bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ecotourism and biodiversity conservation in Jozani–Chwaka Bay National Park, Zanzibar
Authors: Salum Layla A.
Published: February 2009

This study is based on a study undertaken to assess how ecotourism has influenced biodiversity conservation in Jozani–Chwaka Bay National Park (JCBNP). It involved two communities surrounding the park, namely Pete and Kitogani. Field data were collected using structured questionnaires, key informant interviews and field observations. Questionnaires were administered to 76 households, whereas key informant interviews were conducted with foresters and JCBNP officials. Data analysis was undertaken using standard statistical methods. Findings from the study show that biodiversity management in the JCBNP has improved considerably after the introduction of ecotourism. The number of endemic colobus monkeys (Piliocolobus kirkii) and other rare species has increased. However, this achievement has been attained by restricting surrounding communities from using forest resources without providing alternative sources of livelihood. Findings also show that the benefits from ecotourism do not reach individual households, but the community as whole, in form of various social services. This has caused some resentment among the local people leading to their reluctance to reduce their direct use of ecosystem services available in the JCBNP, claiming that they cannot sustain their livelihood without such services. This has become a major source of conflict between the JCBNP and surrounding communities. Increased awareness and knowledge on biodiversity conservation would be needed for the communities surrounding the park to realize the potential and long‐term benefits of ecotourism, and hence the need for their increased involvement in biodiversity management.
The implications of improved communications for participatory forest management in Tanzania
Authors: Robinson Elizabeth J. Z. , Maganga Faustin
Published: February 2009

Following the 1998 National Forest Policy and Forest Act of 2002, participatory forest management (PFM) is being introduced in Tanzania. PFM has two key objectives: to reduce forest degradation thereby increasing ecosystem services, and to improve the livelihoods of local villagers. A unique data set collected in 2006 suggests that significant challenges remain with respect to communicating the new forest policies if the objectives of PFM are to be achieved. First, villagers as a group are much less well informed than other stakeholders, and their knowledge is often inaccurate. Second, women are less likely than men to have heard of the changes. Third, how PFM will contribute to poverty reduction (a key objective of PFM) is not always clear. Fourth, environmental degradation may not be reduced as much as anticipated – without alternatives sources, villagers often continue to cut trees for charcoal and firewood in the protected forests. Finally, several mismatches in perceptions are identified that could lead to difficulties in implementing PFM.
Political ecology: a synthesis and search for relevance to today’s ecosystems conservation and development
Authors: Mung’ong’o C. G.
Published: February 2009

Africa is facing problems of deforestation, desertification, loss of soil fertility, loss of wildlife habitats and biodiversity, and the deterioration of aquatic ecosystems and lack of accessible, good quality water. Governments have formulated policies, enacted legislation and established various institutions addressing these issues. African countries are yet to arrest the environmental problems they are facing, due to, among others, the ineffectual theoretical analysis of the problem of ecosystems degradation. This study argues for the adoption of the political ecological framework in the analysis of sociopolitical sources, conditions and ramifications of ecosystems change and also highlights the explanatory power of this conceptual framework as far as the explanation of the problem of ecosystems degradation is concerned, and shows how it can enable us deal with the multi‐layered causality rather than the symptoms of the problem of ecosystems change.
The impacts of changes in vegetation cover on dry season flow in the Kikuletwa River, northern Tanzania
Authors: Munishi P. K. T. , Hermegast A. M. , Mbilinyi B. P.
Published: February 2009

While the decrease in flow is obvious in the Kikuletwa River, the mechanism leading to the decrease is unclear. We assessed the influence of vegetation cover change on dry season flow in the Kikuletwa River. The combined cover of closed and open forests decreased by 68% while closed and open forests decreased by 56% and 64% respectively. Land under agroforestry decreased by 25%, while that under annual crops increased by 41%. Grasslands increased by 116% and riverine vegetation decreased by 53%. Daily dry season flow showed a slightly decreasing trend in one of the stations despite all of them receiving water from the Rundugai natural springs. On the other hand, low flow indices indicated no statistically significant changes in the long‐term average flow and there was no identifiable change in the rainfall amount. The majority (93%) of the local people perceived a changing rainfall pattern and decline in dry season flow in the Kikuletwa River. Changes in the dry season flow then can be associated with the identified land cover changes. Further research to substantiate the local people perceptions is important as indigenous knowledge may be good evidence for ascertaining changes in the natural environment.
Co-existence of Hashimoto's thyroiditis with familial Mediterranean fever: is there a pathophysiological association between the two diseases?
Authors: Gulcan E , Gulcan A , Koplay M , Alcelik A , Korkmaz U
Published: February 2009

Familial Mediterranean fever is an autosomal recessive disease characterized by periodic attacks of fever and polyserositis, while Hashimoto's thyroiditis is the most common cause of hypothyroidism. We suggest that common autoimmune mechanisms may underlie both disorders, describe their clinical co-existence in a patient, and discuss a possible causal link between them.
Development and psychometric testing of the Scale of Older Adults’ Routine
Authors: Zisberg Anna , Young Heather M. , Schepp Karen
Published: February 2009

Title. Development and psychometric testing of the Scale of Older Adults’ Routine.

