Showing papers by "Flinders University published in 2002"

Plant aquaporins: multifunctional water and solute channels with expanding roles.

Abstract: There is strong evidence that aquaporins are central components in plant water relations. Plant species possess more aquaporin genes than species from other kingdoms. According to sequence similarities, four major groups have been identified, which can be further divided into subgroups that may correspond to localization and transport selectivity. They may be involved in compatible solute distribution, gas-transfer (CO2, NH3) as well as in micronutrient uptake (boric acid). Recent advances in determining the structure of some aquaporins gives further details on the mechanism of selectivity. Gating behaviour of aquaporins is poorly understood but evidence is mounting that phosphorylation, pH, pCa and osmotic gradients can affect water channel activity. Aquaporins are enriched in zones of fast cell division and expansion, or in areas where water flow or solute flux density would be expected to be high. This includes biotrophic interfaces between plants and parasites, between plants and symbiotic bacteria or fungi, and between germinating pollen and stigma. On a cellular level aquaporin clusters have been identified in some membranes. There is also a possibility that aquaporins in the endoplasmic reticulum may function in symplasmic transport if water can flow from cell to cell via the desmotubules in plasmodesmata. Functional characterization of aquaporins in the native membrane has raised doubt about the conclusiveness of expression patterns alone and need to be conducted in parallel. The challenge will be to elucidate gating on a molecular level and cellular level and to tie those findings into plant water relations on a macroscopic scale where various flow pathways need to be considered.

Who would want to be a nurse? Violence in the workplace--a factor in recruitment and retention.

Abstract: In a climate of a declining nursing workforce where violence and hostility is a part of the day-to-day lives of most nurses, it is timely to name violence as a major factor in the recruitment and retention of registered nurses in the health system. Workplace violence takes many forms such as aggression, harassment, bullying, intimidation and assault. Violent acts are perpetrated against nurses from various quarters including patients, relatives, other nurses and other professional groups. Research suggests that nurse managers are implicated in workplace violence and bullying. Furthermore, there may be a direct link between episodes of violence and aggression towards nurses and sick leave, burnout and poor recruitment and retention rates. This paper explores what is known about workplace violence as it affects nurses, and calls for managerial support and policy to act to improve work environments for all nurses.

Monitoring Ecological Impacts - Concepts and practice in flowing waters

Abstract: Part I. Introduction to the Nature of Monitoring Problems and to Rivers: 1. Why we need well-designed monitoring programs 2. The ecological nature of flowing waters 3. Assessment of perturbation Part II. Principles of Inference and Design: 4. Inferential issues for monitoring 5. The logical bases of monitoring design 6. Problems in applying designs 7. Alternative models for impact assessment Part III. Applying Principles of Inference and Design: 8. Applying monitoring designs to flowing waters 9. Inferential uncertainty and multiple lines of evidence 10. Variables that are used for monitoring in flowing waters 11. Defining important changes 12. Decisions and trade-offs 13. Optimization 14. The special case of monitoring attempts at restoration 15. What's next?

Guidelines for the management of acute pancreatitis.

Abstract: Level 1: Evidence obtained from systematic reviews of all relevant randomized controlled trials. Level 2: Evidence derived from at least one properly designed randomized controlled trial. Level 3: Evidence from a well-designed control trial without randomization; or from well-designed cohort or case–control analytical studies; preferably from more than one center or research group; or from multiple time series with or without intervention. Level 4: Opinions of respected authorities based on clinical experience, descriptive studies or reports of expert committees.This level signifies the need for further research. The final document was prepared and submitted to the Secretary General of OMGE for final scrutiny prior to publication for the World Congress of Gastroenterology. At the congress the recommendations were presented and questions and comments noted. These comments were incorporated into the final guidelines where appropriate.

