bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Arabidopsis aberrant growth and death2 mutant shows resistance to Pseudomonas syringae and reveals a role for NPR1 in suppressing hypersensitive cell death
Authors: Rate Debra N. , Greenberg Jean T.
Published: March 2003

A novel Arabidopsis mutant has been identified with constitutive expression of GST1‐GUS using plants with a pathogen‐responsive reporter transgene containing the β‐glucuronidase (GUS) coding region driven by the GST1 promoter. The recessive mutant, called agd2 (aberrant growth and death2), has salicylic acid (SA)‐dependent increased resistance to virulent and avirulent strains of the bacterial pathogen Pseudomonas syringae, elevated SA levels, a low level of spontaneous cell death, callose deposition, and enlarged cells in leaves. The enhanced resistance of agd2 to virulent P. syringae requires the SA signaling component NONEXPRESSOR OF PR1 (NPR1). However, agd2 renders the resistance response to P. syringae carrying avrRpt2 NPR1‐independent. Thus agd2 affects both an SA‐ and NPR1‐dependent general defense pathway and an SA‐dependent, NPR1‐independent pathway that is active during the recognition of avirulent P. syringae. agd2 plants also fail to show a hypersensitive cell death response (HR) unless NPR1 is removed. This novel function for NPR1 is also apparent in otherwise wild‐type plants: npr1 mutants show a stronger HR, while NPR1‐overproducing plants show a weaker HR when infected with P. syringae carrying the avrRpm1 gene. Spontaneous cell death in agd2 is partially suppressed by npr1, indicating that NPR1 can suppress or enhance cell death depending on the cellular context. agd2 plants depleted of SA show a dramatic exacerbation of the cell‐growth phenotype and increased callose deposition, suggesting a role for SA in regulating growth and this cell‐wall modification. AGD2 may function in cell death and/or growth control as well as the defense response, similarly to what has been described in animals for the functions of NFκB.
Relationship between nuchal translucency at 11–14 weeks and nuchal fold at 20–24 weeks of gestation
Authors: Salomon L. J. , Bernard J. P. , Taupin P. , Benard C. , Ville Y.
Published: March 2003

Objectives

To examine the relationship between the measurement of nuchal translucency in the first trimester and nuchal fold in the second trimester in normal pregnancy.

Methods

This was a prospective study of 592 singleton pregnancies. Fetal nuchal translucency was measured at 11–14 weeks of gestation and nuchal fold at 20–24 weeks of gestation. Linear regression models were used to assess the relationship between nuchal translucency and nuchal fold after adjustment for gestational age.

Results

There was no significant association between nuchal translucency and nuchal fold thickness.

Conclusion

It is possible that measurement of nuchal translucency and nuchal fold may provide an independent contribution in screening for trisomy 21.Copyright © 2001 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology
Fetal nuchal translucency screening in 12 495 pregnancies in Sardinia
Authors: Zoppi M. A. , Ibba R. M. , Floris M. , Monni G.
Published: March 2003

Objective

To examine the distribution of fetal nuchal translucency thickness in normal and chromosomally abnormal fetuses in Sardinia and to determine the effectiveness of screening by a combination of fetal nuchal translucency and maternal age.

Methods

Fetal nuchal translucency thickness and crown–rump length were measured at 10–14 weeks of gestation in 12 495 pregnancies. A reference range of fetal nuchal translucency thickness for crown–rump length was determined from the 10 001 singleton pregnancies with known normal pregnancy outcome. The median nuchal translucency thickness for crown–rump length was determined by regression analysis of the calculated median values of nuchal translucency thickness for each 0.1 mm interval in crown–rump length. The proportions of unaffected fetuses and those with trisomy 21 or other chromosomal defects with nuchal translucency thickness > 1.5 and 2.0 multiples of the regressed normal median for crown–rump length were calculated. The distribution of estimated risks based on maternal age and fetal nuchal translucency thickness according to The Fetal Medicine Foundation software were also determined and the sensitivity and false‐positive rates were calculated.

Results

In the 10 001 normal pregnancies, the median fetal nuchal translucency thickness increased with crown–rump length (median nuchal translucency thickness = 0.3496 + 0.018 × crown–rump length) (r2 = 0.4411). In the singleton pregnancies, there were 64 fetuses with trisomy 21 and 46 with other chromosomal defects. The fetal nuchal translucency thickness was > 1.5 multiples of the median in 510 (5%) of the normal fetuses, in 52 (81%) of the trisomy 21 fetuses and in 33 (72%) of those with other chromosomal defects. The respective values for nuchal translucency thickness > 2.0 multiples of the median were 195 (2%), 41 (64%) and 32 (70%). In 184 multiple pregnancies, there were four fetuses with chromosomal abnormalities and in three of these the nuchal translucency thickness was > 1.5 multiples of the median. Screening by a combination of maternal age and fetal nuchal translucency thickness with a risk cut‐off of 1 in 300 identified 90% of trisomy 21 pregnancies and 85% of all other chromosomal defects for a false‐positive rate of 9%.

