bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Maternal left ventricular transverse and long‐axis systolic function during pregnancy
Authors: Kametas N. A. , McAuliffe F. , Cook B. , Nicolaides K. H. , Chambers J.
Published: March 2003

Objectives

Circumferential fiber shortening has been the dominant basis for conventional analysis by echocardiography of left ventricular systolic function during pregnancy. Results in the literature have been conflicting due mainly to the fact that geometric assumptions for the calculation of these indices are made that may not be valid due to changes in left ventricular shape during pregnancy. Left ventricular long‐axis displacement is expected to be a useful index of systolic function, independent of the changes in left ventricular geometry. The aim of this study was to compare circumferential to long‐axis shortening during left ventricular contraction in pregnant women.

Methods

This was a cross‐sectional study of 125 pregnant women at 9–42 weeks of gestation and 19 non‐pregnant female controls. Two‐dimensional and M‐mode echocardiography of the left ventricle was performed including measurement of left ventricular long‐axis displacement and activation time on the lateral, septal, anterior and inferior sides of the mitral annulus. Activation time was assessed as the time from the start of the Q‐wave of the electrocardiogram to the onset of left ventricular long‐axis shortening.

Results

Mean arterial pressure and activation time decreased during pregnancy, reaching a nadir at about 19 weeks' gestational age of 4% and 13%, respectively, below non‐pregnant values; they subsequently increased towards term. Left ventricular long‐axis displacement mirrored the changes in mean arterial pressure and activation time and increased with gestational age at all four sites of the atrioventricular plane reaching a peak at about 23 weeks (+ 12% compared to non‐pregnant levels). The ejection fraction and fractional shortening remained stable until 30 and 32 weeks, respectively, and then decreased towards term.

Conclusion

Changes in left ventricular long‐axis performance during pregnancy occur earlier than do measures of transverse function. Copyright © 2001 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology
The diagnostic implications of routine ultrasound examination in histologically confirmed early molar pregnancies
Authors: Sebire N. J. , Rees H. , Paradinas F. , Seckl M. , Newlands E.
Published: March 2003

Objective

Early ultrasound examination is being used increasingly in the diagnosis of molar pregnancy. The aim of this study was to examine the diagnostic implications of routine ultrasound examination for histologically confirmed molar pregnancies.

Methods

This was a retrospective review of sonographic and histological findings in a series of consecutive cases referred to the National Trophoblastic Disease Surveillance Centre with suspected molar pregnancies. In 194 cases referred to the center over a 6‐month period in whom results of a preceding ultrasound examination were documented, review of ultrasound findings and final histological diagnosis was carried out.

Results

There were 155 cases with a reviewed histological diagnosis of complete or partial hydatidiform mole. In 131 (67%) cases, the sonographic diagnosis was that of a missed miscarriage/anembryonic pregnancy with no documented suspicion of molar pregnancy, referral being on the basis of histological examination of products of conception. In 63 cases, ultrasound examination suggested molar pregnancy; in 53 (84%) of these, the diagnosis of molar pregnancy was correct. Overall, 37 of 64 (58%) complete moles had sonographic evidence of molar pregnancy compared to 16 of 91 (17%) partial moles. Of 155 histologically confirmed complete or partial hydatidiform moles, only 53 (34%) were suspected as molar sonographically.

Conclusion

The majority of cases of molar pregnancy now present as missed miscarriage/anembryonic pregnancy sonographically, highlighting the importance of histological examination to diagnose gestational trophoblastic disease.Copyright © 2001 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology
Genetic differentiation of Glossina morsitans centralis populations
Authors: Krafsur E. S. , Endsley M. A. , Wohlford D. L. , Griffiths N. T. , Allsopp R.
Published: March 2003

Variation at mitochondrial and microsatellite loci was used to study the breeding and dispersal structure of Glossina morsitans centralis, in six natural populations from Botswana, the Caprivi Strip (Namibia), Zambia, and in a laboratory culture derived from Singida, Tanzania. Only seven mitochondrial haplotypes were found. Mean diversity averaged over the six natural populations was 0.216 ± 0.085. The fixation index FST = 0.866 indicated a high degree of genetic differentiation among populations. Fifty‐three alleles were detected among six microsatellite loci and six natural populations. Mean microsatellite diversity was 0.702 ± 0.091. Depending on the estimating model used, fixation indices varied from 0.15 to 0.225 confirming that G. m. centralis populations are strongly subdivided. For all FST estimates, positive correlations were detected between pair‐wise genetic distance measures and geographical distances. The difference in fixation indices estimated from mitochondrial or nuclear loci was explained by the greater sensitivity of mitochondrial genomes to genetic drift. Population differentiation can be explained by genetic drift and the subsequent recovery of extant populations from small, discontinuous populations. These data confirm genetically the collapse and retreat of G. m. centralis populations caused by the rinderpest epizootic of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
The internal transcribed spacers (ITS1 and ITS2) of the rDNA differentiates the bark beetle forest pests Tomicus destruens and T. piniperda
Authors: Gallego D. , Galián J.
Published: March 2003