Parkin Localizes to the Lewy Bodies of Parkinson Disease and Dementia with Lewy Bodies

Abstract: Mutations in α-synuclein (αS) and parkin cause heritable forms of Parkinson disease (PD). We hypothesized that neuronal parkin, a known E3 ubiquitin ligase, facilitates the formation of Lewy bodies (LBs), a pathological hallmark of PD. Here, we report that affinity-purified parkin antibodies labeled classical LBs in substantia nigra sections from four related human disorders: sporadic PD, inherited αS-linked PD, dementia with LBs (DLB), and LB-positive, parkin-linked PD. Anti-parkin antibodies also detected LBs in entorhinal and cingulate cortices from DLB brain and αS inclusions in sympathetic gangliocytes from sporadic PD. Double labeling with confocal microscopy of DLB midbrain sections revealed that ∼90% of anti-αS-reactive LBs were also detected by a parkin antibody to amino acids 342 to 353. Accordingly, parkin proteins, including the 53-kd mature isoform, were present in affinity-isolated LBs from DLB cortex. Fluorescence resonance energy transfer and immunoelectron microscopy showed that αS and parkin co-localized within brainstem and cortical LBs. Biochemically, parkin appeared most enriched in cytosolic and postsynaptic fractions of adult rat brain, but also in purified, αS-rich presynaptic elements that additionally contained parkin’s E2-binding partner, UbcH7. We conclude that parkin and UbcH7 are present with αS in subcellular compartments of normal brain and that parkin frequently co-localizes with αS aggregates in the characteristic LB inclusions of PD and DLB. These results suggest that functional parkin proteins may be required during LB formation.

Leadership and school results

Abstract: This chapter focuses on three aspects of high school functioning in the context of educational reform: leadership and the school results of organisational learning and student outcomes. A brief review of recent and significant work in these areas provides a framework for a discussion of what makes a difference to high school performance. The findings of a three-year study of high schools in two Australian states is used to extend our present knowledge of these areas, and the nature of their interaction and influence on school processes and outcomes.

Effects of Exposure to Thin Media Images: Evidence of Self-Enhancement among Restrained Eaters

Abstract: The effects of viewing media-portrayed idealized body images on eating, self-esteem, body image, and mood among restrained and unrestrained eaters were examined. Study 1 found that restrained eaters (i.e., dieters), but not unrestrained eaters, rated both their ideal and current body sizes as smaller and disinhibited their food intake following exposure to idealized body images. These results suggest that restrained eaters are susceptible to a “thin fantasy” brought about by viewing ideal body images. Study 2 found that strengthening thinness attainability beliefs can further enhance the thin fantasy demonstrated by restrained eaters following exposure to idealized body images. Study 3 examined whether demand characteristics moderate these effects of media-portrayed idealized body images. As predicted, when explicit demand characteristics were present, participants reported feeling worse following exposure to thin models. The complexities of the media’s role in the development and maintenance of body diss...

The quest for ordinariness: transition experienced by midlife women living with chronic illness.

Abstract: Aims. This paper reports the findings of research that aimed to elucidate the meaning of midlife women's experiences of living with chronic illness. Background. A lack of awareness by health professionals of the context in which women must live with chronic illness often results in women feeling overwhelmed, alienated and without voice within the delivery of health care. This inquiry privileged women's voices. Design. The construct of ‘transition’ in chronic illness experience evolved from this collaborative and participatory research with midlife women living with adult onset chronic illness. Over a 1-year timeframe, 81 women were asked to tell their stories of living with a chronic illness. These correspondence data were thematically analysed to provide storied accounts. Guided by feminist principles, women were empowered through research processes and have actively participated in the development of the transition construct. Findings. The research revealed that when women are first confronted with a chronic illness they appear to move through a complex trajectory that involves an ‘extraordinary’ phase of turmoil and distress; however, they may then make the transition toward an ‘ordinary’ phase that involves incorporating chronic illness into their lives. Transitions in chronic illness experience involve movement from extraordinariness to ordinariness and sometimes back again and were found to be processes that are nonlinear, sometimes cyclical and potentially recurring throughout a woman's life. Four major constructs emerged from women's narratives: How quickly life changes; extraordinariness: confronting life with illness; The illness experience as transforming and ordinariness: reconstructing life with illness. Conclusion. Nurses are in a position where they may make a difference to women who live with chronic illness. Understanding illness transitions offers a framework that will enable nurses to move beyond the bio-medically orientated concepts of nursing practice, towards a holistic approach to the provision of nursing care.

