bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Differential tree mortality in response to severe drought: evidence for long‐term vegetation shifts
Authors: MUELLER REBECCA C. , SCUDDER CRESCENT M. , PORTER MARIANNE E. , TALBOT TROTTER R. , GEHRING CATHERINE A. , WHITHAM THOMAS G.
Published: November 2005

Although drought frequency and severity are predicted to increase across numerous continental interiors, the consequences of these changes for dominant plants are largely unknown. Over the last decade, the south‐western US has experienced six drought years, including the extreme droughts of 1996 and 2002, which led to widespread tree mortality across northern Arizona.

We examined the impact of these droughts on the co‐dominant tree species of the pinyon–juniper woodland (Pinus edulis and Juniperus monosperma), a major vegetation type in the US.

Pinyon mortality following both droughts was 6.5‐fold higher than juniper mortality. In addition, large pinyons suffered 2–6‐fold greater mortality than small pinyons, a pattern associated with higher mortality of reproductively mature trees and survival of smaller pinyons resulting from facilitation by established vegetation. Differential mortality of large pinyons resulted in a vegetation shift such that the pinyon–juniper woodlands are becoming dominated by juniper, a species that is typical of lower elevations and more arid conditions.

Sites that experienced high pinyon mortality during the first drought suffered additional mortality during the second drought, so that reductions in tree densities and the resulting release from below‐ground competition did not buffer surviving pinyons against additional mortality during the second drought. Such repeated mortality events also suggest that these stands may suffer chronic stress.

Reductions in biotic associations (e.g. avian seed dispersers, ectomycorrhizas and nurse plants) that will probably result from extreme mortality of large pinyons ensure that the observed vegetation shifts will be persistent. Because approximately 1000 species are associated with pinyon pine, the shift in the structure of these woodlands has large‐scale community consequences.
Retracted: Dual role for an allelochemical: (±)‐catechin from Centaurea maculosa root exudates regulates conspecific seedling establishment
Authors: PERRY LAURA G. , THELEN GILES C. , RIDENOUR WENDY M. , WEIR TIFFANY L. , CALLAWAY RAGAN M. , PASCHKE MARK W. , M. VIVANCO JORGE
Published: November 2005

Plant allelopathic compounds may have other roles than interspecific interference. We investigated whether (±)‐catechin, a phytotoxin exuded from the roots of the exotic invader Centaurea maculosa (spotted knapweed), is also one of the factors that regulates C. maculosa recruitment.

Adding activated carbon, which adsorbs organic compounds, to soil around C. maculosa adults in the field increased seedling density by 78% 25 days after sowing, and by 34% 32 days after sowing, suggesting that soil‐borne compounds inhibited or delayed recruitment.

Analysis of field soils near mature C. maculosa revealed that they can contain exceptionally high (±)‐catechin concentrations (mean = 1.55 mg g−1 dry soil, with 60% of samples containing ≥ 1.0 mg (±)‐catechin g−1).

In laboratory experiments, treatment with ≥ 1.0 mg (±)‐catechin mL−1 reduced seedling root elongation by > 50%, indicating that field concentrations are sufficient to inhibit C. maculosa recruitment. Provided that 10% methanol was used to maintain (±)‐catechin in solution for > 1 day, treatment with ≥ 1.0 mg mL−1 also reduced C. maculosa germination by > 70%.

(±)‐Catechin maintained in solution with methanol did not significantly reduce C. maculosa seed survival, suggesting that inhibition of germination was due, at least in part, to delayed germination rather than to seed mortality.

Depending on the solubility of (±)‐catechin in soil and on the duration of its effects on recruitment, C. maculosa may avoid intraspecific competition or regulate the timing of seedling establishment by reducing seedling growth or postponing germination in response to its own phytotoxin.

Chemical regulation of C. maculosa recruitment, as demonstrated here, suggests a dual role of (±)‐catechin as an allelochemical and an autoinhibitor. The potential for a single plant root exudate to influence both inter‐ and intraspecific interactions emphasizes the complex effects that plant secondary metabolites may have on plant population and community structure.
Winners and losers in herbaceous plant communities: insights from foliar carbon isotope composition in monocultures and mixtures
Authors: JUMPPONEN A. , MULDER C. P. H. , HUSS‐DANELL K. , HÖGBERG P.
Published: November 2005

We established monocultures and 16 unique mixed communities of 12 native grasses, legumes and non‐N2‐fixing forbs. We identified species having a greater or lesser yield in the mixed communities than expected from monoculture data as winners and losers, respectively. To test our hypothesis that performance of the subordinate species (losers) is mainly controlled by light availability, whereas the dominant species (winners) are sensitive to the availability of below‐ground resources, we traced the effects of number of species, light transmission in the community and foliar N concentration on plant photosynthesis through leaf C isotope composition (δ13C).

Phalaris arundinacea and Phleum pratense, the two tallest grass species, yielded more in mixtures than expected, as, initially, did Dactylis glomerata. Festuca ovina, the smallest grass, and Ranunculus acris, a forb, had smaller yield in mixtures than expected. For most species, observed mixture yields did not deviate significantly from those expected.