The bark beetles species Tomicus destruens and T. piniperda constitute one of the main pests of European and Asian forests. T. destruens has been thought to be the same species as T. piniperda by some authors. A rapid PCR‐based method using internal transcribed spacers (ITS1 and ITS2) of the ribosomal DNA has been developed in order to identifying these two species. We have studied differences in the size of the ITS1, and differences in the sequence and restriction patterns of the ITS2 in 75 individuals of both species. The results indicate a size difference of about 100 bp in the ITS1 of T. destruens and T. piniperda. The size of the ITS2 spacer is similar in both species (≈ 600 bp). However, the sequence is consistently different between T. destruens and T. piniperda in all populations analysed, showing some characteristic indels. Differences in the restriction target in both species for the enzymes HincII and DraI produce different band patterns in agarose NuSieve 5% gel electrophoresis. These data suggest the validity of T. destruens as a phylogenetically differentiated entity from T. piniperda. The phylogenetic analysis of a 789 bp fragment of the 3′ end of the cytochrome oxidase I gene (COI) agrees with the two groupings obtained with the ITS2, showing a phylogenetic clustering rather than a phylogeographic structure.
Characterization of a cDNA encoding a cathepsin L‐like protein of Rhodnius prolixus
Authors: Lopez‐Ordoñez T. , Rodriguez M. H. , de la Cruz Hernández‐Hernández F.
Published: March 2003

The interaction of Rhodnius prolixus digestive enzymes with Trypanosoma cruzi could be important for parasite survival. We report herein the complete sequence of the messenger of a cathepsin L‐like molecule (RpCat). The cDNA has 5′‐ and 3′‐ end UTRs and a methionine codon that corresponds likely to a translation initiation codon. In the deduced amino acid sequence, a region corresponding to an ERFININ domain, diagnostic of L‐cathepsins, and a possible pro‐peptide cleavage site were observed. At the C‐terminus, a nine‐amino acid sequence, almost identical to a secretion signal of human cathepsin L was found. RpCat messenger was expressed in intestines of R. prolixus adults, and from 1st to 4th but not in 5th instar nymph stages. In a similarity analysis, RpCat was grouped with L cathepsins forming a clear group separate of the B cathepsins.
Structure and evolution of the mitochondrial DNA complete control region in the Drosophila subobscura subgroup
Authors: Brehm A. , Harris D. J. , Hernández M. , Cabrera V. M. , Larruga J. M. , Pinto F. M. , González A. M.
Published: March 2003

The complete A + T‐rich region of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) has been cloned and sequenced in the species of the Drosophila subobscura subgroup D. subobscura, D. madeirensis and D. guanche. Comparative analysis of these sequences with others already published has identified new sequence motifs that are conserved in Drosophila and other insects. A putative bi‐directional promoter and a stop signal are proposed to be involved in the primary mtDNA strand replication of Drosophila. This region strongly resolves relationships of the species included in a phylogenetic analysis, both for closely related species and also at deeper phylogenetic levels when only the left and central domains are taken into account.
Mitochondrial DNA variation and biogeography of eastern gorillas
Authors: Jensen‐Seaman M. I. , Kidd K. K.
Published: March 2003

Mitochondrial DNA variation in 109 individuals from four populations of wild living gorillas in East Africa was ascertained by sequencing the first hypervariable segment of the control region, or ‘d‐loop’, amplified from noninvasively collected hair and faeces. d‐loop haplotypes from eastern gorillas fell into two distinct clades, each with low levels of genetic diversity; most observed haplotypes within each clade differing by only one or two mutations. Both clades show evidence of population bottlenecks in the recent past, perhaps concomitant with the tropical forest reduction and fragmentation brought on by global cooling and drying associated with the last glacial maximum.
Early‐season river entry of adult Atlantic salmon: its dependency on environmental factors
Authors: Lilja J. , Romakkaniemi A.
Published: March 2003

River entry of adult Atlantic salmon Salmo salar into the River Tornionjoki, monitored during three migration seasons (1997–1999) by horizontal split‐beam hydroacoustics, started early in June when water temperature was c. 9° C and when the discharge varied between 1700 and 2000 m3 s−1. In 1997 and 1999, migration peaked during the latter half of June, 17 days after the peak flood, at water temperatures ranging from 11· 5 to 18·2° C. Few statistically significant correlations were observed between river entry and six measured environmental factors and those that were significant were not persistent over the years. The strongest correlation ( r = −0·60) was between the number of upstream migrants and seawater level, with a time lag of 1 day in 1998. In 1998 and 1999, no clear diurnal migration pattern was observed, although in 1997 the intensity of midday migration was higher than that of the midnight migration. It is concluded that environmental factors have little effect on river entry of Atlantic salmon in a large pristine river located at high latitude.
Age composition of masu salmon smolts in northern Japan
Authors: Hayano H. , Miyakoshi Y. , Nagata M. , Sugiwaka K. , Irvine J. R.
Published: March 2003

Smolts of anadromous masu salmon Oncorhynchus masou aged 3+ years were found in a northern Japanese river. This is the first recording of 3+ year smolts in Japan. These fish appeared to originate in the cold upper river where 2+ year parr were found during autumn.
Genomic Instability Study on the Japanese Familial Ovarian Cancer without Germline Mutation of BRCA1 or BRCA2 by Loss of Heterozygosity Analysis
Authors: Tsuneki Ikunosuke
Published: March 2003

Objective and Methods: In order to explore whether novel genes have been contributing to carcinogenesis of familial ovarian cancer in which no germline mutation of BRCA1 nor BRCA2 is found in the form of a tumor suppressor gene, we have attempted to perform loss of heterozygosity (LOH) analysis with 160 microsatellite markers. The average intermarker distance was approximately 20cM.