Conclusion

Screening for chromosomal defects by measurement of nuchal translucency thickness identifies 80% of fetuses with trisomy 21 for a false‐positive rate of 5%. In our population with a median maternal age of 33 years, screening by a combination of maternal age and fetal nuchal translucency thickness with a risk cut‐off of 1 in 300 identified 90% of trisomy 21 pregnancies for a false‐positive rate of 9%.Copyright © 2001 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology
Acquired right heart outflow tract anomaly without systemic hypertension in recipient twins in twin–twin transfusion syndrome
Authors: Nizard J. , Bonnet D. , Fermont L. , Ville Y.
Published: March 2003

Significant hemodynamic changes are commonly observed in both fetuses in twin–twin transfusion syndrome. In the recipient twin there is cardiac dysfunction with hypertrophy of both ventricles and overall enlargement of the heart. We describe five cases of recipient twins in twin–twin transfusion syndrome with right ventricle hypertrophy, pulmonary stenosis and tricuspid regurgitation acquired in utero. These symptoms developed with no signs of systemic hypertension. Three of the five recipient twins survived and were developing normally at 3–30 months of age. Postnatal outcome is likely to have improved as a result of prenatal diagnosis of right ventricle outflow tract obstruction and timed delivery. These acquired anomalies of the right heart might be related to the particular hemodynamic conditions of the recipient twin. A global heart dilatation is logically expected, but this hypertrophy without dilatation is probably related to the shared plasma of fetuses with opposite hemodynamic conditions. This is what we consider as the hemodynamic–hormonal paradox. These acquired anomalies, though severe, are accessible to neonatal treatment if treated early.Copyright © 2001 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology
A molecular study of Abdominal‐A in the ant Myrmica rubra reveals lineage dependant evolutionary rates for a developmental gene
Authors: Niculita H. , Julien J. F. , Petrochilo E.
Published: March 2003

We have characterized the abdominal‐A locus in a Hymenopteran, the ant Myrmica rubra. The sequence of the homeotic domain of the Abdominal‐A family of orthologous genes is known for a fairly large number of insects but the complete sequence of the Abdominal‐A protein, is known only for a few. The two proteins of Drosophila melanogaster and Tribolium castaneum differ markedly outside the homeodomain. A comparison of the ant Abdominal‐A protein sequences with those of these two insects shows that the ant and beetle sequences are very similar all along the length of the protein. The fruit fly has diverged considerably and equally from the other two insects. This divergence reflects different rates of evolution of the protein in different lineages.
Recurrent gains and losses of large (84–109 bp) repeats in the rDNA internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) of rhipicephaline ticks
Authors: Murrell A. , Campbell N. J. H. , Barker S. C.
Published: March 2003

We studied the internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) in twenty‐two spp. of ticks from the subfamily Rhipicephalinae. A 104–109 base pair (bp) region was imperfectly repeated in most ticks studied. Mapping the number of repeat copies on to a phylogeny from the ITS2 showed that there have been many independent gains and losses of repeats. Comparison of the sequences of the repeat copies indicated that in most taxa concerted evolution had played little if any role in the evolution of these regions, as the copies clustered by sequence position rather than species. In our putative secondary structure, each repeat copy can fold into a distinct and almost identical stem‐loop complex; a gain or loss of a repeat copy apparently does not impair the function of the ITS2 in these ticks.
Phylogeography of the red‐tailed chipmunk (Tamias ruficaudus), a northern Rocky Mountain endemic
Authors: Good Jeffrey M. , Sullivan Jack
Published: March 2003

The northern Rocky Mountains have experienced a complex history of geological events and environmental fluctuation, including Pleistocene glaciation. To provide an initial assessment of the genetic impact of this history on the regional biota we estimated phylogenetic relationships within Tamias ruficaudus, a regional endemic, from cytochrome b sequence variation using parsimony, maximum likelihood, and nested clade analysis. Analyses of sequence variation in 187 individuals from 43 localities across the distribution of T. ruficaudus indicate a history of vicariance events and range fluctuation consistent with successive periods of extensive Pleistocene glaciation in the northern Rocky Mountains. Intraspecific divergence levels (c. 4.7% uncorrected) and phylogenetic structure are consistent with a genealogical vicariance initiated prior to the Late Pleistocene, whereas nested clade analyses indicate more recent population history structured by both fragmentation and range expansion. A comparison of sequence variation with bacular morphology indicates that the two genetically and morphologically differentiated entities exhibit a zone of differential character introgression. Sequence data support a multiple refugia hypothesis and provide a phylogeographical case study for the ongoing synthesis of regional biogeography for northern Rocky Mountain endemics.
Vertical transmission of sublethal granulovirus infection in the Indian meal moth, Plodia interpunctella
Authors: Burden J. P. , Griffiths C. M. , Cory J. S. , Smith P. , Sait S. M.
Published: March 2003