Schools as learning organisations: The case for system, teacher and student learning

Abstract: An Australian government‐funded four‐year research project involving 96 secondary schools, over 5,000 students and 3,700 teachers and their principals has provided a rich source of information on schools conceptualised as learning organisations. The LOLSO project focused on three aspects of high school functioning: leadership, organisational learning and the impact of both on student outcomes. This research has established a relationship between the system factors of leadership and organisational learning and student outcomes as measured by student levels of participation in and engagement with school. This paper summarises this research and reports on a study that empirically tests the relationship between students’ participation in and engagement with school and student achievement using model building and path analysis. The importance of learning at the system, teacher and student level is discussed in the context of school restructuring.

A test of Objectification Theory in adolescent girls

Abstract: The present study tested the components of the model proposed by Objectification Theory (Fredrickson & Roberts, 1997) in a sample of adolescent girls Two groups of girls aged between 12 and 16 years (38 girls who currently studied classical ballet, and 45 girls who did not study classical ballet) completed questionnaire measures of self-objectification, body shame, appearance anxiety, and disordered eating Contrary to prediction, there was no difference between the 2 groups on self-objectification or on any of its proposed consequences For the total sample, however, the proposed model was largely supported In particular, body shame and appearance anxiety partially mediated the relationship between self-objectification and disordered eating It was concluded that Objectification Theory is applicable to adolescents

Gender role, organizational status, and conflict management styles

Abstract: This study examined the relationship among biological sex, gender role, organizational status, and conflict management behavior of males and females in three similar organizations. Individuals (N = 118) from upper and lower status organizational positions completed the Rahim Organizational Conflict Inventory‐II, in the context of two recalled organizational conflicts (Rahim, 1983a), and the Bern Sex Role Inventory (Bern, 1974). After controlling for biological sex, when compared with other gender roles masculine individuals were highest on the dominating conflict style, whereas feminine individuals were highest on the avoiding style, and androgynous individuals on the integrating style. Further, upper organizational status individuals were higher on the integrating style, while lower status individuals reported greater use of avoiding and obliging styles.

'Opportunity structures': urban landscape, social capital and health promotion in Australia.

Abstract: This paper presents data from 40 in-depth interviews that were conducted as part of a study of social capital and health in relation to people’s perceptions of the influence of ‘place’ on their participation levels and health. These data were used to examine features of the western suburbs of Adelaide that were perceived as health damaging and health promoting. The paper demonstrates that our Australian suburban respondents expressed a considerable concern about these features and the impact they have on their perception of community and their ability to participate in it. Safety, connectedness to the area, the reputation of an area and the extent and nature of community facilities are all seen as important to a healthy community. The research found that in the more deprived socioeconomic areas within the study area, there was a significant degree of dissatisfaction with features of the urban environment, such as availability of amenities, provision of public transport, and proximity of industry to private dwellings. The paper concludes by considering certain features of urban environments that might make them more supportive of health through encouraging contact between people. We conclude that these environments could be improved using the following measures: a subsidy scheme to support the viability of local shops and cafes (thereby providing meeting places and employment); parks with facilitators (who could play a role in increasing safety in the park but also encouraging community development); attractive places to walk; and a general environmental improvement program.

The influence of motives and goal orientation on feedback seeking.

Abstract: This study examined the relationships between feedback seeking, goal orientation, performance and four motives which, though generally considered to underlie the feedback seeking process, have not previously been measured comprehensively. Both the likelihood and the number of instances of feedback seeking were measured in two samples (employees and students) in association with perceived or selfassessed above- and below-average performance. Self-assessed performance was a major predictor of feedback seeking; also influential were goal orientation and the goal orientation-performance interaction. Increased feedback seeking was associated with the desire for useful information motive, and reduced feedback seeking with the ego defence and defensive impression management motives. The desire for useful information motive mediated the influence of performance-prove goal orientation for employees, and that of a learning goal orientation for students.

Transient pluripotent cell populations during primitive ectoderm formation: correlation of in vivo and in vitro pluripotent cell development.

