bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Weather‐based prediction of anthracnose severity using artificial neural network models
Authors: Chakraborty S. , Ghosh R. , Ghosh M. , Fernandes C. D. , Charchar M. J. , Kelemu S. 
Published: August 2004

Data were collected and analysed from seven field sites in Australia, Brazil and Colombia on weather conditions and the severity of anthracnose disease of the tropical pasture legumeStylosanthes scabracaused byColletotrichum gloeosporioides. Disease severity and weather data were analysed using artificial neural network (ANN) models developed using data from some or all field sites in Australia and/or South America to predict severity at other sites. Three series of models were developed using different weather summaries. Of these, ANN models with weather for the day of disease assessment and the previous 24 h period had the highest prediction success, and models trained on data from all sites within one continent correctly predicted disease severity in the other continent on more than 75% of days; the overall prediction error was 21·9% for the Australian and 22·1% for the South American model. Of the six cross‐continent ANN models trained on pooled data for five sites from two continents to predict severity for the remaining sixth site, the model developed without data from Planaltina in Brazil was the most accurate, with >85% prediction success, and the model without Carimagua in Colombia was the least accurate, with only 54% success. In common with multiple regression models, moisture‐related variables such as rain, leaf surface wetness and variables that influence moisture availability such as radiation and wind on the day of disease severity assessment or the day before assessment were the most important weather variables in all ANN models. A set of weights from the ANN models was used to calculate the overall risk of anthracnose for the various sites. Sites with high and low anthracnose risk are present in both continents, and weather conditions at centres of diversity in Brazil and Colombia do not appear to be more conducive than conditions in Australia to serious anthracnose development.
Growth in vitro and infectivity of Colletotrichum coccodes on potato tubers at different temperatures
Authors: Glais‐Varlet I. , Bouchek‐Mechiche K. , Andrivon D. 
Published: August 2004

To investigate the ability of black dot symptoms to develop on infected potato tubers during storage, the growth of Colletotrichum coccodes was followed in vitro on malt agar at temperatures ranging from 5–27°C, and in vivo on artificially infected potato tubers kept at 5, 10 and 15°C. In vitro, 13 isolates from different geographical origins grew at all temperatures tested; growth started with a delay of 10 days at 5°C and of 4 days at 10°C, and was fastest at 27°C. All isolates had similar growth patterns and produced conidia and sclerotia at all temperatures. Minitubers were successfully infected at 5, 10 and 15°C by depositing either a mycelial plug or a drop of conidial suspension on the tuber surface. Sclerotia were observed after 7 days at the point of inoculation. Symptoms extended in all cases, although more slowly at 5 and 10 than at 15°C. Latent infections were detected in up to 21% of tubers without black dot symptoms at harvest. These results show that latent infections by C. coccodes are probably quite frequent, and that the pathogen is able to develop at low temperatures in controlled conditions. This suggests that black dot symptoms can increase during storage if stores are not adequately managed.
Host–parasite relationships of Meloidogyne incognita on spinach
Authors: Di Vito M. , Vovlas N. , Castillo P. 
Published: August 2004

Host–parasite relationships in root‐knot disease of spinach caused by Meloidogyne incognita race 1 were studied under glasshouse conditions. Nematode‐induced mature galls were large and usually contained one or more females and egg masses with eggs. Feeding sites were characterized by the development of giant cells containing granular cytoplasm and many hypertrophied nuclei. The cytoplasm in these giant cells was aggregated alongside the thickened cell walls. Stelar tissues within galls appeared disorganized. The relationship between initial nematode population density (Pi) in a series from 0–128 eggs and second‐stage juveniles per cm3 soil and growth of spinach cv. Symphony F1 seedlings was tested under glasshouse conditions. A Seinhorst model [y = m + (1 − m)zP–T] was fitted to fresh top‐ and total plant‐weight data for inoculated and control plants. Tolerance limits (T) of spinach cv. Symphony F1 to M. incognita race 1 for fresh top and total plant weights were 0·25 and 0·5 eggs and second‐stage juveniles per cm3 soil, respectively. The minimum relative values for fresh top and total plant weights were zero in both cases at Pi ≥ 32 eggs and second‐stage juveniles per cm3 soil. Root galling was least at low initial population densities and greatest at 16 eggs and second‐stage juveniles per cm3 soil. Maximum nematode reproduction rate was 33·1‐fold at the lowest Pi.
Establishment of, and preliminary impact studies on, the rust, Maravalia cryptostegiae, of the invasive alien weed, Cryptostegia grandiflora in Queensland, Australia
Authors: Tomley A. J. , Evans H. C. 
Published: August 2004