Knowledge of the mechanisms of pathogen persistence in relation to fluctuations in host density is crucial to our understanding of disease dynamics. In the case of insect baculoviruses, which are typically transmitted horizontally via a lifestage that can persist outside the host, a key issue that remains to be elucidated is whether the virus can also be transmitted vertically as a sublethal infection. We show that RNA transcripts for the Plodia interpunctella GV granulin gene are present in a high proportion of P. interpunctella insects that survive virus challenge. Granulin is a late‐expressed gene that is only transcribed after viral genome replication, its presence thus strongly indicates that viral genome replication has occurred. Almost all insects surviving the virus challenge tested positive for viral RNA in the larval and pupal stage. However, this proportion declined in the emerging adults. Granulin mRNA was also detected in both the ovaries and testes, which may represent a putative mechanism by which reduced fecundity in sublethally affected hosts might be manifested. RNA transcripts were also detected in 60–80% of second‐generation larvae that were derived from mating surviving adults, but there was no difference between the sexes, with both males and females capable of transmitting a sublethal infection to their offspring. The data indicate that low‐level persistent infection, with at least limited gene expression, can occur in P. interpunctella following survival of a granulovirus challenge. We believe that this is the first demonstration of a persistent, sublethal infection by a baculovirus to be initiated by a sublethal virus dose. We hypothesize that the ‘latent’ baculovirus infections frequently referred to in the literature may also be low level persistent, sublethal infections resulting from survival from initial baculovirus exposure.
Changes of the physiological parameters of very low‐birthweight infants with chronic lung disease treated with dexamethasone
Authors: Takeuchi Toshio , Tanaka Daisuke , Saikawa Noriko , Satoh Hiroyuki , Iwasaki Jyunya , Inoue Makoto , Narui Kenji , Iikura Yoji
Published: March 2003

Background
: Dexamethasone is widely used for the treatment of chronic lung disease (CLD), but its mechanism of action is still not clearly understood.

Methods
: Respiratory status, bodyweight, blood pressure, urine volume, fluid intake and nutrient intake were investigated in 12 infants with CLD during treatment with dexamethasone.

Results
: The mean gestational age of the patients was 26.3 ± 2.5 weeks and their mean birthweight was 807 ± 232 g. Treatment with dexamethasone was started at a mean age of 41 ± 23 days. The ventilatory index (VI) improved after treatment was started. Blood pressure and urine volume increased significantly after treatment, but weight gain was poor during this time. Fluid and nutrient intake did not change before and after treatment. The degree of improvement in the VI after treatment was significantly correlated with an increase in urine volume.

Conclusions
: The results suggest that a rise in blood pressure as a result of dexamethasone treatment and the subsequent diuretic effect of this rise may play a role in improvement in respiratory status.
Analysis of risk factors for recurrence and effective adjuvant therapy in patients with endometrial cancer
Authors: Goto Tomoko , Takano Masayoshi , Kita Tsunekazu , Kikuchi Yoshihiro
Published: March 2003

Objective: The aim of this study was to explore risk factors for recurrence and effective adjuvant therapy in endometrial cancer.

Methods: Between 1985 and 1999, 170 patients with uterine endometrial cancer received initial therapy at the National Defense Medical College Hospital. We retrospectively analyzed risk factors including; histopathological features, operative procedures, adjuvant therapies and surgical staging.

Results: Although the prognosis in stage I and II patients was fairly good, recurrences were observed in patients with stage Ib or worse. Vagina walls were the frequent site of recurrence. About a half of relapses which occurred within seven months after surgery were observed during adjuvant chemotherapy. Multivariate analysis revealed that myometrial invasion (P = 0.0231) was the only risk factor for recurrence. Although the prognosis in stage III and IV patients was generally poor, serosal invasion in stage III disease seemed to be an im‐portant risk factor. With regard to adjuvant therapy in stage I–III patients who could receive optimal cytoreductive surgery; the risk of recurrence was significantly (P = 0.0127) lower in patients receiving radiation therapy than in those receiving chemotherapy including platinum agents.

Conclusion: The data suggested that in stage I–III patients with optimal cytoreductive surgery, myometrial invasion is an independent risk factor for recurrence and radiation therapy is more effective than chemotherapy as adjuvant therapy.
Studies on the Estimation of Maternal Body Composition by Means of Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis and the Usefulness of Total Body Water/Total Body Fat Value as a Parameter for Diagnosis of Gestational Edema
Authors: Ueda Yasuo , Maruo Motoyoshi , Ashitaka Yoshihiko
Published: March 2003

Objectives:
 This study aimed to investigate the application of bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) to the estimation of body composition of pregnant women especially applied to the accurate diagnosis of gestational edema.

Methods:
 The subjects were 361 pregnant women, divided into 7 groups according to their constitution in the non‐pregnant state and the existence of gestational edema. The impedance between both legs was measured by mono‐frequency impedance analyzer (TBF‐401 Tanita), and total body fat (TBF), total body water (TBW) and TBW/TBF ratios were calculated from the impedance values obtained with or without compensation by fetal component weight (the sum of fetal, placental and amniotic fluid weight) obtained from the literature or those measured after labor except for amniotic fluid.