Decreases in transmitted light decreased δ13C in D. glomerata, Lotus corniculatus and Rumex acetosa. The δ13C of Trifolium pratense and L. corniculatus was affected by increasing number of species in the plant community even after accounting for the transmitted light. In P. arundinacea, δ13C increased with increasing foliar %N, as expected for the tallest, dominant species.

Species showing a positive, significant relationship between δ13C and transmitted light were relatively low growing and unable to establish dominance in multispecies communities due to shading by larger dominants.

We conclude that above‐ground competition is crucial in determining C isotope composition among the subordinate species, whereas the dominant species are more strongly affected by below‐ground resources. Different factors thus dictate the physiological performance of species according to the size‐distribution hierarchy in the community.
Handicaps and the development of skills between childhood and early adolescence in young people with severe intellectual disabilities
Authors: Chadwick O. , Cuddy M. , Kusel Y. , Taylor E.
Published: November 2005

Background  While a number of studies have examined the development of skills in children with intellectual disabilities (ID), most have been cross‐sectional, most have been concerned with particular syndromes such as Down's syndrome or autism and few have attempted to identify factors associated with improvements in skills.

Methods  From a sample of 111 children with severe ID who had been identified from the registers of six special schools at 4–11 years of age, 82 were traced and reassessed 5 years later at the age of 11–17 years. On both occasions, information on the children's handicaps and skills was collected by interviewing their main carers using a shortened version of the Vineland Adaptive Behaviour Scales and the Disability Assessment Schedule.

Results and conclusions  There were small but statistically significant improvements in Vineland age‐equivalent communication and daily living skills scores, but not in Vineland Socialization scores, over the 5‐year period of follow‐up. This pattern of improvement was observed in most aetiological subgroups. Improvement in skills was greatest in younger children, and was associated with reductions in behaviour problems and in levels of parental stress. In spite of the improvements in age‐equivalent scores, Vineland standard scores showed significant declines over the same period of time, indicating that the improvements observed were smaller than would be expected in a general population sample of children of the same age. The dangers of using standard scores or quotients to quantify the level of functioning of children with severe ID are highlighted.
A follow‐up study of mortality, health conditions and associated disabilities of people with intellectual disabilities in a Swedish county
Authors: Gustavson K.‐H. , Umb‐Carlsson Õ. , Sonnander K.
Published: November 2005

Background  In the planning of services and health care for individuals with intellectual disability (ID), information is needed on the special requirements for habilitation and medical service and associated disabilities.

Material and methods  An unselected consecutive series of 82 adult persons with ID was studied. The medical examination consisted of the individual's health condition, associated impairments and disabilities. Medical and habilitation services and support were studied.

Results  The results indicated that 71% of the persons in the series had severe and 29% mild ID. Forty‐seven per cent of the persons with severe ID and 35% of those with mild ID had one or more additional central nervous system (CNS) disabilities. Of the persons with ID, 99% had access to a family doctor and 84% attended regular health visits. Notably, half of persons were referred to a specialist examination as a consequence of their present medical examination. Half of the persons with mental health problems were previously undiagnosed and only a few of these had access to a psychiatrist.

Conclusion  Our study clearly demonstrates the magnitude and importance of neurological and psychiatric impairments in ID. The findings suggest a strong need for multidisciplinary health service.
Effect of tepoxalin on renal function in healthy dogs receiving an angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitor
Authors: FUSELLIER M. , DESFONTIS J.‐C. , MADEC S. , GAUTIER F. , MARESCAUX L. , DEBAILLEUL M. , GOGNY M.
Published: November 2005

The objective of this study was to investigate renal function in clinically normal dogs receiving tepoxalin, a nonsteroidal inflammatory drug, either in association with or without an angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI). Ten adult female Beagle dogs were used in the three phases of the study. The dogs were administered the drugs once daily for 7 days (experiment 1: placebo/tepoxalin/tepoxalin and benazepril; experiment 2: enalapril/tepoxalin and enalapril) or for 28 days (experiment 3: tepoxalin and benazepril together).

Renal function was assessed by measurement of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) by renal scintigraphy [(renal uptake of 99mTc‐diethylenetriaminepentacetic acid (DTPA)] and plasma clearance of 99mTc‐DTPA. Compared with the placebo group, renal uptake and plasma clearance of 99mTc‐DTPA were not significantly modified after a 7‐day period of treatment with tepoxalin or enalapril alone, tepoxalin and benazepril or tepoxalin and enalapril together. No significant change was obtained in GFR after a 28‐day period of dosing with tepoxalin and benazepril together.

Therefore, it was concluded that tepoxalin did not alter renal function in healthy Beagle dogs receiving ACEI.
Inhibitory effects of the β2‐adrenergic receptor agonist zilpaterol on the LPS‐induced production of TNF‐α in vitro and in vivo
Authors: VERHOECKX K. C. M. , DOORNBOS R. P. , VAN DER GREEF J. , WITKAMP R. F. , RODENBURG R. J. T.
Published: November 2005

