bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Deconstructing risk assessment and management in mental health nursing
Authors: Crowe Marie , Carlyle Dave
Published: June 2003

Rationale.  Risk assessment and management have a taken a central position in the delivery of contemporary mental health services. However, these concepts are generally taken‐for‐granted as necessary and unavoidable aspects of mental health nursing practice. This deconstructive analysis explores some of the assumptions and values that underpin these concepts.

Aims.  The aims of the study were to provide a deconstructive analysis of the concepts of risk and risk management, and to explore the historical context of mental disorder and the concept of risk, the clinical context of risk assessment and management, the cultural, political and economic context of risk, and the impact on mental health nursing and consumers of mental health services.

Design.  This paper takes a deconstructive approach to the exploration of the historical, clinical, cultural, political and economic context of the concept of risk and its assessment and management. This is undertaken by providing a critical review of the history of mental illness and its relationship to risk, examination of government policy on clinical risk management, analysis of a risk assessment model and a discussion of the political and economic factors that have influenced the use of risk assessment and mangement in clinical practice.

Findings.  The concept of risk and its assessment and management have been employed in the delivery of mental health services as a form of contemporary governance. One consequence of this has been the positioning of social concerns over clinical judgement. The process employed to assess and manage risk could be regarded as a process of codification, commodification and aggregation. In the mental health care setting this can mean attempting to control the actions and behaviours of consumers and clinicians to best meet the fiscal needs of the organization.

Conclusion.  The mental health nursing profession needs to examine carefully its socially mandated role as guardians of those who pose a risk to others to ensure that its practice represents its espoused therapeutic responsibilities.
Ethical issues in qualitative health research with homeless youths
Authors: Ensign Josephine
Published: June 2003

Background. There is a need for increased guidance for the ethical conduct of qualitative research with vulnerable populations such as homeless youths.

Aim. The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the main ethical challenges of conducting qualitative research with homeless youths and to propose possible solutions to these challenges.

Methods. This paper was informed by a review of professional guidelines for the ethical conduct of adolescent health research, national (US) and international bioethics bibliographical searches, and personal experience with qualitative research with homeless youths.

Findings. The main ethical challenges of conducting qualitative research with homeless youths include establishing and maintaining healthy researcher roles and boundaries, addressing the risks of researcher burn‐out and safety issues, assuring optimal confidentiality, and avoiding sensationalism and voyeurism.

Conclusion. It is important for qualitative researchers who work with vulnerable populations to ensure that research is conducted in the most ethical way possible.
Follow‐up for people with cancer: nurse‐led services and telephone interventions
Authors: Cox Karen , Wilson Eleanor
Published: June 2003

Background. Questions about the suitability of traditional outpatient follow‐up clinics as a way of providing on‐going monitoring for patients following serious illness have led to the development of a range of nurse‐led services. However, there has been little attempt to draw some of this knowledge together formally and consider the weight of evidence on the necessity and value of nurse‐led follow‐up.

Aim. To provide a review of literature evaluating the impact of nurse led follow‐up in cancer care, with particular focus on the use and value of telephone interventions.

Method. A literature search was conducted of nursing, medical and social science databases and the following keywords: cancer follow‐up, nurse‐led follow‐up, telephone follow‐up, telephone‐based interventions and telephone survey. The search yielded over 150 papers, of which 37 were relevant to this review.

Findings. The literature suggests that nurse‐led follow‐up for people with cancer meets their needs for psychological support and information. The telephone is identified as a suitable means of providing this kind of service.

Conclusion. This review demonstrates that nurse‐led follow‐up services are acceptable, appropriate and effective. Combined with use of the telephone, such services can be an efficient means of maintaining contact with a large client group, providing vital support to vulnerable patients during their move into aftercare and beyond.
Self‐directed learning in nurse education: a review of the literature
Authors: O'Shea Ellen
Published: June 2003

Rationale.  Self‐directed learning is essential in assisting nurses to meet the challenges presented in today's health care environment. Nurse educators have an important role to play in assisting nurses to acquire the skills for self‐directed learning, and to do this they need to understand the concept of self‐directed learning.

Aim.  The aim of this review is to explore the concept of self‐directed learning and its use in nurse education.

Methods. A review of the literature was conducted using CINAHL, Medline and other databases and the keywords ‘self‐directed learning’, ‘student nurses’, ‘classroom’, ‘nursing education’ and ‘adult education’.

Findings. The concept of self‐directed learning is based on the principles of adult education and can take many different formats. Self‐directed learning has many benefits. However, acquiring the necessary skills is dependent on a students’ preference and readiness for self‐directed learning and nurse educators’ implementation of the concept. In implementing self‐directed learning, nurse educators become facilitators of learning and require ongoing staff development. Not all students are self‐directed and a variety of teaching methods should be used in curricula.

Conclusions. A consensus definition of the concept of lifelong learning does not exist, and students and teachers may have different perspectives on it. Mature students may be more self‐directing than school‐leavers, and learning styles and readiness to learn need to be assessed when judging the appropriateness of using self‐directed learning approaches. However, there are many potential benefits, including increased confidence, autonomy, motivation and preparation for lifelong learning.
A longitudinal cohort study of burnout and attrition in nursing students
Authors: Deary Ian J , Watson Roger , Hogston Richard
Published: June 2003

Background. It is well‐established that stress is likely to contribute to attrition in nursing students. Attrition from nursing programmes and retention of nurses in the profession are international concerns and steps are currently being taken in the United Kingdom to tackle these issues.