Aim. This paper is a report of a study to develop, test the reliability, convergent and criterion‐related validity of the Scale of Older Adults’ Routine, using measures of routinization and functional status.

Background. The concept of routine needs a reliable and valid measure in order to allow for further expansion of research in this field.

Methods. An instrument development procedure, followed by two studies, was conducted in 2004–2005. The validation study utilized a prospective, within‐subject design. Testing took place in samples of independently dwelling residents in four retirement communities in an urban area in the Pacific Northwest of the United States of America (USA). A total of 90 participants took part in the studies. A pilot study (n = 10) allowed for feasibility testing, and a prospective three‐time point longitudinal study (n = 80) assessed the instrument’s reliability and preliminary validity.

Results. The 42‐item scale describes various aspects of older adults’ routines and assesses routine stability across time. The scale has five dimensions (Basic, Instrumental, Social, Leisure and Rest Activities) and five scoring systems. The scale’s content validity and feasibility were high. Reliability indices were acceptable, ranging from 0·56 to 0·90 for the subscales. Validity tests showed moderate correlations with both functional indices (r = 0·29–0·56;P < 0·01) and trait routinization (r = 0·30–0·38;P < 0·01).

Conclusions. Scale of Older Adults’ Routine demonstrated acceptable psychometric properties for most of its subscales and scores. Although further research is needed, it can be applied in both research and practice for evaluating routine among older adults and its associations with various outcome measures.
Assessing workload in general practice in England before and after the introduction of the pay‐for‐performance contract
Authors: Gemmell Islay , Campbell Stephen , Hann Mark , Sibbald Bonnie
Published: February 2009

Title.  Assessing workload in general practice in England before and after the introduction of the pay‐for‐performance contract.

Aim.  This paper is a report of a study conducted to describe changes in practice team size and composition, and the workload of doctors and nursing staff, before (2003) and after (2005) the introduction of the pay‐for‐performance contract for general practice.

Background.  In 2004, a new pay‐for‐performance contract for general practice was introduced in England. This improved the quality but may also have altered practice workload, including the workload of nursing staff.

Method.  Practice profile questionnaires and staff workload diaries were completed in 42 practices in England in 2003 and 2005. Managers provided information on team size and composition in 2003 and 2005. One week workload diaries were completed by doctors and nursing staff in both years. Diaries recorded: hours of work, number and complexity of patient visits, and types of problems (acute, chronic, preventative).

Findings.  The number of practice staff increased with greater increases observed for nursing staff than doctors. There was no change in the average number of hours worked per week by nursing staff or doctors but nurse visit rates increased while doctors’ rates decreased. The proportion of presenting problems described as chronic or preventative increased for doctors (χ2= 8·54, d.f. = 1, P < 0·004) but was unchanged for nursing staff. Nursing staff dealt with more complex visits in 2005 compared to 2003 (χ2 = 30·70, d.f. = 3, P < 0·001) but there was no change for doctors.

Conclusion.  General practices may have responded to the 2004 contract by increasing staffing levels, with nursing staff absorbing a higher proportion of the clinical workload and doctors focusing more attention on chronic and preventive care. Expanding nursing staff roles may increase the quality of primary care but may lead also to intensification of nurses’ work.
The phenomenon of resilience as described by adults who have experienced mental illness
Authors: Edward Karen‐leigh , Welch Anthony , Chater Keri
Published: February 2009

Title.  The phenomenon of resilience as described by adults who have experienced mental illness.

Aim.  This paper is a report of a study to explore the phenomenon of resilience in the lives of adult patients of mental health services who have experienced mental illness.

Background.  Mental illness is a major health concern worldwide, and the majority experiencing it will continue to battle with relapses throughout their lives. However, in many instances people go on to overcome their illness to lead productive and socially engaged lives. Contemporary mental health nursing practice primarily focuses on symptom reduction, and working with resilience has not generally been a consideration.

Method.  A descriptive phenomenological study was carried out in 2006. One participant was recruited through advertisements in community newspapers and newsletters and the others using the snowballing method. Information was gathered through in‐depth individual interviews which were tape‐recorded and subsequently transcribed. Colaizzi’s original seven‐step approach was used for data analysis, with the inclusion of two additional steps.

Findings.  The following themes were identified: Universality, Acceptance, Naming and knowing, Faith, Hope, Being the fool and Striking a balance, Having meaning and meaningful relationships, and ‘Just doing it’. The conceptualization identified as encapsulating the themes was ‘Viewing life from the ridge with eyes wide open’, which involved knowing the risks and dangers ahead and making a decision for life amid ever‐present hardships.

Conclusion.  Knowledge about resilience should be included in the theoretical and practical education of nursing students and experienced nurses. Early intervention, based on resilience factors identified through screening processes, is needed for people with mental illness.
Evaluating nursing documentation – research designs and methods: systematic review
Authors: Saranto Kaija , Kinnunen Ulla‐Mari
Published: February 2009

Title.  Evaluating nursing documentation – research designs and methods: systematic review.