The rust fungus Maravalia cryptostegiae, from south‐west Madagascar, was introduced into Australia in 1995 as a classical biological control agent against the highly invasive rubber‐vine weed Cryptostegia grandiflora, a woody climber endemic to Madagascar. The rust was released at 69 sites between 1995 and 1997 and is now established throughout the plant's exotic range in Queensland, estimated at over 40 000 km2. Dispersal was low in the first 3–4 months but was virtually linear thereafter, and the rust spread over 100 km within the first year; after 3 years it was recorded 550 km away from the nearest release site. Spraying both dry and aqueous inoculum of uredinioid teliospores from the ground using mist‐blowers, as well as from the air by atomizing spore suspensions, resulted in rust‐induced defoliation, producing an overall reduction in fecundity and biomass of the weed. In sites with low water tables, weed growth decreased markedly, with a reduction in plant volume from 9 m−3 to 1 m−3 over a 4‐year period. Both rust‐ and drought‐induced stress combined to cause up to 75% plant mortality at some sites, and at all monitored sites, seedling recruitment was virtually nil. Improved growth of indigenous grasses amongst rubber‐vine thickets has increased fuel loads and created opportunities to use fire as a component of an integrated approach to the management of this economically and ecologically damaging weed.
A simple approach to examine early oral microbial biofilm formation and the effects of treatments
Authors: Sreenivasan P. K. , Mattai J. , Nabi N. , Xu T. , Gaffar A. 
Published: August 2004

Background/aims:  A simple in vivo approach to examine early dental plaque formation in the human mouth and to determine the effects of common dietary and oral hygiene procedures on biofilm formation is reported.Methods:  A custom designed device that fits securely behind the teeth of the mandibular arch provides a surface for microbial colonization. This device is prepared with denture acrylic and can be repeatedly used by the subject, exposing a large and constant surface area for microbial accumulation.Results:  Large numbers of oral bacteria colonized the device by 2 h; these increased significantly by 4 h (P < 0.05). Bacterial colonization increased significantly after rinsing with a sucrose solution (P < 0.05) but remained unaffected after rinsing with water, a commercially available fluoride mouthrinse without antimicrobial agents, or brushing with a fluoride dentifrice (P > 0.05). Rinsing with mouthrinses formulated with chlorhexidine, cetylpyridinium chloride or triclosan/copolymer significantly inhibited colonization (P < 0.05). A dose‐dependent inhibition was noted with chlorhexidine rinses (P < 0.05). Brushing with a triclosan/copolymer dentifrice significantly inhibited microbial colonization compared with a control (P < 0.05).Conclusion:  This simple approach was useful for examining the effects of common dietary and oral hygiene procedures. Significant biofilm inhibitory effects were noted with formulations that demonstrated efficacy in previous clinical studies.
Effects of low dose chlorhexidine mouthrinses on oral bacteria and salivary microflora including those producing hydrogen sulfide
Authors: Sreenivasan P. K. , Gittins E. 
Published: August 2004

Background/aims:  Clinical studies have demonstrated the considerable effects of chlorhexidine on dental plaque and oral microbiota as well as improvements in indices of oral health. This investigation examined the efficacy of lower concentrations of chlorhexidine.Methods:  Mouthrinses with 0.03%, 0.06%, 0.12% chlorhexidine and a control rinse without chlorhexidine were examined. Alamar blue, an oxidation‐reduction dye with fluorescent end‐points proportional to bacterial viability, was used to determine bacterial viability. Further clinical studies examined the effects of these rinses on salivary bacteria and on bacteria producing hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and implicated in halitosis.Results:  In laboratory tests, a significant dose‐dependent effect was observed with Actinomyces viscosus as a model system using the Alamar blue procedure (P < 0.05). Clinical studies examined the effects 1.5 h and 3 h post‐treatment on salivary bacteria and bacteria producing H2S. The first study compared the control rinse with the 0.03% and 0.06% chlorhexidine rinses; a second study compared the effects of the control rinse and the 0.06% and 0.12% chlorhexidine mouthrinses. In both studies, chlorhexidine rinses demonstrated significant dose‐dependent effects post‐treatment on salivary bacteria vs. the control rinse (P < 0.05). Significant decreases in H2S‐producing bacteria were noted with these chlorhexidine rinses vs. the control rinse (P < 0.05).Conclusion:  The results highlight the dose‐dependent relationships noted in laboratory and clinical tests which have potential implications for the use of lower doses of chlorhexidine to inhibit oral bacteria, including those implicated in halitosis.
Microbiological profile of early onset/aggressive periodontitis patients
Authors: Kamma J. J. , Nakou M. , Gmür R. , Baehni P. C. 
Published: August 2004

