bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The relationship between Swiss needle cast symptom severity and level of Phaeocryptopus gaeumannii colonization in coastal Douglas‐fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii var. menziesii)*
Authors: Temel F. , Johnson G. R. , Stone J. K. 
Published: December 2004

SummaryThis study examined 108 15‐year‐old Douglas‐fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii var. menziesii) trees to investigate whether trees exhibiting less severe Swiss needle cast (SNC) symptoms were more resistant (had less fungal colonization) or more tolerant (maintained healthy foliage under similar infection levels). Trees were sampled from six open pollinated families that were categorized into three disease severity groups (two families for each group; mild, moderate and severe disease symptoms). The amount of retained foliage and level of discoloration were visually assessed on trees in the field. Fungal colonization (as determined by proportion of stomata occluded with pseudothecia and by amount of Phaeocryptopus gaeumannii DNA in sampled needles) was measured on 1‐ and 2‐year‐old needles in the laboratory. Trees in the different disease severity groups were similar with respect to amount of fungus in their needles, yet the trees in the mild symptom group retained higher proportions of needles and maintained greener foliage. The relationship between amount of P. gaeumannii in needles and SNC symptom severity was statistically significant (p < 0.05) for amount of fungal DNA in 1‐year‐old needles and average needle retention (NR) over the last four growing seasons. Average NR decreased with increased amount of pathogen DNA in the mild disease symptom families. This relationship was reversed in the severe disease symptom group and there was no relationship in the moderate disease symptom group. Because the amount of P. gaeumannii DNA in foliage did not differ significantly among the groups, differences in symptom severity were attributed to tolerance, not resistance. Visual scoring of individual trees for average NR over the past four growing seasons could be used to effectively assess for SNC tolerance in Douglas‐fir.
Encephalitic Listeriosis in Ruminants: Immunohistochemistry as a Diagnostic Tool
Authors: Loeb E. 
Published: December 2004

SummaryA retrospective analysis of 42 ruminants (sheep, goats and cattle) with suspected meningo‐encephalitis was performed. The clinical findings and the post‐mortem results of the animals have been specified. Bacteriological culture, Gram's stain and Listeria‐specific immunohistochemistry were performed in order to confirm the diagnosis of these cases. The results of the different methods were evaluated for the detection of listerial antigens. Bacteriological culture was positive in 28.5% of the cases. In 47.6% of the cases, Gram‐positive bacteria were found and 80.9% of the cases were immunohistochemically positive for the listerial antigen. The most important conclusion from this investigation is that the traditionally used Gram's stain and the bacteriological culture techniques are insufficient compared with immunohistochemistry for the confirmation of a Listeria monocytogenes infection.
Comparison of Homeopathy, Placebo and Antibiotic Treatment of Clinical Mastitis in Dairy Cows – Methodological Issues and Results from a Randomized‐clinical Trial
Authors: Hektoen L. , Larsen S. , Ødegaard S. A. , Løken T. 
Published: December 2004

SummaryBased on the widespread use of homeopathy in treatment of animal disease and the poor documentation of its possible effects and consequences, a clinical trial was carried out in order to evaluate the efficacy of homeopathy in treatment of clinical mastitis in dairy cows and a design for clinical studies on homeopathic treatment, taking into account the guidelines for randomized‐clinical trials (RCT) as well as the basic principles of homeopathy. A three‐armed, stratified, semi‐crossover design comparing homeopathy, placebo and a standardized antibiotic treatment was used. Fifty‐seven dairy cows were included. Evaluation was made by two score scales, with score I measuring acute symptoms and score II measuring chronic symptoms, and by recording the frequencies of responders to treatment based on four different responder definitions. Significant reductions in mastitis signs were observed in all treatment groups. Homeopathic treatment was not statistically different from either placebo or antibiotic treatment at day 7 (P = 0.56,P = 0.09) or at day 28 (P = 0.07,P = 0.35). The antibiotic treatment was significantly better than placebo measured by the reduction in score I (P < 0.01). Two‐thirds of the cases both in the homeopathy and placebo groups responded clinically within 7 days. The outcome measured by frequencies of responders at day 28 was poor in all treatment groups. Evidence of efficacy of homeopathic treatment beyond placebo was not found in this study, but the design can be useful in subsequent larger trials on individualized homeopathic treatment.
Clinical, Cytological and Molecular Evidence ofMesocestoidessp. Infection in a Dog from Italy
Authors: Bonfanti U. , Bertazzolo W. , Pagliaro L. , Demarco B. , Venco L. , Casiraghi M. , Bandi C. 
Published: December 2004