Aim.  This paper is a report of a review conducted to assess the research methods applied in the evaluation of nursing documentation.

Data sources.  The material was drawn from three databases: CINAHL, PubMed and Cochrane using the keywords nursing documentation, nursing care plan, nursing record system, evaluation and assessment. The search was confined to relevant electronically‐retrievable studies published in the English language from 2000 to 2007. This yielded 41 studies, including two reviews.

Methods.  Content analysis produced a classification into three themes: nursing documentation, patient‐centred documentation and standardized documentation. Each study was assessed according to its research design, methodology, sample size and focus of data collection. In addition, the studies categorized under the heading of standardized documentation were assessed in terms of their outcomes.

Results.  Most of the studies (n = 19) focused on patient‐centred documentation. Most (n = 20) were retrospective studies and used data collected from patient records (n = 35). An audit instrument was used to assess nursing documentation in almost all the studies. Studies classified under the heading of standardized documentation showed more positive than negative effects with respect to quality, the nursing process and terminology use, knowledge level and acceptance of computer use in documentation.

Conclusion.  The use of structured nursing terminology in electronic patient record systems will extend the scope of documentation research from assessing the quality of documentation to measuring patient outcomes. More data should also be collected from patients and family members when evaluating nursing documentation.
Bedside screening tests vs. videofluoroscopy or fibreoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing to detect dysphagia in patients with neurological disorders: systematic review
Authors: Bours Gerrie J.J.W. , Speyer Renée , Lemmens Jessie , Limburg Martien , De Wit Rianne
Published: February 2009

Title. Bedside screening tests vs. videofluoroscopy or fibreoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing to detect dysphagia in patients with neurological disorders: systematic review.

Aim. This paper is a report of a systematic review conducted to determine the effectiveness and feasibility of bedside screening methods for detecting dysphagia in patients with neurological disorders.

Background. Dyspaghia affects 22–65% of patients with neurological conditions. Although there is a large variety of bedside tests to detect dysphagia, it is unknown which have the best psychometric properties and are feasible for nurses to use.

Data sources and review methods. An electronic database search was carried out using Medline (PubMed), Embase, CINAHL, and PsychLit, including all hits up to July 2008. The search terms were dysphagia, sensitivity, specificity, diagnosis, and screening. The methodological quality of included studies was assessed.

Results. Thirty‐five out of 407 studies were included in the review. Eleven studies with sufficient methodological quality revealed that trial swallow tests using water had sensitivities between 27% and 85% and specificities between 63% and 88%. Trial swallow tests with different viscosities led to sensitivities ranging from 41% to 100% and specificities of 57% to 82%. Combining water tests with oxygen desaturation led to sensitivities between 73% and 98% and specificities between 63% and 76%. Single clinical features, such as abnormal gag, generally had low sensitivity and specificity.

Conclusion. A water test combined with pulse oximetry using coughing, choking and voice alteration as endpoints is currently the best method to screen patients with neurological disorders for dysphagia. Further research is needed to establish the most effective standardized administration procedure for such a water test, and to assess the value of pulse oximetry, in addition to a trial swallow to detect silent aspiration.
Predictors of poststroke quality of life in older Chinese adults
Authors: Lee Angel Chu Kee , Tang Siu Wa , Tsoi Tak Hong , Fong Daniel Yee Tak , Yu Gabriel Ka Kui
Published: February 2009

Title.  Predictors of poststroke quality of life in older Chinese adults.

Aim.  This paper is a report of a study to identify the changes in poststroke quality of life and other clinical issues among older Chinese adults from 1 month to 6 months after stroke and the predictors of poststroke quality of life at 6 months.

Background.  Stroke survivors are known to suffer from prolonged and multiple impairments leading to a compromised quality of life, but few studies report early predictors for quality of life among older Chinese adults after active rehabilitation has been undertaken during the first 6 months after stroke.

Method.  A total of 214 patients with first‐ever ischaemic stroke were interviewed by a research nurse at 1 month and 188 patients were interviewed again 6 months after hospital admission for stroke. Assessment of quality of life was done using the Modified Rankin Scale for Quality of Life. Changes in and relationships between quality of life and variables in five domains were explored: bio‐anatomical, physical, emotional, cognitive, communicative and social support. The data were collected in 2004–2005.

Results.  Quality of life among two‐thirds of participants was unchanged or lower when scores at 1 month and 6 months after stroke were compared. Length of hospital stay after admission for stroke and other 1‐month factors – level of worry over current health, cognitive and self‐care deficits – were identified as having independent effects on quality of life at 6 months.

Conclusion.  Clinicians need to observe for early signs of mild cognitive impairments and emotional needs of stroke survivors, as well as to consider longer‐term interventions to enhance poststroke quality of life.
Representations of heart failure in Internet patient information
Authors: Strong Alison L. , Gilmour Jean A.
Published: February 2009

Title.  Representations of heart failure in Internet patient information.

Aim.  This paper is a report of a study which examined representations of heart failure in Internet patient information.

Background.  The Internet is a popular tool for sourcing health information and has been shown to benefit people with chronic conditions. Nurses as users and producers of Internet health information need to be critical of the information they provide and how this information is portrayed, to support patient knowledge development and decision‐making.

