bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring community nurses' perceptions of life review in palliative care
Authors: Trueman Ian , Parker Jonathan
Published: January 2006

Aims and objectives.  This exploratory study aimed to identify community nurses’ understanding of life review as a therapeutic intervention for younger people requiring palliative care. The objectives set out to: (i) Describe the participants’ understanding of reminiscence and life review (ii) Detail their current ideas regarding a structured approach to using life review in the community setting. (iii) Outline their understanding of the possible advantages and limitations of life review in relation to palliative care. (iv) Identify future training requirements.

Background.  The literature review illustrated how the eighth developmental stage of Erikson's theory, ego‐integrity vs. despair, is a ‘crisis’ often faced by older people entering the final stage of life. Life review is considered a useful therapeutic intervention in the resolution of this crisis. Younger terminally ill people in the palliative stage of an illness may face the same final crises due to their reduced lifespan. Therefore, this study explored the benefits and limitations of life review as an intervention in palliative care.

Method.  The study used a purposive sample of community nurses responsible for delivering generic and specialist palliative care. A qualitative method of data collection in the form of three focus group interviews was used. Subsequent data were manually analysed, categorized and coded with associations between the themes identified.

Results.  The findings suggested that community nurses have limited knowledge pertaining to the use of life review and tend to confuse the intervention with reminiscence. Furthermore, they believed that life review could potentially cause harm to practitioners engaged in listening to another person's life story. However, the participants concur that with appropriate training they would find life review a useful intervention to use in palliative care.

Conclusions.  The results led to the identification of a number of key recommendations: Community nurses require specific education in the technicalities of life review and additional interpersonal skills training. The need for formalized support through clinical supervision is also recognized and discussed. Finally, suggestions are offered regarding the need to generate wider evidence and how, possibly, to integrate life review into existing palliative care services.

Relevance to clinical practice.  This study has demonstrated that community nurses are keen to extend the support offered to younger terminally ill people who are in the palliative stage of their illness. Despite having limited knowledge of life the main components and underpinning theory pertaining to life review participants could appreciate the potential of life review as a therapeutic intervention in palliative care and were keen to learn more about its use and gain the necessary knowledge and skills.
The health promotion model as assessed by ageing workers
Authors: Naumanen Paula
Published: January 2006

Aims.  This study describes qualitatively ageing workers and their health promotion. It also describes quantitatively the importance of individual, workplace and occupational health promoting factors, the impact of health promotion and the contributions of the other co‐partners promoting the health of ageing workers. These form the foundation for a model of health promotion.

Background.  Very little is known about the health promotion factors exclusively focused at ageing workers.

Methods.  A pretested questionnaire with structured and some open‐ended questions were devised to form the basis of qualitative data and sent to 150 ageing workers, of whom 93 (62%) returned it. Qualitative data were analysed by content analysis. Statistical analyses were performed using frequencies and means.

Results.  Over 90% of respondents stated that health habits, individual arrangements at the workplace, a good workplace spirit, health checks, counselling and access to nursing care were important factors for health promotion. Better health (99%), work satisfaction (95%) and motivation of employees (96%) were the factors impacting on health promotion. Ageing workers stated that health and safety organization (94%) and rehabilitation institutes (93%) were the most important co‐partners.

Conclusions.  This study confirms extremely high importance of different health promotion factors, their impact and some co‐partners. Health problems, early retirement and work absenteeism are rather common in ageing workers. If we are to avoid these problems, it is important to support their work ability effectively and systematically to allow these workers to stay employed until the normal retirement age.

Relevance to clinical practice.  It is necessary, that management appreciate the benefits of ageing workers; they have to take a positive attitude toward these workers and participate more effectively in their health promotion. Occupational health professionals play a key role in training workers and management to undertake the required measures.
Burn injuries in small children, a population‐based study in Sweden
Authors: Carlsson Anna , Udén Giggi , Håkansson Anders , Karlsson Elisabeth Dejin
Published: January 2006

Aims and objectives.  The aim of this study was to describe characteristics in burn injuries in children (zero to six years old), consulting primary care and hospital‐based care in Malmö, Sweden. Burn‐injured children consulting the University Hospital or the 21 Health Centres, during year 1998 and year 2002, were included.

Background.  Epidemiological studies of burns in children have mostly been hospital‐based and the cases that never reached the hospital have been excluded.

Design.  The study had a retroperspective design with data collected from medical records.

Methods.  Chi‐squared test was used to analyse differences in nominal data and cross tables were used to analyse the proportions between the characteristics of the injuries and sex, age and nationality.

Results.  The burn‐injured children were 148 and 80% of those were scalds, caused by hot liquid (71%) or hot food (29%). The greatest number was boys between one and two years old. Children to foreign born parents were more frequently affected and the extent of the injuries often larger. Almost all the accidents (96%) occurred in home environment, while a family member was next to the child. The Health Centres received more often children affected on hand/arm and by causes like hot food than the University Hospital.