SummaryA 12‐year‐old, 13 kg, mixed‐breed male dog was referred for anorexia and depression. The dog showed discomfort on abdominal palpation. Abdominal ultrasound examination revealed multiple, small, round anechoic cystic structures. Cystic fluid obtained with fine needle aspiration contained several 2–4 mm white motile flecks. Microscopic examination of the fluid revealed numerous irregularly shaped organisms measuring several hundred microns to 3 mm, the morphology of which was suggestive of intact and fragmented acephalic metacestodes of the genusMesocestoidessp. Molecular analysis confirmed that the peritoneal infection was caused byMesocestoidessp.
The Prevalence of Apoptotic Keratinocytes in Equine Epidermis: A Retrospective Light‐microscopic Study of Skin‐biopsy Specimens from 253 Horses with Normal Skin or Inflammatory Dermatoses
Authors: MacLeod K. D. , Scott D. W. , Erb H. N. 
Published: December 2004

SummaryA retrospective study was performed to assess the prevalence of apoptotic epidermal keratinocytes in biopsy specimens from 226 horses with inflammatory dermatoses and from 27 normal specimens. One or more apoptotic keratinocytes were found in specimens from 28 of 226 (12%) horses with various dermatoses, and in one of 27 (4%) specimens from normal horses. The prevalence (proportion of cases with apoptotic epidermal keratinocytes) of apoptotic keratinocytes in the group composed of discoid lupus erythematosus, erythema multiforme, photodermatitis, and systemic lupus erythematosus was significantly greater (52% prevalence in these cases) than that in a grouping of all other dermatoses (prevalence 8%). There was no correlation between the number of apoptotic keratinocytes and the extent of epidermal hyperplasia or hyperkeratosis.
Romifidine–Ketamine Anaesthesia in Atropine and Triflupromazine Pre‐medicated Buffalo Calves
Authors: Sharma A. K. , Kumar N. , Dimri U. , Hoque M. , Maiti S. K. , Gupta O. P. , Shahi A. 
Published: December 2004

SummaryThe study was conducted on 10 buffalo calves with a weight of 98.5 ± 3.9 kg and age 9.7 ± 1.3 months. Ten trials of two treatments were carried out using a randomized block design. Atropine at the dose of 0.02 mg/kg bodyweight was administered in both the groups. The animals of group I received romifidine at the dose of 10 μg/kg i.v., 10 min after atropine administration, whereas, animals of group II received triflupromazine at the dose of 0.3 mg/kg i.m. and 10 min later romifidine at the dose of 10 μg/kg i.v. immediately followed by ketamine at the dose of 5 mg/kg i.v. The onset of action of romifidine in group I occurred within 2 min and the animals remained under mild sedation for 31 ± 4.8 min. In group II, the triflupromazine–romifidine–ketamine combination induced anaesthesia for 14 ± 2.3 min. Hypothermia, significant bradycardia and respiratory depression was noticed in both groups at different time intervals.
So far and yet so close: quality of management of diabetes in Australian and Canadian Indigenous communities
Authors: Mak Donna B. , Whitehead Sara , Plant Aileen J 
Published: December 2004

