bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Induced Resistance against Bipolaris bicolor, Bipolaris sorokiniana and Drechslera tritici‐repentis in Wheat Leaves by Xantham Gum and Heat‐Inactivated Conidial Suspension
Authors: Bach E. E. , Barros B. C. , Kimati H.
Published: July 2003

Foliar‐applied xantham gum, commercially available exopolysaccharides from Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris bacterial capsule, together with conidial suspension of heat‐inactivated pathogens were tested in relation to their ability to induce local and systemic protection against leaf spot diseases caused by Bipolaris sorokiniana, Bipolaris bicolor and Drechslera tritici‐repentis. Xantham gum preparation and heat‐inactivated conidial suspension were effective in inducing local and systemic protection when applied 48 h before the challenge with the pathogen. Microscopic studies of pathogen development in protected and control leaves indicated that neither germination and appressoria formation nor number of papillae were affected by treatment with xantham gum and heat‐inactivated conidial suspension. Increased activity of β‐1,3 glucanases was correlated with the induction of resistance and showed that protection induced in wheat leaves treated with the fungicide propiconazole presented a different mechanism of action.
Non‐pathogenic Powdery Mildews Induce Resistance in Pea (Pisum sativum) against Erysiphe pisi
Authors: Singh U. P. , Bahadur A. , Singh D. P. , Sarma B. K.
Published: July 2003

Inoculation of pea (Pisum sativum) with pea non‐pathogenic powdery mildews (PNPM) (Oidium sp., Phyllactinia corylea and P. delbergiae) induced resistance against a subsequent infection with Erysiphe pisi. Conidial germination, appressorium formation and secondary branch development in E. pisi conidia on pea plants were reduced in the presence of the three PNPM compared with uninoculated host plants. Microscopical observations also revealed that there was no hypersensitive cell death or lignin formation in the pea leaf tissues following treatment with the three PNPM. Reduced disease intensity (DI) of pea powdery mildew was observed up to 12 days after inoculation of the three PNPM. Pre‐inoculation with P. corylea led to the highest disease suppression (21.2% DI) compared with non‐inoculated control plants (96.5% DI). High‐performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) analysis of different parts of pea plants with and without PNPM inoculation revealed increased synthesis of total phenolics and also of gallic, tannic and ferulic acids. However, the amount of phenolic compounds decreased in leaves treated singly with E. pisi or in combination with the PNPM.
Pathotype Separation of Plasmodiophora brassicae by the Host Plant
Authors: Fähling M. , Graf H. , Siemens J.
Published: July 2003

Different pathotypes existing in the field isolate ‘e’ of Plasmodiophora brassicae were separated by repeated propagation in resistant host plants or by inoculation with single spores. The resulting isolates were studied by combining the molecular markers of fingerprint‐like patterns and characterization of pathogenic capacity using genetically homogenous Arabidopsis ecotypes under controlled environmental conditions, so that the selection of virulent pathotypes within resistant host plants could be demonstrated. These host‐selected isolates shared the molecular and phytopathological characters of corresponding single‐spore isolates.
Sterol Composition of DMI‐Resistant and ‐Sensitive Field Isolates of Cercospora beticola
Authors: Karaoglanidis G. S. , Menkissoglu‐Spiroudi U. , Thanassoulopoulos C. C.
Published: July 2003

The effect of the sterol 14α‐demethylase‐inhibitor (DMI) fungicide flutriafol, on the sterol composition of DMI‐sensitive and ‐resistant strains of Cercospora beticola, was studied. In the absence of flutriafol, these strains had the same sterol composition regardless of their sensitivity to DMIs, with ergosterol the major sterol in the fungal membranes. Following treatment with flutriafol, the desmethyl sterols decreased and the eburicol, obtusifoliol and 14α‐methylergosta‐8,14, 24(28)‐trienol content increased, indicating that sterol 14α‐demethylase activity was inhibited in all C. beticola strains tested. In the resistant strains, C14‐methyl‐sterols accumulated at a higher flutriafol concentration than they did in the sensitive strains. The results demonstrate that DMI‐resistance in C. beticola is not conferred a sterol 14α‐demethylase deficiency, suggesting an alternative mechanism in the observed resistance phenotypes.
Macerating Enzymes Produced by Rhizopus oryzae in Infected Mulberry Roots
Authors: Yoshida S. , Tsuyumu S. , Tsukiboshi T.
Published: July 2003

Rhizopus oryzae, the causal agent of Rhizopus rot of mulberry, was examined for its ability to produce macerating enzymes in planta and in vitro. When segments of healthy mulberry roots were immersed for 24 h at 30°C in pH‐adjusted crude extracts from roots of mulberry infected naturally or inoculated with R. oryzae, or in the culture filtrate of the fungus in liquid medium containing mulberry roots or pectin, maceration measured by the weight decrease of the immersed segment was detected in all of these crude extracts, and the highest activity was observed under acidified conditions. Activities of cellulase, polygalacturonase, pectate lyase, and pectin lyase, but not protease were detected in crude extracts of the fungus‐inoculated roots and in culture supernatant in liquid medium containing the roots. These results suggest that these macerating enzymes are produced in the infected roots. The crude extract of the fungal culture grown in pectin liquid medium, which also macerated the roots, showed only the activity of three pectic enzymes (polygalacturonase, pectate lyase and pectin lyase). Polygalacturonase may play an essential role in the maceration of mulberry roots by R. oryzae.
Aspects of the Biology and Control of Benzimidazole Resistant Isolates ofPhoma clematidina, cause of Leaf Spot and Wilt in Clematis
Authors: Van De Graaf P. , O'Neill T. M. , Chartier‐Hollis J. M. , Joseph M. E.
Published: July 2003