Method.  A critical discourse analysis approach was used to examine representations of heart failure in a range of Internet texts. Data were collected from eight websites over 5 days in July 2006.

Findings.  The two major discursive representations evident in the heart failure texts were labelled ‘living with heart failure’ and ‘biomedical’ discourses. While both discourses were evident in all of the Internet sites, most sites privileged the biomedical discourse. Absences from the Internet information included the visibility and role of nurses along with emotional and spiritual dimensions of heart failure.

Conclusion.  Nurses should take individual needs into consideration and be able to critique websites before suggesting appropriate sites to patients. Nurses and consumers can enhance the quality of websites by becoming involved in their development to ensure that all factors that affect health are included, such as the emotional and spiritual aspects of living with heart failure and not just topics that are important within a biomedical view of health.
Standardized antibacterial honey (Medihoney™) with standard therapy in wound care: randomized clinical trial
Authors: Robson Val , Dodd Susanna , Thomas Stephen
Published: February 2009

Title. Standardized antibacterial honey (Medihoney™) with standard therapy in wound care: randomized clinical trial.

Aim. This paper is a report of a study to compare a medical grade honey with conventional treatments on the healing rates of wounds healing by secondary intention.

Background. There is an increasing body of evidence to support the use of honey to treat wounds, but there is a lack of robust randomized trials on which clinicians can base their clinical judgement.

Method. A sample of 105 patients were involved in a single centre, open‐label randomized controlled trial in which patients received either a conventional wound dressing or honey. Data were collected between September 2004 and May 2007.

Results. The median time to healing in the honey group was 100 days compared with 140 days in the control group. The healing rate at 12 weeks was equal to 46·2% in the honey group compared with 34·0% in the conventional group, and the difference in the healing rates (95% confidence interval, CI) at 12 weeks between the two groups was 12·2% (−13·6%, 37·9%). The unadjusted hazard ratio (95% CI) from a Cox regression was equal to 1·30 (0·77, 2·19),P = 0·321. When the treatment effect was adjusted for confounding factors (sex, wound type, age and wound area at start of treatment), the hazard ratio increased to 1·51 but was again not statistically significant.

Conclusion. Wound area at start of treatment and sex are both highly statistically significant predictors of time to healing. These results support the proposition that there are clinical benefits from using honey in wound care, but further research is needed.
Patients’ and nurses’ perspectives on oxygen therapy: a qualitative study
Authors: Eastwood Glenn M. , O’Connell Bev , Gardner Anne , Considine Julie
Published: February 2009

Title.  Patients’ and nurses’ perspectives on oxygen therapy: a qualitative study.

Aim.  This paper is a report of a study to describe patients’ and nurses’ perspectives on oxygen therapy.

Background.  Failure to correct significant hypoxaemia may result in cardiac arrest, need for mechanical ventilation or death. Nurses frequently make clinical decisions about the selection and management of low‐flow oxygen therapy devices. Better understanding of patients’ and nurses’ experiences of oxygen therapy could inform clinical decisions about oxygen administration using low‐flow devices.

Methods.  Face‐to‐face interviews with a convenience sample of 37 adult patients (17 cardio‐thoracic: 20 medical surgical) and 25 intensive care unit nurses were conducted from February 2007 to September 2007. Interviews were audio‐taped, transcribed verbatim and then analysed using a thematic analysis approach.

Findings.  The patients identified three key factors that underpinned their compliance with oxygen therapy: (i) device comfort; (ii) ability to maintain activities of daily living; and (iii) therapeutic effect. The nurses identified factors, such as: (i) therapeutic effect, (ii) issues associated with compliance, (iii) strategies to optimize compliance, (iv) familiarity with device, (v) triggers for changing oxygen therapy devices, as being key to the effective management of oxygen therapy.

Conclusion.  Differences between the patients’ and nurses’ perspective of oxygen therapy illustrate the variety of factors that impact on effective oxygen administration. Further research should seek to provide a further in‐depth understanding of the current oxygen administration practices of nurses and the patient factors that enhance or hinder effectiveness of oxygen therapy. Detailed information about nurse and patient factors that influence oxygen therapy will inform a sound evidence base for nurses’ oxygen administration decisions.
Increased colonic transit in rats produced by a combination of a cholinesterase inhibitor with a 5‐HT4receptor agonist
Authors: Campbell‐dittmeyer K. , Hicks G. A. , Earnest D. L. , Greenwood‐van Meerveld B.
Published: February 2009

