bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of plant size on reproductive output and offspring performance in the facultative biennial Digitalis purpurea
Authors: Sletvold Nina
Published: March 2003

Monocarpy in facultative biennials can be favoured by selection when there is a more than proportional increase in fitness with size. The possible contributions of larger reproductive output and higher offspring quality to such an increase were investigated in the facultative biennial plant Digitalis purpurea. Straw mass (rosette leaves and flowering stem excluding fruits and seeds) was determined for 100 individuals of varying size and correlated with the number of flowers and seeds per flower to examine whether sex‐allocation is size dependent.

To determine whether maternal size influences offspring growth, and whether this effect is more pronounced in the presence of competition, seeds from 32 maternal plants were grown alone, and with one, two or four competitors.

Total seed number increased proportionally with size. Seed quality, measured as seed size, germination percentage and speed also increased with maternal size. The combined fitness measures of total seed mass (seed number × seed size), number of seedlings (seed number × germination percentage) and total female fitness (seed number × germination percentage × mean offspring dry mass after 14 weeks) all increased disproportionally with size.

Sex‐allocation was size dependent, with large plants emphasizing the female function.

Offspring dry mass after both 8 and 14 weeks of growth was strongly influenced by competition, whereas the effect of maternal size was significant only at the first harvest date. Competition did not accentuate the effects of maternal size.

The results support that monocarpy exists in D. purpurea because of increased offspring quality rather than a disproportionate advantage in seed output of large individuals.
Comparative dispersal effectiveness of wigeongrass seeds by waterfowl wintering in south‐west Spain: quantitative and qualitative aspects
Authors: Figuerola Jordi , Green Andy J. , Santamaría Luis
Published: March 2003

The effectiveness of a seed disperser depends on the quantity of seed dispersed and the quality of dispersal provided to each seed. Relationships between the quantity and quality components and their dependence on characteristics of the dispersers remain largely uninvestigated.

The effectiveness of different waterfowl species at dispersing seeds of Ruppia maritima was evaluated in a wetland in south‐west Spain. Droppings were collected during autumn and spring waterfowl migrations and the number of seeds ingested (estimated from seed fragments), undigested and viable in germination trials were determined.

Ingestion by waterfowl enhanced the rate of germination and, for several duck species, it also had a positive effect on germinability. Both the presence of seeds in the diet and the effects of gut passage showed high interspecific and temporal variance. Some of the interspecific variation in dispersal quality was related to gut structure: species with heavier gizzards destroyed a higher proportion of seeds and undigested seeds ingested by species with more grit in the gizzard germinated better.

In the waterfowl community studied, the quantity and quality components of seed dispersal effectiveness were positively correlated across species.
Random reflections on science, art and technique applied to medicine and its evaluation
Authors: Grémy François
Published: March 2003

Science is aimed at universal knowledge. Art is aimed at action for solving concrete and local problems. Can medical practice therefore ever be a science even when employing important aspects of scientific practice such as precise concepts and vocabulary, and a demand for well‐validated facts together with rational reasoning? Evaluation of medical and clinical practices in general has an ambiguous status. According to the domain to be evaluated, it can reach a level of science in providing results of universal value but more often it is closer to art, the results remaining of local interest. There is no strict correlation between the universal‐local axis and the practical interest for public health. Epidemiologists should consider these matters very seriously and aim to contribute to, rather than discard, their significance for the advancement of clinical practice.
Practice standards: the need for a personal element
Authors: Herman Joseph
Published: March 2003

With rare exceptions, guidelines for clinical practice lack a personal element that allows for physicians’ varying goals and patients’ differing preferences. The importance of this element is illustrated by means of four examples: 1, hormone replacement therapy for the menopause; 2, early detection of breast cancer; 3, the treatment of acute streptococcal pharyngitis and 4, the diagnosis of symptoms that do not implicate any specific organ system. The advantages and disadvantages of guidelines are pointed out. Among the advantages are their usefulness as standards for audit and the fact that, in the process of reaching consensus, personal experience is taken into consideration. Chief among the disadvantages is their possible misuse by people outside of the profession. It is concluded that guidelines can be improved if their recommendations consider individual goals and preferences. They can become more influential if attention is paid to their proper dissemination.
Effect of case managers with a general medical patient population
Authors: Hickey Mairead L. , Cook E. Francis , Rossi Laura P. , Connor Jennifer , Dutkiewicz Christine , Hassan Sheila McCabe , Fay Mary , Lee Thomas H. , Fairchild David G.
Published: March 2003