Results:
 The impedance values of the pregnant women gradually decreased as pregnancy progressed in normal cases, but there was a more remarkable decrease in the cases of gestational edema. The TBF values calculated with compensation by fetal component weight not only closely coincided with those reported by Hytten but also agreed well with the values estimated at 4 days postpartum except for the overweight group with gestational edema. In normal pregnancy, both TBW and TBF gradually increased during pregnancy, but TBW noticeably increased in the cases of gestational edema accompanied with a converse reduction in TBF. Consequently TBW/TBF ratios noticeably increased in late pregnancy in gestational edema. All pregnant women were classified into 3 types according to their changing TBW/TBF patterns during pregnancy. Gestational edema was observed at 94% (33/35) frequency in the increased‐type group but at only 10% (26/262) in the decreased‐type group. TBW/TBF began to increase about 2 weeks before the appearance of gestational edema in pregnant women.

Conclusion:
The measurement of body composition by BIA is applicable to pregnant women by using compensation by fetal component weight. Especially a serial estimation of TBW/TBF during pregnancy might play an important diagnostic role in gestational edema.
Mass treatment with nevirapine to prevent mother‐to‐child transmission of HIV/AIDS in sub‐Saharan African countries
Authors: Hashimoto Hiroyuki , Kapiga Saidi Hussein , Murata Yuji
Published: March 2003

Objective: In 2001, an estimated 800 000 children were newly infected with HIV, almost all through mother‐to‐child transmission (MCTC), and 90% of these children were born in Africa. In such resource‐poor settings, cheaper and more easily administered antiretroviral drugs should be available for use. Mass treatment of an intrapartum and neonatal single dose of nevirapine regimen has been suggested as an effective strategy to prevent MCTC, yet this strategy has never been conducted in clinical trials. By discussing the advantages and disadvantages of it, we analyze the possibility of implementing this regimen.

Methods: We reviewed public health strategies to prevent MCTC in resource‐poor settings, and discuss whether or not mass treatment of an intrapartum and neonatal single dose of nevirapine regimen can be recommended as one therapy in sub‐Saharan Africa due to its simplicity of distribution and use, long‐term efficacy, and cost‐effectiveness.

Result: Recent studies in Uganda showed the high efficacy and cost‐effectiveness of a single dose of nevirapine only to HIV/AIDS‐positive pregnant women. The characteristics of nevirapine also meet the requirements of mass treatment. Mass treatment of nevirapine would increase access to antiretroviral drugs among pregnant women because they can access nevirapine without volunteer counseling and testing, which 31% of pregnant women in developing countries refused to accept due to the fear of stigmatization. No serious adverse effects or drug resistance to this regimen were reported through the studies in Uganda.

Conclusion: Mass treatment of a single‐dose nevirapine can be recommended as one alternative therapy, and further research is recommended to obtain more information about the efficacy, side‐effects, drug resistance, and compliance of this strategy.
Perspectives of collaboration/non‐collaboration in a mental health inpatient setting
Authors: Sharkey V. B.
Published: March 2003

Research investigating collaboration in health care has mainly taken place in general settings or has focused on the professional viewpoint. The initial aim of this study was an attempt to illuminate and explore ‘collaboration’ from the perspective of a person with a clinical diagnosis of schizophrenia using a hermeneutic–phenomenological approach. Through in‐depth conversation, it became apparent that, rather than describing good examples of collaboration, the participant spontaneously drew attention to episodes of ‘non‐collaboration’ and the difficulties he had experienced in joint decision‐making in an inpatient mental health setting. Incorporated are extracts from a reflective journal to reveal the prejudices and preunderstandings of the researcher, who is a mental health nurse. The need for further research encompassing the views of those with a diagnosis of severe and enduring mental illness is underlined.
Care systematization in psychiatric nursing within the psychiatric reform context
Authors: Hirdes A. , Kantorski L. P.
Published: March 2003

The aim of this study was to approach care systematization in psychiatric nursing in two psychiatric disorder patients who attended ‘Nossa Casa’, São Lourenço do Sul, RS, Brazil. Nossa Casa services psychiatric patients in the community, focussing on: (i) permanence in their environment, allowing patients to remain close to their families and social spheres; (ii) integral attendance to meet individual needs; (iii) respecting individual differences; (iv) rehabilitation practices; and (v) social reinsertion. Concepts and assumptions of the psychiatric reform and the Irving’s nursing process were used as theoretical–methodological references to elaborate this systematization. A therapeutic project for the psychiatric patient was elaborated, in accordance with the interdisciplinary proposal accepted by Nossa Casa. Interdisciplinary team intervention, guided by a previously discussed common orientation and defined through an individualized therapeutic project, allowed for an effective process of psychosocial rehabilitation. The authors concluded that a therapeutic project based on the mentioned premises leads to consistent, comprehensive, dialectical and ethical assistance in mental health, thereby reinstating the citizenship of psychiatric patients.
Legal, social, cultural and political developments in mental health care in the UK: the Liverpool black mental health service users’ perspective
Authors: Pierre S. A.
Published: March 2003

