bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genes differentially expressed in Theobroma cacao associated with resistance to witches’ broom disease caused by Crinipellis perniciosa
Authors: LEAL GILDEMBERG AMORIM , ALBUQUERQUE PAULO S. B. , FIGUEIRA ANTONIO
Published: April 2007

The basidiomycete Crinipellis perniciosa is the causal agent of witches’ broom disease of Theobroma cacao (cocoa). Hypertrophic growth of infected buds (‘brooms’) is the most dramatic symptom, but the main economic losses derive from pod infection. To identify cocoa genes differentially expressed during the early stages of infection, two cDNA libraries were constructed using the suppression subtractive hybridization (SSH) approach. Subtraction hybridization was conducted between cDNAs from infected shoot‐tips of the susceptible genotype ‘ICS 39’ and the resistant ‘CAB 214’, in both directions. A total of 187 unique sequences were obtained, with 83 from the library enriched for the susceptible ‘ICS 39’ sequences, and 104 for the resistant ‘CAB 214’. By homology search and ontology analyses, the identified sequences were mainly putatively categorized as belonging to ‘signal transduction’, ‘response to biotic and abiotic stress’, ‘metabolism’, ‘RNA and DNA metabolism’, ‘protein metabolism’ and ‘cellular maintenance’ classes. Quantitative reverse transcription amplification (RT‐qPCR) of 23 transcripts identified as differentially expressed between genotypes revealed distinct kinetics of gene up‐regulation at the asymptomatic stage of the disease. Expression induction in the susceptible ‘ICS 39’ in response to C. perniciosa was delayed and limited, while in ‘CAB 214’ there was a quicker and more intense reaction, with two peaks of gene induction at 48 and 120 h after inoculation, corresponding to morphological and biochemical changes previously described during colonization. Similar differences in gene induction were validated for another resistant genotype (‘CAB 208’) in an independent experiment. Validation of these genes corroborated similar hypothetical mechanisms of resistance described in other pathosystems.
The asthma–obesity link in childhood: open questions, complex evidence, a few answers only
Authors: Matricardi P. M. , Grüber C. , Wahn U. , Lau S.
Published: April 2007

Obesity and asthma are public health priorities in developed countries. Genes which may contribute to the control of both conditions include those encoding for the β2‐adrenergic receptor, tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) and the insulin‐like growth factor 1 (IGF‐1). Prospective studies consistently supported a link between obesity and reported wheezing or asthma diagnosis in children. However, there are still no clear explanations for such a link. On one hand, overweight asthmatic children may perceive their asthma as worse. On the other hand, atopic sensitization and bronchial hyper‐reactivity do not explain the observed associations. After puberty, the association between asthma and obesity tends to be stronger in girls than in boys. It is conceivable that severe obesity in adolescent females may aggravate asthma through mechanisms different from those linking prepubertal obesity to unremitting asthma in males. Future studies should therefore address multiple age‐ and gender‐specific hypotheses about the mechanisms that link obesity to asthma throughout childhood.
Eczema, atopy and allergen exposure in adults: a population‐based study
Authors: Harrop J. , Chinn S. , Verlato G. , Olivieri M. , Norbäck D. , Wjst M. , Janson C. , Zock J.‐P. , Leynaert B. , Gislason D. , Ponzio M. , Villani S. , Carosso A. , Svanes C. , Heinrich J. , Jarvis D.
Published: April 2007

Background
There are few published studies on geographical variation in prevalence of eczema in adults or its association with recognised risk factors for allergic disease.

Objective
To describe the geographical variation in prevalence of eczema in adults, assess the associations with sociodemographic risk factors, serum‐specific IgE and IgG, and exposure to allergen.

Methods
A community‐based sample of 8206 adults aged 27–56 years, in 25 European centres and Portland, USA, provided questionnaire information on symptoms of eczema. Serum‐specific IgE to house dust mite (HDM), cat, grass and Cladosporium, and IgG and IgG4 to HDM and cat were measured. Mattress levels of mite and cat allergen were assessed.

Results
Overall prevalence of eczema was 7.1% (range between countries of 2.2–17.6%). Eczema was associated with female gender [odds ratio (OR) 1.25; 95% confidence interval (CI) (1.01–1.55)], family history of atopic disease (OR 1.43; 95% CI 1.18–1.74), IgE sensitization to at least one allergen (OR 1.50; 95% CI 1.19–1.90), particularly Cladosporium (OR 3.65; 95% CI 1.81–7.37), and total IgE. Eczema was negatively associated with age and no clear associations were observed with sibship size, mattress mite and cat allergen levels or with cat and HDM‐specific IgG or IgG4.

Conclusions
There is geographical variation in the prevalence of eczema in adults both within and between countries. Although the disease is associated with IgE sensitization, in this study it was not related to mattress mite or cat allergen levels.
Near‐fatal asthma phenotype in the ENFUMOSA Cohort
Authors: Romagnoli M. , Caramori G. , Braccioni F. , Ravenna F. , Barreiro E. , Siafakas N. M. , Vignola A. M. , Chanez P. , Fabbri L. M. , Papi A. ,   and the ENFUMOSA Study Group
Published: April 2007

Background
Near‐fatal asthma (NFA) is characterized by severe asthma attacks usually requiring intensive care unit admission. This phenotype of asthma has been studied mainly in acute conditions.

