bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of sucrose concentrations and fly age on feeding responses and survival of female and male western cherry fruit flies, Rhagoletis indifferens
Authors: Yee Wee L.
Published: June 2003

Abstract. The effects of single meals of different sucrose concentrations on feeding responses and survival of 8–24‐h‐old, 1–2‐, 10–12‐ and 31–36‐day‐old female and male western cherry fruit flies, Rhagoletis indifferens Curran, were determined. Feeding time and food consumption response patterns in both sexes within age groups were curvilinear. Feeding times increased as sucrose concentrations increased, and were longest when the sucrose concentration was 100% (dry). Consumption of dilute wet sucrose was low, whereas consumption of concentrated wet sucrose was high. However, consumption of dry, 100% sucrose was also low. One to 2‐day‐old flies of both sexes that had not previously fed consumed more sucrose foods than unfed 8–24‐h‐old flies and 10–12‐ and 31–36‐day‐old flies that had been starved for 16–24 h. Females consumed more than males, but they consumed the same amount as males per mg bodyweight. When fed single 20% and 60% sucrose meals, 1–2‐day‐old flies survived longer compared to flies in all other age groups, with 31–36‐day‐old flies surviving shortest. Despite age‐related differences in survival, in general, no sex differences in survival were seen in flies fed sucrose within any age groups, or in flies fed sucrose‐yeast, cherry juice and honeydew foods. The results suggest that sugar‐feeding behaviours and the energy invested in sugar ‘seeking’ by both sexes of R. indifferens should be the same throughout life.
Isozyme and RAPD variation among Phytophthora colocasiae isolates from South‐east Asia and the Pacific
Authors: Lebot V. , Herail C. , Gunua T. , Pardales J. , Prana M. , Thongjiem M. , Viet N.
Published: June 2003

Isozyme variation was studied in 94 isolates of Phytophthora colocasiae originating from Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam. Eight polymorphic enzyme systems (HK, PGM, PGI, Gluco, MDH, ICD, 6PDH, ME) revealed 52 isozyme patterns (zymotypes), each uniquely characterized by the presence or absence of 60 electromorphs. A core sample of 20 isolates was subsequently analysed with RAPD markers. Seven primers were used successfully and all profiles were reproducible. Clear bands were revealed and, in some cases, allowed differentiation between isolates exhibiting identical zymotypes. Results indicate that throughout this vast geographic region, taro leaf blight is caused by numerous and distinct strains that are genetically variable. Variation occurs within and between countries. The geographical distribution of zymotypes shows that none is common to two different countries. Although the differences in pathogenicity are not yet established, different P. colocasiae genotypes are likely to recombine and evolve rapidly as this species is heterothallic. From these results, a long‐term breeding strategy is recommended for taro (Colocasia esculenta) based on recurrent selection using a wide genetic base composed of carefully selected parents from diverse geographic origins to maximize multigenic resistance in progenies.
Purification and some properties of Papaya meleira virus, a novel virus infecting papayas in Brazil
Authors: Maciel‐Zambolim E. , Kunieda‐Alonso S. , Matsuoka K. , De Carvalho M. G. , Zerbini F. M.
Published: June 2003

‘Meleira’, or ‘sticky disease’, is currently the most damaging papaya disease in the mid‐eastern Brazilian growing regions. Consistent disease transmission via latex injection, presence of similar isometric particles in the laticiferous vessels of diseased plants, and detection of double‐stranded DNA in naturally and experimentally infected papaya trees suggest that a virus is the causal agent. Conclusive evidence for viral aetiology was previously lacking, mostly because every attempt to purify the putative virus from infected papayas had failed. Following the successful purification and partial characterization of the meleira virus, healthy papaya seedlings injected with purified virus particles later developed typical symptoms of the disease. Negatively stained, isometric, full and ‘empty’ purified virus particles measured 42 and 38 nm, respectively. The viral genome was a single dsRNA molecule of about 12 kbp. Several capsid proteins, ranging in size from 14·4 to 45 kDa, were consistently revealed by PAGE. Papaya meleira virus (PMeV) appears to represent a novel group of viruses, with no known similar counterpart among known plant‐, vertebrate‐, invertebrate‐ or prokaryote‐infecting viruses.
Genetic diversity, presence of the syrB gene, host preference and virulence of Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae strains from woody and herbaceous host plants
Authors: Scortichini M. , Marchesi U. , Dettori M. T. , Rossi M. P.
Published: June 2003

A total of 101 Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae strains, obtained from international culture collections or isolated from diseased tissues of herbaceous and woody plant species, were assessed by repetitive PCR using the BOX primer, and for the presence of the syrB gene. Representative strains were also tested for pathogenicity to lilac, pear, peach, corn and bean, as well as for virulence to lemon and zucchini fruits. The unweighted pair‐group method using arithmethic averages analysis (UPGMA) of genomic fingerprints revealed 17 different patterns which grouped into three major clusters, A, B and C. Most of the strains (52·4%) were included in patterns 1–4 of group A. These patterns comprised strains obtained from either herbaceous or woody species, and showed four fragments of similar mobility. Genetic variability was ascertained for strains isolated from apple, pear, apricot, Citrus spp. and cereals. No clear relationship was observed between host plant and bacterial genomic fingerprint. Variability was also observed in pathogenicity and virulence tests. The inoculation of pear leaves discriminated strains isolated from pear as well as the very aggressive strains, whereas inoculation of lilac, peach and corn did not discriminate the host plant from which the strains were originally isolated. Lemon fruit inoculation proved very effective for P. syringae pv. syringae virulence assessment. The syrB gene was present in almost all strains.
Could ectoparasites act as vectors for prion diseases?
Authors: Lupi Omar
Published: June 2003

