bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sward characteristics important for intake in six Lolium perenne varieties
Authors: Smit H. J. , Tas B. M. , Taweel H. Z. , Elgersma A.
Published: May 2005

An experiment was conducted to determine the genetic variation among diploid perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) varieties for sward structural characteristics considered to be important for intake by cattle. Assessments were made between June and September in 2000 and 2001. Six varieties (Abergold, Respect, Agri, Herbie, Barezane and Barnhem) were subjected to a cutting experiment where swards were cut after 3 to 4 weeks of regrowth during the growing season. The variables, measured in three 2‐week periods, were herbage mass of dry matter (DM), sward surface height (SSH), bulk density, proportion of green leaf, tiller density, tiller weight, extended tiller height, length of sheath and length of leaf blade. Significant differences among varieties were found in both years for herbage mass of DM, SSH, bulk density, proportion of green leaf, tiller density, tiller weight and length of sheath. The results show that there is significant genetic variation among diploid perennial ryegrass varieties for sward characteristics important for intake during grazing.
Effects of winter grazing on spring production of lucerne under Mediterranean conditions
Authors: Chocarro C. , Lloveras J. , Fanlo R.
Published: May 2005

The effects of one severe winter‐grazing of lucerne were studied over 3 years in an experiment in the Ebro Valley, Spain. In this region the crop is harvested six to seven times per season and winter grazing is a traditional practice. On average, winter‐grazing reduced the yield at the first harvest in spring by 200 kg dry matter (DM) ha−1. This limited yield reduction of 0·06 was accompanied by an increase in the proportion of lucerne in the herbage DM from 0·54 to 0·62, a reduction in the proportion of weeds from 0·39 to 0·36, and a reduction in the proportion of dead material from 0·06 to 0·02. The crude protein concentration and the in vitro DM digestibility increased by 20 g kg−1 DM and 0·03, respectively. The traditional practice, i.e. of grazing lucerne with sheep once in the winter season, results in only a limited reduction in yield in the spring. In addition, the spring crop has a higher nutritive value.
Soil organic carbon stocks in verges and urban areas of Flanders, Belgium
Authors: Mestdagh I. , Sleutel S. , Lootens P. , Van Cleemput O. , Carlier L.
Published: May 2005

Soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks in different terrestrial ecosystems have already been calculated. However, SOC stocks of grassy verges and grass‐covered urban areas have never been reported. In this study the total grass‐covered area of verges and urban areas in different agro‐pedological regions of Flanders, Belgium was calculated and SOC stocks estimated. The total grassy area of verges along roads, waterways and railways was calculated to be 18 027 ha, 9530 ha for gardens and parks and 2360 ha for recreations areas. Total SOC stock for grass‐covered verges, extrapolated to a depth of 1 m, was estimated to be 3520 kt SOC. Total SOC stock for grassy vegetation in urban areas was 1738 kt SOC. These total SOC stocks equate, respectively, to 0·10 and 0·05 of the total SOC stock in Flemish grassland.
Intake characteristics of perennial ryegrass varieties when grazed by yearling beef cattle under rotational grazing management
Authors: Orr R. J. , Cook J. E. , Young K. L. , Champion R. A. , Rutter S. M.
Published: May 2005

Four intermediate‐heading perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) varieties, which in previous studies had been associated with high‐ or low‐intake characteristics when swards containing them had been continuously stocked with sheep, were sown as monocultures. They were rotationally grazed, using 1‐d paddocks, with core groups of four yearling Simmental × Holstein beef heifers in 2002 and 2003 and ingestive and ruminative behaviour, and sward factors, were measured. There were two diploid (Belramo and Glen) and one tetraploid (Rosalin) perennial ryegrass varieties and one tetraploid hybrid (Lolium × boucheanum Kunth) (AberExcel) variety. Intake rate (IR) was significantly higher in August 2003 for heifers grazing Glen than those grazing Belramo [27·5 vs. 20·6 g dry matter (DM) min−1; P = 0·019], but there were no significant differences between varieties in two other measurement periods. This is in contrast to previous results with sheep when IR were significantly higher for Glen than Belramo and for AberExcel than Rosalin. Total jaw movement rates during grazing were significantly higher for heifers on the tetraploid swards than those on the diploid swards (87·7 vs. 83·6 jaw movements min−1; P = 0·023) in September 2002. Ruminating time was significantly lower for heifers on the tetraploid swards than those on the diploid swards (453 vs. 519 min 24 h−1; P = 0·012) in July 2002. Digestibility of grass snips was significantly higher on the tetraploid than the diploid swards [697 vs. 680 g digestible organic matter (DOM) kg−1 DM; P = 0·042] in September 2003 and, within diploids, was significantly higher for Glen than Belramo (696 vs. 663 g DOM kg−1 DM; P = 0·014). There were significant differences in sheath tube and leaf lengths and in the population density of tillers between and within ploidies, which might have been expected to have influenced intake characteristics, but this was not generally found under rotational grazing with cattle. In order to separate the effects of defoliation interval from those of grazing style of the different ruminant species, it is suggested that grass variety evaluations using continuously stocked cattle swards are required.
The relationship between tiller appearance in spring and contribution to dry‐matter yield in perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) cultivars differing in heading date
Authors: Laidlaw A. S.
Published: May 2005