Abstract Increased cholinergic stimulation and accelerated gastrointestinal (GI) transit may be produced by direct stimulation of the acetylcholine (ACh) receptor with an appropriate agonist by increased release of ACh from cholinergic nerve terminals or by a decreased removal or breakdown of ACh within cholinergic synapses. The acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, neostigmine, and the 5‐HT4receptor partial agonist tegaserod, are two agents with known prokinetic activity which work by different mechanisms that result in increased levels of ACh at cholinergic synapses innervating intestinal smooth muscle. Here, we aimed to investigate the potential synergistic effect on colonic transit that may occur with concomitant use of these two agents. Colonic transit was indirectly assessed in rats via measurements of fecal pellet output every 30 min for 2.5 h following administration of neostigmine (0.003–0.1 mg kg−1, i.p.), tegaserod (0.01–1.0 mg kg−1, i.p.), or a combination of both compounds. When administered alone, neostigmine or tegaserod caused a dose‐dependent increase in fecal pellet output. In combination, low doses of the two agents which did not produce statistically significant effects alone, compared to the vehicle, caused a significant increase in fecal pellet output. Combinations of higher doses of neostigmine and tegaserod did not display synergy. In summary, when combined at low doses, neostigmine and tegaserod produce synergistic effects manifested by a statistically significant increase in the expulsion of fecal pellets. A combination of an anticholinesterase agent with a 5‐HT4receptor agonist may prove to be a useful therapeutic approach to treat conditions associated with slow GI transit.
The placebo response in functional dyspepsia – reanalysis of trial data
Authors: Enck P. , Vinson B. , Malfertheiner P. , Zipfel S. , Klosterhalfen S.
Published: February 2009

Abstract  Clinical trial data rarely identify factors contributing to the placebo response. We reanalysed the data from the placebo arm (n = 157) of a functional dyspepsia (FD) trial to determine predictors of placebo response including total GIS score, change in GIS score during run‐in, type of FD symptoms, duration of illness, age, gender, body mass index (BMI), family occurrence of FD‐like symptoms, smoking and alcohol consumption. The same response criteria were applied to the drug arm (n = 158) of the study. Based on the initial 40% response criterion of the study, 35 (22.2%) were classified as placebo responders (PR), whilst 122 (78.8%) were placebo non‐responders (PnR). Response rates for the drug arm were 41.1 and 56.9% respectively. PR had significantly lower GIS scores compared to PnR at visit 1 (10.6 ± 0.6 and 12.3 ± 0.4, respectively, P = 0.035), but not at visit 2 with study medication dispensing (10.9 ± 0.5 and 11.3 ± 0.4). Hence, PR symptoms increased during run‐in by 4.2% whilst PnR symptoms decreased by 6.3% (P < 0.005). Gender, age and duration and type of FD symptoms were not different between PR and PnR. Smoking was less prevalent in PR (3%) compared to PnR (21%) (P < 0.025). Increasing the criteria for the placebo response resulted in higher BMI for PR than for PnR (P = 0.035). None of the predictors for placebo response were able to distinguish responders from non‐responders to the drug. Variables predicting the PR point towards behavioural and biological mechanism of the PR, operating simultaneously and independently.
Effects of tree height on branch hydraulics, leaf structure and gas exchange in California redwoods
Authors: AMBROSE ANTHONY R. , SILLETT STEPHEN C. , DAWSON TODD E.
Published: February 2009

We examined changes in branch hydraulic, leaf structure and gas exchange properties in coast redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) and giant sequoia (Sequoiadendron giganteum) trees of different sizes. Leaf‐specific hydraulic conductivity (kL) increased with height in S. sempervirens but not in S. giganteum, while xylem cavitation resistance increased with height in both species. Despite hydraulic adjustments, leaf mass per unit area (LMA) and leaf carbon isotope ratios (δ13C) increased, and maximum mass‐based stomatal conductance (gmass) and photosynthesis (Amass) decreased with height in both species. As a result, both Amass and gmass were negatively correlated with branch hydraulic properties in S. sempervirens and uncorrelated in S. giganteum. In addition, Amass and gmass were negatively correlated with LMA in both species, which we attributed to the effects of decreasing leaf internal CO2 conductance (gi). Species‐level differences in wood density, LMA and area‐based gas exchange capacity constrained other structural and physiological properties, with S. sempervirens exhibiting increased branch water transport efficiency and S. giganteum exhibiting increased leaf‐level water‐use efficiency with increasing height. Our results reveal different adaptive strategies for the two redwoods that help them compensate for constraints associated with growing taller, and reflect contrasting environmental conditions each species faces in its native habitat.
Stomatal responses to CO2 during a diel Crassulacean acid metabolism cycle in Kalanchoe daigremontiana and Kalanchoe pinnata
Authors: VON CAEMMERER SUSANNE , GRIFFITHS HOWARD
Published: February 2009

To investigate the diurnal variation of stomatal sensitivity to CO2, stomatal response to a 30 min pulse of low CO2 was measured four times during a 24 h time‐course in two Crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) species Kalanchoe daigremontiana and Kalanchoe pinnata, which vary in the degree of succulence, and hence, expression and commitment to CAM. In both species, stomata opened in response to a reduction in pCO2 in the dark and in the latter half of the light period, and thus in CAM species, chloroplast photosynthesis is not required for the stomatal response to low pCO2. Stomata did not respond to a decreased pCO2 in K. daigremontiana in the light when stomata were closed, even when the supply of internal CO2 was experimentally reduced. We conclude that stomatal closure during phase III is not solely mediated by high internal pCO2, and suggest that in CAM species the diurnal variability in the responsiveness of stomata to pCO2 could be explained by hypothesizing the existence of a single CO2 sensor which interacts with other signalling pathways. When not perturbed by low pCO2, CO2 assimilation rate and stomatal conductance were correlated both in the light and in the dark in both species.
Colloidal suspensions of clay or titanium dioxide nanoparticles can inhibit leaf growth and transpiration via physical effects on root water transport
Authors: ASLI SARE , NEUMANN PETER M.
Published: February 2009