In this study the anti‐inflammatory properties of zilpaterol, a β2‐adrenergic receptor (AR) agonist specifically developed as a growth promoter in cattle were investigated. Although zilpaterol has a different structure compared with the β2‐AR agonists known to date, it was noted that it was able to bind to both the β2‐AR (Ki = 1.1 × 10−6) and the β1‐AR (Ki = 1.0 × 10−5). Using lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐exposed U937 macrophages, the production of cyclic adenosine‐3′,5′‐cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α) were investigated. Zilpaterol inhibited TNF‐α release and induced intracellular cAMP levels in a dose‐dependent manner. The inhibition of TNF‐α release and induction of cAMP production was mainly mediated via the β2‐AR, as indicated by addition of β1‐ and β2‐specific antagonists. The effects of zilpaterol were investigated in LPS‐treated male Wistar rats after pretreatment with zilpaterol. Zilpaterol dosed at 500 μg/kg body weight reduced the TNF‐α plasma levels. In conclusion, zilpaterol is a β2‐adrenergic agonist and an inhibitor of TNF‐α production induced by LPS both in vivo and in vitro.
In vitroeffects of bethanechol on equine gastrointestinal contractility and functional characterization of involved muscarinic receptor subtypes
Authors: MARTI M. , MEVISSEN M. , ALTHAUS H. , STEINER A.
Published: November 2005

The goal of this study was to investigate the effect of bethanechol (BeCh) on contractility patterns of smooth muscle preparations of equine duodenum descendens, jejunum, caecum and pelvic flexurein vitro. Concentration–response relationships were developed for BeCh usingin vitroassays with and without preincubation of muscarinic (M) receptor antagonists for M2and M3receptors. BeCh induced a significant, concentration‐dependent increase in contractile response in equine intestine in specimens with circular orientation. The maximal effect was largest for jejunal specimens with no difference in EC50within the different locations investigated. The M2antagonist, AF‐DX 116, caused a rightward shift of the concentration–response curve and the M3antagonist, 4‐DAMP (1,1‐dimethyl‐4‐diphenylacetoxypiperidinium iodide), almost completely inhibited the effect of BeCh over the entire concentration–response curve. These data provide evidence that, although the effect of BeCh is predominantly mediated by M3receptors, M2muscarinic receptors also play a role in BeCh‐induced contraction in specimens of equine intestine. The involvement of other muscarinic receptor subtypes cannot be excluded. Further studies are necessary to understand the effect of BeChin vivoincluding diseased animals.
Pharmacokinetics and oral bioavailability of pentoxyfylline in broiler chickens
Authors: DE BOEVER S. , BAERT K. , DE BACKER P. , CROUBELS S.
Published: November 2005

The pharmacokinetic properties of pentoxyfylline and its metabolites were determined in healthy chickens after single intravenous and oral dosage of 100 mg/kg pentoxyfylline. Plasma concentrations of pentoxyfylline and its metabolites were determined by a validated high‐performance liquid chromatographic method. After intravenous (i.v.) and oral (p.o.) administration, the plasma concentration–time curves were best described by a one‐compartment open model. The mean elimination half‐life (t1/2(el)) of pentoxyfylline was 1.05 h, total body clearance 1.90 L/h·kg, volume of distribution 2.40 L/kg and the mean residence time was 2.73 h, after i.v. administration. After oral dosing, mean maximal plasma concentration of pentoxyfylline was 4.01 μg/mL and the interval from p.o. administration until maximum concentration was 1.15 h. The mean oral bioavailability was found to be 28.2%. Metabolites I, IV and V were present in chicken plasma after both i.v. and p.o. administration, with metabolite V being the most dominant.
ATP‐ and NAD+‐dependent DNA ligases share an essential function in the halophilic archaeon Haloferax volcanii
Authors: Zhao An , Gray Fiona C. , MacNeill Stuart A.
Published: November 2005

DNA ligases join the ends of DNA molecules during replication, repair and recombination. ATP‐dependent ligases are found predominantly in the eukarya and archaea whereas NAD+‐dependent DNA ligases are found only in the eubacteria and in entomopoxviruses. Using the genetically tractable halophile Haloferax volcanii as a model system, we describe the first genetic analysis of archaeal DNA ligase function. We show that the Hfx. volcanii ATP‐dependent DNA ligase family member, LigA, is non‐essential for cell viability, raising the question of how DNA strands are joined in its absence. We show that Hfx. volcanii also encodes an NAD+‐dependent DNA ligase family member, LigN, the first such enzyme to be identified in the archaea, and present phylogenetic analysis indicating that the gene encoding this protein has been acquired by lateral gene transfer (LGT) from eubacteria. As with LigA, we show that LigN is also non‐essential for cell viability. Simultaneous inactivation of both proteins is lethal, however, indicating that they now share an essential function. Thus the LigN protein acquired by LGT appears to have been co‐opted as a back‐up for LigA function, perhaps to provide additional ligase activity under conditions of high genotoxic stress.
Farnesol‐induced apoptosis in Aspergillus nidulans reveals a possible mechanism for antagonistic interactions between fungi
Authors: Semighini Camile P. , Hornby Jacob M. , Dumitru Raluca , Nickerson Kenneth W. , Harris Steven D.
Published: November 2005