Prion diseases are rare neurodegenerative diseases of humans and animals with a lethal evolution. Several cell types found on the human skin, including keratinocytes, fibroblasts and lymphocytes, are susceptible to the abnormal infective isoform of the prion protein, which transforms the skin to produce a potential target for prion infection. Iatrogenic transmission of Creutzfeldt‐Jakob disease was also recognized after corneal transplants in humans, and scrapie was successfully transmitted to mice after ocular instillation of infected brain tissue, confirming that these new routes, as well as cerebral inoculation and oral ingestion, could be important in prion infections. Animal prion infections, such as scrapie (sheep) and “mad cow disease” (cattle), have shown a pattern of horizontal transmission in farm conditions and several ectoparasites have been shown to harbor prion rods in laboratory experiments. Fly larvae and mites were exposed to brain‐infected material and were readily able to transmit scrapie to hamsters. New lines of evidence have confirmed that adult flies are also able to express prion proteins. Because ocular and cerebral myiases and mite infestation are not rare worldwide, and most cases are caused by fly larvae or hay mites that usually affect sheep and cattle, it is important to discuss the possibility that these ectoparasites could eventually act as reservoirs and/or vectors for prion diseases.
Comparison of nickel patch test reactivity in phases of the menstrual cycle
Authors: Tamer Emine , Ikizoglu Güliz , Toy Gunes Gur , Alli Nuran
Published: June 2003

Background In earlier studies, it has been shown that severity of some diseases varies with menstrual cycle. Severity of skin diseases such as atopic dermatitis, lupus erythematosus, infections due to herpes virus, urticaria and acne were also reported to increase in the premenstrual phase. Effect of estradiol on the cellular immune system was investigated and it was found to depress the cellular immune response. In our study, we investigated whether nickel patch test reactivity was different during phases of the menstrual cycle and whether there was an increase in sensitivity to nickel during the premenstrual cycle in nickel‐sensitive women.

Methods The study consisted of 30 women who had a history of nickel sensitivity. Finn Chamber nickel patch test was applied to all 30 women by dividing them into two groups of 15 and applying the test first on days 7–10 and then on days 20–24 of the menstrual cycle or vice versa.

Results The reactions of both the groups on days 20–24 were more severe than those on days 7–10 even though the results were not statistically significant.

Conclusions Estrogens not only impair the skin barrier but also have a negative impact on the immune system. Estradiol has been proved to suppress cellular immunity. In a few studies conducted to date, the relationship between phases of the menstrual cycle and the severity of patch test reactivity has been examined with equivocal results. In our study, we observed that the presence of reactions due to nickel sensitivity was independent of the phases of the menstrual cycle. Nevertheless, we would like to point out the fact that the reactions seen in the second phase of the menstrual cycle were more severe than those seen in the first phase.
Anaphylaxis due to burdock
Authors: Sasaki Yoshinori , Kimura Yutaka , Tsunoda Takahiko , Tagami Hachiro
Published: June 2003

A 53‐year‐old Japanese man, with a history of developing urticaria (once after consuming mackerel and 10 times after consuming boiled burdock, carrot, curry, and rice), presented with redness over his entire body and dyspnea 1 h after eating boiled burdock. Physical examination revealed a low blood pressure of 64/29 mmHg and stridor, together with striking redness of the whole body; he was diagnosed to be in anaphylactic shock.

He recovered from the anaphylactic shock with subcutaneous injection of epinephrine (1 mg) and an intravenous drip of lactate Ringer's solution containing hydrocortisone (100 mg) and dexamethasone (8 mg).

Laboratory examination and skin prick test were performed 3 weeks after his first visit. The total immunoglobulin E (radioimmunosobent test) level was 190 IU/mL, and specific immunoglobulin E for mackerel and carrot was found to be negative. Skin prick test was performed on the volar forearm with burdock, carrot, and turmeric after he had not taken any medication for 1 week. It was also conducted in normal healthy persons at the same time. A skin prick was made with a PRICK‐LANCETTER® (made in Sweden) using 1% histamine chloride solution and 0.9% saline solution as positive (3+) and negative (–) controls, respectively. For skin prick tests, burdock and carrot were employed in their boiled and raw conditions. Turmeric powder was diluted to 1% and 10% in petrolatum. Skin prick tests were judged according to the recommendations of the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (Shono M. The skin test learned in Finland. Hifubyou‐Shinryoh 1999; 25 (3): 255–269; Bernstein IL. Proceedings of the task force on guidelines for standardizing old and new technologies used for the diagnosis and treatment of allergic diseases. J Allergy Clin Immunol 1988; 82: 487–526). The results of the skin prick tests (Table 1) were positive for raw and boiled burdock and carrot, but negative for turmeric (Fig. 1). Two normal healthy controls showed negative responses to all substances.