A laboratory investigation was conducted to determine whether colloidal suspensions of inorganic nanoparticulate materials of natural or industrial origin in the external water supplied to the primary root of maize seedlings (Zea mays L.) could interfere with water transport and induce associated leaf responses. Water flow through excised roots was reduced, together with root hydraulic conductivity, within minutes of exposure to colloidal suspensions of naturally derived bentonite clay or industrially produced TiO2 nanoparticles. Similar nanoparticle additions to the hydroponic solution surrounding the primary root of intact seedlings rapidly inhibited leaf growth and transpiration. The reduced water availability caused by external nanoparticles and the associated leaf responses appeared to involve a rapid physical inhibition of apoplastic flow through nanosized root cell wall pores rather than toxic effects. Thus: (1) bentonite and TiO2 treatments also reduced the hydraulic conductivity of cell wall ghosts of killed roots left after hot alcohol disruption of the cell membranes; and (2) the average particle exclusion diameter of root cell wall pores was reduced from 6.6 to 3.0 nm by prior nanoparticle treatments. Irrigation of soil‐grown plants with nanoparticle suspensions had mostly insignificant inhibitory effects on long‐term shoot production, and a possible developmental adaptation is suggested.
Multi‐scale phenotyping of leaf expansion in response to environmental changes: the whole is more than the sum of parts
Authors: GRANIER CHRISTINE , TARDIEU FRANÇOIS
Published: February 2009

The leaf is a multi‐scale dynamic unit that is determined by mechanisms at different organizational scales (cell, tissue, whole leaf and whole plant) and affected by both internal (genotype) and external (environmental) determinisms. The recent development of phenotyping platforms and imaging techniques provides new insights into the temporal and spatial patterns of leaf growth as affected by those determinisms. Conclusions about the overriding mechanisms often depend on the considered organizational scale and of time resolution which varies from minutes to several weeks. Analyses of leaf growth responses to environmental conditions have revealed robust emerging properties at whole plant or whole leaf scales. They have highlighted that the control of individual leaf expansion is more complex than merely the sum of cellular processes, and the control at the whole plant level is more complex than the sum of individual leaf expansions. However, in many cases, the integrated leaf‐growth variable can be simplified to a limited set of underlying variables to be measured for comparative analyses of leaf growth or modelling purposes.
Identification of an active LTR retrotransposon in rice
Authors: Picault Nathalie , Chaparro Christian , Piegu Benoit , Stenger Willfried , Formey Damien , Llauro Cristel , Descombin Julie , Sabot Francois , Lasserre Eric , Meynard Donaldo , Guiderdoni Emmanuel , Panaud Olivier
Published: February 2009

Transposable elements are ubiquitous components of plant genomes. When active, these mobile elements can induce changes in the genome at both the structural and functional levels. Availability of the complete genome sequence for several model plant species provides the opportunity to study TEs in plants at an unprecedented scale. In the case of rice, annotation of the genomic sequence of the variety Nipponbare has revealed that TE‐related sequences form more than 25% of its genome. However, most of the elements found are inactive, either because of structural alterations or because they are the target of various silencing pathways. In this paper, we propose a new post‐genomic strategy aimed at identifying active TEs. Our approach relies on transcript profiling of TE‐related sequences using a tiling microarray. We applied it to a particular class of TEs, the LTR retrotransposons. A transcript profiling assay of rice calli led to identification of a new transpositionally active family, named Lullaby. We provide a complete structural description of this element. We also show that it has recently been active in planta in rice, and discuss its phylogenetic relationships with Tos17, the only other active LTR retrotransposon described so far in the species.
A Novel Burdock Fructooligosaccharide Induces Changes in the Production of Salicylates, Activates Defence Enzymes and Induces Systemic Acquired Resistance to Colletotrichum orbiculare in Cucumber Seedlings
Authors: Zhang Peng Ying , Wang Jin Chang , Liu Sheng Hao , Chen Kao Shan
Published: February 2009

