bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Role of Eucalyptus globulus wound wood extractives: evidence of superoxide dismutase‐like activity
Authors: Eyles A. , Davies N. W. , Mitsunaga T. , Mihara R. , Mohammed C. 
Published: July 2004

SummarySuperoxide dismutase‐like activity of crude Eucalyptus globulus extracts obtained from new wound wood was measured using the water‐soluble tetrazolium salt (WST)‐1 assay. This in vitro assay determined the activity of superoxide radicals scavenging in a xanthine oxidase system. The 50% inhibition (IC50) of formazan formation was estimated for fractionated samples and purified compounds isolated from the crude wound wood extract, i.e. engelitin and pedunculagin. Standards of gallic acid and pentagalloyl glucose were also measured. Fraction II as well as the compounds pentagalloyl glucose and pedunculagin showed the highest levels of antioxidant activity. Subsequent analysis of fraction II by high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled with negative ion electrospray mass spectrometry revealed the fraction to be dominated by hydrolysable tannins including pedunculagin, di‐, tri‐ and tetragalloylglucoses. These preliminary results provide some evidence for an antioxidant role of secondary metabolites in tree wound repair and defence.
Effectiveness of treatment of Norway spruce stumps with Phlebiopsis gigantea at different rates of coverage for the control of Heterobasidion
Authors: Berglund M. , Rönnberg J. 
Published: July 2004

SummaryThe natural establishment of the root and butt rot causing fungus Heterobasidion annosum s.l. on Norway spruce (Picea abies) thinning stumps treated with Phlebiopsis gigantea was investigated on seven sites in southern Sweden. The trees were cut during summertime and the stumps were treated with different patterns simulating the effect of mechanical stump treatment with a single‐grip harvester. Sampling was conducted 3 and 12 months after treatment. At both samplings, the best control was obtained when 100% of the stump surface was covered by P. gigantea: in contrast, untreated control stumps showed the highest incidences of H. annosum s.l. infection at both sampling times. However, 30 and 26% of the fully covered stumps at the first and second samplings, respectively, were diseased, and question the efficacy of treating Norway spruce stumps with this biological control agent in Sweden.
Sphaeropsis shoot blight and altered nutrition in red pine plantations treated with paper mill waste sludge
Authors: Stanosz G. R. , Trobaugh J. , Guthmiller M. A. , Stanosz J. C. 
Published: July 2004

SummaryDuring 1993 progressive, severe shoot blight and canker disease in crowns of mature, merchantable red pines (Pinus resinosa) in central Wisconsin was noted in plantations in which paper mill waste sludge previously had been applied. For eight treated plantations and six non‐treated plantations, incidence of shoot blight attributed to the pathogenic fungus Sphaeropsis sapinea (syn. Diplodia pinea) was quantified during 1993 or 1994. Foliage and soil samples also were collected for analyses. Sphaeropsis shoot blight was more frequent in treated plantations than in the non‐treated stands (means of 81% of trees and 10.2% of shoots compared with 7% of trees and 0.1% of shoots, respectively). Consistent with other reports of damage caused by some diseases of conifers in situations of altered host nutrition, mean foliar N concentrations were higher in treated plantations (1.61%) than non‐treated plantations (1.31%) (p < 0.001). Mean foliar Zn, Mn, Cu, and Al concentrations were lower in treated plantations than non‐treated plantations, and mean soil P, Ca, and Mg concentrations were higher in treated plantations than non‐treated plantations.
Fungal endophytes in woody roots of Douglas‐fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) and ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa)
Authors: Hoff J. A. , Klopfenstein N. B. , McDonald G. I. , Tonn J. R. , Kim M.‐S. , Zambino P. J. , Hessburg P. F. , Rogers J. D. , Peever T. L. , Carris L. M. 
Published: July 2004