Aim. The aim of this study was to investigate prospectively the determinants of, and relationships among, stress, burnout and attrition in nursing students.

Method. A longitudinal design involving a complete cohort of nursing students was employed, using a battery of instruments to measure personality, intelligence, psychological morbidity, stress, coping and burnout. Data were gathered on entry, at12 and 24 months, and at the end of the nursing programme.

Findings. Students experienced increasing levels of stress and use of negative coping mechanisms as the programme progressed and psychological morbidity increased. Positive aspects of personality were more likely to lead to aspects of burnout, and personality was a more important indicator of attrition than cognitive ability.

Conclusions. Stress, burnout and attrition may not be directly linked. Personality factors at course entry contributed significantly to the prediction of burnout and programme completion, but the relationships were not strong enough to be practically useful.
Career choice in nursing students: gendered constructs as psychological barriers
Authors: Muldoon Orla T. , Reilly Jacqueline
Published: June 2003

Background.  Gendered views of nursing remain widespread. This study explores how such views may influence student nurses’ career aspirations.

Method.  A group of preregistration student nurses completed a questionnaire distributed early in their first year of study of a 3 year Higher Diploma in Nursing. Data were gathered on career aspirations and the perceived gendered nature of a number of career options. Gender role orientation and occupational and academic self‐efficacy were also measured using the Bem Sex Role Inventory and an adaptation of the Betz and Hackett Self‐Efficacy Scale.

Results.  The results document the relative popularity of each specialism within nursing and students’ perceptions of the gendered nature of each of the various nurse careers. Differences in these perceptions as related to gender and gender role identity are also outlined. Gender and gender role orientation were found to be predictive of sex‐typed career aspirations only.

Conclusion.  The psychological barriers that exist for both men and women as they pursue careers in nursing need to be addressed if the current shortage of nursing personnel across the United Kingdom (UK) is to be solved.
Being professional and being human: one nurse's relationship with a psychiatric patient
Authors: Hem Marit Helene , Heggen Kristin
Published: June 2003

Background. The theoretical foundations and professional ideals of psychiatric nursing contain inbuilt contradictions. One central ideal is that nurses should use themselves as therapeutic instruments. The expectation that nurses should have both a professional and a human function is examined in this study.

Purpose.

The purpose of this study was to find out how nurses experience and interpret the contradictory demands of being both fellow human being and health professional in their work with patients.

Methods. An ethnographic research design including participant observation and narrative interviews with nurses working on an acute ward of a psychiatric hospital was used. The case of one nurse is analysed and discussed.

Findings. The study shows that when nurses themselves are ‘therapeutic instruments’, tensions are created. Contradictory demands produce difficult role conflicts. Nurses vary in the ways in which they interact with patients. The study shows how the nurse's own vulnerability can be a constructive element in patient care. It also shows that although the nurse is aware of this, she is also critical of her performance, feeling that it falls short of accepted professional standards. Her colleagues reinforce these standards.

Conclusion. The ideal that psychiatric nursing should be a balancing act between intimacy and distance, between human and professional ways of acting, appears to be too harmonious and narrow a one. The study suggests that there is potential for professional development if nurses are able to recognize their own vulnerability. Critical examination and discussion of conventionally accepted ideals can help develop our knowledge of the profession.
A novel tetrasaccharide, with a structure similar to the terminal sequence of an arabinogalactan‐protein, accumulates in rice anthers in a stage‐specific manner
Authors: Kawaguchi Kentaro , Shibuya Naoto , Ishii Tadashi
Published: June 2003

Analysis of free sugars in developing rice anthers by high‐performance anion‐exchange chromatography (HPAEC) showed that a very high concentration of a novel oligosaccharide accumulated specifically during microsporogenesis. Structural analysis of the purified oligosaccharide by methylation analysis, mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry (MS/MS), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy revealed its structure to be β‐lAraf.(1→3)‐α‐l‐Araf‐(1→3)‐β‐d‐Galp‐(1→6)‐d‐Gal, which is closely related to a tetrasaccharide unit found in the glycan chain of a plant cell surface proteoglycan, the arabinogalactan‐protein (AGP). Chilling treatment (12°C, 4 days), which injures rice anthers during microsporogenesis, decreased the concentration of the tetrasaccharide, but the sucrose level increased. This effect was especially evident in a chilling‐sensitive mutant line, YM56‐1. These results suggest that this unique tetrasaccharide may play an important role in both the development of the rice anther and its response to chilling.
Sodium transport and HKT transporters: the rice model
Authors: Garciadeblás Blanca , Senn María E. , Bañuelos María A. , Rodríguez‐Navarro Alonso
Published: June 2003

