bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Waiting too long: low use of maternal health services in Kalabo, Zambia
Authors: Stekelenburg J. , Kyanamina S. , Mukelabai M. , Wolffers I. , van Roosmalen J.
Published: November 2004

Objective  To determine the level of use of maternal health services and to identify and assess factors that influence women's choices where to deliver in Kalabo District, Zambia.

Methods  A cross‐sectional descriptive study conducted between 1998 and 2000, with 332 women interviewed using semi‐structured questionnaires. Focus group discussions were held and hospital data and registers were checked.

Results  Although 96% of respondents would prefer to deliver in a clinic, only 54% actually did, because of long distances, lack of transport, user fees, lack of adequate health education given during antenatal clinic attendances, poorly staffed and ill‐equipped institutions with poorly skilled personnel.

Conclusion  Unmarried women, women with higher education and women with formal employment, who are able to pay the user fees and live near a clinic are more likely to deliver in a clinic. This does not guarantee survival, however; maternal mortality is high in the district; health facilities are poorly staffed, poorly skilled and ill‐equipped.
Responsiveness to life‐threatening obstetric emergencies in two hospitals in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
Authors: Gohou V. , Ronsmans C. , Kacou L. , Yao K. , Bohoussou K. M. , Houphouet B. , Bosso P. , Diarra‐Nama A. J. , Bacci A. , Filippi V.
Published: November 2004

Objectives  To document the frequency of severe obstetric illness, and the intervals between admission or decision and life‐saving surgery and the factors contributing to delays, which were reported during case reviews in two hospitals in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire.

Methods  The study was conducted in the teaching hospital in Cocody (CHUC) and the district hospital in Abobo (FSAS) in 2000–01. All severe obstetric cases were inventoried over a period of 1 year, and a subset of cases selected for in‐depth review. For the 23 audited cases requiring emergency surgery, the interval between admission/decision and surgery was determined and reasons for the delays examined.

Findings  The yearly incidence of severe obstetric morbidity was 224.5 and 11.8 per 1000 live births in the CHUC and FSAS respectively. In CHUC, the decision‐to‐delivery time was extremely long (median 4.8 h) and this was largely determined by the time needed to obtain a complete surgical kit (median 2.8 h), either because the family had to pay for it in advance or because the kit lacked some essential components, which had to be bought separately. In FSAS, the decision‐to‐delivery time was much shorter (median 1.0 h).

Conclusion  The interval between decision and emergency obstetric surgery substantially exceeded the 30 min generally advocated in industrialized countries. The reasons for the long delays were multiple and complex, but the main factors governing them were the huge case load of severe cases and the absence of any clear policy towards ensuring prompt and adequate treatment for life‐threatening emergencies. In‐depth reviews of cases of severe obstetric morbidity focusing in particular on the timing of emergency treatment could increase the responsiveness of the health system and providers to the needs of women requiring emergency obstetric care.
Indirect costs associated with accessing eye care services as a barrier to service use in Ethiopia
Authors: Melese Muluken , Alemayehu Wondu , Friedlander Eva , Courtright Paul
Published: November 2004

Background  The prevalence of blindness and visual impairment are high in Ethiopia and use of services is limited. Determining the barriers to use of eye care services is critical for planning strategies to prevent blindness.

Methods  A population‐based survey of the magnitude and causes of blindness and visual impairment in adults 40 years and older in the Gurage Zone, central Ethiopia was conducted. Among those individuals who had binocular or monocular vision <6/18, an interview to assess use of eye care services and reasons for a failure to use such services was undertaken.

Results  Of 850 adults with visual impairment or blindness, 802 were interviewed. Cataract surgery accounted for the primary service currently needed by the blind, followed by trichiasis surgery; service needs were higher for women than for men. Use of services (27.8% of sample) was associated with being male, binocular vision loss, and blindness. The primary reason for a failure to use eye care services were indirect costs (overall, reported by 40% of respondents) associated with accessing the service. There were significant differences between men and women in the reasons for not using the services and between cataract and trichiasis cases but not when comparing binocular vs. monocular conditions, or patients with visual impairment vs. blindness.

Conclusion  The majority of the causes of visual impairment and blindness are treatable (cataract) or preventable (trachomatous trichiasis). The main barrier for seeking service is related to the indirect medical costs of the service. This suggests that efforts are needed to create mechanisms that ‘bridge’ communities and eye care facilities. A holistic approach that deals both with the organization of services and the sociocultural factors in communities that affect use is needed. The organization of trichiasis surgery at peripheral health centres and screening programmes which identify and facilitate transport to hospital for cataract patients is one approach. The indirect burden of accessing eye care on the family may be lessened by encouraging patients to have surgery earlier (before they require assistance to reach the hospital), and by improving the efficiency of existing services. Promotion of services must be gender‐sensitive, ensuring that specific characteristics of the sociocultural roles of women be considered in order to improve uptake among women. Training and placement of cataract surgeons in rural hospitals would also enhance provision of eye care for the rural population.
Evaluation of the sensitivity of Aedes aegypti and Anopheles gambiae complex mosquitoes to two insect repellents: DEET and KBR 3023
Authors: Badolo Athanase , Ilboudo‐Sanogo Edith , Ouédraogo Albert Patoin , Costantini Carlo
Published: November 2004

