bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hot spots of leaf breakdown within a headwater stream reach: comparing breakdown rates among litter patch types with different macroinvertebrate assemblages
Authors: KOBAYASHI SOHEI , KAGAYA TAKASHI
Published: May 2005

1. Detecting hot spots of litter decomposition will promote understanding of litter processing in a heterogeneous system. To identify hot spots of leaf breakdown within a headwater stream reach, we examined the difference in leaf breakdown rate among four types of litter patches, one that formed in riffles and three that formed in pools (middle, alcove, edge), in different seasons.

2. Middle patches showed the highest breakdown rate in some seasons; the rate in middle patches was 1.5–4 times higher than in the other patches. Thus middle patches can be regarded as hot spots of leaf breakdown in the study reach. This result contrasted with other studies showing higher breakdown rate in riffles than in pools.

3. Significant relationships between abundance of caddisfly shredders and breakdown rate were observed in seasons when the rate differed among patch types. Greater abundance of Lepidostoma seems to be responsible for middle patches being hot spots of leaf breakdown.

4. It is expected that when the proportion of leaves retained in middle patches within a reach is higher, the breakdown rate of the entire reach will be increased. Clarifying how the proportion of leaves retained on middle patches within a reach varies temporally and spatially would improve our understanding of leaf breakdown in headwater streams.
Timing of predation by rainbow trout controls Daphnia demography and the trophic status of a Minnesota lake
Authors: HEMBRE LEIF K. , MEGARD ROBERT O.
Published: May 2005

1. Stocking of lakes with rainbow trout is a common practice that presents a potential conflict for lake managers who must balance the interests of anglers with those concerned that zooplanktivory by trout may trigger a trophic cascade and result in decreased water clarity.

2. This study examined how the timing of trout stocking (autumn versus spring) in a Minnesota (U.S.A.) lake affected (i) the population dynamics of their zooplankton food supply (Daphnia pulicaria), (ii) phytoplankton biomass and water clarity and (iii) trout survival. Sizes of both Daphnia and trout populations were estimated acoustically with high‐frequency (192 kHz) sonar.

3. Daphnia were nearly eliminated from the lake during winters after trout were stocked in autumn. In both of these years (1996 and 1997), the Daphnia population was small in the spring, and grew during the summer and into the autumn as the trout population diminished.

4. The lake was then stocked in spring for 2 years (1998 and 1999). This fisheries manipulation alleviated predation over the winter, but increased predation on D. pulicaria during the spring, summer and autumn. However, the high mortality caused by the spring‐stocked trout was offset by even higher rates of reproduction by the relatively large populations of fecund Daphnia that survived the winter in 1998 and 1999.

5. Grazing by these dense populations of Daphnia produced clear‐water phases during May and June that were inhibited in autumn stocking years. In addition, the large Daphnia populations present during the spring and early summer of 1998 and 1999 provided abundant forage for trout.

6. This fisheries manipulation achieved seemingly mutually exclusive management objectives: a robust planktivorous sport fishery, and clear water for other forms of recreation.
The long‐term effect of artificial destratification on phytoplankton species composition in a subtropical reservoir
Authors: ANTENUCCI JASON P. , GHADOUANI ANAS , BURFORD MICHELE A. , ROMERO JOSÉ R.
Published: May 2005

1. The response of phytoplankton to the installation of an artificial destratification system in North Pine Dam, Brisbane (Australia) was investigated over an 18 year period (1984–2002); 11 years before and 7 years after installation.

2. An overall increase in phytoplankton abundance was revealed for some groups (in particular, diatoms, cyanobacteria and chlorophytes), but not for others (chlorophytes). Changes in the abundance of chlorophyte functional groups was attributed to eutrophication.

3. A strong spatial gradient in phytoplankton abundance and chlorophyllawas observed, with low abundance in the downstream regions affected by the destratification system which was likely because of light limitation induced by vertical mixing. The upstream region acted as a surrogate for the unaltered state of the reservoir, particularly as an indicator of eutrophication without direct influence from the destratification system. Despite the continuous trend in eutrophication of the reservoir, there has been a definite decrease in the rate of eutrophication (approximately 30%) since the installation of the destratification system at the downstream locations.

4. Correlations of the dominant cyanobacteriaCylindrospermopsis raciborskiiwith other genera changed after destratification, indicating that prior to destratification the dominance ofCylindrospermopsiswas because of its ability to compete for phosphorus, whereas after destratification its dominance was because of its ability to compete for light.
Nitrate availability and hydrophyte species richness in shallow lakes
Authors: JAMES CASSANDRA , FISHER JANE , RUSSELL VICTORIA , COLLINGS SALLY , MOSS BRIAN
Published: May 2005

1. Submerged plant richness is a key element in determining the ecological quality of freshwater systems; it has often been reduced or completely lost.

2. The submerged and floating‐leaved macrophyte communities of 60 shallow lakes in Poland and the U.K. have been surveyed and species richness related to environmental factors by general linearised models.

3. Nitrogen, and more specifically winter nitrate, concentrations were most important in explaining species richness with which they were inversely correlated. Phosphorus was subsidiary. Such an inverse relationship is consistent with findings in terrestrial communities. Polish lakes, with less intensively farmed catchments, had greater richness than the U.K. lakes.

