bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Technical issues in electrodiagnostic recording
Authors: Komáromy András M. , Brooks Dennis E. , Dawson William W. , Källberg Maria E. , Ollivier Franck J. , Ofri Ron 
Published: March 2003

AbstractElectroretinogram (ERG) and visual‐evoked potentials (VEPs) are used in veterinary ophthalmology to assess the functional integrity of the retina and the central visual pathway. The interpretation of altered electrophysiologic potentials in diseases can be of great diagnostic value, although it is important to be aware of technical factors and the limitations of these techniques which may result in over‐interpretation and misinterpretation of the recordings, such that they are similar to those found in disease‐related electrophysiologic changes. The recorded potentials represent the differences in voltage between the active and reference electrodes. The ground electrode serves as zero. A differential or instrumentation amplifier selectively amplifies signals of interest while rejecting noise. Differences between inputs are amplified, whereas common signals are rejected in a process called common mode rejection (CMR). In order for CMR to be most effective in reducing noise, the electrode impedances should be balanced. Filters are part of the differential amplifier as they remove unwanted noise of a certain frequency. The frequency bandwidth, or passband, is the range of frequencies between low‐ and high‐frequency filter settings that are not filtered out. Major sources of noise that cause interpretation artifacts are power lines, amplifier noise, physiologic activity, electrochemical electrode noise and circular grounds. Noise reduction is achieved with high amplifier input impedance, balanced electrode impedances, CMR, filters and signal averaging. Maintaining electrodes in good condition, achieving proper contact between electrode and animal, and keeping electrode leads short aid in achieving noise reduction.
Host‐selective toxins as agents of cell death in plant–fungus interactions
Authors: Markham Jonathan E. , Hille Jacques 
Published: March 2003

SummaryHost‐selective toxins are known determinants of compatibility in plant–fungus interactions and provide a powerful model for understanding the specificity of these associations. The identification of genes required for toxin biosynthesis has shown that the genes are unique to the toxin producing species and are clustered in complex loci. These loci may have been acquired by horizontal gene transfer. Many, if not all, host‐selective toxins act by disrupting biochemical processes and in several cases the resulting cell death has the characteristics of programmed cell death. This ability to make dead tissue from living has enabled these facultative saprophytic fungi to become plant pathogens.
Colletotrichum: tales of forcible entry, stealth, transient confinement and breakout
Authors: Latunde‐Dada Akinwunmi O. 
Published: March 2003

Summary Taxonomy: Imperfect, anamorphic fungus (subdivision Deuteromycotina, form‐class Deuteromycetes, form‐subclass Coelomycetidae, form‐order Melanconiales, form‐family Melanconiaceae) with 39 ‘accepted’ species [Sutton, B.C. (1992) The genus Glomerella and its anamorph Colletotrichum. In: Colletotrichum: Biology, Pathology and Control (Bailey, J.A. and Leger, M.J., eds). Wallingford, UK: CAB International, pp. 1–26.] which continue to be revised and clarified by molecular taxonomic techniques. Species complexes and subspecific groups have been proposed. Host range: Species of Colletotrichum attack a large number of important tropical and sub‐tropical crop species and cause economically significant diseases of cereals, grain legumes, vegetables, forage legumes, fruit crops and perennial crops. Tropical and sub‐tropical fruit production is significantly affected by postharvest anthracnose. Disease symptoms: Symptoms of the attack are commonly known as anthracnose and comprise dark, sunken, lenticular necrotic lesions containing the acervuli of the pathogen. Key attractions: A model fungus for research on host specificity, mycoherbicides, appressorial melanization, appressorial function, quiescent infection, fungal lifestyles, intracellular hemibiotrophy and the determinants of the switch from biotrophy to necrotrophy among others. Useful websites:
http://www.uark.edu/depts/plant/, http://www.sorghumanthracnose.org/, http://www.iacr.bbscr.ac.uk/ppi/staff/roc_rc.html
Genes expressed during early stages of rice infection with the rice blast fungusMagnaporthe grisea
Authors: Rauyaree Payungsak , Choi Woobong , Fang Eric , Blackmon Barbara , Dean Ralph A. 
Published: March 2003