Objectives:  The objectives of this study were to characterize the bacterial profile and to seek possible bacterial associations in the subgingival microbiota of early onset periodontitis/aggressive periodontitis patients by using two different techniques, culture and immunofluorescence.Material and methods:  The study group consisted of 66 systemically healthy individuals with evidence of early onset periodontitis − 41 females and 25 males aged 23–35 years (mean 31.1 ± 3.1 years). Bacterial samples were collected from the deepest site in each quadrant, resulting in a total of 264 sites with a mean probing pocket depth of 6.6 ± 1.5 mm. Samples were cultured anaerobically and in 10% CO2 using selective and nonselective media, and isolates were characterized to species level. Indirect immunofluorescence using monoclonal antibodies was applied to detect Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tannerella forsythia (Bacteroides forsythus, Tannerella forsythensis), Prevotella intermedia/Prevotella nigrescens, Campylobacter rectus, Peptostreptococcus micros and Actinomyces israelii.Results:  93.6% of sampled sites showed bleeding on probing and 23.5% were positive for suppuration. P. intermedia/P. nigrescens, P. gingivalis, and C. rectus were detected in 77.3–85.9% of samples using culture methods and in 85.6–91.3% using immunofluorescence. P. micros and A. actinomycetemcomitans were found, respectively, in 63.3% and 25.0% of all sites using culturing and in 58.7% and 27.7% sites using immunofluorescence. Significantly strong positive associations were observed between T. forsythia and C. rectus (odds ratio 109.46), and T. forsythia and P. gingivalis (odd ratio 90.26), whereas a negative association was seen between P. intermedia/P. nigrescens and A. actinomycetemcomitans (odds ratio 0.42). Coinfection by P. gingivalis, T. forsythia, P. intermedia/P. nigrescens and C. rectus was observed in 62.1% of the test sites, and in 89.4% of the studied subjects. The sensitivity of immunofluorescence for T. forsythia, C. rectus, P. intermedia/P. nigrescens and P. gingivalis was found to be very high (0.99–0.94) using culture as the reference detection method. The agreement between culture and immunofluorescence in detecting the presence or absence of the investigated species was 85.2–88.1% for P. gingivalis, P. intermedia/P. nigrescens, C. rectus, and T. forsythia, 75.9% for A. actinomycetemcomitans and 70.4% for P. micros.Conclusions:  The microbial profile of the early onset/aggressive periodontitis population was complex. The agreement between the two detection methods was very high.
In vitro activity of moxifloxacin compared to other antimicrobials against streptococci isolated from iatrogenic oral bacteremia in Spain
Authors: Tomás I. , Álvarez M. , Limeres J. , Otero J. L. , Saavedra E. , López‐Meléndez C. , Diz P. 
Published: August 2004