The relative contribution of tillers present in April and those appearing in consecutive periods in spring was assessed for perennial ryegrass cultivars in the three maturity groups (early, intermediate‐ and late‐heading). Each group was represented by two diploid and one tetraploid cultivar each in plots in their third (2000) and fourth (2001) harvest years in three replicated blocks receiving an average of 325 kg N ha−1 and cut seven (in 2001) or eight (in 2000) times annually. ‘Main’ tillers and their daughters were marked with colour‐coded PVC‐covered wire loops in early April as were daughters which appeared in consecutive periods between harvests, the loop colour identifying the period of origin of the tiller. Tillers were harvested at cutting height (5 cm) before the plots were harvested and the herbage from tillers with the same colour code bulked per plot. Tillers were identified retrospectively as ‘reproductive’ if they had been decapitated at the previous harvest.

Dry‐matter yield was higher in the early than late‐heading cultivars in April and early May but this was reversed in harvests in late May and June. The early heading group had a lower lamina content than the late‐heading group during reproduction growth, both due to the reproductive tillers (mainly those which overwintered) having a lower leaf content and to their being fewer and smaller vegetative tillers during the reproductive phase than for the late‐heading group.

Turnover of tillers was high in spring due to decapitation of reproductive tillers and rapid post‐flowering tillering. This was particularly pronounced in the early heading group which also had slightly more tillers marked in April which were subsequently decapitated than in the other maturity groups, i.e. 0·56 compared with 0·44 for the late‐maturing group. Mean ratios of rate of death: rate of tillering for 3 years (1999–2001) for the early and late‐heading groups were 0·8 and 0·4, respectively, for April–May and 1·1 and 2·4, respectively, for June indicating the different patterns in tiller turnover for the two extreme maturity groups. Information on tiller origin and contribution to yield can be used to refine tiller‐based grass growth models.
Interleukin‐10 production by lung macrophages in CBA xid mutant mice infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Junqueira‐Kipnis Ana Paula , Kipnis Andre , Henao Tamayo Marcela , Harton Marisa , Gonzalez Juarrero Mercedes , Basaraba Randall J. , Orme Ian M.
Published: May 2005

Mice on the CBA inbred strain background expressing the well characterized mutation designated xid in the cytoplasmic signalling enzyme Bruton's protein kinase have been previously noted to illustrate shifts in T helper type 1 (Th1)/Th2 immunity which is underlined by an apparent failure to produce the regulatory cytokine interleukin‐10. In the current study we examined if this extended to infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which also depends on Th1 immunity. Contrary to expectations, xid mice showed evidence of a transient early susceptibility to pulmonary infection, changes in macrophage morphology, and decreased activation of lung natural killer cells, while showing evidence of substantial IL‐10 production and accumulation in lung lesions macrophages, but paradoxically this did not influence the course of the chronic disease. In addition, macrophages from the lungs of xid mice also expressed high levels of CD14. These observations suggest that the xid mutation in cellular signalling has much wider effects on the immune system than previously thought.
Monoclonal antibodies that identify the CD3 molecules expressed specifically at the surface of porcine γδ‐T cells
Authors: Yang Huaizhi , Parkhouse R. Michael E. , Wileman Thomas
Published: May 2005

The CD3 antigen is a surface structure associated with the T‐cell receptor (TCR) to form a complex involved in antigen recognition and signal transduction. Reports on the structures of the CD3 molecules associated with αβ‐ and γδ‐TCR have been contradictory. To investigate this issue, we raised a panel of monoclonal antibodies (mAb) against purified porcine CD3 molecules. Unlike the conventional anti‐CD3, these mAb reacted specifically with peripheral γδ‐T cells, but not with αβ‐T cells. Immunoprecipitation showed that the antibody recognized a subset of CD3 molecules that were associated with γδ‐TCR. Also unlike the conventional anti‐CD3, these mAb, though directed at two different epitope groups, failed to induce antigenic modulation, T‐cell proliferation and CD3‐redirected cytotoxicity. Taken together, these results suggest that there are differences in the antigenicity, signal transduction potentials and probably structural differences between the CD3 molecules expressed at the surface of αβ‐ and γδ‐T cells.
Identification of T‐cell epitopes on U1A protein in MRL/lpr mice: double‐negative T cells are the major responsive cells
Authors: Yang Mei‐Hui , Suen Jau‐Ling , Li Shiao‐Lan , Chiang Bor‐Luen
Published: May 2005