Conclusions.  Our data demonstrate the importance of developing a programme for the prevention of paediatric scalds with education of family members to be aware of the danger. With present study the knowledge about the occurrence of injuries in scald accidents in children has become deeper. This knowledge may contribute to more individual adept child accident prevention programme, to use in the child health care.
An evaluation of the role of the clinical education facilitator
Authors: McCormack Brendan , Slater Paul
Published: January 2006

Aims and objectives.  The objective of the study was to identify whether clinical education facilitators made a difference to the learning experiences of nurses in a large teaching hospital.

Background.  Strategies for enabling continuous professional development are well established in healthcare organizations as key components of approaches to lifelong learning. The benefits of continuous professional development include the maintenance of high standards of care, the improvement and development of services, ensuring the competency of all nursing staff and guaranteeing the accountability of nurses for their actions. The role of clinical education facilitator is relatively new and little evaluation of this role has been undertaken.

Conclusions.  This study highlights important issues to be considered in developing a ‘learning culture’ in a hospital organization, through the adoption of such roles as clinical education facilitators. Whilst the roles have had an important function in the active coordination of learning activities in the hospital, there is little evidence of the role directly impacting on the learning culture of clinical settings. Learning mechanisms have been identified. The results of this evaluation can be subjected to further testing through ongoing evaluation of the outcomes arising from the learning mechanisms in place. Given the emphasis on work‐based learning and continuing professional development in health care, then this ongoing evaluation can yield important information about future directions for nurse education.

Relevance to clinical practice.  The study highlights the importance of supported learning in the workplace. However, more importantly, it identifies the need for a culture of professional practice to be developed in order to sustain learning in practice. Classroom‐based learning alone, cannot create a culture of development in nursing and there is thus a need for models of work‐based learning to be integrated into practice environments.
A 4‐cm thermoactive viscoelastic foam pad on the operating room table to prevent pressure ulcer during cardiac surgery
Authors: Feuchtinger Johanna , de Bie Rob , Dassen Theo , Halfens Ruud
Published: January 2006

Aims and objectives.  In this experimental study, a 4‐cm thermoactive viscoelastic foam overlay and a heating source on the operating room table was compared with the standard operating room table with a heating source for the effect on the postoperative pressure ulcer incidence in cardiac surgery patients.

Background.  Pressure ulcer incidence in the cardiac surgery population is reported to be up to 29·5%. The prolonged compressive forces from lying on the operating room table are one source of pressure ulcer development in this population. Pressure‐reducing devices on the operating room (OR)‐table should reduce the patients’ interface pressure and thus the hazard of skin breakdown.

Methods.  A randomized controlled trial was performed to test the effect of a 4‐cm thermoactive viscoelastic foam overlay with a water‐filled warming mattress on the OR‐table (test OR‐table) compared with the standard OR‐table (a water‐filled warming mattress, no pressure‐reducing device) on the postoperative pressure ulcer incidence in cardiac surgery patients.

Instruments.  The pressure ulcer classification system of the European Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel (EPUAP) was used for pressure ulcer grading.

Results.  The results show that patients lying on the 4‐cm thermoactive viscoelastic foam overlay suffer slightly more pressure ulcer (17·6%) than patients on the standard OR‐table without the foam overlay (11·1%). Because of the clinical relevance of the results, the randomized controlled trial was terminated after 175 patients at the interim analysis although the power calculation stated 350 patients.

Conclusions.  The combination of a 4‐cm viscoelastic foam overlay and a warming source cannot be recommended for pressure ulcer prevention on the operating room table.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Foam overlays are used to prevent pressure ulcers in patients. It is necessary to use such devices according to patient safety and use of resources.
How can self‐regulated learning be supported in mathematical E‐learning environments?
Authors: Kramarski B. , Gutman M.
Published: January 2006

Abstract
This study compares two E‐learning environments: E‐learning supported with IMPROVE self‐metacognitive questioning (EL+IMP), and E‐learning without explicit support of self‐regulation (EL). The effects were compared between mathematical problem‐solving and self‐regulated learning (SRL). Participants were 65 ninth‐grade students who studied linear function in Israeli junior high schools. Results showed that EL+IMP students significantly outperformed the EL students in problem‐solving procedural and transfer tasks regarding mathematical explanations. We also found that the EL+IMP students outperformed their counterparts in using self‐monitoring strategies during problem solving. This study discusses both the practical and theoretical implications of supporting SRL in mathematical E‐learning environments.
GESTALT: a framework for redesign of educational software
Authors: Puustinen M. , Baker M. , Lund K.
Published: January 2006

