr BP), was reconstructed by studying four sites located on the Karelian Isthmus in Russia. Methods included diatom and pollen analyses, sediment lithostratigraphical interpretation and 14C dating. The brackish‐water (Litorina) transgression began c. 7.7 kyr BP (8.45 cal. kyr BP) in the Karelian Isthmus area. The transgression maximum occurred between 6.7 and 5.7 kyr BP (7.6‐6.5 cal. kyr BP), depending on the glacio‐isostatic land uplift rate. Regarding the vegetation, the maximum occurrence of temperate deciduous trees took place at the same time. The transgression was interrupted by a short‐lived sea‐level standstill during the middle phase of the main transgression, c. 6.3 kyr BP (7.2 cal. kyr BP), on the eastern part of the isthmus. The highest Litorina shoreline is located between 8 and 13 m above present sea‐level and the amplitude of the Litorina transgression has varied between 5 and 7 m. The 8.2‐kyr cold event is not evident, but the sea‐level standstill around 6.3 kyr BP (7.2 cal. kyr BP) could reflect a cool episode at that time in the Karelian Isthmus area.
Tree‐ring growth variability in the Austrian Alps: the influence of site, altitude, tree species and climate
Authors: Leal Sofia , Melvin Thomas M. , Grabner Michael , Wimmer Rupert , Briffa Keith R.
Published: November 2007

We present an extensive new network of ring‐width chronologies, comprising data from 100 sites within the Austrian Eastern Alps, made up of multiple tree species. Principal components analysis and cluster analysis were used to identify five separate high‐frequency tree‐growth signals from these data. Tree‐growth variability at these sites is explained by site altitude and species differences that moderate the effects of the annually varying climatic forcing on tree growth. Recently developed, two‐century long gridded climate data sets for the Greater Alpine Region were used to assess the relationship between climate and tree growth. Tree growth at low altitudes is controlled mainly by spring‐summer moisture availability. At high altitudes precipitation is no longer a limiting factor and growth is mostly determined by summer temperature. In the intermediate altitudinal range, we did not find any direct relationships with specific climatic variables. High‐altitude chronologies suitable for reconstructing past temperatures and low‐altitude chronologies suitable for reconstructing past precipitation were identified.
Towards a Developmental Framework of Consumer and Carer Participation in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services
Authors: Macdonald Elspeth , Lee Erica , Geraghty Kerry , McCann Karen , Mohay Heather , O'Brien Tom
Published: November 2007

Objective: This paper examines the concept of consumer participation in the context of developmental changes in parent/child relationships and associated differences in the utilization of child and adolescent mental health services.

Method: Existing definitions and characteristics of mental health service delivery for children and young people are examined to answer the question ,“Who is the consumer in the context of clinical services for young clients and their parents, and does this change with the child or young person's developmental stage?”.

Results: As children, young people and parents utilize services in this area of mental health, the roles of consumer and carer need redefinition to accommodate both young clients and parents as consumers, and parents also as carers.

Conclusion: The proposed framework addresses the changing roles of parents and young clients from infancy to early adulthood to guide consumer and carer participation strategies. If child and adolescent mental health services are to apply a developmental perspective and engage both young clients and parents as ‘consumers’, they need to address challenges related to the differences in expectations and capacities of young clients and parents, to the complexity associated with dual roles, and to promoting meaningful participation.
Ethics in counselling research fieldwork
Authors: Abrahams Hilary
Published: November 2007

Research dealing with sensitive subjects, feelings and emotional wellbeing requires constant reflection and rebalancing in order to meet the needs of all the parties involved and to be ethical. This paper examines some of the issues involved in applying ethical guidance to the reality of fieldwork in a study of the personal and emotional support needs of women who have left an abusive relationship. It considers organisational ethics, the complexities of informed consent, the duty of care and the need for reciprocity, and argues that the key to ethical research lies in respect for the individual.
Using a cross‐contextual qualitative diary design to explore client experiences of psychotherapy
Authors: Mackrill Thomas
Published: November 2007