Results of skin prick test

Wheal size (mm)
Score

Boiled burdock
3 × 4
(3+)

Boiled carrot
3 × 3
(3+)

Raw burdock
3 × 4
(3+)

Raw carrot
3 × 3
(3+)

1% turmeric diluted with petrolatum
0 × 0
(–)

10% turmeric diluted with petrolatum
0 × 0
(–)

1% histamine chloride
4 × 4
(3+)

Normal saline
–
(–)

Skin prick tests performed on the flexor surface of the forearm (left: 1, boiled burdock; 2, boiled carrot; 3, raw burdock; 4, raw carrot; right: 5, 1% turmeric; 6, 10% turmeric; 7, histamine chloride; 8, normal saline)

image

This is the first case report of anaphylaxis due to burdock.
Chemotherapy induced transverse leukonychia in children
Authors: Yoruk Asim , Yukselgungor Handan
Published: June 2003

Transverse white nail banding can be inherited or caused by various diseases and medications, including cancer chemotherapeutic agents, retinoids, tetracyclines, antimalarials, sulfonamides, pilocarpine, cortisone and zidovudine. Neither a specific drug nor classes of cancer chemotherapeutics were associated more frequently than the other with acquired transverse leukonychia in patients with cancer.

Here we report transverse leukonychia in four children with cancer receiving different chemotherapeutic agents.
Measuring the severity of rosacea: a review
Authors: Gessert Charles E. , Bamford Joel T. M.
Published: June 2003

Background  Assessment of severity is essential in the clinical care of rosacea patients and in the research on rosacea.

Objective  To determine the range of methods used to assess rosacea severity in clinical trials.

Methods  The medical literature from 1965 through 2001 was searched for rosacea clinical trials using MEDLINE and published citations. Forty‐seven articles were reviewed.

Results  The most frequently assessed signs of rosacea were papules/pustules (43 studies), erythema (35), and telangiectasia (24). Other signs and symptoms of rosacea and adverse reactions to therapies were assessed in 27 studies. Counts of papules/pustules were conducted in 34 studies. Four‐point scales were the most frequently used assessment tools for erythema (17) and telangiectasia (11). Other frequently used techniques included global assessment by clinicians (29) and by patients (21), and photography (13).

Conclusions  At present, there are no standard validated tools for assessing the severity of rosacea or its signs or symptoms.
Lasers for facial rejuvenation: a review
Authors: Papadavid Evangelia , Katsambas Andreas
Published: June 2003

Background Different types of laser are used for resurfacing and collagen remodeling in cutaneous laser surgery.

Methods A systematic review was performed of the different types of laser currently employed for skin rejuvenation. These systems are either ablative [high‐energy pulsed or scanned carbon dioxide (CO2) laser emitting at a wavelength of 10,600 nm, single‐ or variable‐pulse or dual ablative/coagulative mode erbium:yttrium aluminum garnet (Er:YAG) laser emitting at a wavelength of 2940 nm, or systems combining both 10,600 nm and 2940 nm wavelengths] or nonablative [Q‐switched neodymium:yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser emitting at a wavelength of 1064 nm, Nd:YAG laser emitting at a wavelength of 1320 nm, or diode laser emitting at a wavelength of 1450 nm]. Different protocols, patient selection, treatment techniques, and complications are discussed for each system.

Results New‐generation CO2 resurfacing lasers have been successful in the treatment of photodamaged skin and scarring, with a postoperative morbidity dependent on the depth of thermal damage. Because of its minimal penetration, the pulsed Er:YAG laser, usually used in the treatment of more superficial rhytides, produces less postoperative morbidity. Novel ablative systems have been developed and a further understanding of laser–tissue interaction has led to the design of nonablative systems for the treatment of rhytides, scarring, and photodamaged skin, the efficacy and profile of which remain to be evaluated in the long term.

Conclusions There are several effective techniques for scar revision and the treatment of aged skin, but all have their drawbacks due to a lack of precise depth control and unwanted damage to the lower layers of the dermis. The Er:YAG laser is the treatment of choice for fine lines and superficial scars, whereas the CO2 laser is better for deeper rhytides and scars. In the future, a combination of lasers may be used for facial rejuvenation.
Sweet's syndrome with neurologic manifestation: case report and literature review
Authors: Nobeyama Yoshimasa , Kamide Ryoichi
Published: June 2003

Background Sweet's syndrome with involvement of the central nervous system (CNS) is rarely reported.

Methods We describe a Japanese woman with Sweet's syndrome associated with acute‐onset encephalitis and review literatures.

Results Examination of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) revealed pleocytosis with lymphocytes predominant. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed increased signal intensity on T2‐weighted scans in the left temporal lobe.

To our knowledge, 22 cases of Sweet's syndrome associated with CNS involvement have been reported. The mean age is 47.6 years (n = 22). Sex distribution (male : female) is 12 : 10 (n = 22). The most common neurologic symptoms are convulsions, headaches, and disturbance of consciousness. CSF cell count is increased with lymphocytes predominant in 8 cases (n = 12). Certain (HLA) types (B54 and Cw1) may be characteristic findings in Sweet's syndrome accompanied with the CNS involvement in Japanese patients, as these were found in four previous cases similar to the present case.