Abstract
Design of educational multimedia rarely starts from scratch, but rather by attempting to reuse existing software. Although redesign has been an issue in research on evaluation and on learning objects, how it should be carried out in a principled way has remained relatively unexplored. Furthermore, understanding how empirical research on information and communication technologies (ICT) should feed back into redesign remains difficult. The present paper addresses these problems from the viewpoint of carrying out pedagogical expert evaluations, in the absence of empirical studies of target learners, in order to generate recommendations for redesign. Firstly, redesign proposals should be based on a coherent reconstruction of pedagogical foundations of educational ICT (software, documentation). Secondly, redesign proposals should result from dialogue between stakeholders, such as future users, pedagogical experts, software designers, and deciders. To these ends, we propose a framework, called GESTALT (Goals, (E) SiTuations, Actions, Learners, Tools), as a ‘boundary object’ for dialogical redesign. Within an activity theory approach, GESTALT is based on analysis of available tools, the actions they support, the characteristics of learners who perform actions, and pedagogical goals that could be achieved in specific situations. An illustrative GESTALT analysis of educational software is provided, principally from the viewpoint of pedagogical experts. Finally, the strengths and limits of GESTALT are discussed.
Scaffolding learners in designing investigation assignments for a computer simulation
Authors: Vreman‐de Olde C. , de Jong T.
Published: January 2006

Abstract This study examined the effect of scaffolding students who learned by designing assignments for a computer simulation on the physics topic of alternating circuits. We compared the students' assignments and the knowledge acquired in a scaffolded group (N=23) and a non‐scaffolded group (N=19). The scaffold consisted of a Design Sheet that guided students through the different steps in the design of assignments (generate an idea, transform the idea into an assignment, and evaluate the assignment) and provided them with specific directions on how to perform these steps. On average, students in the non‐scaffolded group designed more assignments than students in the scaffolded group, but the scaffolded students designed relative by more assignments about the relations in the domain, more often gave exact descriptions of the relations in the domain, and more often referred back to the computer simulation to explain their findings. No differences on knowledge tests, however, were found between the two groups of students. In the discussion, we give suggestions on how to adapt the scaffolding to improve not only the learning process but also knowledge acquisition.
Quality of life in adults with an intellectual disability: the Evaluation of Quality of Life Instrument
Authors: Nota L. , Soresi S. , Perry J.
Published: January 2006

Background  The construct of quality of life (QoL) has been the focus of a great deal of recent research and has been operationalized in the assessment of the effectiveness of biomedical and rehabilitative interventions. Consequently, the effective measurement of QoL has become a relevant issue. QoL assessment should take account of both objective life conditions and reported satisfaction with those conditions, and should recognize that QoL has multiple domains. There is also evidence to suggest that it is useful to supplement such assessments with the evaluations of significant others within a multidimensional assessment perspective.

Methods  The current study describes a further stage of testing and refinement of the Evaluation of Quality of Life Instrument (EQLI), which was designed to elicit from staff of health and social care services assessments of the level of satisfaction experienced by adults with an intellectual disability. Specifically, the EQLI's internal consistency, and construct, convergent and discriminant validity were analysed.

Results  The EQLI appears to be a psychometrically valid measure for collecting data on the levels of satisfaction which, according to health and social services staff, might be experienced by individuals with an intellectual disability who attend residential institutions and community‐based day centres. The factor analyses supported a three‐factor structure for the EQLI and reliability estimates of scores on the three factors were in the moderate to high range. The data collected supported convergent and discriminant validity.

Conclusions  The results indicate that the EQLI is an effective measure for gaining staff perceptions of individuals who may be at risk of dissatisfaction with various QoL domains. The EQLI is as an instrument which, within a multidimensional assessment, could contribute to the identification of areas of user dissatisfaction with services.
Community and cluster centre residential services for adults with intellectual disability: long‐term results from an Australian‐matched sample
Authors: Young L.
Published: January 2006

Background  Changes in residential accommodation models for adults with intellectual disability (ID) over the last 20 years in Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States have involved relocation from institutions primarily into dispersed homes in the community. But an evolving alternative service style is the cluster centre.

Methods  This paper reports on the relocation of a matched group of 30 pairs of adults with moderate and severe IDs and challenging behaviour who were relocated from an institution into either dispersed housing in the community or cluster centres but under the same residential service philosophy. Adaptive and maladaptive behaviour, choice‐making and objective life quality were assessed prior to leaving the institution and then after 12 and 24 months of living in the new residential model.

Results  Adaptive behaviour, choice‐making and life quality increased for both groups and there was no change in level of maladaptive behaviour compared with levels exhibited in the institution. However, there were some significant differences between the community and cluster centre group as the community group increased some adaptive skills, choice‐making and objective life quality to a greater extent than the cluster centre group.

Conclusions  Both cluster centre and dispersed community living offer lifestyle and skill development advantages compared with opportunities available in large residential institutions. Dispersed community houses, however, offer increased opportunities for choice‐making, acquisition of adaptive behaviours and improved life quality for long‐term institutionalized adults with IDs.
A multiple case study of verbal short‐term memory in velo‐cardio‐facial syndrome
Authors: Majerus S. , Glaser B. , Van der Linden M. , Eliez S.
Published: January 2006

Background  Velo‐cardio‐facial syndrome (VCFS, 22q11.2 deletion) is characterized by severely delayed language development. The current study explored the integrity of verbal short‐term memory (STM), a cognitive function critically involved in language development, in eight children with VCFS.