4. The richest U.K. communities were associated with winter nitrate‐N concentrations of up to about 1–2 mg L−1 and may correspond with ‘good’ ecological quality under the terms of the European Water Framework Directive. Current concentrations in European lowlands are often much higher.
A method for measuring the comparability of different sampling methods used in biological surveys: implications for data integration and synthesis
Authors: CAO YONG , HAWKINS CHARLES P. , STOREY ANDREW W.
Published: May 2005

1. Numerous methods have been developed to sample the biota occurring in different ecosystems. However, the comparability of data derived from different sampling methods is generally unknown and is a major concern when integrating data from different studies.

2. Examination of assemblage‐level attributes such as taxa richness and biotic index scores is generally inappropriate for evaluating the degree to which different sampling methods produce comparable descriptions of entire assemblages, because these measures provide no information regarding taxonomic composition. Multivariate methods are generally more appropriate for this purpose, but some of the methods previously used are not satisfactory and others have not been tested. A useful measure of sampling‐method comparability (SMC) should be independent of sampling effort, independent of the sites sampled and have an explicit biological interpretation.

3. We used simulated data to compare two potential methods of assessing SMC, the R‐value produced by anosim and a modified version of classification strength (CS‐SMC) derived from Van Sickle's Mean Similarity Analysis. Analyses were based on similarities between the assemblages captured by two different sampling methods (electrofishing and seining) employed at the same sites. Similarities were calculated two different ways: the Bray–Curtis index and the Jaccard coefficient.

4. Based on simulated data, anosimR‐values were strongly affected by sampling effort, highly variable across sites and difficult to interpret biologically. In contrast, CS‐SMC values were highly stable over a range of sampling effort, across sites and easy to interpret biologically.

5. Application of CS‐SMC to field data showed that seining and electrofishing produced highly comparable samples of fish in small streams: 97% comparable on average for species lists and 94% comparable for relative abundances. Kicknet and Surber samples of benthic invertebrates were also comparable after being standardised to a fixed count, but to a lesser extent than fish samples: 77% comparable on average for the taxa lists and 93% comparable for relative abundances. CS‐SMC should be of general use when integrating and synthesising assemblage data from a variety of assemblages.
Dietary effects on life history traits of riverine Bosmina
Authors: ACHARYA KUMUD , JACK JEFFREY D. , BUKAVECKAS PAUL A.
Published: May 2005

1. We compared growth, reproduction and life history characteristics of Bosmina raised on Ohio River seston versus a unialgal culture (Scenedesmus acutus), to assess potential nutritional constraints experienced by riverine populations.

2. Bosmina grew well in both treatments during their juvenile stage. Analysis of variance showed that Bosmina growth prior to the start of reproduction did not differ significantly between the treatments. After the onset of reproduction Bosmina fed on Scenedesmus grew faster and exhibited higher fecundity than their counterparts fed river seston.

3. Significant quantities of triacylglycerol (visible lipid droplets) were gradually accumulated in Bosmina fed on Scenedesmus. Visual lipid ovary indices were positively correlated with adult growth rate and fecundity and negatively correlated with longevity.

4. Biochemical analysis showed that Scenedesmus had significantly greater total ω3, ω6 and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) whereas river seston had more eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Thus, in contrast to Daphnia, EPA and DHA do not appear to influence Bosmina growth or reproductive performance, but linolenic acid or total PUFA may be important.

5. Comparatively weak performance by Bosmina feeding on river seston suggest that nutritional constraints may be important despite high particulate organic carbon and low C : N and C : P of river seston.
Indirect effects of metal contamination on energetics of yellow perch (Perca flavescens) resulting from food web simplification
Authors: ILES ALISON C. , RASMUSSEN JOSEPH B.
Published: May 2005

1. Benthic invertebrate community composition and yellow perch (Perca flavescens) diet, growth and activity levels from lakes along a metal‐contamination gradient were used to assess the importance of a naturally diverse prey base for maintaining energy transfer to growing fish, and how this transfer is disrupted by metal contamination.

2. Zoobenthic communities had lower diversity in metal‐contaminated lakes, with a notable absence of large bodied invertebrate taxa.

3. The average mass of non‐zooplankton prey items was significantly greater for 2+ and 3+ perch from the reference lake, and increased significantly with age in all except the most contaminated lakes where prey choice was limited.

4. Benthivorous perch from all contaminated lakes exhibited slowed growth. Perch from one of the contaminated lakes exhibited faster growth during piscivory, indicating slowed growth only while benthivorous.

5. Estimates of fish activity, using the activity of the glycolytic enzyme Lactate dehydrogenase in perch white muscle tissue as a proxy, suggested that shifts in diet to larger prey (in reference and intermediately contaminated lakes) lowered activity costs, which may explain how diet shifts maintain growth efficiency as perch grow larger.
The interaction of Chaoborus size and vertical distribution determines predation effects on Daphnia
Authors: YOUNG JOELLE D. , RIESSEN HOWARD P.
Published: May 2005

1. Larvae of Chaoborus, the phantom midge, are important pelagic planktivores in many freshwater lakes and ponds. The effect of Chaoborus on its prey depends on its size, especially mouth gape diameter, and vertical migration pattern, which affects predator–prey spatial overlap. These two features vary considerably in different Chaoborus species and instars. In this study, the interacting effects of both Chaoborus size and vertical distribution on population growth of Daphnia pulex was analysed with a field enclosure experiment and a matrix population model.