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effect of inpatient case management (CM) on a general medical service and to determine if a prediction rule, identifying patients likely to need discharge planning services, could define a subset of patients for whom CM would be most effective. We hypothesized that CM would have greatest impact on patients predicted to be at highest risk of needing discharge planning to arrange for post‐discharge medical services. We carried out a prospective controlled study. Six general medicine teams from a 600‐bed urban teaching hospital were randomly assigned to CM (n = 4) or standard care (SC) (n = 2). Number of patients = 302 (207 CM; 95 SC). Case managers participated in daily physician team rounds and coordinated discharge planning for CM patients; SC patients received discharge planning from staff nurses or discharge planners when requested by physicians. The outcomes measured were deviation from the hospital length of stay (LOS) expected for a patient's diagnosis, patient satisfaction and non‐acute medical service utilization during the month after discharge. Overall, patients from CM and SC teams did not differ in their deviation from expected LOS, post‐discharge medical service utilization and patient satisfaction. However, after stratifying patients by their predicted need for post‐discharge medical services, only patients in the ‘high risk’ category had a significantly shorter LOS under CM (2.9 days shorter than SC patients; P = 0.02). We concluded that, in this study, the effect of case managers on a general medical service was limited to shortening LOS only among a stratum of high risk patients.
Measuring outcomes with tools of proven feasibility and utility: the example of a patient‐focused asthma measure
Authors: Georgiou Andrew , Pearson Michael
Published: March 2003

Best quality care is clearly desirable and instituting quality assurance should be logical and simple. However, the practicality of setting standards for a product or service, and designing systems to measure against the standards, is more difficult. In the health service it is only likely to be feasible if data can be generated from efficient and reliable information systems. The ideal measure of quality is an outcome measure that evaluates whether or not the quality of care has achieved the desired standard of outcome. Direct measures of outcome are not easy to construct and the information systems required to provide data are not widely available. The National Centre for Health Outcomes Development (NCHOD) has produced a series of indicators in 10 areas of health care, where an indicator is a pointer to, rather than a direct measure of, a desired outcome. Feasibility studies measuring their sensitivity and reliability have drawn attention to their possible utility within different health care settings. This paper reports on an investigation into a patient‐focused outcome indicator for asthma. There is broad agreement about the need to measure the outcome of disease. However, when outcome indicators are defined there are major obstacles to their successful uptake. A key challenge for outcomes measurement is to ensure that the cost of collecting the data and ensuring completeness, accuracy and standardization are justified by the benefits derived. Health outcome indicators should not be treated as a panacea, but as a part of the clinical and health care tool kit.
Critical incident reporting in UK intensive care units: a postal survey
Authors: Thomas A. N. , Pilkington C. E. , Greer R.
Published: March 2003

Rationale, aims and objectives To review critical incident reporting in UK intensive care units (ICUs).

Methods We conducted a postal survey of clinical directors of UK ICUs to ask if critical incident reporting was used in their ICU. Using a structured questionnaire, we also asked for details of critical incident reporting systems and for changes introduced as a result of incident reporting.

Results and conclusions Eighty‐six of a total of 256 questionnaires were returned. Sixty‐one units had been using a critical incident reporting system for a median duration of 3 years (interquartile range 2–5 years). There were wide variations in the structures of reporting systems between units. A median of four (interquartile range 3–8) critical incidents were reported per unit per month. In 141 changes, the development of protocols and guidelines (18) and changes in drug prescription and checking (20) were most common. A more consistent approach to reporting could improve patient care and 65 responders felt that a national reporting system was potentially useful.
Reduction of stress response in carp,Cyprinus carpioL., held under deteriorating environmental conditions, by oral administration of bovine lactoferrin
Authors: Kakuta I
Published: March 2003

Bovine lactoferrin (LF) was evaluated for its ability to suppress stress reactions in carp, Cyprinus carpio L., held under deteriorating environmental conditions. Three test diets containing different levels of LF (0.01, 0.1 and 1%) were fed at 2% of fish body weight per day, i.e. LF at 2, 20 and 200 mg kg–1 body weight day–1 was administered orally to carp for 14 days at 20 °C. In the fish reared at a density of 2 individuals 10 l–1, plasma cortisol, adrenaline and noradrenaline decreased in the groups fed with 0.1 and 1% LF content diets. In the fish held at a density of 10 individuals 10 l–1 for 3 days, plasma cortisol, adrenaline, noradrenaline, dopamine and glucose were higher than those at 2 individuals 10 l–1 in both the control and LF‐treated groups. The extent to which these parameters were elevated in the fish held at the same density was reduced with increasing LF content of the diet. Twenty‐four hours after exposure to hypoxic conditions (dissolved oxygen level, 2.5 mg l–1), haemoglobin, haematocrit, plasma cortisol, adrenaline, noradrenaline and dopamine increased significantly in all groups. The responses of hypoxic fish fed with 0.1 and 1% LF diets for 14 days were smaller than those of the controls. These results suggest that LF has an ability to reduce the stress response of carp held under deteriorating environmental conditions.
Hepatic steatosis in artificially fed marine teleosts
Authors: Spisni E , Tugnoli M , Ponticelli A , Mordenti T , Tomasi V
Published: March 2003

In a comparison of livers in fish (Sparus auratus and Dicentrarchus labrax) feeding on natural sources of food with livers of artificially fed animals, a much higher C18:1/C22:6 ratio was observed in the latter. Staining livers with oil red O showed extensive steatosis in artificially fed fish, but not in those naturally fed. Juvenile artificially fed fish showed a more extensive steatosis and a higher mortality rate. In steatotic fish fed a natural diet for 2 months, the liver exhibited extensive regeneration and only a few steatotic areas remained. Marine teleosts do not appear to have a proliferative response of peroxisomes and this is likely to contribute to liver lipid accumulation and subsequent steatosis. It is suggested that an excess of C18:1 (or other mono‐unsaturated fatty acids), coupled with a lack of adaptive peroxisomal proliferation, is the primary cause of lipid droplet formation leading to hepatic steatosis.
Cardiac myxosporiosis of pearl‐spot, Etroplus suratensis (Bloch), due to Myxobolus etropli sp. nov.
Authors: Rajendran K V , Vijayan K K , Alavandi S V
Published: March 2003