The ability of burdock fructooligosaccharide (BFO), a type of linear fructooligosaccharide extracted and isolated from the roots of Arctium lappa, to induce systemic acquired resistance (SAR) was studied in cucumber seedlings. BFO strongly induced changes in salicylic acid (SA) and SA‐glucoside (SAG) in BFO‐treated leaves, and similar changes of SA and SAG were also found in untreated leaves of the same seedling. The level of SA in the first leaves sprayed with BFO (5.0 g/l) increased by 3.6 times after 24 h and then gradually declined from 48 to 96 h and finally decreased to a nadir at 120 h. The SAG level increased by 2.1 times at 24 h and then continued to increase to about 10.0 times as much as that in control from 96 to 120 h. The levels of SA in the untreated leaves of the same seedling only increased by 1.6–1.9 times during the period of 24–72 h followed by a decrease at 120 h, while SAG increased by 1.1 times at 24 h but steadily continued to increase to its maximum from 24 to 120 h. In summary, the patterns of expression of SA and SAG in the untreated leaf were similar to that of the treated leaf of the same seedling, while the pattern of expression of SAG was quite different from that of SA both in the treated and untreated leaves. Pretreatment with BFO reduced the lesions caused by Colletotrichum orbiculare by 56.8%. Additionally, the amount of lignin and the activities of some defensive enzymes including peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, polyphenoloxidase and β‐1,3‐glucanase significantly increased in the first leaves pretreated with BFO and followed with C. orbiculare inoculation. These results demonstrate that BFO can enhance the contents of endogenous SA, the resistance against C. orbiculare, and the activities of defensive enzymes of cucumber seedlings.
The Effect of Potassium Nitrate on the Reduction of Phytophthora Stem Rot Disease of Soybeans, the Growth Rate and Zoospore Release of Phytophthora sojae
Authors: Sugimoto Takuma , Watanabe Kazhuhiko , Furiki Masanari , Walker David R. , Yoshida Shinya , Aino Masataka , Kanto Takeshi , Irie Kazumi
Published: February 2009

The effects of potassium nitrate (KNO3) application on Phytophthora stem rot disease reduction of Glycine max (L.) Merr. cvs. Chusei‐Hikarikuro and Sachiyutaka, and mycelium growth and zoospore release of a Phytophthora sojae isolate were investigated under laboratory conditions. The application of 4–30 mm KNO3 prior to inoculation greatly reduced incidence of disease in the two soybean cultivars. Although a concentration of 20–30 mm KNO3 led to a slight decrease in the growth rate of the PJ‐H30 isolate on PDA medium, no significant relationship was observed between inhibition of the growth rate and disease reduction on application of 0.4–10 mm KNO3. Disease suppression recorded in laboratory experiments using pathogen mycelium was due to the response of plant tissues rather than a direct inhibition of pathogen hyphal growth by the application of KNO3. The extent of disease reduction was related to increased potassium concentration in plants of the two cultivars (except for some cases involving cv. Sachiyutaka), suggesting that differences existed between the two cultivars in terms of the effect of KNO3 application on disease suppression. Scanning electron microscopic observation with fresh samples indicated marked accumulation of potassium at the penetration‐stopping sites of P. sojae in the cortex layer of soybean plants treated with 30 mm KNO3, compared with the non‐treated control plants. The presence of 0.4–30 mm KNO3 decreased the release of zoospores. These results suggest the possibility of applying a solution containing 20–30 mm of KNO3 to decrease the incidence of disease in agricultural fields by the response of plant tissues to KNO3.
A Soil‐free Plant Growth System to Facilitate Analysis of Plant Pathogen Interactions in Roots
Authors: Gunning Tiffany , Cahill David M.
Published: February 2009

Analysis of the interaction of pathogens with plant roots is often complicated by the growth of plants in a soil substrate. A soil‐free plant growth system (SPS) was developed that removes the need for a substrate while supporting the growth of seedlings in a nutrient rich, oxygenated environment. The model legume Lupinus angustifolius was used to compare the growth of seedlings within soil and the SPS. Seedlings grown under both conditions were similar in morphology, anatomy and health (measured by leaf chlorophyll abundance) and importantly there was little difference in root growth and development although straighter and fuller root systems were achieved in the SPS. The ease of access to the root system proved efficient for the analysis of root and pathogen interactions with no interference from soil or adhering particulate matter. Following inoculation of L. angustifolius roots with Phytophthora cinnamomi the host/pathogen interaction was easily observed and tissues sampled undamaged.
Immunodiagnosis of Parietaria mottle virus in Tomato Crops Using a Polyclonal Antiserum against its Coat Protein Expressed in a Bacterial System
Authors: Aparicio Frederic , Aramburu José , Soler Salvador , Galipienso Luis , Nuez Fernando , Pallás Vicente , López Carmelo
Published: February 2009

Recombinant DNA technology was used to raise a polyclonal antiserum against the coat protein (CP) of Parietaria mottle virus (PMoV). The CP gene was expressed in Escherichia coli as a fusion to a 6xHis tag and purified by affinity chromatography. Recombinant purified protein was used as antigen to raise a polyclonal antiserum. This polyclonal antiserum consistently detected PMoV specifically infected tomato plants from different commercial tomato crops by indirect enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (I‐ELISA) and direct tissue‐printing immunoassay (DTBIA).
The Supernatant of a Conidial Suspension of Magnaporthe oryzae Contains a Factor that Promotes the Infection of Rice Plants
Authors: Ando Sugihiro , Tanabe Shigeru , Akimoto‐Tomiyama Chiharu , Nishizawa Yoko , Minami Eiichi
Published: February 2009

