bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
LAKE SEDIMENT CHRYSOPHYTE SCALES FROM THE NORTHEASTERN U.S.A. AND THEIR RELATIONSHIP TO ENVIRONMENTAL VARIABLES
Authors: Dixit Sushil S. , Dixit Aruna S. , Smol John P.
Published: March 2003

Chrysophyte scale assemblages were analyzed in the surface sediments (0–1 cm) of 146 lakes sampled in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Program–Surface Waters (EMAP‐SW) in the northeastern U.S.A. Chrysophyte data from the EMAP lakes were combined with a previous study of 71 Adirondack PIRLA (Paleoecological Investigation of Recent Lake Acidification) lakes and collectively analyzed to examine the indicator potential of scaled chrysophytes in the northeastern U.S.A. with respect to several environmental variables. Canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) was used to determine which environmental variables influenced the distributions of species. Forward selection and Monte Carlo permutation tests showed that 51% of the variance in the chrysophyte assemblages was related to pH. The other six significant variables (conductivity, chloride, total phosphorus [TP], elevation, lake depth, and watershed area) contributed an additional 31% of the total (82%) variance explained by the seven forward‐selected variables. Similar to previous studies, many taxa showed distinct distribution patterns with respect to pH. Partial and constrained CCAs indicated that, although all seven variables explained significant proportions of variation in the species data, a reliable inference model could be developed only for lake‐water pH. The strength of this model (R2= 0.78, RMSEboot= 0.47 of a pH unit) is comparable to a recently constructed diatom‐based model for the EMAP lakes. The use of both models in paleolimnological and biomonitoring studies would be advantageous because they would provide two independent lines of evidence of environmental change.
ACCLIMATION OF PALMARIA PALMATA (RHODOPHYTA) TO LIGHT INTENSITY: COMPARISON BETWEEN ARTIFICIAL AND NATURAL LIGHT FIELDS
Authors: Sagert Sigrid , Schubert Hendrik
Published: March 2003

The acclimation of the photosynthetic apparatus of Palmaria palmata (L.) to light intensity was examined in the field and under laboratory conditions. Algae from 3 different shore levels and from laboratory cultures adapted to 6 different photon flux densities were compared. This was done on the basis of light doses, which were delivered by different light regimes in the field and in the laboratory. Laboratory samples were adjusted to constant photon flux densities between 7 and 569 μmol photons·m−2·s−1 in a 16:8 light:dark photoperiod. Under field conditions the daily amplitudes reached up to approximately 2000 μmol photons·m−2·s−1 within a natural daily light course. Over the course of 14 days the light doses resulting from those different regimes are similar for both treatments. An increasing growth rate per day with increasing light doses was observed in the laboratory. Growth was saturated at 113 mol photons·m−2·14 d−1. Light saturation points (Ek) of photosynthesis increased with increasing light doses for both field and laboratory samples, and all Ek values were significantly related to the growth light dose. A correlation between fresh weight‐related lutein content and growth light dose was found for laboratory samples only, whereas the lutein:chlorophyll a (chl a) ratio was strongly correlated with Ek for laboratory and field samples. The content of chl a and phycoerythrin (PE) per fresh weight decreased significantly with increasing light doses under field conditions. Simultaneously, the PE:chl a ratio increased, whereas this ratio was not influenced by laboratory treatments. The correspondence of Ek values for field and laboratory treatments indicated that they were affected mainly by light dose. However, the variability in pigmentation was mainly dependent on temporal variability in light intensity (the amplitude of variations in incident light).
GROWTH, PRIMARY PRODUCTIVITY, AND NITROGEN FIXATION POTENTIAL OF NODULARIA SPP. (CYANOPHYCEAE) IN WATER FROM A SUBTROPICAL ESTUARY IN THE UNITED STATES
Authors: Moisander Pia H. , Paerl Hans W.
Published: March 2003

Nodularia is a halotolerant, filamentous, dinitrogen‐fixing cyanobacterium that forms massive blooms in some coastal oceans, estuaries, and saline lakes worldwide. Although the genus is globally distributed, its blooms are sporadic and appear to be confined to certain water bodies. Blooms are frequently associated with phosphorus enrichment; therefore Nodularia may benefit from increased anthropogenic nutrient loading to coastal waters. We studied the potential for Nodularia to grow in the nitrogen‐limited Neuse River Estuary (North Carolina, U.S.A.) with laboratory growth experiments in Neuse River Estuary water and by examining physico‐chemical data from the estuary. Analysis of nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus), salinity, and temperature data from the Neuse River Estuary between 1994 and 1998 revealed that suitable conditions for Nodularia prevailed during the summer of each of these years for time spans ranging from 1.5 to 5 months. Growth of two laboratory strains in Neuse River Estuary water was as fast or slightly slower than in artificial growth medium, as long as the culture inoculum had phosphorus reserves. Phosphorus addition did not stimulate growth of already phosphorus‐sufficient inocula. Phosphorus starvation of the inoculum before the experiment decreased growth rates in the estuarine water unless additional phosphorus was supplied. Although phosphorus addition had a stimulatory effect on dinitrogen fixation and productivity, the effect differed for the two Nodularia strains. Results suggest that growth of Nodularia in North Carolinian estuaries is possible, and that such growth would be phosphorus‐limited at times. Phosphorus availability may determine the times and locations for potential establishment of Nodularia in this and similar estuarine ecosystems.
SIZE STRUCTURE AND DYNAMICS IN A POPULATION OF SARGASSUM MUTICUM (PHAEOPHYCEAE)
Authors: Arenas Francisco , Fernández Consolación
Published: March 2003