Qualitative research in counselling and psychotherapy has largely been based on interviews carried out with clients and therapists. However, other approaches to qualitative data collection are possible. The present paper uses a diary design to explore the connection between what goes on in therapy sessions, and client activities and experiences in other contexts. Clients and counsellors kept diaries about significant aspects of therapy sessions, while clients also kept diaries about new and different experiences in other contexts in their lives. Ethical and practical issues involved in the use of diaries are discussed, and the methods that were employed to analyse diary‐based data are described. The types of findings that the study generated are presented, along with discussion of their implications for research into client experiences of therapy.
Effects of personal and social responsibility on fair play in sports and self‐control in school‐aged youths
Authors: Cecchini José A. , Montero Javier , Alonso Alicia , Izquierdo Mikel , Contreras Onofre
Published: November 2007

In this study, we examined the impact of Hellison's (1995) model for the development of personal and social responsibility on fair play and self‐control in youth. One hundred and eighty‐six students from three public schools with a mean age of 13.6 years were assigned to one of three treatment groups: experimental group A (n=63), experimental group B (n=62), and a control group (n=61). During 10 one‐hour sessions of beginners’ five‐a‐side soccer, group A went through five levels of the programme, whereas group B went through only four levels as the transferral phase was not introduced. Findings revealed that subsequent to the intervention programme, group A improved personal feedback, delayed gratification, self‐control, and process self‐regulation. Groups A and B showed an improvement in indicators of personal and social responsibility regarding enjoyment and sportsmanship and a decrease in variables related to the drive to win, rough play, contact fouls, and poor sportsmanship. No significant changes were observed in the control group.
Epidemiology of Cercospora Leaf Spot on Sugar Beet: Modeling Disease Dynamics Within and Between Individual Plants
Authors: Vereijssen J. , Schneider J. H. M. , Jeger M. J.
Published: November 2007

Disease dynamics of Cercospora leaf spot (CLS) of sugar beet was analyzed at two hierarchical scales: as vertical profiles within individual plants and in relation to disease on neighboring plants. The relative contribution of different leaf layers to increase in CLS was analyzed using a simple continuous-time model. The model was fitted to data from two field trials in the Netherlands: one in an area with a long history of CLS, the other in an area where CLS has only recently established; in each case these were unsprayed and twice-sprayed treatments. There were differences in the relative contribution of different leaf layers to disease increase on the target leaf layer according to the CLS history and whether the plants were sprayed or unsprayed. In both field trials, parameter estimates giving the relative contribution of the target leaf layer to disease increase at that leaf layer were higher than those for the lower leaf layer. On only a few occasions the contribution of an upper leaf layer to disease increase at the target leaf layer was significant. Thus, CLS increase at the target leaf layer was determined mainly by disease severity at that leaf layer and to a lesser extent by disease at the lower leaf layer. Our continuous-time model was also used to analyze CLS increase on an individual sugar beet plant in relation to its own and its neighbor's level of disease in field trials at five locations in the two CLS areas over two years. In all field trials, the contribution of the target plant itself to disease increase (auto-infection) was larger than that of its neighboring plants (allo-infection). The overall analysis in the two CLS areas also indicated a larger contribution of the target plant to its disease increase than of neighboring plants, and this pattern was also apparent in a pooled analysis across all sites. Thus, CLS increase on a sugar beet plant was mainly determined by the disease severity on that plant and to a lesser extent by its within-row neighboring plants.
Hypovirulence and Double-Stranded RNA in Botrytis cinerea
Authors: Wu M. D. , Zhang L. , Li G. Q. , Jiang D. H. , Hou M. S. , Huang H.-C.
Published: November 2007

Twenty-one strains of Botrytis cinerea isolated from 13 species of plants grown in China were compared for pathogenicity on Brassica napus, mycelial growth on potato dextrose agar, and presence of double-stranded (ds)RNA. The results showed that the strain CanBc-1 was severely debilitated in pathogenicity and mycelial growth, compared with the 20 virulent strains. A dsRNA of approximately 3.0 kb in length was detected in CanBc-1 and 4 hypovirulent single-conidium (SC) isolates of CanBc-1, but was not detected in the 20 virulent strains of B. cinerea and 4 virulent SC isolates of CanBc-1. Results of the horizontal transmission experiment showed that the hypovirulent trait of CanBc-1 was transmissible and the 3.0-kb dsRNA was involved in the transmission of hypovirulence. Analysis of a 920-bp cDNA sequence generated from the 3.0-kb dsRNA of CanBc-1 indicated that the dsRNA element was a mycovirus, designated as B. cinerea debilitation-related virus (BcDRV). Further analyses showed that BcDRV is closely related to Ophiostoma mitovirus 3b infecting O. novo-ulmi, the causal agent of Dutch elm disease. Mitochondria and cytoplasm in hyphal cells of CanBc-1 became degenerated, compared with the virulent isolate CanBc-1c-66 of B cinerea. This is the first report on the occurrence of Mitovirus-associated hypovirulence in B. cinerea.
Cacao Diseases: Important Threats to Chocolate Production Worldwide
Authors: Ploetz Randy C.
Published: November 2007