Abstract: Formation and differentiation of a pluripotent cell population is central to mammalian development, and the isolation, identification and manipulation of human pluripotent cells is predicted to be of therapeutic use. Within the early mammalian embryo, two distinct populations of pluripotent cells have been described: the inner cell mass (ICM), which differentiates to form a second pluripotent cell populations, the primitive ectoderm. Indirect evidence suggests the existence of temporally distinct intermediate pluripotent cell populations as primitive ectoderm is formed. We coupled an in vitro model of primitive ectoderm formation (the transition of embryonic stem cells to early primitive ectoderm-like (EPL) cells) with ddPCR-based techniques to identify three novel genes, Psc1 , CRTR-1 and PRCE , that were expressed differently during pluripotent cell progression. Detailed mapping of these genes with Oct4 , Rex1 and Fgf5 on pregastrulation embryos provided the first molecular evidence for the existence of successive, temporally distinct pluripotent cell populations in the embryo between the ICM and primitive ectoderm. No evidence was found for spatial heterogeneity within the Oct4 + pool. The transition between populations correlated with morphological or developmental alterations in pluripotent cells in vivo. Genes that are temporally expressed during pluripotent cell progression may provide an opportunity for molecular discrimination of pluripotent cells at different stages of maturation in vivo and an understanding of the cellular origins and properties of pluripotent cell lines isolated from diverse sources. Furthermore, the strong correlation of gene expression demonstrated between EPL cell formation in vitro and primitive ectoderm formation in vivo validates EPL cells as a model for primitive ectoderm, thereby providing a model system for the investigation of pluripotent differentiation and an opportunity for directed differentiation of pluripotent cells to therapeutically useful cell populations.

Evidence for the Optimal Management of Acute and Chronic Phantom Pain: A Systematic Review

Abstract: OBJECTIVES: The objective was to examine the evidence to determine the optimal management of phantom limb pain in the preoperative and postoperative phase of amputations. METHODS: Trials were identified by a systematic search of MEDLINE, review articles, and references of relevant trials from the period 1966-1999, including only English-language articles. Included trials involved a control group, any intervention, and reported phantom pain as an outcome. RESULTS: Twelve trials were identified, including 375 patients whose follow-ups ranged in duration from 1 week to 2 years. Only three randomized, controlled studies with parallel groups and three randomized crossover trials were identified. Eight trials examined treatment of acute phantom pain, including epidural treatments (three trials), regional nerve blocks (three trials), treatment with calcitonin (one trial), and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (one trial). Three trials demonstrated a positive impact of the intervention on phantom limb pain, but the remainder demonstrated no difference between the intervention and control groups. Four trials examined late postoperative interventions, including transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (two trials) and the use of Farabloc (a metal threaded sock) and ketamine (one trial each). With regard to late postoperative interventions, three of the four trials showed modest short-term reduction of phantom limb pain. There was no relation between the quality of the trial and a positive result of the intervention. CONCLUSIONS: Although up to 70% of patients have phantom limb pain after amputation, there is little evidence from randomized trials to guide clinicians with treatment. Evidence on preemptive epidurals, early regional nerve blocks, and mechanical vibratory stimulation provides inconsistent support for these treatments. There is currently a gap between research and practice in the area of phantom limb pain.

Bronchiectasis in Indigenous children in remote Australian communities

Abstract: The rates of bronchiectasis for Indigenous children from remote Australian communities are unacceptably high, with one study showing 14.7/1000 Aboriginal children. Children with bronchiectasis need to be identified early for optimisation of medical treatment. Under-reporting of cough is common. Bronchiectasis should be suspected in children with recurrent bronchitis or pneumonia, and when, despite appropriate therapy, pulmonary infiltrates or atelectasis persist 12 weeks beyond the index illness. During acute infective episodes, oral antibiotics and chest physiotherapy to clear the airways should produce prompt resolution; otherwise, hospitalisation is necessary. Management follows the cystic fibrosis model of regular review, encouragement of physical activity, optimising nutrition, maintenance of immunisation and avoidance of environmental toxicants, including passive smoke exposure. Successful management and prevention of bronchiectasis will require improvements in housing, nutrition, and education, as well as access to comprehensive healthcare services, with coordination between primary and hospital-based healthcare providers.

Effects of testimonial inconsistencies and eyewitness confidence on mock-juror judgments.

Abstract: This study examined the interaction between testimonial consistency and eyewitness confidence on mock-jurors' judgments of probability that the defendant committed the crime and verdicts. In a 2 (testimonial consistency) x 2 (confidence) between-groups design, 130 mock-jurors listened to an audio-taped trial of a person charged with armed robbery. Manipulations were contained in the prosecution witness's responses to detailed questioning by prosecution and defense attorneys. Although consistency is considered to be a key marker of accuracy, its impact on judgments was weak and nonsignificant. Witness confidence had a strong influence on judgments, whether testimony was consistent or inconsistent. We suggested that witness confidence may be more likely to emerge as a dominant influence on juror judgments when the testimony is wide ranging rather than relatively brief and concerned only with a specific issue (e.g., identification confidence).