Documentary evidence suggests that attitudes among local health and social services professionals towards the concept of user involvement in health and social care remain deeply polarized, a position characterized by commentators simultaneously as praise and damnation. Perhaps user involvement in health and social care will enhance, and it appears to resonate with the logic of, participatory democracy, in localities where the centralization of power has posed questions as to the nature and purpose of local governance in public services provision. The problems experienced by Britain’s black and ethnic minorities within the mental health system have been the subject of exhaustive social inquiry. This essay attempts to explore the way in which legal, social, cultural, and political developments interface with mental health care practice in the UK, in order to assist those responsible for mental health services provision to deliver services that are in line with the Government’s expectation of a modernized mental health service that is safe, sound, and supportive. An exploration of these developments within the European, national (UK), and local (Liverpool) contexts is undertaken. An appropriate local response to national priorities will ostensibly cut a swathe through the barriers confronted by the ethnic minority mental health service user in the cross‐cultural context, an important prerequisite for the implementation of genuine user involvement.
In vivo advantage of combined administration with CPT‐11 and 5‐fluorouracil in rats
Authors: Satoh Hiroaki , Ohtomo Masao , Ishikawa Hiroichi , Kamma Hiroshi , Yamashita Yuko T. , Ohtsuka Morio , Sekizawa Kiyohisa
Published: March 2003

In vivo effect of a bolus combination with 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU) and CPT‐11 was studied against experimental rat lung cancer, SLC cells. 5‐FU and CPT‐11, when administrated individually, showed dose‐dependent inhibition against the tumor (ID50, 7.0 mg/kg/day and 16.0 mg/kg/day, respectively). 5‐FU synergistically enhanced the sensitivity of the tumor cells to CPT‐11 and permitted the administration of approximately a one‐third lower dose of CPT‐11 to obtain the same inhibition against the tumor cell growth. The ID50 of CPT‐11 alone (16.0 mg/kg/day) was reduced to 4.8 mg/kg/day when combined with 5‐FU at 2.5 mg/kg. There were no deaths caused by toxicity in the combination group, and for lower doses (less than 4 mg/kg/day) of CPT‐11 combined with 2.5 mg/kg/day of 5‐FU, all rats showed less than 10% body weight loss at the end of the experiments. When the tumor weights were evaluated by using isoeffect plot analysis, the data points resulting from the combination showed a synergistic interaction between these agents. There was no significant increase of toxicity as assessed by the body weight. The results might support for the use of the combination of 5‐FU and CPT‐11 in cancer chemotherapy.
Local administration of IL‐12–transfected dendritic cells induces antitumor immune responses to colon adenocarcinoma in the liver in mice
Authors: Satoh Yuji , Esche Clemens , Gambotto Andrea , Shurin Galina V. , Yurkovetsky Zoya R. , Robbins Paul D. , Watkins Simon C. , Todo Satoru , Herberman Ronald B. , Lotze Michael T. , Shurin Michael R.
Published: March 2003

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common fatal malignancies in the United States, with an incidence second only to lung cancer. The liver is the most common site of colorectal metastases and frequently the only affected organ once the primary tumor has been surgically removed. The only potentially curative treatment for metastatic colorectal cancer in the liver is surgery, although most patients are not eligible for resection. We have therefore, evaluated the therapeutic efficacy of dendritic cells (DCs) engineered to express IL‐12 in a liver metastasis model. Direct administration of DCs into the portal vein significantly inhibited the growth of established MC38 colon carcinoma in the liver in C57BL/6 mice. This effect was accompanied by an intratumoral accumulation of CD4+, CD8+, and NLDC‐145+ immune effector cells, and also resulted in a systemic immune response as determined by enhanced production of IFN‐γ by T lymphocytes isolated from both spleen and draining lymph nodes. Evaluation of homing of Cy3‐labeled DCs following the portal vein injection confirmed their distribution in the liver and lymphoid tissue. Thus, a local delivery of DCs transduced with the IL‐12 gene can not only inhibit colorectal tumor growth in vivo but also mount systemic antitumor immune responses. This approach is likely to improve the outcome of immunotherapy for metastatic colorectal cancer since high numbers of tumor‐associated DCs positively correlate with a more favorable prognosis. Simultaneous local gene therapy with IL‐12 will further improve clinical efficacy without placing the patient at risk for systemic toxicity.
The adenylate cyclase (BAC) in Botrytis cinerea is required for full pathogenicity
Authors: Klimpel Annett , Gronover Christian Schulze , Williamson Brian , Stewart Jennifer A. , Tudzynski Bettina
Published: March 2003