The dimorphic fungus Candida albicans secretes farnesol, which acts as a quorum‐sensing molecule and prevents the yeast to mycelium conversion. In this study we examined the effect of farnesol in the filamentous fungus Aspergillus nidulans. We show that externally added farnesol has no effect on hyphal morphogenesis; instead, it triggers morphological features characteristic of apoptosis. Additional experiments suggest that mitochondria and reactive oxygen species (ROS) participate in farnesol‐induced apoptosis. Moreover, the effects of farnesol appear to be mediated by the FadA heterotrimeric G protein complex. Because A. nidulans does not secrete detectable amounts of farnesol, we propose that it responds to farnesol produced by other fungi. In agreement with this notion, growth and development were impaired in a farnesol‐dependent manner when A. nidulans was co‐cultivated with C. albicans. Taken together, our data suggest that farnesol, in addition to its quorum‐sensing function that regulates morphogenesis, is also employed by C. albicansTo reduce competition from other microbes.
Effects of isoflurane on oxygen‐glucose deprivation‐induced changes of gene expression profiling in glial‐neuronal cocultures
Authors: Huang Y. , Zuo Z.
Published: November 2005

Background:  Isoflurane decreases ischemia‐induced neuronal injury. The mechanisms of this effect are largely unknown. We hypothesize that isoflurane induces expression of protective stress genes and decreases expression of apoptosis‐related genes.

Methods:  The mRNA expression of about 1300 genes related to neurobiology in rat glial‐neuronal cocultures was evaluated by microarray technology. Four experimental conditions were examined: control; 2% isoflurane; oxygen‐glucose deprivation (OGD, to simulate ischemia in vitro); or isoflurane (2%) plus OGD.

Results:  There were four immediate early genes/transcription factors (early growth response 1, c‐fos, nerve growth factor‐induced factor A and Knox‐24) whose mRNA expression was increased to more than 1.4‐fold of control levels under the conditions of isoflurane, OGD or isoflurane plus OGD. Isoflurane increased the mRNA expression of heme oxygenase, a 32‐kDa heat‐shock protein, and decreased the mRNA expression of caspase‐2, calpain 1 and the Bcl‐2‐associated death agonist. These isoflurane effects were still apparent under the condition of isoflurane plus OGD. The mRNA expression of Gβ1, early growth response 1 and the death effector domain‐containing protein DEFT in the samples used for microarray assay was determined by reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction, and the results were consistent with the patterns of changes across the experimental conditions as revealed by microarray technology.

Conclusion:  Our data suggest that the effects of isoflurane on the mRNA expression of multiple genes in glial‐neuronal cocultures are consistent with its neuroprotection against ischemia. A coordinated change in expression of many genes (increased expression of potentially protective gene and decreased expression of potentially damaging genes) after the exposure of isoflurane was revealed by this study.
Wernicke's encephalopathy in a malnourished surgical patient: clinical features and magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Nolli M. , Barbieri A. , Pinna C. , Pasetto A. , Nicosia F.
Published: November 2005

We report a clinical and neuroradiological description of a severe case of Wernicke's encephalopathy in a surgical patient. After colonic surgery for neoplasm, he was treated for a long time with high glucose concentration total parenteral nutrition. In the early post‐operative period, the patient showed severe encephalopathy with ataxia, ophthalmoplegia and consciousness disorders. We used magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to confirm the clinical suspicion of Wernicke's encephalopathy. The radiological feature showed hyperintense lesions which were symmetrically distributed along the bulbo‐pontine tegmentum, the tectum of the mid‐brain, the periacqueductal grey substance, the hypothalamus and the medial periventricular parts of the thalamus. This progressed to typical Wernicke–Korsakoff syndrome with ataxia and memory and cognitive defects. Thiamine deficiency is a re‐emerging problem in non‐alcoholic patients and it may develop in surgical patients with risk factors such as malnutrition, prolonged vomiting and long‐term high glucose concentration parenteral nutrition.
The effect of tracheostomy on outcome in intensive care unit patients
Authors: Flaatten H. , Gjerde S. , Heimdal J. H. , Aardal S.
Published: November 2005

Background:  Percutaneous dilatation tracheostomy (PDT) is increasingly being used in the intensive care unit (ICU), and has probably increased the number of procedures performed. The primary aim of this study was to document the short‐ and long‐term outcome of patients with a tracheostomy performed during an ICU stay.

Methods:  Patients in our ICU who underwent an unplanned tracheostomy between 1997 and 2003 were included in this analysis. The type of tracheostomy (PDT or surgical tracheostomy) and time of the procedure were registered prospectively in our ICU database. Survival was followed using the People's Registry of Norway and morbidity data from the individual hospital record. These patients were also compared with a group of ICU patients ventilated for more than 24 h, but managed without a tracheostomy. We also compared patients who had early tracheostomy (less than median time to procedure) with those who had late tracheostomy.

Results:  Of the 2844 admissions (2581 patients), unplanned tracheostomy was performed during 461 admissions (16.2%) on 454 patients (17.6%). The median time to tracheostomy was 6 days. The ICU, hospital and 1‐year mortality rates were 10.8, 27.1 and 37.2%, respectively, significantly less than those of the group ventilated without tracheostomy. The median time to decannulation was 14 days. Patients who had early tracheostomy had a more favourable long‐term survival than those who had late tracheostomy. No procedure‐related mortality was registered.