Methods
The aim of our study was to compare the clinical, functional and inflammatory characteristics of NFA patients with mild to severe asthmatics in stable conditions. We recruited 155 asthmatic patients from five centres of the European Network for Understanding Mechanisms of Severe Asthma: 67 patients with mild‐to‐moderate asthma controlled by low/medium doses of inhaled corticosteroids; 64 with severe asthma that, despite treatment with high doses of inhaled corticosteroids, long‐acting β2‐agonists and for 1/3 also with regular oral corticosteroids, had at least one asthma exacerbation in the previous year; 24 with an NFA episode in the previous 5 years in the absence of inclusion criteria for the previous groups. All the patients were examined in stable conditions.

Results
NFA patients were taking less corticosteroids and were less compliant to prescribed asthma medications than the other two groups of patients. Lung function, blood gases, atopic status, sputum and blood inflammatory cell count of NFA patients were similar to mild‐to‐moderate, but not severe, asthmatic patients.

Conclusions
In stable conditions patients with an NFA attack in the previous 5 years cannot be distinguished from patients with mild‐to‐moderate asthma, while they are different from severe asthmatics both in terms of lung function and of airway inflammation. The risk factor that characterizes this group of patients is reduced usage of prophylactic corticosteroids.
Maternal fish intake during pregnancy and atopy and asthma in infancy
Authors: Romieu I. , Torrent M. , Garcia‐Esteban R. , Ferrer C. , Ribas‐Fitó N. , Antó J. M. , Sunyer J.
Published: April 2007

Background
There is growing evidence that n‐3 fatty acids have anti‐inflammatory properties and may modulate immune response. Dietary intake of these nutrients during pregnancy could play a role in the risk of asthma and atopy in the offspring.

Methods
Using data from a cohort of women (n=462) enrolled during pregnancy and whose offspring were followed up to 6 years, we evaluated the impact of fish consumption during pregnancy on the incidence of atopy and asthma. Dietary intake was assessed by food frequency questionnaire (42 items) applied by an interviewer.

Results
Thirty‐four percent of infants had a medical diagnosis of eczema at age 1 year, 14.3% of the children were atopic [based on skin prick test (SPT) at 6 years], and 5.7% had atopic wheeze at age 6 years. After adjusting for potential confounding factors, fish intake during pregnancy was protective against the risk of eczema at age 1 year, a positive SPT for house dust mite at age 6 years and atopic wheeze at age 6 years [odds ratio (OR)=0.73 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.55–0.98, OR=0.68, 95% CI 0.46–1.01 and OR=0.55, 95% CI 0.31–0.96, respectively]. For an increase in fish intake from once per week to 2.5 times per week, the risk of eczema at age 1 year decreased by 37%, and the risk of positive SPT at age 6 years by 35%. Stratification by breastfeeding showed that fish intake was significantly related to a decrease risk in persistent wheeze among non‐breastfed children (P for interaction <0.05). No protective effect was observed among breastfed children.

Conclusion
Our data suggest a protective effect of fish intake during pregnancy on the risk of atopy‐related outcomes.
Comparison of allergenicity and immunogenicity of an intact allergen vaccine and commercially available allergoid products for birch pollen immunotherapy
Authors: Lund L. , Henmar H. , Würtzen P. A. , Lund G. , Hjortskov N. , Larsen J. N.
Published: April 2007

Background
Specific immunotherapy with intact allergen vaccine is a well‐documented treatment for allergic diseases. Different vaccine formulations are currently commercially available, the active ingredient either being intact allergens or chemically modified allergoids. The rationale behind allergoids is to decrease allergenicity while maintaining immunogenicity. However, data from the German health authorities based on reporting of adverse events over a 10‐year period did not indicate increased safety of allergoids over intact allergens.

Objective
The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of chemical modification on allergenicity and immunogenicity comparing four commercial allergoid products for birch pollen immunotherapy with an intact allergen vaccine.

Methods
Solid‐phase IgE inhibition and histamine release assays were selected as model systems for allergenicity, and a combination of human T cell proliferation and IgG titres following mouse immunizations were used to address the immunogenicity of the intact allergen vaccine and the four allergoids. In all assays, the products were normalized with respect to the manufacturer's recommended maintenance dose.

Results
IgE inhibition experiments showed a change in epitope composition comparing intact allergen vaccine with allergoid. One allergoid product induced enhanced histamine release compared to the intact allergens, while the other three allergoids showed reduced release. Standard T cell stimulation assays using lines from allergic patients showed a reduced response for all allergoids compared with the intact allergen vaccine regardless of the cell type used for antigen presentation. All allergoids showed reduced capacity to induce allergen‐specific IgG responses in mice.