We conducted laboratory tests to assess the sensitivity to the insect repellent 1‐piperidinecarboxylic acid, 2‐(2‐hydroxyethyl)‐, 1‐methylpropylester (known as KBR 3023 or Picaridin, trade name Bayrepel®) of West African strains of the yellow fever mosquito Aedes aegypti and of malaria vectors of the Anopheles gambiae complex, in comparison with the standard repellent N,N‐diethyl‐3‐methyl‐benzamide (DEET). Test mosquitoes were exposed according to a ‘separate arms’ protocol to logarithmic dose increments applied on one arm of human subjects to evaluate the relative potency, and the median effective dosages (ED50 and ED90). According to a logistic regression model fitted to the experimental data, the dose–response relationship for the two repellents was the same within each species, thus pooled ED values were assessed for each mosquito separately. The median ED of KBR 3023 and DEET was estimated at 0.78 (95% confidence limits (CI): 0.57–1.04) and at 0.018 μg/cm2 (0.004–0.052) for mosquitoes of the An. gambiae complex and Ae. aegypti, respectively. ED90 values were 125.6 (81.4–201.3) and 24.0 μg/cm2 (5.7–208.5) for An. gambiae s.l. and Ae. aegypti, respectively. The relative potency of KBR 3023 was not significantly different from that of DEET for An. gambiae s.l. (95% confidence limits 0.7–1.0), whereas in the case of Ae. aegypti it was with 95% probability 1.1–2.0 times more potent than DEET. On the basis of available evidence, KBR 3023 represents a promising alternative to DEET for personal protection against bites of these important vectors of disease in the Afrotropical region.
The impact of HIV/AIDS on labour productivity in Kenya
Authors: Fox Matthew P. , Rosen Sydney , MacLeod William B. , Wasunna Monique , Bii Margaret , Foglia Ginamarie , Simon Jonathon L.
Published: November 2004

Objectives  To estimate the impact of HIV/AIDS on individual labour productivity during disease progression.

Methods  We used a retrospective cohort design to study the productivity and attendance of tea estate workers who died or were medically retired because of AIDS‐related causes between 1997 and 2002 in western Kenya. We compared daily output in kilograms of tea leaves plucked, use of paid and unpaid leave and assignment to less strenuous tasks by 54 workers who died or were medically retired because of AIDS to those of comparison workers, matched on time and tea field using longitudinal regression.

Results  HIV‐positive workers plucked less tea in the 18 months preceding AIDS‐related termination and used more leave in the 3 years before termination. After adjusting for age and environmental factors, cases plucked between 4.11 and 7.93 kg/day less in the last year and a half before termination. Cases used between 9.2 and 11.0 more sick leave days, between 6.4 and 8.3 more annual leave days, between 19.9 and 11.8 more casual leave days, and spent between 19.2 and 21.8 more days doing less strenuous tasks in the 2 years before termination than did comparison pluckers. Tea pluckers who terminated because of AIDS‐related causes earned 16.0% less in their second year before termination and 17.7% less in the year before termination.

Conclusion  These results provide empirical estimates of the impact of HIV/AIDS on labour productivity. As workers often bring unrecorded ‘helpers’, actual differences may be greater. Decreased attendance and output may put sick workers in jeopardy of losing their jobs and impose financial burdens on employers.
Direct observation of treatment for tuberculosis: a randomized controlled trial of community health workers versus family members
Authors: Wright John , Walley John , Philip Aby , Pushpananthan Suresh , Dlamini Elijah , Newell James , Dlamini Sweetness
Published: November 2004

We implemented community‐based direct observation of treatment, short course (DOTS), including a randomized controlled trial of direct observation either by community health workers (CHWs) or family members, under operational conditions in a region of Swaziland. There was a high death rate of 15%, due to the high HIV rates in the region. There was no significant difference in the cure and completion rate between direct observation of treatment by CHWs and family members [2% difference (95% CI −3% to 7%), exact P = 0.52]. A before‐and‐after comparison of outcomes demonstrated that the cure and treatment completion rate improved from a baseline of 27–67% following implementation of community‐based DOTS. We conclude that community‐based tuberculosis DOTS can improve successful outcomes of treatment. However, direct observation can be undertaken effectively using either daily family or CHW supervision. The choice of treatment supporter should be based on access, patient preference and availability of CHW resource.
Self‐reported use of shared decision‐making among breast cancer specialists and perceived barriers and facilitators to implementing this approach
Authors: Charles Cathy , Gafni Amiram , Whelan Tim
Published: November 2004

Background  Physicians are increasingly urged to practice shared decision‐making with their patients. Using a cross‐sectional survey, we explored the extent to which Ontario breast cancer specialists report practising shared decision‐making with their patients, their comfort level with this approach, and perceived barriers and facilitators to implementation.

Participants and methods  All Ontario surgeons and oncologists (radiation and medical) treating women with early‐stage breast cancer were eligible for this study. Likert scales were used to measure physicians’ comfort level with and self‐reported use of different treatment decision‐making approaches as well as perceived barriers and facilitators to treatment decision‐making with patients.