Results: We ascertained and performed direct sequencing of available in all 63 families for mutational analysis in BRCA1 and BRCA2. Among 63 families, no germline mutation of BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene was detected in 40 affected patients in 19 families. The mean age at diagnosis of patients with tumors with no mutation, 45.7 years, was significantly younger than in the control cases, 54.2 years (p = 0.0001). It was observed that the frequency of LOH was more than 50%, only in tumor tissues from patients with no mutation but not in those with sporadic ovarian cancer in 5 regions; 5p13‐q31, 8pter‐p12, 8q24‐qter, 13q12‐34, and 17p13‐q25.

Conclusions: These results suggest the possibility that novel susceptibility genes for familial ovarian cancer exist in one of the 4 regions.
Loading dose versus standard regime of magnesium sulfate in the management of eclampsia: A randomized trial
Authors: Begum Mosammat Rashida , Begum Anowara , Quadir Ehsan
Published: March 2003

Objective:

To determine whether only loading dose of magnesium sulfate is effective in controlling convulsion in eclampsia.

Study methods:

This prospective study was conducted in Dhaka Medical College and Hospital, Bangladesh between July and November 1999. Eclamptic patients who were eligible for magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) therapy were randomly assigned by lottery to receive either only loading dose (n = 202) or standard regime (n = 199) of MgSO4. Besides the anticonvulsant, patients of both the groups were managed by same protocol for eclampsia management prepared by Eclampsia Working Group, Bangladesh. Efficacy of both the regimes was assessed by measuring the rate of recurrent convulsion. Results were expressed as mean ± SD and a proportion. Statistical analysis was done using unpaired t‐test, Z‐test and χ2 test as appropriate. A P‐value of <0.05 was considered significant.

Results:

At the time of randomization there were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of age (22.40 ± 4.21 vs 22.49 ± 4.67 years), parity (72.77%vs 70.35% primi), type of eclampsia (84.65%vs 85.42% antepartum eclampsia), number of convulsions (5.30 ± 3.26 vs 5.48 ± 3.32 times), gestational age (35.65 ± 3.37 vs 35.13 ± 3.26 weeks), systolic blood pressure (153.19 ± 20.19 vs 154.17 ± 22.32 mmHg), diastolic blood pressure (106.23 ± 13.84 vs 105.60 ± 12.88 mmHg), proteinuria (70.80%vs 72.36% had > + proteinuria) and Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) (73.26%vs 75.88% >8) for the loading and standard regime groups. There were also no differences between the two groups in mean fit and treatment interval (6.88 ± 5.26 vs 7.12 ± 4.29 h), fit and delivery interval (11.35 ± 10.22 vs 11 ± 6.69 h) and return of consciousness (10.94 ± 8.29 vs 11.24 ± 8.37 h). The recurrent convulsion rate was almost the same in both the groups (3.96% in loading vs 3.51% in standard regime, P > 0.05). Case fatality rate was 4.45% and 5.02% in loading and standard regime groups, respectively (P > 0.05).

Conclusion:

Only loading dose of MgSO4 can control convulsion in eclampsia and it is as effective as standard regime.
Quality of treatment following police detention of mentally disordered offenders
Authors: Jones S. L. , Mason T.
Published: March 2003

There is a growing interest in patients’ perspectives in relation to the treatment and management of mentally disordered offenders at all levels of service delivery. This paper reports on a group of mentally ill individuals who were admitted to a place of safety following detention by the police. The principal purpose of the study was to determine the quality of care that the patient experienced under section 136 of the Mental Health Act (1983) from police detention to hospital admission. The major focus concerned the anticipated disparity between the non‐professional police interactions and those of the mental health professional. The method employed was a grounded theory analysis of audio‐taped interviews utilizing a three‐level coding of data. The results indicated a general dissatisfaction with the quality of care and treatment from both police and professionals, but with the former being viewed as acceptable whilst the latter was considered unacceptable. The patients made a series of recommendations for detention in places of safety.
Lipopolysaccharides and plant responses to phytopathogenic bacteria
Authors: Newman Mari‐Anne , Von Roepenack Edda , Daniels Mike , Dow Max
Published: March 2003