Na+ uptake in the roots of K+‐starved seedlings of barley, rice, and wheat was found to exhibit fast rate, low Km, and high sensitivity to K+. Sunflower plants responded in a similar manner but the uptake was not K+ sensitive. Ba2+ inhibited Na+ uptake, but not K+ uptake in rice roots. This demonstrated that Na+ and K+ uptake are mediated by different transporters, and that K+ blocked but was not transported by the Na+ transporter. The genome of rice cv. Nipponbare contains seven HKT genes, which may encode Na+ transporters, plus two HKT pseudogenes. Yeast expressions of OsHKT1 and OsHKT4 proved that they are Na+ transporters of high and low affinity, respectively, which are sensitive to K+ and Ba2+. Parallel experiments of K+ and Na+ uptake in yeast expressing the wheat or rice HKT1 transporters proved that they were very different; TaHKT1 transported K+ and Na+, and OsHKT1 only Na+. Transcript expressions in shoots of the OsHKT genes were fairly constant and insensitive to changes in the K+ and Na+ concentrations of the nutrient solution. In roots, the expressions were much lower than in shoots, except for OsHKT4 and OsHKT1 in K+‐starved plants. We propose that OsHKT transporters are involved in Na+ movements in rice, and that OsHKT1 specifically mediates Na+ uptake in rice roots when the plants are K+ deficient. The incidence of HKT ESTs in several plant species suggests that the rice model with many HKT genes applies to other plants.
Tumour development in Arabidopsis thaliana involves the Shaker‐like K+ channels AKT1 and AKT2/3
Authors: Deeken Rosalia , Ivashikina Natalya , Czirjak Tina , Philippar Katrin , Becker Dirk , Ache Peter , Hedrich Rainer
Published: June 2003

After completion of the Arabidopsis genome‐sequencing programme, crown galls induced by Agrobacterium tumefaciens may become a model system to study plant tumour development. The molecular mechanisms of nutrient supply to support tumour growth and development are still unknown. In this study, we have identified a unique profile of Shaker‐like potassium channels in agrobacteria‐induced Arabidopsis tumours. Comparing the gene expression pattern of rapidly growing tumours with that of non‐infected tissues, we found the suppression of shoot in favour of root‐specific K+ channels. Among these, the upregulation of AKT1 and AtKC1 and the suppression of AKT2/3 and GORK were most pronounced. As a consequence, K+ uptake and accumulation were elevated in the tumour (163 mm) compared to control tissues (92 mm). Patch clamp studies on tumour protoplasts identified a population expressing the electrical properties of the AKT1 K+ channel. Furthermore, plants lacking a functional AKT1 or the AKT2/3 phloem K+ channel gene did not support tumour growth. This indicates that the delivery of potassium by AKT1 and the direction of assimilates, triggered by AKT2/3, are essential for tumour growth.
HFR1, a putative bHLH transcription factor, mediates both phytochrome A and cryptochrome signalling
Authors: Duek Paula D. , Fankhauser Christian
Published: June 2003

Plants are very sensitive to their light environment. They use cryptochromes and phytochromes to scan the light spectrum. Those two families of photoreceptors mediate a number of similar physiological responses. The putative bHLH (basic Helix Loop Helix) transcription factor long hypocotyl in far‐red (HFR1) is important for a subset of phytochrome A (phyA)‐mediated light responses. Interestingly, hfr1 alleles also have reduced de‐etiolation responses, including hypocotyl growth, cotyledon opening and anthocyanin accumulation, when grown in blue light. This phenotype is particularly apparent under high fluence rates. The analysis of double mutants between hfr1 and different blue light photoreceptor mutants demonstrates that, in addition to its role in phyA signalling, HFR1 is a component of cryptochrome 1 (cry1)‐mediated light signalling. Moreover, HFR1 mRNA levels are high both in blue and in far‐red light but low in red light. These results identify HFR1 as a positively acting component of cry1 signalling and indicate that HFR1 integrates light signals from both phyA and cry1.
Benzophenone synthase and chalcone synthase from Hypericum androsaemum cell cultures: cDNA cloning, functional expression, and site‐directed mutagenesis of two polyketide synthases
Authors: Liu Benye , Falkenstein‐Paul Hildegard , Schmidt Werner , Beerhues Ludger
Published: June 2003

Benzophenone derivatives, such as polyprenylated benzoylphloroglucinols and xanthones, are biologically active secondary metabolites. The formation of their C13 skeleton is catalyzed by benzophenone synthase (BPS; EC 2.3.1.151) that has been cloned from cell cultures of Hypericum androsaemum. BPS is a novel member of the superfamily of plant polyketide synthases (PKSs), also termed type III PKSs, with 53–63% amino acid sequence identity. Heterologously expressed BPS was a homodimer with a subunit molecular mass of 42.8 kDa. Its preferred starter substrate was benzoyl‐CoA that was stepwise condensed with three malonyl‐CoAs to give 2,4,6‐trihydroxybenzophenone. BPS did not accept activated cinnamic acids as starter molecules. In contrast, recombinant chalcone synthase (CHS; EC 2.3.1.74) from the same cell cultures preferentially used 4‐coumaroyl‐CoA and also converted CoA esters of benzoic acids. The enzyme shared 60.1% amino acid sequence identity with BPS. In a phylogenetic tree, the two PKSs occurred in different clusters. One cluster was formed by CHSs including the one from H. androsaemum. BPS grouped together with the PKSs that functionally differ from CHS. Site‐directed mutagenesis of amino acids shaping the initiation/elongation cavity of CHS yielded a triple mutant (L263M/F265Y/S338G) that preferred benzoyl‐CoA over 4‐coumaroyl‐CoA.
Loss of actin cytoskeletal function and EDS1 activity, in combination, severely compromises non‐host resistance in Arabidopsis against wheat powdery mildew
Authors: Yun Byung‐Wook , Atkinson Helen A. , Gaborit Charlotte , Greenland Andy , Read Nick D. , Pallas Jacqueline A. , Loake Gary J.
Published: June 2003