Conclusion
While some allergoids were associated with reduced allergenicity, a clear reduction in immunogenicity was observed for all allergoid products compared with the intact allergen vaccine, and the commercial allergoids tested therefore do not fulfil the allergoid concept.
The temporal sequence of allergic sensitization and onset of infantile eczema
Authors: Lowe A. J. , Abramson M. J. , Hosking C. S. , Carlin J. B. , Bennett C. M. , Dharmage S. C. , Hill D. J.
Published: April 2007

Background
Eczema is commonly associated with sensitization in infants, but the causative role of sensitization in the development of eczema has been questioned.

Objective
To determine if allergic sensitization increases the risk of developing eczema, or alternatively, if eczema increases the risk of developing allergic sensitization.

Methods
We used data from the Melbourne Atopy Cohort Study, a prospective birth cohort of 552 infants with a family history of atopic disease. The main outcomes were risk of developing eczema from 6 months to 7 years of age in asymptomatic infants; and risk of developing sensitization, as measured by skin prick tests to milk, egg white, peanut, house dust mite, rye grass pollen and cat extracts, in previously unsensitized infants.

Results
Sensitization to food extracts at 6 months was associated with an increased risk of developing eczema [hazard ratio (HR) 1.63, 95% confidence interval 1.13–2.35] up to 7 years of age, after excluding infants with eczema in the first 6 months. However, eczema in the first 6 months was also associated with increased risk of new sensitization at both 1 year (HR 2.34, 1.38–3.98) and 2 years (HR 3.47, 1.65–7.32).

Conclusion
In some infants, sensitization precedes and predicts the development of eczema, while in others eczema precedes and predicts the development of sensitization. This indicates that there are multiple pathways to atopic eczema.
Cysteinyl leukotrienes enhance tumour necrosis factor‐α‐induced matrix metalloproteinase‐9 in human monocytes/macrophages
Authors: Ichiyama T. , Kajimoto M. , Hasegawa M. , Hashimoto K. , Matsubara T. , Furukawa S.
Published: April 2007

Background
Matrix metalloproteinase‐9 (MMP‐9) is an important enzyme responsible for airway remodelling. Monocytes/macrophages have a cysteinyl leukotriene 1 (cysLT1) receptor, but its function is poorly understood.

Objective
To elucidate the function of the cysLT1 receptor of human monocytes/macrophages in MMP‐9 production.

Methods
We examined the effect of cysLTs (LTC4, ‐D4 and ‐E4) on TNF‐α‐induced MMP‐9 production in THP‐1 cells, a human monocytic leukaemia cell line and peripheral blood CD14+ monocytes/macrophages. In addition, we examined the effect of pranlukast, a cysLT1 receptor antagonist, on the enhancement of TNF‐α‐induced MMP‐9 production by cysLTs.

Results
ELISA revealed that LTC4 and ‐D4, but not ‐E4, enhanced TNF‐α‐induced MMP‐9 production in THP‐1 cells and peripheral blood CD14+ monocytes/macrophages. Real‐time polymerase chain reaction demonstrated that LTC4 and ‐D4, but not ‐E4, increased MMP‐9 mRNA expression induced by TNF‐α in THP‐1 cells. Moreover, we demonstrated that pranlukast completely inhibited the enhancement of TNF‐α‐induced MMP‐9 production by LTC4 and ‐D4 in THP‐1 cells and peripheral blood CD14+ monocytes/macrophages.

Conclusion
LTC4 and ‐D4 enhanced the TNF‐α‐induced MMP‐9 production via binding the cysLT1 receptor in human monocytes/macrophages. Pranlukast inhibited the enhancements by LTC4 and D4.
Effects of Rho‐kinase inactivation on eosinophilia and hyper‐reactivity in murine airways by allergen challenges
Authors: Taki F. , Kume H. , Kobayashi T. , Ohta H. , Aratake H. , Shimokata K.
Published: April 2007

Background
A small GTPase, Rho, and its target molecule, Rho‐kinase, play an important role in the cell functions, including contractility, chemotaxis, adhesion, and migration. It is generally considered that eosinophilic inflammation and hyper‐reactivity to methacholine in airways are fundamental to the pathophysiology of bronchial asthma.

Objective
This study was designed to determine whether the Rho/Rho‐kinase pathways are involved in the eosinophil recruitment and airway hyper‐reactivity. We investigated inhibitory effects of fasudil, a specific inhibitor of Rho‐kinase, on acute allergic inflammation in mice.

Methods
BALB/c mice were sensitized and challenged with ovalbumin (OVA). OVA‐challenged mice were treated orally with fasudil (3, 10, 30 mg/kg) or saline before each OVA challenge. Total cell counts, differential cell counts, cytokines, and chemokines levels were measured in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), and lungs were examined histologically. Moreover, respiratory resistance in response to methacholine was measured.

Results
When fasudil was administrated to OVA‐challenged mice, increased cell numbers of total cells and eosinophils were significantly attenuated in a dose‐dependent manner. However, inflammatory cells other than eosinophils were not affected by fasudil. Fasudil caused a dose‐dependent inhibition in increased levels of IL‐5, IL‐13, and eotaxin in BAL fluid by OVA challenges. Histological analysis of the airways revealed that both infiltration of inflammatory cells and goblet cell hyperplasia were significantly suppressed in fasudil treatment. Furthermore, fasudil significantly suppressed the augmented responsiveness to methacholine induced by OVA challenges.