A new myxosporean, Myxobolus etropli sp. nov., was found to infect the bulbus arteriosus of Etroplus suratensis (Bloch) from brackishwater lagoons of Muttukkadu, Chennai coast, India. A survey from May 1993 to October 1994 revealed a prevalence rate of 33.7% of this parasite. Macroscopic discoloured foci/cysts were seen in the bulbus arteriosus of the fish. The parasite showed strict host and site specificity. Histopathology showed that the infection was restricted to the bulbus. This is the first report of a myxosporean from E. suratensis.
Involvement of serine proteinase in infectious pancreatic necrosis virus capsid protein maturation and NS proteinase cleavage in CHSE‐214 cells
Authors: Wu J‐L , Hong J‐R , Chang C‐Y , Hui C‐F , Liao C‐F , Hsu Y‐L
Published: March 2003

An investigation of virus‐specific protein maturation in infectious pancreatic necrosis virus (IPNV) infected Chinook salmon embryo cells (CHSE‐214) was undertaken. The precursor protein (pVP2–1) of the major mature capsid protein (VP2) was processed sequentially from pVP2–1 to pVP2–2 and VP2. Experiments using serine proteinase inhibitors showed that the maturation of the VP2 was blocked in the pVP2–1 post‐translational cleavage steps. A protinin, a potent proteinase inhibitor, at 800 μg ml–1 blocked pVP2–2 to VP2 and the cleavage of VP4 (28 kDa) to VP4–1 (25 kDa). Therefore, our data showed that the maturation of the capsid protein (VP2) and cleavage of VP4 (NS proteinase) can be blocked by serine proteinase inhibitors.
In vivo and in vitro effect of oxytetracycline treatment on the immune response of turbot, Scophthalmus maximus (L.)
Authors: Tafalla C. , Novoa B. , Alvarez J. M. , Figueras A.
Published: March 2003

Oxytetracycline (OTC) is one of the most frequently used antibiotics in aquaculture, although negative side‐effects have been reported in some cases. The present study has determined the effect of the in vivo administration of OTC on several immune functions in turbot, Scophthalmus maximus (L.), such as kidney macrophage respiratory burst, phagocytosis and plasma bactericidal activity. Total plasma protein was also measured. The antibiotic was administered orally over 12 days, and this treatment was combined with OTC baths on days 1, 3 and 5. The drug did not suppress the immune functions analysed. Instead, the treatment produced a significant increase in the plasma bactericidal activity and total protein concentration. The effect of different doses of OTC on macrophage functions (i.e. respiratory burst activity and phagocytosis) and cell viability was also assayed in vitro. Although cell viability did not decrease after in vitro exposure, head kidney macrophage respiratory burst and phagocytosis were inhibited by the in vitro treatment, and were dose‐dependent.
Evaluating protection against Loma salmonae generated from primary exposure of rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum), outside of the xenoma‐expression temperature boundaries
Authors: Beaman H J. , Speare D J. , Brimacombe M. , Daley J.
Published: March 2003

A series of challenge and re‐challenge studies was conducted in which juvenile rainbow trout were exposed to the pathogen Loma salmonae, a microsporidian which typically causes xenoma formation during sporogony and inflammation in the gills as the xenomas undergo dissolution. The specific goal was to determine if a primary exposure, conducted at a water temperature outside of the range which permits the parasite to undergo sporogony and form branchial xenomas, would stimulate a protective response in the fish to a later challenge conducted under temperature conditions optimal for the parasite. Primary challenge of fish to L. salmonae at 7 °C or 21 °C blocked or limited xenoma formation, as discussed in a previous study. However, these fish had a relative percentage protection (RPP) against a second optimized exposure which matched, or was not significantly less than, the degree of protection (100%) that developed in other groups of fish that received a primary exposure throughout the range of water temperatures which permits xenoma formation. When the primary exposure was conducted at 5 °C, the RPP against the second exposure was adversely affected and declined to 61%. These findings have application to the control of L. salmonae within aquaculture, in that it may be possible to expose hatchery stocks of susceptible salmonid species to spores of L. salmonae when hatchery water temperature is at 7 °C. At this temperature, the risks of disease stemming from this primary exposure appear minimal, since xenomas fail to form. However, the degree of protection appears promising, and may be sufficient to protect fish from spore exposure occurring at netpen marine sites where the parasite may be endemic.
Development of Myxobolus bramae (Myxosporea: Myxobolidae) in an oligochaete alternate host, Tubifex tubifex
Authors: Eszterbauer E. , Székely Cs , Molnár K. , Baska F.
Published: March 2003

