bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
First Report of Begonia Elatior Wilt Disease Caused by Fusarium foetens in France
Authors: Saurat C. , Fourrier C. , Wilson V. , Casset C. , Ioos R. 
Published: December 2012

Fusarium foetens is a destructive vascular pathogen on Begonia, mainly on cultivars of Begonia elatior hybrids (Begonia × hiemalis), which has recently been identified in Europe and Northern America (1,3). This Fusarium species has been responsible for severe damage in the begonia flower industry (1) and is listed as an EPPO A2 quarantine pathogen since 2007. In May 2007, wilted potted plants of B. elatior showing chlorotic leaves and basal stem rot were observed in a nursery located in the west of France (La Flèche, Sarthe). Symptomatic foliar and basal stem pieces were plated on a Fusarium semi selective medium, dichloran chloramphenicol peptone agar (DCPA), and on malt agar medium supplemented with 100 ppm chloramphenicol. Homogeneous mycelium of a Fusarium species developed from both types of tissue and on both media, and was transferred to potato dextrose agar (PDA) and to spezieller nährstoffarmer agar (SNA) media for morphological examination. Microscope slides were then prepared by pressing gently a clear self-adhesive tape onto the surface covered by mycelium and sporodochia, which was further stained with lactic acid/methylene blue. Typical multiseptate (often three septa), hyaline, slightly curved Fusarium macroconidia 29.2 to 41.8 (32.5) × 3.6 to 4.5 (4.3) μm were collected in sporodochia. In the aerial mycelium, long and short conidiophores with mono- or polyphialidic cells bearing false heads of ellipsoidal microconidia were observed. In addition, a pungent distinctive odor was produced by the mycelium grown on PDA. These features were consistent with F. foetens (2). To support the diagnosis, total DNA was further extracted from the pure culture and a partial region of the translation elongation 1 (tef1) gene was amplified by PCR using EF1-EF2 primer pair (4). Nucleotide sequence was determined and deposited on GenBank (Accession No. JX298790). Analysis of the sequence by BLAST showed that it was 100% identical with all the available F. foetens sequences, which confirmed our morphological diagnosis. To our knowledge, this is the first official report of F. foetens in France. Since this first detection, F. foetens was again identified in 2010 in another nursery located in the Pays de la Loire on collapsed B. elatior. Approximately 15 to 20% of the Begonia plants showed typical Fusarium wilt symptoms and the infected lots were systematically destroyed. The origin of these infections could not be traced back since the mother plants tested negative. The disease is considered as eradicated in France but causes major economic losses to Begonia growers and marketers in regions where the disease is established (2). References: (1) H. Huvenne et al. Eur. J. Plant Pathol. 131:705, 2011. (2) H. J. Schroers et al. Mycologia 96:393, 2004. (3) X. L. Tian et al. Plant Dis. 94:1261, 2010. (4) D. Geiser. Eur. J. Plant Pathol. 110:473, 2004.
The Impact of the Long-Distance Transport of aBEL1-Like Messenger RNA on Development
Authors: Lin Tian , Sharma Pooja , Gonzalez Daniel H. , Viola Ivana L. , Hannapel David J. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractBEL1- and KNOTTED1-type proteins are transcription factors from the three-amino-loop-extension superclass that interact in a tandem complex to regulate the expression of target genes. In potato (Solanum tuberosum), StBEL5 and its Knox protein partner regulate tuberization by targeting genes that control growth. RNA movement assays demonstrated that StBEL5 transcripts move through the phloem to stolon tips, the site of tuber induction. StBEL5 messenger RNA originates in the leaf, and its movement to stolons is induced by a short-day photoperiod. Here, we report the movement of StBEL5 RNA to roots correlated with increased growth, changes in morphology, and accumulation of GA2-oxidase1, YUCCA1a, and ISOPENTENYL TRANSFERASE transcripts. Transcription of StBEL5 in leaves is induced by light but insensitive to photoperiod, whereas in stolon tips growing in the dark, promoter activity is enhanced by short days. The heterodimer of StBEL5 and POTH1, a KNOTTED1-type transcription factor, binds to a tandem TTGAC-TTGAC motif that is essential for regulating transcription. The discovery of an inverted tandem motif in the StBEL5 promoter with TTGAC motifs on opposite strands may explain the induction of StBEL5 promoter activity in stolon tips under short days. Using transgenic potato lines, deletion of one of the TTGAC motifs from the StBEL5 promoter results in the reduction of GUS activity in new tubers and roots. Gel-shift assays demonstrate BEL5/POTH1 binding specificity to the motifs present in the StBEL5 promoter and a double tandem motif present in the StGA2-oxidase1 promoter. These results suggest that, in addition to tuberization, the movement of StBEL5 messenger RNA regulates other aspects of vegetative development.
The Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland: individual visits and investigations can effect system change
Authors: Lyons Donald 
Published: December 2012