Isolates ofPhoma clematidina, the cause of clematis wilt, were recovered from diseased clematis plants throughout England and testedin vitroandin vivofor their sensitivity to benzimidazole fungicides. More than one third of 14 isolates tested on fungicide‐amended agar plates were found to be highly resistant to products containing carbendazim, benomyl or thiophanate‐methyl. On unamended agar, the growth and morphology of benzimidazole resistant and sensitive isolates ofP. clematidinawere clearly distinct; on attached clematis leaves not treated with fungicide, the resistant isolates were markedly less virulent than the sensitive ones. In a 3‐month trial onClematiscv. Henryi, high volume sprays of a fungicide containing carbendazim reduced the incidence of leaf spotting caused by a benzimidazole sensitive isolate ofP. clematidinaby almost 80% but gave no significant reduction in disease caused by a resistant isolate. Fungicides found to be very effective against both benzimidazole sensitive and resistant isolates were products containing difenoconazole, azoxystrobin or kresoxim‐methyl. This is the first report of benzimidazole resistance inP. clematidinain the UK. Our findings indicate that growers should consider alternative fungicides and non‐chemical methods for the prevention and control of clematis wilt.
Vegetative Compatibility and Pathogenicity of Verticillium dahliae Kleb. Isolates from Olive in Israel
Authors: Tsror (Lahkim) L. , Levin A. G.
Published: July 2003

Fifty‐two isolates of Verticillium dahliae from olive trees grown at different locations in Israel were assigned to vegetative compatibility groups (VCGs), using nitrate non‐utilizing (Nit) mutants. A higher frequency of nit1/nit3 mutants (95%) was obtained compared with NitM (5%), with 81% of the isolates being assigned to VCG4B and 19% to VCG2A. The pathogenicity of 14 randomly selected isolates (seven of each VCG) was tested on olive twigs (cv. Picual) and tomato. VCG4B and VCG2A isolates were similarly aggressive on olive. However, VCG2A isolates were more aggressive on tomato (line 139) than the VCG4B isolates as indicated by a higher colonization index.
Osmotic Potential Effects on In Vitro Growth, Morphology and Pathogenicity of Macrophomina phaseolina
Authors: Cervantes‐García D. , Saúl Padilla‐Ramírez J. , Simpson J. , Mayek‐Pérez N.
Published: July 2003

The influence of osmotic potential (Ψs) on in vitro growth and morphology of four isolates of Macrophomina phaseolina was studied using potato‐glucose‐agar adjusted to different osmotic potentials with KCl, NaCl and sucrose. The effect of NaCl on M. phaseolina pathogenicity in common bean was determined and then related to the pathogenicity of each isolate on seeds of 12 differential common bean cultivars. The three sources of Ψs reduced M. phaseolina growth under in vitro conditions, whereby NaCl caused the highest negative effects. The high solute concentrations reduced the synthesis of mycelial pigments and the size and shape of microsclerotia. Pathogenicity of M. phaseolina in common bean seeds was reduced by high concentrations of NaCl but no relationship was found between the tolerance to high Ψs concentrations under in vitro conditions and M. phaseolina pathogenicity in common bean seeds.
Interactions between the Grasses Phalaris arundinacea, Miscanthus sinensis and Echinochloa crus‐galli, and Barley and Cereal Yellow Dwarf Viruses
Authors: Lamptey J. N. L. , Plumb R. T. , Shaw M. W.
Published: July 2003

The grass species Miscanthus sinensis, Echinochloa crus‐galli and Phalaris arundinacea may be useful biomass crops. In glasshouse inoculations with two isolates of Barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV)‐MAV and BYDV‐PAV and one of Cereal yellow dwarf virus (CYVD)‐RPV, E. crus galli was infected by all three virus isolates, P. arundinacea by BYDV‐MAV and CYDV‐RPV, but M. sinensis only by BYDV‐MAV. All three hosts became very difficult to infect after several weeks’ growth. Symptoms were inconspicuous; dry matter yield losses ranged from c. 20–40%. Aphids acquired all three virus isolates from E. crus‐galli, but more efficiently from 5 than 26‐week‐old plants. Only BYDV‐MAV was acquired from P. arundinacea and M. sinensis. Plants of each species and of Avena sativa were grown outdoors between May and July in 1994 and 1995. Young plants of each species were exposed for successive 2‐week intervals during the same periods. Vector populations were higher on A. sativa and P. arundinacea than on E. crus‐galli and M. sinensis, and more plants of these species became infected. In 1994 only BYDV‐MAV was detected. In 1995 BYDV‐MAV, BYDV‐PAV and CYDV‐RPV were all detected; BYDV‐MAV was again the virus isolate most frequently found.
Sensitive Detection of Artichoke Latent Virus in Globe Artichoke Field Samples by One‐step RT‐PCR or Tissue Imprint Hybridization
Authors: Lumia V. , Pasquini G. , Barba M.
Published: July 2003