The development of Myxobolus bramae Reuss 1906, a myxosporean parasite of the gills of common bream Abramis brama L., was studied in experimentally infected oligochaetes. In five experiments, uninfected Tubifex tubifex (Müller) and Limnodrilus hoffmeisteri Claparéde were exposed to mature myxospores of M. bramae. In four experiments triactinomyxon type actinospores developed in Tubifex specimens but no infection was found in Limnodrilus. Actinospores were released from oligochaetes 70–81 days after initial exposure. At that time pansporocysts containing eight actinospores were located in the gut epithelium of experimental oligochaetes, but free actinosporean stages were also found in their gut lumen. Each actinospore had three pyriform polar capsules and a barrel‐shaped sporoplasm with 32 secondary cells. The spore body joined the three caudal projections with a stout style. The total length of the actinospore was 139 μm on the average.
Non‐pigment‐producing isolates of Aeromonas salmonicida subspecies salmonicida: isolation, identification, transmission and pathogenicity in Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L.
Authors: Koppang E O , Fjølstad M , Melgård B , Vigerust M , ørum H S.
Published: March 2003

Four non‐pigment‐producing isolates and two pigment‐producing isolates of Aeromonas salmonicida sp. salmonicida were isolated from the head‐kidney of diseased farmed Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L. The cultural, morphological and biochemical features of the isolates were compared with those of reference strains. Injection and cohabitation experiments were performed. The only difference between the non‐pigment‐producing isolates and the pigment producing reference strains of A. salmonicida ssp. salmonicida was the inability of the former to produce pigment. In the injection experiments, the investigated non‐pigment‐producing isolate produced a significantly higher mortality compared with the mortality caused by the reference strain, whereas no difference in mortality was detected in the cohabitation experiments.
A compendium of idiopathic lesions observed in redclaw freshwater crayfish, Cherax quadricarinatus (von Martens)
Authors: Edgerton B F
Published: March 2003

Idiopathic lesions observed in redclaw freshwater crayfish, Cherax quadricarinatus (von Martens), from farms in northern Queensland, Australia, over a 4‐year period are described. Various idiopathic lesions were observed in the exoskeleton, antennal gland, mandibular organ, haemolymph vessel endothelium and enteric tissues of C. quadricarinatus collected for histopathological surveys, investigations of chronic mortalities or during other activities. The need for an increased use of histopathology in crayfish disease diagnosis is highlighted.
Effect of marine Eubothrium sp. (Cestoda: Pseudophyllidea) on the growth of Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L.
Authors: Saksvik M , Nilsen F , Nylund A , Berland B
Published: March 2003

Atlantic Salmon, Salmo salar L., experimentally infected with marine Eubothrium sp. were kept together with uninfected salmon in the laboratory for 11 months in two tanks, 80 infected and 80 uninfected in each tank. The infected fish had a reduced growth rate compared with the uninfected fish. Significant differences in growth between infected and uninfected fish were not observed until several months post‐infection. There was no correlation between the number of Eubothrium sp. and fish weight, indicating that even low intensity alters the growth rate of the salmon. The cestode had the same effect on both sexes of salmon. Haematocrit level was found to be significantly lower in infected compared with uninfected salmon in one of the samples during the experiment.
Characteristics of monoclonal antibodies against Piscirickettsia salmonis
Authors: Jamett A , Aguayo J , Miquel A , Muller I , Arriagada R , Becker M I , Valenzuela P , Burzio L O
Published: March 2003

A panel of 28 monoclonal antibodies against Piscirickettsia salmonis was produced using a purified fraction of the bacterium. To determine their specificity to the pathogen, the antibodies were assayed by ELISA and indirect immunofluorescence microscopy. Six monoclonal antibodies were selected based on their strong reaction against P. salmonis and absence of cross‐reactivity with other common fish pathogens. Western blot analysis showed that the antibodies reacted to several antigens of P. salmonis. Immunofluorescence assays revealed that these antibodies reacted with the same specificity to different isolates of P. salmonis obtained from the south of Chile. This panel of monoclonal antibodies represents an important tool to develop simple, rapid, sensitive and highly specific methods for the detection of the pathogen and diagnosis of the disease.
Experimental pathogenicity in rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum), of two distinct morphotypes of long‐spined Saprolegnia isolates obtained from wild brown trout, Salmo trutta L., and river water
Authors: Fregeneda Grandes J M , Fernández Díez M , Aller Gancedo J M
Published: March 2003

Juvenile rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum), were experimentally infected to investigate the pathogenicity of 20 isolates of two morphotypes of long‐haired Saprolegnia obtained from wild brown trout, Salmo trutta L., and river water in Spain. The trout were exposed to 2 × 105 and 3 × 105 L–1 zoospores. Saprolegnia infection could not occur without ‘ami‐momi’ treatment. Pathogenicity varied greatly among isolates as mortality ranged from 0 to 100% of the fish. There was a statistically significant difference (P < 0.001) between the mortality caused by morphotype I isolates and that produced by those of morphotype II. The most pathogenic isolates usually belonged to morphotype II, consisting of isolates which had secondary cysts with bundles of hooked hairs which were shorter and less numerous than those of morphotype I; the morphotype I isolates usually had low pathogenicity. Lesions were most frequently found on the fins. Cultures detected the presence of Saprolegnia in internal organs. Histopathology of the intestine suggests that Saprolegnia may reach this and other organs via the blood stream from surface lesions.
Bacillary necrosis in farmed Pangasius hypophthalmus (Sauvage) from the Mekong Delta, Vietnam
Authors: Ferguson H W , Turnbull J F , Shinn A , Thompson K , Dung T T , Crumlish M
Published: March 2003