AbstractObjectives:  To compare quality of clinical management of Indigenous people with diabetes in remote areas of Australia and Canada. Design:  Clinical audit of diabetes management. Setting:  The Kimberley region of Western Australia and Northern Saskatchewan in Canada. Subjects:  One hundred and two Saskatchewan and 142 Kimberley patients from seven and 11 primary health services, respectively. Main outcome measures:  Indicators of quality of diabetes clinical management during the preceding two years. Results:  Overall quality of management was poor. Retinopathy screening was better in the Kimberley than Saskatchewan (58% screened in the preceding two years cf 30%). Glycemic control of Saskatchewan patients was better than that of Kimberley patients (16% with optimal control vs. 9%). Conclusions:  Continuing efforts at the level of health service organisation, patient and staff education, and creative ways to reduce barriers to access, as well as primary prevention initiatives, are required to counter the devastating effect of diabetes on Indigenous communities.
Serine/threonine phosphorylation associated with hamster sperm hyperactivation
Authors: FUJINOKI MASAKATSU , ISHIMODA‐TAKAGI TADASHI , OHTAKE HIDEKI 
Published: December 2004

Background and Aims: Mammalian sperm activation and hyperactivation is regulated by protein phosphorylation. Although tyrosine phosphorylation is considered very important, several studies have investigated whether serine and threonine phosphorylation are also associated with sperm activation and hyperactivation, and that was also the aim of the present study.Methods: Protein phosphorylation of hamster spermatozoa was detected by Western blotting using antiphospho‐amino acid monoclonal antibodies after tricine sodium dodecyl sulfate‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Amino acid sequences were analyzed using a peptide sequencer.Results: Four proteins were phosphorylated at serine residues during hyperactivation via activation and their approximate molecular weights were 90, 38, 32 and 10 kDa, respectively. Five proteins were phosphorylated or dephosphorylated at threonine residues and their approximate molecular weights were 90, 70, 65, 35 and 10 kDa, respectively. The 10‐kDa protein corresponded to a previously reported 10‐kDa tyrosine phosphoprotein. N‐terminal sequences of the 10‐kDa protein were similar to carcinustatin, which is a neuropeptide.Conclusions: During hyperactivation, four serine phosphorylation and five threonine phospho‐ or dephosphorylations occurred, which suggested that the 10‐kDa protein was phosphorylated at tyrosine residues when spermatozoa were activated and then dual‐phosphorylated at the serine and threonine residues during hyperactivation. (Reprod Med Biol 2004; 3: 223–230)
Fertilization and preimplantation development of mouse oocytes after prolonged incubation with caffeine
Authors: MANONMANI PERIYASAMY , OKADA HIRONORI , OGONUKI NARUMI , UDA AKIHIKO , OGURA ATSUO , YOSHIDA TAKASHI , SANKAI TADASHI 
Published: December 2004

Background and Aims:  Previous studies have shown that caffeine might cause artificial dephosphorylation at threonine‐14 and tyrosine‐15 of the p34cdc2 catalytic subunit of maturation‐promoting factor (MPF), elevate MPF activity in metaphase II oocytes cultured for a prolonged period, and that caffeine decreases fragmentation in oocytes cultured for up to 96 h.Methods:  Studies were carried out on: (i) the effect of caffeine on the morphological status of oocytes cultured for 96 h; (ii) the parthenogenetic activation and the fertilization of oocytes incubated in a medium that contained caffeine, and (iii) the fertilization and preimplantation development ability of zona‐intact and zona‐free oocytes by in vitro fertilization (IVF) and by intracytoplasmic sperm injection.Results:  In parthenogenetic activation, the incidence of diploid parthenotes in 24‐h caffeine‐treated oocytes was significantly higher than 24‐h non‐treated oocytes. For fertilizability of these oocytes, a significant increase in the fertilization rate resulted from IVF after 12‐h caffeine incubation. Although no fertilized eggs were observed after intracytoplasmic sperm injection in 24‐h non‐treated oocytes, fertilized eggs were observed in caffeine‐treated oocytes. MPF activation occurs in relation to nuclear/spindle position, and mitotic spindles and actin filaments determine the site of cleavage during cytokinesis. Spindle disruption does not cause cytofragmentation, but does induce cell cycle arrest.Conclusion:  Based on our results, although caffeine might increase MPF activity, prolonged time in any incubation causes some disruption of cytoskeletal filaments, which might be responsible for the poor development of caffeine‐treated oocytes. (Reprod Med Biol 2004; 3: 245–251)
Photodamage of the skin: protection and reversal with topical antioxidants
Authors: Burke K E 
Published: December 2004