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is characterized by the existence of a heterogeneous group of autoantibodies such as anti‐DNA, chromatin, histone, and ribonucleoprotein antibodies (Abs). Although the B‐cell antigenic determinants have been well characterized, very limited data about the T‐cell epitopes of self‐antigen (Ag) have been reported. In the present study, we analysed auto‐T‐cell epitopes using bone marrow‐derived dendritic cells (BM‐DCs) pulsed with murine U1A (mU1A) protein capable of activating autoreactive T cells from unprimed MRL/lpr mice in vitro. The data suggested that there are at least four T‐cell epitopes on the U1A protein, U1A31−50, U1A61−80, U1A201−220 and U1A271−287, and U1A31−50 had the most significant T‐cell proliferative response. In addition, the main responsive T cells are the CD4− CD8− double‐negative subgroup of T cells. Furthermore, we also demonstrated that the activation of double‐negative T cells is major histocompatibility complex class II restricted. The study here provides information on T‐cell epitope analysis of the U1A antigen using BM‐DCs as the effective antigen‐presenting cells.
Synergistic antibody induction by antigen–CD40 ligand fusion protein as improved immunogen
Authors: Li Wei
Published: May 2005

Full scale B‐cell activation requires not only B‐cell receptor (BCR) engagement with antigen, but also costimulatory signals provided by T helper cells through the CD40–CD40 ligand (CD40L) interaction. It is hypothesized that a fusion protein of an antigen and soluble CD40L (CD40LT) would selectively target the costimulation to antigen‐specific B cells, leading to synergy in the antibody response. This hypothesis was investigated by fusing green fluorescence protein (GFP), a generic antigen, with mouse CD40LT. Studies revealed that immunization in mice with the plasmid encoding GFP–CD40LT fusion protein led to synergistic induction of GFP‐specific antibodies, while control plasmid(s) for GFP, CD40LT, or GFP plus CD40LT did not. Immunization with a single dose of the fusion protein also provoked a vigorous GFP‐specific immunoglobulin G1 antibody response, but not other antibody isotypes. These results suggest that GFP–CD40LT fusion protein induces a GFP‐specific B‐cell activation and antibody response in an antigen‐guided fashion. The potential application of this novel strategy in vaccine development is discussed.
The negative regulatory function of the lymphocyte‐activation gene‐3 co‐receptor (CD223) on human T cells
Authors: Maçon‐Lemaître Laëtitia , Triebel Frédéric
Published: May 2005

Accumulating evidence indicates that the CD4 homologue lymphocyte activation gene‐3 (LAG‐3) plays a down‐regulatory role on T‐cell responses. However, the role of LAG‐3/major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II interactions on primary human T‐cell responses, as well as the mechanism by which down‐regulation occurs, are not clear. Here, we show that LAG‐3 colocalized with CD3, CD4 or CD8 in areas of cholesterol‐rich raft aggregation during this primary response, as well as in the clustered raft region formed between T cells and antibody‐coated beads. Addition of a blocking LAG‐3‐specific monoclonal antibody to both CD4 and CD8 primary resting T cells activated under conditions of antigen‐presenting cell‐driven stimulation and low antigen concentrations augments CD69 activation antigen expression, T‐cell expansion and T helper 1 (Th1, but not Th2) cytokine production. Blocking LAG‐3/MHC class II interactions leads to an increase in the number of cells entering division at these low concentrations of antigen and to more rounds of divisions with an accumulation of cells in the S‐phase of the cell cycle. These results indicate that LAG‐3 signalling inhibits early events in primary activation of human CD4 and CD8 T cells and further support a role for LAG‐3 signalling in regulating the expansion of activated effector or memory T cells, either directly or indirectly through Treg suppressor activity.
Differential expression of regulator of G‐protein signalling transcripts and in vivo migration of CD4+ naïve and regulatory T cells
Authors: Agenès Fabien , Bosco Nabil , Mascarell Laurent , Fritah Sabrina , Ceredig Rod
Published: May 2005

The immune response of T lymphocytes to pathogens is initiated in draining secondary lymphoid organs, and activated cells then migrate to the site of infection. Thus, control of naïve and regulatory CD4+ T‐cell migration is crucial; however, it is poorly understood in physiological and pathological conditions. We found that CD4+ subpopulations displayed characteristic regulator of G‐protein signalling (RGS) gene expression profiles. Regulatory T cells express higher levels of RGS1, RGS9 and RGS16 than naïve cells. These genes are up‐regulated upon cell activation and their level of expression correlates with in vivo cell migration. Using parabiosis, we showed that regulatory T lymphocytes migrate less than naïve T cells and that migrant naïve T cells express even lower RGS levels than their static counterparts. Our results show an inverse correlation between the capacity to migrate and the levels of RGS1, RGS9 and RGS16 for both naïve and regulatory T cells. Taken together, these results suggest a role for RGS molecules in chemokine‐induced lymphocyte migration and demonstrate the peculiarity of regulatory T cells in terms of phenotype and migration ability, providing new insights into their function.
Delineation of multiple subpopulations of natural killer cells in rhesus macaques
Authors: Webster Ramothea L. , Johnson R. Paul
Published: May 2005