Methods  Using a multiple case study design, we presented a series of STM tasks exploring immediate serial recall for word and non‐word lists to eight children with VCFS (aged 8–12 years) and to chronological‐age‐matched control groups. A first task assessed the integrity of phonological coding in verbal STM by comparing recall for phonologically similar and dissimilar words. Subsequently, the interaction between verbal knowledge and STM capacity was investigated by comparing recall for high‐ and low‐imageability words, for high‐ and low‐frequency words, and for words and non‐words. A final task assessed short‐term serial order recognition for digit sequences.

Results  When computing the number of items recalled in the word recall tasks, independently of their serial position, only one child presented consistent difficulties. Short‐term recall of non‐words was normal in each child. Phonological similarity and verbal knowledge influenced STM performance to a similar extent in children with VCFS and controls. On the other hand, when applying a strict serial recall criterion, difficulties with the word and non‐word recall tasks were observed in most children. Half of the patients were also impaired in the serial order recognition task.

Conclusions  Despite mild intellectual disability, it is possible for short‐term retention capacities for verbal item information to be at an age‐appropriate level in VCFS. However, STM for serial order information could be impaired more specifically.
Assessing reliability of microsatellite genotypes from kit fox faecal samples using genetic and GIS analyses
Authors: SMITH D. A. , RALLS K. , HURT A. , ADAMS B. , PARKER M. , MALDONADO J. E.
Published: January 2006

Noninvasive faecal DNA sampling has the potential to provide a wealth of information necessary for monitoring and managing endangered species while eliminating the need to capture, handle or observe rare individuals. However, scoring problems, and subsequent genotyping errors, associated with this monitoring method remain a great concern as they can lead to misidentification of individuals and biased estimates. We examined a kit fox scat data set (353 scats; 80 genotypes) for genotyping errors using both genetic and GIS analyses, and evaluated the feasibility of combining both approaches to assess reliability of the faecal DNA results. We further checked the appropriateness of using faecal genotypes to study kit fox populations by describing information about foxes that we could deduce from the ‘acceptable’ scat genotypes, and comparing it to information gathered with traditional field techniques. Overall, genetic tests indicated that our data set had a low rate of genotyping error. Furthermore, examination of distributions of scat locations confirmed our data set was relatively error free. We found that analysing information on sex primer consistency and scat locations provided a useful assessment of scat genotype error, and greatly limited the amount of additional laboratory work that was needed to identify potentially ‘false’ scores. ‘Acceptable’ scat genotypes revealed information on sex ratio, relatedness, fox movement patterns, latrine use, and size of home range. Results from genetic and field data were consistent, supporting the conclusion that our data set had a very low rate of genotyping error and that this noninvasive method is a reliable approach for monitoring kit foxes.
Isolation by distance within a river system: genetic population structuring of Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar, in tributaries of the Varzuga River in northwest Russia
Authors: PRIMMER C. R. , VESELOV A. J. , ZUBCHENKO A. , POUTUTKIN A. , BAKHMET I. , KOSKINEN M. T.
Published: January 2006

An important issue for designing any conservation programme aimed at preserving genetic diversity is estimation of the scale at which genetic structuring occurs. Additional relevant factors include distinguishing whether or not population structuring is expected to be stable as predicted by the member‐vagrant hypothesis, or alternatively, whether populations are more prone to local extinction–recolonization processes, as predicted by the metapopulation evolutionary model. In this study, the population genetic structure of Atlantic salmon from 11 locations within or nearby the Varzuga River tributary system was assessed using 17 microsatellites. Mantel tests and spatial autocorrelation analyses revealed a significant isolation‐by‐distance signal within the tributary system as well as a negative association between the level of genetic diversity and waterway distance from the river mouth, indicating that dispersal is less likely to occur to populations deep in the tributary system. Individual‐level spatial autocorrelation analyses indicated that the majority of migration occurred between populations situated within 20 km of each other. The relatively high level of genetic structuring and significant isolation‐by‐distance signal observed in the Varzuga tributaries are concordant with the predictions of the member‐vagrant evolutionary model. However, one subpopulation in particular revealed signs of instability which may be due to its location in the tidal zone, or due to the fact that it is more affected by human impacts. The results suggest that preservation of a number of spawning sites spaced throughout the tributary system is recommendable for ensuring sustainable fishing tourism in the river.
Defects in N‐glycosylation induce apoptosis in yeast
Authors: Hauptmann Peter , Riel Constanze , Kunz‐Schughart Leoni A. , Fröhlich Kai‐Uwe , Madeo Frank , Lehle Ludwig
Published: January 2006