Theobroma cacao, cacao, is an ancient, neotropical domesticate. It is now grown throughout the humid, lowland tropics and is the basis of a multibillion dollar confectionary trade. Diverse diseases impact production of the crop. They reduce yields by ca. 20%, but could cause far greater losses if certain highly damaging diseases were to become more widely distributed. Among the most potentially dangerous of these diseases are frosty pod, caused by Moniliophthora roreri, and witches' broom, caused by M. perniciosa (previously Crinipellis perniciosa). These two diseases occur only in the Western Hemisphere, and severe losses would follow their introduction to West Africa and Asia, where ca. 86% of all cacao production occurs. Elsewhere, Cacao swollen shoot virus and the damaging black pod agent, Phytophthora megakarya, are found in Western Africa; whereas vascular streak dieback, caused by Oncobasidium theobromae, is present only in Asia. Breeding programs are challenged by minimal resistance to some of the diseases. Progress that has been made is threatened by the “emergence” of other serious diseases, such as Ceratocystis wilt (Ceratocystis cacaofunesta). During this symposium, new insights are discussed on the biology, origins, pathology and phylogeny of the pathogens; as well as the biological, chemical and genetic management of the diseases that they cause.
Grooming reciprocation among female primates: a meta-analysis
Authors: Schino Gabriele , Aureli Filippo
Published: November 2007

The theory of reciprocal altruism offers an explanation for the evolution of altruistic behaviours among unrelated animals. Among primates, grooming is one of the most common altruistic behaviours. Primates have been suggested to exchange grooming both for itself and for rank-related benefits. While previous meta-analyses have shown that they direct their grooming up the hierarchy and exchange it for agonistic support, no comprehensive evaluation of grooming reciprocation has been made. Here we report on a meta-analysis of grooming reciprocation among female primates based on 48 social groups belonging to 22 different species and 12 genera. The results of this meta-analysis showed that female primates groom preferentially those group mates that groom them most. To the extent allowed by the availability of kinship data, this result holds true when controlling for maternal kinship. These results, together with previous findings, suggest that primates are indeed able to exchange grooming both for itself and for different rank-related benefits.
A comparative study of regeneration under live and dead canopy trees in a tropical rain forest ecosystem of Kibale National Park, Uganda
Authors: Kalema James , Kasenene John Massan
Published: November 2007

Patterns of forest regeneration and recruitment are vital aspects in forest ecosystem maintenance. In Kibale, some tree species are experiencing unusual mortality and have been monitored for several years. This study was conducted in order to investigate the regeneration of five canopy tree species that were experiencing high mortality rates among adult individuals. The five canopy tree species, some of which are important timber species, include: Pouteria altissima, Celtis africana, Lovoa swynnertonii, Mimusops bagshawei and Newtonia buchananii. The study was conducted in the mature forest tract which was never logged mechanically (K‐30). The objective of the study was to establish whether these tree species influence regeneration of any of the other species including their own and the role of small gaps created by tree deaths in forest recruitment. The study species did not appear to regenerate beneath their own canopies. There was a tendency for higher survival rate away from the conspecific adult tree species. However, gaps created after the death of the mature trees were found to be sites of high forest regeneration level. They supported significant densities of the juveniles of the five study species where N. buchananii clearly demonstrates gap specialization.
Diversity and distribution of wild terrestrial orchids of Mt Elgon Forest National Park, eastern Uganda
Authors: Bulafu Collins E. , Mucunguzi Patrick , Kakudidi Esezah K.
Published: November 2007