Artichoke latent virus (ArLV) is one of the most economically important and widely distributed viruses of artichoke in the Mediterranean area. The availability of a sensitive and reliable diagnostic method is a prerequisite for evaluating the sanitary status of globe artichoke plants. We report here two molecular methods for the detection of ArLV. The first consists of RNA extraction from infected leaf tissue using a commercial kit, followed by a one‐step reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) protocol, using primers designed in this investigation. The second is based on the tissue imprint hybridization technique, using a denatured digoxigenin‐labelled ArLV DNA probe. Both methods were effective in detecting ArLV in late globe artichoke plant samples.
The Association of Aster Yellows Phytoplasma with Rose Dieback Disease in Poland
Authors: Kamińska M. , Śliwa H. , Malinowski T. , Skrzypczak Cz.
Published: July 2003

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay, restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis, sequencing of PCR‐amplified cDNA, graft transmission and mycological tests were used to investigate the possible association of phytoplasma infection with rose dieback symptoms and to identify any associated pathogen. Rose plants with shoot dieback symptoms, symptomless rose plants, and experimentally infected periwinkle seedlings were shown to be infected with phytoplasma, which was classified to the aster yellows (AY) group, subgroup 16SrI‐B, based on the analysis of the nucleotide sequence of a 1101‐bp fragment of 16S rRNA gene (GenBank accession no. AF450325). No evidence was obtained for the infection of rose plants with Verticillium  albo‐atrum. The rose plants cultivated under plastic cover without heating or under outdoor conditions, in contrast to greenhouse‐grown roses, developed downy mildew symptoms caused by Peronospora  sparsa.
Unique pattern of urinary tract calculi in Australian Aboriginal children
Authors: Carson PJ , Brewster DR
Published: July 2003

Young Aboriginal children in remote regions of tropical and desert Australia are at risk of developing urate stones in their upper urinary tract from an early age. These radiolucent calculi were only recognized with the availability of ultrasound diagnosis and are not associated with anatomic anomalies or abnormal uric acid production/metabolism. Although these stones appear to resolve spontaneously after the weaning period, some result in ureteric obstruction and infection which may lead to renal damage. This pattern of urolithiasis differs from the usual global urolithiasis pattern of either endemic bladder stones in young children in developing countries or predominantly calcium‐based stones in upper tracts of older children and adults in affluent industrialized countries, where upper tract urate stones account for only a minority of childhood urinary tract stones. Risk factors for urate stones are low urine output and acidic urine. An association between urolithiasis and carbohydrate intolerance leading to chronic acidosis has been suggested for Aboriginal children, but existing limited evidence does not support this as a major aetiological factor. Although further studies on the epidemiology, natural history and management of these urate stones are needed, we believe the focus should be on improving the known social and environmental risk factors of remote Aboriginal children during the weaning period which contribute to the unacceptably high prevalence of failure to thrive, diarrhoeal disease, environmental enteropathy, iron deficiency and urolithiasis.
Cows milk consumption in constipation and anal fissure in infants and young children
Authors: Andıran F , Dayı S , Mete E
Published: July 2003

Objective:  To examine daily cows milk consumption and duration of breastfeeding in infants and young children with anal fissure and constipation.

Methods:  Two groups of 30 consecutive children aged between 4 months and 3 years were evaluated retrospectively. Group I comprised children with chronic constipation and anal fissure in whom surgical causes were excluded, and group II comprised normal children. The daily consumption of cows milk, duration of breastfeeding and other clinical features of the children were investigated

Results:  The mean daily consumption of cows milk was significantly higher in group I (756 mL, range 200−1500 mL) than group II (253 mL, range 0−1000 mL) (P < 0.001). Group I children were breastfed for a significantly shorter period (5.8 months, range 0−18 months) than group II (10.1 months, range 2−24 months) (P < 0.006). The odds ratios for the two factors − children consuming more than 200 mL of cows milk per day (25 children in group I, 11 children in group II) and breastfeeding for less than 4 months (16 children in group I, 5 children in group II) − were calculated to be 8.6 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.23−0.74, P = 0.0005) and 5.7 (95% CI: 0.37−0.66, P = 0.007), respectively.

Conclusions:  Infants and young children with chronic constipation and anal fissure may consume larger amounts of cows milk than children with a normal bowel habit. Additionally, shorter duration of breastfeeding and early bottle feeding with cows milk may play a role in the development of constipation and anal fissure in infants and young children.
Antimicrobial resistance in Helicobacter pylori isolates from children
Authors: Rerksuppaphol S , Hardikar W , Midolo PD , Ward P
Published: July 2003

Objective:  To determine the resistance rate to four antimicrobial agents commonly used in the treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection in children.

Methods:  Between July 1997 and January 2000, all H. pylori isolates from children undergoing gastroscopy were prospectively collected and subcultured to yield the susceptibility to four antimicrobial agents by E‐test. In all, 23 isolates were tested. Demographic data, presenting symptoms, treatment regimen and clinical improvement after treatment were collected retrospectively.

