Search

Hybrid and pure-line (inbred) rice [ Oryza sativa L. ( Poaceae)] varieties have distinct physiologies, particularly as related to their nutrient requirements. These differences could confound the results and interpretation of experiments that compare rice varieties grown in pots for their resistance and responses to herbivores. In this study, a series of experiments was conducted to identify potentially confounding interactions between pot size (soil volume), fertilizer regime, and the use of acetate insect cages with rice line type (hybrid, fertile parental inbred, and male sterile inbred) during bioassays with the brown planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens ( Stål) ( Hemiptera: Delphacidae). The growth of hybrid rice was often limited (relatively low biomass and low grain production) compared to fertile inbred lines even in large pots (7 200 ml) and when grown without added fertilizer. Several interactions between the effects of growth conditions and line type were detected. Acetate cages caused a significant reduction in grain yield in hybrids, but not in inbreds, mainly resulting from a cage-induced decrease in grain weight (smaller grains). Hybrids and male sterile lines often had higher root or above-ground biomass in the largest caged pots compared with fertile inbred lines, but biomass was similar in smaller pots, indicating that the large pots allowed longer unimpeded growth of fertile inbreds, but not other line types. There were no interactions between the presence or absence of planthoppers with line type or experimental conditions. All line types were equally susceptible to planthoppers. Often the effects of planthopper feeding on plant fitness (i.e., tolerance) were apparent when plants were grown in large pots but not in small pots, particularly for hybrid lines and under high nitrogen regimes. On the basis of these results we recommend that researchers ensure that plants are not unequally stressed by inadequate growth conditions during comparative studies with herbivores on physiologically distinct rice varieties or rice species. We recommend the use of large pots (soil volume) and lower fertilizer levels with young, non-reproductive plants during comparative bioassays with planthoppers. Field cages are recommended for hybrid-inbred comparisons during older plant stages but these are subject to a range of other confounding variables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The emphasis of UK Government policy on primary-care-based services has led to more physiotherapists working in the community. The aims of the present study were to identify the perceived professional, educational and personal needs of community physiotherapists, and to determine good practice in meeting these needs. A survey of physiotherapists working in 15 National Health Service community trusts in the West Midlands was carried out in September 2000. The survey questionnaire was developed through focus groups and mailed to a random sample of 200 community physiotherapists. The response rate was 67%, and the median age group of the respondents was 21–30 years. The participants worked mainly in ‘urban but not inner city’ areas, most commonly in domiciliary (31%, n = 38) and general practitioner surgery/health centre (26%, n = 32) locations. Fifty-one per cent ( n = 66) of respondents had no specific learning objectives for continuing professional development (CPD); those with such objectives were more positive as to their helpfulness than those without them (Mann–Whitney U-test z = 2.519, P = 0.012). Fifty-three per cent ( n = 68) also often/very often found it problematic getting cover for their caseloads so that they could take part in CPD activities. Access to library resources and use of computers were problems, as were confidence in appraising literature and opportunities to discuss research evidence with colleagues. Fifty-nine per cent ( n = 77) of respondents indicated that they often/very often felt stressed by the size of their caseloads. Colleague support included mentorship, peer review, journal clubs, clinical interest groups and multidisciplinary in-service training; respondents with experience of these resources expressed more positive attitudes to them than those without (Mann–Whitney U-test z = 2.871, P < 0.0005 for each). Forty-two per cent ( n = 54) indicated that there were problems with safety issues. This study has identified needs that will have an impact on the ability of community physiotherapists to meet the demands of clinical governance. National Health Service management at all levels has a responsibility to facilitate the education, training and support of community physiotherapists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Anal incontinence is an embarrassing condition that is largely underreported. Obstetric anal sphincter injuries are the major etiological factor. Recognition of risk factors may minimize the development of sphincter injuries. The objective of this