The diversity and distribution of wild terrestrial orchids of Mt Elgon National Park was studied between November 2003 and November 2004. The vegetation types investigated were grasslands, montane, bamboo, heath and moorlands. Sampling was done along Piswa and Sasa trails in the rainy and dry seasons. Altitude, slope gradient position, vegetation disturbance, burning and percentage canopy were assessed to find their influence on species diversity and distribution. Eighteen terrestrial orchids’ species were recorded. These represented four tribes and eight genera. Habenaria was the most frequent and dominant genus accounting for 44.4% of all the species encountered. Species dominance was more pronounced in the dry season. Along Sasa trail, Disa stairsii Kraenzl dominated the bamboo and heath vegetation zones. Epipactis africana Rendle dominated the montane vegetation zone. Along Piswa trail, Eulophia angolensis Rchb.f. dominated the grassland vegetation zone, while D. stairsii dominated in the montane and heath vegetation zones. Species diversity, frequency of occurrence and density were higher in the rainy season than in the dry season in all vegetation types. Canonical correspondence analysis revealed that altitude, slope gradient position and percentage canopy cover were important factors that influenced orchid species richness and distribution.
Antioxidants in some Ugandan fruits
Authors: Stangeland Torunn , Remberg Siv Fagertun , Lye Kåre A.
Published: November 2007

Several studies indicate that a plant‐based diet protects against the development of some serious diseases. It is assumed that the antioxidant content in food is an important reason for this protection. Dietary plants contain several hundred antioxidants, many of which are believed to act in a synergistic way to protect the body against oxidative stress. Berries, fruits, spices and some nuts have proved to be excellent sources of antioxidants. In this preliminary study, many fruits and some seeds from Ugandan plants have been analysed for total antioxidant activity using the FRAP (Ferric reducing ability of plasma) assay. Our results demonstrate that there is a large variation in antioxidant activity between the samples analysed. The plants with highest activity in decreasing order were found to be: African black olive (Canarium sweinfurthii), pomegranate, guava, java plum (Syzygium cuminii), sweet banana, tamarind, mango, orange and passion fruits, with antioxidant values in the range of 47.25 to 0.77 mmol per 100 g fresh weight. We believe that increased awareness of antioxidant activity in food and resulting change in food intake can be of importance for an improved health situation.
Conservation of indigenous plants outside protected areas in Tororo District, eastern Uganda
Authors: Eilu Gerald , Oriekot Joseph , Tushabe Herbert
Published: November 2007

Conservation in the tropics has focussed on protected areas (PAs) ignoring the unprotected sites. This study assessed the conservation of indigenous plants outside the PAs in Tororo District, eastern Uganda. Data were collected using participatory methods and field surveys, and questionnaires administered to 118 randomly selected respondents. A total of 87 indigenous plant species are used for firewood, medicine, construction, food, environmental services, pest control and cultural purposes. Four alien invasive species, (Lantana camara L., Senna spectabilis (DC.) H.S. Irwin & Barneby, Thevetia sp. and Tithonia diversifolia (Hemsley) A. Gray, are used. The indigenous species belong to 36 families and 66 genera. The plants are collected from around homesteads (crop fields and home gardens), wetlands and uncultivated hills/rocks. Use pattern was related to socio‐economic characteristics such as age, sex and occupation. The local conservation strategies include retaining useful plants around homesteads, controlled harvesting, restricting bush burning, tending and protective fences. The conservation strategies are related to socio‐economic characteristics and interests of harvesters. Overexploitation threatens the survival of species such as Milicia excelsa (Welw.) C. Berg, which are on the IUCN Red list. Conservation outside PAs should target common interest user groups and designate important sites for plant conservation.
The oxytocic properties of Luffa cylindrica (L.) M. Roem. and Bidens pilosa L., traditionally used medicinal plants from western Uganda
Authors: Kamatenesi‐Mugisha Maud , Makawiti Dominic W. , Oryem‐Origa Hannington , Olwa‐Odyek  , Nganga Joseph
Published: November 2007