SummaryThe fungal community inhabiting large woody roots of healthy conifers has not been well documented. To provide more information about such communities, a survey was conducted using increment cores from the woody roots of symptomless Douglas‐fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) and ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) growing in dry forests on the eastern slope of the Cascade Mountains in Washington state, USA. Fungal isolates were cultured on standard media, and then were identified using a combination of molecular and morphological methods. Fungal genera and species identified in this study will provide baseline data for future surveys of fungal endophytes. Examination of internal transcribed spacer (ITS1 and ITS2) and 5.8S rDNA sequences and morphology of cultured fungi identified 27 fungal genera. Two groups predominated: Byssochlamys nivea Westling (20.4% of isolations) and Umbelopsis species (10.4% of isolations). This is the first report of B. nivea within large woody roots of conifers. Both taxa have been previously identified as potential biological control agents. Although some trends were noted, this study found no significant evidence of host species or plant association effects on total recovery of fungal endophytes or recovery of specific fungal taxa.
Soil compaction and chestnut ink disease
Authors: Fonseca T. F. , Abreu C. G. , Parresol B. R. 
Published: July 2004

SummaryChestnut ink disease caused by the oomycete Phytophthora cinnamomi, a soil‐borne pathogen of world‐wide distribution, accounts for the majority of disease problems on chestnuts in Portugal, limiting yield in a large number of stands and impeding establishment of trees in new areas. A survey was carried out in 32 chestnut stands in the Padrela Mountains of northern Portugal to investigate the relationship among ink disease occurrence, edaphic factors and management practices. A logistic regression function was employed to analyze the effect of soil attributes and management practices on the stand health status. Results showed that the main factors affecting disease were soil compaction (COMP), soil organic matter level (OM) and manuring practice (MA). A logistic model containing the soil variable COMP and the interaction term OM × MA correctly predicted the stand health status in 94%, or 30, of the 32 stands studied. The logistic function coefficients indicate that the probability of a stand having ink disease increases with increasing soil compaction and increasing soil organic matter content in stands where manuring is the usual practice.
Iron status of young Vietnamese children in Australia
Authors: Nguyen ND , Allen JR , Peat JK , Beal P , Webster BH , Gaskin KJ 
Published: July 2004

Objective:  The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of iron deficiency in Vietnamese children living in Australia and to identify risk factors associated with iron deficiency.Methods:  A cohort of healthy term Vietnamese infants, were followed from birth (n = 210) to 18 months (n = 174) with anthropometry, dietary intake and feeding practices measured at seven time points. Socio‐demographic data were collected from the parents at the first home visit. At 18 months iron status was examined by full blood count and plasma ferritin concentration in 129/152 (85%) of the eligible children. Iron depletion was defined as a plasma ferritin level <10 µg/L. Iron deficiency without anaemia was defined as iron depletion plus MCV < 70fl and iron deficiency anaemia was defined as iron deficiency anaemia plus Hb < 110 g/L.Results:  The prevalence of iron deficiency was iron depletion 19.4% (95% CI: 13.0%, 27.3%), iron deficiency without anaemia 3.1% (95% CI: 0.9%, 7.8%) and iron deficiency anaemia 3.9% (95% CI: 1.3%, 8.8%). Multiple regression analysis showed three significant predictors of iron deficiency: cows milk intake (negative effect), meat, fish or poultry intake (positive effect) and weight gain (negative effect). A cows milk intake ≥650 mL/day was a risk factor for iron deficiency.Conclusion:  Prevalence of iron deficiency at 18 months was high despite appropriate infant feeding practices during the first year. Modification of the diet in the second year of life may decrease the risk of iron deficiency in Vietnamese children.
Asthma in emergency departments: Combined adult and paediatric versus paediatric only centres
Authors: Powell CVE , Raftos J , Kerr D , Rosengarten P , Kelly AM 
Published: July 2004

Objective:  To compare the management of paediatric patients with mild or moderate asthma in paediatric‐only emergency departments (POEDs) to treatment in a mixed adult‐child emergency departments (mixed EDs).Methods:  Prospective, observational study conducted in 36 Australian emergency departments (EDs) for 2 weeks in 2001. Children aged 1−15 years with acute asthma classified as mild or moderate severity. Details of demography, severity assessment, and type of treatment facility, treatment and disposition were collected. Analysis used descriptive statistics, comparison of proportions by χ2, and multiple logistic regression.Results:  Two‐hundred and nine children were treated at POEDs and 257 at mixed EDs. The groups had similar severity. Spacers to deliver beta‐agonists were used more frequently in POEDs (67.5%vs 24.2%; P < 0.01). Children treated at POEDs with a mild attack were more likely to be admitted (20.6%vs 9.5%; P < 0.02) and given salbutamol (82.8% vs 71.9%; P = 0.03). For children with moderate asthma, oral steroid prescription on hospital discharge was more common for those treated in a mixed ED (81.0%v 95.7%; P = 0.01). Ipratropium bromide (IB) was widely used at both types of ED but more commonly used in mixed EDs (41.7%vs 54.9%; P < 0.01). There were no differences in length‐of‐stay, representation rate within one month and oral steroid use for attack. Less than 2/3 of children with mild asthma attacks received steroid treatment in the ED.Conclusion:  Treatment was similar between the two types of ED. IB was overused in mild asthma and oral steroids were underused in moderate asthma, by both ED types. Spacers were under‐utilized in mixed EDs.
Predicting the need for ventilation in term and near‐term neonates
Authors: Morosini A , Davies MW 
Published: July 2004