Plant immunity against the majority of the microbial pathogens is conveyed by a phenomenon known as non‐host resistance (NHR). This defence mechanism affords durable protection to plant species against given species of phytopathogens. We investigated the genetic basis of NHR in Arabidopsis against the wheat powdery mildew fungus Blumeria graminis f. sp. tritici (Bgt). Both primary and appressorial germ tubes were produced from individual Bgt conidia on the surface of the Arabidopsis leaves. Attempted infection occasionally resulted in successful penetration, which led to the development of an abnormal unilateral haustorium. Inoculation of a series of Arabidopsis defence‐related mutants with Bgt resulted in the attenuation of reactive oxygen intermediate (ROI) production and salicylic acid (SA)‐dependent defence gene expression in eds1, pad4 and nahG plants, which are known to be defective in some aspects of host resistance. Furthermore, Bgt often developed bilateral haustoria in the mutant Arabidopsis lines that closely resembled those formed in wheat. A similar decrease in NHR was observed following treatment of the wild‐type Arabidopsis plants with cytochalasin E, an inhibitor of actin microfilament polymerisation. In eds1 mutants, inhibition of actin polymerisation severely compromised NHR in Arabidopsis against Bgt. This permitted completion of the Bgt infection cycle on these plants. Therefore, actin cytoskeletal function and EDS1 activity, in combination, are major contributors to NHR in Arabidopsis against wheat powdery mildew.
Pneumothorax in cats with a clinical diagnosis of feline asthma: 5 cases (1990–2000)
Authors: Cooper Edward S. , Syring Rebecca S. , King Lesley G.
Published: June 2003

Objective:This paper characterizes the clinical findings in 5 cats with feline asthma complicated by concurrent pneumothorax.

Design:Retrospective study. Medical records of cats with concurrent diagnoses of asthma and pneumothorax that were presented to the Veterinary Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania from 1990 to 2000 were reviewed.

Results:Of 421 cases of feline asthma, 5 cats fulfilled the inclusion criteria (1.2%). All 5 had respiratory distress at presentation. One cat was panting, and the other 4 cats had respiratory rates of 28, 52, 58 and 120 breaths per minute (bpm), respectively (mean RR 65±39 bpm). Historical findings included untreated chronic cough (n=3), previously treated asthma (n=1), and no previous illness (n=1). Thoracocentesis was performed in 4/5 cats, and 3 of those cats required thoracostomy tubes. Four cats required immediate oxygen supplementation, and 1 of those cats required ventilation. All 5 cats had evidence of pneumothorax on initial radiographs. Follow‐up radiographs revealed partial or complete resolution of pneumothorax in 4 cats which were discharged alive with total hospitalization of 2–7 days, but were then lost to follow‐up. One cat was euthanized because it could not be weaned off mechanical ventilation, and necropsy confirmed end‐stage feline asthma and emphysema.

Conclusion:Small airway obstruction can predispose asthma patients to increased alveolar pressure, emphysema, and spontaneous pneumothorax, which can lead to dyspnea in affected cats. The short‐term outcome in these cats was good despite the severity of dyspnea at presentation.
Current development and use of hemoglobin‐based oxygen‐carrying (HBOC) solutions
Authors: Day Thomas K.
Published: June 2003

Objective:To review the human and veterinary literature on the current development and use of hemoglobin‐based oxygen‐carrying solutions.

Human data synthesis:Hemoglobin‐based oxygen‐carrying (HBOC) solutions have been developed extensively over the last 3 decades. Early problems associated with pure hemoglobin and cytoskeleton residues have been resolved with chemical modification of the hemoglobin tetramer resulting in effective oxygen‐carrying molecules of either human or bovine origin. The limited availability of human red blood cells and concerns of disease transmission, the difficulty in mass production of genetically produced hemoglobin solutions (recombinant hemoglobin), and the wide availability of bovine blood have resulted in the development of bovine‐derived HBOC solutions. Research efforts have been directed toward determining the effects of HBOC solutions on tissue perfusion as the target uses of HBOC solutions in human medicine are the perioperative period, shock, and trauma fluid resuscitation. The most controversial issues regarding the cardiovascular effects of HBOC solutions surround increased vasoactivity. Some HBOC formulations have been removed from advanced clinical trials due to intense vasoactivity resulting in increased morbidity. There are currently 3 HBOC solutions in the latter stages of phase III clinical trials: Hemolink®,aHemopure®,band PolyHeme®.cThe hemoglobin source of Hemopure® is bovine, and the hemoglobin source for Hemolink® and Polyheme® is human.