Natural killer (NK) cells in rhesus macaques have been variably defined as CD3− CD16+ or CD3− CD8+, although only limited efforts have been made to validate these definitions rigorously. To better understand the role of NK cells in macaque disease models, we undertook a multiparameter analysis of macaque NK cells employing four‐colour flow cytometry and a panel of lineage‐specific and non‐lineage‐specific lymphocyte markers. Using this approach, we identified two distinct populations of candidate NK cells: a major CD8bright CD16+ population and a minor CD8bright CD16− population. Further analysis of the major and minor NK cell populations revealed the expression of multiple markers characteristic of NK cells, including CD2, CD7, CD16, CD161, NKG2A and granzyme B. In addition, a CD56+ subset of cells within the minor rhesus NK population was identified which expressed chemokine and lymph node homing receptors similar to those expressed by the CD56bright NK cell population identified in humans. Cytolytic assays confirmed that the phenotypically defined rhesus NK cells lysed NK‐susceptible target cells. Our observations support the existence of several distinct subpopulations of rhesus macaque NK cells, which have significant phenotypic and functional similarities to their human counterparts. These improved immunophenotypic definitions of macaque NK cells should facilitate future analysis of innate immune responses in rhesus macaques and the role of NK cells in AIDS pathogenesis in Simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV)‐infected macaques.
Impaired B cell responses to orally administered antigens in lamina propria but not Peyer's patches of Gαi2‐deficient mice prior to colitis
Authors: Öhman Lena , Åström Rolf‐Göran , Hultgren Hörnquist Elisabeth
Published: May 2005

Despite numerous studies on the intestinal immune system in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and animal models of IBD, very little is known about the immune reactivity of mucosal lymphocytes following oral immunizations under these circumstances. The reactivity of Peyer's patch (PP) and lamina propria (LP) T and B lymphocytes in inhibitory G‐protein α2 subunit‐deficient (Gαi2–/–) mice developing an IBD resembling ulcerative colitis was investigated following repeated oral immunizations with keyhole limpet haemocyanin (KLH), together with the adjuvant cholera toxin, prior to colitis. The antigen‐specific B‐cell response in the LP of both the small and the large intestines was significantly reduced in Gαi2–/– as compared to wild‐type mice. In contrast, the frequency of KLH‐specific immunoglobulin (Ig)‐producing cells in the PP did not differ between Gαi2–/– and wild‐type mice, whereas the total frequency of Ig‐producing cells as well as the frequency of enteric flora‐specific Ig‐producing cells in the PP was significantly increased in Gαi2–/– as compared to wild‐type mice. Analysis of T cell responses following restimulation ex vivo with KLH revealed a dramatic increase in the production of interferon‐γ in mesenteric lymph node, PP and LP lymphocytes from Gαi2‐deficient as compared to wild‐type mice, together with decreased production of interleukin‐10 in all locations except the PP.
The Vγ2/Vδ2 T‐cell repertoire in Macaca fascicularis: functional responses to phosphoantigen stimulation by the Vγ2/Jγ1.2 subset
Authors: Cairo Cristiana , Propp Nadia , Hebbeler Andrew M. , Colizzi Vittorio , Pauza C. David
Published: May 2005

Circulating Vγ2/Vδ2 T cells in human and non‐human primates respond to small molecular weight non‐peptidic phosphoantigens in a major histocompatibility complex (MHC)‐unrestricted manner. These responses are encoded by the Vγ2/Jγ1.2 chain of the T‐cell receptor and are positively selected during early development to create a biased repertoire in adults. We characterized the Vγ2 chain in cynomolgus macaques (Macaca fascicularis) to develop a non‐human primate model for studying the effects of infection and therapy on the circulating Vγ2/Vδ2 T‐cell subset. The cynomolgus macaque Vγ2 chain was highly homologous to the Vγ2 chain from human beings and rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta), though we noted conserved substitutions in critical residues within the CDR3 for both macaque species. Despite these substitutions, Vγ2/Vδ2+ T cells from cynomolgus monkeys exhibited polyclonal responses to two different phosphoantigens. Proliferative responses were observed with both isopentenylpyrophosphate and alendronate, but stronger interferon‐γ secretory responses were observed with isopentenylpyrophosphate. In vitro stimulation and expansion led to selective outgrowth of the Vγ2/Jγ1.2 subset, with a marked shift in the Vγ2 spectratype. As a result of the less biased starting repertoire for Vγ2, the cynomolgus macaque constitutes a sensitive model for examining the effects of in vitro or in vivo treatments on the Vγ2/Vδ2 T‐cell population. Our studies establish the value of cynomolgus macaques as a model for Vγ2/Vδ2 T‐cell responses to non‐peptidic antigens, and further evidence the remarkable evolutionary conservation of this unusual, phosphoantigen‐responsive T‐cell subset that is found only in primate species.
Building better T‐cell‐inducing malaria vaccines
Authors: Todryk Stephen M. , Walther Michael
Published: May 2005

Since malaria continues to account for millions of deaths annually in endemic regions, the development of an effective vaccine remains highly desirable. The life cycle of malaria poses a number of challenges to the immune response since phases of the cycle express varying antigen profiles and have different locations, thus requiring differing antigenic targets and effector mechanisms. To confer sterile immunity, a vaccine would have to target the pre‐erythrocytic stages of infection. Since at this stage the parasite is hidden within liver cells, the host defence predominantly requires cell‐mediated immunity, chiefly T cells, to eliminate infected hepatocytes. The development of such vaccines has progressed from irradiated sporozoites, through recombinant proteins, to recombinant DNA and viral vectors. Some of the experimental vaccination regimens that explore various combinations of vaccines for priming and boosting, together with numbers of vaccinations, interval between them, and the vaccination site, are revealing strong immunogenicity and evidence of efficacy in human challenge studies and in field trials. Such approaches should lead to deployable vaccines that protect against malarial disease.
Comparative cell signalling activity of ultrapure recombinant chaperonin 60 proteins from prokaryotes and eukaryotes
Authors: Maguire Maria , Poole Stephen , Coates Anthony R. M. , Tormay Peter , Wheeler‐Jones Caroline , Henderson Brian
Published: May 2005