N‐glycosylation in the endoplasmic reticulum is an essential protein modification and highly conserved in evolution from yeast to man. Defects of N‐glycosylation in humans lead to congenital disorders. The pivotal step of this pathway is the transfer of the evolutionarily conserved lipid‐linked core‐oligosaccharide to the nascent polypeptide chain, catalysed by the oligosaccharyltransferase. One of its nine subunits, Ost2, has homology to DAD1, originally characterized in hamster cells as a defender against apoptotic death. Here we show that ost mutants, such as ost2 and wbp1‐1, display morphological and biochemical features of apoptosis upon induction of the glycosylation defect. We observe nuclear condensation, DNA fragmentation as well as externalization of phosphatidylserine. We also demonstrate induction of caspase‐like activity, both determined by flow cytometric analysis and in cell‐free extracts. Similarly, the N‐glycosylation inhibitor tunicamycin in combination with elevated temperature is able to challenge the apoptotic cascade. Heterologous expression of anti‐apoptotic human Bcl‐2 diminishes caspase activation, improves survival of cells and suppresses the temperature‐sensitive growth defect of wbp1‐1. Furthermore, accumulation of reactive oxygen species occurs in response to defective glycosylation. As deletion of the metacaspase YCA1 does not seem to abrogate glycosylation‐induced apoptosis, we postulate a different proteolytic process to be involved in this death pathway.
Male Diachasma alloeum parasitoids from two host species of tephritid fruit flies respond equally to female‐produced sex pheromone
Authors: Stelinski L. L. , Pelz‐Stelinski K. S. , Gut L. J.
Published: January 2006

Abstract.  Diachasma alloeum is a braconid wasp that parasitizes hawthorn‐infesting Rhagoletis pomonella and blueberry‐infesting Rhagoletis mendax, both tephritid fruit fly sibling species. The behavioural responses of male D. alloeum originating from both fruit fly host species to hexane extracts of conspecific females originating from both host species and females of various mating status are investigated in a laboratory Y‐tube olfactometer. Male D. alloeum originating from either R. mendax or R. pomonella respond to one whole‐body, female equivalent hexane extract in equal frequency as to a live, virgin female; this response is at least 7.5‐fold greater than to solvent controls. Male D. alloeum originating from R. mendax or R. pomonella are attracted to hexane extracts of female D. alloeum abdomens but not to extracts of the head and thorax regions. Virgin D. alloeum females attract significantly more male D. alloeum originating from either host species compared with mated females of the same age. Copulation behaviour between same host and mixed host pairs appears to be identical. Male D. alloeum are equally responsive to the female‐produced sex pheromone of female D. alloeum, irrespective of females' host‐species origin, suggesting that these host‐specific populations can potentially interbreed.
Rates of metabolism in diapausing and reproductively active tropical butterflies, Euploea core and Euploea sylvester (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae)
Authors: Canzano Andrea A. , Krockenberger Andrew A. , Jones Rhondda E. , Seymour Jamie E.
Published: January 2006

Abstract.  Although the ecology of diapause has been widely studied in the field, the underlying physiological responses occurring in tropical diapausing insects remain virtually unexplored. This is especially the case with rates of respiration in diapausing tropical insect species. The present study compares rates of metabolism, as assessed by measurement of carbon dioxide production, between two species of diapausing and reproductively active tropical butterflies, Euploea core (W.S Macleay) and Euploea sylvester (Fabricius), independent of temperature. Measurement of metabolism over a day‐time/night‐time regime confirms that these tropical butterflies display a diurnal rhythm in accordance with many other tropical and temperate insect species, regardless of developmental state. In addition, diapausing Euploea butterflies display rates of carbon dioxide production only 28% lower than those of reproductively active butterflies, and can terminate diapause within days of receiving the correct cues. Maintaining a similar metabolic rate throughout diapause, as well as a rapid termination of diapause, would enable these tropical butterflies to respond immediately to larval host plant resources, without the disadvantage of missing optimum conditions, allowing the species to maximize their reproductive potential.
Gene regulation during cold acclimation in plants
Authors: Chinnusamy Viswanathan , Zhu Jianhua , Zhu Jian‐Kang
Published: January 2006

Cold acclimation involves precise signaling and regulation of the transcriptome. The plasma membrane may be the primary cold‐stress sensor, and FRY1/HOS2 inositol polyphosphate 1‐phosphatase regulates cytosolic inositol‐1,4,5‐triphosphate levels, which in turn control cytosolic Ca2+ signatures and cold acclimation. Cold‐induced reactive oxygen species may activate a mitogen‐activated protein kinase cascade (AtMEKK1‐AtMKK2‐AtMPK4/6) that regulates tolerance to freezing and other abiotic stresses. Cold acclimation induces the expression of the C‐repeat binding transcription factors (CBF), which in turn activate many downstream genes that confer chilling and freezing tolerance to plants. The constitutively expressed myelocytomatosis‐type basic helix‐loop‐helix transcription factor inducer of CBF expression 1 (ICE1) regulates the transcription of CBFs and other cold‐induced regulons and freezing tolerance. ICE1 is probably negatively regulated by ubiquitination, which may be mediated by the HOS1 RING finger protein. The ICE1‐CBF pathway positively regulates the expression of cysteine‐2 and histidine‐2 zinc finger transcriptional repressors, which are under the negative control of LOS2, a bi‐functional enolase. In a CBF‐independent pathway, the transcription factors HOS9 (a homeodomain type) and HOS10 (a R2R3 myeloblastosis type) play pivotal roles in the regulation of cold‐responsive genes and freezing tolerance. The signaling process from sensors to transcription factors and to cellular responses needs further understanding. Also, cold‐stress signaling in reproductive tissues is still largely unknown.
Roles of β‐amylase and starch breakdown during temperatures stress
Authors: Kaplan Fatma , Sung Dong Yul , Guy Charles L.
Published: January 2006