Conclusions Although Sweet's syndrome with neurologic manifestations is rarely reported, it may be needed to investigate neurologic manifestations.
Lung carcinoma with congenital plantar keratoderma as a variant of Clarke‐Howel‐Evans syndrome
Authors: Grundmann Jens‐Uwe , Weisshaar Elke , Franke Ingolf , Bonnekoh Bernd , Gollnick Harald
Published: June 2003

A 32‐year‐old man was admitted to the Magdeburg University Hospital with icterus and for further diagnosis of suspected hepatitis. He also complained of generalized pruritus, abdominal pain, nausea, and diarrhea. The patient's history revealed the excision of a lymph node metastasis of the left groin showing pleomorphic macrocellular infiltrates, 2 months previously. The patient presented to our department with prominent hyperkeratosis of both feet, which had been present since early youth. The family history was negative. Both soles showed very thick, white and blackish hyperkeratosis with predominance of the heels and the forefeet (Fig. 1). The naturally occurring wrinkles of the skin of the toes were flattened. The palms were not affected, and neither was the oral mucosa. Further investigations revealed icterus of the sclera and multiple, firm tumors, which were located in the deep subcutaneous tissue, on the left hip, thigh, and buttock. From thorough clinical, laboratory and staging investigations, a non‐small‐cell bronchogenic carcinoma, with metastases of the liver, kidneys, adrenal glands, and several skin sites, was diagnosed.

Plantar surface of the feet showing very thick, white and blackish hyperkeratosis with predominance of the heels and the forefeet

image

A skin biopsy specimen of the foot showed substantial acanthosis of the epidermis with hypergranulosis and excessive orthohyperkeratosis. The corneocytes were enlarged and arranged in a tile‐like pattern (Fig. 2). The dermis was free of inflammatory infiltrates and human papillomavirus infection was ruled out by immunohistochemistry.

Dermatohistopathology revealing massive acanthosis of the epidermis with hypergranulosis, substantial orthohyperkeratosis, and a tile‐like pattern of the stratum corneum (hematoxylin and eosin, × 200)

image

Polychemotherapy was immediately started with 5‐fluorouracil, mitomycin, and cisplatin, which was well tolerated. When the patient was admitted for the second cycle, however, his general health had worsened markedly. He complained of abdominal pain, severe weight loss, and nausea. Generalized metastases showed substantial progression. Chemotherapy could not be continued because of a Karnowsky index below 20%. The patient died 2 weeks later.
Molecular Analysis of Zucchini yellow mosaic virus Isolates from Hangzhou, China
Authors: Zhao M.‐F. , Chen J. , Zheng H.‐Y. , Adams M. J. , Chen J.‐P.
Published: June 2003

Isolates of Zucchini yellow mosaic virus were obtained from different cucurbit crops in Hangzhou city, China. The complete nucleotide sequences of four isolates and the 3′‐terminal sequences, including the coat protein coding region, of four others were determined and then compared with other available sequences. Phylogenetic analysis of the coat protein nucleotide sequences showed that these isolates fell into three significant groups, one of which (designated group III) consisted exclusively of Chinese isolates and is reported for the first time. Comparisons over the completely sequenced genomes showed that, typically for potyviruses, the 5′‐end of the genome was usually the most variable but that the group III isolate differed from the others most significantly in the N‐terminal part of the coat protein. Partially sequenced group III isolates also varied from other isolates in this region. Group III isolates appear to differ biologically from the other isolates because they do not cause symptoms in watermelon fruit but induce more severe symptoms on the watermelon leaves.
Genetic Recombination in Colletotrichum sublineolum
Authors: Souza‐Paccola E. A. , Fávaro L. C. L. , Casela C. R. , Paccola‐Meirelles L. D.
Published: June 2003

Genetic recombination without typical parasexuality (parameiosis) was shown in the fungus Colletotrichum sublineolum, causal agent of anthracnose on sorghum. The cross among auxotrophic mutants and mutants resistant to benomyl and cycloheximide confirmed the occurrence of heterokaryosis in this species. Aneuploid and haploid recombinants were obtained from heterokaryons. Some segregants released sectors continually after several replication cycles, and were considered aneuploids in the process of haploidization. Heterokaryons derived from crosses among mutants that presented low pathogenicity produced more virulent recombinants. Parasexuality with parameiosis may represent a natural mechanism for genetic variability amplification explaining the rapid appearance of new C. sublineolum physiological races.
The Influence of Phytophthora citricola on Rhizosphere Soil Solution Chemistry and the Nutritional Status of European Beech Seedlings
Authors: Wang Z. Y. , Göttlein A. , Rodenkirchen H. , Fleischmann F. , Oßwald W.
Published: June 2003

In a rhizotron experiment the influence of Phytophthora citricola on root development, rhizosphere chemistry and nutritional status of beech seedlings was studied. After infection, the fine root system was seriously damaged and 6 weeks after inoculation some seedlings died. Plants infected with Phytophthora citricola had less steep concentration gradients of K+, Ca2+, Mg2+ and NO in the rhizosphere soil solution as compared with uninfected seedlings, which indicates reduced activity in nutrient uptake. It is concluded that plants try to compensate their deficit in fine root biomass and nutrient acquisition by retranslocation of nutrients.
Assessment of Swiss Needle Cast Disease: Temporal and Spatial Investigations of Fungal Colonization and Symptom Severity
Authors: Manter D. K. , Winton L. M. , Filip G. M. , Stone J. K.
Published: June 2003