2. In the field experiment, Daphnia were grown in four replicated treatments that included a control (no Chaoborus) and three combinations of instar III and IV Chaoborus of two species (C. trivittatus and C. americanus). Parameters of the matrix model were based on differences between Chaoborus species and instars in capture and ingestion of Daphnia of differing sizes (prey vulnerability) and in vertical overlap with Daphnia in each treatment (density risk).

3. In comparison with the control, the two treatments containing the smaller, migratory C. americanus showed a significant effect on Daphnia population growth rate, while the treatment containing only the larger, non‐migratory C. trivittatus did not. The model accurately simulated these effects.

4. A Daphnia predation risk model, which uses prey vulnerability and density risk parameters, illustrated the individual and combined effect of the different Chaoborus types on Daphnia. Daphnia have a high prey vulnerability to the large C. trivittatus, but overall predation risk was low because of very little overlap. On the contrary, the smaller C. americanus affects only a small range of Daphnia instars, each with a low vulnerability, yet those instars that were vulnerable had a very high density risk because of an increased overlap.

5. This analysis of Daphnia predation risk parameters with coexisting Chaoborus species strongly supports an integrated approach using both size and vertical distribution to determine the ultimate predation effect on Daphnia.
The western lapidary tradition in early geological literature: medicinal and magical minerals
Authors: Duffin Christopher J.
Published: May 2005

Nowadays, when someone refers to lapidary they usually mean the process of polishing, engraving or working stones. The term is much broader than that, however, encompassing an entire genre of literature which formed the basis of much geological observation even before the word ‘geology’ was ever coined.
Tsunami: a research perspective
Authors: Smith David
Published: May 2005

Over the past several years, tsunami research has been growing strongly, stimulated by an increasing interest in extreme events amongst geologists and geographers and supported by improved levels of funding from both public and private sectors in a number of countries. These developments are timely, and should ultimately result in a better perspective than we might otherwise have had on the origins and nature of the Sumatra tsunami that resulted in the loss of so many lives. This account summarizes the origins of tsunami in general and outlines the terminology used before describing some recent developments in tsunami research.
Effects of the gill monogenean Zeuxapta seriolae (Meserve, 1938) and treatment with hydrogen peroxide on pathophysiology of kingfish, Seriola lalandi Valenciennes, 1833
Authors: Mansell B , Powell M D , Ernst I , Nowak B F
Published: May 2005

Infections by the gill fluke Zeuxapta seriolae are a serious concern for sea cage aquaculture of kingfish, Seriola lalandi. The present study aimed to determine the pathophysiological effects of a progressive infection with Z. seriolae and the effects of treatment with hydrogen peroxide. For the progression of infection study, infected fish were taken from a sea cage farm, treated to remove parasites and then infected by cohabitation with heavily infected fish. Samples were taken at 2‐week intervals for 8 weeks. Infection intensity peaked at 4 weeks post‐infection (mean intensity 565.9) and the number of mature worms (2 mm fixed length or larger) peaked at 6 weeks post‐infection. Attachment of Z. seriolae appeared to cause little localized pathology; however, the occurrence of hyperplastic lamellae increased as the infection progressed. Haemoglobin concentrations were negatively correlated with Z. seriolae intensity and were lower than controls at 4 weeks (35.8% decrease) and 6 weeks (57.4% decrease) post‐infection. Blood lactate concentration and plasma osmolality increased throughout the course of infection. For the effect of treatment experiment, groups of infected and non‐infected fish were sampled either before or after treatment with hydrogen peroxide. Treated fish from both infected and uninfected groups had increased plasma lactate, osmolality and pH compared with pre‐treatment groups. Treatment with hydrogen peroxide appeared to have acute effects on fish health but the magnitude (e.g. lactate, osmolality) and extent of the effects (e.g. haemoglobin) was much less than that caused by chronic infection with Z. seriolae.
Evaluation of an experimental Aeromonas salmonicida epidemic in chinook salmon, Oncorhynchus tshawytscha (Walbaum)
Authors: Ogut H , Reno P W
Published: May 2005

To determine the dynamics of the transmission of Aeromonas salmonicida ssp. salmonicida infection, chinook salmon, Oncorhynchus tshawytscha, were exposed to bacteria by cohabitation. The latent period (time between exposure and infectivity) was determined by exposing a group of chinook salmonid fingerlings to A. salmonicida by bath, then, at daily intervals, by holding five exposed (donor) fish with approximately 50 naïve fish for 24 h. The latent period was 3 days post‐infection and the time period between the initial exposure to bacteria and the beginning of bacterial shedding was 4.5 days for the same animals. The prevalence and intensity of infection in the donor fish, to which recipient fish were exposed, i.e. the level of exposure, was highly correlated with the development of disease in recipient (susceptible) chinook salmon (r2 = 0.57). An experiment was conducted to determine the daily progress of infection and development of a furunculosis epidemic among recipient fish by cohabiting a single exposed fish with 43 unexposed salmon. At daily intervals, all fish (in seven treatment tanks and one control tank daily) were sacrificed and tested for the presence of A. salmonicida in the kidney (n = 3520). Over 10 days, mean prevalence among recipient fish reached 75% and disease related mortality exceeded 50%. Bacterial concentrations in the water continued to increase over the duration of the experiment in concert with the number of infected animals present in the population.
A parasite survey of farmed Southern bluefin tuna, Thunnus maccoyii (Castelnau)
Authors: Deveney M R , Bayly T J , Johnston C J , Nowak B F
Published: May 2005