PurposeThe experience of the individual patient can be an important driver in improving care. This paper seeks to outline the way the Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland (MWCS) uses individual cases to influence policy makers and service providers.Design/methodology/approachThrough visiting people, monitoring the use of mental health legislation, giving advice and conducting investigations, the MWCS has concrete examples of influencing significant change. Specific examples demonstrate how this has been achieved.FindingsWith regard to visits: findings from individual visits have resulted in action to improve services and preserve individual rights; in monitoring: services have used monitoring data to change service provision in order to comply with legislation; in investigations: high profile investigations into abuse have resulted in new protective legislation; with regard to advice: collection of advice on difficult legal/ethical/treatment dilemmas have resulted in improved practice guidance.Research limitations/implicationsIndividual case examples are not necessarily indicative of general populations. Many factors result in improvement. Actions by the MWCS are not necessarily the only factor.Practical implicationsAn organisation that focuses on safeguarding individuals can use its influence to effect service improvement.Social implicationsBringing individual matters to the attention of policy makers has resulted in legislative and policy change.Originality/valueOther jurisdictions may wish to consider the value of the Scottish model that is highlighted in the paper.
Australia's ambitions to make a difference in people's lives: the early focus of the new National Mental Health Commission
Authors: Kruk Robyn 
Published: December 2012

PurposeMental health reform needs to engage leaders across jurisdictions and governments/communities. This paper aims to describe the history leading to the establishment of the Australian National Mental Commission (the Commission) in 2012 and to identify opportunities/challenges in cross jurisdictional/sectoral reform of mental health services.Design/methodology/approachThis case study is based on the observations of the author who has held lead state and national roles prior to leading the Commission. It sets the establishment of the Commission in the broader context of changing community attitudes, strong consumer/carer advocacy, increased financial support for mental health and establishment of state commissions.FindingsCross sectoral/jurisdictional reform needs leadership from government heads and central agencies. Risks relate to the need to effectively articulate state and national commissions and challenges accompanying multilateral stakeholders with high and often conflicting expectations, and tensions with other high priority issues that also require alignment between Federal and State leaders and agencies.Research limitations/implicationsThere may be potential bias based on the perspective of the narrator, and the benefits of direct experience in multiple jurisdictions.Practical implicationsThe paper identifies critical success factors in the establishment/operation of the first national Commission and the establishment of relationships with state commissions, relevant to other cross jurisdictional bodies.Originality/valueThe paper provides an insight into the factors leading to the establishment of the first national Commission and its articulation with state commissions and the early operational challenges facing cross jurisdictional reforms in changing political climates.
New governance, new hope: findings and results of the taskforce to establish a Mental Health Commission for NSW
Authors: Rosenberg Sebastian 
Published: December 2012

PurposeThis article aims to describe the process by which the new NSW Government executed its election promise to establish a Mental Health Commission for NSW.Design/methodology/approachThis case study draws on observations of the author who was expert facilitator to the Taskforce to establish the new NSW Commission. The paper synthesises the work of the Taskforce, the input of a consultation process that engaged more than 2,000 people, through six state‐wide community fora, online survey and other means. In describing the nature of the new NSW Commission, the paper will also reflect on key learnings from the Taskforce's interactions with other mental health commissions, including in New Zealand, Western Australia and Canada.FindingsWidespread concern about the lack of access to quality mental health care was reflected in broad support for a new Mental Health Commission. Opinions varied about how such a new body could be effective. Strong bipartisan political support is key. Also critical is ensuring the new body has sufficient legislative power and reach.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper relies on the observations of a key participant in a reform process. This brings the limitations of potential bias as well as the strength of understanding that is difficult for outsiders to access. The actual impact of the new NSW Mental Health Commission will only become apparent following its 1 July 2012 start‐up.Practical implicationsMany jurisdictions are turning to specialised governance models, such as a Commission, to drive mental health reform. This paper identifies some of the key issues to consider in pursuing this strategy.Social implicationsCommissions need to have strong engagement with consumers, carers, service providers and the general community. This paper highlights some key issues in building these links.Originality/valueThe work of the Taskforce to Establish a NSW raised a range of issues relevant to any mental health reform process. Given the level of community concern about mental health care, these are important lessons.
National Commissions on mental health in the United States: how many tries to get it right?
Authors: Thompson Kenneth S. 
Published: December 2012