Veterinary data synthesis:The only HBOC solution that has gained approval from the FDA is the veterinary product Oxyglobin®.dOxyglobin® is 13 g/dL of ultrapurified, polymerized hemoglobin solution of bovine origin in a modified lactated Ringer's solution. There is a significant colloid effect and it also provides a plasma source of oxygen‐carrying capacity. The solution is stable at room temperature for 3 years; there is no special preparation required prior to use and no cross‐match is required prior to administration (contains no cell membranes). Veterinary publications on the use of Oxyglobin® include laboratory investigations in dogs, cats, and horses for use as a resuscitation fluid and for the treatment of anemia. Clinical use of Oxyglobin® in dogs, cats, birds, horses, and other mammalian species has been reported in several publications.

Conclusion:The search for a safe, effective HBOC solution for use in human medicine is ongoing. Soon, there will be one or several products approved for use in the perioperative period and/or for the treatment of shock and trauma. The practice of veterinary emergency and critical care has been provided a unique opportunity to apply the use of an HBOC solution (Oxyglobin®) to various aspects of perfusion and oxygen‐carrying needs. Continued clinical experience and research is essential in understanding the use of HBOC solutions in veterinary medicine.
Indirect determination of nitric oxide in cats with cardiomyopathy and arterial thromboembolism
Authors: Freeman Lisa M. , McMichael Maureen A. , De Laforcade Armelle M. , Rozanski Elizabeth A. , Brown Donald J. , Rush John E.
Published: June 2003

Objective: To determine nitric oxide concentration in cats with hypertrophic or intermediate forms of cardiomyopathy and arterial thromboembolism (ATE) compared to healthy controls and to determine the association between nitric oxide concentration and the presence of ATE, congestive heart failure (CHF), and echocardiographic measurements.

Design: Case–control study.

Setting: Veterinary teaching hospital.

Animals: Client‐owned cats with cardiomyopathy, cardiomyopathy and ATE, and normal cats.

Interventions: None.

Measurements: All cats underwent 2‐dimensional and M‐mode echocardiography. Nitric oxide was assessed indirectly by measuring the concentration of plasma nitrite+nitrate (NN), end products of nitric oxide metabolism. Plasma arginine concentration and dietary arginine content were also assessed since arginine is a precursor for nitric oxide production.

Main results: Twenty‐six cats with cardiomyopathy, 26 cats with cardiomyopathy and ATE, and 29 nor‐mal cats were enrolled. Compared with healthy controls, median NN concentration was significantly higher in cats with cardiomyopathy and cats with both cardiomyopathy and ATE. There was no difference between cats with cardiomyopathy alone and cats with cardiomyopathy and ATE. Nitrate+ nitrite concen‐tration in cats with cardiac disease was unrelated to the presence of CHF, plasma arginine concentration, or dietary arginine content. In cats with cardiac disease, the left atrial diameter, left ven‐tricular diameter in diastole, and age were negatively correlated with NN concentrations.

Conclusions: Nitric oxide concentration is elevated in cats with cardiac disease, but the elevation appears to be independent of ATE and CHF.
Locomotion and Escape Modes in Rodents of the Monte Desert (Argentina)
Authors: Taraborelli Paula , Corbalán Valeria , Giannoni Stella
Published: June 2003

Modes of locomotion and escape tactics are attributes that affect the structure of animal communities, promoting exploitation of different microhabitats and the coexistence of different species. Bipedal locomotion is considered to be more effective than a quadrupedal gait in escaping attacks by predators because it allows for higher speed, a faster response to attack, sudden changes of direction and better detection of aerial raptors. The aim of this study was to determine the type of locomotion used at the moment of escape by three rodent species of the Monte desert –Eligmodontia typus, Akodon molinae and Graomys griseoflavus. The study was carried out in three plant communities of the Ñacuñán Reserve (Mendoza). All three species showed differences in both mode of escape and locomotory pattern. Graomys griseoflavus exhibited the highest proportion of escapes using quadrupedal saltation. The mode of locomotion employed by E. typus varied according to the type of plant communities it inhabited. Those occurring at open sites (Medanal community) exhibited a greater propensity to jump during escapes than those from more sheltered habitats (Algarrobal community). Akodon molinae relied primarily on a quadrupedal gait when fleeing from predators, which would explain its greater dependence on plant cover. Therefore, the morphological and behavioural characteristics of these species are related to their mode of locomotion and the strategies they employ to diminish the risk of predation.
Social Monogamy in the Big‐Clawed Snapping Shrimp,Alpheus heterochelis
Authors: Rahman Nasreen , Dunham David W. , Govind C. K.
Published: June 2003