Increasing severity of Swiss needle cast (SNC), a foliar disease of Douglas‐fir caused by the fungus Phaeocryptopus gaeumannii, has become a matter of concern in forest plantations throughout coastal Oregon and Washington. This study monitored SNC disease in three Oregon Douglas‐fir plantations bi‐annually in 1998–1999, and compared differences in fungal colonization and symptom development in trees from north‐ and south‐facing plots at each plantation. Fungal colonization as quantified by ergosterol content, pseudothecia density and quantitative PCR was significantly correlated with symptom severity (needle retention and needle cholorosis). All three measures of fungal colonization were highly correlated with each other; and only the ergosterol–pseudothecia relationship differed between plots, presumably due to the non‐species specific nature of ergosterol measurements. Differences in symptom severity and fungal colonization between north‐ and south‐aspect plots were consistent with climate differences. At low to moderate levels of infection, trees growing on warmer (i.e. south slopes in the western, and north slopes in the eastern Coast Range) slopes had higher levels of colonization, particularly during the winter months. Plots with southern exposures, which received greater amounts of solar radiation, had greater amounts of needle abscission compared to north‐aspect plots with similar amounts of fungal colonization. As a result, greater fungal abundance and symptom expression developed on south‐aspect slopes within the Oregon Coast Range.
Characterization of Fusarium oxysporum Isolates from Common Bean and Sugar Beet Using Pathogenicity Assays and Random‐amplified Polymorphic DNA Markers
Authors: Cramer R. A. , Byrne P. F. , Brick M. A. , Panella L. , Wickliffe E. , Schwartz H. F.
Published: June 2003

Fusarium wilt is an economically important fungal disease of common bean and sugar beet in the Central High Plains (CHP) region of the USA, with yield losses approaching 30% under appropriate environmental conditions. The objective of this study was to characterize genetic diversity and pathogenicity of isolates of Fusarium oxysporum obtained from common bean and sugar beet plants in the CHP that exhibited Fusarium wilt symptoms. A total of 166 isolates of F. oxysporum isolated from diseased common bean plants were screened for pathogenicity on the universal susceptible common bean cultivar ‘UI 114’. Only four of 166 isolates were pathogenic and were designated F. oxysporum f.sp. phaseoli (Fop). A set of 34 isolates, including pathogenic Fop, F. oxysporum f.sp. betae (Fob) isolates pathogenic on sugar beet, and non‐pathogenic (Fo) isolates, were selected for random‐amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis. A total of 12 RAPD primers, which generated 105 polymorphic bands, were used to construct an unweighted paired group method with arithmetic averages dendrogram based on Jaccard's coefficient of similarity. All CHP Fop isolates had identical RAPD banding patterns, suggesting low genetic diversity for Fop in this region. CHP Fob isolates showed a greater degree of diversity, but in general clustered together in a grouping distinct from Fop isolates. As RAPD markers revealed such a high level of genetic diversity across all isolates examined, we conclude that RAPD markers had only limited usefulness in correlating pathogenicity among the isolates and races in this study.
DIFFERENCES IN ACCESS TO HEALTH CARE SERVICES AMONG ADULTS IN RURAL AMERICA BY RURAL CLASSIFICATION CATEGORIES AND AGE
Authors: Zhang Ping , Tao Guoyu , Anderson Lynda A.
Published: June 2003

Objective: To study differences in excess to health care services between different population groups in rural areas of the United States.

Design: Using data from the 1994 National Health Interview Survey and the 1991 Area Resource File, we examined the differences in excess with seven measures: having a regular source of care, having a usual place of care, having health insurance coverage, delaying medical care because of cost for all rural residents; number of doctor visits, number of hospital discharges and length of hospital stay per discharge for those who reported their health as being either poor or fair. Rural residents were classified by ages and grouped into four rural classification categories that were characterised along two dimensions: adjacent to a metropolitan statistical area (MSA) (yes/no) and inclusion of a city of at least 10 000 people (yes/no).

Setting: Rural areas

Subjects: Rural populations.

Results: Residents aged 18–24 years had the worst access to services and the residents aged 65 years and over had the best access to services when measured by regular source of care, a usual place of care and health insurance status. Compared to those aged 50–64 years, residents aged 25–49 years were less likely to report having health insurance and more likely to report delaying seeking medical care because of costs. Rural residents who lived in a county adjacent to an MSA generally were less limited in access than those who lived in a county not adjacent to an MSA. Conclusions: Rural America is not a homogeneous entity in many aspects of the access to health care services.
PATTERNS OF INJURY IN INDIGENOUS AUSTRALIANS ADMITTED TO CAIRNS BASE HOSPITAL
Authors: Macintosh David J. , Pearson J. Belinda
Published: June 2003

Aim:  To study and compare the type and frequency of injury to indigenous and non‐indigenous patients admitted to the Orthopaedic Unit at Cairns Base Hospital.

Method and analysis:  Relevant statistics for all patients were entered or calculated: demographics, length of stay, comorbidity and complications were available. After Variance Analysis, age‐standardised rates of trauma were tested using confidence intervals.

Results:  Of 2254 admissions for trauma in 32 months, 23% were indigenous (12% of the catchment population). Upper limb injuries were significantly higher for all indigenes, these males being admitted three times as frequently as non‐indigenous males. Specific lesions showed greater differences and punch injuries were prominent in both indigenous sexes. Indigenous women were much more likely to be the victims of assault or fights than other groups.

Conclusions:  Personal injury costs are high in the indigenous community, in human and material terms. More resources should be directed towards injury prevention.
ABNORMAL PAP TEST RESULTS AND THE RURALITY FACTOR
Authors: Dietsch Elaine , Gibb Heather , Francis Karen
Published: June 2003

Objective:  To review the published socio‐cultural determinants that put women in rural areas at greater risk of having an abnormal Pap test result.

Design:  Literature review.