Farmed Southern bluefin tuna (SBT) were examined for parasites. Samples of harvest fish, mortalities and some fish showing clinical signs of disease were investigated. Targeted screening was conducted for a scuticociliate, Uronema nigricans, the myxosporean Kudoa sp. and a sanguinicolid digenean, Cardicola forsteri. General parasitological investigation revealed a diverse parasite community of didymozoid digeneans, two species of copepods, a polyopisthocotylean monogenean and larval cestodes. Targeted screening for U. nigricans exposed a low prevalence, most probably due to a lack of sensitivity in the test method. Few of the parasites examined pose a risk to the health of farmed SBT.
Influence of rearing conditions on Flavobacterium columnare infection of rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum)
Authors: Suomalainen L‐R , Tiirola M A , Valtonen E T
Published: May 2005

The influence of rearing conditions on Flavobacterium columnare infection of rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum), was studied experimentally in the laboratory and at a fish farm. In experiment I, the effect of parasitic infection on columnaris disease was studied using F. columnare carrier fish. The fish were exposed to Diplostomum spathaceum cercariae and a set of other stressors in order to induce clinical columnaris infection. Parasitic infection and other stressors failed to induce the disease. Disease occurred when the fish were challenged with F. columnare, but D. spathaceum infection did not enhance the severity of the infection. In experiment II, the influence of rearing density and water temperature was studied. Overall mortality was highest in fish at normal rearing density with high temperature (+23 °C). At low temperature (+18 °C) mortality was not affected by rearing density, but the transmission of columnaris disease was faster at normal rearing density at both temperatures. This supports the view that reduction of fish density could be used in prevention of columnaris disease especially if water temperature is high. Because the lower rearing density can also decrease the transmission of ectoparasites and penetrating endoparasites, it could be an efficient tool in ecological disease management.
Changes in the innate immune response of Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., exposed to experimental infection with Neoparamoeba sp.
Authors: Gross K A , Powell M D , Butler R , Morrison R N , Nowak B F
Published: May 2005

An experiment was conducted to determine the effect of Neoparamoeba sp. infection on the innate immune responses of Atlantic salmon. Atlantic salmon were experimentally infected with Neoparamoeba sp. and serially sampled 0, 1, 4, 6, 8 and 11 days post‐exposure (dpe). Histological analysis of infected fish gill arches identified the presence of characteristic amoebic gill disease lesions as early as 1 dpe with a steady increase in the number of affected gill filaments over time. Immune parameters investigated were anterior kidney phagocyte function (respiratory burst, chemotaxis and phagocytosis) and total plasma protein and lysozyme. In comparison with non‐exposed control fish basal respiratory burst responses were suppressed at 8 and 11 dpe, while phorbol myristate acetate‐stimulated activity was significantly suppressed at 11 dpe. Variable differences in phagocytic activity and phagocytic rate following infection were identified. There was an increase in the chemotactic response of anterior kidney macrophages isolated from exposed fish relative to control fish at 8 dpe. Total protein and lysozyme levels were not affected by Neoparamoeba sp. exposure.
Identification of Cauliflower Cultivars that Differ in Susceptibility to Verticillium longisporum using Different Inoculation Methods
Authors: Debode J. , Declercq B. , Höfte M.
Published: May 2005

The response of 13 European cauliflower cultivars to Verticillium longisporum was evaluated using two greenhouse tests and one in vitro inoculation test. The greenhouse tests involved dipping roots of 3‐week‐old seedlings in a conidial suspension or inoculating the soil of 3‐week‐old seedlings with Verticillium microsclerotia. The in vitro test involved the inoculation of 9‐day‐old seedlings with Verticillium conidia. Useful disease parameters were the area under disease progress curve and plant growth reduction for the greenhouse tests and fresh weight reduction for the in vitro test. Significant correlations were found among the three inoculation methods. Irrespective of the inoculation method used, cultivar ‘Sernio’ was most resistant to V. longisporum, while ‘Minaret’ was the most susceptible cultivar. The pathogen could be re‐isolated from the hypocotyls and from the stem of ‘Minaret’ 4 and 49 days after inoculation respectively, whereas V. longisporum could never be re‐isolated from ‘Sernio’. These results suggest that the more resistant cauliflower cultivar ‘Sernio’ can suppress the ascent and the proliferation of V. longisporum into the plant.
Molecular Characterization of a Distinct Begomovirus and its Associated Satellite DNA Molecule Infecting Sida acuta in China*
Authors: Xiong Q. , Guo X. J. , Che H. Y. , Zhou X. P.
Published: May 2005