Results  The response rate was 79% for oncologists and 72% for surgeons. More physicians from each specialty (87% of oncologists and 89% of surgeons) expressed high levels of comfort with clinical example 4 (designed to illustrate a shared approach) than with any of the other examples presented (e.g. the informed and paternalistic approach). Similarly, more oncologists and surgeons reported that their usual approach to treatment decision‐making was like example 4 than like any other approach presented (56% of oncologists and 69% of surgeons, respectively). Comfort levels with example 4 for oncologists and surgeons were 31% and 20% higher, respectively, than the reported use of this approach. Lack of time and patient anxiety, patient lack of information and/or misinformation, and patient unwillingness or inability to participate were perceived by a substantial minority of both oncologists and surgeons as barriers to patient involvement in treatment decision‐making. Key facilitators identified included patients’ emotional readiness, support, information and trust in the physician. More research is needed to identify contextual, physician, patient, and interaction factors that will facilitate shared decision‐making in the medical encounter and help both parties create an environment conducive to implementing this approach to the extent desired.
A chimeric opioid peptide with mixed μ agonist/δ antagonist properties
Authors: Weltrowska G. , Lemieux C. , Chung N.N. , Schiller P.W.
Published: November 2004

Abstract:  There is evidence to indicate that opioid compounds with mixed μ agonist/δ antagonist properties are analgesics with low propensity to produce tolerance and physical dependence. A chimeric peptide containing the potent and selective μ agonist H‐Dmt‐D‐Arg‐Phe‐Lys‐NH2 ([Dmt1]DALDA) (Dmt = 2′,6′‐dimethyltyrosine) and the potent and selective δ antagonist H‐Tyr‐TicΨ[CH2‐NH]Cha‐Phe‐OH (TICP[Ψ]) (Cha = cyclohexylalanine), connected ‘tail‐to‐tail’ via a short linker, was synthesized using a combination of solid‐phase and solution techniques. The resulting peptide, H‐Dmt→D‐Arg→Phe→Lys‐NH‐CH2‐CH2‐NH‐Phe←Cha[NH‐CH2]ΨTic←Tyr‐H, showed the expected μ agonist/δ antagonist profile in the guinea‐pig ileum and mouse vas deferens assays. Its μ and δ receptor binding affinities were in the low nanomolar range, as determined in rat brain membrane binding assays.
Probing essential residues for cellular uptake with a cationic nuclear localization signal sequence
Authors: Ragin A.D. , Chmielewski J.
Published: November 2004

Abstract:  The nuclear localization signal sequence (NLS) of the transcription factor NF‐κB is a cationic peptide with the ability to cross the cytoplasmic membrane and facilitate the delivery of attached cargo, such as DNA and proteins, to cells. Previous research had pointed to the essential role of cationic residues, therefore, the importance of residues within the NLS of NF‐κB was evaluated for cellular uptake using an alanine replacement strategy. Although it was expected that removal of the cationic groups would have the greatest effect on membrane translocation, the most significant decreases in cellular uptake occurred with the replacement of the hydrophilic Q6 (80%) and the hydrophobic L8 (70%) residues. Replacement of the positively charged residues resulted in 30–40% decrease in cellular uptake, indicating that electrostatic interactions are not the primary driving force for membrane translocation.
An affinity label for δ‐opioid receptors derived from [d‐Ala2]deltorphin I*
Authors: Aldrich J.V. , Choi H. , Murray T.F.
Published: November 2004

Abstract: A series of potential affinity label derivatives of the amphibian opioid peptide [d‐Ala2]deltorphin I were prepared by incorporation at the para position of Phe3 (in the ‘message’ sequence) or Phe5 (in the ‘address’ sequence) of an electrophilic group (i.e. isothiocyanate or bromoacetamide). The introduction of the electrophile was accomplished by incorporating Fmoc‐Phe(p‐NHAlloc) into the peptide, followed later in the synthesis by selective deprotection of the Alloc group and modification of the resulting amine. While para substitution decreased the δ‐opioid receptor affinity, selected analogs retained nanomolar affinity for δ receptors. [d‐Ala2,Phe(p‐NCS)3]deltorphin I exhibited moderate affinity (IC50 = 83 nm) and high selectivity for δ receptors, while the corresponding amine and bromoacetamide derivatives showed pronounced decreases in δ‐receptor affinity (80‐ and >1200‐fold, respectively, compared with [d‐Ala2]deltorphin I). In the ‘address’ sequence, the Phe(p‐NH2)5 derivative showed the highest δ‐receptor affinity (IC50 = 32 nm), while the Phe(p‐NHCOCH2Br)5 and Phe(p‐NCS)5 peptides displayed four‐ and tenfold lower δ‐receptor affinities, respectively. [d‐Ala2,Phe(p‐NCS)3]deltorphin I exhibited wash‐resistant inhibition of [3H][d‐Pen2,D‐Pen5]enkephalin (DPDPE) binding to δ receptors at a concentration of 80 nm. [d‐Ala2, Phe(p‐NCS)3]deltorphin I represents the first affinity label derivative of one of the potent and selective amphibian opioid peptides, and the first electrophilic affinity label derivative of an agonist containing the reactive functionality in the ‘message’ sequence of the peptide.
Pediatric transplantation of the kidney, liver and heart: Summary report
Authors: Fine Richard N. , Alonso Estella M. , Fischel Janet E. , Bucuvalas John C. , Enos Rebecca A. , Gore‐Langton Robert E.
Published: November 2004