Conclusion
Oral administration of fasudil inhibits eosinophil recruitment, goblet cell hyperplasia and airway hyper‐reactivity by allergen challenges. These effects of this agent may be mediated by suppressing a chemokine and cytokines related to the pathophysiology of bronchial asthma such as eotaxin, IL‐5, and IL‐13. Our findings provide evidence that inhibition of the Rho/Rho‐kinase pathway may be beneficial for bronchial asthma.
Severe factor V deficiency presenting with intracranial haemorrhage during gestation
Authors: ELLESTAD S. C. , ZIMMERMAN S. A. , THORNBURG C. , MITCHELL T. E. , SWAMY G. K. , JAMES A. H.
Published: April 2007

Summary.  We present a case of intracranial haemorrhage detected by ultrasound at 36 weeks gestation in a foetus who was ultimately diagnosed with severe factor V deficiency. An abnormality of the foetal heart rate, auscultated at a routine antenatal visit, prompted an investigation that led to an ultrasound examination and detection of an intracranial haemorrhage and low amniotic fluid volume. An intrauterine foetal demise was averted. The clinical scenario in this case raises the issue of how often a stillbirth with intracranial haemorrhage may result from unrecognized factor deficiency.
Pleomorphic adenoma and adenoid cystic carcinoma: in vitro study of the impact of TGFβ1 on the expression of integrins and cytoskeleton markers of cell differentiation
Authors: Lourenço Silvia Vanessa , Lima Dirce Mary C.
Published: April 2007

Pleomorphic adenoma (PA) and adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) are the commonest benign and malignant salivary gland tumours respectively. Interactions between cells and extracellular matrix of PA and ACC, partially mediated by integrins, are important in their biology. The expression of integrins is regulated by numerous factors, amongst them, transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1). Our study investigated the effects of TGFβ1 on the expression of integrin β subunits in vitro and on the expression of cytoskeletal proteins of cells derived from PA and ACC. The expression of cytoskeletal differentiation markers and integrins was assessed using immunofluorescence. ELISA assays were employed to quantitate the expression integrins and MTT assays evaluated the mitochondrial activity of cells stimulated with TGFβ1. PA cells showed increased expression of integrins and de novo expression of differentiation markers upon TGFβ1 stimulation. ACC cells were less responsive to such stimulation. This may reflect important differences in the biological behaviour of benign and malignant cells.
Interventions to enhance patient compliance with leg ulcer treatment: a review of the literature
Authors: Hecke Ann Van , Grypdonck Maria , Defloor Tom
Published: April 2007

Background and aims.  Non‐compliance with compression therapy and with leg exercises and leg elevation is a common problem, often reported in patients with venous leg ulceration. Studies on compliance‐enhancing interventions and the effectiveness of these interventions in patients with venous leg ulceration were reviewed.

Methods.  MEDLINE, Cochrane, Embase and CINAHL were explored up to April 2005. Reference lists, wound care journals and conference proceedings were searched. Experts and manufacturers of compression systems were contacted. Studies were eligible if they included patients with venous or mixed leg ulcers and reported patient compliance outcome. Twenty studies were included.

Results.  Most studies describe patient compliance as the extent to which the compression system was worn and/or the extent to which treatment regimen was followed. Self‐reporting was the most commonly used method of compliance assessment. There are indications that class III stockings for patients with venous ulcers enhance compliance compared with short stretch compression bandages. No real evidence is found that intermittent pneumatic compression systems improved compliance. There is no well‐documented evidence that healthcare system interventions increase compliance. Educational programmes combining cognitive, behavioural and affective components were shown to have a positive effect on leg elevation, but not on compliance with compression therapy.

Conclusion.  The included studies have a lack of consistency in defining the standard and operationalization of compliance. Patient compliance plays an ancillary role in research. No study has been able to offer an acceptable and well‐documented solution to the non‐compliance problem.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Research might focus on the development of comprehensive compliance‐enhancing strategies. A stronger commitment of healthcare providers and society is needed to make progress in this area. The scope of nursing must be expanded to also include the problems experienced by patients with leg ulcers and the improvement of patient compliance.
Quality of life for older people living in long‐stay settings in Ireland
Authors: Murphy Kathy , Shea Eamon O , Cooney Adeline
Published: April 2007

Aim. The aim of this study was to explore the quality of life of older people living in long‐stay care in Ireland from the perspectives of residents and staff.

Background. While the literature on quality of life is complex, several areas of agreement are evident. Quality of life is a multi‐dimensional concept, which cannot be explained solely in medical terms and only makes sense if presented in an holistic context. Quality of life contains both subjective and objective elements; therefore, there is a need to take account of both when measuring the concept.

Method. A mixed method research design was selected for this study. Three methods were employed; focus groups (n = 7) a quantitative survey of 526 long‐stay facilities and qualitative interviews with 101 residents and 48 staff.

Results. The findings revealed four thematic domains of quality of life: care environment and ethos of care, personal identity, connectedness to family and community and activities and therapies.