The usage of medicinal plants in childbirth in Uganda is a long standing tradition. Over 80% of Ugandan women have childbirth at home and herbal remedies are administered to complete the process of childbirth. The herbs are administered to hasten the labour process (oxytocics), expulsion of retained placenta and control postpartum bleeding. This indigenous knowledge in herbal medicines used during childbirth is not well documented and scientifically validated. The ethnobotanical study was conducted between 2000 and 2003 in Bushenyi and Kasese districts in western Uganda. The aim of this study was to validate the claimed uses of Bidens pilosa L. and Luffa cylindrica (L). M.J. Roem. in inducing labour during childbirths in western Uganda. The in vitro experiments using the rat uterus showed that the aqueous leafy extracts of B. pilosa and L. cylindrica increased rat uterine motility suggesting that they are oxytocics. The aqueous leafy extract of B. pilosa in vitro experiment using the rabbit jejunum further indicated that the extract can cause contraction. The bioactivity of B. pilosa and L. cylindrica is a pointer to the therapeutic uses of herbal remedies in childbirth.
Postlogging structural changes and regeneration of Olea welwitschii (Knobl) Gilg. & Schellemb. in the Kibale National Park, Uganda
Authors: Kasenene John M.
Published: November 2007

The study was conducted in the Kibale National Park forest where both light and heavy logging was conducted during 1969–1970. The forest areas which had high stocking densities of Olea suffered the heaviest logging impacts. Research on the autecology of Olea welwitschii (Knobl) Gilg. & Schellemb., an excellent timber species, was undertaken to examine the effects of differential logging intensities on its residual population structure, tree morphology and regeneration. A series of quadrats were placed in the lightly and heavily logged forests, unlogged mature forest and in ecotonal forest tracts. All Olea trees, irrespective of size within the plots, were identified, marked, mapped and their diameter at breast height, height, branching height and multiple stemming measured. Results indicate that the distribution and abundance of Olea tree species was influenced by variations in human disturbances. Heavy forest disturbances created conditions similar to those in ecotonal sites which encouraged successful Olea tree colonization, regeneration and fast growth. However, the closed and semi‐closed canopy conditions following logging suppressed Olea regeneration. These observations qualify Olea to be a colonizer and light demander in the juvenile seral stages. It exhibits high tree mortality across all size classes and low survival under natural forest conditions compared with other typical forest climax species. Heavy logging also led to shorter multiple stemmed Olea trees which retained multiple branches on the trunks below the main canopy. Consequently, low‐level timber harvesting seems compatible with sustainable Olea utilization. The characteristics of Olea as a colonizing as well as canopy tree species makes it ideal for domestication, forest restoration and plantation management.
Diversity and distribution of vascular epiphytes in the forest lower canopy in Kibale National Park, western Uganda
Authors: Mucunguzi Patrick
Published: November 2007

This study determined the species composition of the vascular epiphytes and the influence of substrates on the composition of the epiphytic species in the lower canopy of large host tree species. A single‐rope technique was used to access the canopy. The lower canopy had 59 species distributed in fifteen families and 34 genera. The dominant families on the basis of species numbers were Orchidaceae (23), Aspleniaceae (ten) and Polypodiaceae (six). The collections included 21 ferns, 23 orchids, five Ficus spp. and ten species of herbaceous epiphytes. While the orchids and other herbaceous species decreased along a decreasing rainfall gradient, the epiphytic ferns did not. Most epiphytes utilized the light humus and heavy humus types of substrate. It is possible that the nutrients and moisture in the substrates contribute to the high diversity of epiphytes in the canopy crowns.
Immunomodulatory drugs stimulate natural killer‐cell function, alter cytokine production by dendritic cells, and inhibit angiogenesis enhancing the anti‐tumour activity of rituximab in vivo
Authors: Reddy Nishitha , Hernandez‐Ilizaliturri Francisco J. , Deeb George , Roth Mark , Vaughn Mary , Knight Joy , Wallace Paul , Czuczman Myron S.
Published: November 2007

The immunomodulatory drugs (IMiDs) lenalidomide and actimid (also known as CC‐4047) are thalidomide analogues which are more potent than their parental compound. In combination with rituximab, we have previously demonstrated that IMiDs have synergistic in vivo anti‐tumour activity in preclinical studies in a human lymphoma severe combined immunodeficiency mouse model. This report further explored the mechanisms by which IMiDs exert their anti‐lymphoma effects. Following exposure of subcutaneous lymphoma tumours in murine models to IMiDs, there was a significant increase in the recruitment of natural killer (NK) cells to tumour sites. This increase in NK cells was mediated via stimulation of dendritic cells and modification of the cytokine microenvironment associated with an increase in monocyte chemotactic protein‐1, tumour necrosis factor‐α and interferon‐γ and probably augmented rituximab‐associated antibody‐dependent cellular cytotoxicity. IMiDs also had significant anti‐angiogenic effects in our B‐cell lymphoma models. Thus, by modulation of the immune system mediated via dendritic cells and NK cells, changing the cytokine milieu, as well as by their anti‐angiogenic effects, IMiDs in combination with rituximab resulted in augmented in vivo anti‐tumour effects against B‐cell lymphoma. Our positive preclinical data adds additional support for the evaluation of IMiDs plus rituximab in patients with relapsed/refractory B‐cell lymphoma.
Individualized nursing care: some implications
Authors: REED JAN
Published: November 2007