A Potential Autocrine Role for Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor in Prostate Cancer

Abstract: Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a peptide growth factor specific for the tyrosine kinase receptors VEGF receptor-1 and -2 (VEGFR-1 and R-2). Whereas VEGF has well-defined actions on the vasculature, including the stimulation of endothelial cell growth and motility and blood vessel permeability, the function of the VEGF/receptor pathway in other cell types is largely unknown. Recently, VEGFR-1 and R-2 expression has been reported in prostate tumor cells. In this study, we demonstrate that these receptors colocalize with VEGF in prostate tumor cells, prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia, and the basal cells of normal glands. Furthermore, in comparison with normal glands, the expression of VEGFR-1 and R-2 is increased in prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia and malignant cells in well and moderately differentiated prostate cancer but is decreased in poorly differentiated cancer. Culture of the prostate cancer cell line LNCaP in the presence of recombinant human VEGF165 resulted in a 50% increase in [(3)H]thymidine uptake by these cells and recruitment of quiescent cells into the cell cycle. This effect of recombinant human VEGF165 was abolished by neutralizing antisera to VEGFR-2. These data suggest that VEGF may not only mediate neovascularization associated with prostate cancer progression but may also directly stimulate prostate tumor cells via VEGFR-2-dependent autocrine and/or paracrine mechanisms.

Journeying from the philosophical contemplation of constructivism to the methodological pragmatics of health services research

Abstract: Aim. This paper presents our journey through a contemplation of the philosophical origins of constructivism to consider its role as an active methodology in qualitative research. Method. The first part of the paper summarizes the philosophical background of constructivism and the five principles underpinning this paradigm as described through the works of Guba and Lincoln. The philosophical roots of constructivism are then compared with postpositivism, critical realism and participatory inquiry. The paper moves on to consider their common methodological steps, before examining how the constructivist research strategy is being adopted and adapted within the pragmatics of health service research. Recent studies will be drawn upon to illustrate the use of constructivist methodology. Conclusion. Questions are raised about the role of philosophy and the extent to which it should or does underpin or influence qualitative research strategies. We believe that if researchers gain an understanding of both philosophy and methodology a richer and more robust study is likely to result.

Electrons and photons colliding with atoms: development and application of the convergent close-coupling method

Abstract: The substantial progress that has occurred during the 1990s in the field of electron-atom-collision theory is discussed. We show how a solution of a small-model three-body problem, using the convergent close-coupling method, has led to numerous applications involving real atomic collision systems. Consequently many fundamental electron-atom collision processes are considered as 'solved', and accurate collision data of interest to science and industry have become available. However, we suggest that the present has only just seen the birth of modern atomic collision theory. There are many more important collision problems to be tackled, with guidance coming from experiment being as important as ever.

Aetiology of congenital and paediatric cataract in an Australian population

Abstract: Background/aim: Paediatric cataract is a major cause of childhood blindness. Several genes associated with congenital and paediatric cataracts have been identified. The aim was to determine the incidence of cataract in a population, the proportion of hereditary cataracts, the mode of inheritance, and the clinical presentation. Methods: The Royal Children's Hospital and the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital have a referral base for almost all paediatric patients with cataracts in south eastern Australia. The database contains cases seen over the past 25 years. The medical histories of these patients were reviewed. Results: 421 patients with paediatric cataract were identified, which gives an estimated incidence of 2.2 per 10 000 births. Of the 342 affected individuals with a negative family history, 50% were diagnosed during the first year of life, and 56/342 (16%) were associated with a recognised systemic disease or syndrome. Unilateral cataract was identified in 178/342 (52%) of sporadic cases. 79 children (from 54 nuclear families) had a positive family history. Of these 54 families, 45 were recruited for clinical examination and DNA collection. Ten nuclear families were subsequently found to be related, resulting in four larger pedigrees. Thus, 39 families have been studied. The mode of inheritance was autosomal dominant in 30 families, X linked in four, autosomal recessive in two, and uncertain in three. In total, 178 affected family members were examined; of these 8% presented with unilateral cataracts and 43% were diagnosed within the first year of life. Conclusions: In the paediatric cataract population examined, approximately half of the patients were diagnosed in the first year of life. More than 18% had a positive family history of cataracts. Of patients with hereditary cataracts 8% presented with unilateral involvement. Identification of the genes that cause paediatric and congenital cataract should help clarify the aetiology of some sporadic and unilateral cataracts.