summaryA system‐wide approach was adopted to further elucidate mechanisms regulating disease outcome between rice and the fungal pathogenMagnaporthe grisea. First, a cDNA library was constructed fromM. griseainfected rice at 48 h post‐inoculation. The 5′ end‐sequencing of 619 randomly selected clones revealed 359 expressed sequence tags (ESTs) that had not previously been described. A total of 124 from 260 ESTs with high and moderate similarity scores, based on BlastX, were organized into categories according to their putative function. The largest category of sequences (21%) contained stress or defence response genes. Eleven per cent of identified ESTs were redundant. In a second approach, differential hybridization analysis of the cDNA library using high‐density filters resulted in the identification of novel genes and previously characterizedM. griseagenes, including several that had previously been implicated in the infection process. A survey of up‐regulated cDNA clones revealed clone 29003, which corresponded to the rice peroxidase POX22.3. This gene is known to be expressed in rice upon infection withXanthomonas oryzaepv.oryzae, the bacterial blight pathogen. Importantly, this approach demonstrates the utility of gene discovery, through ESTs, for revealing novel genes in addition to those previously characterized as being potentially implicated in host–pathogen interactions.
Building an intercultural nursing terminology bank for the phenomenon, Violence, of the International Classification of Nursing Practice®: a methodological perspective
Authors: Coler M. S. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThe aim of this article was to present the methodology and results of an investigation into the intercultural evolution of the nursing phenomenon – Violence – from the identification phase to the summative evaluation phase, in order to contribute to the evolution of the International Classification of Nursing Practice (ICNP®). The organizing construct was concept analysis of a nursing phenomenon. The identification of a universal problem in psychiatric‐mental health nursing by a team of 10 international leaders in the speciality led from the phase of concept analysis to development of a postgraduate educational module. The results of the original analysis of the concept and findings from clinical and evaluation data resulted in further analysis and consequent synthesis of the concept. Results will be disseminated to the International Council of Nursing (ICN) for the International Classification of Nursing Practice (ICNP®) to further the evolution of the phenomenon from a focus on the individual to that of the aggregate (social violence). The methodology pointed to a lack of transfer in the phenomenon from a focus on the individual to that of aggregates in the ICNP®. There was also a paucity of intercultural components. The phenomena of Abuse and Aggression appear to have been used synonymously with Violence, without an explanation. The data, and the methods used for its collection and submission, will enhance the ICNP®.
New nurse graduates' understanding of competence
Authors: Ramritu P. L. , Barnard A. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThis article describes the findings of a phenomenographic research approach used to understand the experiences of competence of new nurse graduates. The aim of phenomenography is to describe the qualitatively different ways in which people understand a phenomenon. Six new graduates, who had been employed in two paediatric metropolitan hospitals in Australia, participated in the research. The graduates were interviewed and asked to describe and draw their understanding of competence. The interviews were audio‐taped and transcribed verbatim. Interview transcripts were analysed according to accepted phenomenographic methods of analysis. The graduates described eight conceptions of competence: competence as safe practice; competence as limited independence; competence as utilization of resources; competence as management of time and workload; competence as ethical practice; competence as performance of clinical skills; competence as knowledge; and competence as evolving. The final outcome of identification of conceptions led to the development of an outcome space (a diagrammatic representation of the logical relations between conceptions). The outcome space depicted a three‐level hierarchical relationship between the eight conceptions of competence experienced within a global framework of safety. The findings contribute to nursing knowledge by describing the meaning of competence from the perspective of the new nurse graduate. The need for support and assistance by employers of new graduates is confirmed from the findings. New nurse graduate experiences of competence provide suggestions for improving undergraduate education programmes as well as clarification of entry‐level competency standards.
The experience of collaboration: a comparison of health visiting in Scotland and Norway
Authors: Ellefsen B. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThis investigation compared health visiting in Scotland and Norway by focusing on collaboration in health visiting. The data are based upon in‐depth interviews with a non‐probability sample, with voluntary participation of nine health visitors from Scotland and 12 health visitors from Norway. The results showed that there were more similarities than differences between the Scottish and Norwegian health visitors’ experience of collaboration in their work. Both groups had a complex role‐set and experienced dependency on role partners. Collaborative strain was experienced through lack of recognition and system deficiencies. Tensions in collaboration evolved from the definition and question of responsibility in grey areas, jurisdictional threats and conflicts. Within these areas the degree and importance of collaboration differed. The Scottish health visitors were more dependent on client referrals to them and their referrals to other agencies, whereas the Norwegians health visitors experienced an asymmetrical relationship, as they were more dependent on the capacity of the agency to accept the referrals. Lack of recognition seemed to be a stronger experience in Norway than in Scotland. All of this had a marked influence on the performance of the health visitors. Further research should address the question of collaboration in health visiting work and to what degree it influences the quality of health visiting and consequences for clients, the community and health visiting service.
In Vitro and In Vivo Determinations of Sun Protection Factors of Sunscreen Lotions with Octylmethoxycinnamate
Authors: Santos E.P. , Freitas Z.M. , Souza K.R. , Garcia S. , Vergnanini A. 
Published: March 2003