Abstract:  The following is a summary report of an extensive review of the literature from 1966 to 2001 on growth and development in children receiving kidney, liver and heart transplants. The literature was assessed for relevancy to current clinical practice and for reliability and generalizability of the inferences based on the study design, controls, sample size, age distribution, confounding factors, use of standardized instruments, and consistency with other findings. While studies on growth are included in the review, the main emphasis is on research in cognitive and psychosocial development since these areas have been far less thoroughly studied and contain various methodological deficiencies. On the basis of the literature review both general methodological recommendations and specific recommendations for future research studies are made. Access to the full is provided on the World Wide Web at http://light.emmes.com/pedstransplantation/.
Complement regulatory proteins are expressed at low levels in embryonic human, wild type and transgenic porcine neural tissue
Authors: Harrower T. P. , Richards A. , Cruz G. , Copeman L. , Dunnett S. B. , Barker R. A.
Published: November 2004

Abstract:  Allotransplantation of human foetal neural tissue for neurodegenerative disorders has been shown to provide clinical benefit but is limited by a number of issues including donor supply. The use of porcine foetal tissue as an alternative source of cells is being investigated but xenotransplants survive poorly as a result of immunological rejection, which may involve complement. In this study we investigated the expression of the membrane‐bound complement regulatory proteins – decay accelerating factor (DAF), membrane co‐factor protein (MCP) and CD59 in embryonic neural tissue. Cells were derived from human foetuses, wild‐type porcine foetuses and porcine foetuses transgenic for human complement regulatory proteins and analysed using flow cytometry and immunocytochemistry. Functional assessment of human complement regulatory protein expression in transgenic porcine tissue was assessed by C3b deposition and cell survival on exposure to human complement. Human and wild‐type porcine foetal neural tissue expressed moderate levels of MCP and CD59 but low or no levels of DAF. Neural tissue from porcine foetuses transgenic for human MCP (E174) expressed the transgene but failed to significantly inhibit human C3b deposition compared with non‐transgenic tissue. In contrast, foetal neural tissue from two different human DAF transgenic pig lines (A74 and E71) known to express high levels of human DAF on endothelial cells, failed to express significant levels of human DAF in foetal neural tissue. Complement regulatory proteins such as MCP and CD59 are expressed in the human and wild‐type embryonic brain but in contrast, DAF is expressed at very low levels. Pigs transgenic for human DAF express very low levels of human DAF on embryonic neural tissue. In pigs transgenic for human MCP, the transgene is expressed at similar levels to that in human embryonic neural tissue but at an insufficient level to prevent activation of the complement cascade. Thus alternative approaches to reducing complement activation by xenografted neural foetal tissue will be required if this process proves to be important in the rejection process.
Changes in neuronal activation in patients with bipolar disorder during performance of a working memory task
Authors: Adler Caleb M , Holland Scott K , Schmithorst Vince , Tuchfarber Michael J , M Strakowski Stephen
Published: November 2004

Objectives:  Several lines of evidence suggest that deficits in cognition persist in bipolar patients during periods of euthymia. Working memory impairment has been observed in euthymic bipolar patients and noted to be a significant source of functional deficits in psychiatric disorders. Functional changes associated with these cognitive deficits however, remain poorly understood. We hypothesized that patients with bipolar disorder would demonstrate changes in neuronal activation in specific regions forming part of the working memory network.

Methods:  Fifteen euthymic bipolar patients and fifteen age‐ and gender‐matched healthy controls were recruited. Subjects participated in fMRI scans during which a two‐back working memory task alternated with a zero‐back control/attention task using a block‐design paradigm. Groups were analyzed separately, and intergroup comparisons were made using an exploratory, voxel‐by‐voxel analysis.

Results:  Bipolar patients performed more poorly on the cognitive tasks than did healthy controls (F = 3.77, p = 0.04). After covarying for task performance and reaction time, bipolar patients demonstrated significantly greater activation than healthy subjects in several regions including the fronto‐polar prefrontal cortex, temporal cortex, basal ganglia, thalamus, and posterior parietal cortex. No areas showed a significant decrease in activation, compared with healthy controls.

Conclusions:  Our findings suggest that decreased working memory performance in bipolar patients reflects specific neurofunctional deficits. These deficits may represent primary areas of neuropathology or be secondary to neuropathology elsewhere in the working memory network. Continued research utilizing other imaging modalities may further clarify the underlying neuropathology involved in these cognitive deficits.
Bipolar depression: phenomenological overview and clinical characteristics
Authors: Mitchell Philip B , Malhi Gin S
Published: November 2004

Objectives:  There has been increasing interest in the depressed phase of bipolar disorder (bipolar depression). This paper aims to review the clinical characteristics of bipolar depression, focusing upon its prevalence and phenomenology, related neuropsychological dysfunction, suicidal behaviour, disability and treatment responsiveness.