Conclusion:  An Australian woman is at increased risk of developing cervical dysplasia if she lives in a rural area, identifies as an Indigenous Australian or is from a non‐English speaking country. Being aged over 50 years, increases the risk of cervical cancer but not cervical intra‐epithelial neoplasia (CIN) 1, which peaks in the 20–24 year age group. Other connections with cervical dysplasia relate to a woman or her partner's sexual history, her nutritional status and possibly even her personality type. Smoking, social isolation, high negative life change events and having lived a ‘troubled’ life are all identified in the literature as increasing a woman's risk of having an abnormal Pap test result. Receiving an abnormal Pap test result often leads to feelings of fear, anxiety, guilt, shock, vulnerability, powerlessness, depression, shame and feeling dirty for the woman concerned. Compounding these negative feelings are social, practical and financial difficulties that have to be addressed. It is argued that social and medical models of health must complement each other to improve the well being of rural women experiencing an abnormal Pap result.

What is already known:  Innumerable studies have verified that cervical screening significantly reduces the incidence of cervical cancer and the Pap test is promoted as a tool to prevent cervical cancer. However, preventative strategies used in addition to cervical screening have rarely been considered in the literature.

What this study adds:  This review concludes that optimum health outcomes for rural women are realised when socio‐cultural considerations are articulated with cervical screening programs. It suggests possible strategies for practitioners to use to use to help reduce the incidence and impact of cervical pathology for rural women.
SELF‐REPORTED PATTERNS OF HEALTH SERVICES UTILISATION: AN URBAN–RURAL COMPARISON IN SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Authors: Dempsey Paula , Wilson David , Taylor Anne , Wilkinson David
Published: June 2003

Objective: To compare self‐reported patterns of health service utilisation among residents of urban and rural South Australia.

Design, setting and main outcome measures: Secondary analysis of data generated by computer‐assisted telephone interviews of 7377 adults done in 1995–6. Respondents were asked if they had used each of 18 different health services during the previous 12 months. Residence was classified in three ways: (1) capital city versus rest of the state, (2) by the Rural, Remote and Metropolitan Areas classification (RRMA) and (3) by the Accessibility and Remoteness Index for Australia classification (ARIA).

Results: General practitioner services were most frequently used, by approximately 89% of respondents. Only 4% reported not using any service. Comparing capital city with rest of the state, modest but statistically significant differences in utilisation (P < 0.01) were measured for nine services. In eight of these nine, utilisation was higher among rural residents. Analysing by RRMA, eight services were reportedly used differently and seven of these were the same as those identified from the capital city versus rest of state comparison. Across the five ARIA categories, six previously identified services were reported as being used differentially. Overall, rural residents had a higher than expected rate of moderate and high level of health service use.

Conclusions: Self‐reported use of a range of health services was broadly similar across urban and rural South Australia, with most cases of higher use were reported from rural areas rather than urban areas. Similar results were obtained when residence was classified in the three different ways.

What is already known on this subject: It is widely reported that the health status of and access to health services for rural Australians is worse than their urban counterparts. However, while this is clearly the case for some conditions and some groups, further data is needed to understand rural–urban health differentials better.

Few explicit comparisons of different methods of classifying rurality (RRMA, ARIA and capital city vs. the rest) have been published.

What does this study add: This study demonstrates that the self‐reported utilisation of a wide range of health services in South Australia is no worse, and is often greater, among rural residents compared to those in Adelaide.

The same conclusions are reached irrespective of the method of classifying rurality.
Sedimentary microbial community dynamics in a regulated stream: East Fork of the Little Miami River, Ohio
Authors: Sutton Susan D. , Findlay Robert H.
Published: June 2003

A field study was conducted in the Lower East Fork of the Little Miami River, a regulated stream in Clermont county, Ohio, to determine how changes in streamflow, water temperature and photo‐period affect sediment microbial community structure. Surface sediment cores were collected from sampling stations spanning 60 river kilometers three to four times per year between October 1996 and October 1999. During the final year of the field study, water temperature, water depth, conductivity, total suspended solids, dissolved organic carbon, instantaneous streamflow velocity, sediment grain size and sediment organic matter were determined. Total microbial biomass was measured using the phospholipid phosphate technique (PLP) and ranged between 2 and 134 nmol PLP • g−1 dry weight sediment with a mean of 25 nmol PLP • g−1. Microbial community structure was determined using the phospholipid fatty acid analysis and indicated seasonal shifts in sedimentary microbial community composition. January to June sedimentary microbial biomass was predominately prokaryotic (60% ± 2), whereas microeukaryotes dominated samples collected during the late summer (55% ± 2.4) and fall (60% ± 2). These changes were correlated with stream discharge and water temperature. Microbial community structure varied spatially about a reservoir with prokaryotic biomass dominant at upstream stations and eukaryotic biomass dominant at downstream stations. These findings reveal that sedimentary microbial communities in streams are dynamic responding to the seasonal variation of environmental factors.
Related assemblages of sulphate‐reducing bacteria associated with ultradeep gold mines of South Africa and deep basalt aquifers of Washington State
Authors: Baker Brett J. , Moser Duane P. , MacGregor Barbara J. , Fishbain Susan , Wagner Michael , Fry Norman K. , Jackson Brad , Speolstra Nico , Loos Steffen , Takai Ken , Lollar Barbara Sherwood , Fredrickson Jim , Balkwill David , Onstott Tullis C. , Wimpee Charles F. , Stahl David A.
Published: June 2003