Conclusion. The study found that there were differences in resident experiences across care study sites and important differences in staffing provision, skill mix and physical environment between private and public facilities. Several factors were also found that either enhanced or diminished residents’ potential to retain their connections and relationships with other people. Finally, residents were most likely to participate in activities which were designed to take into account their own particular interests.

Relevance to clinical practice. This study articulates domains of quality of life from the perspective of residents and staff and gives support to the claims that management and organizational structures within long‐stay care facilities matter for quality of life. Clear identification of what is important to older people is important as services need to be shaped around quality of life as much as quality of care, notwithstanding the close relationship between the two.
Developing an integrated career and competency framework for diabetes nursing
Authors: Davis Ruth , Turner Eileen , Hicks Deborah , Tipson Margaret
Published: April 2007

Aims and Objectives.  To describe the development of an integrated career and competency framework for diabetes nursing.

Background.  The UK Nursing and Midwifery Council provides a definition of competence, but the terminology used in relation to the subject is often ambiguous and confusing. These concepts are explored in relation to nursing practice and the different approaches to competency framework development are described. To work alongside the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) and Skills for Health competency initiatives, a Diabetes Nursing Strategy Group representing nurses working in diabetes care was formed to oversee the development of an integrated career and competency framework for diabetes nursing.

Design.  At the outset, the design was guided by the RCN Practice Development Team and employed qualitative methodology including the modified Delphi and nominal group technique.

Methods.  A purposive sample of nurses representing all sectors and grades of staff involved in diabetes care was invited to workshops to undertake a values clarification exercise. Content analysis was performed to identify themes. Further workshops identified areas of specialist practice and competence statements were developed and refined in a series of consultations.

Results.  Competence statements for a range of diabetes‐related areas were produced for nurses at the levels of unregistered practitioners, competent nurses, experience/proficient nurses, senior practitioners/expert nurses and consultant nurses.

Conclusions.  The description of the process of developing of the integrated career and competency framework should help other groups going through the same process.

Relevance to clinical practice.  In addition to helping groups identify a formula for the development of a competency framework, the framework itself is designed to provide a basis for educational programmes, personal career development and a tool for managers managing career progression within diabetes nursing.
Attitudes of nursing staff working with older people towards nutritional nursing care
Authors: Bachrach‐Lindström Margareta , Jensen Sara , Lundin Rickard , Christensson Lennart
Published: April 2007

Aim.  The aim of this study was to examine attitudes of the nursing staff in geriatric care towards factors of importance for nutritional nursing care.

Background.  Studies show that nutritional risk assessment is seldom performed on older patients as routine and very few patients have a nutritional care plan. Patients in long‐term care who are easy to feed are also found to be looked upon more positively than those with high feeding needs.

Methods.  A total of 252 registered nurses and nurse aids working at geriatric rehabilitation and medical care clinics and resident homes participated in the study. Attitudes were examined using the Staff Attitudes to Nutritional Nursing Care Geriatric scale. The scale includes 18 items and was designed as a one to five‐point Lickert‐type scale. It gives a total score and five subscales representing the dimensions ‘Norms’, ‘Habits’, ‘Assessment’, ‘Intervention’ and ‘Individualization’. A higher score indicates a more positive attitude.

Results.  Of all nursing staff, 53% displayed a positive attitude towards factors of importance for nutritional nursing care and the rest displayed a neutral or negative attitude. The ‘Intervention’ dimension, dealing with nutritional problems and how to manage them, reflected the highest level of positive attitudes, which represents 71% of the nursing staff. The ‘Norms’ dimension had the lowest relative frequency of positive attitudes, 27%. The registered nurses held significantly more positive attitudes than the nurse aids did.

Conclusions.  Nutritional issues comprise an important and time‐consuming responsibility in geriatric care; however, nursing staff do not show an unequivocal positive attitude regarding this responsibility. The consequences this entails for the older patient need to be examined further.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Nursing staff play an important role in caring for patients who are malnourished or at risk for malnutrition. Positive attitudes might hinder the development of undernourishment or the further worsening of an already undernourished patient's condition.
Influences on parents’ fever management: beliefs, experiences and information sources
Authors: Walsh Anne , Edwards Helen , Fraser Jenny
Published: April 2007

Aim.  To identify parents’ knowledge, beliefs, management and sources of information about fever management.

Background.  Despite numerous studies exploring parents’ management of childhood fever; negative beliefs about fever and overuse of antipyretics and health services for mild fevers and self‐limiting viral illnesses continue to be reported.

Design.  Qualitative design using semi‐structured interviews and discussions.

Method.  Fifteen metropolitan parents whose children were aged six months to five years, volunteered to participate in individual interviews or group discussions. Recruitment was through Playgroup Queensland's online newsletter and letters from two childcare centres to all parents. Verbatim and audio data were collected by an experienced moderator using a semi‐structured interview guide. Data analysis: Two transcripts were independently analysed by two researchers; categories, sub‐headings and codes were independently developed, crosschecked and found comparable. Remaining transcripts were analysed using developed categories and codes.