Results:  The resistance rate of H. pylori to metronidazole and clarithromycin were 43.5% and 8.7%, respectively. No H. pylori strains were resistant to amoxycillin or tetracycline. There were no statistically significant differences in age, sex, ethnicity, presenting symptoms or clinical improvement after treatment between antimicrobial‐susceptible and antimicrobial‐resistant groups.

Conclusions:  The frequent resistance of H. pylori to metronidazole and moderate resistance to clarithromycin in children are comparable with local adult data. The incidence of resistance tended to be higher in patients of non‐European ethnicity, but this was not statistically significant. Given that the primary goal of therapy is eradication, and that local resistance rates are high, recommendations for H. pylori management may need to be modified to include sensitivity testing and/or determination of eradication in all patients.
Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis: A review of 18 cases in childhood
Authors: Gupte G , Stonehouse M , Wassmer E , Coad NAG , Whitehouse WP
Published: July 2003

Objective:  Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) is a treatable inflammatory demyelinating disorder seen more commonly in children than in adults. It typically presents to general paediatricians, often, like encephalitis, with non‐specific cerebrospinal fluid findings. The brain computerized tomography scan is usually normal, so is falsely reassuring and delays the diagnosis, which might result in considerable morbidity. The present study was initiated to report on the various modes of presentation and raise the awareness of the diagnosis of ADEM among general paediatricians.

Methods:  A retrospective review of the case notes of 18 children with a diagnosis of ADEM established in a tertiary referral centre from 1995 to 2000 was undertaken with particular reference to clinical features, investigations and treatment.

Results:  The most common presenting features were ataxia (10 cases), followed by headache (eight cases) and weakness (five cases). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain was needed to confirm the diagnosis in all 18 children. Treatment usually included a course of intravenous methylprednisolone followed by a tapering dose of oral prednisolone over several weeks. Although the outcome for most of the children was generally good, two relapsed after cessation of steroids and five children had ongoing disabilities.

Conclusions:  The investigation of choice for establishing the diagnosis of ADEM was MRI of the brain. Other investigations were seldom helpful in reaching the diagnosis. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment of ADEM will probably reduce morbidity.
Clinical pathway using rapid rehydration for children with gastroenteritis
Authors: Phin SJ , McCaskill ME , Browne GJ , Lam LT
Published: July 2003

Objective: To determine in the Emergency Department (ED) the efficacy of a clinical pathway using rapid rehydration for children moderately dehydrated as a result of acute gastroenteritis.

Methods: This was a prospective study using historical controls, set in the ED of the Children's Hospital at Westmead, NSW, Australia. Subjects were aged from 6 months to 16 years presenting with vomiting and diarrhoea for <48 h who were mildly or moderately dehydrated. The intervention was a clinical pathway involving rapid rehydration using N/2 saline + 2.5% dextrose intravenously at 20 mL/kg per h for 2 h, or Gastrolyte R (Aventis Pharma, Lane Cove, NSW, Australia) via nasogastric tube at the same rate. There were 145 children in the prospective intervention group and 170 in the historical control group. The outcome measures were admission rate, percentage of patients discharged from the ED in 8 h or less, rate of re‐presentations within 48 h requiring admission, and rate of procedures with intravenous cannula or nasogastric tube.

Results: In the moderately dehydrated children, significant reductions were observed in the admission rate and the number discharged in 8 h or less in the intervention group compared with the control group, with no significant difference in the rate of re‐presentation and the rate of procedures. In the moderately dehydrated children in the intervention group, the admission rate was 29 of 52 (55.8%) compared with the controls 26 of 27 (96.3%) (P < 0.001) and the number discharged in 8 h or less was 23 of 52 (44.2%) compared with 1 of 27 (3.7%) in the controls (P < 0.01).

Conclusion: The clinical pathway utilizing rapid rehydration in children moderately dehydrated from gastroenteritis is effective in reducing admission rates and lengths of stay in the ED.
EpiPen epidemic: Suggestions for rational prescribing in childhood food allergy
Authors: Kemp AS
Published: July 2003

There has been a marked increase in community concerns of the risk of food induced anaphylaxis in children and a consequent increase in the provision of the self or carer injectable epinephrine (EpiPen) (CSL Ltd, Parkville, Victoria, Australia)). The Australian use of EpiPens in children under 10 years has increased by 300% over 5 years with a crude rate of EpiPen provision of 1 per 544 Australian children aged under 10 years. However, the risk of a fatal reaction to food, particularly in preschool children, is remote (in Australia, an estimated one fatality in 30 years in the under 5‐year‐old population and two deaths in 10 years in the entire child population). It is therefore important to provide a perspective on the risk of death from food induced anaphylactic to parents and carers in view of the anxiety generated on this issue. The indications for provision of an EpiPen to children are not well defined. Six risk factors, which can be considered in evaluating the risk of a life‐threatening reaction (age over 5 years; a history of respiratory tract involvement with the initial or subsequent reactions; a history of asthma requiring preventer medication; peanut or tree nut sensitivity; reactions induced by traces or small amounts of allergen; a strongly positive skin prick test) are proposed. It is suggested that the greater the number that are positive, the lower the threshold for provision of an EpiPen. In addition, instruction in EpiPen administration and the provision of both a clear and simple anaphylaxis action plan and a rational perspective on the remote risk of death is just as important as the provision of the device itself.
Carbohydrate intolerance and kidney stones in children in the Goldfields
Authors: Baldwin DN , Spencer JL , Jeffries‐Stokes CA
Published: July 2003