SynopsisThe aim of this work was to evaluate the correlation between in vitro and in vivo determinations of sun protection factors (SPF) of sunscreen lotions containing the synthetic sunscreen octyl methoxycinnamate. Three sunscreen lotions containing either 2, 4.5 or 7.5% octyl methoxycinnamate were prepared. The in vitro SPFs of these sunscreen lotions were determined according to the spectrophotometric method of Mansur et al. The in vivo SPF values were determined according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) method. The results indicate that there was a good correlation between the in vitro and in vivo determinations for the sunscreen lotions examined.
Resveratrol: an original mechanism on tyrosinase inhibition
Authors: Bernard  , Berthon  
Published: March 2003

Synopsis This paper forms part of studies searching for new bioactive ingredients for cosmetics, for example, in the whitening agent field. The aim of our work was to present resveratrol as an original substrate for tyrosinase with very promising cosmetic perspectives. This study was based on several spectrophotometric analyses with minor adaptations. These analyses suggested that resveratrol is biotransformed by tyrosinase into an oxydated form, becoming a powerful inhibitor of tyrosinase. Furthermore, we show that resveratrol can be used as an additive compound in whitening cosmetics, particularly with a Morus alba extract. These results may help in understanding tyrosinase active site structure and mechanism. Résumé Cet article fait partie d’un vaste projet de recherche de biomolécules actives originales à visée cosmétique. Les agents dépigmentants en sont un exemple. Dans ce cadre, nous présentons le resvératrol comme substrat original de la tyrosinase avec des applications cosmétiques intéressantes. Cette étude est basée sur diverses expériences spectrophotométriques. Les analyses montrent d’une part que le resvératrol agit comme substrat de la tyrosinase. D’autre part, le produit biotransformé semble inhiber l’activité tyrosinase. Une application directe consiste à combiner le resvératrol avec d’autres agents dépigmentants de façon à atteindre un effet synergique entre les deux actifs.
Quantitative two‐dimensional analysis of facial wrinkles of Japanese women at various ages
Authors: Tsukahara K. , Takema Y. , Fujimura T. , Moriwaki S. , Hattori M. 
Published: March 2003