Heat‐shock protein (hsp)60/chaperonin 60 is a potent immunogen which has recently been claimed to have cell‐signalling actions upon myeloid and vascular endothelial cells. The literature is controversial with different chaperonin 60 proteins producing different patterns of cellular activation and the ever‐present criticism that activity is the result of bacterial contaminants. To clarify the situation we have cloned, expressed and purified to homogeneity the chaperonin 60 proteins from Chlamydia pneumoniae, Helicobacter pylori and the human mitochondrion. These highly purified proteins were compared for their ability to stimulate human peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) cytokine synthesis and vascular endothelial cell adhesion protein expression. In spite of their significant sequence homology, the H. pylori protein was the most potent PBMC activator with the human protein the least potent. PBMC activation by C. pneumoniae and human, but not H. pylori, chaperonin 60 was blocked by antibody neutralization of Toll‐like receptor‐4. The C. pneumoniae chaperonin 60 was the most potent endothelial cell activator, with the human protein being significantly less active than bacterial chaperonin 60 proteins. These results have implications for the role of chaperonin 60 proteins as pathological factors in autoimmune and cardiovascular disease, and raise the possibility that each of these proteins may result in different pathological effects in such diseases.
Functional characterization of T cells in abdominal aortic aneurysms
Authors: Forester Nerys D. , Cruickshank Sheena M. , Scott D. Julian A. , Carding Simon R.
Published: May 2005

Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) exhibit features of a chronic inflammatory disorder. The functional attributes of the T cells in AAA tissue are unclear, with little quantitative or functional data. Using a novel, non‐enzymatic method to isolate viable cells from AAA tissue, functional properties of AAA T cells were investigated for the first time. Composition and phenotype of AAA T cells was determined by flow cytometry and verified by immunohistochemistry. Tissue mononuclear cells (MNCs) were cultured in the presence of T‐cell mitogens, and cell cycle analysis and cytokine production assessed. Typical cell yield was 4·5 × 106 cells per gram of AAA tissue. The majority (58·1 ± 5·3%) of haematopoietic (CD45+) cells recovered were CD3+ T cells, B cells comprised 41·1 ± 5·7%, natural killer cells 7·3 ± 2·5%, and macrophages 2%. Freshly isolated T cells were in resting (G1) state, with 25% expressing the activation‐associated cell surface antigens major histocompatibility complex II and CD25. When stimulated in vitro, a significant proportion entered S and G2 phase of the cell cycle, up‐regulated CD25, and secreted tumour necrosis factor‐α, interferon‐γ, interleukin (IL)‐5 and IL‐6. Despite patient differences, the composition of the AAA inflammatory infiltrate was remarkably consistent, and when re‐stimulated ex‐vivo T cells produced a stereotypical cytokine response, consistent with the hypothesis that AAA T cells can promote tissue inflammation by secretion of proinflammatory cytokines, and in addition provide signals for B‐cell help.
Immune responses that adapt the intestinal mucosa to commensal intestinal bacteria
Authors: Macpherson Andrew J. , Geuking Markus B. , McCoy Kathy D.
Published: May 2005

Animals contain an enormous load of non‐pathogenic bacteria in the lower intestine, which exploit an environment with a stable temperature and abundant carbon sources. Our load of bacteria outnumbers our own cells. In order to survive with such a high number of organisms in very close proximity to host tissues the intestinal mucosa and its immune system is highly adapted. Mucosal immune responses are induced by small numbers of live commensal organisms penetrating the Peyer's patches and persisting in dendritic cells (DC). These DC can induce immunoglobulin A+ (IgA+) B cells, which recirculate through the lymph and bloodstream to populate the lamina propria and secrete protective IgA. Because DC loaded with commensal bacteria do not penetrate further than the mesenteric lymph nodes, immune induction to commensals is confined to the mucosa, allowing strong mucosal immune responses to be induced whilst the systemic immune system remains relatively ignorant of these organisms.
Motivational interviewing to promote physical activity for people with chronic heart failure
Authors: Brodie David A. , Inoue Alison
Published: May 2005

Aim.  This paper reports a study comparing, over a 5‐month period, two different methods of increasing physical activity: a traditional exercise programme and one based on motivational interviewing.

Background.  Chronic heart failure is associated with poor quality of life that can be improved by increased physical activity. Patients who are directed to engage in physical activity have a record of low compliance.

Method.  Sixty older aged heart failure patients were randomly assigned to standard care, motivational interviewing or both treatments. The primary outcome was physical activity (kcal/kg/day), with the 6‐minute walk test as a secondary outcome.