Treatment of the leaves of pepper (Capsicum annuum) cv. ECW10R with lipopolysaccharides (LPS) from both plant pathogenic and enteric bacteria alters several aspects of the plant response to subsequent inoculation with phytopathogenic xanthomonads. LPS pre‐treatment prevents the hypersensitive reaction caused by strains of Xanthomonas campestris pv. vesicatoria carrying the avirulence gene avrBs1 (a gene‐for‐gene interaction) and by X. campestris pv. campestris (a non‐host interaction). Associated with this effect are the earlier synthesis of feruloyl‐ and coumaroyl‐tyramine, phenolic conjugates that are potentially antimicrobial, and alterations in the expression patterns of genes for some pathogenesis‐related (PR) proteins. Similar effects on the timing of phenolic conjugate synthesis are also seen in the compatible interaction with X. campestris pv. vesicatoria, although the level of the response is lower. Recognition of LPS by plants may allow expression of resistance in the absence of catastrophic tissue damage. However phytopathogenic bacteria may have evolved mechanisms to suppress the effects of LPS (and of other non‐specific bacterial elicitors) on plant cells.
Cell‐specific expression of salicylate hydroxylase in an attempt to separate localized HR and systemic signalling establishing SAR in tobacco
Authors: Darby Robert M. , Maddison Anne , Mur Luis A. J. , Bi Yong‐Mei , Draper John
Published: March 2003

There is conflicting evidence concerning the nature of the long‐distance signal responsible for establishing the systemic acquired resistance (SAR) state following a local response to an incompatible plant/pathogen interaction. We outline standard inoculation procedures and terminology for experiments used to characterize SAR in Nicotiana tabacum and show that leaf development (age) has dramatic affects on TMV lesion size which needs to be taken into account in experimental design. TMV infection was more efficient at inducing SAR than primary infection with avirulent bacteria. We have examined the effect on SAR induction of altering the accumulation of salicylic acid (SA), through the expression of a salicylate hydroxylase gene (SH‐L), in different phases of lesion development using the hydrogen peroxide‐responsive AoPR1 promoter and the salicylate‐responsive PR1a promoter. Suppression of SA accumulation during the early phases of lesion development in AoPR1‐SH‐L transgenic tobacco resulted in an attenuated form of SAR compared to wild‐type plants, whereas SAR was not exhibited in PR1a‐SH‐L plants. However, interpretation of data from these experiments was complicated by virus escape from inoculated leaves. Using a GUS reporter it was discovered that the CaMV35S promoter was not expressed constitutively in all cell types of petioles and stems, particularly phloem tissue, whereas the PR1a promoter demonstrated induced expression in the phloem following TMV infection. We suggest two hypotheses for why PR1a‐SH‐L transgenics do not display SAR: either the systemic expression of PR1a‐SH‐L is sufficient to suppress SAR, or SA synthesis or translocation in the phloem is essential for SAR.
Nematodes as vectors to introduce Agrobacterium into plant roots
Authors: Karimi M. , Van Montagu M. , Gheysen G.
Published: March 2003

A fast plant promoter test was developed by means of a nematode to transfer Agrobacterium tumefaciens into plant roots. Two‐week‐old Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Heynh. plants were transferred to infection medium. Meloidogyne incognita or Heterodera schachtii juveniles were mixed with the Agrobacterium strain that harboured the binary vector, and this mixture was used for plant inoculation. During migration of the nematode and establishment of the feeding site inside the roots, the T‐DNA was delivered into the root cells. A few days later, the infected plants could be analysed for expression of the T‐DNA reporter gene in and around the nematode feeding sites (NFS), without the need to go first through the whole transformation and regeneration procedure. Depending on the construct, expression of the β‐glucuronidase gene in the NFS or along the migration path of the nematode could be seen in the roots of Arabidopsis plants. Furthermore, stably transformed plants could be regenerated from the infected roots.
Requirements for cell‐to‐cell movement of Barley stripe mosaic virus in monocot and dicot hosts
Authors: Lawrence Diane M. , Jackson A. O.
Published: March 2003

The Barley stripe mosaic virus (BSMV) RNAß genome contains a series of overlapping open reading frames termed the triple gene block. The three most abundant proteins, βb, βc and βd, have been shown to have essential roles in infectivity, but their function in cell‐to‐cell movement has not previously been unambiguously defined, nor has the role of a minor translational read‐through protein, βd′ been characterized. We have now examined the direct involvement of each of these proteins in cell‐to‐cell movement in planta by engineering fusions of the green fluorescent protein (GFP) to a cysteine‐rich regulatory protein designated γb. Microscopic examination of inoculated and systemically infected barley and oat leaves revealed high levels of fluorescence that moved rapidly through the compact striate vascular tissue without infecting epidermal cells. In contrast, a radial pattern of fluorescence spread through a large number of epidermal and mesophyll cells before entry into the reticulate vascular tissue of the dicot hosts Nicotiania benthamiana and Chenopodium amaranticolor. Mutational analyses indicated that the βb, βc and βd proteins are each essential for cell‐to‐cell movement in local lesion and systemic hosts, whereas the βd′ protein is dispensable. Collectively, these results demonstrate conclusively that the three major triple gene block‐encoded proteins act in concert to mediate cell‐to‐cell movement of BSMV.
Specific recognition of AVR4 and AVR9 results in distinct patterns of hypersensitive cell death in tomato, but similar patterns of defence‐related gene expression
Authors: Cai Xinzhong , Takken Frank L. W. , Joosten Matthieu H. A. J. , De Wit Pierre J. G. M.
Published: March 2003