study was to identify risk factors for sphincter injuries and measure dimensions of mediolateral episiotomies. Methods: Women expecting their first vaginal delivery were invited to participate, and an experienced research fellow performed a perineal and rectal examination and classified tears according to the new international classification. Dimensions of episiotomies were measured and obstetric variables recorded prospectively. Results: Of the 241 women recruited, 59 (25%) sustained sphincter injuries. Univariate analysis revealed that forceps delivery OR 4.03 (1.63–9.92), vacuum extraction OR 2.64 (1.25–5.54), gestation > 40 weeks OR 3.18 (2.35–4.29), and mediolateral episiotomy OR 5.0 (2.64–9.44) were associated with these injuries. In addition, compared with women who had no injuries, sphincter injuries were more common with higher birthweight (3.51 vs 3.17 kg, p < 0.01), larger head circumference (34.3 vs 33.3 cm, p < 0.01), and longer second stage of labor (76 vs 51 min, p < 0.01). Multiple logistic regression revealed higher birthweight and mediolateral episiotomy OR 4.04 (1.71–9.56) as independent risk factors. Episiotomies angled closer to the midline were significantly associated with such injuries (26 vs 37 degrees, p = 0.01). No midwife and only 13 (22%) doctors performed truly mediolateral episiotomies. Conclusions: Mediolateral episiotomy is an independent risk factor for anal sphincter injuries. Although a liberal policy of mediolateral episiotomy does not appear to reduce the risk of such injuries, it may be related to inappropriate technique. A concerted approach to educate trainees in appropriate episiotomy technique and identification of sphincter injuries is imperative to enable reexamination of the true merits or disadvantages of mediolateral episiotomy. (BIRTH 33:2 June 2006) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) may protect against prostate cancer via a mechanism involving vitamin D. Thus, the vitamin D receptor ( VDR) gene is a susceptibility candidate, though published data are discrepant. We studied the association of prostate cancer risk with five VDR single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs): G/A1229 (SNP 1), A/G3944 (SNP 2), T/C30875 (SNP 3), C/T48200 (SNP 4) and C/T65013 (SNP 5), in 430 cancer and 310 benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) patients. The SNP 2 GG genotype frequency was lower in cancer than BPH patients (odds ratio = 0.63, 95% CI = 0.41–0.98, p = 0.039). SNPs 1 and 2, and SNPs 4 and 5, were in linkage disequilibrium. Two copies of haplotypes comprising SNPs 1-2, G-G (odds ratio = 0.63, p = 0.039), SNPs 2-3 G-C (odds ratio = 0.45, p = 0.008) and SNPs 1-2-3 G-G-C (odds ratio = 0.44, p = 0.006), but not SNPs 1-3, G-C (odds ratio = 0.81, p = 0.34), were associated with reduced risk (reference, no copies of the haplotypes). These associations were observed after stratification of subjects by extent of UVR exposure. These data show that SNP 2 GG genotype mediates prostate cancer risk, complementing studies reporting this allele is protective in malignant melanoma pathogenesis. They further suggest that published associations of risk with SNP 1 may result from linkage disequilibrium with SNP 2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To establish the true prevalence of clinically recognisable and occult obstetric anal sphincter injuries (OASIS). Design: Prospective interventional study. Setting: Busy district general hospital. Sample: Two hundred and fifty-four women having their first vaginal delivery over a 12-month period were invited. Two hundred and forty-one (95%) participated and 208 (86%) attended follow up. Methods: Women had a clinical examination at delivery by the accoucheur and repeated by an experienced research fellow immediately after delivery. All identified OASIS were verified and repaired by the duty specialist registrar or consultant. Endoanal ultrasound was performed immediately postpartum prior to suturing and repeated seven weeks later. Main Outcome Measures: Prevalence of recognised and occult anal sphincter injuries. Results: Fifty-nine (24.5%) women sustained OASIS. The prevalence of OASIS increased significantly from 11% to 24.5% when women were re-examined. Of these, 30 occurred in deliveries by midwives who missed 26 (87%) and 29 following deliveries by doctors who missed 8 (28%) injuries. All clinically apparent OASIS were also identified on endoanal ultrasound. In addition, three (1.2%) women had an occult anal sphincter injury. Two of these occult sphincter injuries were isolated to the internal anal sphincter (IAS) and would not usually be clinically detectable. Conclusions: OASIS occur more frequently than previously reported. Many remain undiagnosed and are subsequently classified as occult when identified on anal endosonography. Genuine occult injuries are rare. Training in perineal anatomy and recognition of OASIS needs to be enhanced in order to increase detection of OASIS and minimise the risk