Objective:  To determine whether the need for respiratory support can be predicted by oxygen requirement within the first 72 h in term and near‐term infants.Methods:  To mimic the population of infants that would often be delivered outside a tertiary centre we studied a retrospective cohort of infants ≥ 32 weeks requiring oxygen, divided into three groups: cot oxygen only, nasal continuous positive airway pressure (NCPAP) only, or intermittent positive pressure ventilation (IPPV). We recorded each infant's peak fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) − i.e. FiO2 in the first 72 h in the cot oxygen only group or maximum FiO2 prior to commencing the highest level of respiratory support. The peak FiO2 was used as a diagnostic test to predict any respiratory support or IPPV − sensitivity and specificity were calculated and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves plotted (FiO2 0.21−1.00) to identify the best balance point for prediction.Results:  The cohort included 592 infants: 516 cot oxygen only, 46 NCPAP only and 30 IPPV. The proportion ventilated increased with increasing peak FiO2 − above 0.45 the proportion of infants ventilated exceeded 50%. To predict any respiratory support, the cut‐point balancing sensitivity and specificity was a FiO2 ≥ 0.35−58/136 required respiratory support (sensitivity = 0.76, specificity = 0.85, positive predictive value (PPV) = 43%, negative predictive value (NPV) = 96%). To predict IPPV the cut‐point was a FiO2 ≥ 0.5−28/47 treated with IPPV (sensitivity = 0.93, specificity = 0.97, PPV = 60%, NPV = 100%).Conclusion:  The need for respiratory support can be predicted by oxygen requirement within the first 72 h in term and near‐term infants with reasonable sensitivity and excellent specificity.
Evolution of an adenovirus outbreak in a multidisciplinary children's hospital
Authors: Hatherill M , Levin M , Lawrenson J , Hsiao N‐Y , Reynolds L , Argent A 
Published: July 2004

Objective:  To describe the course of an evolving adenovirus outbreak in a multidisciplinary children's hospital with a high‐risk patient population.Methods:  Observational study in a 280‐bed university hospital during June 2002. Active case finding identified children with adenovirus infection. Data are median (interquartile range) or n (%). Adenovirus infection was diagnosed in 49 children, median age 12 months (4−33).Results:  New cases were diagnosed over 26 days and peaked on day 17 (n = 15). Total infected inpatients peaked on days 17−21 (n = 36). Twenty‐three infections (47%) were community‐acquired and 26 (53%) hospital‐acquired. Thirty‐three children (67%) had a coexistent high‐risk condition. Median hospital stay before and after diagnosis was 9 days (3−18) and 9 days (4−29), respectively. Twenty‐two children (45%) were admitted to PICU. Overall hospital mortality was 22% (n = 11) and mortality attributed to adenoviral disease 12% (n = 6). Hospital mortality was similar between community‐ and hospital‐acquired infections (22% compared to 23%) (P = 1.0). Twenty children (41%) received intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG). Children treated with IVIG had a longer hospital stay (median 40 days vs 14 days) than those who did not receive IVIG (P = 0.01). Neither PICU mortality (29%vs 12%), nor hospital mortality (35%vs 14%), differed significantly between IVIG treated and untreated children (P = 0.76 and P = 0.16, respectively).Conclusion:  The rapid spread of hospital‐acquired adenovirus underlines the importance of effective infection control measures. Despite nosocomial infection amongst high‐risk patients, mortality was similar to that of community‐acquired infection. Administration of immunoglobulin was not associated with demonstrable benefit. A prospective randomized trial would be required to resolve this issue.
Intelligence and achievement of children referred following sexual abuse
Authors: Jones DA , Trudinger P , Crawford M 
Published: July 2004