Methods:  Studies on the prevalence of depression in bipolar disorder, the comparative phenomenology of bipolar and unipolar depression, as well as neuropsychology and brain imaging studies, are reviewed. To identify relevant papers, a literature search using MEDLINE and PubMed was undertaken.

Results:  Depression is the predominant mood disturbance in bipolar disorder, and most frequently presents as subsyndromal, minor or dysthymic depression. Compared with major depressive disorder (unipolar depression), bipolar depression is more likely to manifest with psychosis, melancholic symptoms, psychomotor retardation (in bipolar I disorder) and ‘atypical’ symptoms. The few neuropsychological studies undertaken indicate greater impairment in bipolar depression. Suicide rates are high in bipolar disorder, with suicidal ideation, suicide attempts and completed suicides all occurring predominantly in the depressed phase of this condition. Furthermore, the depressed phase (even subsyndromal) appears to be the major contributant to the disability related to this condition.

Conclusions:  The significance of the depressed phase of bipolar disorder has been markedly underestimated. Bipolar depression accounts for most of the morbidity and mortality due to this illness. Current treatments have significant limitations.
GAMIAN‐Europe/BEAM survey II: cross‐national analysis of unemployment, family history, treatment satisfaction and impact of the bipolar disorder on life style
Authors: Morselli PL , Elgie R , Cesana BM
Published: November 2004

Objectives:  In a previous report, we described the global analysis of the ‘GAMIAN‐Europe/BEAM survey’ carried out in order to gain a better understanding of what is like to live with a bipolar disorder (BD). We report here on a cross‐national analysis of unemployment, family history, side effects, treatment satisfaction and the impact the disorder had and has on patients’ perception of life style and quality of life.

Methods:  The methodology has been described in the previous report [Morselli PL and Elgie R, J Bipolar Disord (2003) 5, 265]. The analysis was carried out on the data derived from eight countries (France, Italy, Holland, Portugal, Russia, Scotland, Spain and Sweden) on a total of 968 respondents. Data from three other countries were not evaluated because of the low number of respondents.

Results:  The data suggest that the problems and difficulties encountered by bipolar patients are similar throughout the various European countries, regardless of the political, social or cultural settings. The disease leads to a very high rate of unemployment and has a significant negative impact on the perception of the quality of life, both within and outside the family. Data also indicate a high level of family history. Considering the many variables analysed in the different nations, trans‐national differences are often present for a given specific issue. However, with regard to the core issues, no significantly different patterns appear to emerge for any given nation. The current attitude towards the disorder displays an increased insight about the condition on the part of patients. There is also a definite trend towards an improvement in their perception of the disease with an evident minor or reduced impact of the disorder on the life‐style of patients.

Conclusions:  Globally, the data indicate that in all participating countries there has been, in recent years, a consistent improvement in the ‘perceived quality of life’ of the ‘informed patient’ with an increased insight into the condition and an enhanced rate of compliance. Nevertheless, a lot still needs to be done to markedly improve the ‘social functioning’ and the ‘social integration’ of those who suffer from BD. The data reported underline some of the issues that still represent a truly onerous burden for BD patients in whichever European country they may live.
Inonotus dryadeus in North America: new records, hosts, distribution and incidence
Authors: Krug J. C. , Setliff E. C. , Dmytrasz P.
Published: November 2004

Inonotus dryadeus is newly reported in eastern Canada (Ontario) on Acer platanoides and Acer saccharinum, both new hosts, and Ulmus americana. The host range, incidence, and available distributional data in continental North America are summarized in a table. The fungus occurs primarily on Quercus, Abies, and Tsuga. Occasionally, it is found on Picea and Pinus as well as many other hardwood trees. Colder climates and host differences in the boreal forests may be limiting distributional factors. Inonotus dryadeus appears to favour very old trees. The maximum known width of the fruiting body is revised upward to 74.9 cm.
Genetic diversity of the hyperparasite Sphaerellopsis filum on Melampsora willow rusts
Authors: Liesebach M. , Zaspel I.
Published: November 2004

The non‐specific rust hyperparasite Sphaerellopsis filum occurs naturally on Melampsora rusts of many species of the genus Salix as well as on a large range of other rust genera worldwide. To study the genetic diversity of the hyperparasitic fungus 77 S. filum isolates collected from rusts on willow clones from plantations, clone collections and natural habitats of different sites were investigated using polymerase chain reaction ‐ restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR‐RFLP) analysis of the rDNA internal transcribed spacer regions including 5.8S rDNA and sequence analysis. Additionally, strains from Melampsora poplar rusts (4) and strains of Puccinia abrupta from Parthenium hysterophorus (5) and of P. obscura from Bellis perennis (1) were used for comparisons. Results of genetic analysis demonstrated distinct variation within the S. filum isolates. Two main groups with more than 32% difference between their nucleotide sequences were distinguished, indicating two taxa within S. filum. Within the first main group three profiles (I, II, III) were detected. The differences between these profiles were about 12%. The variation within each profile was very low (less than 2%). The second main group comprised two profiles (IV, V), which differed in 12 to 16% of their nucleotide positions. The isolates of group IV possessed a higher variation (up to 5%) within the group than those of the first main group (I, II, III). Group V was only represented by a single isolate. Neither interrelations between the S. filum profiles and the Melampsora genotypes nor a spatial distribution could be detected. It is remarkable that the six strains of S. filum from Puccinia rusts belong to one subgroup.
Witches’ broom disease of reed bamboos in Kerala, India
Authors: Mohanan C.
Published: November 2004