Hypersensitive cell death occurs in tomato seedlings that are derived from a cross between plants that express a resistance (Cf) gene against the pathogenic fungus Cladosporium fulvum and plants that contain the matching avirulence (Avr) gene originating from this fungus. The pattern of Cf‐9/Avr9‐ and Cf‐4/Avr4‐induced necrosis in these F1 seedlings was found to differ significantly. Macroscopic observation revealed that in F1 tomato seedlings containing both Cf‐9 and Avr9, numerous necrotic spots developed that were scattered over the entire cotyledon, while the midvein and primary veins remained unaffected. In seedlings containing both Cf‐4 and Avr4, however, initially only one or a few necrotic spots developed on each cotyledon, in most cases in the midvein and occasionally in primary veins. Subsequently, these spots turned rapidly into lesions that enlarged along the midvein and primary veins, eventually causing the cotyledons to wilt and abscise. These observations were confirmed by detailed histological studies. Production of the AVR proteins in adult tomato plants carrying the matching Cf gene, employing potato virus X, resulted in similar patterns of necrosis. RNA gel blot analysis demonstrated that both Avr4 and Avr9, controlled by the CaMV 35S promoter, were highly expressed in seedlings already at one day post‐emergence, indicating that the distinct necrotic patterns are not due to differences in Avr expression levels. We have analysed the expression of many genes involved in defence signalling pathways and the defence response itself, during the onset of the Cf/Avr‐initiated hypersensitive response (HR). Although most of the genes were expressed stronger and faster in Cf‐4/Avr4 seedlings than in Cf‐9/Avr9 seedlings at the onset of HR, no significant qualitative differences in the expression of genes involved in downstream signalling were observed when Cf‐4/Avr4‐ and Cf‐9/Avr9‐induced defence responses were compared.
Tobacco mosaic virus, not just a single component virus anymore
Authors: Knapp Elisabeth , Lewandowski Dennis J.
Published: March 2003

Taxonomy: Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) is the type species of the Tobamovirus genus and a member of the alphavirus‐like supergroup. Historically, many tobamoviruses are incorrectly called strains of TMV, although they can differ considerably in sequence similarities and host range from each other and from TMV.

Physical properties: TMV virions are 300 × 18 nm rods with a central hollow cavity (Fig. 1) and are composed of 95% capsid protein (CP), and 5% RNA. Each CP subunit interacts with 3‐nts in a helical arrangement around the RNA. Virions are stable for decades; infectivity in sap survives heating to 90 °C.

Electron micrograph of TMV virions stained with uranyl acetate. Courtesy of Dr J.N. Culver, University of Maryland Biotechnology Institute.

image

Hosts: The natural host range of TMV is limited; however, a broad range of weed and crop species, mostly Solanaceae that includes tobacco, pepper and tomato can be infected experimentally [Holmes, F.O. (1946) A comparison of the experimental host ranges of tobacco etch and tobacco mosaic viruses. Phytopathology, 36, 643–657]. TMV distribution is worldwide. No biological vectors are known.

Useful website: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/ICTVdb/ICTVdB/71010001.htm
Functional analysis of an extracellular catalase of Botrytis cinerea
Authors: Schouten Alexander , Tenberge Klaus B. , Vermeer Joop , Stewart Jenny , Wagemakers Lia , Williamson Brian , Van Kan Jan A. L.
Published: March 2003

There is evidence that the necrotrophic fungal pathogen Botrytis cinerea is exposed to oxidative processes within plant tissues. The pathogen itself also generates active oxygen species and H2O2 as pathogenicity factors. Our aim was to study how the pathogen may defend itself against cellular damage caused by the accumulation of H2O2 and the role of an extracellular catalase in its detoxification during the infection of tomato and bean plants by B. cinerea.

 Chloronaphthol staining followed by light microscopy showed that H2O2 accumulates in the infection zone in tomato and bean leaves. An extracellular catalase gene (denominated Bccat2) was cloned from B. cinerea. Exposure of mycelium to H2O2 in liquid culture resulted in increased Bccat2 mRNA levels in a concentration‐dependent manner. Bccat2 mRNA was detected at early stages of tomato leaf infection, suggesting that B. cinerea experiences oxidative stress. Bccat2‐deficient mutants were generated by transformation‐mediated gene disruption. Mutants were more sensitive then the wild‐type strain to H2O2in vitro, but they partly compensated for the absence of BcCAT2 by activating other protective mechanisms in the presence of H2O2. Bccat2‐deficient mutants did not display a consistent reduction of virulence on bean and tomato leaves. Cerium chloride staining of infected leaf tissue for ultrastructural studies showed that Bccat2‐deficient mutants were exposed to H2O2 comparably to the wild‐type. The results suggest that B. cinerea is a robust pathogen adapted to growing in hostile oxidizing environments in host tissues.
Effect of milk source on the rheological properties of yogurt during the gelation process
Authors: Jumah R Y , Shaker R R , Abu‐Jdayil B
Published: March 2003