Results.  Fever, determined through behavioural changes, was perceived as ‘good’, a warning that something was wrong. High fever, reported as 38·0–39·1 °C, was considered harmful; it must be prevented or reduced irrespective of concerns about antipyretics. Positive febrile experiences reduced concern about fever. Negative experiences such as febrile convulsions, media reports of harm, not receiving a definitive diagnosis, inaccessibility to regular doctors and receiving conflicting information about fever management increased the concerns. Parents seek information about fever from multiple sources such as doctors, books and other parents.

Conclusions.  Parents’ experiences with and information sources about fever and fever management influenced their knowledge, beliefs and practices. Positive experiences reduce concerns, health service usage and sometimes antipyretic usage. Negative experiences increase concerns, monitoring and antipyretic and health service usage.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Health professionals need to update their fever management knowledge ensuring that it is based on the latest scientific knowledge. They must provide parents of young children with consistent, reliable information preferably before their first child's first febrile episode.
Investigating the health profiles of Hong Kong Chinese: results of a cluster analysis
Authors: Chan Moon Fai , Mok Esther , Wong Thomas Kwok Shing , Lee Regina Lai Tong , Fok May Sin Mai
Published: April 2007

Aim.  The aim of this study was to identify the health profile of a group of Hong Kong Chinese adults.

Background.  People were on the alert about their current health status and health has become the most valuable asset to many Hong Kong people.

Methods.  A descriptive correlational survey was conducted during the period December 2003 – September 2004 in six districts in Hong Kong; 702 Chinese adults aged 18–64 completed a structured questionnaire.

Results.  Cluster analysis revealed two profiles groups on their attitude towards social health, sexual behaviour, mental health, diet/nutrition, smoking/substance use, health knowledge and physical activity.

Conclusions.  Health data describing the health status of adults can be structured into a profile reflecting the characteristics of the target population under study. The findings showed that subjects in both clusters face two serious health issues: engage in little physical activity and possess poor knowledge about health. This finding does suggest that nurses can apply our understanding of these health profiles and to develop interventions that improve their health.

Relevance to clinical practice.  This finding does suggest that nurses can apply our understanding of these health profiles and to develop interventions that improve their health.
Analysis of early biofilm formation on oral implants in man
Authors: HEUER W. , ELTER C. , DEMLING A. , NEUMANN A. , SUERBAUM S. , HANNIG M. , HEIDENBLUT T. , BACH F. W. , STIESCH‐SCHOLZ M.
Published: April 2007

Summary  Biofilm formation on oral implants can cause inflammation of peri‐implant tissues, which endangers the long‐term success of osseointegrated implants. It has been reported previously that implants revealing signs of peri‐implantitis contain subgingival microbiota similar to those of natural teeth with periodontitis. The purpose of the first part of this study was an atraumatic, quantitative investigation of biofilm formation on oral implant abutments; the objective of the second part was to investigate whether Haemophilus actinomycetemcomitans and Porphyromonas gingivalis were present in the crevicular fluid around oral implants. Biofilm formation on 14 healing abutments, inserted for 14 days in 10 patients, was analysed quantitatively by use of secondary‐electron and Rutherford‐backscattering‐detection methods. A 16S rRNA‐based polymerase chain reaction detection method was used to detect the presence of H. actinomycetemcomitans and P. gingivalis in the crevicular fluid. For this investigation, samples of sulcus fluid were collected with sterile paper points at four measurement points per abutment. The difference between biofilm coverage of supragingival surfaces (17·5 ± 18·3%) and subgingival surfaces (0·8 ± 1·0%) was statistically significant (P < 0·05). By use of universal primers, bacteria were found in all the samples taken, although the two periodontal pathogens were not found in any of the samples. The absence of periodontal pathogens from the sulcus fluid during initial bacterial colonization, despite massive supragingival biofilm formation, substantiates the assumption that cellular adherence of peri‐implant tissue by means of hemidesmosoma, actin filaments and microvilli reduces the risk of formation of anaerobic subgingival pockets.
Using the chronic care model to tackle depression among older adults who have long‐term physical conditions
Authors: MCEVOY P. , BARNES P.
Published: April 2007

Effective psychological and pharmacological treatments are available, but for depressed older adults with long‐term physical conditions, the outcome of routine care is generally poor. This paper introduces the chronic care model, a systemic approach to quality improvement and service redesign, which was developed by Ed Wagner and colleagues. The model highlights six key areas that need to be addressed, if depression is to be tackled more effectively in this neglected patient group: delivery system design, patient–provider relationships, decision support, clinical information systems, community resources and healthcare organization. Three influential programmes, the Improving Mood Promoting Access to Collaborative Treatment programme, the Prevention of Suicide in Primary Care Elderly Collaborative Trial, and the Program to Encourage Active, and Rewarding Lives for Seniors, have shown that when the model is adopted, significant improvements in outcomes can be achieved. The paper concludes with a case study, which illustrates the difference that adopting the chronic care model can make. Radical changes in working practices may be required, to implement the model in practice. However, Greg Simon, a leading researcher in the field of depression care, has suggested that there is already sufficient evidence to justify a shift in emphasis from research towards dissemination and implementation.
The role of the nurse prescriber: the views of mental health and non‐mental health nurses
Authors: NOLAN P. , BRADLEY E.
Published: April 2007