Sargassum muticum (Yendo) Fensholt is an introduced brown seaweed with a very distinctive seasonal growth cycle on European shores. The present study links the dynamics of a population of S. muticum with the seasonal growth cycle of the species and the density‐dependent processes operating throughout this cycle. Results indicate that both growth cycle and intraspecific competition influenced the structure and population dynamics. Size inequality increased during the slow growth phase (autumn–winter) of the 2‐year study. Mechanisms generating inequality of size could be the existence of asymmetric competition and the inherent differences in growth rates between old (regenerated) and new thalli (recruits). Inequality of size distributions decreased progressively during the last months of the growth phase (spring–summer) and could be related to a process of self‐thinning. There was a negative biomass–density relationship (as a measure of biomass accumulation‐driven mortality) that confirms the importance of self‐thinning as a major demographic factor in the S. muticum population.
A COMPARISON OF PHOTOSYNTHETIC ELECTRON TRANSPORT RATES IN MACROALGAE MEASURED BY PULSE AMPLITUDE MODULATED CHLOROPHYLL FLUOROMETRY AND MASS SPECTROMETRY
Authors: Franklin Linda A. , Badger Murray R.
Published: March 2003

The relationship between whole chain photosynthetic electron transport and PSII activity was investigated in Porphyra columbina (Montagne) (Rhodophyta), Ulva australis (Areschoug) (Chlorophyta), and Zonaria crenata (  J. Agardh) (Phaeophyta). Mass spectrometric measurements of gross O2 evolution and gross O2 uptake were combined with simultaneous measurement of pulse‐modulated chl fluorescence under a range of irradiances and inorganic carbon (Ci) concentrations. At light‐limiting irradiance, a good correlation between gross O2 evolution and the electron transport rate (ETR) calculated from chl fluorescence ((Fm′− Fs)/Fm′) was found in the optically thin species (Ulva and Porphyra). The calculated ETR was equivalent to the theoretical electron requirement in these species but overestimated gross O2 evolution in the thicker species Zonaria. In saturating light, especially when Ci availability was low, ETR overestimated gross O2 evolution in all species. Excess electron flow could not be accounted for by an increase in gross O2 uptake; thus neither Mehler‐ascorbate‐peroxidase reaction nor the photosynthetic carbon oxidation cycle were enhanced at high irradiance or low C i. Alternative explanations for the loss of correlation include cyclic electron flow around PSII that may be engaged under these conditions or nonphotochemical energy quenching within PSII centers. The loss of correlation between ETR and linear photosynthetic electron flow as irradiance increased from limiting to saturating or at low Ci availability and in the case of optically thick thalli limits the application of this technique for measuring photosynthesis in macroalgae.
TRANSIENT LOCALIZATION OF γ‐TUBULIN AROUND THE CENTRIOLES IN THE NUCLEAR DIVISION OFBOERGESENIA FORBESII(SIPHONOCLADALES, CHLOROPHYTA)
Authors: Motomura Taizo , Nagasato Chikako , Komeda Yoshibumi , Okuda Kazuo
Published: March 2003

Mitosis inBoergesenia forbesii(Harvey) Feldman was studied by immunofluorescence microscopy using anti‐β–tubulin, anti‐γ–tubulin, and anti‐centrin antibodies. In the interphase nucleus, one, two, or rarely three anti‐centrin staining spots were located around the nucleus, indicating the existence of centrioles. Microtubules (MTs) elongated randomly from the circumference of the nuclear envelope, but distinct microtubule organizing centers could not be observed. In prophase, MTs located around the interphase nuclei became fragmented and eventually disappeared. Instead, numerous MTs elongated along the nuclear envelope from the discrete anti‐centrin staining spots. Anti‐centrin staining spots duplicated and migrated to the two mitotic poles. γ–Tubulin was not detected at the centrioles during interphase but began to localize there from prophase onward. The mitotic spindle inB. forbesiiwas a typical closed type, the nuclear envelope remaining intact during nuclear division. From late prophase, accompanying the chromosome condensation, spindle MTs could be observed within the nuclear envelope. A bipolar mitotic spindle was formed at metaphase, when the most intense staining of γ‐tubulin around the centrioles could also be seen. Both spindle MT poles were formed inside the nuclear envelope, independent of the position of the centrioles outside. In early anaphase, MTs between separating daughter chromosomes were not detected. Afterward, characteristic interzonal spindle MTs developed and separated both sets of the daughter chromosomes. From late anaphase to telophase, γ‐tubulin could not be detected around the centrioles and MT radiation from the centrioles became diminished at both poles. γ‐Tubulin was not detected at the ends of the interzonal spindle fibers. When MTs were depolymerized with amiprophos methyl during mitosis, γ‐tubulin localization around the centrioles was clearly confirmed. Moreover, an influx of tubulin molecules into the nucleus for the mitotic spindle occurred at chromosome condensation in mitosis.
PERIPHYTIC DIATOM ASSEMBLAGES FROM BATHURST ISLAND, NUNAVUT, CANADIAN HIGH ARCTIC: AN EXAMINATION OF COMMUNITY RELATIONSHIPS AND HABITAT PREFERENCES
Authors: Lim Darlene S. S. , Kwan Christine , Douglas Marianne S. V.
Published: March 2003