This is the first description of an economically important disease of intensively reared Pangasius hypophthalmus from the Mekong Delta. Major presenting signs included an increase in mortality that would not respond to treatment, and at necropsy, the presence of numerous white necrotic and pyogranulomatous foci throughout the viscera, notably in spleen, liver and kidney. Despite the confounding presence in earlier samples of numerous, primarily renal, myxosporean parasites, the common denominator amongst these and samples from eight subsequently sampled sites was the presence of moderate‐to‐large numbers of bacilli in all typical lesions. These bacteria were subsequently isolated and tentatively identified as a Bacillus sp. Pilot studies experimentally reproduced similar lesions approximately 7 days following intraperitoneal injection of the bacteria.
The transmission potential of Loma salmonae (Microspora) in the rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum), is dependent upon the method and timing of exposure
Authors: Ramsay J M , Speare D J , Sánchez J G , Daley J
Published: March 2003

The ability of a parasite to transmit from one fish to another is important in the dissemination of disease. Groups of 25 naive rainbow trout (RBT), Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum), were exposed to Loma salmonae by feeding on the viscera (gills, hearts and spleens) from L. salmonae‐infected donor RBT (DRBT) or by cohabitation with infected DRBT. Exposure occurred 3, 7, 11 and 15 weeks after the DRBT were infected. All naive RBT were examined 7 weeks post‐exposure (PE) to the DRBT. Naive RBT, exposed to DRBT at week 3 PE, by feeding on viscera or by cohabitation, failed to develop visible branchial xenomas. Cohabiting naive RBT with DRBT, at week 7 PE and week 11 PE, resulted in the development of branchial xenomas. Xenomas failed to develop in naive RBT exposed via cohabitation to week 15 PE DRBT. Naive RBT, exposed by feeding on the viscera of DRBT at week 7 PE, week 11 PE and week 15 PE, developed branchial xenomas. The transmission potential of viscera from L. salmonae‐infected DRBT at week 15 and week 20 PE was also examined. Naive RBT, fed with viscera free of visible branchial xenomas, from DRBT at week 15 PE and week 20 PE, developed branchial xenomas by week 7 PE. A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to detect L. salmonae DNA from the water and sediments of a tank of L. salmonae‐infected RBT at week 7 PE. The method and timing of exposure of naive fish to L. salmonae‐infected fish are important in disease transmission and may be useful in predicting and preventing disease outbreaks in aquaculture.
Complete developmental cycle of Myxobolus pseudodispar (Gorbunova) (Myxosporea: Myxobolidae)
Authors: Székely Cs , Molnár K , Rácz O
Published: March 2003

Myxobolus pseudodispar (Gorbunova) is a common parasite of the muscle of roach, Rutilus rutilus L., whereas its actinosporean development occurs in two oligochaete alternate hosts. This paper reports the complete developmental cycle of this parasite in the oligochaete alternate host Tubifex tubifex and the roach. In laboratory experiments, parasite‐free T. tubifex specimens were infected by myxospores of M. pseudodispar collected from roach in Lake Balaton. Parasite‐free roach fingerlings were infected with floating triactinospores (TAMs) released from oligochaetes on day 69 after challenge. Young plasmodia and spores in roach were first recorded on day 80 post‐exposure (p.e.). Myxospores collected from experimentally infected roach initiated a new development in T. tubifex and the resulting TAMs infected roach. No infection of roach resulted from feeding oligochaetes containing mature triactinospores.
Antibody mediated immune response against Ichthyophthirius multifiliis using excised skin from channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus (Rafinesque), immune to Ichthyophthirius
Authors: Xu D‐H , Klesius P H
Published: March 2003

This study investigated antibody mediated immune response against Ichthyophthirius multifiliis (Ich) by determining whether theronts would retain the potential for reinfection, both in vitro and in vivo, after treatment with the culture fluid of excised skin from channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, immune to Ich. The invasion was reduced significantly (P < 0.05) for theronts treated with the immune culture fluid compared with those treated with the culture fluid from naive fish. The treatment of theronts with the immune culture fluid greatly reduced the size and survival of trophonts compared with those treated with the culture fluid from naive fish. Fewer fish were infected and the infection density was less for fish exposed to theronts treated with immune culture fluid. The infection was severe for fish invaded by theronts treated with the culture fluid from naive fish, with a high number of infected fish and heavy density of trophonts per fish. All fish were infected by Ich when exposed to the theronts treated with the immunoadsorbed culture fluid. In summary, results of this study show that cutaneous antibodies in the culture fluid of excised skin from immune fish significantly reduces theront infectivity by immobilizing or weakening theronts.
Experimental vertical transmission of nodavirus from broodfish to eggs and larvae of the sea bass, Dicentrarchus labrax (L.)
Authors: Breuil G , Pépin J F P , Boscher S , Thiéry R
Published: March 2003