A primary role of β‐amylase (BMY) is to produce maltose during hydrolytic starch degradation. In photosynthetic organs, BMY activity is present in the chloroplast, where substrate starch is localized. BMY activity is also found in the vacuole and cytosol, where starch is not known to be localized suggesting additional roles in glucan degradation. Transcript levels and activity of different isoforms are regulated by different stimuli including cold, heat and drought stress. However, little is known about the functional role of BMY during environmental stresses. Recently, the functionality of one of the chloroplastic forms of Arabidopsis, ct‐Bmy/BMY8/BAM3, has been shown to be needed for the protection of PSII photochemical efficiency following freezing stress by presumably catalyzing the synthesis of maltose, which acts as a cryoprotectant compound and precursor of soluble sugar metabolism. Still, there remain important questions about how the mobilization of starch through maltose and glucose can lead to the accumulation of cryoprotectant soluble carbohydrates during cold acclimation.
Histidine kinase Hik33 is an important participant in cold‐signal transduction in cyanobacteria
Authors: Murata Norio , Los Dmitry A.
Published: January 2006

Acclimation of living organisms to cold stress begins with the perception and transduction of the cold signal. However, traditional methods failed to identify the sensors and transducers of cold stress. Therefore, we combined systematic mutagenesis of potential sensors and transducers with DNA microarray analysis in an attempt to identify these components in the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803. We identified histidine kinase Hik33 as a potential cold sensor and found that Hik33 participates in the regulation of the expression of more than 60% of the cold‐inducible genes. Further study revealed that Hik33 is also involved in the perception of hyperosmotic stress and salt stress and transduction of the signals. Complexity of responses to cold and other environmental stresses is discussed.
Phosphoproteomics as a tool to unravel plant regulatory mechanisms
Authors: De La Fuente van Bentem Sergio , Roitinger Elisabeth , Anrather Dorothea , Csaszar Edina , Hirt Heribert
Published: January 2006

Reversible phosphorylation of proteins plays a key role in many regulatory processes that lie at the basis of life. With plants, much research has focused on protein kinases that are involved in the adaptation to different stress conditions, such as pathogen attack and cold. However, the substrates of these kinases are mostly unknown. With the recent advances in phosphoproteomic techniques, the large‐scale identification of kinase substrates, including their phosphorylation sites, is finally possible. Studies in mainly non‐plant systems have demonstrated the high potential of this method by uncovering numerous novel phosphorylation events. In this minireview, we focus on recent developments in the field of phosphoproteomics that are based on phosphopeptide isolation from complex mixtures by immobilized metal‐affinity chromatography coupled to sequence identification by mass spectrometry. Combination of these methods with labelling techniques now allows quantitative analysis of phosphorylation between different samples. We discuss the potential of this technology to uncover entire phosphoproteomes and signalling pathways in plants in the future.
Cold comfort: plant antifreeze proteins
Authors: Moffatt Barbara , Ewart Vanya , Eastman Ann
Published: January 2006

This chapter begins with a historical review of the scientific contributions to plant antifreeze protein biology made by Dr. Marilyn Griffith. Then the current state of knowledge on this topic is outlined, focusing on recent advances in understanding the roles of these proteins as modulators of freezing and ice recrystallization, and the mechanisms by which they function at the molecular level. The goal of this chapter is to highlight a fascinating series of achievements over a too brief career and to set the framework for other investigators who wish to take this up this area of research.
Anaphylactic reaction to patent blue V after sentinel lymph node biopsy
Authors: Dewachter P. , Mouton‐Faivre C. , Benhaijoub A. , Abel‐Decollogne F. , Mertes P. M.
Published: January 2006

Background:  We report a documented grade III IgE‐mediated hypersensitivity reaction associated with the use of 2.5% patent blue V dye for sentinel lymph node biopsy during breast cancer surgery.

Methods:  Immediately after the reaction, when hemodynamic stability was obtained, plasma histamine was measured whereas serum tryptase was not. Six weeks later, with the patient's consent, cutaneous tests to patent blue V dye, methylene blue dye, latex and all drugs used during surgery were performed according to standardized procedures.