A witches’ broom disease caused byBalansia linearis(Ascomycota,Clavicipitaceae) affecting reed bamboos was recorded during a disease survey in natural stands and plantations in Kerala State, India. Depending on site and host species, the pathogen infected up to 24% of the clumps of the commercially exploited reed bamboos,Ochlandra travancoricavar.hirsuta, Ochlandra travancorica, Ochlandra scriptoria, andOchlandra ebracteataand poses a threat to the reed bamboo industry.
First hybrid plane trees to show resistance against canker stain (Ceratocystis fimbriata f. sp. platani)
Authors: Vigouroux A. , Olivier R.
Published: November 2004

Canker stain, caused by the ascomycete Ceratocystis fimbriata f. sp. platani, is a major threat to plane trees in Europe. The American plane tree (Platanus occidentalis) carries some genetic resistance, but this species is not adapted to the climatic conditions in Europe. Therefore, hybrids between susceptible oriental plane trees (Platanus orientalis) and resistant P. occidendalis were screened for disease resistance in France. Among 960 hybrids, we found 18 individuals which survived two successive inoculations. These putatively resistant trees were cut back and, after 18 months, on each tree 12 of the newly produced shoots as well as two roots, were inoculated again. From these trees, only one showed complete and another one partial resistance. This selection process resulting in the resistant clone ‘Vallis clausa’ is described in detail.
Is the Companion Crop Harmless to Alfalfa Establishment in the Highlands of East Anatolia?
Authors: Tan M. , Serin Y.
Published: November 2004

This study documented the effects of barley companion crop seeding rate and cutting stage on alfalfa establishment in a highland area. Alfalfa was established with barley at seeding rates of 0, 60, 120 and 180 kg ha−1 and cut at the milk‐dough and ripe grain stages. In most cases, hay yield and composition of herbage were affected by companion crop seeding rate and cutting stage. Total hay yield increased from 3294 to 5131 kg ha−1 when the companion crop seeding rate was increased from 0 to 180 kg ha−1 at the milk‐dough stage. Legume and weed growth was suppressed by the companion crop during establishment, but using a barley companion crop decreased alfalfa plant losses in the seeding year. Few residual effects of barley were seen on hay yield in the subsequent year, but residual effects of companion crop treatments on weed suppression continued in all clippings of the second year. The results suggest that alfalfa should be sown with a barley companion crop in highland areas with adequate moisture. The seeding rate for barley is about the same as that for barley grown alone, and the companion crop could be harvested for hay or grain in the establishment year.
Herbicidal Potential and Quantification of Suspected Allelochemicals from Four Grass Crop Extracts
Authors: Chon S.‐U. , Kim Y.‐M.
Published: November 2004

Unknown compounds in crop plants are inhibitory to seed germination and early seedling growth of weed plants. A Petri dish assay showed that barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), oats (Avena sativa L.), rice (Oryza sativa L.) and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) extracts significantly reduced root growth of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), barnyard grass (Echinochloa crus‐galli, Beauv. var. oryzicola Ohwi.) and eclipta (Eclipta prostrata L.). As the concentration of crop extracts increased, root growth of the test plants were significantly reduced. A high‐performance liquid chromatography analysis with nine standard phenolic compounds showed that the concentrations and compositions of allelopathic compounds depend on the extracted plant extracts. Caffeic acid, hydro‐cinnamic acid, ferulic acid, m‐coumaric acid, p‐coumaric acid and coumarin were present in all the crop plant species, and hydro‐cinnamic acid were detected as the highest amount. Coumarin at 10−3 m significantly inhibited root growth of alfalfa and barnyard grass more than that of eclipta. The research suggests that extracts of barley, oats, rice and wheat have an allelopathic effect on alfalfa, barnyard grass and eclipta and that the findings of bioassay were considerably correlated with the type and amount of causative allelochemicals, indicating that the allelopathic effects on three test plants were ranked in order of wheat (highest), barley, rice and oats (lowest). The results may have value in enabling weed control based on natural plant extracts or crop residues in the fields.
Genotypic Variability in Drought Performance and Recovery in Cowpea under Controlled Environment
Authors: Anyia A. O. , Herzog H.
Published: November 2004