Renal stones have been reported as a common finding in Australian Aboriginal children. The stones are predominantly urate in composition. We report on five children with nephrolithiasis from the Goldfields region of Western Australia. All were diagnosed when under 5 years of age, the majority being under 3 years. All five children also had lactose intolerance, and we postulate that carbohydrate malabsorption, together with the ensuing chronic diarrhoea and intraluminal breakdown of sugars by enteric bacteria may result in a situation of chronic metabolic acidosis. Chronic metabolic acidosis can lead to protein catabolism, increased urate excretion and the formation of renal stones. Carbohydrate intolerance may be an aetiological factor in the development of renal stones and possibly chronic renal disease, particularly in Aboriginal Australians. Renal disease represents one of the most significant factors affecting the health of Australian Aboriginal people. The incidence of end stage renal failure in this population exceeds that of non‐Aboriginals by a factor of 13:1, and this disproportionate figure is increasing. It is likely that chronic renal damage is multifactorial; however, it is probable that at least some aetiological factors have their onset during childhood.
Parenteral nutrition solution retrieved by lumbar puncture following left saphenous vein catheterization
Authors: Clarke P , Wadhawan R , Smyth J , Emmerson AJ
Published: July 2003

Two extremely preterm infants had silastic lines inserted via the left great saphenous vein for intravenous feeding. Clinical deterioration approximately 10 days later led to lumbar puncture as part of a sepsis screen. Parenteral nutrition solution was recovered in the cerebrospinal fluid and heralded potentially life‐threatening catheter malposition. The cases illustrate another percutaneous central line‐associated morbidity, which is avoidable by careful verification of line position. All previously reported cases of this unusual complication are reviewed and we describe its likely mechanism. We postulate that the phenomenon is a complication peculiar to percutaneous catheterization of the left lower limb.
Red eyes as the initial presentation of systemic meningococcal infection
Authors: Yeung WL , Yam KL , Chan WM , Hui J
Published: July 2003

The present paper is a report of a 14‐month‐old boy who presented with fever, coryzal symptoms and red eyes. The patient developed a generalized tonic clonic convulsion on day 2 of his illness. Ophthalmological assessment demonstrated bilateral hypopyon and vitreous opacity resulting from endophthalmitis. Cerebrospinal fluid was positive for Neisseria meningitidis (A, C, Y, W 135) by latex agglutination. He was treated with high dose intravenous cefotaxime and intravitreal ceftazidime. He made good recovery and his vision was preserved. In view of the potential morbidity and mortality associated with systemic meningococcal infection, the presence of red eye and hypopyon provides important diagnostic clues indicating the need to investigate beyond superficial conjunctivitis. It should prompt the clinician to recognize endopthalmitis early and accurately diagnose this serious disease.
Neonatal plantar response revisited
Authors: Gupta A , Gupta Piyush
Published: July 2003

Objective:  To evaluate plantar response in the early neonatal period in normal, term, healthy newborn infants. This was a prospective study set in the postnatal ward of a tertiary care hospital.

Methods:  The plantar response was elicited in 256 healthy, term, appropriate‐for‐gestational‐age neonates during their first 7 days of life, utilizing the thumb‐nail‐drag method. The response was tested daily at intervals of 24 h, until the neonate was discharged. A total of 597 observations were made, and the responses were classified as extensor, flexor or equivocal.

Results:  The overall plantar response was found to be predominantly extensor (73.8%), followed by equivocal (17.3%) and, finally, flexor (8.9%). The plantar response was bilaterally extensor in 72.5%, bilaterally equivocal in 14.2%, and bilaterally flexor in 7.7% of observations, respectively. Asymmetrical plantar response was elicited in 5.4% of observations. No difference was observed in individual categories based on age (<12 h, 12.1−24 h, 24.1−72 h, 72.1 h−7 days) and site of response (right/left foot).

Conclusion:  The plantar response in healthy, term neonates is predominantly extensor. Further, the relatively high frequency of asymmetrical and symmetrical flexor responses limits its clinical usefulness in the early neonatal period.
Correlation among academic performance, recurrent abdominal pain and other factors in Year‐6 urban primary‐school children in Malaysia
Authors: Boey CCM , Omar A , Arul Phillips J
Published: July 2003

Objective:  The present study aimed to investigate the extent to which recurrent abdominal pain and other factors were associated with academic achievement among Year‐6 (12 years of age) schoolchildren.

Methods:  The present study was a cross‐sectional survey conducted from September to November 2001. Schoolchildren were recruited from primary schools that were selected randomly from a list of all primary schools in Petaling Jaya, Malaysia, using random sampling numbers. Information concerning recurrent abdominal pain, socio‐economic status, life events, demographic and other details was obtained using a combination of questionnaires and interviews. Academic achievement was assessed using a score based on the Malaysian Primary School Achievement Examination. An overall score at or above the mean was taken to indicate high academic achievement while a score below the mean indicated poor academic achievement.