SummaryControversy exists as to whether topical antioxidants can be effective in protecting against and reversing photodamage to the skin. Topical vitamins C and E, as well as topical selenium, protect skin against sunburn, suntan and skin cancer and also reverse the mottled pigmentation and wrinkles of photoageing. However, only certain forms of these labile antioxidants are stable and active after percutaneous absorption. For effective topical application, vitamin C must be non‐esterified, acidic and optimally at 20% concentration; vitamin E must be the non‐esterified isomer d‐α‐tocopherol at 2–5% concentration. Selenium is only percutaneously absorbed and active when applied topically as l‐selenomethionine, optimally at 0.02–0.05%.There are two great advantages in applying an active formulation of topical antioxidants to the skin.First, the skin attains far higher levels of each antioxidant than can be achieved by only taking these vitamins orally. The level of vitamin C attained in the skin by topical application is 20–40 times that achievable with oral vitamin C. With topical application, the concentration of vitamin E in the skin increases by a factor of 10.6 and selenium by a factor of 1.7.Second, topical application arms the skin with a reservoir of antioxidants that cannot be washed or rubbed off, a protection which stays in the skin for several days after application.
Nail fragility syndrome and its treatment
Authors: Baran R , Schoon D 
Published: December 2004

SummaryFor reasons of clarity, definitions are offered for strength, hardness, flexibility, brittleness and toughness of the nails. Six clinical types of nail fragility are delineated: longitudinal furrows and splitting (onychorrhexis), single longitudinal splitting, multiple crenellated splitting, lamellar splitting (onychoschizia), transverse splitting and nail friability. Changes may be observed in the keratin structure of fragile nails.Nail brittleness is usually ‘environmental’ in origin, but sometimes may be part of a nail dystrophy. Household daily chores are particularly damaging. Among the acquired general causes, hypochromic anaemia and sideropaenia, arthritic deformities of the distal joints, peripheral vascular impairment and endocrinopathies are the best known.Useful therapeutic approaches are updated. They entail protection with plastic gloves worn over light cotton glove linings, the use of nail hardeners composed of two main types of products: a modified nail varnish that functions as a base coat or a hardener, such as dimethyl urea, which overcomes the objections related to formaldehyde; a systemic drug, biotine, is still useful.
Childhood Maltreatment and Mental and Physical Health in Haitian Adults
Authors: S. Martsolf Donna 
Published: December 2004

Purpose: To describe the prevalence of childhood maltreatment among Haitian adults and to examine its relationship to depression, general physical health, and quality of life.Design: Descriptive exploratory. Participants were men and women 18 years of age or older who were seated in the waiting area of a hospital‐based medical clinic in a medium‐sized city in Haiti. The author collected these data while on a Fulbright fellowship to Haiti in 2003.Methods: Two hundred fifty‐eight participants completed the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire, Cohen‐Hoberman Inventory of Physical Symptoms, Center for Epidemiologic Study—Depression Scale, and a visual analogue quality of life scale. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson's correlation, multiple regression, and Student's t test.Findings: Over half (60%) of the women and 85.7% of the men reported at least one type of childhood maltreatment at the moderate to severe level. Of the total sample, 53.9% had scores indicative of major depression and 43.9% reported an average score of “somewhat bothered” by 37 physical symptoms. Childhood maltreatment (each of five types) was related to physical symptoms and depression.Conclusions: Rates of childhood maltreatment were high in this sample of Haitian adults, and their childhood maltreatment was related to physical and mental health symptoms in adulthood.
Self‐Determination in Surgical Patients in Five European Countries
Authors: Välimäki Maritta , Leino‐Kilpi Helena , Grönroos Matti , Dassen Theo , Gasull Maria , Lemonidou Chryssoula , Scott P. Anne , Benedicta Marianne 
Published: December 2004

Objective

: To analyze the effects of informational support, desire for behavioral involvement in health decision‐making (behavioral involvement), opportunities to make decisions, and independence on subjective health status in surgical patients. A theoretical model of self‐determination was applied and tested.
Methods