Outreach and improved access to specialist services for indigenous people in remote Australia: the requirements for sustainability

Abstract: Design: A process evaluation of a specialist outreach service, using health service utilisation data and interviews with health professionals and patients. Setting: The Top End of Australia's Northern Territory, where Darwin is the capital city and the major base for hospital and specialist services. In the rural and remote areas outside Darwin there are many small, predominantly indigenous communities, which are greatly disadvantaged by a severe burden of disease and limited access to medical care. Participants: Seventeen remote health practitioners, five specialists undertaking outreach, five regional health administrators, and three patients from remote communities. Main results: The barriers faced by many remote indigenous people in accessing specialist and hospital care are substantial. Outreach delivery of specialist services has overcome some of the barriers relating to distance, communication, and cultural inappropriateness of services and has enabled an over fourfold increase in the number of consultations with people from remote communities. Key issues affecting sustainability include: an adequate specialist base; an unmet demand from primary care; integration with, accountability to and capacity building for a multidisciplinary framework centred in primary care; good communication; visits that are regular and predictable; funding and coordination that recognises responsibilities to both hospitals and the primary care sector; and regular evaluation. Conclusions: In a setting where there is a disadvantaged population with inadequate access to medical care, specialist outreach from a regional centre can provide a more equitable means of service delivery than hospital based services alone. A sustainable outreach service that is organised appropriately, responsive to local community needs, and has an adequate regional specialist base can effectively integrate with and support primary health care processes. Poorly planned and conducted outreach, however, can draw resources away and detract from primary health care.

Information and support for women following the primary treatment of breast cancer.

Abstract: Objective To examine the need for, use of and satisfaction with information and support following primary treatment of breast cancer. Design Cross-sectional survey. Participants Cohort of 266 surviving women diagnosed with breast cancer over a 25-month period at a tertiary hospital, Adelaide, Australia. Time since diagnosis ranged from 6 to 30 months. Main outcome measures Need for, use of and satisfaction with information and support. Results Women reported high levels of need for information about a variety of issues following breast cancer treatment. Ninety-four percentage reported a high level of need for information about one or more issues, particularly recognizing a recurrence, chances of cure and risk to family members of breast cancer. However, few women (2–32%) reported receiving such information. The most frequently used source of information was the surgeon followed by television, newspapers and books. The most frequently used source of support was family followed by friends and the surgeon. Few women (<7%) used formal support services or the Internet. Women were very satisfied with the information and support that they received from the surgeon and other health professionals but reported receiving decreasing amounts of information and support from them over time. Conclusions Women experience a high need for information about breast cancer related issues following primary treatment of breast cancer. These needs remain largely unmet as few women receive information about issues that concern them. The role of the surgeon and other health professionals is critical in narrowing the gap between needing and receiving information.

Tea tree oil reduces histamine-induced skin inflammation.

Abstract: Summary Background Tea tree oil is the essential oil steam-distilled from Melaleuca alternifolia , an Australian native plant. In recent years it has become increasingly popular as an antimicrobial for the treatment of conditions such as tinea pedis and acne. Objectives To investigate the anti-inflammatory properties of tea tree oil on histamine-induced weal and flare. Methods Twenty-seven volunteers were injected intradermally in each forearm (study and control assigned on an alternating basis) with histamine diphosphate (5 µg in 50 µL). Flare and weal diameters and double skin thickness were measured every 10 min for 1 h to calculate flare area and weal volume. At 20 min, 25 µL of 100% tea tree oil was applied topically to the study forearm of 21 volunteers. For six volunteers, 25 µL paraffin oil was applied instead of tea tree oil. Results Application of liquid paraffin had no significant effect on histamine-induced weal and flare. There was also no difference in mean flare area between control arms and those on which tea tree oil was applied. However, mean weal volume significantly decreased after tea tree oil application (10 min after tea tree oil application, P = 0·0004, Mann–Whitney U-test). Conclusions This is the first study to show experimentally that tea tree oil can reduce histamine-induced skin inflammation.