Conclusions:  In our ICU, having a tracheostomy performed was associated with a favourable long‐term outcome with regard to survival, and early tracheostomy improved survival in addition to consuming less ICU resources.
Isolation and characterization of microsatellites in Bambusa arundinacea and cross species amplification in other bamboos
Authors: Nayak S. , Rout G. R.
Published: November 2005

Isolation and characterization of microsatellites was analysed in Bambusa arundinacea and cross species amplification studied in other bamboos. Microsatellites, tandem repeats of short nucleotide (1–6 bp) sequences, are the DNA marker of choice because of their highly polymorphic, ubiquitous distribution within the genome, ease of genotyping through Polymerase chain reaction, selectively neutral, co‐dominant and multiallelic nature. Six microsatellites, three polymorphic and three monomorphic have been characterized for the first time in a bamboo species, Bambusa arundinacea belonging to the family Poaceae. The numbers of alleles per locus ranged from 2 to 13. Cross species amplification was tested in 18 other bamboo species. Monomorphic simple sequence repeats (SSRs) were found to be cross amplified in most of the species tested and polymorphic ones in only three to four species. The utility of SSR loci in a genetic diversity study of B. arundinacea and other cross‐amplified bamboo species has been discussed. This study will help in population genetic studies in bamboo species.
Influence of water availability on fertility restoration of CMS lines with the ‘M35’, A4 and ‘9E’ CMS‐inducing cytoplasms of sorghum
Authors: Elkonin L. A. , Kozhemyakin V. V. , Ishin A. G.
Published: November 2005

Male fertility restoration in new types of sorghum cytoplasmic male sterility‐inducing cytoplasms (A4, ‘9E’, ‘M35’), characterized by the formation of non‐dehiscent anthers, is difficult. Lines with fertility‐restorer genes for these unique cytoplasms do occur, but rarely, and when found tend to be unstable in their inheritance and expression. The aim of this research was to explore reasons for this instability. Seven lines in three unique cytoplasms, ‘9E’, A4 and ‘M35’, and six lines that restore with these cytoplasms were grown at the Agricultural Research Institute for South‐East Region in Saratov, Russia from 1993 to 2004. Levels of male fertility restoration and various environmental factors were recorded. It is reported that for sorghum hybrids in the A4, ‘9E’ and ‘M35’ male‐sterile cytoplasms, the level of plant male fertility is determined by the level of water available to plants during anther and pollen formation that which ‘switches on’ the expression of fertility‐restoring genes, and is possibly involved in an unusual type of male fertility inheritance in these cytoplasms. The creation of reliable line‐fertility restorers capable of the restoration of male fertility of F1 hybrids in ‘M35’ cytoplasm under conditions of water stress is also reported. Current research explore mechanisms involved possible in responses to water levels at various growth stages and their influence on fertility within these cytoplasms.
Relationships between water‐use traits and photosynthesis in Brassica oleracea resolved by quantitative genetic analysis
Authors: Hall N. M. , Griffiths H. , Corlett J. A. , Jones H. G. , Lynn J. , King G. J.
Published: November 2005

The genetic control of water‐use and photosynthetic traits in Brassica oleracea is resolved by genetic analysis of quantitative trait loci (QTL). Variations in leaf conductance, photosynthetic assimilation rate, leaf thickness and leaf nitrogen content were assessed in a segregating population of F1‐derived doubled haploid (DH) B. oleracea lines. In addition, stable carbon isotope ratios in leaf organic material were used as a surrogate measure of plant water‐use efficiency. Analysis of an existing linkage map for the population revealed significant QTL on seven linkage groups. Single significant QTL explained between 3.4% and 36.6% of the phenotypic variance in each of the traits measured. The locations of QTL for several traits were found to coincide in a physiologically meaningful way; stable carbon isotope discrimination had QTL co‐locating with leaf level water‐use efficiency, photosynthetic capacity with leaf thickness and nitrogen content and stomatal density with leaf thickness. Taken together, these results suggest that single genes or clusters of genes at these loci may have an influence on the expression of physiologically related traits controlling water‐use and photosynthesis.
Retaining the mental health nursing workforce: Early indicators of retention and attrition
Authors: Robinson Sarah , Murrells Trevor , Smith Elizabeth M.
Published: November 2005

ABSTRACT:  In the UK, strategies to improve retention of the mental health workforce feature prominently in health policy. This paper reports on a longitudinal national study into the careers of mental health nurses in the UK. The findings reveal little attrition during the first 6 months after qualification. Investigation of career experiences showed that the main sources of job satisfaction were caregiving opportunities and supportive working relationships. The main sources of dissatisfaction were pay in relation to responsibility, paperwork, continuing education opportunities, and career guidance. Participants were asked whether they predicted being in nursing in the future. Gender and ethnicity were related to likelihood to remain in nursing in 5 years time. Age, having children, educational background, ethnic background, and time in first job were associated with likelihood of remaining in nursing at 10 years. Associations between elements of job satisfaction (quality of clinical supervision, ratio of qualified to unqualified staff, support from immediate line manager, and paperwork) and anticipated retention are complex and there are likely to be interaction effects because of the complexity of the issues. Sustaining positive experiences, remedying sources of dissatisfaction, and supporting diplomates from all backgrounds should be central to the development of retention strategies.
Promoting reflection in mental health nursing practice: A case illustration using problem‐based learning
Authors: Cooke Marie , Matarasso Beth
Published: November 2005