Social monogamy has evolved independently in many taxa, and often involves biparental care of the young. Where it does not, mate guarding and shared territoriality have been invoked as causal factors. We evaluated mate guarding and shared resource defence (a common shelter) as factors that could have led to social monogamy in the snapping shrimp,Alpheus heterochelis. This species is found in male–female pairs that defend a common shelter together. Female receptivity lasts only for a few hours immediately after her periodic moult. Their monogamous pair bond may represent mate guarding or joint defence of a territory. Monogamy inA. heterochelisseems most importantly driven by the cryptic nature of the female's moult cycle. We found that males did not discriminate among females at different intermoult stages for pairing, nor did they modulate their defence of mate and shelter (vs. the risk in finding a new shelter and mate) according to female moult stage. This, together with the short period of female receptivity before her single copulation per cycle, make extended mate guarding the most efficient method for a male to secure a mating opportunity. Comparing eviction rates of paired and unpaired shelter residents by conspecific intruders provided no evidence of enhanced resource defence that would confer a selective advantage to a pair. Male presence during the moult is beneficial for the female, as searching for a male during her soft‐bodied receptive phase would put her at mortal risk. Our results show empirically for the first time that guarding may be beneficial, even if males are not able to assess the female's reproductive stage. This extends the theoretical framework for understanding the evolution of social monogamy in taxa without biparental care of young.
The Value of Immaculate Mates: Relationships between Plumage Quality and Breeding Success in Shelducks
Authors: Ferns Peter N. , Lang Alison
Published: June 2003

Immaculateness, a novel measure of bird plumage quality, defined as the regularity of the borders of a coloured patch of feathers, and the uniformity of the colour within the patch, tends to decline as a result of feather wear and damage. If it declines more quickly amongst birds in poor condition, it has the potential to act as an honest signal of individual quality and therefore be subject to social and sexual selection. We scored plumage immaculateness in shelducks Tadorna tadorna, based on the absence of white feathers in the red‐brown chest band and the evenness of the band's border. We monitored body condition and plumage quality in birds at feeding sites in the Severn Estuary (UK) during the early breeding season when females were forming eggs, and later in the season when chicks arrived. Drakes had more immaculate chest bands than ducks. At preferred feeding sites, drakes were more immaculate, and birds of both sexes were in better body condition. Birds with more immaculate plumage tended to mate assortatively at preferred sites and were more likely to produce a brood that survived the journey to the feeding areas. Immaculateness could therefore be an honest signal of parental quality. Although our evidence is only correlational, we suggest that plumage immaculateness indicates the ability to establish and maintain control over the best breeding sites and feeding territories in the face of competition with other shelducks.
Vigilance in Greater Flamingos Foraging at Night
Authors: Beauchamp G. , McNeil R.
Published: June 2003

Vigilance studies have mostly focused on adaptive changes in antipredator behavior during the day. Adjustments in vigilance patterns in species that also forage at night are poorly known. Birds may forage at night to evade predation or other sources of disturbance, in which case levels of vigilance are expected to decrease at night. However, low visibility at night, especially on moonless nights, may compromise visual detection of predators, in which case levels of vigilance are expected to increase at night. We examined the effect of time of day on vigilance in non‐breeding Greater Flamingos foraging in a tropical lagoon complex in Venezuela. Vigilance increased on darker nights but overall levels of vigilance at night did not differ from daytime values. Vigilance decreased with group size in a similar fashion both during day and night. Flamingos foraged in smaller flocks at night than during the day. The occurrence of small flocks, in which vigilance was quite high, and the increase in vigilance on dark nights imply that the amount of time allocated to foraging must be generally lower at night in flamingos. The results suggest that the night was not perceived as safer by foraging flamingos, and that visual detection of predators was probably compromised by low light levels.
Expression of gastric mucin in the stomachs of two patients with Menetrier's disease: An immunohistochemical study
Authors: MALL ANWAR S , TAYLOR KATHRYN , BARNARD ROCHELLE , DENT DAVID M , KAHN DELAWIR
Published: June 2003

Abstract  Menetrier's disease is a rare gastric condition characterized by marked proliferation of the mucosa and variable mucus secretion and achlorhydria. We report, for the first time, minor variations in MUC1‐7 distribution in the mucosa of two stomachs from patients with Menetrier's disease, when compared with a normal stomach. All stomachs stained positively for MUC4, 5AC and 6 and showed no or little staining with MUC2 and 3. Thus, Menetrier's disease is characterized by an excess quantity of mucus secretion, but differs little from normal stomachs with regards to the types of mucin produced. The mucins, MUC1–7, are found with variable distribution in different body tissues; MUC4, MUC5AC and MUC6 are typically found in gastric mucosa.

© 2003 Blackwell Publishing Asia Pty Ltd
Seroepidemiology of hepatitis A virus infection among school children in Delhi and north Indian patients with chronic liver disease: Implications for HAV vaccination
Authors: ACHARYA SUBRAT KUMAR , BATRA YOGESH , BHATKAL BHARATI , OJHA BANDANA , KAUR KULDEEP , HAZARI SIDDARTH , SARAYA ANOOP , PANDA SUBRAT KUMAR
Published: June 2003

Background: Universal vaccination against hepatitis A virus (HAV) has been recommended for children because of the changing epidemiological pattern of HAV. Vaccination has also been advised for patients with chronic liver disease as HAV superinfection in these patients can result in severe or even fatal disease. In India, the indications for HAV vaccination are not clear due to contradictory seroepidemiological data in children and lack of data on HAV seroprevalence in patients with chronic liver disease.

Methods: Sera were collected from children studying in two government‐run schools and from patients with chronic liver disease attending the Liver Clinic at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS). The sera were tested for anti‐HAV antibodies. The incidence of HAV‐induced acute hepatitis and acute liver failure at AIIMS over the last 10 years was also assessed.