: The data were collected by structured questionnaires with a sample of 1,454 surgical patients in five European countries. LISREL analyses were used to test the theoretical causal model of self‐determination.
Results

: Patients' perceptions of informational support received from nursing professionals and their desired involvement in health decision‐making affected patients' opportunities to make decisions and further their independence level, which in turn affected patients' subjective health status.
Conclusions

: Understanding of factors that increase self‐determination in patients can help health care professionals to promote patients' well‐being.
Predictors of Postpartum Women's Health Status
Authors: Hung Chich‐Hsiu 
Published: December 2004

Purpose:

To determine the effects of postpartum stress, depression, and social support on postpartum women's health.
Methods:

With proportional stratified‐quota sampling by birth rates in clinics and hospitals in Kaohsiung City, in southern Taiwan, 861 women were recruited for the study. The Hung Postpartum Stress Scale, the Beck Depression Inventory—Second Edition, the Social Support Scale, and the 12‐item Chinese Health Questionnaire were used to examine women's postpartum stress, depression, social support, and health status during the postpartum period.
Results:

The findings strongly supported the hypothesis that the effects of postpartum stress and depression on postpartum women's health are significant. The results also indicated that social support had an indirect effect on women's health.
Conclusions:

Interventions to decrease postpartum stress and to improve social support might decrease the likelihood of postpartum women's depression, which in turn might enhance their overall health status.
Healthcare reforms: implications for the education and training of acute and critical care nurses
Authors: Glen S 
Published: December 2004

Abstract
This paper offers a wide ranging analysis of the drivers that resulted in scrutiny of medical, nursing, and healthcare professional roles. It suggests that what is needed is a coherent vision of the future shape of the health workforce. This requires moving beyond the presumption that reforming working practices primarily involves “delegating doctors” responsibilities to nurses. The paper argues that it is self evident that the implications of changes in healthcare roles and the ability of existing professionals to function effectively in the future will require education, training, and human resource investment supportive of the changes. It suggests a clear definition of competence and a national standard to practice is essential for nurses working in acute and acute critical settings. There should therefore be a correlation between levels of practice, levels of education, and remuneration. Furthermore, education programmes for senior nurses should sit coherently alongside the education programmes required by Modernising Medical Careers. Finally, the realisation of the government’s service and modernisation agenda will require a culture change within higher education institutions, postgraduate deaneries, professional organisations, workforce development confederations, and NHS trusts.
Heart and mind: (1) relationship between cardiovascular and psychiatric conditions
Authors: Shah S U , White A , White S , Littler W A 
Published: December 2004

AbstractThe relationship of our emotions and psyche to heart disease is intriguing. In this article we have reviewed the evidence linking cardiovascular and neuropsychiatric disorders and the possible mechanisms and pathophysiology of this association. This review is derived from Medline searches (1966–2002) using the relevant search terms (psychiatric disease, cardiovascular disease, depression, anxiety, and pathophysiology). Finally, the possible role of using mood enhancing therapies (mainly antidepressants) and their safety in patients with cardiovascular disorders is briefly discussed. In a companion paper, the therapeutic aspects of these two conditions is highlighted.
Transfer of hospitals and “additional premises” to the state: questionable morality in the implementation of the National Health Service Act (1946)
Authors: Cook G C 
Published: December 2004

Abstract
The National Health Service Act of 1946, pioneered by Aneurin Bevan, came into being on the “appointed day”, 5 July 1948. Hospitals with their “additional premises” throughout Britain were “seized” by the state and incorporated into this vast socialist enterprise. While the majority of the population welcomed this new initiative in the creation of a welfare state, associated with medical care from cradle to grave, not all (especially members of various Hospital Boards of Management) were so enthusiastic. The hospitals for “incurables” (long stay patients) were unhappy and lost a vast proportion of their income owing to a great deal of procrastination; but most of them ultimately managed to escape nationalisation after a prolonged period of negotiation, by a claim that they were “homes” rather than “hospitals”. The confiscation of property which had been built as a result of voluntary subscription was another huge and highly contentious matter, which has been highlighted in recent years. The future of the Seamen’s Hospital Society’s properties represents a good example of this.