Findings.  At entry, no significant differences were observed between the three groups. Following treatment, the ‘motivational interviewing’ and ‘both treatments’ groups reported an increase in their level and type of activities, whereas the ‘standard care’ group did not. All groups significantly increased their 6‐minute walk distance.

Conclusions.  Motivational interviewing, which incorporates established behaviour change principles and a flexible approach to promotion of activity, increases reported physical activity in older patients with heart failure over a short period. In terms of level and type of activity, this approach gives a better outcome than standard care, and nurses should explore alternative strategies to promote health in this population.
Working with girls living on the streets in East Africa: professionals’ experiences
Authors: Savenstedt Stefan , Häggstrom Terttu
Published: May 2005

Aim. This paper reports a study elucidating the meaning of caring for girls of the street, as experienced by female staff members working with street children in Eastern Africa.

Background. The phenomenon of children living on the streets is a global and escalating problem, and girls are presumed to be especially vulnerable. In East Africa, the traditional extended family system is rapidly breaking down and traditional gender values seem to remain. This was the context for investigating female carers’ experience of caring for girls.

Method. Interviews were conducted with 37 project staff members working with children living on the streets in the framework of non‐governmental organizations in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania between 1997 and 1998. Transcribed text from female interviewees (n = 13) working with girls of the street was analysed using a phenomenological‐hermeneutic approach.

Findings. The meaning of caring for girls of the street for female professional carers in East Africa was comprehensively understood as counselling the girls to integrate the past of their adverse life stories with their present identity. Counselling meant conveying visions for a possible re‐direction of the life stories, from being a girl of the street into being an accepted family girl. Caring in this context meant being squeezed between ethical demands and gender values. Experiencing frustration and powerlessness was related to gender structures in society, having to fight the grip of street culture, and a lack of professional tools. Hope and satisfaction were related to success in changing the course of life stories of girls and to seeing possibilities for contributing to empowerment of girls and community members.

Conclusions. Gender issues are critical to care provided to girls of the street. Carers felt that they lacked relevant knowledge and support. Ethical aspects and gender issues in relation to professional care for vulnerable girls ought to be addressed in nursing education and practice, not only for developing countries, but also as a matter of global interest.
First‐time mothers: social support and confidence in infant care
Authors: Leahy Warren Patricia
Published: May 2005

Aim. This paper reports a study whose primary aim was to explore the relationship between social support for first‐time mothers and their confidence in infant care practices. A secondary aim was to identify their sources of support in the postnatal period.

Background. Policy documents emphasize the importance of support for new mothers in the postnatal period in caring for their infants. Nurses/midwives require a working knowledge of how social support influences maternal confidence in infant care practices, specifically during the first 6 weeks postdelivery.

Methods. A descriptive, correlational design was used. A 28 item questionnaire was designed to measure social support in the specific context of first‐time motherhood and confidence in infant care practices. Content validity was sought and the instrument demonstrated reliability using Cronbach's alpha. A convenience sample of 135 first‐time mothers was recruited and 74% completed questionnaires at 6 weeks after birth. Data were collected in 2000.

Results. Appraisal support had a statistically significant moderate relationship with confidence in infant care practices (r = 0·4,P < 0·01). Informational support had a weaker but statistically significant relationship (r = 0·2,P < 0·05). Respondents’ primary sources of appraisal support were husbands/partners and their own mothers. Public health nurses and mothers were primary sources of informational support.

Conclusions. First‐time mothers’ husbands/partners need to become active participants in antenatal and postnatal care. Interdisciplinary educational programmes need to be developed so that public health nurses and midwives work collaboratively in facilitating social support for first‐time mothers in caring for their infants. Curricula for public health nurses and midwives need to be evidenced‐based with respect to social support.
Causes and management of patient aggression and violence: staff and patient perspectives
Authors: Duxbury Joy , Whittington Richard
Published: May 2005

Aim.  This paper reports a study of staff and patient perspectives on the causes of patient aggression and the way it is managed.

Background.  The incidence of aggression in healthcare is reportedly on the increase, and concerns about the management of this problem are growing.

Method.  A convenience sample of 80 patients and 82 nurses from three inpatient mental healthcare wards were surveyed using The Management of Aggression and Violence Attitude Scale. A further five patients and five nurses from the same sample participated in a number of follow‐up interviews.

Results.  Patients perceived environmental conditions and poor communication to be a significant precursor of aggressive behaviour. Nurses, in comparison, viewed the patients’ mental illnesses to be the main reason for aggression, although the negative impact of the inpatient environment was recognized. From interview responses, it was evident that both sets of respondents were dissatisfied with a restrictive and under‐resourced provision that leads to interpersonal tensions.

Conclusion.  There are differences between the views of staff and patients about reasons for aggression and its management. Future approaches therefore need to be developed that address these opposing views. For example, training in the use of fundamental therapeutic communication skills was advocated by patients, whilst the need for greater attention to organizational deficits was advocated by nurses. A move away from reliance on the use of medication was also felt to be necessary. Evaluation of local needs and practices must be an integral part of this process.
Telenursing and patients’ recovery from bypass surgery
Authors: Hartford Kathleen
Published: May 2005

Aim.  This paper reports the qualitative findings of qualitative interviews conducted as part of a study assessing the effectiveness of structured, postdischarge, telephone intervention for patients and their partners recovering from bypass surgery. The data reported here describe the postoperative recovery experiences of a small sample of patients (n = 10) and the intervention role of the specialist nurse delivering the intervention.