Diatoms are potentially the most important biomonitors of environmental change in high arctic lakes and ponds, but to date few autecological data are available. Because of the shallow nature of many of these water bodies, a large proportion of taxa are periphytic and planktonic diatoms are absent for the most part. By determining the microhabitat and substrate preferences of these benthic diatom taxa, the potential exists to infer past changes in available habitats from fossil diatom assemblages collected from sediment cores and ultimately to reconstruct past environmental and climatic changes responsible for these shifts in habitat availability. To refine our understanding of high arctic diatom habitat preference, the common diatom taxa found on submerged moss (bryophyte), sediment, and rock substrates from lakes and ponds on Bathurst Island, Nunavut, Canadian High Arctic were examined. The relationships among key limnological variables and the common taxa from each habitat were examined. Many diatom taxa exhibited varying degrees of microhabitat preference, with moss representing the more unique habitat. In addition, the following limnological variables significantly (P≤ 0.05) explained the species variance for each of the three substrates: Na+ and total nitrogen for moss; total phosphorus (filtered) and pH for rock; and Fe3+, total phosphorus (unfiltered), total nitrogen, temperature, and pH for sediment. These data can be used to help interpret monitoring and paleolimnological studies in this environmentally sensitive region.
PHYLOGENETIC RELATIONSHIP AMONG VARIOUS STRAINS OF DUNALIELLA (CHLOROPHYCEAE) BASED ON NUCLEAR ITS rDNA SEQUENCES
Authors: González Mariela A. , Coleman Annette W. , Gómez Patricia I. , Montoya Rolando
Published: March 2003

Phylogenetic analyses of 15 strains representing 8 taxa of Dunaliella (D. salina, D. bardawil, D. pseudosalina, D. tertiolecta, D. parva, D. viridis, D. peircei, and D. lateralis) belonging to both subgenera and all sections of the genus were carried out using the sequences of the nuclear rDNA spacers (internal transcribed spacer [ITS‐1 + ITS‐2]). The ITS data agreed with the traditional data in that D. lateralis (from subgenus Pascheria) is only distantly related to the seven taxa of the subgenus Dunaliella. The ITS data also supported the monophyly of the subgenus Dunaliella. Within the subgenus Dunaliella, sequence data resolved five phylogenetic groups; some isolates of D. parva and D. salina separated into different clades containing other species. For example, D. parva UTEX 1983 (section Dunaliella) grouped with D. viridis CONC 002 (section Virides); the former has more nucleotides in common with D. viridis (93.2% similarity) than to its conspecifics (85.6% similarity). Likewise, the strains of D. parva CCMP 362 and CCAP 19  /  9 (section Dunaliella), the three strains of D. tertiolecta (section Tertiolectae), and the one strain of D. peircei (section Peirceinae) formed a strong phylogenetic clade (99%–100% support). Dunaliella salina UTEX 200 is more closely related to D. pseudosalina CONC 010 than to its conspecifics (95% similarity), even though the two taxa differ markedly physiologically. The results revealed that D. parva UTEX 1983 has been misidentified and should be renamed as D. viridis. Similarly, the strains of D. parva CCAP 19  /  9 and CCMP 362 and the strain UTEX 2192 of D. peircei should be renamed as D. tertiolecta. More physiological and molecular work needs to be done to elucidate the correct taxonomic position of D. salina UTEX 200 and D. pseudosalina CONC 010. Finally, the high ITS sequence variability found among the various strains of D. salina underlines the importance of further work to elucidate the species status in this complex taxon.
NEW LIGHT ON THE SCALING OF METABOLIC RATE WITH THE SIZE OF ALGAE
Authors: Raven John A. , Kübler Janet E.
Published: March 2003

The scaling of metabolic rate with the size of algae has been discussed and researched at length. The observation that algae usually have exponents b in the equation R = a·W−b (where R is the specific growth rate, W is the organism [cell] biomass, and a and b are constants) equal to or higher than the value of −0.25 for many other organisms is generally related to resource‐saturated (maximal) values of R. Recent work has shown that the exponent b for light‐limited growth is more negative than −0.25. This was predicted from considerations of the package effect in photon absorption, as modulated by the volume‐specific pigment content of the cells, and the photosynthetic unit size. Further work is needed to extrapolate these findings to fluctuating light environments. This minireview puts the recent work into a broader context and suggests how further work could quantify the roles of optical thickness and of spatial and temporal variations in the radiation field in determining metabolic rates.
FLORIDOSIDE AS A CARBON PRECURSOR FOR THE SYNTHESIS OF CELL‐WALL POLYSACCHARIDE IN THE RED MICROALGA PORPHYRIDIUM SP. (RHODOPHYTA)1
Authors: Li Shi‐Yan , Shabtai Yossef , Arad Shoshana
Published: March 2003

Although red algae are known to be obligatory photoautotrophs, the red microalga Porphyridium sp. was shown to assimilate and metabolize floridoside. A pulse‐chase experiment with [14C]floridoside showed that at the end of a 240‐min pulse, 70% of total 14C‐uptake by the cells remained in the floridoside fraction. To evaluate the assimilation of floridoside by Porphyridium sp. cells, we exposed Porphyridium sp. not only to [14C]floridoside but also to its constituents, [14C]glycerol and [14C]galactose, as compared with [14C]bicarbonate. The extent of incorporation of [14C] galactose by the Porphyridium sp. cells was insignificant (50–80 dpm·mL−1), whereas uptake of 14C from [14C]glycerol into the algal cells was evident (2.4 × 103 dpm·mL−1) after 60 min of the pulse. The pattern of 14C distribution among the major constituent sugars, xylose, glucose and galactose, of the labeled soluble polysaccharide was dependent on the 14C source. The relative content of [14C]galactose in the soluble polysaccharide was highest (28.8%) for [14C]floridoside‐labeled culture and lowest (19.8%) for the [14C]glycerol‐labeled culture. Upon incubation of [14C]floridoside with a crude extract of a cell‐free system prepared from nonlabeled cells of Porphyridium sp., the label was indeed found to be incorporated into the sulfated polysaccharide. Our results suggested that the carbon metabolic pathway in Porphyridium sp. passes through the low molecular weight photoassimilatory product—floridoside—toward sulfated cell‐wall polysaccharide production.
SEASONAL VARIATION OF P CONTENT AND MAJOR N POOLS IN PALMARIA PALMATA (RHODOPHYTA)1
Authors: Martínez Brezo , Rico Jose M.
Published: March 2003