Mid‐season drought is a factor frequently limiting crop production in the moist to dry savannah zones of the tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Ten cowpea genotypes were subjected to a cycle of drought at flowering followed by re‐watering to study variation in drought performance and recovery. Drought caused a reduction in leaf assimilation rate, transpiration rate and stomatal conductance with genotypic variances of 75.4, 57.9, and 83.3 %, respectively. Only genotypic variance in stomatal conductance increased appreciably under drought. Reductions in leaf water potential as a consequence of drought positively correlated with a decline in assimilation rate, which was associated with stomatal closure. One week after re‐watering, the three gas exchange parameters of stressed plants recovered fully and attained values 10–30 % higher than the well‐watered plants with increased genotypic variability. Reductions in the total dry matter during the drought interval varied from 11 to 50 % among genotypes, but were of minor importance for the total dry matter at maturity. After stress, the gain in dry matter varied considerably among the stressed genotypes, with stressed plants showing higher gain than the unstressed plants during this interval. This was associated with increased availability of assimilates due to enhanced green leaf area duration after stress release. Variability in drought recovery among genotypes was found, and appears to be more important for final yield than responses during drought.
Ad libitumfeeding following ovariectomy in female Beagle dogs: effect on maintenance energy requirement and on blood metabolites
Authors: Jeusette I. , Detilleux J. , Cuvelier C. , Istasse L. , Diez M.
Published: November 2004

The aim of this study was (i) to evaluate the effect of ovariectomy on daily energy requirement in Beagle dogs, and (ii) to evaluate the effects ofad libitumfeeding with a high energy diet on energy consumption, body weight gain and blood metabolites in these spayed dogs. Four young adult female Beagle dogs were used. Ovariectomy induced a significant decrease of daily energy requirement in dogs.Ad libitumfeeding, initiated 6 months after spaying, induced a significant increase in consumption in spayed dogs. This overconsumption was greatest during the first month ofad libitumfeeding but continued for the entire 4 months of this period. When fedad libitum, dogs gained excess body weight without significant effect on plasma cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose and insulin, at short term. These data suggest that energy intake should be strictly controlled to avoid excess weight gain in spayed dogs.
Relationship between dietary unsaturation and vitamin E in poultry
Authors: Villaverde C. , Cortinas L. , Barroeta A. C. , Martín‐Orúe S. M. , Baucells M. D.
Published: November 2004

Vitamin E requirements are linked to dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) content as a result of the protective effect of vitamin E from lipid peroxidation. On the other hand, it has been suggested that dietary PUFA interfere with vitamin E absorption. A 4 × 4 factorial study was planned to assess the effect of dietary vitamin E inclusion level (0, 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg) and degree of unsaturation (15, 34, 45 and 61 g PUFA/kg) on vitamin E apparent absorption and tissue deposition in poultry. A total of 192 female broiler chickens were used. A digestibility balance was carried out between 19 and 23 days of age to calculate apparent absorption of fat and vitamin E. The livers of 96 animals were obtained at 44 days of age for vitamin E determination. Increasing dietary levels of vitamin E reduced its apparent absorption. The more saturated diet reduced fat and vitamin E apparent absorption while PUFA levels from 34 to 61 g/kg did not modify this parameter but reduced the hepatic vitamin E concentration, suggesting a greater systemic use of this vitamin. These results suggest that PUFA do not limit vitamin E absorption, although they may increase its degradation in the gastrointestinal tract.
Molecular characterization of novel resynthesized rapeseed (Brassica napus) lines and analysis of their genetic diversity in comparison with spring rapeseed cultivars*
Authors: Seyis F. , Snowdon R. J. , Luhs W. , Friedt W.
Published: November 2004

Resynthesized (RS) rapeseed generated from interspecific hybridization between suitable forms of Brassica rapa L. (syn. campestris; genome AA, 2n = 20) and B. oleracea L. (CC, 2n = 18) represents a potentially important resource to expand genetic diversity in the narrow gene pool of oilseed rape (B. napus L., AACC, 2n = 38). In this study 165 RS rapeseed lines originating from crosses between an Indian Yellow Sarson (B. rapa ssp. trilocularis) and five different cauliflower (B. oleracea convar. botrytis) cultivars were studied using amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers and their genetic diversity was compared in relationship to an assortment of 40 diverse spring oilseed and fodder rape varieties. Using three AFLP primer combinations, a total of 467 polymorphic bands were scored. Cluster analysis allowed differentiation among the different RS lines, which, as expected, were genetically highly divergent from the cultivars. The genetic diversity of the material is discussed in relation to its morphological variability with a view to the implementation of RS lines in oilseed rape breeding.
A vernalization protocol for obtaining progenies from regenerated and transgenic tall fescue plants
Authors: Wang Z. Y. , Bell J. , Scott M.
Published: November 2004

Tall fescue is an important outcrossing forage and turf grass species that requires vernalization to flower. A reproducible protocol was developed for vernalization of regenerated, transgenic and seed‐derived tall fescue plants. Following the vernalization scheme that involved gradual changes of temperature and daylength, seeds were routinely produced from vernalized plants under greenhouse conditions. Molecular analyses of progenies obtained from crosses between transgenic and seed‐derived plants revealed stable meiotic transmission of transgenes following Mendelian inheritance in transgenic tall fescue.
AFLP, ISSR and RAPD markers reveal high levels of genetic diversity among Lupinus spp.
Authors: Talhinhas P. , Neves‐Martins J. , Leitao J.
Published: November 2004