The grey mould Botrytis cinerea is an economically important plant pathogen. Previously we found that null mutants of bcg1 encoding one of the two Gα subunits of heterotrimeric GTP‐binding proteins differed in colony morphology and showed reduced pathogenicity. To further understand the mechanisms involved in infection, we cloned the bac gene encoding adenylate cyclase, the enzyme that catalyses production of cAMP from ATP. The deduced protein sequence consists of 2300 amino acids, the ORF is interrupted by three conserved introns, and there is a high degree of similarity with the catalytic domains of other fungal adenylate cyclases. Gene replacement resulted in reduced vegetative growth and a morphology similar to that of bcg1 mutants. The wild‐type (WT) colony morphology was partially restored by feeding exogenous cAMP. These bac mutants still had a low but constant level of cAMP, despite deletion of the complete catalytic domain of the enzyme. Conidia from bac mutants germinated, penetrated the leaves of Phaseolus vulgaris and caused spreading soft rot lesions (in contrast to bcg1 mutants), although these were slower to develop than in WT controls. Compared to the latter, the most striking difference was that no sporulation occurred on leaves inoculated with bac mutant conidia. These results confirm that the cAMP signalling pathway plays an important role in vegetative growth and pathogenicity in B. cinerea. On the other hand, a much stronger effect of bcg1 mutation on pathogenicity in comparison to the effects of bac mutations suggests that BCG1 controls at least one more signalling component other than adenylate cyclase, and that the cAMP signalling pathway is not the only one responsible for pathogenicity.
Evaluation of mathematical equations to predict the theoretical yield of Chilean Gouda cheese
Authors: Brito C , Niklitschek L , Molina L H , Molina I
Published: March 2003

This study was performed to obtain an adequate tool for predicting the yield of Chilean Gouda cheese. The theoretical yields were calculated by applying equations derived from technical references to industrial cheese production and were compared with their own actual yields, thus selecting those equations showing the best correlation with the actual yield.

The manufacturing and ripening of the cheese were controlled through the chemical composition of milk, whey and cheese, and the weight of the product before and after ripening was recorded.

The actual and theoretical yield values derived from each formula were compared using the mean yield graphs. Furthermore, the global concordance coefficient (W) of Kendall and Smith was also applied, showing the lack of significant discrepancy between actual and theoretical yield values [P > 0.01 (W = 27; W ≥ 18.48)] for either 3‐ or 30‐day cheeses. Out of the 11 formulae used to measure the yield of cheese, six showing a good correlation between the yields were selected through the comparison of error sums and Pearson correlation analysis. However, two formulae showed the best yield results for practical use.
Surviving the doctor's prescription — do patients need more information?
Authors: SHULMAN JERRY
Published: March 2003

Prescription medicines are two‐edged weapons. When used rationally they cure disease and alleviate discomfort. When used irrationally they cause pain, discomfort and even death. Iatrogenic disease is now a by word in medical parlance, and is frequently caused by the failure to provide patients with the information required to use their medicines safely. Elderly, confused and chronically ill patients are prescribed potent medications, which may cause a variety of side‐effects, without appropriate guidance or counselling. Prescription labelling is generally inadequate for the majority of patients. This article looks at the involvement of all the parties concerned, doctors, pharmacists, the pharmaceutical industry, government and, not least, patients. All have a role to play in improving a serious situation.
Quality assurance in Canadian hospital libraries—the challenge of the eighties
Authors: EAGLETON KATHLEEN M.
Published: March 2003

The challenge facing the provider of library services in Canadian health‐care facilities in the mid 1980s is the development of a structured method of monitoring the quality of service provided. In order to explain the evolution of this process, a brief background history of the accreditation of health‐care facilities in Canada is presented, together with the role of the Canadian Council on Hospital Accreditation. An account of the development of Canadian standards for the provision of library services is followed by an introduction to the philosophy of quality assurance as it is applied to the institution as a whole, and to the library in particular. A bibliography is appended.
Medical books in an age of technology: selection and purchase
Authors: NOBLE DON
Published: March 2003

Books are facing threats from new electronic media, yet the number of new medical books published continues unabated—3657 released in 1995 in the UK. Books are changing and publishers are innovating with new formats, often linked in with new media such as CD‐ROM. New technology has made publishing faster and cheaper using desk‐top publishing techniques. The ending of fixed prices for books, with the demise of the Net Book Agreement, adds a further uncertainty to the future of the book. This paper examines the threats and the opportunities, and predicts that the book will survive and prosper.
On‐demand publishing: SCOPE for health studies?
Authors: ROWLINSON CAROLYN
Published: March 2003

Scottish Collaborative On‐demand Publishing Enterprise (SCOPE) aims to provide alternative forms of student text provision at Scottish universities through on‐demand publishing of customized course packs and, eventually, on‐line delivery over a computer network. The project is outlined and progress over the first year described, with some reactions from the major stakeholders: academics, students, publishers, booksellers and librarians. Some applications in support of health studies are suggested.
Teamwork and change
Authors: Needham Gill , Holdsworth Jane , Miles Denise
Published: March 2003

Sir Gordon and the Three wise librarians—

A fairy tale

Once upon a time in the region of Oxford, there were three kingdoms—Kettering, Northampton and Milton Keynes. Each kingdom had its own library service, run by a wise librarian, who offered services to all the workers and students in that kingdom. One day, the highest authority in all the land decreed that kingdoms like these should join together and with institutions of higher education, produce a brand new and very wise kind of nurse.

The three kingdoms agreed to join together with a College called Nene, and together to be called the Sir Gordon Roberts College of Nursing and Midwifery. A special kind of magic would be used to create the new college and that was called PROMPT, project management.