Many factors produced by the pathogen Magnaporthe oryzae enhance its ability to infect rice. We found a novel infection‐promoting activity in the supernatant of a conidia suspension (SCS) of M. oryzae. The addition of SCS promoted the invasion of excised rice leaf sheaths by infectious hyphae. The activity was heat‐stable and was found in SCSs from five virulent and three avirulent isolates of M. oryzae on the rice cv. Nipponbare (Pia). The effect was exclusively detected in compatible interactions. The infection of rice plants by non‐rice blast fungi was not enhanced by SCS. These results suggest that SCS includes a heat‐stable factor(s) that promotes M. oryzae infection during compatible interactions.
Using existing industrial remotely operated vehicles for deep‐sea science
Authors: Jones Daniel O. B.
Published: February 2009

Since the mid‐18th century scientists have been using existing industrial technology for scientific investigation in remote places. This approach, pioneered by Linnaeus and his ‘Apostles’, is being used today to access deep‐water environments using remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) in collaboration with the offshore hydrocarbon industry, particularly through the Scientific and Environmental Remotely operated vehicle Partnership using Existing Industrial Technology (SERPENT) project. Industrial ROVs are well suited for scientific investigation with high quality imaging systems as standard. These have already been used to provide associated ecological information to taxonomic specimens and to describe feeding behaviours of monkfish (Lophius piscatorius) and a galatheid (Munida sarsi). In addition, work‐class vehicles have sufficient power and manipulation capacity to interact with the environment, permitting sample collection and experimental assessment of deep‐water ecological processes; examples are given of each of these investigations. The increased understanding of deep‐water systems is now being used by policy‐makers and industry to improve environmental management and monitoring procedures.
Derivatives of prostate‐specific antigen as predictors of incidental prostate cancer
Authors: Froehner Michael , Buck Lena Marie , Koch Rainer , Hakenberg Oliver W. , Wirth Manfred P.
Published: February 2009

OBJECTIVE

To search for an optimal derivative of prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) identifying patients at risk of incidental prostate cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In all, 693 patients who underwent transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) with a normal digital rectal examination, no history of prostate cancer and a PSA level of 2.5–10 ng/mL were studied. The total PSA (tPSA), percentage of free/total PSA (%fPSA), complexed PSA (cPSA), PSA density, cPSA density and the ratio of fPSA to cPSA were measured. Specificity, sensitivity, positive and negative predictive values were determined for all possible threshold values indicating the risk of incidental prostate cancer (T1a or T1b). Furthermore, the patients were subdivided according to age and the presence of an indwelling transurethral catheter. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUC) were compared.

RESULTS

In the whole sample, the %fPSA was the best test predicting all incidental prostate cancers (AUC 0.618, reference: tPSA 0.494), whereas cPSA density was the best predictor of T1b disease (AUC 0.720, reference: tPSA 0.548). Stratification by age did not meaningfully alter the results, the presence of a transurethral catheter, however, was associated with a superiority of tests based on fPSA (AUC 0.620–0.670) compared with tests based on tPSA or cPSA (AUC 0.421–0.581).

CONCLUSION

Replacing tPSA by PSA derivatives (%fPSA or cPSA density) and stratifying by the presence of an indwelling transurethral catheter may improve the prediction of the risk of incidental prostate cancer and spare unnecessary biopsies before TURP in the tPSA range 2.5–10 ng/mL.
FAULT‐TOLERANT MULTI‐AGENT EXACT BELIEF PROPAGATION
Authors: An Xiangdong , Cercone Nick
Published: February 2009

Multiply sectioned Bayesian networks (MSBNs) support multi‐agent probabilistic inference in distributed large problem domains, where agents (subdomains) are organized by a tree structure (called hypertree). In earlier work, all belief updating methods on a hypertree are made of two rounds of propagation, each of which is implemented as a recursive process. Both processes need to be started from the same designated (root) hypernode. Agents perform local belief updating at most in a partial parallel manner. Such methods may not be suitable for practical multi‐agent environments because they are easy to crush for the problems happened in communication or local belief updating. In this paper, we present a fault‐tolerant belief updating method for multi‐agent probabilistic inference. In this method, multiple agents concurrently perform exact belief updating in a complete parallel. Temporary problems happened from time to time at some agents or some communication channels would not prevent agents from eventually converging to the correct beliefs. Permanently disconnected communication channels would not keep the properly connected portions of the system from appropriately finishing their belief updating within portions. Compared to the previous traversal‐based belief updating, the proposed approach is not only fault‐tolerant but also robust and scalable.
ANALYZING MYOPIC APPROACHES FOR MULTI‐AGENT COMMUNICATION
Authors: Becker Raphen , Carlin Alan , Lesser Victor , Zilberstein Shlomo
Published: February 2009

Choosing when to communicate is a fundamental problem in multi‐agent systems. This problem becomes particularly challenging when communication is constrained and each agent has different partial information about the overall situation. We take a decision‐theoretic approach to this problem that balances the benefits of communication against the costs. Although computing the exact value of communication is intractable, it can be estimated using a standard myopic assumption—that communication is only possible at the present time. We examine specific situations in which this assumption leads to poor performance and demonstrate an alternative approach that relaxes the assumption and improves performance. The results provide an effective method for value‐driven communication policies in multi‐agent systems.