Results and conclusion:  Clinical symptoms, biological assessment results and cutaneous tests positivity confirmed the onset of an anaphylactic reaction due to patent blue V. Of interest, the positivity of the cutaneous tests observed with patent blue V was not found with methylene blue which might be proposed for further investigations in our patient. This case report confirms the need for systematic allergological investigation of all drugs and substances administered during the peri‐operative period in case of an immediate hypersensitivity reaction occurring during anesthesia.
Immersion booster vaccination effect on sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax L.) juveniles*
Authors: Angelidis P.
Published: January 2006

In each challenge 30 sea bass juveniles (mean weight 3.3 ± 0.2 g SD) were used. During the whole experiment (water T: 18 ± 1 °C) the fish were held in four 50l seawater independent recirculation systems (one fish group per 50l system). The protection to the pathogen Vibrio anguillarum was tested on booster vaccinated sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax L.) juveniles. The vaccination was performed by immersion for 60 s in a commercial anti‐V. anguillarum vaccine suspension. Booster vaccination took place 60 days after the initial immunization. Thirty days after the booster vaccination all the fish received intraperitoneally (IP) 3.0 × 106 cfu/fish (colony forming units) virulent V. anguillarum bacteria. The booster vaccination showed a strong protection effect on the challenged sea bass. In the next 20 days after the challenge the mortality was 0% among the booster vaccinated sea bass, 10% among the once vaccinated fish and 50% in the control group (unvaccinated fish). No mortality was observed among the unvaccinated sea bass injected IP with sterile normal saline by the challenge.
Assessment of dietary zinc requirement of weaned piglets fed diets with or without microbial phytase
Authors: Revy P. S. , Jondreville C. , Dourmad J. Y. , Nys Y.
Published: January 2006

Fifty‐four pigs, weaned at 26 days of age at an average body weight of 7.74 kg were used in a 26‐day experiment to assess the zinc requirement of piglets, using diets based on maize and soybean meal, with or without microbial phytase. The nine experimental diets were the basal diet containing 33 mg of zinc/kg supplemented with 10, 25, 40, 60 or 80 mg of zinc as sulphate (ZnSO4, 7H2O)/kg and the basal diet supplemented with 0, 10, 25 or 40 mg of zinc as sulphate/kg and 700 units (U) of microbial phytase (Natuphos®)/kg. Pigs were fed the basal diet for a 7‐day adjustment period prior to the 19‐day experimental period. Microbial phytase enhanced plasma alkaline phosphatase (AP) activity, plasma zinc and bone zinc concentrations. These parameters increased linearly with zinc intake, with a similar slope with and without phytase. The response of bone zinc‐to‐zinc added did not plateau. Without microbial phytase, plasma AP activity and zinc concentration were maximized when dietary zinc reached 86 and 92 mg/kg respectively. With microbial phytase they were maximized when dietary zinc concentration reached 54 and 49 mg/kg respectively. Accounting for a safety margin, the recommended supply of zinc for weaned piglets up to 16 kg fed maize–soybean meal diets supplemented with zinc as sulphate is thus of 100–110 mg/kg diet. This supply may be reduced by around 35 mg if the diet is supplemented with 700 U of microbial phytase.
Nutritional physiology of neonatal calves*
Authors: Blum J. W.
Published: January 2006

The gastrointestinal tract of neonatal calves is relatively mature but still requires morphological and functional changes. The intake of colostrum with its nutrient and non‐nutrient components exerts marked effects on gastrointestinal development and function. Colostrum intake provides immunoprotection (passive immunity by immunoglobulins) and is essential for survival of neonates of most species. Furthermore, there are important transient as well as long‐lasting systemic effects on the nutritional status, on metabolism, and on various endocrine systems due to intake of nutrient and non‐nutrient colostral components that contribute to survival in the stressful postnatal period. Colostrum is much more than just a supplier of immunoglobulins.
Effects of a probiotic Enterococcus faecium strain supplemented from birth to weaning on diarrhoea patterns and performance of piglets*
Authors: Zeyner A. , Boldt E.
Published: January 2006

This placebo‐controlled double‐blind study was conducted to evaluate effects of Enterococcus faecium DSM 10663 NCIMB 10415 (EcF) orally given from birth to weaning on diarrhoea and performance of piglets. At the first 3 days postnatum (p.n.), piglets from 54 [verum group (VG)] and 60 [placebo group (PG)] sows got 1 g of a gel directly per mouth by a dosing device. Gel for the VG contained 2.8 × 109 colony forming units (CFU) EcF/g. From day 4 p.n. until weaning (24 ± 3.2 days p.n.) a liquid additive was given that administered twice a day 1.26 × 109 CFU EcF to each VG piglet. In case of diarrhoea, an electrolyte solution was used which provided daily 2.9 and 5.8 (week 1 and ≥ 2, respectively) × 108 CFU EcF per VG piglet. Diarrhoea scores were defined as follows: (i) no diarrhoea; (ii) piglets developed diarrhoea, but were vital and (iii) piglets suffered from diarrhoea and additionally looked pale, developed rough coat, showed slackening of the flank and lethargy. Counts of viable born, stillborn and weaned piglets were normal and not different between groups (p > 0.05). Placebo group vs. VG piglets suffered more frequently from diarrhoea (40.0 vs. 14.8%, p < 0.05). Duration of diarrhoea was not affected by feeding EcF (2.2 ± 0.81 days, p > 0.05). Diarrhoea score was lower in VG vs. PG (1.2 vs. 1.5 ± 0.54, p < 0.05) and the daily weight gain (DWG) was higher by 17 g/day (p < 0.05). Results suggest that the daily oral supplementation of EcF from birth to weaning reduces the portion of piglets suffering from diarrhoea. This may improve performance, as the higher DWG indicates. In contrast, no obvious benefit seems to result from an additional supply of EcF via electrolyte solution when diarrhoea is always present.
Effects of feeding deoxynivalenol contaminated wheat on growth performance, organ weights and histological parameters of the intestine of broiler chickens*
Authors: Awad W. A. , Böhm J. , Razzazi‐Fazeli E. , Zentek J.
Published: January 2006

A feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of moderate dietary concentrations of deoxynivalenol (DON) during a 21‐day feeding experiment on the performance of broilers. Fifteen 1‐day‐old broiler chicks were randomly divided into two groups. The control group was fed non‐contaminated diet. Another group of broilers was fed a diet naturally contaminated with 5 mg DON/kg diet. Deoxynivalenol had no effect (p > 0.05) on feed consumption, feed conversion, body‐weight gain, live body weight or mortality. The absolute and relative weight of the organs (gizzard, pancreas, heart, spleen, colon and caecum) were not altered by the dietary inclusion of DON contaminated grain. However, both the absolute and relative weight of small intestine was decreased (p < 0.01) in DON fed broilers compared to the controls. No gross lesions were detected in any of the organs of birds fed contaminated wheat during the feeding trial. The microscopic examination revealed that, the height and the width of villi in duodenum decreased (p < 0.05) in birds fed DON contaminated wheat compared to controls. On the other hand the height and the width of jejunum villi were not affected (p > 0.05). This study indicates that feeding DON for 21 days to broiler chickens at a concentration of up to 5 mg/kg of diet influenced the weight of the small intestine as well as intestinal histology, especially the duodenum, as evidenced by shorter and thinner villi. In conclusion, diets with DON contamination below levels that induce negative impact on health and performance cauld affect small intestinal morphology in broilers.
Role of gap junctional coupling in astrocytic networks in the determination of global ischaemia‐induced oxidative stress and hippocampal damage
Authors: Perez Velazquez Jose L. , Kokarovtseva Larisa , Sarbaziha Raheleh , Jeyapalan Zina , Leshchenko Yevgen
Published: January 2006

While there is evidence that gap junctions play important roles in the determination of cell injuries, there is not much known about mechanisms by which gap junctional communication may exert these functions. Using a global model of transient ischaemia in rats, we found that pretreatment with the gap junctional blockers carbenoxolone, 18α‐glycyrrhetinic acid and endothelin, applied via cannulae implanted into the hippocampus in one hemisphere, resulted in decreased numbers of TUNEL‐positive neurons, as compared with the contralateral hippocampus that received saline injection. Post‐treatment with carbenoxolone for up to 30 min after the stroke injury still resulted in decreased cell death, but post‐treatment at 90 min after the ischaemic insult did not result in differences in cell death. However, quinine, an inhibitor of Cx36‐mediated gap junctional coupling, did not result in appreciable neuroprotection. Searching for a possible mechanism for the observed protective effects, possible actions of the gap junctional blockers in the electrical activity of the hippocampus during the ischaemic insult were assessed using intracerebral recordings, with no differences observed between the saline‐injected and the contralateral drug‐injected hippocampus. However, a significant reduction in lipid peroxides, a measure of free radical formation, in the hippocampus treated with carbenoxolone, revealed that the actions of gap junctional coupling during injuries may be causally related to oxidative stress. These observations suggest that coupling in glial networks may be functionally important in determining neuronal vulnerability to oxidative injuries.
Sensitivity to optic flow in human cortical areas MT and MST
Authors: Smith A. T. , Wall M. B. , Williams A. L. , Singh K. D.
Published: January 2006

The macaque V5/MT complex comprises several sub‐regions but little is known of their human homologues. We examined human V5/MT with fMRI in terms of specificity to optic flow stimuli, a key characteristic of macaque MST. Stimuli were large fields of moving dots, forming coherent global flow patterns. Random motion was used as a control. Retinotopic mapping was also conducted. The previously suggested existence of at least two distinct sub‐regions, MT and MST, within the V5/MT complex was confirmed. Human MT is activated about equally by all moving dot patterns, including random motion, suggesting that it has little sensitivity to global flow structure. As previously described, this region shows strong signs of retinotopic organization and is only weakly activated by stimuli confined to the ipsilateral hemifield. In human MST, located immediately anterior to MT and strongly driven by ipsilateral stimuli, activation varies markedly with optic flow structure. The strongest activation is produced by complex flow that contains multiple flow components (expansion, contraction and rotation). Single components produce rather less response, while rigid translation and random motion produce less still. The results suggest that human MST is strongly specialized for encoding global flow properties, while human MT is less so.