ABSTRACT:  Reflective practice in nursing has been shown to improve both client care and nurses role satisfaction. Students require regular and guided opportunities to learn the necessary reflective skills that underpin best practice. Problem‐based learning (PBL) processes based on comprehensive learning packages developed from actual clinical cases provide a contextualized and realistic means for students to develop and hone their reflective skills for use as mental health practitioners. This paper uses a case illustration to demonstrate the usefulness of PBL as a mechanism for developing reflective practice in the mental health context. Students analysed five cases drawn from actual documented clinical materials that included nursing, medical and allied health professionals’ assessments, treatment regimes, and progress notes. One student's written analysis of the five cases and an interview with the student is presented as a case illustration. The case illustrates the student's reflections on the theme of ‘hope’ for the clients and identified three obstacles. These were: (i) a lack of acknowledgement by health professionals of traumatic life events; (ii) overlooking less tangible losses; and (iii) a central focus on drug treatment. Reflective learning strategies can be incorporated in on‐ and off‐campus learning environments and used to assist the learner to practise critical reflective skills in a controlled and safe manner. Reflective processes are more meaningful if the PBL package that students encounter represents real clinical scenarios with comprehensive resource materials.
Development of a mentorship programme for new graduate nurses in mental health
Authors: McCloughen Andrea , O'Brien Louise
Published: November 2005

ABSTRACT: A university and three area mental health services collaborated in developing a mentorship programme for new graduate nurses in mental health. The programme evolved from initiatives identified by the New South Wales Government to address recruitment and retention problems impacting on the mental health nursing workforce. This mentorship programme was identified as a strategy to potentially contribute to retention of novice nurses within the local mental health nursing workforce. New graduate nurses entering the mental health field were provided the opportunity to engage in a temporary supportive professional mentoring relationship. The present paper describes the background of the programme and provides an overview of how it was developed. It serves as a starting point for others contemplating developing similar programmes. Evaluation of the programme is incomplete, therefore, formal results will be presented in a subsequent paper.
Patient or consumer? The colonization of the psychiatric clinic
Authors: Evans Alicia M.
Published: November 2005

ABSTRACT:  Information is given a privileged place in the psychiatric clinic, as illustrated by the prevalence and volume of data to be collected and forms to be completed by psychiatric nurses. Information though is different to knowledge. The present paper argues that information is part of a managerial discourse that implies commodification whereas knowledge is part of a clinical discourse that allows room for the suffering of the patient. Information belongs to the discourse of managerialism, one that positions the patient as customer/consumer and in doing so renders them unsuffering. The patient's suffering is silenced by their construction as a consumer. The discourse of managerialism seeks a complete data set of information. By way of contrast, another discourse, that of psychoanalysis offers the institution the idea that there are always holes, gaps, and uncertainty. The idea of uncertainty, gaps, things remaining unknown and a limit sits uncomfortably with the dominant discourse of managerialism; one that demands no limits, complete data sets, and many satisfied customers. This market model of managerialism denies the potential of the therapeutic relationship; that something curative might be produced via the transference. In addition, the managerialist discourse potentially positions the patient as both illegitimate and unsuffering.
Smad7 induces G0/G1 cell cycle arrest in mesenchymal cells by inhibiting the expression of G1 cyclins
Authors: Kitamura Koki , Aota Shin‐ichi , Sakamoto Ruriko , Emori Takashi , Okazaki Kenji
Published: November 2005

The major Smad pathways serve in regulating the expression of genes downstream of TGFβ signals. In this study, we examined the effects of sustained Smad7 expression in cultured cells. Interestingly, Smad7 caused various mesenchymal cells, including NIH3T3 fibroblast and ST2 bone‐marrow stromal cells, to undergo a marked morphological alteration into a flattened cell shape, but kept them alive for as long as 60 days. Furthermore, Smad7 arrested the proliferation of the cells even before they reached confluence. These cells became quiescent in G0/G1 phase and accumulated a hypophosphorylated form of retinoblastoma. The cytostatic effect of Smad7 was closely associated with a preceding decrease in the levels of G1 cyclins, such as cyclin D1 and cyclin E. Accordingly, ectopic cyclin E was able to overcome the Smad7‐induced arrest of proliferation. These results indicate that Smad7 functions upstream of G1 cyclins and suggest a novel role for Smad7 as an antiproliferative factor. In contrast to the growth of mesenchymal cells, that of epithelial cells was little susceptible to Smad7. The present findings raise the possibility that a link between Smad7 and the G1 to S phase transition may also contribute to the cell cycle control by certain Smad7‐inducing stimuli in a cell‐type‐dependent fashion.
Ectopic cervical anaplastic ependymoma
Authors: Wang Zhe , Huang Gaosheng , Yan Peisong , Liang Rong , Wang Juanhong , Yan Qingguo , Zhang Jing , Cheng Hong , Hu Peizhen , Ma M. Joe
Published: November 2005