Background.  Reduced length of hospital stay for bypass patients means that there are fewer opportunities to provide necessary information and respond to patient concerns in hospital, and much of the process of wound healing and regaining functioning that would once have taken place in hospital now takes place at home and place additional burdens on patients and their caregivers.

Method.  The study was a randomized controlled trial of a telephone intervention aimed at reducing anxiety for patients experiencing a first bypass, and for their caregivers. The intervention consisted of a series of protocols delivered by a nurse with cardiac experience. It was conducted via telephone at discharge and on days 1, 2, 4, 7 and weeks 2 and 7 postdischarge. In the qualitative component of the study, a purposive sample of telephone calls in the treatment group was analysed and data saturation was achieved with 10 transcripts.

Findings.  Three major patient concerns emerged: physical, affective and lifestyle changes. Anxiety about speed of discharge was a common concern at discharge and at day 1. Otherwise, physical concerns predominated during the first week. At day 7 and after, a shift began to occur to longer term, future‐oriented concerns. By week 7, most patients were planning for return to normal activities, and several were making lifestyle changes. The specialist nurse was able to give personalized health promotion information at a time that was appropriate for individual patients.

Conclusion.  Using a qualitative interview method made it possible to understand patients’ concerns and study the working of telenursing interventions in terms of providing timely reassurance and health promotion. Further research is needed to test the generalizability of the findings.
Patient satisfaction with triage nursing care in Hong Kong
Authors: Chan Jamie Nga Han , Chau Janita
Published: May 2005

Aim.  This paper reports a study to examine the relationship between patient satisfaction and triage nursing care in order to assist nurses in defining more clearly their roles, and ultimately to improve the quality of care delivered to emergency patients.

Background.  Patient satisfaction is considered an important indicator of quality care from the perspective of the consumer and has been widely studied in many settings. However, few studies have examined patient satisfaction with emergency nursing services in the particular area of triage.

Methods.  A descriptive, correlational study was conducted in 2001 in one urban acute hospital in Hong Kong using Consumer Emergency Care Satisfaction Scale (CECSS), and patient and nurse demographic data were also collected. Following a power calculation, systematic sampling was carried out, and the final sample consisted of 56 urgent, semi‐urgent and non‐urgent patients triaged. The response rate was 61%.

Results.  The majority of the participants were satisfied with their triage nursing care and teaching. However, difficulties were encountered during the data collection process, resulting in a relatively low response rate. Correlational analyses revealed that patient satisfaction with triage nursing care was statistically significantly correlated with age and the type of nursing intervention received. Older people were more satisfied with the teaching offered by triage nurses and patients who had received specific nursing interventions gave more positive ratings on the teaching subscale of the CECSS. There were no statistically significant relationships between patient satisfaction with triage nursing care and nurse characteristics, including gender, work experiences and educational level.

Conclusions.  Patients were generally satisfied with the care provided by the triage nurses. Measuring patient satisfaction with triage nursing care remains a major challenge for health care providers in emergency care settings.
Agents of care and agents of the state: bio‐power and nursing practice
Authors: Perron Amélie , Fluet Carol , Holmes Dave
Published: May 2005

Aim.  This paper presents a conceptual analysis of the concept of bio‐power in the context of nursing, including a critique of the widespread rhetoric that nursing is deprived of power and consequently is an apolitical agency.

Background.  Traditionally, power tends to be defined in terms of repression, interdiction and punishment. On the contrary, work by Michel Foucault with regard to bio‐power brings into evidence the productive and positive nature of power at the heart of society. Despite being often used by various academic and professional disciplines, the concept of bio‐power is rarely cited in nursing.

Findings.  Nursing as a profession is at the heart of bio‐power in that nurses lie at the crossroads between the anatomo‐political and bio‐political ranges of power over life. They therefore contribute to social regulation through a vast array of diverse political technologies. Nurses are at the flexing point of the state's requirements and of individual and collective aspirations. They occupy a strategic position that allows them to act as instruments of governmentality. Consequently, nurses constitute a fully‐fledged political entity making use of disciplinary technologies and responding to state ideologies.

Conclusion.  The concept of bio‐power offers a rich theoretical perspective for nursing, as it questions the definition of nursing care as neutral and mainly provided according to patients’ best interests.
Cognitive behavioural therapy for primary insomnia: a systematic review
Authors: Wang Mei‐Yeh , Wang Shu‐Yi , Tsai Pei‐Shan
Published: May 2005

Aim.  This paper reports a systematic review of seven studies evaluating the efficacy of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) for persistent primary insomnia.

Background.  Insomnia is one of the most common health complaints reported in the primary care setting. Although non‐pharmacological treatments such as the CBT have been suggested to be useful in combating the persistent insomnia, the efficacy and clinical utility of CBT for primary insomnia have yet to be determined.