The annual variation of major nitrogen pools, phosphorus, carbon, ash, and thallus water content in relation to seasonal environmental changes was studied in two northern Spanish populations of the edible seaweed Palmaria palmata (Linnaeus) Kuntze. Observed patterns were investigated using Spearman rank order correlation coefficients. There were significant relationships between thallus nutrient content and nitrate and orthophosphate seawater concentration, irradiance, temperature, and wave force. The highest levels of total N and P and nitrogenous compounds were observed during autumn and winter because the thallus stored N‐ and P‐rich compounds in response to high nutrient seawater concentration when growth was limited by low light and temperature. Phycoerythrin and other proteins were the main N reserves. Thallus P content was higher in algae from the eutrophic site. During spring, reduced N and P thallus content and increased ash, water, and C content were observed in the growing fronds. N and P seawater concentrations were undetectable during summer when nutrient reserves were low and growth was reduced and eventually suppressed, suggesting nutrient limiting conditions. Palmaria palmata clearly could take advantage of elevated N and P concentrations to create storage reserves in winter to support early summer growth. This storage response reduced the dependence of algal nutrition on the external nutrient supply and supports the use of pulse fertilization to diminish summer nutrient limitation of cultured algae.
MORPHOLOGY AND TAXONOMY OF PROROCENTRUM MEXICANUM AND REINSTATEMENT OF PROROCENTRUM RHATHYMUM (DINOPHYCEAE)1
Authors: Cortés‐Altamirano Roberto , Sierra‐Beltrán Arturo P.
Published: March 2003

Dinoflagellates collected during red tide events in Bahia Mazatlan, Mexico during the early spring of 1999 and 2000 appeared under LM to belong to Prorocentrum mexicanum Osorio‐Tafall. Observations with SEM of those populations showed marked differences in shape and microornamentation from the related species, Prorocentrum rhathymum Loeblich III, Sherley and Schmidt. In P. mexicanum, the presence and dimensions of poroids, the uneven distribution of trichocyst pores not located in depressions, and the general architecture of the periflagellar region are more closely related to Prorocentrum caribbaeum Faust. Also, P. mexicanum has a three‐horned (sometimes two‐horned) spine and is deeper in the anterior than the posterior region, whereas P. rhathymum has a simple small spine and its sagittal view is oval. Furthermore, the number and distribution of trichocyst pores in the periflagellar area is different between the two species, being located on both valves in P. mexicanum and only on the right valve in P. rhathymum. To date, true P. mexicanum has been described only from plankton sampling, whereas P. rhathymum was frequently mentioned associated with floating detritus (macroalgae) but also forming red tides. Altogether, the evidence presented demonstrates that P. mexicanum (planktonic) and P. rhathymum (epibenthic) are distinct species and are not synonyms, as is often accepted.
PLASTID MORPHOLOGY, ULTRASTRUCTURE, AND DEVELOPMENT IN COLACIUM AND THE LORICATE EUGLENOPHYTES (EUGLENOPHYCEAE)1
Authors: Brown Patrick J. P. , Zakryś Boz.ena , Farmer Mark A.
Published: March 2003

Chloroplast morphology was investigated in five species of euglenophytes: Trachelomonas volvocinopsis Swirenko, Strombomonas verrucosa (Daday) Deflandre, Strombomonas costata Deflandre, Colacium mucronatum Bourrelly et Chafaud, and Colacium vesiculosum Ehrenberg. All five species share a common plastid morphotype: disk‐shaped plastids with a pyrenoid that protrudes asymmetrically toward the center of the cell and is capped by a single large grain of paramylon that conforms to the shape of the pyrenoid. Although plastids demonstrated some degree of diversity among the species studied, it was not consistent with current generic boundaries. The plastids of S. verrucosa show a developmental pattern similar to that of Euglena gracilis. The plastids divide during the early portion of the light phase after cell division, and pyrenoids are reduced or absent in dividing plastids. Developmental patterns of plastid replication also suggest that these five taxa share recent common ancestry with members of the genus Euglena subgenus Calliglena.
The Chloroplast Genome Sequence of Chlorokybus Atmophyticus: Evidence that Charophycean Green Algae from an Early Diverging Lineage Adapted to Terrestrial Life
Authors: Turmel M. , Otis C. , De Cambiaire J.‐C. , Pombert J.‐F. , Lemieux C.
Published: March 2003