Ependymomas generally arise in the central nervous system (CNS), although rare primary extraneural ependymomas have been observed. Reported herein for the first time is the case of a patient with primary ectopic cervical anaplastic ependymoma. The tumor was found in the right neck root region of a 35‐year‐old man. No additional tumor was found in the CNS or in other parts of the body. The patient received surgery and post‐surgical local radiotherapy. Microscopically, the tumor consisted of round to oval cells with fine chromatin, distinct nucleoli, moderate nuclear atypia and numerous mitoses (>25/10 high‐power fields) in a densely cellular growth pattern with characteristic fibrillary cytoplasm and formation of perivascular pseudorosettes. By immunohistochemistry, the tumor cells were positive for glial fibrillary acidic protein, epithelial membrane antigen (EMA), vimentin and S‐100 protein. EMA staining showed a membranous as well as a paranuclear pattern of immunoreactivity. Electron microscopic studies revealed that tumor cells form micro rosettes, into which microvilli and cilia projected. The diagnosis was World Health Organization grade III anaplastic ependymoma. There is no evidence of local tumor recurrence or distant metastasis after 30 months follow up. The present case adds yet another unique example to the already diverse spectrum of head and neck neoplasms encountered in surgical pathology.
Histologically unique case of combined small cell and squamous cell carcinoma in a polypoid bronchial tumor
Authors: Fukushima Mitsuhiro , Homma Kei‐ichi , Hashimoto Takehisa , Suzuki Ryuta , Koike Teruaki
Published: November 2005

Presented herein is a case of combined small cell and squamous cell carcinoma in a polypoid bronchial tumor, showing a histologically unique progression, in a 76‐year‐old Japanese man. A bronchofiberscopic examination revealed that the bronchus (left B3) was occluded by the polypoid tumor. Biopsies were performed, and the pathological diagnosis was poorly differentiated squamous cell carcinoma. The patient consequently underwent a left upper lung lobectomy. The surgical specimen was described as a 24 × 8 × 8 mm soft tumor, emanating from the bronchial wall (left B3). Histologically, the tumor had two distinct components: (i) nearly the entire tumor was composed of atypical small round cells, with a high nuclear–cytoplasmic ratio, in the lamina propria, under the basement membrane; and (ii) the surface of the tumor was composed of poorly differentiated squamous cell carcinoma that had proliferated primarily above the basement membrane but there was also some proliferation, seen as island‐like formations, below the basement membrane. The histological diagnosis was combined small cell and squamous cell carcinoma. It was suspected that poorly differentiated squamous cell carcinoma, generated in the bronchial epithelium, had caused small cell carcinoma resulting from neuroendocrine differentiation during its invasion into the lamina propria.
Solid pseudopapillary tumor of the pancreas with metastases to the lung and liver
Authors: Takahashi Yoshihisa , Fukusato Toshio , Aita Kiyoshi , Toida Suzuko , Fukushima Jun‐ichi , Imamura Tetsuo , Tanaka Fumihiko , Amano Hodaka , Takada Tadahiro , Mori Shigeo
Published: November 2005

Presented herein is the case of a 41‐year‐old woman who was admitted to Teikyo University Hospital with abdominal and back pain. Clinical examination revealed a large mass of the pancreas and multiple nodules in the liver. After surgical resection of the pancreatic and liver tumors, liver nodules recurred repeatedly, and a solitary mass lesion occurred in the right lung. Grossly, the pancreatic tumor was large and partially cystic. Histologically, small and uniform tumor cells proliferated, having solid and pseudopapillary patterns. These pathological findings enabled a pathological diagnosis of solid pseudopapillary tumor (SPT) of the pancreas to be made. The pathological appearance of the liver and lung tumors was similar to that of the pancreatic tumor. This is the first report of a case of pancreatic SPT that showed lung metastasis. It should be kept in mind that pancreatic SPT may take such an aggressive clinical course, although they are usually benign in nature.
Low‐grade fibromyxoid sarcoma arising in the big toe
Authors: Kusumi Tomomi , Nishikawa Shinji , Tanaka Masanori , Ogawa Taro , Jin Hiromichi , Sato Fuyuki , Toh Satoshi , Hasegawa Tadashi , Kijima Hiroshi
Published: November 2005

Low‐grade fibromyxoid sarcoma (LGFMS) is a rare tumor. Reported herein is a case of LGFMS arising in the big toe. The patient was a 58‐year‐old man who underwent excision of the tumor. The tumor was well‐demarcated. Histologically, there were proliferating spindle‐shaped tumor cells arranged in a whorled growth pattern, and the stroma showed hyalinized collagen bundles and a myxoid matrix. Nuclear mitotic figures were conspicuous in part. A large rosette‐like structure with hyalinized stroma was found, which is characteristic of LGFMS. The differential diagnosis included tumor occurrence in adults; tending to arise in distal extremities; and having bland fibromyxoid histological features, such as fibroma of tendon sheath, low‐grade myxofibrosarcoma and acral myxoinflammatory fibroblastic sarcoma. It was not possible to detect the FUS/CREB3L2 and FUS/CREB3L1 fusion genes from the formalin‐fixed and paraffin‐embedded tissue, although the histological features of the present case were typical of LGFMS. LGFMS may become more common with time, and unique cases may accumulate.
Alternative growth and energy storage responses to mortality threats in damselflies
Authors: Stoks Robby , De Block Marjan , McPeek Mark A.
Published: November 2005