Three viral isolates Hn8, Hn40 and Hn41 were obtained from Sida acuta showing yellow mosaic symptom in the Hainan province, China. Comparison of partial DNA‐A sequences amplified with degenerate primers confirmed the existence of single type of Begomovirus. The complete nucleotide sequence of the DNA‐A‐like molecule of Hn8 was determined to be 2749 nucleotides, having a typical genetic organization of a Begomovirus. Hn8 DNA‐A had the highest sequence identity (78%) with that of Ageratum yellow vein China virus‐[G13] (AJ558120), and had less sequence identity with other begomoviruses. Based on the above molecular data, Hn8 was thus considered as a new Begomovirus species, for which the name Sida yellow mosaic China virus (SiYMCNV) is proposed. Satellite DNA‐β molecules (Hn8‐β, Hn40‐β and Hn41‐β) were found to be associated with Hn8, Hn40 and Hn41 and their complete nucleotide sequences were determined. Sequence analysis showed that Hn8‐β, Hn40‐β and Hn41‐β shared more than 84% nucleotide sequence identity, and they were different from other characterized DNA‐β, sharing the highest nucleotide sequence identity (47.8%) with DNA‐β of Ageratum yellow vein virus.
Mycoparasitism of Rhizoctonia solani by Endophytic Chaetomium spirale ND35: Ultrastructure and Cytochemistry of the Interaction
Authors: Gao K. , Liu X. , Kang Z. , Mendgen K.
Published: May 2005

The interaction between endophytic biocontrol agent Chaetomium spirale ND35 and the soil‐borne plant pathogen Rhizoctonia solani was studied by light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), as well as further investigated by gold cytochemistry to assess the potential role of cell wall degrading enzymes (CWDEs) during the mycoparasitic process. Macroscopic observations of fungal growth in dual cultures revealed that pathogen growth inhibition occurred soon after contact with the antagonist, followed by the overgrowth of C. spirale on the colony of R. solani. The coiling of C. spirale around R. solani and intracellular growth of the antagonist in its host occurred frequently. Moreover, in advanced stage of interaction between the antagonist and the pathogen, The growth and development of C. spirale were associated with highly morphological changes of the host fungal cell, characterized by retraction of plasma membrane and cytoplasm disorganization. Further, TEM investigations through localization by gold immunocytochemistry showed that contact between the two fungi was mediated by an amorphous β‐1,3‐glucan‐enriched matrix originating from cell wall of the antagonist C. spirale and sticking to its host surface. At the same time, the hemispherical wall appositions which were intensely labeled by the antibodies of β‐1, 3‐glucan in cell wall of R. solani were induced to form at sites of potential antagonist entry. However, the antagonist was capable of penetrating this barrier, indicating that β‐1,3‐glucanases were produced during the mycoparasitic process. Localization of N‐acetylglucosamine residues (chitin) with the gold‐labelled wheat germ agglutinin (WGA) implicated that chitinases might be involved in the CWD of R. solani in this antagonistic process as well. This report is the first evidence about mechanisms of the interactions between C. spirale and R. solani in ultrastructural and cytochemical aspects.
Detection of Tilletia caries, Causal Agent of Common Bunt of Wheat, by ELISA and PCR
Authors: Eibel P. , Wolf G. A. , Koch E.
Published: May 2005

The paper reports about the development and evaluation of two methods, a PCR‐based assay and an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), for the detection of the common bunt fungus Tilletia caries (syn. T. tritici) in young wheat plants. Using the published primer pair Tcar2A/Tcar2B for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with DNA from axenic cultures of T. caries or from T. caries‐infected plants, we obtained a single band after electrophoresis of the amplification products. By PCR the bunt pathogen could be detected in shoots (EC 12) as well as in leaves (EC 13–14) of infected plants. Immunological detection was performed using a double antibody sandwich enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (DAS‐ELISA) with biotinylated detection antibodies. The antibodies were obtained after injection of mycelial homogenates of axenic cultures of T. caries into rabbits. The detection limit was 16 pg DNA per 100 mg plant fresh weight for the PCR and 7 ng/ml fungal protein for the ELISA, respectively. Except for the closely related T. controversa, no cross‐reactions with other fungi were observed with both methods. While it was possible to detect teliospores of T. caries by PCR, the ELISA did not react with spore extracts. Analysis by ELISA of shoots of individual plants grown from inoculated seeds revealed that at EC 10 all plants were infected. There was, however, a large variability in the amount of T. caries present in the plants. This observation and reports in the literature indicate quantitative differences in the degree of colonization of the tissue between individual plants even in a given variety. Regarding the use of modern diagnostics to assist in the development of resistant varieties we therefore suggest that for the wheat –T. caries pathosystem the non‐quantitative PCR‐assay employed here is less suited than the ELISA that allows precise quantification of the amount of fungal antigen present in the plant. However, to routinely employ the ELISA in resistance breeding further development work is needed.
Transmission of Cassava brown streak virus by Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius)
Authors: Maruthi M. N. , Hillocks R. J. , Mtunda K. , Raya M. D. , Muhanna M. , Kiozia H. , Rekha A. R. , Colvin J. , Thresh J. M.
Published: May 2005