Results:  A total of 1971 children were studied (958 boys and 1013 girls: 1047 Malays, 513 Chinese and 411 Indians). Of these children, 456 (23.1%) fulfilled the criteria for recurrent abdominal pain. Using the method of binary logistic regression analysis, the following factors were found to be independently associated with poor academic performance: a low socio‐economic status (odds ratio (OR) 1.30; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.25−1.35); male sex (OR 1.61; 95% CI 1.26−2.05); the death of a close relative (OR 2.22; 95% CI 1.73−2.85); the divorce or separation of parents (OR 3.05; 95% CI 1.73−5.40); the commencement of work by the mother (OR 1.34; 95% CI 1.02−1.76); hospitalization of the child in the 12 months prior to the study (OR 1.83; 95% CI 1.12−3.01); lack of health‐care consultation (OR 1.80; 95% CI 1.36−2.36); missing breakfast (OR 1.47; 95% CI 1.07−2.02); and lack of kindergarten education (OR 1.35; 95% CI 1.04−1.75).

Conclusions:  Many factors, such as socio‐economic status and recent life events, were associated with poor academic performance. Recurrent abdominal pain did not correlate directly to academic performance. Stress may be a means by which various factors cause children to struggle academically.
Maternal phenylketonuria in Western Australia: Pregnancy outcomes and developmental outcomes in offspring
Authors: Ng T‐W , Rae A , Wright H , Gurry D , Wray J
Published: July 2003

Objective:  To examine the outcomes of phenylketonuric (PKU) pregnancies in Western Australia including birth characteristics and cognitive and behavioural outcomes in offspring.

Methods:  A cross‐sectional study of women and their offspring who were identified from the Western Australian Maternal PKU Program (WAMPKUP) from 1991 to 2000 was carried out. Cognitive assessments (K‐BIT or Griffiths scales) were conducted on women and their children, and behavioural assessments (CBCL) were conducted on the children.

Results:  Thirty pregnancies by nine women were registered on the WAMPKUP between 1991 and 2000. There were 16 live births, with one preterm delivery at 32 weeks. There were no congenital abnormalities. Five of the nine mothers and their nine children (aged 18 months−10 years) participated in developmental assessments. A linear relationship was shown between lower maternal IQ scores and later attainment of metabolic control in pregnancy (rs = −0.828; P = 0.01). There was significant correlation between lower offspring IQ scores and later attainment of metabolic control in pregnancy (rs = −0.734; P = 0.02). Correlation between maternal and offspring cognitive scores was not significant. Four of nine (44%) children rated in the clinical range for behavioural problems. Compared to children with no behavioural difficulties, these children had lower cognitive abilities (P = 0.05) and maternal metabolic control during pregnancy was poor (P = 0.05).

Conclusions:  Poor metabolic control in pregnancy is associated with poorer cognitive outcomes and increased behavioural difficulties in offspring of mothers with PKU. The results have implications for the implementation of appropriate dietary measures before conception in PKU pregnancies, and indicate a need for the establishment of multidisciplinary teams to follow up individuals with PKU to communicate the importance of pregnancy planning, to manage PKU pregnancies, and to follow up the offspring.
Audit of a paediatric directed donation programme
Authors: Knuckey MI , Wood EM , Savoia HF
Published: July 2003

Objective:  A paediatric directed donation programme (DDP) was instituted by Women's and Children's Health in conjunction with the Australian Red Cross Blood Service, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, in response to public demand following a case of transfusion‐transmitted HIV. This audit assesses the first 18 months of the programme.

Methods:  Retrospective analysis, from February 2000 to July 2001, examining the number of units of blood requested, donated, and transfused, as well as the use of allogeneic (non‐directed) blood.

Results:  The DDP received 125 referrals. Most (78%) were for elective surgery. Of the 89 eligible children, 76% (68) had blood donated for them by an ABO/Rhesus‐compatible parent, 81% of whom were first‐time blood‐donors. No donor tested positive for infectious markers. In total, 221 units of blood were requested and 116 units were collected. Non‐collection was mainly a result of parent−child ABO incompatibility or medical ineligibility of the proposed donor. Of the children for whom blood was collected, 28 (41%) received no transfusion and eight (12%) received non‐directed components in addition to DDP blood; thus, 32 (47%) received solely the blood from their directed donor. Of the units collected, 53 (46%) were transfused and 63 (54%) were discarded.

Conclusions:  While the paediatric DDP serves a community need, the programme has a high wastage rate, is time‐consuming, labour‐intensive and an expensive alternative when compared with the provision of non‐directed volunteer blood. In continuing the programme, appropriateness of referral needs to be refined to reduce wastage rates.
Barriers to immunization: Attitudes of general practitioners to varicella, the disease and its vaccine
Authors: Milledge JT , Cooper CD , Woolfenden SR
Published: July 2003

Objectives:  To investigate the attitudes of general practitioners (GPs) to varicella disease and varicella vaccine.