Results: A total of 93.2% (1328/1424) of the school children between 4–18 years of age who were included in the study had anti‐HAV antibody in their sera. Eighty percent of the children had antibodies against HAV in their sera by the age of 5 years, whereas all the children above 16 years were positive for anti‐HAV antibody. A total of 256 patients with chronic liver disease (94 with cirrhosis of the liver, 160 with chronic hepatitis) were tested for the presence of anti‐HAV antibody. Of them, 97.6% (248/254) had anti‐HAV antibody in their sera. The annual frequency of HAV‐induced acute viral hepatitis and acute liver failure at AIIMS during the last 10 years did not show any change.

Conclusion: Mass vaccination against HAV is not required in north India because of the presence of protective antibodies against HAV in the majority of the population.

© 2003 Blackwell Publishing Asia Pty Ltd
Blink‐related microtrauma: when the ocular surface harms itself
Authors: Cher Ivan
Published: June 2003

Superior limbic keratoconjunctivitis results mechanically from blinking under prolonged unphysiological conditions. The pathogenic process is known as blink‐related microtrauma. This review aimed to explore the validity of a general theory that besides superior limbic keratoconjunctivitis, there may be other diseases of the ocular surface arising from mechanical microtrauma. A review of relevant clinical and microscopic lesions in a range of ocular surface disorders with possible mechanical aetiology was conducted. New terms were selected to facilitate understanding of such new aetiology. Besides superior limbic keratoconjunctivitis, other ocular surface disorders regarded as primarily derived from blink microtrauma are: other filamentary keratitides; blepharospasm and severe ptosis; canthal/palpebral froth; affections from disordered eyelid lining; and contact lens related damage. A group of secondarily microtraumatic disorders was identified, including the example of microtrauma impacting upon interpalpebral bulbar prominences. Superior limbic keratoconjunctivitis is the archetype of diseases affecting a unique combination; namely, the ocular surface conjoined with its lacrimal fluid. It is only one among many diseases actively generated within the confines of ‘a self‐harming surface’.
General purpose control system for scanning laser ophthalmoscopes
Authors: Cushion John , Reinholz Fred N , Patterson Brett A
Published: June 2003

A flexible control system for scanning laser ophthalmoscopes is described that is quick and simple to configure, easily modified or adapted, and containing many useful features. The system facilitates adjustment of several parameters to account for changes to the scan position, ambient light and temperature, including both optical and electronic components, which is otherwise difficult and time‐consuming to perform. The system is portable and uses custom‐designed printed circuit boards. All system parameters, such as focus, scan rate, scan depth and stereo control can be digitally controlled from a computer via a single serial port. Custom software allows changes to any system parameters by simply sending the required control data to the rack. The circuit boards in the system are multilayer, incorporating good ground‐plane techniques to minimize noise, programmable logic and semicustom logic for low cost and compact size, and microcontrollers with embedded firmware for flexible operation. Retinal images demonstrate that the system performs well.
Chronic placental insufficiency and foetal growth restriction lead to long‐term effects on postnatal retinal structure
Authors: Loeliger Michelle , Louey Samantha , Cock Megan L , Harding Richard , Rees Sandra M
Published: June 2003

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of foetal growth restriction on the retina after birth. Foetal growth restriction (FGR) was induced via umbilico‐placental embolization (UPE) in ewes from 120 days of pregnancy until term (term ∼147 days); controls were not exposed to UPE. Lambs were delivered and raised until 2 years of age when retinas were collected and processed for structural and neurochemical analysis. The foetuses exposed to UPE were hypoxemic and at birth were growth restricted. In 2‐year‐old FGR sheep, the total thickness of the retina and the number of tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactive dopaminergic amacrine cells were reduced compared to controls (P < 0.05). It is concluded that restricted foetal growth leads to long‐term structural and neurochemical changes in the retina. Of particular interest are the alterations to dopaminergic amacrine cell numbers, as alterations in this population may affect contrast sensitivity and have implications for the alterations in vision observed in very low birthweight infants.
Mitomycin C eliminates the short‐term intraocular pressure rise found following Molteno tube implantation
Authors: Ellingham Roger B , Morgan William H , Westlake William , House Phillip H
Published: June 2003

Purpose: Molteno implants remain popular for treating recalcitrant glaucomas. This study aimed to assess the effect of mitomycin C (MMC) use with Molteno tube implantation upon intraocular pressure (IOP) control and complication rates. In particular, the study aimed to assess any change that MMC might have upon the postoperative hypertensive phase.

Methods: A retrospective case record study was conducted of all patients undergoing double plate Molteno implant surgery by one surgeon over 5 years. Eyes with recalcitrant glaucoma unresponsive to previous surgery, or deemed unlikely to succeed with trabeculectomy, underwent double plate Molteno tube implantation. Eyes that had MMC (0.3 mg/mL, 3 min) applied to Tenon's capsule over the secondary plate were compared with eyes that underwent surgery without adjunctive MMC application.

Results: Twenty‐seven eyes received MMC and were similar to 26 eyes not receiving MMC in terms of glaucoma subtype, age, sex, previous surgery, preoperative IOP and postoperative IOP lowering agents. Those not receiving MMC had raised IOP 31−90 days post implantation compared with MMC treated eyes (P < 0.01) and more often received oral antifibrosis medication (P < 0.05). Complications were no more common with MMC except for initial overdrainage. Significant systemic complications from the use of oral antifibrosis medication were common.