Objective:  Little is known about the prevalence of intellectual and academic problems in sexually abused children. Such problems may have significant implications for their management. This study examined the prevalence of such problems in a population of Australian children referred for sexual abuse evaluation. The study also assessed the clinical utility of the Parents’ Evaluation of Developmental Status (PEDS) questionnaire as a screening tool for learning and developmental problems in this population.Methods:  Over a 12‐month period, children referred for sexual abuse evaluation to the Mater Children's Hospital Child Protection Unit were enrolled and background demographic and abuse related data collected. The children then completed standardized psychometric assessments. Their parents completed Child Behavior Checklists (CBCL) and PEDS questionnaires. Day care providers and schoolteachers completed the corresponding Caregiver or Teacher Report Forms (TRF).Results:  A total of 21 of the 35 eligible children completed the assessment during the study period. Mean scores for intelligence and academic achievement were within the average range. However, three (14%) of the tested children were intellectually impaired and three (14%) showed academic underachievement. Sixty‐two per cent of children had problems in the clinical range on the CBCL and 33% on the TRF. The PEDS showed a sensitivity of 64%, specificity of 60% with a positive predictive value of 77%.Conclusion:  In this population of referred children, over one quarter showed problems with intellectual impairment or academic under achievement. Most of these children were not receiving learning support at school. A high index of suspicion is therefore required when assessing sexually abused children for comorbid intellectual and learning problems.
Snoring and its association with asthma in Indigenous children living in the Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula Area
Authors: Valery PC , Masters IB , Chang AB 
Published: July 2004

Objective:  Respiratory health of Indigenous and minority ethnic groups in affluent countries is poorer than their non‐minority counterparts and sleep disorders are no exception. In children, obstructive sleep apnoea has the potential to result in serious long‐term consequences. In 1999, we studied 1650 children and adolescents living in the Torres Strait and the Northern Peninsula Area, Australia. Here we report prevalence of snoring in these communities and relate its association with asthma symptoms.Methods:  A population‐based cross‐sectional study was conducted in the Torres Strait region. Five indigenous communities were randomly selected and information was collected using a structured face‐to‐face interview based on a standardized questionnaire. There was a 98% response rate, and 1650 children, 0−17 years of age, were included in the study.Results:  Overall, the prevalence of snoring was 14.2% (95% CI 12.5−15.9); 3.6% (95% CI 2.7−4.6) reported snorting, and 6% (95% CI 4.9−7.2) reported restless sleep. The prevalence of snoring was significantly higher among males (17.1% for males and 10.8 for females, P = 0.005). Children were five times more likely to have experienced snoring and snorting if they reported wheezing in the last 12 months.Conclusion:  We conclude that the prevalence of symptoms suggestive of obstructive sleep problems is relatively high in children of this region. This highlights the need for awareness among the community patients and physicians about the problem of obstructive sleep‐disordered breathing, especially in children with asthma, and for the need for further studies to measure prevalence of sleep breathing disorders among Indigenous Australians.
Notification of patients with acute flaccid paralysis since certification of Australia as polio‐free
Authors: Whitfield K , Kelly H 
Published: July 2004

Objective:  Surveillance of patients presenting with acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) is the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended method for the detection of incident cases of poliovirus infection. Australia was certified free of circulating poliovirus in 2000 but is required to continue AFP surveillance until global certification. Although Australia reached the WHO nominated surveillance target in 2000 and 2001, it was not reached in 2002. Notification rates between states have been variable. We aim to investigate the difference in notification rates by state to determine whether different rates reflect different patterns of disease or different approaches to reporting.Methods:  Notification rates were reviewed by state for the years 1997−2002. The completeness of case ascertainment was reviewed from published studies. Key informants described differences in AFP reporting in states with consistent differences in notification rates.Results:  Australia achieved 75% of the WHO surveillance target for AFP cases between 1997 and 1999 and 98% between 2000 and 2002. After 2000, Queensland achieved 150% of its target while Victoria achieved less than 50%. New South Wales reached its target over the entire 6 years but other states and territories were not as consistent. Although the formal process for AFP reporting is uniform throughout Australia, many differences in approach were identified between Victoria and Queensland.Conclusion:  Maintaining AFP surveillance at the required WHO standard will be more likely in Australia if the populous states are able to notify cases at the same rate as Queensland (since 2000) and New South Wales (in general).
Perinatal cytomegalovirus hepatitis: To treat or not to treat with ganciclovir
Authors: Vanc̆íková Z , Kuc̆erová T , Pelikán L , Zikmundová L , Priglová M 
Published: July 2004