Methods:  A cross‐sectional questionnaire was mailed to GPs in Fairfield (located in the south‐western suburbs of Sydney, NSW, Australia) to identify attitudes about varicella vaccine, previous experience with varicella disease and the likelihood of prescribing varicella vaccine.

Results:  Of 239 questionnaires issued, 160 were returned (67%). The majority (72%) of respondents agreed that varicella vaccine should become part of the immunization schedule. However 12% of GPs did not support vaccination for varicella as they considered it to be a benign self‐limiting disease. Respondents who had experience with varicella complications were significantly more likely to recommend universal vaccination (OR 3.36; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.38−8.19) whereas those respondents who were concerned about side effects of the vaccine were less likely to recommend universal vaccination (OR 0.31; CI 0.15−0.63).

Conclusions:  The majority of GPs are receptive to varicella vaccination becoming part of the immunization schedule. Experience with varicella complications is associated with recommending universal varicella vaccination. General practitioners in this cohort do not consider varicella to be a benign disease, but they are concerned about possible unknown side effects of the vaccine. Public health measures for introducing universal vaccination need to address these concerns.
From delegation to specialization: nurses and clinical trial co‐ordination
Authors: Mueller Mary‐Rose
Published: July 2003

From delegation to specialization: nurses and clinical trial co‐ordination

This paper considers an area of clinical research that has been delegated by physician‐researchers to nurses and others in the United States, that of clinical trials co‐ordination. It uses interviews with nurse trial co‐ordinators to explore the occupational processes by which the boundaries of work enactment and the definition of work have been established by nurses and others. It then discusses the occupational processes that have been established to formalize a role for nurses in clinical research. It raises the question of (and offers speculation on) whether specialization alone will distinguish nursing from other occupational groups engaged in clinical research work.
Discourses of the body in euthanasia: symptomatic, dependent, shameful and temporal
Authors: Street Annette F , Kissane David W
Published: July 2003

Discourses of the body in euthanasia: symptomatic, dependent, shameful and temporal

This theoretical paper is derived from a discourse analysis of the textual material from a study of the seven deaths associated with legalised euthanasia in the Northern Territory, Australia. The textual analysis utilises evidence from interviews, letters written by people seeking euthanasia, medical reports, coroner's records and media reports concerning the social experiment of legalised euthanasia in Australia. The paper does not discuss the euthanasia debate. It argues that the body is a neglected concern in the debates and offers a construction of the discourses of the body as symptomatic, dependent, shameful and temporal. Medical discourses frame the body as symptomatic but these people were also concerned with the loss of autonomy associated with dependence, with shame connected with loss of bodily functions and the embodied experience of determining a ‘time to die’.
Bending stiffness calculation for nanosize structures
Authors: IVANOVA E. A. , KRIVTSOV A. M. , MOROZOV N. F.
Published: July 2003

Advances in high technologies using nanometer‐size structures, such as carbon nanotubes, require calculation of mechanical properties for the objects of the nanosize scale level. Majority of the theoretical mechanical models for nanoobjects is based on the macroscopic equations of theory of elasticity. This gives the questions about applicability of the quantities obtained from the macroscopic experiments to the nanoscale objects or about necessity of corrections taking into account the scale effects. The presented paper is devoted to theoretical investigation of the influence of the scale effects on the bending stiffness of a nanocrystal, which is extended in one direction and has a limited number of atomic layers in another direction. Ambiguity of the bending stiffness due to the ambiguity of the size definition for the nanosize object is discussed. It is shown that appropriate definition of the crystal thickness allows using conventional formula for the bending stiffness, which is known from continuum theory of elasticity.
Direct evaluation of accurate coefficients of the linear elastic crack tip asymptotic field
Authors: XIAO Q. Z. , KARIHALOO B. L.
Published: July 2003

An improvement to the extended finite element method (XFEM) and generalised finite element method (GFEM) is introduced. It enriches the finite element approximation of the crack tip node as well as its surrounding nodes with not only the first term but also the higher order terms of the linear elastic crack tip asymptotic field using a partition of unity method (PUM). Numerical results show that together with a reduced quadrature rule to the enriched elements, this approach predicts accurate stress intensity factors (SIFs) directly (i.e. without extra post‐processing) after constraining the enriched nodes properly. However, it does not predict accurately the coefficients of the higher order terms. For that a hybrid crack element (HCE) is introduced which is powerful and convenient not only for directly determining the SIF but also the coefficients of higher order terms in the plane linear elastic crack tip asymptotic field. Finally, the general expressions for the coefficients of the second to fifth terms of the linear elastic crack tip asymptotic field of three‐point bend single edge notched beams (TPBs) with span to depth ratios widely used in testing are extended to very deep cracks with the use of the HCE.
Integrity of pressurized components with localized corrosion under internal pressure and transient thermal loading
Authors: GOLDSTEIN R. V. , ZHITNIKOV YU. V. , KADOCHNIKOV I. V.
Published: July 2003