This paper gives a brief account of the development of individualized nursing care, from the introduction of the nursing process to the more recent interest in primary nursing.

Individualized care would appear to have been adopted as an ideal by the nursing profession, with little debate about some of the possible implications of such an approach.

The paper outlines some other perspectives on patient care, and discusses the limitations of an individualistic framework which fails to acknowledge the communal and societal aspects of patient care.
Who speaks for the children?
Authors: CHAMBERS MARGARET A.
Published: November 2007

It would probably be a truism to say that most professional nurses consider patient/client advocacy to be an essential component of their role—indeed, there is a UKCC Advisory paper (Exercising Accountability, 1989), which categorically states that this is so. ‘The introductory paragraphs of the Code of Professional Conduct, together with several of its clauses, include clearly the expectation that the practitioner will accept a role as an advocate on behalf of his or her patients/clients.’

Some professional nurses, however, consider advocacy to be too altruistic an activity and prefer to leave it to others.
A learning experience in communication: psychosocial expansion
Authors: EHRENFELD M. , ZIV L.
Published: November 2007

A short applied clinical experience in communication was undertaken in a course of 60 first‐year nursing students.

The prime assumptions were that early clinical supervised exposure and directed socialization toward psychosocial skills are major aspects of nursing education.

The success of the project, as measured, was evident in the good feelings expressed by all participants.

A major role was played by the immediacy of the implementation of the intervention directly after the theoretical learning. In addition, students had good feelings about being an actual functioning part of the system. A similar feeling of belonging and of team‐work was also apparent in the staff members who were actively involved as partners through the process of planning and implementation.
The contribution of nurses to children's well‐being in hospital: a selective review of the literature
Authors: WHILE ALISON E.
Published: November 2007

The literature demonstrating the effects of child hospitalization is reviewed prior to a review of selected aspects of a child's hospital experience.

Despite the clearly demonstrated benefit of preparatory work with children and their parents, it appears that British nurses have not widely incorporated well‐researched techniques into their practice.

Hospitalization appears to be a lonely experience both for children and their parents.

Pain management is also reviewed and it is clear that optimal pain relief has yet to be attained.
Subjectivity and objectivity in the measurement of nursing workload
Authors: PROCTER SUSAN
Published: November 2007

This article identifies the factors which influenced the nurse staffing levels observed on three nurse training wards in one District Health Authority.

Staffing levels reflected historical approaches to budget settings within the district as well as the characteristics of the local labour market for nursing.

The article offers a critique of current manpower methodology in nursing which tends to focus on producing objective measurements of nursing workload.

Factors such as budgets and labour markets may be more important in nurse manpower planning than measurements of workload because in practice nurses tend to identify only those patient care needs that can be met by the current staffing levels. Therefore, the prevailing staffing structure will tend to dominate any attempt to measure workload.
Empathy: a therapeutic phenomenon in nursing care
Authors: KRISTJÁNSDÓTTIR GUDRÚN
Published: November 2007

Although numerous definitions have been presented and several attempts have been made to operationalize the concept of empathy, no theoretical framework exists that addresses the concept in depth.

This paper focuses on the concept of empathy as it is presented in the literature by comparing the different theoretical and operational approaches pertaining to the concept.

A theoretical definition of the concept of empathy is developed.

The appropriateness of the different definitions of empathy will be considered in terms of their pragmatic adequacy for nursing.
Relocation stress in adolescent females: depression, anxiety and coping
Authors: PUSKAR KATHRYN R. , LADELY SHIRLEY J.
Published: November 2007

This descriptive exploratory study estimates the prevalence of depression and anxiety in relocated adolescent females. The sample of 17 adolescent girls, aged 14‐16 years, was recruited from the public high school of a highly mobile suburb of Western Pennsylvania. Subjects had experienced a move within the past 3–18 months.