Background/aims:  Systemic dissemination of oral bacteria to distant body sites may be the cause of focal infections. The unsuitable use and overexposure to antimicrobial therapy in clinical dental practice may contribute to the worldwide problem of antimicrobial resistance. The aim of this study was to determine the susceptibilities of streptococci isolated from the bloodstream after dental extractions against penicillin, ampicillin, amoxicillin, erythromycin, clindamycin, and a new fluoroquinolone, moxifloxacin.Patients and methods:  Eighty‐four patients who required dental extractions were studied. Venous blood samples were collected from each patient at baseline (before dental manipulation) and 30 s after dental extractions. The samples were processed in the Bactec 9240. The isolated bacteria were identified by conventional microbiological techniques. The antimicrobial susceptibility of 81 streptococci was determined by the E‐test method. The NCCLS performance standards were followed.Results:  88.9–92.5% of the streptococci were sensitive to beta‐lactam agents tested with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC)90s ranging from 0.094 to 0.19 mg/l. The resistance to erythromycin and clindamycin was 40.8% (MIC90HR = 256 mg/l) and 21% (MIC90HR = 256 mg/l), respectively. The MIC90 to moxifloxacin was 0.125 mg/l.Conclusion:  Most of the streptococci isolated from the bloodstream after dental extractions were susceptible in vitro to penicillin, ampicillin, and amoxicillin. The high percentage of streptococci resistant to erythromycin and clindamycin could restrict their usefulness as prophylactic drugs. All the isolates showed a low MIC of moxifloxacin in vitro, making it a promising antimicrobial alternative for the prevention of streptococcal focal infections associated with certain dental manipulations, when the administration of beta‐lactam agents is not indicated.
Peripheral and Central Sensitization: Expert Commentary on Selected Abstracts
Authors: Graff‐Radford Steven B. 
Published: August 2004

Central Trigeminal Sensitization May be Mediated by Nonmeningeal Nociceptive Trigeminal Afferents and Influenced by Sex HormonesWe have previously shown that injection of the inflammatory irritant and small‐fiber excitant mustard oil (MO) into the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) region can reflexively induce a prolonged increase in the activity of both digastric and masseter muscles in rats. It is possible that peripheral excitatory amino acid (EAA) receptors play a role in this effect, because MO‐evoked increases in jaw muscle activity are attenuated by preapplication of the noncompetitive NMDA receptor antagonist MK‐801 into the TMJ region. In the present study, the EAA receptor agonists glutamate, NMDA, kainate, and AMPA were applied locally to the TMJ region. Jaw muscle responses similar to those evoked by MO application to the TMJ region were achieved with glutamate, NMDA, AMPA, and kainate. Repeated application of glutamate, NMDA, or AMPA at intervals of 30 min evoked responses in the ipsilateral jaw muscles that were of comparable magnitude. Co‐application of the NMDA receptor antagonist DL‐2‐amino‐5‐phosphonovalerate (0.5 μmol) significantly reduced the magnitude of the glutamate‐ and NMDA‐evoked ipsilateral jaw muscle responses without affecting responses evoked by AMPA. In contrast, co‐application of the non‐NMDA receptor antagonist 6‐cyano‐7‐nitroquinoxaline‐2,3‐dione (1 nmol) significantly reduced the magnitude of the glutamate‐ and AMPA‐evoked ipsilateral jaw muscle responses without affecting responses evoked by NMDA. This evidence suggests that both NMDA and non‐NMDA EAA receptor types are located within the TMJ region and may contribute to jaw muscle activity that can be reflexively evoked from the TMJ region.
Critical Thinking and Accuracy of Nurses' Diagnoses
Authors: Lunney Margaret 
Published: August 2004

AbstractInterpretations of patient data are complex and diverse, contributing to a risk of low accuracy nursing diagnoses. This risk is confirmed in research findings that accuracy of nurses' diagnoses varied widely from high to low. Highly accurate diagnoses are essential, however, to guide nursing interventions for the achievement of positive health outcomes. Development of critical thinking abilities is likely to improve accuracy of nurses' diagnoses. New views of critical thinking serve as a basis for critical thinking in nursing. Seven cognitive skills and ten habits of mind are identified as dimensions of critical thinking for use in the diagnostic process. Application of the cognitive skills of critical thinking illustrates the importance of using critical thinking for accuracy of nurses' diagnoses. Ten strategies are proposed for self‐development of critical thinking abilities.
Spiritual Care Activities of Nurses Using Nursing Interventions Classification (NIC) Labels
Authors: Cavendish Roberta , Konecny Lynda , Mitzeliotis Claudia , Russo Donna , Luise Barbara Kraynyak , BS Melissa Lanza , Medeíindt Judith , Bajo Mary Ann McPartlan 
Published: August 2004