Land plants and green algae belonging to the Charophyceae sensu Mattox and Stewart form the Streptophyta, a lineage sister to the Chlorophyta which comprises most or all of the other green algae. A third green plant lineage, at the base of the split of the Chlorophyta and Streptophyta, is possibly represented by the green alga Mesostigma viride; however, this remains controversial because some phylogenetic analyses place Mesostigma within the Streptophyta. Five orders have been recognized in the Charophyceae: the Chlorokybales, Klebsormidiales, Zygnematales, Coleochaetales, and Charales. Based on its sarcinoid thallus, the only species in the Chlorokybales, Chlorokybus atmophyticus, has long been regarded as the earliest‐diverging member of the Charophyceae. This rare species has been collected only in terrestrial habitats. In the present study, we have determined the complete chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) sequence (149 681 bp) of Chlorokybus to gain insight into its phylogenetic position and also to better understand how the chloroplast genome evolved in the Streptophyta. We have found that Chlorokybus cpDNA closely resembles Mesostigma cpDNA in showing a high degree of ancestral features. It displays a quadripartite structure, encodes 138 genes (only two extra genes compared to Mesostigma cpDNA), and contains a single intron (in trnL(UAA)). The gene order in Chlorokybus cpDNA is similar to that of Mesostigma cpDNA; we estimate that 14 inversions would be required to convert the gene order of one alga into that of the other. Phylogenetic analyses of combined chloroplast protein sequences from Mesostigma, Chlorokybus, other streptophytes, and a number of chlorophytes will be presented. Overall, our results support the idea that the Chlorokybales represent an early diverging lineage.
Recent Changes in the Health Status of the Older U.S. Population: Findings from the 1984 and 1994 Supplement on Aging
Authors: Liao Youlian , McGee Daniel L. , Cao Guichan , Cooper Richard S.
Published: March 2003

OBJECTIVES: To examine the changes in the use of health care services, physical functioning, disability, and other aspects of health status in the older U.S. population between 1984 and 1994.

DESIGN AND SETTING: The 1984 and 1994 National Health Interview Survey Supplements on Aging, which were national probability samples of the civilian, noninstitutionalized population age 70 and older.

PARTICIPANTS: A total of 7,541 and 9,447 persons, representing the 17.3 million and 21.8 million U.S. population age 70 and older in 1984 and 1994, respectively.

MEASUREMENTS: Annual bed‐limitation days, doctor visits, episodes and days of hospital stays, limitation in 10 measures of physical performance, disability in seven activities of daily living (ADLs) and six instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), and participation in social activities and exercise.

RESULTS: The annual bed‐limitation days and hospital stays declined significantly in both men and women between 1984 and 1994. There was a large decrease in the prevalence of limitation in physical performance and a smaller decrease in disability of IADLs. The changes were greater in women than in men. The prevalence of disability in ADLs was not changed in women in general and increased somewhat in men. Significant increases in the proportion of persons participating in certain social activities and regular exercise were found in both men and women. Jointly considering the indicators, including annual bed days and hospital stays, physical performance, ADLs, and IADLs, 4.2% more men and 3.1% more women were physically robust in 1994 than in 1984. Approximately 420,000 more older people would have lived in a severely restricted and disabled state in 1994 if the rate of limitation had not declined.

CONCLUSION: This study provides evidence of an overall improvement in the health status of older Americans but inconsistency in the trends existed for different disability measures and for population subgroups.
Dementia Family Caregiver Training: Affecting Beliefs About Caregiving and Caregiver Outcomes
Authors: Hepburn Kenneth W. , Tornatore Jane , Center Bruce , Ostwald Sharon W.
Published: March 2003

OBJECTIVES: Family caregiving is an integral part of the care system for persons with dementing disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease. This study tested role‐training intervention as a way to help family caregivers appreciate and assume a more clinical belief set about caregiving and thereby ameliorate the adverse outcomes associated with caregiving.

DESIGN: Training effectiveness was tested in a trial in which family care receiver dyads were randomly assigned to training beginning immediately or were placed in a wait‐list control group and assigned to receive training in 5 to 6 months, following completion of data collection.

SETTING: A community‐based 14‐hour training program provided in seven weekly 2‐hour sessions. The training program curriculum was built on a stress and coping theory base. Recruitment and randomization were ongoing. Programs were begun every 2 months over a two and one half‐year period for a total of 16 programs.

PARTICIPANTS: Community health and social service agencies referred primary caregivers and at least one other family member of community‐dwelling persons with dementia to participate.

MEASUREMENTS: Data reported in this paper were gathered from each participating family at entry to the study and 5 months later. Standard measures of beliefs about caregiving, burden, depression, and reaction to care receiver behavior were administered to caregivers. A standard measure of mental status was administered to the person with dementia and standardized instruments were used to gather information from caregivers concerning care receivers' behavior and abilities to perform activities of daily living (ADLs).

RESULTS: Data were analyzed from 94 caregiver/care receiver dyads with complete sets of data. Treatment and control caregivers and care receivers were similar at baseline, and care receivers in both groups declined similarly over the 5‐month period. Significant within‐group improvements occurred with treatment group caregivers on measures of beliefs about caregiving (P = .044) and reaction to behavior (P = .001). When outcomes were compared, treatment group caregivers were significantly different (in the expected direction) from those in the control group on measures of the stress mediator, beliefs (P = .025), and key outcomes, response to behavior (P = .019), depression (P = .040), and burden (P = .051). There was a significant positive association between the strengthened mediator, the caregivers' having less‐emotionally enmeshed beliefs about caregiving roles and responsibilities, and the outcome, namely improvements in burden (P = .019) and depression (P = .007).