PurposeThis paper aims to review the background, history and results of the three Federal Commissions addressing mental illness and health in the United States of America.Design/methodology/approachThis is a historical review of key articles and commentary.FindingsDespite significant handicaps, imposed by the structure of government in the United States, the limits of knowledge and conflicts of between stakeholders, the evidence appears to suggest that Federal Commissions have been productive, even when there is little power to enact their recommendations, to the degree that they concentrate knowledge and effort in an advancing but generally quite disjointed field.Research limitations/implicationsThe Commissions touch on a vast number of subjects and actions and do so in the context of the moving target of time. Historical review can only capture so much and the likelihood of errors of omission are significant, as is the possibility of errors of commission due to the requirement of interpreting historical evidence.Social implicationsThe social implication of this study is that the political effort to create and implement Federal Commissions has been worthwhile. The question now is what kind of entity and political effort will be necessary in the future?Originality/valueFederal Commissions have had a practical utility in the USA of periodically bringing the field together with a shared agenda. The question is, as behavioral health care increasingly melds into general health, what force will help the field focus on behavioral health initiatives. Will we even need such a force?
Intergenerational practice in the United States: past, present and future
Authors: Henkin Nancy Z. , Butts Donna M. 
Published: December 2012

PurposeIntergenerational work has the potential to bring ages, races and cultures together to support policies and practices that help all individuals become productive citizens who use their skills and talents to contribute to the communities in which they live. It can promote values that foster a sense of interdependence, promote lifelong contribution, and increase a recognition of shared fate. Although the number and range of activities is growing, there still is a gap between the promise and the practice of intergenerational work. This article seeks to describe the history of intergenerational practice in the United States, to give examples of successful programs and initiatives, benefits and challenges, and opportunities for further growth.Design/methodology/approachThe review is based on the authors' combined 50 years of intergenerational practice.FindingsIntergenerational partnerships, programs and policies that promote reciprocity and interdependence are critical to the well‐being of the nation and the world. The United States has made great strides in bringing generations together to improve the quality of life for all. Much still needs to be done, however, to make this approach “business as usual” and to ensure that people of all ages work together for the common good – particularly in these challenging times.Originality/valueThe article gives an insight into the successes of intergenerational practice in the United States, based on the authors' work in this area.
Older people as grandparents: how public policy needs to broaden its view of older people and the role they play within families
Authors: Wellard Sarah 
Published: December 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide a new perspective on the importance of grandparenting relationships and to highlight the continuing importance of intergenerational exchange across the life course.Design/methodology/approachThe paper draws on research from diverse fields including child welfare, gerontology and demography and journalistic sources, presenting an evidenced argument of the importance of grandparenting in contemporary families.FindingsThe paper argues that the role of grandparents in family life is becoming more important as a result of demographic changes, and that grandparents offer a huge resource to families. Older people generally find their role as grandparents rewarding and that this contributes to wellbeing and reduced risk of loneliness.Originality/valueThe paper provides a new perspective on the role of older people as grandparents.
Tackling loneliness in older age – why we need action by all ages
Authors: Ferguson Laura 
Published: December 2012

PurposeThis paper aims to present and discuss a range of evidence from across the UK and further afield that supports the view that preventing loneliness through action by all ages will ultimately improve the health and wellbeing of older people, and that an asset‐based, cross‐agency movement to creating and maintaining connections in older age could deliver savings to both health and social care in the long term.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is a collation of academic research, along with more informal evidence from voluntary sector groups to support an approach to policy and practice that tackles loneliness in older age.FindingsDrawing on evidence from UK and US research that states the health impact of loneliness, a view of the multi‐layered action required shows that local health bodies, charities and groups as well as neighbours and businesses have crucial parts to play to stop the pernicious hold of loneliness in older age.Originality/valueThe arguments put forward here draw on research undertaken by academic authors but their collation to present a view on how to address the impact of loneliness on health is a relatively recent one.
Work till you drop? A note on the potential and limits of employment adjustment to demographic change
Authors: Gaffney Declan 
Published: December 2012

PurposeHow will labour markets adapt to population ageing? The demographic shift to be experienced over coming decades requires some sort of adjustment in working lives to balance increased longevity. But where in the lifecycle should this adjustment take place? It often seems to be assumed that ever‐longer working lives are the only answer: the purpose of this article is to query this assumption and to suggest that there should be a balance of employment and other uses of time across the entire lifecycle.Design/methodology/approachThe article analyses the impact of increased economic activity on the dependency ratio and it identifies plausible upper bounds to employment objectives by age and gender using international comparative data.FindingsIncreased employment for over‐65s is likely to have limited impact on age dependency ratio: bigger impacts would be expected from the 55‐65 age group and younger women.Originality/valueThe article brings comparative evidence to bear on labour market implications of population ageing.
Preventing lost generations: using intergenerational work to help young people
Authors: Frankland Richard , Conder Stephanie 
Published: December 2012