This paper presents research on the effect of milk source on the rheological properties of curd during the gelation process of yogurt. The highest value for viscosity was exhibited by ovine milk, followed by caprine, bovine and camel milks. For bovine, ovine and caprine milk, three different transient viscosity stages were identified and described by mathematical expressions, whereas camel milk showed no significant variation in viscosity during gelation. The chemical composition of milk, namely total solids and protein content, has a major effect on the rheological properties of curd. A power law model allows the determination of the flow behaviour index and the consistency coefficient of curd made from different milk sources.
Changes in the microflora of manouri, a traditional Greek whey cheese, during storage
Authors: Lioliou K , Litopoulou‐Tzanetaki E , Tzanetakis N , Robinson R K
Published: March 2003

Six batches of manouri cheese were manufactured, and selected microbial groups were counted throughout storage for 20 days at 4°C. The counts of all the microbial groups increased ( P < 0.05) throughout storage and reached higher levels in cheeses made in summer than in those made in spring. Moreover, the micro‐organisms developed better on the cheese surfaces than in the interiors, especially in summer. The pH (6.78–7.33) and salt‐in‐moisture content (2.53–3.72) of the cheeses did not seem to affect the growth of the bacteria and yeasts present. The isolates of enterobacteriaceae were mainly Hafnia (68.75%), while the isolates from the Baird–Parker medium were mainly staphylococci. There was a great diversity of yeast species, but

Debaryomyces hansenii and

Pichia membranefasciens predominated. The isolates of enterobacteriaceae, staphylococci and—to a lesser extent—yeasts were proteolytic, but the free amino acid (N‐NH2) content of the cheese did not increase significantly during storage (136.4–225.2 mg/kg glycine equivalent). It also seemed that milk fat was not degraded to any great extent (acid degree value 0.09–0.19) by the lipolytic activity of the strains. The main enzymes detected in selected isolates of enterobacteriaceae were leucine aminopeptidase and phosphohydrolase.
The DHSS integrated library system
Authors: COTTON JOANNA
Published: March 2003

This paper describes the development of an integrated library system, based on an information storage and retrieval package called STATUS, in the library of the Department of Health and Social Security in London. Software which has been specially developed for data entry and thesaurus management is also discussed.
Medical librarians as online intermediaries in developing countries
Authors: CHISANGA CHILESHE J. J.
Published: March 2003

Through postgraduate courses in developed countries many African librarians and information scientists have acquired skills in computerized bibliographic searching. On return to their countries they are faced with the realities of the different level of library technological developments. Their new knowledge is of value as they become intermediaries between their own clientele and the computerized bibliographic services in developed countries. However intermediaries, librarians and information scientists experience uncertainty regarding the quality of results from the searches they have formulated. The effect of time lag and lack of continuing education on morale are discussed.
Letter from Romania
Authors: STRICKLAND‐HODGE BARRY
Published: March 2003

A report of a recent visit to Bucharest
Books for bereaved children*
Authors: GREENALL BARBARA
Published: March 2003

The ways in which books may be used to help bereaved children to understand death are discussed. Books written for children which deal with the themes of death and grief are described briefly.
A workshop for medical librarians in Pakistan
Authors: MORGAN PETER B.
Published: March 2003

This paper outlines the current situation of medical librarianship in Pakistan and discusses the programme and objectives of a workshop for medical librarians held at The Aga Khan University, Karachi in March, 1987.
The BIOSIS® perspective on AIDS research
Authors: COWIE ANNE , DUCKITT PAULINE
Published: March 2003

The resources BIOSIS makes available to AIDS researchers and other interested people are examined. The online database BIOSIS Previews is a vast store of bibliographic biomedical information that can be searched in various ways to retrieve references to the AIDS virus and aspects of the disease—diagnosis, pathology, treatment, epidemiology, and public health. A printed bibliography on AIDS and AIDS‐related disease (Collected Papers on AIDS Research 1976–1986) and a complementary current awareness service (AIDS Research Today) are produced as part of the BIOSIS Perspectives Series. The BioBusiness database extends coverage of the literature into those areas of AIDS research that have commercial implications.
TELEDOC—automated document ordering between libraries in Belgium
Authors: WALCKIERS M. , BLITZ D. , SOREE G.
Published: March 2003

The library of the University of Louvain's Faculty of Medicine has designed a programme that automates interlibrary loan requests between libraries: ‘TELEDOC’. Once the orders have been typed in by the user, TELEDOC consults the BIOMED Union catalogue, selects a library that has the document and electronically mails the request to the selected library. Various complementary functions are also being developed.
medline‐for‐Medics: an online searching course for health‐care professionals
Authors: LYON ELIZABETH
Published: March 2003

An online searching course for health professionals was initiated at a university medical school. A group of end users were taught to search the medline database on data‐star and their subsequent online progress was monitored. The preliminary survey by questionnaire, pretraining interviews, the tutorial programme, course evaluation and end‐user feedback were described. Logsheets showed that most end‐user searches were for research purposes, although some were for patient care. The effects of CD‐ROM on online end‐user searching were discussed and it was suggested that direct online access to information might be a more appropriate medium for busy clinical and academic staff.
Security in health service libraries — a survey in North West Thames Region
Authors: TROUNCE LIZ
Published: March 2003