CONCLUSION: A caregiver training intervention focused on the work of caregiving and targeted at knowledge, skills, and beliefs benefits caregivers in important outcome dimensions. The results suggest the benefits of providing information, linkage, and role coaching to dementia family caregivers.
Cause of Death in Older Patients with Anatomo‐Pathological Evidence of Chronic Bronchitis or Emphysema: A Case‐Control Study Based on Autopsy Findings
Authors: Janssens Jean Paul , Herrmann François , MacGee William , Michel Jean Pierre
Published: March 2003

OBJECTIVES: To determine the most frequent causes of death of hospitalized older patients based on anatomo‐pathological evidence and to compare the relative frequency of fatal events between patients with and without evidence of either chronic bronchitis (CB) or emphysema (E).

DESIGN: Retrospective, case‐control study based on a computerized database including anatomo‐pathological data of patients deceased and autopsied over a 25‐year period.

SETTING: Two geriatric hospitals in Geneva.

PARTICIPANTS: Not applicable.

MEASUREMENTS: Autopsy records for cause(s) of death in patients with CB or E.

RESULTS: 3,685 patients deceased in our institution (1,540 men; 2,145 women) were autopsied between 1972 and 1996; mean age at death was 81.5 ± 8.0 years. Anatomo‐pathological evidence of CB or E was found in 983 patients (26.6% of total); 262 (7.2%) had predominantly CB, and 456 (12.3%) predominantly E. Pneumonia was the most frequent cause of death in all patients (21.8%). Myocardial infarction (MI) (17.6% vs 14%), and respiratory failure (5.1% vs 1.5%) occurred more frequently in subjects with CB and/or E than in controls. Fatal pulmonary embolism (PE) was more frequent in patients with E (18.4%) than in patients with CB (10.7%; odds ratio (OR) = 1.89, P = .008), or in controls (12.7%; OR = 1.56, P = .0008).

CONCLUSION: Anatomo‐pathological evidence of CB or E is highly prevalent in older patients, suggesting that CB and E are clinically underdiagnosed in this age group. Fatal MI occurred significantly more frequently in older patients with E or CB than in controls. Furthermore, patients with E were at significantly higher risk of fatal PE than patients with CB or controls.
Fragmentation of Care for Frail Older People— an International Problem. Experience from Three Countries: Israel, Canada, and the United States
Authors: Clarfield A. Mark , Bergman Howard , Kane Robert
Published: March 2003

Cross‐national comparisons of healthcare systems can help us to better understand them and to offer possible solutions for problems identified within these jurisdictions. Because multiple discontinuities present in most healthcare systems interfere with the appropriate clinical care of frail older people, we were interested in comparing the situation in three countries with markedly different healthcare systems. At one end of the spectrum we find Canada, with an almost fully socialized system. At the other stands the United States, where market forces are allowed the freest rein in any developed nation. Israel offers an intermediate model with elements held in common with both the U.S. and Canadian systems.

Although the problems outlined in this paper can be addressed at the “micro” level, it is through an improvement in the structuring and organization of national systems of care that the appropriate conditions for the care of frail older people can be truly bettered. This international comparison offers insights for policy makers in these three states in particular and other countries in general.
Is the Use of Benzodiazepines Associated with Incident Disability?
Authors: Gray Shelly L. , LaCroix Andrea Z. , Blough David , Wagner Edward H. , Koepsell Thomas D. , Buchner Dave
Published: March 2003

OBJECTIVES: This study examined the association between benzodiazepine use and incident disability with an emphasis on elucidating whether the underlying health conditions that result in benzodiazepine use (confounding factors) or intrinsic adverse effects of benzodiazepine use were responsible for functional decline.

DESIGN: Cohort study with follow‐up of 4 to 5 years.

SETTING: A health maintenance organization (HMO) in western Washington.

PARTICIPANTS: Individuals aged 65 and older from a random sample of HMO enrollees who participated in a health promotion intervention trial (n = 1,519).

MEASUREMENTS: Benzodiazepine use was ascertained from computerized pharmacy records. Self‐reported functional status was assessed using a six‐item physical function scale ranging from vigorous activity to self‐care activities of daily living (ADLs). Two outcomes were examined: decline in overall physical function and limitations in self‐care ADLs. Multivariate models were examined that included demographic characteristics, health status, and health behaviors that were likely to be confounders. Several analyses were conducted to examine whether benzodiazepine use or confounding factors were responsible for functional decline.

RESULTS: Benzodiazepine use was significantly associated with incident loss of physical function (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.51, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.02–2.24) in the fully adjusted model. Although use of benzodiazepines was associated with limitations in ADLs, it was not significant when adjusting for other factors (HR = 1.71, 95% CI = 0.87–3.34). Several of our findings suggest that the health conditions leading to benzodiazepine use may partly or fully explain these associations: (1) use of anxiolytic benzodiazepines (HR = 1.95, 95% CI = 1.24–3.07), but not hypnotic agents (HR = 1.21, 95% CI = 0.73–2.00), was associated with functional decline; (2) adjustment for health status variables minimized these associations; and (3) there was little evidence of dose response.

CONCLUSIONS: A modestly increased risk for decline in physical function was associated with benzodiazepine use, especially of anxiolytic agents. The health conditions that result in benzodiazepine use may be more important in the pathogenesis of disability than benzodiazepine use itself. Although there are many reasons for avoiding benzodiazepines in older adults, it is still unclear whether use contributes independently to functional decline.
Self‐Reported Driving, Cognitive Status, and Physician Awareness of Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Valcour Victor G. , Masaki Kamal H. , Blanchette Patricia L.
Published: March 2003

OBJECTIVES: To assess self‐reported driving rates in older people and correlate these data with cognitive status and physician recognition of cognitive impairment.

DESIGN: Cross‐sectional study.