Objective:  The use on ganciclovir for perinatal cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is controversial. We aim to evaluate the use of ganciclovir treatment for neonatal CMV hepatitis.Methods:  We present five infants with perinatally‐acquired CMV hepatitis as a single organ manifestation of CMV infection. The three more severely affected children, i.e. those with cholestasis and elevation of serum hepatic enzymes to more than twice the normal values, were treated for 15 days with intravenous ganciclovir.Results:  The three treated infants improved clinically and CMV DNA in the blood disappeared during treatment. After cessation of ganciclovir treatment all of the patients had a relapse of the infection. The two untreated patients recovered completely.Conclusion:  The long‐term outcome of infants with CMV hepatitis is unpredictable. Some patients have persistent liver injury despite ganciclovir therapy. Ganciclovir therapy did not prevent chronic liver disease in any of the patients in our study. Owing to the possible serious side‐effects the cost‐benefit of ganciclovir treatment should be carefully evaluated.
Bone mineral metabolism changes in epileptic children receiving valproic acid
Authors: Öner N , Kaya M , Karasalihoğlu S , Karaca H , Çeltik C , Tütüncüler F 
Published: July 2004

Objective:  The aim of this study was to evaluate bone mineral density (BMD) in epileptic children receiving valproic acid (VPA) and to determine differences between osteopenic and non‐osteopenic children.Methods:  Thirty‐three epileptic children, receiving VPA for at least 6 months, were compared with 33 healthy children for BMD. BMD was measured by dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry at lumbar vertebrae, femoral neck and greater trochanter. Serum calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphates, osteocalcin and VPA levels were also determined.Results:  Patient's osteocalcin levels were significantly higher (P = 0.02) and femur and trochanter BMD values were significantly lower (P = 0.04 and P = 0.03, respectively). Duration of VPA therapy was significantly longer and doses of VPA were significantly higher in seven osteopenic patients compared with 26 non‐osteopenic patients. Osteopenic patients (4.6 ± 2.4 years) were younger than non‐osteopenic patients (7.8 ± 3.2 years) (P = 0.01).Conclusion:  Long‐term and high dose VPA therapy may cause osteopenia, primarily in younger epileptic children. These patients should be followed closely by BMD measurements.
Iron status and haematological changes in adolescent female inpatients with anorexia nervosa
Authors: Kennedy A , Kohn M , Lammi A , Clarke S 
Published: July 2004

Objectives:  (i) To investigate the incidence of iron deficiency (both latent iron deficiency and iron deficiency anaemia) in post menarchal female adolescent patients hospitalized with anorexia nervosa. (ii) To observe changes in iron status during refeeding.Methods:  During the study period all post menarchal female patients admitted to the adolescent unit with anorexia nervosa were invited to participate. Ferritin, serum iron, transferrin and transferrin saturation were measured on admission and discharge. Haemoglobin, haematocrit, weight, and body mass index were monitored weekly.Results:  All 12 eligible patients participated in the study. Four patients had elevated ferritin levels on admission. Ten of the 12 showed a statistically significant fall in serum ferritin at time of discharge compared with admission (P = 0.004). One of 12 patients had a low serum iron at presentation. All 12 had normal serum iron levels at discharge. Nine of the 12 subjects had a higher serum iron at discharge which was statistically significant (P = 0.046). There was no significant change in haemoglobin levels when comparing admission and discharge levels. Nine of the 12 patients however, transiently developed anaemia, at some stage during treatment.Conclusions:  Iron deficiency is uncommon at both presentation and after nutritional rehabilitation in post menarchal adolescent females with anorexia nervosa. This is most likely due to increased iron storage secondary to the contraction of the circulating blood volume and reduced iron losses from (secondary) amenorrhoea. The fall in ferritin observed during treatment is due to haemopoiesis necessary to fill the increased blood volume associated with weight gain. This also results in normalization of the haemoglobin and haematocrit.