Two whitefly species, Bemisia afer (Priesner & Hosny) and B. tabaci (Gennadius) were used in transmission experiments with Cassava brown streak virus (CBSV) (Ipomovirus; Potyviridae). Adults of whiteflies were given access to CBSV by containing them in clip cages on CBSV‐infected cassava plants. Whiteflies were then transferred, together or separately, to CBSD‐susceptible cassava plants of var. ‘Albert’ in a controlled environment. In glasshouse experiments, whiteflies were caged with CBSV‐infected and virus‐free cassava plants. Transmission of CBSV was sporadic and occurred in three of seven experiments when inoculated by B. afer and B. tabaci or B. tabaci alone, but not by B. afer alone. However, rate of transmission was low (maximum 22%) even when using high whitefly numbers of up to 120 per target plant. Successful transmission was confirmed by the detection of CBSV by reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction. Spread of cassava brown streak disease (CBSD) in the field in Tanzania coincided with increases in whitefly numbers; further supporting the evidence that B. tabaci is a vector of CBSV. The results of this study establish for the first time that B. tabaci is the vector of CBSV, similar to other ipomoviruses.
Analysis and overview of the guidelines for assessing fitness to drive for commercial and private vehicle drivers
Authors: Beran R. G.
Published: May 2005

Abstract

Guidelines on fitness to drive were released by AUSTROADS and the National Road Transport Commission in September 2003. No recognised legal medical authority was cited. There are three parts in the document: (i) background information, (ii) specific medical conditions and (iii) appendices of relevant documents and contacts. This paper analyses the relevance of the guidelines for physicians and notes that the disclaimer exonerates its authors from potential repercussions. Guidelines for both private and commercial drivers are combined in the document and the basis for such delineation is defined. A lack of universal Australian standards with no State indicating the driver's responsibility to report changes in health standards on the issued licences is confirmed by the guidelines. Not all States indemnify physicians for reporting contrary to patients’ wishes, while South Australia and the Northern Territory mandate reporting those at risk. Much of the language is patronizing, expecting ‘... conciliatory and supportive ...’ behaviour even with recalcitrant patients. No allowance is made for patients who may not fulfil the guidelines but whom the doctor may consider fit to drive. Ambiguity regarding responsibility to report, as identified in the background section, may leave the doctor vulnerable for not reporting a patient who subsequently may cause injury. Attempt is made to differentiate the role of the specialist from the family general practitioner (GP), advocating specialists for commercial drivers, although this is largely left to the discretion of the GP. There is an implied onus on doctors to report all patients with the conditions under review. Some diagnoses, such as syncope, are discussed in different sections with application of conflicting limitations. Inappropriate language, such as reference to a seizure being ‘... an isolated non‐epileptiform event ...’, or withdrawal of medications failing to be restricted to anti‐epileptic medications confounds interpretation. Some sections, such as that on sleep and epilepsy, are effectively analysed, while illnesses such as dementia are considered superficially. The guidelines are an attempt to assess fitness to drive, but contain serious flaws and provide limited information upon which to base decisions. Ambiguous language complicates application of the guidelines and places the health care professional at risk, despite a disclaimer protecting its authors. (Intern Med J 2005; 35: 364–368)
Substance abuse in young patients with type 1 diabetes: easily neglected in complex medical management
Authors: Lee P. , Nicoll A. J. , McDonough M. , Colman P. G.
Published: May 2005

Abstract

The use of recreational drugs has become increasingly popular among young people. As a centre caring for a large group of young patients with type 1 diabetes, we have become concerned about the number of patients presenting with drug‐related metabolic problems. We present a case series highlighting the issues of substance abuse in young patients with type 1 diabetes. (Intern Med J 2005; 35: 359–361)
Quality of care for women presenting with benign breast conditions
Authors: Livingston P. , Hirst S. , Pitcher M. , Mann G. B. , Collins J. , Hayman J.
Published: May 2005

Abstract

The aim of the study was to investigate the management of women with benign breast problems. A consecutive sample of women (n = 194) was assessed who presented to public or private sector providers. The main reasons for referral were breast lumps (62%); 56% of women who attended the public sector did not receive any recommendation compared to 40% who attended the private sector and clinical/general practitioner reviews were recommended to more women in the private sector (54%). Reasons for the discrepancy between public and private patients require further investigation. (Intern Med J 2005; 35: 357–358)
Cannula‐associated Staphylococcus aureus bacteraemia: outcome in relation to treatment
Authors: Thomas M. G. , Morris A. J.
Published: May 2005

Abstract

Background: Despite the frequency of cannula‐associated Staphylococcus aureus bacteraemia (CASAB) there is uncertainty regarding the duration of treatment required.

Aim: To determine the relationship between the duration and type of treatment for CASAB and subsequent relapse with deep‐seated S. aureus infection.

Methods: We prospectively studied 276 patients with CASAB. Patients were followed for at least 8 weeks after completion of antibiotic treatment. Initial and subsequent isolates of S. aureus were compared using molecular methods to determine strain similarity.

Results: Initial mortality was 9% (26 of 276) and a complicating focus of infection presented during initial treatment in 6% (15 of 250) of the survivors. There were nine relapses of deep‐seated infection from the strain causing the original infection. Relapses were equally common following peripheral CASAB and central CASAB. There was no relationship between the duration of treatment and the rate of relapse of deep‐seated infection (P = 0.24). This observation held true regardless of whether the duration of treatment was analysed as ≤7 versus ≥8, ≤10 versus ≥11, or ≤14 versus ≥15 days (P = 0.62, 0.87 and 0.16, respectively).