SETTING: A multiphysician private practice clinic in a primarily Asian‐American community of Honolulu, Hawaii.

PARTICIPANTS: Two hundred ninety‐seven ambulatory patients aged 65 and older.

MEASUREMENTS: Cognitive function was assessed by physician interview using the Cognitive Abilities Screening Instrument (CASI) and proxy informant data. Subjects' self‐reported driving status. Outpatient medical records were reviewed.

RESULTS: Sixty percent of the studied population reported that they currently drove. This rate decreased from 73.3% (148/202) for subjects with good CASI performance (CASI ≥82) to 37.5% (21/56) for subjects with intermediate CASI performance (CASI 74–81.9) and further to 23.7% (9/38) for subjects with poor CASI performance (CASI <74). Further analysis of drivers with intermediate and poor CASI performance scores revealed that almost none of their physicians recognized that these drivers had cognitive problems (4.8% (1/21) of drivers with intermediate CASI performance and 11.1% (1/9) of drivers with poor CASI performance).

CONCLUSION: In this convenience sample of older drivers, driving rates dropped precipitously with poorer performance on cognitive tests, yet a significant percentage of individuals with intermediate or poor cognitive test performance reported that they currently drove. This poor performance was often unrecognized by their physicians. Low recognition rates could affect physicians' interventions to curb unsafe driving.
Differences in Mortality of Black and White Patients Enrolled in the Program of All‐Inclusive Care for the Elderly
Authors: Tan Erwin J. , Lui Li‐Yung , Eng Catherine , Jha Ashish K. , Covinsky Kenneth E.
Published: March 2003

OBJECTIVES:BTo examine the relationship between race and mortality in frail community‐dwelling older people with access to a program providing comprehensive access and coordination of services.

DESIGN:A longitudinal cohort study.

SETTING:Twelve nationwide demonstration sites of the Program of All‐Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) from 1990 to 1996. PACE provides comprehensive medical and long‐term care services for nursing home–eligible older people who live in the community.

PARTICIPANTS:Two thousand two white patients and 859 black patients.

MEASUREMENTS:Patients were followed after enrollment until death or the end of the follow‐up period. Time from enrollment to death was measured with adjustment of the Cox proportional hazards model for comorbid conditions, functional status, site, and other demographic characteristics.

RESULTS:Black patients were younger than white patients (mean age 77 vs 80, P < .001) but had worse functional status (mean activity of daily living (ADL) score 6.5 vs 7.2, P < .001) on enrollment. Survival for black and white patients was 88% and 86% at 1 year, 67% and 61% at 3 years, and 51% and 42% at 5 years, respectively (unadjusted hazard ratio (HR) for black patients = 0.77; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.67–0.89). After adjustment for baseline comorbid conditions, functional status, site, and demographic characteristics, black patients still had a lower mortality rate (HR = 0.77; 95% CI = .65–0.93). The survival advantage for black patients did not emerge until about 1 year after PACE enrollment (HR for first year after enrollment = 0.97; 95% CI = 0.72–1.31; HR after first year = 0.67; 95% CI = 0.54–0.85, P‐value for time interaction < .001). During the first year of enrollment, black patients were more likely to improve and less likely to decline in ADL function than white patients (P < .001).

CONCLUSION:In PACE, a system providing access to and coordination of comprehensive medical and long‐term care services for frail older people, black patients have a lower mortality rate than white patients. This survival advantage, which emerges approximately 1 year after PACE enrollment, may be related to the comprehensive access and coordination of services provided by the PACE program. J Am Geriatr Soc 51:246–251, 2003.
Fluoroscopy‐guided Sacroiliac Joint Injections with Phenol Ablation for Persistent Sacroiliitis: A Case Series
Authors: Ward Sameh , Jenson Michael , Royal Mike A. , Movva Venkatesh , Bhakta Bhadresh , Gunyea Ian
Published: March 2003

Abstract: In this article we are reporting on the use of fluoroscopy‐guided 6% Phenol injections for the ablation of the sacroiliac joints (SIJs), utilizing retrospective review of case reports. We reviewed 10 patients (7 male and 3 female) who have known sacroiliitis proven by fluoroscopically guided sacroiliac joint (SIJ) injection (age ranged from 25 to 78). They all had 2 to 4 weeks of relief after the injections utilizing Bupivacaine 0.5% and 80 mg of depomedrol. They all had repeat fluoroscopy‐guided injections of the SIJs with neurolysis of either a unilateral SIJ or bilateral SIJs using 6% Phenol. Phenol 6% with saline 2.5 cc per joint was injected; the needle was cleared with local anesthetic before removing it from the joint. Twenty percent of the patients had a greater than 70% improvement with an average duration of 24 weeks. Sixty percent of the patients had a 50% to 70% improvement with an average duration of 20 weeks. Ten percent had a 20% to 50% improvement with a total duration of 12 1/2 weeks. Ten percent had a less than 20% improvement. With intra‐articular injections of phenol for the ablation of the SIJs, we have found a significant improvement in pain relief accompanied by prolonged duration of relief.
Shortened long‐term survival of incompatible red cells in a patient with anti‐McCoy‐like antibody
Authors: GANDHI J.G. , MOULDS J.J. , SZYMANSKI I.O.
Published: March 2003

The long‐term survival of incompatible 51Cr‐labeled red cells in a patient with a high titer, low avidity antibody of anti‐McCoy‐like specificity was decreased (half‐life = 14 days), although the 24‐hour survival was normal (91.9%). This antibody was composed of IgA and IgG, the latter consisting of subclasses 1, 3, and 4.
Factor VII in plasma of women taking oral contraceptives. Lack of cold activation under blood bank conditions
Authors: Seligsohn U. , Zivelin A. , Zwang E. , Bar‐Shani S.
Published: March 2003