PurposeThis paper seeks to determine whether the coming together of old and young people, who live in some of the most deprived areas of the country, needs to happen naturally to form genuine relationships, with their invaluable, knock‐on implications on the local community. It also aims to look at the value to young people of using community centres to host youth work activities, so that intergenerational relationship building can be repeated in localised settings to help prevent the loss of a generation.Design/methodology/approachThe paper draws upon the experiences of youth workers in Prospex, a youth charity in Islington, London, UK.FindingsThe paper looks at a gardening project on a social housing estate that brought together the manpower of disadvantaged young people and the wisdom and experience of an older person, and the knock on, almost accidental, effect that this had within the local community by bringing together the generations in other resultant scenarios.Research limitations/implicationsThe research is anecdotal.Practical implicationsThe paper provides anecdotal evidence of the benefits to both young and old people who are brought together within their social housing community to work together.Originality/valueThis paper shows the community benefits of young and old people working together on projects.
Primary repair of obstetric uterine rupture can be safely undertaken by non‐specialist clinicians in rural Ethiopia: a case series of 386 women
Authors: Alemayehu W , Ballard K , Wright J 
Published: December 2012

We report 386 consecutive cases of uterine rupture over a 10‐year period, revealing a case fatality rate of 4.8%, which is significantly less than the 16–37% fatality rate published in the literature. Primary uterine repair, which was carried out by non‐specialised doctors in 43% of cases, was the treatment for 98% of women, and appears to be simple and effective. The main predictor of death from uterine rupture was a treatment delay of more than 12 hours from the presumed time of rupture (OR 7.7; 95% CI 1.02–58.4).
National project seeking to improve pain management in the emergency department setting: Findings from the NHMRC‐NICS National Pain Management Initiative
Authors: Doherty Steven , Knott Jonathan , Bennetts Scott , Jazayeri Mitra , Huckson Sue 
Published: December 2012

AbstractObjectivesThe National Pain Management Initiative was established by the National Institute of Clinical Studies to improve analgesic practice across Australian EDs.MethodsA barrier analysis provided information to better implement changes in analgesic practice. A working party was established and developed a multifaceted intervention strategy and clinical indicators. An online data collection system was developed and sites collected data at three monthly intervals for 18 months. A stepped‐wedge design was chosen to manage the number of hospitals involved. Clinical indicators included documentation of pain score, time to analgesia, appropriate use of parenteral narcotics and effectiveness of analgesia for severe pain.ResultsA total of 16 627 patient datasets were entered from 45 metropolitan and regional hospitals. There was an increase from 41% to 64% in documented pain score (difference in proportions 23%, 95% confidence interval: 20–26) and median time to analgesia fell from 61 min (interquartile range: 23–122) to 41 min (interquartile range: 15–95). Appropriate parenteral narcotic use was over 90% for all time points combined. For all patients with severe pain there was no significant change in the proportion with a documented reduction of pain within 1 h of presentation.ConclusionSignificant improvements in documentation of pain score and time to analgesia were demonstrated through a national project of targeted improvement. Parenteral narcotic use has a high level of adherence to recommended practice. An improvement in the effectiveness of analgesia in severe pain has not been clearly demonstrated in this study.
The role of vitamin D deficiency and osteoporosis in breast cancer
Authors: Bener Abdulbari , El Ayoubi Hanadi R. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractAimEpidemiological studies suggest an association between vitamin D and calcium intake and breast cancer. The aim of this study was to determine the association of breast cancer with vitamin D deficiency and osteoporosis according to menopausal status and to examine vitamin D and bone mineral density (BMD) levels in breast cancer patients.MethodsThis was an observational cohort hospital‐based study. It included 635 patients with breast cancer. Socio‐demographic information, type of consanguinity, menopause status, medical history, lifestyle habits, dietary intake, BMD measurements and vitamin D levels were collected. Descriptive and univariate analyses were performed.ResultsOf the studied patients, 36.1% were Qataris, 63.9% non‐Qatari Arabs, 40% premenopausal women, 20.9% university graduates and 37.2% housewives. Overall, 31.8% of breast cancer women were affected with osteopenia/osteoporosis. Vitamin D deficiency (10.7% vs. 7.9%) and severe vitamin D insufficiency (39.2% vs. 32.5%) were higher in postmenopausal women than premenopausal women (P < 0.001). Low physical activity (< 30 min/day) was observed among vitamin D deficient (46.8%) and osteoporotic (45%) women. Dietary intake of vitamin D was significantly lower in vitamin D deficient women; these included dairy products (33.1%), milk (38.6%), seafood (39.6%), (P < 0.001) and for osteoporotic women, dairy products (46%), calcium (21.3%), milk (36.1%), yoghurt (37.6%), cheese (37.6%) and sea food (34.7%) (P < 0.001).ConclusionThe present study findings revealed a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and osteoporosis in breast cancer patients. Also, the dietary intake of vitamin D and calcium was significantly lower in breast cancer women.