Conclusion: Episodes of peripheral CASAB pose an equal risk of relapse to central cannula‐related episodes. Although further studies are needed to determine the optimal treatment of CASAB, our study strongly suggests that more than 14 days treatment is excessive for most patients who respond promptly to cannula removal and antibiotic treatment. (Intern Med J 2005; 35: 319–330)
Cisplatin and gemcitabine induction chemotherapy followed by concurrent chemoradiotherapy or surgery for locally advanced non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Byrne M. J. , Phillips M. , Powell A. , Cameron F. , Joseph D. , Spry N. , Dewar J. , Van Hazel G. , Buck M. , Lund H. , De Melker Y. , Newman M.
Published: May 2005

Abstract

Background: We report a study of induction chemotherapy followed by concurrent chemoradiotherapy for stage IIIA/IIIB non‐small cell lung cancer.

Methods: Patients received two cycles of induction chemotherapy with cisplatin 100 mg/m2 on day 1 and gemcitabine 1000 mg/m2 on days 1, 8, and 15 of a 28‐day cycle. If the disease was unresectable, surgery was followed with two further cycles. If unresectable, patients received cisplatin 100 mg/m2 day 1, 29 with 5‐fluorouracil 1000 mg/m2 per 24 h continuous infusion for 96 h on days 2–5 and days 30–33 of the radiotherapy administration. Radiation therapy consisted of 63 Gy, 35 fractions, 7 weeks.

Results: Of 48 patients, 40% had a partial response to induction chemotherapy. Four of eleven patients with stage IIIA tumours had resectable disease. The remaining seven patients plus 37 with stage IIIB disease had chemoradiotherapy. Response at the completion of all therapy was 62% (IIIA 73%, IIIB 59%). For all patients the median survival was 15.3 months: 1 year and 3 years, 58% and 25%, respectively. Those with IIIB disease responding to induction chemotherapy had significantly superior survival to those that did not respond (37 months vs 11 months; P = 0.005). This remained significant from a landmark at 8 weeks after the start of treatment (P = 0.01).

Conclusion: These results are equivalent to other studies using induction chemotherapy prior to concurrent chemoradiotherapy. Response to induction chemotherapy may have major prognostic significance. (Intern Med J 2005; 35: 336–342)
Update on the use of stem cells for cardiac disease
Authors: Kovacic J. C. , Muller D. W. M. , Harvey R. , Graham R. M.
Published: May 2005

Abstract

Major advances have recently been made in our understanding of stem cell biology, and in the application of stem cells to treat cardiac disease. Resident cardiac stem cells have now been described and the long‐accepted paradigm of the adult mammalian heart as an organ without regenerative capacity has been questioned. Various stem‐cell‐based approaches for ameliorating cardiac disease have been shown to be beneficial in animal models and are now being trialled in humans, with several phase I clinical studies already completed. Although these clinical studies lacked adequate placebo controls, they have consistently shown promising results. If confirmed by larger phase II/III trials, it is possible that within a few years a powerful new therapeutic option may be available for the burgeoning number of patients suffering from myocardial ischaemia and/or other cardiac disorders. (Intern Med J 2005; 35: 348–356)
Dementia caregivers’ burdens and use of public services
Authors: Tanji Haruko , Ootsuki Mari , Matsui Toshifumu , Maruyama Masahiro , Nemoto Miyako , Tomita Naoki , Seki Takashi , Iwasaki Koh , Arai Hiroyuki , Sasaki Hidetada
Published: May 2005

Background:  The objectives of the present study are to examine risk factors for the heavy burden of caring for demented patients as well as factors that may affect on the level of utilization by carers of public services under current long‐term care insurance in Japan.

Methods:  A cross‐sectional study was conducted in the outpatient clinic for dementia, Department of Geriatric and Complementary Medicine, Tohoku University Hospital, Japan.

Results:  Behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia were significantly associated with heavy caregiver's burden as measured by Zarit's caregiver burden interview (P = 0.002 r = 0.45). A heavy caregiver's burden led to depressive symptoms (P = 0.01 r = 0.30), especially in spouse caregivers. Despite the presence of depressive symptoms, spouse caregivers less frequently used public services than non‐spouse caregivers (P < 0.001). On the other hand, the level of service provision was decided primarily by the severity of dementia and physical disability of patients, but not the caregiver's burden.

Conclusion:  Early detection and management of dementia‐associated behavioral and psychiatric symptoms could be important to reduce caregivers’ burdens and to prevent them from developing depression. Spouse caregivers should be encouraged not to hesitate to use public services.
Comprehensive geriatric assessment for community‐dwelling elderly in Asia compared with those in Japan: III. Phuto in Vietnam
Authors: Ishine Masayuki , Wada Taizo , Sakagami Teiji , Dung Pham Tien , Vienh Tranc Duc , Kawakita Toshiko , Fushida Mutsuko , Okumiya Kiyohito , Kita Toru , Matsubayashi Kozo
Published: May 2005

Background:  The objective of the present study is to compare the findings of comprehensive geriatric assessment between community‐dwelling elderly aged 60 years and older living in Vietnam and in Japan.