My aim is to discuss the results of a survey of health service libraries in North West Thames Region undertaken in November 1990 as part of a more detailed study of library security. Widely varying patterns of losses were discovered. The ways in which librarians have tried to resolve these problems are described and a number of possible solutions are proposed. A brief review of the literature is also included.
A survey of nursing libraries in the Northern Region
Authors: CHILDS S. M.
Published: March 2003

The results of a survey of nursing libraries (both nursing college and multidisciplinary) in the Northern Region are summarized. The survey consisted: (1) collecting data on the use of the libraries and (2) a questionnaire survey of library resources. The results for individual libraries and colleges showed some differences in the percentage use by different professions but were practically identical for usage by reason, facility and time. Use by student nurses and qualified nurses (studying) were the majority; use by qualified nurses (not studying) was small. Use by non‐nursing professionals could be large; however, for college‐funded libraries, only, this use was small. Cross‐college use of libraries was small for student nurses but could be large for qualified nurses (studying). There was a small, but inconclusive, indication that Project 2000 (P2000) students made more use of library services than pre‐P2000 students. The pattern of usage was identical between these two groups of students. The professions could be grouped into two, based on their patterns of use: (1) students and (2) practitioners. The major use of the library services was for study purposes. The facilities most used were books, journals, study space and consulting the librarian. In conclusion, the results showed that libraries have an important role in the training and updating needs of all National Health Service (NHS) staff. Resourcing libraries to provide the basic components of stock, library staffing and accommodation is vital to meet these users' needs. The questionnaires were analyzed against the College of Further and Higher Education (COFHE) standards document. Overall library resources, on a range of measures, did not meet COFHE standards at the further education level; on the few occasions when they did pass this level they did not reach the higher education level. The results of both parts of the survey led to the drawing up of eleven recommendations for improving the planning and management of library services.
The use of ephemera with particular reference to blood and organ donation: a review of sources
Authors: ROSE GRACE M.
Published: March 2003

Emphasis has been placed upon a study of the use made of ephemera such as leaflets, pamphlets and booklets by non‐professional staff working in British statutory organizations such as health authorities, community health councils and family health services authorities as well as voluntary organizations such as charities, citizens' advice bureaux and patient participation groups. Publicity methods and the use made of ephemeral materials by those statutory and voluntary organizations involved in recruiting and retaining blood and organ donors is highlighted. Research findings conjrm that patients, carers and others, wish to receive comprehendable and appropriate health information. Ephemera provided in support of this need are not comprehensive in subject coverage and lack any standardization of format. In particular, great care needs to be taken with the design of leaflets, pamphlets and booklets. Ephemeral materials are difficult to locate and obtain, and no bibliographical centre exists to coordinate and support existing activity by identifying, acquiring, storing, advertising and distributing such health care material. Marketing and publicity skills, and much time and effort are required to rectify this deficiency, and thus to satisfy the needs of consumers.
Patient information provision: its effect on patient anxiety and the role of health information services and libraries
Authors: BOLTON VICTORIA , BRITTAIN MICHAEL
Published: March 2003

This article is concerned with the importance of communicating information to patients as an aid to recovery by decreasing anxiety. Recent research suggests that pre‐operative information helps to decrease post‐operative stress and leads to a quicker recovery. The health belief model has proven to be an effective predictor of individuals' responses towards health‐related matters. It is described as a useful theoretical framework for medical professionals in deciding the content and quantity of information that each patient should receive. A study for further research is suggested, exploring the hypothesis that reading about illness significantly helps to reduce anxiety when the patient has added emotional support from a health professional. The existing problem of who is ultimately responsible for giving information to patients is highlighted in the general practice, hospital and public settings. Recommendations are made for the improvement of patient information provision in these three areas. Librarians are seen as being in a good position to liaise with medical professionals to provide the most effective health information service possible for patients and the consumer in general.
The information handling techniques of research (laboratory and clinical) scientists: preliminary indications of current practice
Authors: DAVIES MARY
Published: March 2003

This paper arises from a longitudinal study concerning the impact of information technology developments on the information handling techniques of research (laboratory and clinical) scientists from the perspective of perceived value or benefit based on subjective evaluation by users. The project's main method of data collection is the semi‐structured interview utilizing samples from various categories of Imperial Cancer Research Fund (ICRF) staff plus a composite external comparison group. This method is complemented by analyses of Library and Information Services Department's (LIS's) records (particularly statistics of database usage and requests relating to document supply) and, where possible, indications of other software usage (to provide further background to the degree of electronic activity of users). This paper focuses on the ICRF staff sample only and reports selected results obtained from interviews during the first phase of the project, October 1992–September 1993, which give preliminary indications of the information handling techniques of research scientists at that time.
African Index Medicus—a cooperative undertaking
Authors: Shaw Jean , Petrak Jelka , BERTRAND IRENE , HUNTER LUCILDA
Published: March 2003

Although Medline covers many of the significant medical periodical articles published in developed countries, there is still a considerable amount of medical and health documentation from countries outside the major industrialized areas which is not included. This paper outlines various initiatives to address this, and goes on to describe the setting up, on a cooperative basis, of the African Index Medicus, the problems encountered and progress made.