Method.  A systematic search of Ovid, MEDLINE, psychINFO, PsycARTICLES, CINAHL, and EMBASE databases of papers published between 1993 and 2004 was conducted, using the following medical subject headings or key words: insomnia, primary insomnia, psychophysiological insomnia, sleep maintenance disorders, sleep initiation disorders, non‐pharmacological treatment, and cognitive behavioural therapy. A total of seven papers was included in the review.

Findings.  Stimulus control, sleep restriction, sleep hygiene education and cognitive restructuring were the main treatment components. Interventions were provided by psychiatrists except for one study, in which the CBT was delivered by nurses. Among beneficial outcomes, improvement of sleep efficacy, sleep onset latency and wake after sleep onset were the most frequently reported. In addition, participants significantly reduced sleep medication use. Some studies gave follow‐up data which indicated that the CBT produced durable clinical changes in total sleep time and night‐time wakefulness.

Conclusions.  These randomized controlled trial studies demonstrated that CBT was superior to any single‐component treatment such as stimulus control, relaxation training, educational programmes, or other control conditions. However, heterogeneity in patient assessment, CBT protocols, and outcome indicators made determination of the relative efficacy and clinical utility of the therapy difficult. Therefore, the standard components of CBT need to be clearly defined. In addition, a comprehensive assessment of patients is essential for future studies.
Ecomapping: an innovative research tool for nurses
Authors: Ray Robin A. , Street Annette F.
Published: May 2005

Aim.  This paper explores the use of ecomaps as a research tool for capturing data, using the example of the dynamic nature of social networks from which informal carers of people living with motor neurone disease draw their support.

Background.  The need for social support in relation to health maintenance and disease management has been identified in the literature but little has been published about ways to investigate support networks. Existing discussion in the literature about the use of ecomaps as a clinical tool in social work creates a valuable framework for data collection which can be readily adapted by nurse researchers.

Method.  We used ecomaps as part of a repertoire of research tools to gather data about the social networks of carers of people living with motor neurone disease. Primary carers participated in three interviews and collaborated in ecomap construction over a period of 10 months during 2003. Analytical correlations were made between ecomaps and interview data.

Findings.  Ecomaps provided a visual means of facilitating discussions around the structure and strength of networks. Being able to represent the social networks visually through ecomapping enabled people to identify each member of the network, examine the strength of each relationship and ascertain the sources of nurture and tension over time. Limitations to this type of data collection arise when participants try to quantify relationships that have been visually produced.

Conclusion.  Ecomapping is a valuable research tool because it provides visual representation of supportive care networks, capturing strategic data through symbols expressing relationships that may be inadequately portrayed in words. The ecomap incorporates the use of consistent symbols that standardize recipient responses, enabling data comparisons to be made.
Attachment in older adulthood: concept clarification
Authors: Cookman Craig
Published: May 2005

Aims. This paper is an analysis to clarify the concept of attachment by: (1) specifying the antecedents of attachment in older adulthood, (2) describing the defining or critical attributes of attachment as relevant for development beyond adulthood, including older adulthood and old age, and (3) specifying the consequences of attachment in older adulthood.

Background. Attachment is a concept that has been studied both within and outside the discipline of nursing. Most of the scholarly work on the concept has involved investigations of the concept as it applies at very early developmental phases of the lifespan. Despite this concentration of effort on the concept in childhood, theorists have consistently called for attention to the concept in adulthood and older adulthood to advance our understanding of how such close and supportive relationships relate to health.

Results. Antecedents of attachment behaviour include any number of fear‐provoking or challenging situations, as well as interactions that involve conflict. Illnesses commonly have these characteristics and so are broadly included as antecedents. Defining attributes of attachment behaviour include three distinct behaviours: (1) proximity, or keeping to one or more ‘preferred others’, (2) protest following involuntary and perceived permanent separation from a preferred other and, (3) the presence of a secure base, viewed as necessary for developmental exploration and growth. Consequences include environmental interaction secure in the belief that a safe haven exists should reliable clues to danger present themselves, and the mobilization of personal and interpersonal assets called developmental resources.

Conclusions. Nursing implications include the ability of nurses to intervene positively with older clients who may be experiencing age‐related transitions that affect health. Knowledge about attachment will help nurses mediate the potentially negative impact of health transitions on developmental tasks and promote high‐level wellness and successful ageing.
Epidural haemorrhage of the cervical spinal cord: a post‐mortem artefact?
Authors: Rutty G. N. , Squier W. M. V. , Padfield C. J. H.
Published: May 2005

Spinal epidural haemorrhage is a rare entity that occurs uncommonly in adults and rarely in children. It has a typical clinical presentation, although to date, the cause for the majority of cases remains unknown. We present a series of cases where epidural haemorrhage was identified at post‐mortem, principly to the cervical cord, in cases outside the age range usually reported for clinical epidural haemorrhage, and with no underlying pathology to account for the finding. We present a hypothesis for a post‐mortem cause for this finding and consider that, in the absence of any other identifiable causation, then this is a post‐mortem occurrence similar to that of the Prinsloo–Gordon artefact of the soft tissues of the neck. This finding must be interpreted with care so as not to make the mistaken diagnosis of a nonaccidental head injury based on its finding, especially in the absence of intracranial, cranial nerve, optic nerve or eye pathologies.