We characterized the diversity of sulphate‐reducing bacteria (SRB) associated with South African gold mine boreholes and deep aquifer systems in Washington State, USA. Sterile cartridges filled with crushed country rock were installed on two hydrologically isolated and chemically distinct sites at depths of 3.2 and 2.7 km below the land surface (kmbls) to allow development of biofilms. Enrichments of sulphate‐reducing chemolithotrophic (H2) and organotrophic (lactate) bacteria were established from each site under both meso‐ and thermophilic conditions. Dissimilatory sulphite reductase (Dsr) and 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes amplified from DNA extracted from the cartridges were most closely related to the Gram‐positive species Desulfotomaculum thermosapovorans and Desulfotomaculum geothermicum, or affiliated with a novel deeply branching clade. The dsr sequences recovered from the Washington State deep aquifer systems affiliated closely with the South African sequences, suggesting that Gram‐positive sulphate‐reducing bacteria are widely distributed in the deep subsurface.
Activity and population structure of nitrifying bacteria in an activated‐sludge reactor containing polymer beads
Authors: Tanaka Jun‐ichi , Syutsubo Kazuaki , Watanabe Kazuya , Izumida Hitoshi , Harayama Shigeaki
Published: June 2003

Photo‐crosslinked polymer beads were introduced into a laboratory activated‐sludge unit containing municipal sewage sludge and the effect on nitrifying capacity was examined. The ammonia load started at a nitrogen‐loading rate of 0.02 kg m−3 day−1 and was increased stepwise. It was found that the bead‐containing unit could almost completely oxidize ammonia (over 95%) up to a nitrogen‐loading rate of 0.216 kg m−3 day−1, whereas the maximum loading rate of the control unit (without polymer beads) was 0.096 kg m−3 day−1. The nitrifying potential of suspended and bead‐associated organisms in the bead‐containing unit was measured under different loading conditions. It was found that the bead‐associated organisms exhibited high specific activities under high loading conditions and that the contribution of the bead‐associated organisms to nitrification was greater than that of the suspended solids under these conditions. The bacterial population dynamics in the suspended solids and bead‐associated organisms were analysed by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) of PCR‐amplified 16S rRNA gene fragments and by fluorescence in situ hybridization with group‐specific probes. Among the known nitrifying organisms, ammonia‐oxidizing β‐proteobacteria and Nitrospira‐related organisms were detected by these approaches. A comparison of the activity dynamics and population dynamics, however, suggested a possibility that other organisms may also have been involved in the nitrification process under high loading conditions.
Transformations of selenate and selenite by Stenotrophomonas maltophilia isolated from a seleniferous agricultural drainage pond sediment
Authors: Dungan Robert S. , Yates Scott R. , Frankenberger William T.
Published: June 2003

A Gram‐negative bacterium, identified as Stenotrophomonas maltophilia by fatty acid analysis and 16S rRNA sequencing, was isolated from a seleniferous agricultural evaporation pond sediment collected in the Tulare Lake Drainage District, California. In cultures exposed to the atmosphere, the organism reduces selenate (SeO42−) and selenite (SeO32−) to red amorphous elemental selenium (Se°) only upon reaching stationary phase, when O2 levels are less than 0.1 mg l–1. In 48 h, S. maltophilia removed 81.2% and 99.8% of added SeO42− and SeO32− (initial concentration of 0.5 mM), respectively, from solution. Anaerobic growth experiments revealed that the organism was incapable of using SeO42−, SeO32−, SO42− or NO3– as a terminal electron acceptor. Transmission electron microscopy of cultures spiked with either Se oxyanion were found to contain spherical extracellular deposits. Analysis of the deposits by energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy revealed that they consist of Se. Furthermore, S. maltophilia was active in producing volatile alkylselenides when in the presence of SeO42− and SeO32−. The volatile products were positively identified as dimethyl selenide (DMSe), dimethyl selenenyl sulphide (DMSeS) and dimethyl diselenide (DMDSe) by gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry. Our findings suggest that this bacterium may contribute to the biogeochemical cycling of Se in seleniferous evaporation pond sediments and waters. This organism may also be potentially useful in a bioremediation scheme designed to treat seleniferous agricultural wastewater.
Use of a site‐specific recombination‐based biosensor for detecting bioavailable toluene and related compounds on roots
Authors: Casavant N. Carol , Thompson Dan , Beattie Gwyn A. , Phillips Gregory J. , Halverson Larry J.
Published: June 2003

We constructed and characterized a plasmid‐based genetic system that reports the expression of a toluene‐responsive promoter (PtbuA1) by effecting an irreversible, heritable change in the biosensor cell. Expression of the reporter gene gfp is strongly repressed in the absence of expression from the PtbuA1 promoter, and high level gfp expression in the original cell and its progeny is mediated by the site‐specific recombination machinery of bacteriophage P22 to initiate removal of a repressor cassette. The reporter plasmid pTolLHB was functional in two soil saprophytes, Pseudomonas fluorescens A506 and Enterobacter cloacae JL1157, with the efficiency and sensitivity to low toluene concentrations being optimal in P. fluorescens A506. In culture, 80–100% of the A506 (pTolLHB) population expressed gfp following exposure to 0.2 µm toluene for one to three hours. Compared to the response of A506 containing a plasmid‐borne PtbuA1‐gfp fusion, the recombination‐based biosensor was more sensitive at detecting low toluene and trichloroethylene concentrations. An A506 (pTolLHB) inoculum, which had a background of 2.5% of the cells expressing gfp, was introduced onto barley roots in soil microcosms. If toluene was introduced into the microcosms, after 24 h, 72% of the A506 (pTolLHB) cells recovered from roots expressed gfp, indicating bioavailable toluene to rhizosphere bacteria. When toluene was not introduced, 16.5% of the A506 (pTolLHB) cells recovered from the roots expressed gfp, indicating that natural inducers of the PtbuA1 promoter were present in the barley rhizosphere. When introduced into rhizotrons containing barley plants and toluene vapours, the biosensor allowed localization of the availability of toluene along the seminal roots. In rhizotrons that were not exposed to toluene vapours, the biosensor exhibited high PtbuA1‐promoter activity in distinct regions along the seminal roots, indicating spatial heterogeneity plant‐ or rhizosphere microbial community‐derived inducers of the PtbuA1 promoter. This recombination‐based toluene biosensor thus was useful in identifying bacterial exposure to transient or low levels of toluene, or related compounds, directly in the environment.
The marine firewormHermodice carunculatais a winter reservoir and spring‐summer vector for the coral‐bleaching pathogenVibrio shiloi
Authors: Sussman Meir , Loya Yossi , Fine Maoz , Rosenberg Eugene
Published: June 2003