Conclusions: The findings suggest a useful role for MMC. Caution is advised in case selection for MMC use. Mitomycin C treatment over the secondary plate alone permits removal of this plate if MMC‐related complications occur without requiring removal of the whole implant.
Postoperative 5‐fluorouracil versus intraoperative mitomycin C in high‐risk glaucoma filtering surgery: extended follow up
Authors: Akarsu Cengiz , Önol Merih , Hasanreisoglu Berati
Published: June 2003

Purpose: To compare the long‐term efficacy and safety of postoperative subconjunctival 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU) injections with that of intraoperative mitomycin C (MMC) in eyes at high risk for failure of trabeculectomy.

Methods: In a retrospective, non‐randomized comparative trial, 36 eyes of 36 consecutive patients at high risk for failure of trabeculectomy underwent glaucoma filtering surgery with either postoperative subconjunctival 5‐FU injections (19 eyes) or intraoperative application of MMC (17 eyes). Intraocular pressure, number of postoperative antiglaucoma medications, postoperative visual acuity, interventions, and complications were evaluated.

Results: Overall success (intraocular pressure ≤21 mmHg) at 1 year was 73.6% in the 5‐FU group and 82.3% in the MMC group. The cumulative 4‐year success was 52.6% in the 5‐FU group and 60.5% in the MMC group (P = 0.6). At 4‐year follow up, mean ± SD intraocular pressures were 17.58 ± 4.01 mmHg in the 5‐FU group and 13.33 ± 3.36 mmHg in the MMC group (P = 0.01). There was no significant difference in the number of post­operative medications (P = 0.84), appearance of blebs (P = 0.20), final visual acuity (P = 1.00), and complications (P > 0.05) between the groups.

Conclusions: These results suggest that both postoperative 5‐FU injections and intraoperative MMC application have long‐term success in high‐risk patients. However, MMC results in a greater decrease in intraocular pressure than 5‐FU.
Craniopharyngioma: a review of long‐term visual outcome
Authors: Chen Celia , Okera Salim , Davies Peter E , Selva Dinesh , Crompton John L
Published: June 2003

Purpose: To assess the clinical presentation and long‐term visual outcome in a series of patients with craniopharyn‐gioma.

Methods: Retrospective case review.

Results: Thirty‐six patients were reviewed, comprising 19 female patients and 17 male patients. The age range was 2−77 years with a bimodal distribution of 17 children (mean age 10 years) and 19 adults (mean age 47 years). Blurred vision was the most common visual complaint (23 cases, 64%) and headache the most frequent systemic complaint (19 cases, 53%). The average duration of systemic symptoms was 45 weeks compared to 10 weeks for visual symptoms. Deficits in visual acuity occurred in 13 patients (36%) and showed no significant change from initial presentation to final review. Sixteen patients (44%) had bitemporal hemianopia on presentation and pleomorphism (change from one type of visual field defect to another) occurred in 11 patients. Recurrence of tumour occurred in 15 patients (42%) and was more likely in children (59%) than adults (26%). The mean time period to recurrence was 7 years. The average follow‐up period for all cases was 10 years.

Conclusion: Patients with craniopharyngioma generally present late, and the visual symptoms are often preceded by a long history of systemic symptoms. Children are more likely to present with systemic symptoms than adults. Visual field pleomorphism is a feature of craniopharyngioma and occurred in one‐third of the patients. Local recurrence is common. Although magnetic resonance imaging is the recommended means of follow up, regular neuro‐ophthalmic review is useful in the early detection of anterior visual pathway compression by recurrent tumour.
Systematics and phylogeny of Potamotrygonocestus (Platyhelminthes, Tetraphyllidea, Onchobothriidae) with descriptions of three new species from freshwater potamotrygonids (Myliobatoidei, Potamotrygonidae)
Authors: Marques Fernando P. L. , Brooks Daniel R. , Araújo Maria L. G.
Published: June 2003

Specimens of Potamotrygonocestus used in the present taxonomic and phylogenetic study were collected in freshwater potamotrygonids from the Rio Paraná (Puerto Reconquista, Santa Fé, Argentina; 59°42′W, 29°29′S) during February 1995, and from the Amazon region of Brazil during September to December 1996, supplemented by specimens previously deposited in museum collections. Six species of Potamotrygonocestus were recognized (P. amazonensis, P. chaoi sp. n., P. fitzgeraldae sp. n., P. magdalenensis, P. maurae sp. n., P. travassosi), for which an identification key is provided. Potamotrygonocestus orinocoensis is considered a junior synonym of P. travassosi. Additional specimens of Potamotrygonocestus may represent two undescribed species. A phylogenetic analysis of six morphological characters for the six named species of Potamotrygonocestus generated a single tree eight steps long, with a consistency index of 0.87, a retention index of 0.90, and a rescaled consistency index of 0.79 with the following topology: (P. maurae sp. n. ((P. amazonensis + P. magdalenensis) (P. chaoi sp. n. (P. fitzgeraldae sp. n. + P. travassosi)))).