‘Even if we should presume that most of the world's valid, important biomedical information originates in the West—and there is evidence (…) to suggest that this is wilful self delusion—what about at least a minority contribution from the rest? The 2% participation in international scientific discourse allowed by Western indexing services is simply too little to account for the scientific output of 80% of the world.’1
The information needs of doctors‐in‐training: case study from the Cairns Library, University of Oxford
Authors: Forrest Maureen , Robb Margaret
Published: March 2003

The objective of this study was to find out more about the information needs of doctors‐in‐training and to identify their preferred sources of information. The methodology included interviews with consultants and administrators, a focus group discussion with library staff and a postal questionnaire sent to 347 doctors‐in‐training (there was a 43% return). The shortcomings of a questionnaire primarily composed of closed questions were addressed by the inclusion of one‐to‐one interviews which offered the opportunity for more in‐depth commentary on specific issues highlighted in the questionnaire.

Results indicated the frequency with which various types of information sources were consulted and how this related to the ‘ease of access’ of each information source. There was also the opportunity to comment on future information needs. It was clear from the interviews as well as comments made on the questionnaire that the two most important requirements for doctors‐in‐training were ‘more time to find and obtain information’ and ‘better access to information sources when and where they are needed’. The results, although not surprising, included specific suggestions that have been used for the strategic planning of the library service to deliver the best possible support to users within the current framework of evidence‐based medicine.
Intrathyroidal epithelial thymoma (ITET)/carcinoma showing thymus‐like differentiation (CASTLE) exhibits CD5 immunoreactivity: new evidence for thymic differentiation
Authors: Dorfman  , Shahsafaei  , Miyauchi
Published: March 2003

Aims:

Cases of intrathyroidal epithelial thymoma (ITET)/carcinoma showing thymus‐like differentiation (CASTLE) were examined for CD5 immunoreactivity, a feature of true thymic carcinoma, but not other thymic epithelial neoplasms or carcinomas of other sites. ITET/CASTLE, a rare, low‐grade malignant neoplasm arising within the thyroid gland which resembles lymphoepithelioma‐like and squamous cell carcinoma of the thymus, is postulated to arise from remnants of branchial pouch capable of thymic differentiation, but thymic differentiation in this neoplasm remains unproven.

Methods and results:

The largest published series of cases of ITET/CASTLE was examined for CD5 immunoreactivity using an anti‐CD5 antibody reactive in fixed, paraffin‐embedded tissue with microwave antigen retrieval. Neoplastic cells in all five cases of ITET/CASTLE studied were immunoreactive for CD5, including foci of tumour metastatic to lymph node and lung. In contrast, none of five cases of thyroid carcinoma with squamous differentiation was immunoreactive for CD5. A minority of cases of typical thyroid carcinomas showed some weak immunoreactivity for CD5. Other carcinomas of the head and neck were non‐immunoreactive for CD5.

Conclusions:

CD5 immunoreactivity in ITET/CASTLE is new evidence in support of thymic differentiation in this neoplasm.
Loss of CD44 variant 6 expression differentiates small cell carcinoma of urinary bladder from urothelial (transitional cell) carcinoma
Authors: Iczkowski  , Shanks  , Bostwick
Published: March 2003

Aims:

Small cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder has a more aggressive biological potential than urothelial carcinoma, but its morphology may overlap with poorly differentiated urothelial carcinoma. The CD44 family of glycoproteins mediates cell–cell and cell–matrix adhesion. Aberrant regulation of expression of CD44, and particularly its v6 variant exon, has been correlated with aggressive or metastatic phenotype of some cancers. We measured the degree of protein expression of CD44v6 in small cell and urothelial bladder carcinoma.

Methods and results:

Immunohistochemical staining was performed with monoclonal antibodies against CD44v6. Immunoreactivity was absent in 25 of 27 cases of small cell carcinoma, with two showing only weak staining of fewer than 10% of cells. In contrast, all 12 cases of moderately or poorly differentiated urothelial carcinoma displayed moderately intense reactivity in 50% to 100% of cells.

Conclusions:

CD44v6 immunostaining discriminates cases of poorly differentiated urothelial carcinoma from small cell carcinoma. It also highlights the presence of mixed small cell urothelial differentiation when present.
Vascular endothelial cadherin is expressed by perineurial cells of peripheral nerve
Authors: Smith  , Jones  , Hilton
Published: March 2003

Aims

To study the distribution of vascular endothelial (VE) cadherin in peripheral nerves.

Methods and results

Using two monoclonal antibodies that detect VE‐cadherin (TEA1.31 and 7B4) an immunohistochemical study of VE‐cadherin expression in five common peroneal nerve biopsies and five skin specimens containing small peripheal nerves was performed. VE‐cadherin was consistently expressed by the perineurium of nerves but not by other nerve elements such as Schwann cells or axons.

Conclusion

This report indicates that VE‐cadherin is not, as was previously thought, a specific marker of endothelial cells and further defines the phenotype of the perineurial cell. The established role of VE‐cadherin in controlling the permeability of vascular endothelium suggests that this molecule may have a similar role in the perineurium. VE‐cadherin may therefore be important in the maintenance of the blood–nerve barrier, the peripheral nerve equivalent of the blood–brain barrier.