Factor VII in plasma from about 15 percent of healthy subjects undergoes activation when samples are kept in plastic tubes at 4 degrees C. In women taking oral contraceptives, this phenomenon is observed much more frequently. If this phenomenon occurred under blood bank conditions as well, the transfusion of such plasma from donors taking oral contraceptives to patients afflicted by trauma could enhance thromboembolism. Plasma packs of 72 female donors taking oral contraceptives were separated and stored at 4 degrees C for 24 hours in the blood bank. No significant change in factor VII:C level was observed: The initial level was 110.2 +/− 6.2 U per dl (mean +/− SEM), and the 24‐hour level, 97 +/− 3.3 U per dl. Among the 72 donors, 10 were identified as cold activators; their factor VII:C level increased from 85.6 +/− 2.5 U per dl (mean +/− SEM) to 222.0 +/− 7.5 U per dl when their plasma samples were kept in plastic tubes for 24 hours at 4 degrees C. In contrast, the factor VII:C level in the plasma packs kept simultaneously in the blood bank at 4 degrees C was only 101.1 +/− 9.0 U per dl at 24 hours. Thus, it appears that plasma from donors taking oral contraceptives can be used safely even when they are not frozen immediately.
Isolation of Kell‐active protein from the red cell membrane
Authors: Redman C.M. , Marsh W.L. , Mueller K.A. , Avellino G.P. , Johnson C.L.
Published: March 2003

Kell blood‐group‐active protein has been isolated by labeling red cell surface proteins with 125I, sensitizing intact cells with anti‐K1, anti‐ K2, anti‐K7, or anti‐K22, solubilizing the cell membranes, isolating immune complexes, and separating their components by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS‐PAGE). Each antibody separated a protein of approximately 93,000 daltons. Periodic‐acid Schiff (PAS) staining of Kell protein showed that it was glycosylated. When separated under non‐reducing conditions, Kell protein had different SDS‐PAGE characteristics with protein bands of approximately 85,000 daltons and 115,000 daltons. This suggests that in the red cell membrane Kell protein is complexed with other proteins. Quantitative experiments made with anti‐K7, anti‐K22, and a mixture of anti‐K7 and anti‐K22 indicate that both antigen specificities are present in the same molecule. These biochemical data support serological studies which indicate that K22 is part of the Kell system.
Preparation of granulocyte concentrates for neonatal patient transfusion
Authors: Kalmin N.D. , Liles B.A.
Published: March 2003

As an adjunct to antibiotic therapy, granulocytes for infusion often are required within hours of the diagnosis of neonatal sepsis. The logistics of obtaining granulocytes by leukapheresis were evaluated in order to provide, at short notice, a low volume, highly concentrated product. An average of 4.0 × 10(9) granulocytes in a mean volume of 101.5 ml of plasma was collected after processing an average of 3 liters of blood from each of three donors. Following centrifugation of these products, the volume of the final products was reduced by an average of 54.3 percent, while only 10.2 percent of the granulocytes were lost. One of the products, containing 4.8 × 10(9) granulocytes in a volume of 44 ml, was infused into a 3.4 kg septic neonatal patient within 4 hours of receipt of the order by the blood bank. We conclude that it is possible to collect high concentrations of granulocytes for neonatal transfusion in a timely manner by following the protocol described in this report.
Variant of type B blood in an El Salvador family. Expression of a variant B gene enhanced by the presence of an A2 gene
Authors: Feng C.S. , Cook J.L. , Beattie K.M. , Kao Y.S. , Wallace M.E. , de Jongh D.S.
Published: March 2003

A variant of type B blood was found in three members of a family from El Salvador. In two members, both genotype BO, the blood and saliva had the characteristics of the phenotype Be1. In the third member, genotype A2B, the red cell B antigen was stronger than in his BO genotype relatives. Thus, in this family, the presence of the A2 gene appeared to enhance the expression of the B gene.
Adequate survival of red cells from units “undercollected” in citrate‐ phosphate‐dextrose‐adenine‐one
Authors: Davey RJ , Lenes BL , Casper AJ , Demets DL
Published: March 2003

The lower limit for the volume of whole blood that may be collected for transfusion into standard blood recipient sets is 405 ml. Each year it is estimated that 82,500 to 161,700 units are drawn which contain between 275 and 405 ml. This study evaluated whether these “undercollected” units would be suitable for transfusion. Twenty normal adults donated both a “standard” unit (450 ml) and an “undercollected” unit (275 ml) in 63 ml of citrate‐phosphate‐dextrose‐adenine‐one (CPDA‐ 1). The units were packed within 4 hours (mean Hct 71%) and stored undisturbed at 4 degrees C for 35 days. Aliquots of 1 to 2 ml of red cells from each unit were then labeled with 51chromium (51Cr) and reinfused into the original donor. The mean 24‐hour survival of the 450‐ ml units was 78.8 percent (SD 12.2, SEM 2.7), while the mean 24‐hour survival of the 275‐ml units was 87.7 percent (SD 10.7, SEM 2.4; p less than .01). Seven inadvertently undercollected units (mean vol: 295 ml) had a mean 24‐hour survival of 91.9 percent. The higher concentration of dextrose and adenine in the undercollected units may improve posttransfusion red cell viability. These data suggest that 275 ml is the minimum acceptable volume for blood donated into CPDA‐1.