Subjects were interviewed and the following instruments were administered: the Relocation Survey, the Multiple Affect Adjective Checklist, the Mooney Problem Checklist, the Ways of Coping Questionnaire, the Reynolds Adolescent Depression Scale, and the Life Event Record‐Senior High Version.

Findings indicated that the initial reaction to the move by 76% of the girls was a feeling of sadness. The part of the move liked least was leaving friends.

Eighteen per cent indicated that they lacked confidence in their own ability to adjust to the new school. Three of the 17 subjects (18%) were clinically depressed and 18% suffered moderate levels of anxiety.

The most frequently used coping strategy was escape‐avoidance.

Results of this study have implications for teachers, parents, school guidance counsellors, school nurses, and the masters‐prepared psychiatric mental health nurse consultant.
The nursing contribution to the resuscitation debate
Authors: RUNDELL SIMON , RUNDELL LORRAINE
Published: November 2007

The nursing contribution to the dilemma of which patients should or should not be resuscitated is being subjected to increasing scrutiny, from philosophical, clinical and economic viewpoints.

This paper is a critique of the current climate in which the rights of the patient are secondary to the wishes of health‐care professionals.

The paper proposes the adoption of a multidisciplinary dialogue to meet client needs. The crucial role of the nurse in this dialogue is examined and is related to the clinical practitioner's sphere of influence.
Health promotion: a role for perioperative nurses
Authors: DOBSON FIONA
Published: November 2007

British theatre nurses are reluctant to identify health promotion as part of their work and when asked if they are involved in health promotion the answer is likely to be an emphatic ‘no’.

Many theatre nurses would be surprised by the shift of emphasis within nursing away from the medical model and towards a more holistic approach to care which encompasses the concept of health promotion.

British perioperative nursing should draw on health promotion for the benefit of surgical patients and operating department staff.

This paper outlines the contribution perioperative nurses can make to the creation of healthy life not only in their patients but also their co‐workers using established health‐promotion techniques. It is suggested that health promotion should be an essential part of the education of modern perioperative nurses.
Supporting elderly coronary patients in self‐help groups with a guidebook; a nurse intervention for public health
Authors: HILDINGH CATHRINE , FRIDLUND BENGT
Published: November 2007

Elderly people arc more often subject to coronary diseases than young people, and the rapid growth of the number of elderly people in society has implications for care.

An interesting alternative or complement to traditional rehabilitative care is self‐help groups where ‘natural’ care can bring a new perspective to practice.

The aim of this paper is to describe a nurse intervention in connection with self‐help groups for elderly persons post‐coronary.

This intervention embraces health advice for the group members in the form of a guidebook, comprising physical, psychological and social health aspects to be used in group meetings.

From a public health perspective such an intervention is one way to show how nurses can work in rehabilitative care, as well as in promotive and preventive care, outside the health care and medical services.
The recurrence experience: family concerns during cancer chemotherapy
Authors: HALLIBURTON PAT , LARSON PATRICIA J. , DIBBLE SUZANNE , DODD MARYLIN J.
Published: November 2007

Cancer affects the entire family but limited description exists of the experience of cancer recurrence from the perspective of the family.

The purpose of this report was to describe family concerns when a family member experiences out‐patient chemotherapy (CTX) for cancer recurrence.

During a 6‐month study period, 34 adults with recurrence of breast (50%), colorectal (15%), and other selected tumours, and their family members (n= 38) participated in three home interviews.

The Lewis et al. (1986) Problem Centered Family Coping Interview (PCFCI) was used to obtain family concerns, management strategies, and their effects. The interview data were thematically analysed by a panel of three nurses.

Families reported from one to eight family concerns, with the number varying minimally from the first PCFCI mean of 33 (SD 1‐8).

Cancer‐related concerns accounted for 35–43% of those identified; next in frequency was family issues (3–14%), then finances (5–10%). The most important concern did change over the study for some families.

Families had minimal difficulty in identifying concerns or in reaching consensus as to the most important family concern. The average impact of the most important concern on the family ranged from 4·1 to 47middot;8 on a six‐point scale, with 6′ defined as an extreme amount.

There is considerable conjecture in practice about the cancer recurrence event for patients and their family members. This study contributes to an understanding of the family's experience with disease recurrence.