of consequent anal incontinence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To determine the effectiveness of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone analogues (GnRHa) with and without hormonal add-back therapy in the management of premenstrual syndrome.Randomised controlled trials were identified by searching multiple databases.Exeter and North Devon Research and Development Support Unit and Keele University Academic Unit of Obstetrics and Gynaecology.Women with pre-diagnosed premenstrual syndrome and/or premenstrual dysphoric disorder.A meta-analysis of published randomised placebo-controlled trials assessing the use of GnRHa in the management of premenstrual syndrome. The standardised mean difference for each individual study and subsequently an overall standardised mean difference were calculated after demonstrating the consistency or homogeneity of the study results.Overall improvement in premenstrual symptomatology and effectiveness of GnRHa with additional hormonal add-back therapy were the main outcome measures assessed in this analysis. A secondary analysis was performed to assess the effectiveness of GnRHa in treating physical and emotional symptoms.Overall standardised mean difference for all trials that assessed the efficacy of GnRHa was−1.19 (95% confidence interval [CI]−1.88 to−0.51). The equivalent odds ratio was 8.66 (95% CI 2.52 to 30.26) in favour of GnRHa. GnRHa were more efficacious for physical than behavioural symptoms, although the difference was not statistically significant. The addition of hormonal add-back therapy to GnRHa did not appear to reduce the efficacy of GnRHa alone; standardised mean difference 0.12 (95% CI−0.35 to 0.58).GnRHa appear to be an effective treatment in the management of premenstrual syndrome. The addition of hormonal add-back therapy to reduce side effects does not reduce efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Meaningful studies of asthma genetics require careful definition of airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR). In children, several studies have emphasized the need for correction of bronchial challenge data for baseline parameters, such as age, gender, lung function and atopic status, when undertaking airway responsiveness measurements. However, few studies have suggested how this should be performed in practice. This study describes a method for the correction of dose–response slopes (DRS) and PC20 values for baseline parameters in children, and illustrates the effect of such corrections on the association of AHR with the glutathione S-transferase GSTP1 Ile105Val polymorphism in children. Skin prick and methacholine challenge testing, measurement of total serum IgE concentration and GSTP1 genotyping were performed in 145 unrelated British children aged 7–18 years. Correction of bronchial challenge results, expressed as both DRS and PC20 values, for age, gender, baseline lung function and atopic status was performed using linear regression and discriminant analysis, respectively. Adjusting bronchial challenge results for the age and size of the child altered AHR status, defined as a PC20 methacholine <8 mg/ml, in 37% of children. Correction for baseline parameters also resulted in a significant reduction in mean DRS (original uncorrected DRS 83.6, corrected DRS c 27.4). This had a marked effect on the results of the association study, unmasking a previously unidentified association between the GSTP1 genotype and AHR in children. Age and size adjustment of bronchial challenge data has a significant effect on AHR status and may influence the results of genetic association studies in children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Explores how to maintain wildlife numbers and diversity when prime wildlife habitat is needed for the growing population. Views on the human impacts on wildlife; Effects of how humans use economics; Implications for wildlife curricula and the wildlife profession.

Provides information on a study of ecological processes near habitat edges. Methodology used to conduct the study; Results of the study; Discussion on the results of the study.

This study investigated potential differences in the cutting of mediolateral episiotomy between doctors and midwives. Depth, length, distance from midline and shortest distance from the midpoint of the anal canal to the episiotomy were measured in a sample of primigravid women. The angle subtended from the sagittal or parasagittal plane was calculated. Two hundred and forty-one women participated of whom 98 (41%) had a mediolateral episiotomy. Doctors performed episiotomies that were significantly deeper, longer and more obtuse than those by midwives. No midwife and only 13 (22%) doctors performed truly mediolateral episiotomies. It appears that the majority of episiotomies are not truly mediolateral but closer to the midline. More focused training in mediolateral episiotomy technique is required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]