The role of physiology in mediating the growth/predation risk trade‐off has been largely ignored. We examined effects of predation risk on relationships between growth and storage molecules in Enallagma aspersum and Ischnura verticalis damselfly larvae that differ in this trade‐off. In laboratory and field experiments, both species had similar growth and mortality rates and similar concentrations of storage molecules in the absence of mortality threats. However, in the presence of dragonfly predators Ischnura larvae had higher mortality rates and grew faster than Enallagma larvae. Consistent with the difference in growth rate, Enallagma's total protein concentrations decreased under predation risk while those of Ischnura did not. Glucose and glycogen concentrations were not affected, while triglyceride concentrations were lower under predation risk in Enallagma but not in Ischnura. Species differences at the physiological level to the presence of mortality threats may be crucial to understanding patterns in metamorphic and post‐metamorphic traits.
A tumour stem cell hypothesis for the origins of prostate cancer
Authors: Maitland Norman J. , Collins Anne
Published: November 2005

The articles in the mini‐review section once again cover a wide spectrum of topics which should be of interest to the reader. First there is an outstanding paper on a tumour cell hypothesis for the origins of prostate cancer, by one of the leading international experts in the field. The author points out the central role of stem cells, and how their presence may explain both prostate tumour heterogeneity and the variable responses of prostate cancer to several types of treatment.

The other papers compare various technologies in the treatment of small renal tumours, describe some emerging minimally invasive techniques for localized prostate cancer, and present the current status of dynamic lymphoscintigraphy and sentinel lymph‐node biopsy in urological malignancies.

Cancer stem cells undoubtedly exist in many tumour types, including the prostate. This hypothesis can explain both the heterogeneity of prostate tumours and their variable responses to several conventional therapies. In the longer term, therapies directed against tumour stem cells should offer a real possibility of long‐term cure, rather than current palliative therapy. Identifying specific tumour stem‐cell markers will enhance this process, but the scarcity of these cells within the mass of more differentiated amplifying progeny that comprise >99.9% of most cancers makes this a severe technical challenge. In addition, many tumour stem‐cell markers are probably shared with normal stem cells, both in prostate and in stem cells from other tissues, but tumour‐specific patterns of gene expression, probably designed to allow the tumour stem cell to survive outside its protective ‘niche’ in normal tissues, will be the best initial targets for new therapeutic agents.
The natural history of lower urinary tract dysfunction in men: minimum 10‐year urodynamic follow‐up of untreated bladder outlet obstruction
Authors: Thomas Alun W. , Cannon Andrea , Bartlett Esther , Ellis‐Jones Julie , Abrams Paul
Published: November 2005

OBJECTIVES

To assess the long‐term outcomes of untreated bladder outlet obstruction (BOO), assuming that, if there is little or no deterioration, a conservative approach to management is justified, as there is little information on the natural history of untreated BOO and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in men, and studies to date suggest that neither BOO nor LUTS inevitably progress to a stage at which prostatectomy is required.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Men aged >45 years who were investigated in our department between 1972 and 1986, diagnosed with BOO, and who initially opted for no specific treatment were invited for repeat symptomatic and urodynamic evaluation. Identical methods of assessment were used, allowing results to be compared directly.

RESULTS

In all, 1068 men were initially diagnosed with BOO; 428 (40%) of these died. Of the 170 men who initially opted for a conservative approach and attended for repeat assessment, 141 (83%) remained untreated, with a mean follow‐up of 13.9 years. The only significant urodynamic changes were a reduction in detrusor contractility and an increased prevalence of detrusor overactivity. Most patients reported no change in their symptoms but a significant minority experienced a gradual deterioration. Of the 29 men in whom the conservative approach failed, 22 proceeded to surgery for LUTS, and seven for acute urinary retention.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with untreated BOO do not significantly deteriorate urodynamically in the long term, with only a minority deteriorating symptomatically. These findings justify a conservative approach to men with LUTS associated with BOO.
An epidemiological survey of overactive bladder symptoms in Japan
Authors: Homma Yukio , Yamaguchi Osamu , Hayashi Kunihiko ,   the members of the Neurogenic Bladder Society Committee
Published: November 2005

OBJECTIVE

To report an epidemiological survey of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) to determine the prevalence of overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms (defined as a symptom complex of daily urinary frequency of eight or more times and urgency once or more per week) in Japan.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

A self‐administered questionnaire was mailed to 10 096 Japanese men and women aged ≥ 40 years selected by a two‐stage randomized process. Survey questions, developed by members of the Japan Neurogenic Bladder Society Committee, covered four areas: demographic characteristics, LUTS, health‐related quality of life (HRQoL), and hospital attendance.

RESULTS

The responses from 4570 respondents (mean age 61 years) were analysed. The estimated prevalence of OAB was 12.4% (men 14%, women 11%). Prevalence rates for OAB with and without urgency incontinence (one or more episode/week) were 6.4% and 6.0%, respectively. Prevalence rates increased with age; 5% of respondents aged 40–49 and 37% of those aged ≥ 80 years had OAB. HRQoL was compromised in 53% of respondents with OAB symptoms, specifically emotions (42%), sleep/vitality (37%), physical limitation (34%), role limitation (29%), and social limitation (22%). Among those whose HRQoL was affected, 23% (men 36%, women 8%) had visited a medical institution because of their urinary problems.

CONCLUSION

The results from this survey indicate that the prevalence of OAB was high and increased with age, but the rate of hospital attendance was low. Public awareness of OAB should be increased so that there can be optimum management of this condition.