This paper is devoted to the modelling and analysis of the problem of the safety and residual lifetime of pressurized components (e.g. pressure vessels, apparatus, pipelines) with zones of local corrosion damage. Corrosion damage is the most common form of structural material degradation in service conditions, in particular, in the chemical and gas, and oil industries. Attention is paid to nonstationary regimes of the component operation, e.g., start‐stop regimes. It is shown that the critical parameters calculated taking into account the nonstationary loading can be lower compared with ones determined for the stationary regimes, e.g., on the basis of the ASME Code B31G.
Three‐dimensional effects on fatigue crack closure in the small‐scale yielding regime – a finite element study
Authors: ROYCHOWDHURY S. , DODDS R. H.
Published: July 2003

Plasticity induced closure often strongly influences the behaviour of fatigue cracks at engineering scales in metallic materials. Current predictive models generally adopt the effective stress‐intensity factor (ΔΚeff = Κmax–Κop) in a Paris law type relationship to quantify crack growth rates. This work describes a 3D finite element study of mode I fatigue crack growth in the small‐scale yielding (SSY) regime under a constant amplitude cyclic loading with zero T‐stress and a ratio Κmin/Κmax = 0. The material behaviour follows a purely kinematic hardening constitutive model with constant hardening modulus. Dimensional analysis suggests, and the computational results confirm, that the normalized remote opening load value, Κop/Κmax, at each location along the crack front remains unchanged when the peak load (Κmax), thickness (B) and material flow stress (σ0) all vary to maintain a fixed value of . Through parametric computations at various K levels, the results illustrate the effects of normalized peak loads on the through‐thickness opening–closing behaviour and the effects of σ0/E, where E denotes material elastic modulus. The examination of deformation fields along the fatigue crack front provides additional insight into the 3D closure process.
The effect of material hardness and mean stress on the fatigue limit of steels containing small defects
Authors: KONDO Y. , SAKAE C. , KUBOTA M. , KUDOU T.
Published: July 2003

Fatigue tests on material containing small defects were performed under a wide range of mean stress for three grades of steels with different hardness. The ΔKth of small defects had a peculiar dependency on material hardness and mean stress, which was quite different from those of long cracks or plain specimens. The crack closure of short cracks was measured. It was shown that the formation of the crack closure was affected by the material hardness and mean stress. This behaviour of crack closure resulted in characteristic fatigue limit properties of materials containing small defects.
Enhancement of fracture toughness due to energy screening effectin the early stages of non‐elastic failure
Authors: WNUK M. P.
Published: July 2003

A triaxiality‐dependent cohesive zone model for a stationary and a quasistatic crack is proposed. The model is rooted in the mesomechanical approach to Fracture Mechanics and is inspired by the quantum law concerning emission of light, which was postulated by Max Planck at the end of the 19th century. The model provides an extension of the early concepts of Barenblatt, Dugdale and the Bilby–Cotrell–Swinden team. It also incorporates the experimental observations of the pre‐fracture states due to Panin and his school in Tomsk. Relations between micro‐ and macroparameters that characterize the deformation and fracture processes in dissipative media are described in detail. The analysis suggests that the ratio of the ‘true’ work of fracture to the total energy dissipated during the course of the irreversible deformation contained within the end zone can be used as a measure of material resistance to a quasistatically propagating fracture.
Numerical investigation on J‐integral testing of heterogeneous fracture toughness testing specimens: Part I – weld metal cracks
Authors: KIM Y.‐J. , KIM J.‐S. , SCHWALBE K.‐H. , KIM Y.‐J.
Published: July 2003

Based on extensive two‐dimensional (2D) finite element (FE) analyses, the present work provides the plastic η factor solutions for fracture toughness J‐integral testing of heterogeneous specimens with weldments. Solutions cover practically interesting ranges of strength mismatch and relative weld width, and are given for three typical geometries for toughness testing: a middle cracked tension (M(T)) specimen, single edge cracked bend (SE(B)) specimen and (C(T)) specimen. For mismatched M(T) specimens, both plane strain and plane stress conditions are considered, whereas for SE(B) and C(T) specimens, only the plane strain condition is considered. For all cases, only deep cracks are considered, and an idealized butt weld configuration is considered, where the weld metal strip has a rectangular cross section. Based on the present solutions for the strength mismatch effect on plastic η factors, a window is provided, within which the homogeneous J estimation procedure can be used for weldment toughness testing. The effect of the weld groove configuration on the plastic η factor is briefly discussed, concluding the need for further systematic analysis to provide guidance to practical toughness testing.
Fatigue of cantilevered pipe fittings subjected to vibration
Authors: HAMBLIN M.
Published: July 2003

Vibration fatigue failures in piping systems often occur at cantilevered small‐bore fittings (SBF) such as pressure tappings and drain valves. Piping vibration has often been assessed by measuring vibration displacement or velocity. However, in the case of straight cantilevered fittings with a concentrated mass, a better method exists. This paper presents a simple robust method of calculating vibration induced stress for cantilevered fittings at both the fitting branch neck and the main pipe. The method is based on measurement of acceleration at the concentrated mass (e.g., valve) and simple mechanics calculations. Extensive laboratory and field verification of the technique is presented. The choices of a fatigue strength criterion, such as ASME BPVC VIII Div. 2, BS7608, or a fracture mechanics approach such as BSI PD6493, are discussed. Several case studies are presented as well as simple ‘good engineering practice’ rules‐of‐thumb for SBF design. These ‘rules‐of‐thumb’ are now incorporated in the piping specifications of the author's company.