SynopsisTo evaluate individual differences in the recognition of facial wrinkles, we asked 40 Japanese female observers to identify wrinkles using transparent sheets over frontal facial photos of four females aged 20, 39, 55 or 75 years. We then measured the number and length of those wrinkles by image analysis. Wrinkles identified by those 40 observers showed aged‐related increases in the standard deviation (SD) values for number and length but age‐related decreases in the coefficient of variation (CV)%. Therefore, to clarify factors affecting the degree of wrinkle detection, wrinkles were identified by two groups of age‐matched male and female observers, by two groups that differed by age, and by two other groups, one of which who felt that there was an improvement in their wrinkles after application of an antiwrinkle agent and another group who did not feel that there was any improvement after the same treatment. Improvement was observed by replica image analysis in all groups. The degree of wrinkles identified was not affected by the age or by the sex of the observer group. However, the group who felt that there was an improvement in their wrinkles after treatment with the antiwrinkle agent identified a significantly higher number of wrinkles than did the group who did not feel that there was an improvement.These results suggest marked individual differences in the recognition of wrinkles. Fine wrinkles in relatively young subjects are difficult to detect, but moderate to marked wrinkles in middle‐aged and in aged subjects can easily be detected. Concerning the cause of individual differences in the extent of wrinkle detection, observers who identified a large number of wrinkles tended to recognize not only pronounced wrinkles but also recognized fine wrinkles as ‘wrinkles’. This seems to have also affected their feelings about the success of treatment with the antiwrinkle agent.
2‐Acetylindan‐1,3‐dione and its Cu2+ and Zn2+ complexes as promising sunscreen agents
Authors: Ahmedova A. , Mantareva V. , Enchev V. , Mitewa M. 
Published: March 2003

SynopsisIn continuation of a previous spectroscopic and quantum chemical study on 2‐acetylindan‐1,3‐dione (2AID), the spectral properties and photostability of 2AID and its Cu2+ and Zn2+ complexes in different solvents are reported. Comparison is made with the photostability of two commercially available sunscreens: benzophenone‐3 and octylmethoxycinnamate. 2AID exhibits a higher photostability, high molar absorption coefficient (42 000 m−1 cm−1) at λmax and broad‐spectrum UV‐protection properties.The hypothesis that the strong intramolecular H‐bonding is responsible for the higher photostability was confirmed by studying the photodegradation upon irradiation with UV light of 2AID in hydrogen bond‐breaking solvent, DMSO. The data obtained show that 2AID undergoes rapid degradation in this solvent.It is found that Cu2+ and Zn2+−2AID complexes show higher photostability in DMSO than 2AID itself.
Oral fish cartilage polysaccharides in the treatment of photoageing: biophysical findings
Authors: Distante F. , Scalise F. , Rona C. , Bonfigli A. , Fluhr J. W. , Berardesca E. 
Published: March 2003

SynopsisThe topically applied cosmetic products can be helpful in improving the aged skin condition. The present study shows how oral fish‐cartilage food supplementation can be helpful in improving the treatment of ageing skin. A total of 30 healthy women with signs of skin ageing were studied. Fifteen of the women were treated with a food supplement based on polysaccharides derived from the fish cartilage and a natural mix of antioxidants for 2 months and the other 15 with a placebo. Clinical evaluation and biophysical parameters related to skin function and wrinkle severity, such as silicone replica, skin thickness, mechanical properties, skin colour and capacitance, were measured. The results showed statistically significant changes in the active‐treated group in comparison to the placebo. In particular, dermal thickness (treatment: from 1.13 to 1.23 mm; P < 0.001), skin wrinkling (treatment: from 9.5 to 3.5 Ra; P< 0.002), skin colour (treatment: brighter and less pigmented; P < 0.02) and viscoelasticity (treatment: from 0.70 to 0.97%; P < 0.02) showed considerable improvement. Most of these parameters are related to changes occurring within the dermal matrix, which is improved after the treatment, whereas most of the topically applied cosmetic products have a short‐term effect on superficial structures. A combination treatment (oral and topical) can be more effective in reducing the signs of skin‐ageing.
A synthetic hexapeptide (Argireline) with antiwrinkle activity
Authors: Blanes‐Mira C. , Clemente J. , Jodas G. , Gil A. , Fernández‐Ballester G. , Ponsati B. , Gutierrez L. , Pérez‐Payá E. , Ferrer‐Montiel A. 
Published: March 2003

SynopsisBotulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs) represent a revolution in cosmetic science because of their remarkable and long‐lasting antiwrinkle activity. However, their high neurotoxicity seriously limits their use. Thus, there is a need to design and validate non‐toxic molecules that mimic the action of BoNTs. The hexapeptide Ac‐EEMQRR‐NH2 (coined Argireline) was identified as a result of a rational design programme. Noteworthy, skin topography analysis of an oil/water (O/W) emulsion containing 10% of the hexapeptide on healthy women volunteers reduced wrinkle depth up to 30% upon 30 days treatment. Analysis of the mechanism of action showed that Argireline significantly inhibited neurotransmitter release with a potency similar to that of BoNT A, although as expected, it displayed much lower efficacy than the neurotoxin. Inhibition of neurotransmitter release was due to the interference of the hexapeptide with the formation and/or stability of the protein complex that is required to drive Ca2+‐dependent exocytosis, namely the vesicular fusion (known as SNARE) complex. Notably, this peptide did not exhibit in vivo oral toxicity nor primary irritation at high doses. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that Argireline is a non‐toxic, antiwrinkle peptide that emulates the action of currently used BoNTs. Therefore, this hexapetide represents a biosafe alternative to BoNTs in cosmetics.
FLAIR‐FLOW 4: Synthesis Report on Food Allergy for Health Professionals
Authors: Robinson Frankie 
Published: March 2003

AbstractIn the March 2002 issue of Nutrition Bulletin we published the first FLAIR‐FLOW 4 synthesis report on dietary fat and cardiovascular disease, written for health professionals. Synthesis reports provide a focused summary of a topic, and include current EU‐funded research and other references. The second of the series of 6 synthesis reports for health professionals focuses on food allergy.
Obesity and immune function relationships
Authors: Martí A. , Marcos A. , Martínez J. A. 
Published: March 2003

SummaryThe immunological processes involved in the collaborative defence of organisms are affected by nutritional status. Thus, a positive chronic imbalance between energy intake and expenditure leads to situations of obesity, which may influence unspecific and specific immune responses mediated by humoral and cell mediated mechanisms. Furthermore, several lines of evidence have supported a link between adipose tissue and immunocompetent cells. This interaction is illustrated in obesity, where excess adiposity and impaired immune function have been described in both humans and genetically obese rodents. However, limited and often controversial information exist comparing immunity in obese and non‐obese subjects as well as about the cellular and molecular mechanisms implicated. In general terms, clinical and epidemiological data support the evidence that the incidence and severity of specific types of infectious illnesses are higher in obese persons as compared to lean individuals together with the occurrence of poor antibody responses to antigens in overweight subjects. Leptin might play a key role in linking nutritional status with T‐cell function. The complexities and heterogeneity of the host defences concerning the immune response in different nutritional circumstances affecting the energy balance require an integral study of the immunocompetent cells, their subsets and products as well as specific and unspecific inducer/regulator systems. In this context, more research is needed to clarify the clinical implications of the alterations induced by obesity on the immune function.
Obesity in the elderly – a future matter of concern?
Authors: Rössner S. 
Published: March 2003

SummaryIn most studies mean body weight increases with age up to about age 60 and then levels off, but information about the association between body weight and mortality at higher ages is sparse, since most studies published are cross‐sectional, thus introducing a bias in selectivity. Some studies actually suggest a protective effect of overweight in the oldest age groups. Indices of visceral obesity may be better indicators of risk than body mass index (BMI) in these age groups. Not only actual weight, but also weight development over the last decades may predict outcome. Most clinical trials exclude older patients and little is known about benefits of diets or drugs inducing weight loss in these age groups. More information is available suggesting multiple benefits of physical activity. Mechanical complications of obesity, such as osteoarthritis and static respiratory complications seem to improve with weight loss even at higher ages. For health economic reasons it will become important to address treatment strategies in the elderly in the future, since they will constitute a large segment of the population. Recent studies suggest that bariatric surgery, previously considered contraindicated in obese patients above age 60 can be safely performed even in patients above age 70 and with the same benefits as for younger subjects.