The Lupinus genus includes a number of important crop species. The use of defined nucleotide sequences for the analysis of genetic diversity among these species has revealed modest levels of diversity. The aim of this study was to access AFLP, ISSR and RAPD markers to evaluate the genetic diversity among L. albus, L. angustifolius, L. cosentinii, L. hispanicus, L. luteus, L. mutabilis, L. pilosus and L. polyphyllus. Unexpectedly, low levels of genetic similarity were found (ranging from 0.205 to 0.432), regardless of the type of molecular marker used. Nevertheless, these techniques consistently showed a greater genetic similarity between L. pilosus and L. cosentinii, L. mutabilis and L. polyphyllus and among L. luteus, L. hispanicus and L. angustifolius, clearly separating the Old World from the New World species. Such low genetic similarity among Lupinus spp. is most unlikely to be due to differences in coding sequences but could be the result of a long diverging process concerning non‐coding regions, which would represent a very important proportion of these genomes.
The use of AFLP markers for cultivar identification in apricot
Authors: Geuna F. , Toschi M. , Bassi D.
Published: November 2004

Amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) molecular markers were employed for the fingerprinting of 118 accessions of apricot, including cultivated varieties and related apricot species. Five primer combinations were tested and 165 polymorphic bands produced which could uniquely differentiate all accessions under investigation. Primer combinations were rated according to the multiplex ratio, the polymorphic index content and the discrimination power parameters and superior combinations were identified. AFLP markers were used in cluster analysis carried out with the UPGMA and the neighbour‐joining methods and parsimony analysis. Four groups of similar accessions were identified: (i) those from the Mediterranean basin, (ii) from China, (iii) from continental Europe and (iv) mixed Europe‐North America accessions. In the principal component analysis the first three components accounted for 17% of the total variability existing among accessions. Because the most important regions where apricot is cultivated in the world were represented in the analysis, with a large number of varieties, it was possible to discuss the data in the light of current phylogenetic hypotheses on the origin and evolution of the species.
A contribution to the systematics of a piedmontese plum ecotype
Authors: Nassi M. O. , Ruffa E. , Me G. , Lepori G. , Radicati L.
Published: November 2004

Prunus domestica L., P. insititia L., P. salicina Lindl. and P. cerasifera Ehrh. are the most important species included in the plum group. Many ‘cultivars’ have an undefined origin and share very similar morpho‐phenological characteristics that make their identification difficult. This is the case of ‘Ramasin’, a group of Piedmontese genotypes whose fruits are small, ellipsoidal and very tasty. They are commonly considered as P. domestica varieties, even though on the basis of some morphological characteristics they are similar to other species such as P. insititia. In order to study the origin of this group, the DNA of 25 genotypes of ‘Ramasin’, and that of some ‘cultivars’ of P. domestica, P. insititia, P. cerasifera, P. salicina and two selections of P. spinosa L. was examined. The PCR‐RAPDs method (Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA amplified by Polymerase Chain Reaction) was used and all 69 primers that were tested generated more or less polymorphic bands. From the results of these analyses it can be supposed that the ‘Ramasin’ plums are a single genetically heterogeneous group. Moreover it can probably be assumed that ‘Ramasin’ arose from crosses between P. domestica and P. insititia.
Human growth hormone presented by K14hGH‐transgenic skin grafts induces a strong immune response but no graft rejection
Authors: Zhong Jie , Matsumoto Koji , De Kluyver Rachel , Fernando Germain JP , Leggatt Graham R , Frazer Ian H
Published: November 2004

Although immune responses leading to rejection of transplantable tumours have been well studied, requirements for epithelial tumour rejection are unclear. Here, we use human growth hormone (hGH) expressed in epithelial cells (skin keratinocytes) as a model neo‐self antigen to investigate the consequences of antigen presentation from epithelial cells. Mice transgenic for hGH driven from the keratin 14 promoter express hGH in skin keratinocytes. This hGH‐transgenic skin is not rejected by syngeneic non‐transgenic recipients, although an antibody response to hGH develops in grafted animals. Systemic immunization of graft recipients with hGH peptides, or local administration of stimulatory anti‐CD40 antibody, induces temporary macroscopic graft inflammation, and an obvious dermal infiltrate of inflammatory cells, but not graft rejection. These results suggest that a neo‐self antigen expressed in somatic cells in skin can induce an immune response that can be enhanced further by induction of specific immunity systemically or non‐specific immunity locally. However, immune responses do not always lead to rejection, despite induction of local inflammatory changes. Therefore, in vitro immune responses and in vivo delayed type hypersensitivity are not surrogate markers for immune responses effective against epithelial cells expressing neoantigens.
A historical perspective on the contrasting experiences of nurses as research subjects and research activists
Authors: Kirby Stephanie
Published: November 2004

According to the spectrum of opinion, nursing research appears to be alive but vulnerable, poised for further growth but still liable to wither if starved of funding. By using a historical approach to provide an understanding of the present, this paper hopes to offer some guidance for the healthy future of nursing research. Documentary and oral evidence has been cited to compare the experiences of nurses as the subjects of research and as researchers themselves. Investigations on recruitment and retention in nursing undertaken prior to World War II tended to give monocausal explanations for complex problems. As a result, pioneer nurse researchers had to work in an atmosphere of suspicion from sections of the profession and little regard from more established professions. The paper demonstrates that in order to make progress they used formal and informal support networks. Contemporary practitioners could identify similar networks.