Adult broodstock sea bass, Dicentrarchus labrax (L.), were intramuscularly inoculated with live Sb‐Atl nodavirus strain and maintained at two different water temperatures (13 and 20 °C) until spawning. Each spawn was then incubated separately in UV treated water for 3 days and newly hatched larvae reared for 22 days at 13–15 °C. The inoculated broodfish developed a specific immune response following inoculation with the live virus and specific antibodies were detected in the sera of all the inoculated fish whatever the temperature used (13 and 20 °C). Specific nodavirus antigen was also detected by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and nested reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) in the brain and the liver of these fish. Vertical transmission of the nodavirus disease was demonstrated following inoculation of the broodfish with the live virus strain, as typical lesions associated with the nodavirus antigen were detected by immunohistochemistry in the brain of larvae at days 14–22 following hatching. The eggs from seven inoculated females that spawned during the experiment were tested for nodavirus by antigen ELISA, RT‐PCR and nested RT‐PCR. Fertilized and non‐fertilized eggs, as well as developing larvae, were found nodavirus positive using these techniques. However, the nested RT‐PCR was the only technique that could detect the nodavirus in ovarian biopsies before spawning. Therefore, the selection of nodavirus‐free sea bass broodstock cannot be achieved by ELISA or RT‐PCR testing of ovarian biopsies. Alternative methods such as serum nodavirus antibody detection of broodstock and/or nested RT‐PCR testing of eggs before spawning should be used.
Probiotics in aquaculture
Authors: Irianto A , Austin B
Published: March 2003

Abstract Probiotics, which are micro‐organisms or their products with health benefit to the host, have found use in aquaculture as a means of disease control, supplementing or even in some cases replacing the use of antimicrobial compounds. A wide range of microalgae (Tetraselmis), yeasts (Debaryomyces, Phaffia and Saccharomyces) and Gram‐positive (Bacillus, Carnobacterium, Enterococcus, Lactobacillus, Lactococcus, Micrococcus, Streptococcus and Weissella) and Gram‐negative bacteria (Aeromonas, Alteromonas, Photorhodobacterium, Pseudomonas and Vibrio) has been evaluated. However, the mode of action of the probiotics is rarely investigated, but possibilities include competitive exclusion, i.e. the probiotics actively inhibit the colonization of potential pathogens in the digestive tract by antibiosis or by competition for nutrients and/or space, alteration of microbial metabolism, and/or by the stimulation of host immunity. Probiotics may stimulate appetite and improve nutrition by the production of vitamins, detoxification of compounds in the diet, and by the breakdown of indigestible components. There is accumulating evidence that probiotics are effective at inhibiting a wide range of fish pathogens, but the reasons for the inhibitions are often unstated.
A review of point‐of‐choice nutrition labelling schemes in the workplace, public eating places and universities
Authors: Holdsworth M. , Haslam C.
Published: March 2003

Background: Nutrition labelling schemes at the point‐of‐choice allow opportunity for behaviour change by modifying the environment. In the workplace they provide a particularly good opportunity to expose employees repeatedly to healthier food choices. The Heartbeat Award scheme (HBA) is an example of such a scheme and was launched in England in 1990 by the Health Education Authority.
Method: Twenty point‐of‐choice labelling schemes are reviewed in the workplace, public eating places and universities. We outline the characteristics of effective programmes, and suggest how the HBA scheme could be developed to maximize its impact.
Results: Nutrition labelling schemes may be most effective when they are adapted for the target audience and use simple messages, especially if the messages promote both healthiness and taste. Even though schemes may not have an immediate effect on food choice, they may act together with other factors to enhance customer self‐efficacy, thereby increasing the likelihood of positive food choices being made.
Conclusion: Most of the studies reviewed demonstrate some positive short‐term benefits from schemes. We are unable to conclude that these result in long‐term behaviour changes, because of a lack of follow‐up studies.
A17. Dietary calcium intakes of term infants with special reference to nutrients known to effect calcium uptake
Authors: Mankelow J. E. S.
Published: March 2003

Background Bone health is an issue that is being strongly promoted in an attempt to reduce the numbers of people, especially women, developing osteoporosis and other bone wasting disorders in later life. Peak bone mass is attained at around 25 years but the majority of bone mass is laid down at a much younger age than this (
Thomas, 1995).

There is very little published data on the nutritional intakes of infants less than 6 months of age.

Aims To examine the intakes of calcium and vitamin D among infants and also their macronutrient intake to provide an overview of the composition of the infants’ diets.

Methods This study involved analysing 30 seven‐day weighed food intake diaries, with reference to the infants’ calcium, vitamin D and general macronutrient status. Six diaries were carried out per infant at four‐month intervals, starting at 4 months of age. The data were analysed using the computerized nutritional analysis programme, COMPEAT.

Results The general macronutrient status of the infants was found to be variable Their energy intake was often below the recommended level as was carbohydrate and fat. However, their protein intakes were generally much better. Overall, it appeared that mothers were feeding their children in accordance to the adult healthy eating guidelines and so creating a diet deficient in some of the major macronutrients.

The calcium intakes of the infants were generally enough to meet their RNI. Consistently, throughout the diaries, the food making the greatest contribution to the infants calcium intake was milk: either breast milk, formula milk or whole cows milk.