Even though the introduction of the role of the nurse prescriber promises improved access to medicines and increased flexibility in the workforce, the take‐up of this role to date has been variable across the UK. This questionnaire‐based study sought to compare the expectations of two distinct groups of nurses, one from a mental health and the other from a non‐mental health background prior to becoming prescribers. Non‐mental health nurses were of the opinion that being able to prescribe would increase efficiency and maximize resources, while mental health nurses saw prescribing primarily in terms of the benefits to clients – increased choice, improved access to care, better information about treatments and better quality of care.
Modernity, mental illness and the crisis of meaning
Authors: ROBERTS M.
Published: April 2007

Western civilization has, over its relatively recent past, undergone dramatic, unparalleled changes. The historical period in which these changes have occurred is commonly referred to as ‘modernity’, and although modernity has had profound repercussions on all aspects of people's lives, what has received less attention in the nursing literature is how modernity has influenced, and continues to influence, the mental health of modern men and women. In an attempt to address this, the following paper, drawing on the work of Szasz, Nietzsche and Frankl, seeks to present an accessible introduction to one of the most salient features of modernity; namely, the erosion of those traditions that gave life a meaning or a purpose, and that provided people with ready answers to the problem of how they ought to live. The paper will then introduce some of the possible consequences of this on the mental health of modern men and women, as well as providing preliminary suggestions as to how mental health nursing might respond. In doing so, the paper also seeks to stimulate further discussion and research into how modernity has influenced, and continues to influence, the mental health of modern men and women, and how psychiatric and mental health nursing might respond.
Exploring the feasibility of email‐mediated interaction in survivors of abuse
Authors: CONSTANTINO R. , CRANE P. A. , NOLL B. S. , DOSWELL W. M. , BRAXTER B.
Published: April 2007

There is a growing use of email‐based provision of information, development of health‐related skills and interventions; however, use of email to assist women and children experiencing abuse after receiving Protection from Abuse (PFA) court order has not been explored. The specific aim of this research was to test the feasibility of an email device called MIVO for use in interacting with women and children after receiving PFA. This qualitative design used a three‐step recruitment, screening and email interaction with mothers and their adolescent child after obtaining informed consent and training in the use of an email device. Sample included six pairs of mother and child (n = 12) who have received a PFA within the past 6 months. Demographic data were gathered using the sociodemographic questionnaire. Qualitative data were gathered using email messages from mother and child pairs. Results showed that email interaction is a feasible and acceptable way of providing support and information to survivors of abuse after their PFA. The following themes in their order and rank of appearance were found in the email interaction between the nurse and survivors: (1) safety issues; (2) job‐related issues; (3) school‐related issues; (4) parenting‐related issues; and (5) health‐related issues. Themes identified for the children were school work and friends. Privacy, confidentiality and respect for individual rights are paramount in email interactions. Email interaction is useful in education, screening, safety instructions and follow‐up care. Technological devices such as MIVO may have usefulness as an email interaction device among women, their child and a nurse to reduce their risk for further interpersonal violence/abuse and to increase disclosure of abuse. Healthcare providers need to identify technological developments, and through evidence‐based research examine their feasibility and adaptability for translation into practice specifically, in caring for survivors of abuse.
The impact of sarcoptic mangeSarcoptes scabieion the British foxVulpes vulpespopulation
Authors: SOULSBURY CARL D. , IOSSA GRAZIELLA , BAKER PHILIP J. , COLE NIK C. , FUNK STEPHAN M. , HARRIS STEPHEN
Published: April 2007

Disease epizootics can significantly influence host population dynamics and the structure and functioning of ecological communities. Sarcoptic mangeSarcoptes scabieihas dramatically reduced red fox populationsVulpes vulpesin several countries, including Britain, although impacts on demographic processes are poorly understood. We review the literature on the impact of mange on red fox populations, assess its current distribution in Britain through a questionnaire survey and present new data on resultant demographic changes in foxes in Bristol, UK.

A mange epizootic in Sweden spread across the entire country in < 10 years resulting in a decline in fox density of up to 95%; density remained lowered for 15–20 years. In Spain, mange has been enzootic for > 75 years and is widely distributed; mange presence was negatively correlated with habitat quality.

Localized outbreaks have occurred sporadically in Britain during the last 100 years. The most recent large‐scale outbreak arose in the 1990s, although mange has been present in south London and surrounding environs since the 1940s. The questionnaire survey indicated that mange was broadly distributed across Britain, but areas of perceived high prevalence (> 50% affected) were mainly in central and southern England. Habitat type did not significantly affect the presence/absence of mange or perceived prevalence rates. Subjective assessments suggested that populations take 15–20 years to recover.

Mange appeared in Bristol's foxes in 1994. During the epizootic phase (1994–95), mange spread through the city at a rate of 0.6–0.9 km/month, with a rise in infection in domestic dogsCanis familiaris c. 1–2 months later. Juvenile and adult fox mortality increased and the proportion of females that reproduced declined but litter size was unaffected. Population density declined by > 95%.