Methods:  A cross‐sectional, interview‐ and examination‐based study was undertaken of community‐dwelling elderly people living in under‐developed Ngoc Quan village, semideveloped Viet‐tri city in Phuto province, both in Vietnam and in Sonobe town in Kyoto, Japan. One hundred and ninety‐nine and 188 community‐dwelling elderly aged 60 years or older in two developmentally different areas in Vietnam and 411 community‐dwelling elderly aged 65 years or older in Japan, were examined using a common comprehensive geriatric assessment tool. Interviews pertaining to activities of daily living (ADL), medical and social history, quality of life (QOL) and the 15‐item Geriatric Depression Scale as well as anthropometrical and blood chemical examinations were included in the assessment. Using anova and χ2 test, findings from the three groups were compared.

Results:  In a comparison of comprehensive geriatric assessment findings among community‐dwelling elderly in under‐developed Ngoc Quan village, in semideveloped Viet‐tri city in Vietnam and in highly developed Kyoto in Japan, all activities of daily living scores except those relating to social role, all quality of life scores, body mass index, serum lipid levels and hemoglobin concentrations were lowest in Ngoc Quan and highest in Kyoto. Mean blood pressure measurements, prevalence of hypertension and prevalence of impaired glucose tolerance were higher in Vietnam than in Japan. The prevalence of depression was lower in the elderly in Viet‐tri in Vietnam than those in Ngoc Quan in Vietnam or in Kyoto in Japan.

Conclusion:  It is supposed that economic and social development might bring higher comprehensive geriatric assessment scores, better‐nutritional states and more appropriate controls for risk factors in community‐dwelling elderly in a economically developmental dose responsive manner.
Relationship between bite force and body mass index in the institutionalized elderly
Authors: Kashiwazaki Haruhiko , Tei Kanchu , Takashi Noriyuki , Kasahara Kazue , Totsuka Yasunori , Inoue Nobuo
Published: May 2005

Background:  The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible relationship between nutritional status and chewing ability in the institutionalized elderly.

Methods:  We examined the oral condition and bite force in relation to the age, sex and body mass index (BMI) in 559 institutionalized elderly (155 men and 404 women). The data were analyzed statistically using Spearman's rank correlation coefficient and the Mann–Whitney U‐test.

Results:  The total bite force of men was stronger than that of women (P = 0.0007), and had a negative correlation with aging. There was a significant positive correlation between the total bite force and the BMI (P = 0.036).

Conclusion:  Chewing ability, which was evaluated by total bite force, significantly correlated with BMI in the institutionalized elderly. It appears that diminished chewing ability is associated with the development of malnutrition among the institutionalized elderly.
Acceptance of memory impairment and satisfaction with life in patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Morioka Mizuho , Tanaka Makoto , Matsubayashi Kozo , Kita Toru
Published: May 2005

Background:   In this study, we focused on the acceptance by patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease (AD) of memory impairment and their satisfaction with life.

Methods:   We interviewed 71 consecutive patients with probable AD and asked: (i) whether they had memory loss; (ii) whether they faced difficulties in life; and (iii) how their daily life was. We categorized the patients into three groups based on awareness of memory loss and whether they referred to the cause they attributed to memory loss.

Results:   Cognitive functions were lower in patients who were not aware of memory loss. The level of satisfaction with life was highest in patients who were not aware of memory loss, and was lowest in patients who complained of memory loss with reference to the attribution of memory loss, indicating that patients found it difficult to accept their lives when memory impairment was a serious issue. However, in these patients, depression scores were not high, suggesting that they may somehow adapt themselves to their current status by defining the reason for memory loss. In patients who complained of memory impairment but did not refer to the attribution of memory loss, there was a variation in awareness of memory loss and satisfaction with life.

Conclusions:   The present study suggests a need for the provision of individual care and support for AD patients based on their level of acceptance of memory impairment.
Differential gait kinematics between fallers and non‐fallers in community‐dwelling elderly people
Authors: Chiba Hiroshi , Ebihara Satoru , Tomita Naoki , Sasaki Hidetada , Butler James P
Published: May 2005

Background:  To test the hypothesis that minimum toe clearance and maximum angular inclination of the sole relative to the floor during the swing phase of gait and the maximum lateral sway of the trunk relative to lateral foot separation discriminate fallers from non‐fallers in the elderly.

Methods:  We studied 25 community‐dwelling elderly subjects with a history of two or more falls in the previous year and 31 age‐ and sex‐matched controls with no such history. Studies were conducted in the Gait Laboratory, Tohoku University School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan. Subjects were asked to walk normally, during which time we made three‐dimensional kinematic spatial and temporal gait measurements using a motion capturing system with reflective markers defining different segments of trunk and limbs.

Results:  The toe clearance of fallers (12.0 ± 0.7 mm, mean ± SE) was significantly smaller than non‐fallers (15.2 ± 1.0 mm) (P < 0.001). The maximal sole inclination of fallers (7.4 ± 0.8°) was significantly smaller than non‐fallers (14.3 ± 0.9°) (P < 0.001). The lateral sway ratio (lateral excursion of trunk center relative to the mediolateral separation of the feet) was significantly larger in fallers (0.23 ± 0.01) compared with non‐fallers (0.18 ± 0.01) (P < 0.002).

Conclusions:  These results support the idea that impairment in toe clearance, maximal sole inclination and dynamic trunk sway reflect quantifiable mechanisms that may predispose elderly individuals to falling, and that these kinematic measurements may be clinically useful in identifying patients at risk of falling and monitoring changes in gait patterns, and may lead to effective interventions to prevent falls.