PURPOSE. To describe the spiritual care activities of nurses as subsequently identified in the Nursing Interventions Classification (NIC) labels.METHODS. Data were taken from a larger study that used a multiple triangulation research design to describe spiritual perspectives, interventions, and attitudes of 1,000 Sigma Theta Tau International members. Data analysis included descriptive and multivariate statistics for quantitative items, and content analysis for responses to questions.FINDINGS. 97 respondents reported providing 32 spiritual care activities. Ten NIC labels actually mapped the nurses' spiritual care activities.CONCLUSIONS. Spiritual care activities involve a broad spectrum of interventions that may be unique to each patient. The 32 spiritual care activities described by the nurses provide new knowledge regarding core spiritual care activities. The use of NIC labels can facilitate documentation of spiritual care activities in diverse practice settings.PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS. This study supports greater specificity in describing spiritual care interventions to a level that allows replication and advancement of knowledge.Search terms: Nursing activities, nursing interventions, spiritual care
Occupational Nursing Service in a Small Manufacturing Plant: Interventions and Outcomes
Authors: McKeown Elaine , Barkauskas Vi , Quinn Amy , Kresowaty Jeannette 
Published: August 2004

PURPOSE. To describe the health needs presented by workers in a small industrial setting, describe the occupational health nursing (OHN) services provided, and examine the effectiveness of these services.METHODS. Data were abstracted from 491 employee records accumulated over a 7‐year service period. Standardized nursing languages were used to describe employee needs and nursing interventions.FINDINGS. Data revealed 1,368 needs were identified and 3,193 nursing interventions were administered. Health‐seeking behaviors, knowledge deficit, collaborative problems, risk of infection, and impaired tissue integrity seemed most amenable to change in the context of OHN services. Altered health maintenance was the problem that seemed least amenable to change.CONCLUSIONS. Findings present a dynamic picture of OHN services provided in an OHN program and their effectiveness. Standardized nursing languages were effective and appropriate in describing the health issues managed and interventions applied.PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS. Further use of standardized nursing languages in occupation health can establish core functions and knowledge base.Search terms: Nursing diagnosis, nursing interventions, nursing outcomes, occupational health nursing
Nursing Diagnosis Extension and Classification: Ongoing Phase
Authors: Craft‐Rosenberg Martha , Jirathummakoon Saovaluck 
Published: August 2004

BACKGROUND The Nursing Diagnosis Extension and Classification Project (NDEC) has been active for almost a decade. The team began with the formation of a team of investigators at The University of Iowa College of Nursing. From 1994 until 2000 the research team consisted of 16 investigators who were experts in nursing care across the lifespan. They also represented expertise in both qualitative and quantitative research. The aims of the NDEC research are to evaluate and revise NANDA diagnoses, to validate the diagnoses using a clinical information system, and to develop candidate diagnoses.MAIN CONTENT POINTSPhase 1 of the NDEC research has yielded 116 refined and developed nursing diagnoses that have been submitted to NANDA. Of these, 65 have been approved and 54 appeared in Nursing Diagnoses: Definitions and Classification, 1999–2000 along with 39 NDEC products. In the 2000–2001 edition, 7 diagnoses refined by NDEC and 7 new diagnoses submitted by NDEC are included.As only about half the NDEC products have appeared in NANDA publications, the three‐level review process (Diagnosis Review Committee, membership, and Board) has been discussed with the NANDA board. This request is currently being honored by the Diagnosis Review Committee; however, review by the membership and review by the NANDA board is just beginning to move in this direction.Phase 2, clinical validation of the NDEC work, is being conducted at a long‐term care facility. It will also be conducted at a large teaching hospital. All the NDEC refinement and development work has been submitted for clinical validation. Currently validation is planned at the label level only.Phase 3 involves identification of candidate diagnoses. Many of the candidate diagnoses were developed during the concept analysis phase, when NDEC team members identified the need for additional diagnoses. Nurses in practice have submitted other candidate diagnoses. In total 195 candidate diagnoses have been identified and placed into a database.In order for the NDEC team to make decisions regarding priorities for diagnosis development, the diagnoses in the candidate database are compared to diagnoses in other classifications that have already been developed. Several classifications are used for comparison including the Omaha System and the Home Health Care Classification. A large table is used to compare candidate label to other labels. Candidate diagnosis included in other classifications will be given lower priority for development by NDEC.CONCLUSIONSThe NDEC work plan includes work on diagnoses to be resubmitted to the NANDA Diagnosis Review Committee. It is hoped that the Web site for NLINKS will facilitate the work of diagnosis refinement and development. NDEC will continue to work with any investigator who is seeking assistance. The last part of the work plan is resource acquisition and recruitment of investigators to continue the refinement and development of diagnoses.