The Principal of the new College wrote a specification of what library services would be required and it said that the College of Nene library would cover all the biological sciences, behavioural sciences and computer studies, and their libraries would cover all the subjects related to healthcare. The document also listed all the kinds of service that the nursing students would need. The three wise librarians sat together through many, many meetings to work out what riches they would need in order to pay for what he wanted.

What did the three wise librarians ask for? They asked for extra staff to provide the service to the new nursing students, they asked for books and journals, indexes and abstracts, CD databases and money for services (inter‐library loans, searches and photocopying). The librarians had to work very hard because everything they asked for had to be carefully costed and justified. They asked for set‐up and recurrent money. They also decided to ask for money to buy computer systems so that all the libraries could give an even better service and could help one another.

The highest authority in all the land decided to give the librarians the riches they sought. They hired new staff, bought the books and journals and installed computer systems called Bookshelf. Ninety of the new nursing students began in October 1990 and another 90 in April 1991. They liked the libraries very much, and the three wise librarians and their staff helped them a great deal with their studies.
The condition is critical: continuing professional development of library and information services staff
Authors: van Loo John , REDFERN MARGARET
Published: March 2003

The relevance of continuing professional development (CPD) to library and information staff is stronger than ever and this article offers some definitions of, and discusses the interdependent interests involved in, the CPD process. The elements necessary for a successful outcome for both employers and employees are outlined and the Library Association Framework is described.
In the right vein? How adequately are departments of information and library studies educating for health care information management and library services in a changing health service?
Authors: van Loo John , DYER HILARY , ROLINSON JANET
Published: March 2003

The results are presented of a survey of current provision for educating library and information staff in the health care sector. The number and nature of available courses offered is described and possible future developments for students and practitioners are outlined.
Who's been using my cd‐rom? Results of a study on the value of cd‐rom searching to users in a teaching hospital library
Authors: van Loo John , DYER HILARY , BUCKLE PAULINE
Published: March 2003

cd‐rom systems are heavily used in medical libraries, but literature on the topic reports that searching is of poor quality. There is increasing concern over doctors' legal liability for their patients and the role of the literature search in keeping doctors informed. Will poor searching impact on the quality of information retrieved? This small‐scale study was a pilot for a larger investigation which has been sponsored by the British Library. Findings indicate that, while searching is inelegant, it is not necessarily ineffective, although it would appear that medical practitioners would find training in the use of cd‐rom systems cost‐effective.
The NHS Research and Development Programme and its impact on health care library and information resource centres
Authors: FLETCHER ANNE
Published: March 2003

This paper looks at the likely impact of the NHS research and development (R&D) programme on health care library and information centres. A brief description of the NHS R&D programme stresses the importance of the management of research and development findings to its success. This paper identifies a number of obstacles to the successful dissemination of R&D findings and discusses the role of health care libraries and information centres in overcoming some of these. It focuses on the essential contribution they can make in supporting the use of systematic reviews as the main source of quality evidence on the effectiveness of health care interventions.
A model for the evaluation of search queries in medical bibliographic sources
Authors: Verhoeven Anita A. H. , Boendermaker Peter M. , Boerma Edzard J. , Meyboom‐De Jong Betty
Published: March 2003

The aim of this study was to develop a model to evaluate the retrieval quality of search queries performed by Dutch general practitioners using the printed Index Medicus, MEDLINE on CD‐ROM, and MEDLINE through GRATEFUL MED.

Four search queries related to general practice were formulated for a continuing medical education course in literature searching. The selected potential relevant citations from the course instructor and the 103 course participants together served as the basic set for the three judges to evaluate for (a) relevance and (b) quality, with the latter based on journal ranking, research design and publication type. Relevant individual citations received a citation quality score from 1 (low) to 4 (high). The overall search quality was expressed in a formula, which included the individual citation quality score of the selected and missed relevant citations, and the number of selected non‐relevant citations.

The outcome measures were the number and quality of relevant citations and agreement between the judges.

Out of 864 citations, 139 were assessed as relevant, of which 44 citations received an individual citation quality score of 1, 76 of 2, 19 of 3 and none of 4. The level of agreement between the judges was 68% for the relevant citations, and 88% for the non‐relevant citations.

We describe a model for the evaluation of search queries based not only on the relevance, but also on the quality of the citations retrieved. With adaptation, this model could be generalized to other professional users, and to other bibliographic sources.
From troglodytes to information managers: information management and technology needs to achieve the primary care NHS modernization agenda—the views of three GPs
Authors: Rooney Irene , Hornby Susan
Published: March 2003

In response to the information management and technology changes proposed by the Government’s NHS modernization initiative this article examines the issues that GPs feel to be of major significance to their work.

Although information and communications technology is widely used in general practice there is no one agreed standard system. The level of technology and the manner in which it is used is also diverse throughout the profession, as are the attitudes that exist amongst GPs regarding the value of information management and technology, and the benefits efficient information management offers to them and to their patients.

The views of three local GPs from practices with varying levels of information technology were obtained through semi‐structured interviews and the findings developed in the light of current discussions in the published literature. The GPs chosen reflect the disparity within general practice and, perhaps, other units of the NHS in the use and understanding of information management.