In the enzootic phase (1996–present), mange was the most significant mortality factor. Juvenile mortality was significantly higher than in the pre‐mange period, and the number of juveniles classified as dispersers declined. Mange infection reduced the reproductive potential of males and females: females with advanced mange did not breed; severely infected males failed to undergo spermatogenesis. In 2004, Bristol fox population density was only 15% of that in 1994.
Occurrence of specific reactions induced by Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae on bean pods, lilac and pear plants
Authors: YESSAD‐CARREAU S. , MANCEAU C. , LUISETTI J.
Published: April 2007

A study on the pathogenicity of 81 strains of Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae (PSS) isolated from 16 different hosts was conducted on lilac plants, bean pods and pear seedlings, using artificial inoculation.

Only 55 among the 81 strains induced a necrotic lesion when inoculated on lilac leaves. On bean pods, all but one of the bean isolates, and only eight strains among the 52 strains isolated from other hosts, induced typical green water‐soaked lesions. On pear leaves, only pear isolates incited a typical progressive necrotic reaction, the isolates from other origins inducing no symptoms or a weak reaction limited to the inoculation point. This study indicates that in addition to the large variability observed in aggressiveness of PSS strains, host specificity occurred on bean and pear.
No association in frequency of KIR receptors in patients with rheumatoid arthritis from Northern Ireland
Authors: Middleton D. , Meenagh A. , Wright G. D.
Published: April 2007

The frequency of inhibiting and activating killer cell immunoglobulin‐like receptors was similar in 331 patients with rheumatoid arthritis and in 354 controls. Patients and controls came from a relatively homogeneous Caucasian population from Northern Ireland, thus limiting population stratification. Furthermore, no differences were found when the patients were sub‐divided according to gender or shared epitope and when the presence of the human leucocyte antigen ligand was taken into account.
Differential Frankia protein patterns induced by phenolic extracts from Myricaceae seeds
Authors: Bagnarol Emilie , Popovici Jean , Alloisio Nicole , Maréchal Joëlle , Pujic Petar , Normand Philippe , Fernandez Maria P
Published: April 2007

Two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis was used to identify differentially displayed proteins expressed during the early symbiotic interactions between the bacterium Frankia and actinorhizal plants. Myricaceae, the most primitive actinorhizal family, was used as an experimental model to study specificity mechanisms because it includes species with either narrow or large specificity. Seed phenolic extracts from two Myricaceae species, Myrica gale, a narrow specificity host and Morella cerifera considered as a promiscuous host, were used to induce three Frankia strains ACN14a, M16467 and Ea112. The global protein pattern was altered by exposure to the plant extracts. The addition of 30 mg l−1 of seed phenolic extracts provoked the inhibition of many protein biosynthesis whereas 1 and 10 mg l−1 induced a global reprogramming of Frankia protein pattern. Changes in intensity of 115 spots in response to seed extracts were detected and analyzed by matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight mass spectrometry. Fifty proteins were efficiently identified with Frankia protein data banks deduced from the sequences of Frankia strains ACN14a and EaN1pec genomes. Differential proteins were involved in different metabolism pathways such as glycolysis and gluconeogenesis, transcription, fatty acids, carbohydrates, coenzymes and purines metabolisms. Chaperones biosynthesis and iron transport regulation, essential for nitrogen fixation, seem to be strain dependant. Several proteins possibly involved in the regulation of nodulation were also differentially expressed. The most obvious response was the upregulation of oxidative stress proteins such as FeSOD and Tellurium resistance proteins, suggesting a reorganization of Frankia metabolism to protect against host plant defense.
Modifying expression of closely related UDP‐glycosyltransferases from pea and Arabidopsis results in altered root development and function
Authors: Woo Ho‐Hyung , Jeong Byeong Ryong , Koo Kwang Bon , Choi Jang Won , Hirsch Ann M. , Hawes Martha C.
Published: April 2007

Glycosyltransferases (GTs) play diverse roles in cellular metabolism by modifying the activities of structural and regulatory metabolites. Previous studies indicated that a Pisum sativum UDP‐glycosyltransferase (PsUGT1) is essential for plant development, and suggested a role for this enzyme in the regulation of the cell division cycle. Here we report that recombinant PsUGT1 expressed in vitro exhibits activity on diverse flavonoids including kaempferol. In Arabidopsis expressing PsUGT1, gravity sensing is impaired, and this loss of function is corrected by exogenous addition of kaempferol. HPLC of tissue extracts of Arabidopsis expressing PsUGT1 revealed the accumulation of glycosides of kaempferol, but not of other related flavonoids. A search of the NCBI gene bank (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/) using PsUGT1 revealed that six genes from the Arabidopsis AtUGT85A subfamily show similarities both in DNA and protein sequences (Woo et al. 2007). In the current study, we examined the hypothesis that one or more members of this family, like PsUGT1, is required for Arabidopsis development. Altered expression of AtUGT85A7, but not other AtUGT85A subfamily members, resulted in changes in life cycle, leaf morphology, auxin response, and root development, including loss of gravity sensing. The phenotypes of plants where AtUGT85A7 gene expression was suppressed, by RNAi mutagenesis, were very similar to those occurring in plants with altered expression of PsUGT1.