The vitamin D intakes of the infants were far more variable. When infants were taking formula milks, fortified with vitamin D, their intakes were always above the RNI. As soon as complimentary feeding was started and other foods started replacing the milk their levels of vitamin D dropped considerably effecting the bioavailabiltiy of the calcium in their diet. Unfortunately. Other sources of vitamin D, such as vitamin supplements or sunlight were not measured.

Conclusions This study showed that infants often have poor nutritional status at a young age, which is due in no small part to the use of adult healthy eating guidelines as a reference for their diet. This indicates that mothers need educating on the types of foods needed for complimentary feeding.
A18. Fruit and vegetable consumption of women in low‐income groups: barriers and incentives for increasing intake
Authors: Smith K.
Published: March 2003

Background The Scottish diet is renowned for being one of the unhealthiest in the Western World (
WHO, 1990). Fruit and vegetable consumption in Scotland fails to meet the World Health Organizations current recommendations (
Roos et al., 1997
). Fruit and vegetable consumption is strongly affected by socio‐economic status and income (
Marshall et al., 1995
).

Aims This study had three aims: to identify how much fruit and vegetables mothers on low income consume, to assess mothers knowledge and attitude to fruit and vegetable consumption and to identify how mothers would feel if the Department of Health and Social Security Milk Token Scheme was extended.

Methods A random sample of 43 mothers was obtained from Castlemilk and Gorbals areas of Glasgow. The sample was recruited for interview from parent and toddlers groups and from a new parents open day. All of the women in this study received state benefits.

Results In this study 95% (n = 41) understood the importance of eating fruit and vegetables daily, yet only 39% (n = 17) ate fruit every day. 95% of the participants felt it was important to eat fruit and vegetables during pregnancy, yet only 19% (n = 8) increased their intake. These results show that whilst subjects understood the importance of eating fruit and vegetables they did not put this knowledge into practice. In the age group 16–20 years none of the subjects ate fruit or vegetable daily. 71% (n = 17) of the subjects commented that the cost of fruit and vegetables affected their decision to purchase them. Practical strategies need to be implemented to encourage a change in attitude towards fruit and vegetables consumption.

All participants were receptive to extending Department of Health and Social Security Milk Token Scheme to include other foods such as fruit and vegetables, meat, eggs, cheese and cereals. 59% (n = 35) of sample believed that extending the milk token scheme would make their diet healthier whist the remaining 41% (n = 17) felt it would save them money.

Conclusions Further research should be carried out into nutrition intervention programmes. The Women Infants and Children (WIC) programme in the United States could be a starting point for further research.
A5. An assessment of the diets of people with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Goff L. M.
Published: March 2003

Background A proportion of people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) use diet as a form of therapy for their condition. There is no firm evidence to confirm the mechanisms by which nutrition affects the disease process or symptoms but the research in this area has suggested a number of theories. It is proposed by some that the nutritional status of RA subjects is compromised due to their symptoms or the drug treatments they use. Alternatively, nutrition is proposed to influence the inflammatory process that is central to this condition. Finally, the ’Food Allergy Theory’ suggests that the symptoms of RA may be the result of food allergy/intolerance in some people. This study aimed to investigate the specific actions RA subjects take with regard to diet and the nutrient composition of these specialized diets. The effects that these habits have on nutritional status have also been discussed.

Methods An ex‐post facto study was completed with subjects being recruited from an arthritis self‐help group by means of a postal questionnaire. Fifty‐four subjects responded to the questionnaire and 25 of these went on to complete a 3‐day diet diary. These subjects were divided into two study groups: those who believed that diet had no effect on their condition or symptoms (Diet Group 1) and those who believed it did have some effect (Diet Group 2).

Results Food avoidance and supplementation were the most common dietary habits reported by people with rheumatoid arthritis, with 50% of respondents reporting supplementation and 67% food avoidance. The nutrient intakes from food of the two study groups differed significantly, with Diet Group 2 generally achieving or exceeding the Reference Nutrient Intakes (RNIs) (
DoH, 1991) and the National Food Survey references (NFS) (
MAFF, 1996) more often that Diet Group 1. Additionally, Diet Group 2 had fewer nutrient intakes below the RNIs (
DoH, 1991) and the NFS references (
MAFF, 1996). Furthermore, when expressed in terms of nutrient density, Diet Group 2 had greater nutrient intakes per 1000kcals for the majority of nutrients, suggesting a more nutrient‐dense diet.

Conclusion Individuals who have an interest in diet and nutrition and believe it affects their condition appear to have a more nutrient‐dense, well‐balanced, healthier diet than those who do not have any such belief.
A8. Vitamin C and the healing of venous leg ulcers
Authors: Paine J.
Published: March 2003

Background Venous leg ulcers are chronic wounds which demand an adequate supply of nutrients for healing. Vitamin C plays a central role in the dynamics of wound healing and therefore may accelerate the healing response.

Aim To assess the impact of dietary education promoting increased consumption of vitamin C.

Methods Research involved dietary assessment of 27 patients with venous leg ulcers (7 day food record and questionnaire). This was followed by dietary education of the group and vitamin C supplementation (200 mg day−1 for 1 month) of a randomly selected sub sample. To establish intervention outcome a repeat dietary assessment was performed and changes in wound size calibrated.