Vibrio shiloi, the causative agent of bleaching of the coralOculina patagonicain the Mediterranean Sea, is present in all bleachedO. patagonicacorals in the summer (25–30°C), but can be not detected in the coral during the winter (16–20°C). Furthermore, the pathogen can not survive inO. patagonicaat temperatures below 20°C. Using fluorescencein situhybridization (FISH) with aV. shiloi‐specific oligonucleotide probe, we found that the marine firewormHermodice caranculatais a winter reservoir forV. shiloi. Worms taken directly from the sea during the winter contained ∼ 108V. shiloiper worm by FISH analysis. However, colony‐forming units (cfu) revealed only 4.1–18.3 × 104V. shiloiper worm, indicating that ∼ 99.9% of them were in the viable‐but‐not‐culturable (VBNC) state. When worms were infected withV. shiloi, most of the bacteria adhered to the worm within 24 h and then penetrated into epidermal cells. By 48 h, less than 10−4of the intactV. shiloiin the worm gave rise to colonies, suggesting that they differentiated inside the worm into the VBNC state. When worms infected withV. shiloiwere placed in aquaria containingO. patagonica, all of the corals showed small patches of bleached tissue in 7–10 days and total bleaching in 17 days. This is the first report of a reservoir and vector for a coral disease.
Rapid reversal of hepatic steatosis, and reduction of muscle triglyceride, by rosiglitazone: MRI/S studies in Zucker fatty rats
Authors: Hockings P. D. , Changani K. K. , Saeed N. , Reid D. G. , Birmingham J. , O'Brien P. , Osborne J. , Toseland C. N. , Buckingham R. E.
Published: June 2003

Aim:  This study aimed to chart the time course and durability of the effects of rosiglitazone, a potent thiazolidinedione‐based peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ agonist, on hepatic steatosis and intramyocellular lipid in an animal model of obesity, the Zucker Fatty (ZF) rat.

Methods and Results:  Rosiglitazone (3 mg/kg/day p.o.) significantly reduced both liver fat content (by 59%; p < 0.05) and size (11.5%; p < 0.05) in male ZF rats that received between 3 days and 1 week of treatment, and these reductions were maintained for at least 12 weeks. Liver fat content measured by magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) correlated closely and positively with plasma insulin levels (reduced by 89% within a week, r = 0.8) and with postmortem histological fat fractional volume (r = 0.89). Similarly, liver volume measured by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) correlated closely with postmortem wet weight (r = 0.99). MRS also showed, and numbers of lipid vacuoles counted in transmission electron micrographs confirmed, that rosiglitazone significantly reduced the elevated intramyocellular lipid seen in ZF rat skeletal muscle by at least 40% (p < 0.05).

Conclusions:  Localized MRS and MRI showed that rosiglitazone reversed the hepatic steatosis, hepatomegaly and intramyocellular lipid, characteristic of the ZF rat, an animal model of obesity.
Identification of a nerve ending‐enriched 29‐kDa protein, labeled with [3‐32P]1,3‐bisphosphoglycerate, as monophosphoglycerate mutase: inhibition by fructose‐2,6‐bisphosphate via enhancement of dephosphorylation
Authors: Ikemoto Atsushi , Ueda Tetsufumi
Published: June 2003

Glucose metabolism is of vital importance in normal brain function. Evidence indicates that glycolysis, in addition to production of ATP, plays an important role in maintaining normal synaptic function. In an effort to understand the potential involvement of a glycolytic intermediate(s) in synaptic function, we have prepared [3‐32P]1,3‐bisphosphoglycerate and [32P]3‐phosphoglycerate and sought their interaction with a specific nerve‐ending protein. We have found that a 29‐kDa protein is the major component labeled with either [3‐32P]1,3‐bisphosphoglycerate or [32P]3‐phosphoglycerate. The protein was identified as monophosphoglycerate mutase (PGAM). This labeling was remarkably high in the brain and synaptosomal cytosol fraction, consistent with the importance of glycolysis in synaptic function. Of interest, fructose‐2,6‐bisphosphate (Fru‐2,6‐P2) inhibited PGAM phosphorylation and enzyme activity. Moreover, Fru‐2,6‐P2 potently stimulated release of [32P]phosphate from the 32P‐labeled PGAM (EC50 = 1 µm), suggesting that apparent reduction of PGAM phosphorylation and enzyme activity by Fru‐2,6‐P2 may be due to stimulation of dephosphorylation of PGAM. The significance of these findings is discussed.