The main conclusions were that there is ambivalence and scepticism about what NHSnet currently has to offer; that local electronic records benefit patient care, but when networked more widely problems of confidentiality and security result. Practitioners were also mindful of the financial costs of changes and concerned, given the impact of PCGs and clinical governance, as to who will be responsible for ensuring a common level of electronic records, IT provision, and financial and technological support.
Apoptosis is inversely related to bcl‐2 but not to bax expression in salivary gland tumours
Authors: Soini  , TÖrmÄnen  , PÄÄkkÖ
Published: March 2003

Aims:

We investigated the extent of apoptosis in 55 benign and malignant salivary gland tumours and its association with the immunohistochemical expression of bcl‐2 and bax.

Methods and results:

Apoptosis was detected in histological sections by the 3′‐end DNA labelling method. bcl‐2 and bax protein expression was determined by immunohistochemistry. The frequency of apoptosis was clearly higher in malignant than in benign tumours. In pleomorphic adenomas and Warthin's tumours the average apoptotic index was 0.01% (range 0.00–0.07%) while in the malignant salivary gland tumours it was 0.42% (range 0.00–1.75%). Immunohistochemical bcl‐2 expression was observed in all pleomorphic adenomas and Warthin's tumours and in most cases the expression was strong. In malignant tumours, 9/25 cases showed no expression and in the rest of the cases, apart from adenoid cystic carcinomas, the bcl‐2 expression was often weak. There were significantly more cases with no or weak bcl‐2 positivity in malignant than in benign salivary gland tumours (P = 0.001). There was a statistically significant association between a weak bcl‐2 expression and a high frequency of apoptosis (P = 0.02). In contrast to bcl‐2, strong bax expression was found in both benign and malignant tumours and was not associated with the frequency of apoptosis.

Conclusions:

The low bcl‐2 expression in malignant tumours suggests that down‐regulation of its expression might contribute to their higher frequency of apoptosis.
Anaplastic large cell malignant lymphoma with extensive eosinophilic or neutrophilic infiltration
Authors: Mccluggage  , Walsh  , Bharucha
Published: March 2003

Aims:

We describe the clinicopathological features of eight cases of Ki‐1 positive anaplastic large cell malignant lymphoma (Ki‐1 ALCL) in which there was extensive infiltration by eosinophils and/or neutrophils in the absence of necrosis.

Methods and results:

The patients comprised four males and four females with an age range of 24–74 years. Five cases had originally been diagnosed as Hodgkin's disease and one as true histiocytic lymphoma. In all cases, there was massive infiltration by eosinophils and/or neutrophils sometimes to such an extent that malignant cells were obscured. Immunohistochemical staining was performed using the monoclonal antibodies CD30, CD15, CD45, CD20, CD3, CD45RO, epithelial membrane antigen (EMA), CAM5.2, vimentin and CD68. In all cases, tumour cells were strongly positive for CD30 but negative for CD15. One case was positive for CD45 but none expressed B or T‐cell markers. Five cases were positive for vimentin and two for EMA. Three of seven patients in whom adequate clinical details were available had stage III or IV disease at presentation and four exhibited B symptoms. Four patients had a peripheral neutrophilia and one a peripheral eosinophilia.

Conclusions:

The study shows that an eosinophil and/or neutrophil‐rich variant of Ki‐1 ALCL exists, expanding the morphological spectrum of this tumour.
Fatal pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma with meningeal gliomatosis
Authors: Leonard  , Alcutt  , Farrell
Published: March 2003

Aims:

To report the previously undescribed phenomenon of extensive meningeal gliomatosis in a pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma (PXA) and to examine possible prognostic features.

Case details:

An 11‐year‐old girl underwent excision of a left temporoparietal pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma and 8 months later underwent re‐excision of a local tumour recurrence. Although mitoses were not present in any of the resection specimens, the development of necrosis and increased immunoreactivity for proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) indicated anaplastic transformation in the recurrent tumour. Three months later, extensive meningeal gliomatosis with minimal local recurrence resulted in death.

Conclusions:

Subarachnoid dissemination of a locally recurrent PXA in the absence of mitotic activity is an extremely unusual occurrence. PCNA expression in the initial excision specimens did not predict subsequent anaplastic transformation.
Diagnosis of hereditary non‐polyposis colorectal cancer
Authors: Jass J.R.
Published: March 2003

The term hereditary non‐polyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC) was introduced initially to encompass autosomal dominant syndromes predisposing to colorectal cancer other than the polyposes. The term is a poor descriptor and is often applied to families on the basis of inadequate information. It is suggested that ‘hereditary mismatch repair deficiency syndrome’ (HMRDS) should replace the term HNPCC for describing the specific autosomal dominant condition which predisposes to cancer displaying the mutator phenotype. Population‐based studies have shown that HMRDS probably accounts for no more than 2% of bowel cancer. A working diagnosis of HMRDS can be made on the basis of clinical, pathological and molecular characteristics. The histopathologist has an important role to play in the recognition and diagnosis of HMRDS. The characteristic morphology of colorectal cancer in HMRDS is reviewed and the diagnostic utility of ‘field changes’ and adenomas is discussed critically.