Results Initial dietary assessment revealed the group met RNI values for protein (P = < 0.001), iron (P = 0.002) and vitamin C (P = 0.004) but did not achieve RNI values for zinc or EAR for energy. After dietary education vitamin C intake increased and significant improvement in food handling practices expected to retain vitamin C were observed (P = 0.003). There was no significant difference in healing rates between subjects who received vitamin C supplementation and those who did not. Furthermore, the total level of vitamin C consumption (obtained from diet only, or diet + supplement), did not significantly influence area healed.

Conclusion This study did not support the view that advice/therapy to increase vitamin C intake should be incorporated as routine treatment for patients with venous leg ulcers.
A critical essay on professional development in dietetics through a process of reflection and clinical supervision
Authors: Burton S.
Published: March 2003

Background The concept of clinical supervision is well known within the nursing profession though numerous definitions and theoretical models proposed for implementation have led to a degree of confusion. The debate within dietetics is just beginning, with the recent formation of a BDA working group seeking to clarify clinical supervision for the profession.

Aims This essay provides an overview of clinical supervision together with reflection which is considered to be integral to the process and proposes that clinical supervision can provide a vehicle for supporting continuous professional development for all dietitans.

It is perhaps unfortunate that the descriptive ‘clinical’ is used throughout the literature as this often leads to an incorrect assumption that the scope of the process is limited to acute services. However, as patient care takes many forms within a range of environments, the broader meaning of ‘clinical’ as pertaining to ‘patient care’ needs to be acknowledged. Caution in choosing a model for the profession is advised, as any model needs to fit the practice and not vice versa.
Effect of nutritional education and dietary counselling on body weight in HIV‐seropositive South Africans not receiving antiretroviral therapy
Authors: Van Niekerk C. , Smego R. A. , Sanne I.
Published: March 2003

Background Unintentional weight loss of > 10% contributes to morbidity and mortality in HIV‐infected patients. In poorer developing countries, cost‐effective options to promote weight gain are extremely limited.

Methods We conducted a pilot study of the effect of nutritional education and dietary counselling on body weight in 90 HIV/AIDS patients. Education entailed principles of healthy eating, socioeconomics of nutrition, food safety, and symptom‐related dietary guidelines. Other clinical parameters examined for potential impact on body weight included age, sex, CD4+ lymphocyte count, presence of complicating infections, concomitant medications, vitamin use, and nutritional supplementation. No patients received antiretroviral therapy.

Results At study end (mean follow‐up, 4.2 months) body weight compared to baseline was greater in study subjects than in controls (P < 0.01); stable or increasing weight was seen in 73% of study patients. Weight gain (≥ 1 kg) occurred in 53% of counselled patients (mean = 3.5 kg; range 1–11 kg) vs. 21% of matched controls (mean = 2.0 kg; range 1–3 kg) (P < 0.03). Nutritional counselling was found to offset the adverse effects of gastrointestinal tract or systemic infection (especially in patients with CD4+ counts < 200 cells mm–3).

Conclusion In low‐resource areas, culturally and economically relevant nutritional education and dietary counselling are simple yet effective means of stabilizing or increasing body weight in HIV‐infected patients.
Home tube feeding: an integrated multidisciplinary approach
Authors: McNamara E. P. , Flood P. , Kennedy N. P.
Published: March 2003

Background

Long‐term enteral tube feeding is increasingly required by patients in the community setting. A previous study of 50 adults on home enteral tube feeding in the Dublin area found that some experienced logistical problems and many individuals did not choose to seek advice from their GP regarding their tube feeding.

Aims

To assess the contribution of health professionals to the care of patients on enteral tube feeding in the community.

Methods

GPs and hospital dietitians were surveyed using postal questionnaires and nutritional company representatives using structured interviews, to assess their involvement with patients on home tube feeding. Completed questionnaires were received from 77 dietitians and 80 GPs. Ten company representatives were interviewed.

Results

Hospital dietitians carry out most of the initial education and training of patients, in addition to the nutritional aftercare. General practitioners tend not to be involved, although nutrition specialists working in the nutritional products area report encountering patients with tube‐feeding complications in the community.

Conclusions

Improved co‐ordination between hospital and community services and more consistent monitoring of those on home enteral tube feeding would be an advantage to such patients.
Improvement of symptoms in infant colic following reduction of lactose load with lactase
Authors: Kanabar D. , Randhawa M. , Clayton P.
Published: March 2003

Transient lactose intolerance has been identified as a possible causative factor in infant colic. A double‐blind randomised placebo‐controlled crossover study to investigate this has been undertaken in 53 babies with symptoms of colic. Pre‐incubation of the feed with lactase resulted in breath hydrogen levels and total crying time which were both at least 45% lower than figures with placebo treatment, in 26% of the full trial group (95% confidence interval 12.9% to 44.4%), and in 38% of compliers (95% confidence interval 18.8% to 59.4%). The remainder did not respond to the same extent. These findings suggest that infant colic may have a multiple aetiology, and that in a significant number of cases the immediate cause is transient lactose intolerance, in which cases pretreatment of feeds with lactase can result in considerable symptomatic benefits.