bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Is reduced body growth of cod exposed to the gill parasiteLernaeocera branchialisa cost of resistance?
Authors: Lysne D. A. , Hemmingsen W. , Skorping A.
Published: October 2006

Three hundred and sixty‐nine codGadus morhuawere individually marked and caged for 19 months. During this period, each cod was inspected several times forLernaeocera branchialis. Growth in four groups of cod, identified by their infection history, were compared. During the caging, 79% of the cod remained uninfected, 8·5% were infected, but lost the parasite, 8% were infected with one parasite and 4·5% were infected with more than one parasite. The infected fish either harboured the parasite at caging or were infected during the study period. The highest rate of increase, both in body mass and in standard length (LS), was recorded in the group of male fish infected with one parasite throughout the experimental period. Conversely, those males free from infection showed significantly lower growth. The observed differences in growth could not be explained by changes in variables related to reproductive strategies. The alternative explanation for these results is that resistance toL. branchialiswas associated with costs in terms of reduced growth of body mass andLS.
Do benthivory and piscivory result in similar growth in walleye?
Authors: Paradis Y. , Bertolo A. , Perot A. , Débas S. , Magnan P.
Published: October 2006

Growth and condition of piscivorous and non‐piscivorous walleyeSander vitreusclassified on the basis of their stomach contents were compared to assess the consequences of their trophic flexibility. Piscivorous males showed a significantly higher growth trajectory than non‐piscivorous ones, while there was no difference in the growth of females. No differences were found in the condition of piscivorous and non‐piscivorous walleye for either sex. Trophic specialization of males, with some individuals foraging mainly on invertebrates and others including forage fishes in their diets, seems to be the most plausible explanation for the observed growth differences. The results also suggest that invertebrates are an important component in walleye diet throughout its ontogeny.
Use of otolith chemistry to examine patterns of diadromy in the threatened Australian grayling Prototroctes maraena
Authors: Crook D. A. , Macdonald J. I. , O’Connor J. P. , Barry B.
Published: October 2006

Otolith chemical analyses (proton‐induced X‐ray emission and laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry) were used to examine patterns of diadromy in Australian grayling Prototroctes maraena collected from three rivers in south‐eastern Australia. Concentrations of Sr:Ca and Ba:Ca were measured in the sagittal otoliths of 25 fish and in water samples collected on two occasions from multiple sites within freshwater, estuarine and marine reaches of the rivers. The results provide evidence of marine residency during the juvenile phase, with high Sr:Ca and low Ba:Ca in the inner region of the otoliths that were consistent across all three rivers. This general pattern was apparent for all individuals examined, suggesting that diadromous migration may be an obligate aspect of the life history. The chemical signatures of the outer regions of the otoliths were distinct between the three rivers, whilst there was no difference in the inner regions of the otoliths. This suggests that juveniles from different rivers may reside in a relatively homogenous chemical environment, such as the sea, and populations in coastal Victorian rivers may share a common marine recruitment source.
The distribution and habitat preferences of the zebrafish in Bangladesh
Authors: Spence R. , Fatema M. K. , Reichard M. , Huq K. A. , Wahab M. A. , Ahmed Z. F. , Smith C.
Published: October 2006

The present study presents the results of a survey of a wide range of water bodies in Bangladesh to identify and describeDanio reriohabitat preferences. Field‐based experiments were conducted to determine the vertical distribution ofD. rerioin the water column, together with five other fish species commonly found in association withD. rerio. Danio reriois a floodplain rather than riverine species, being most abundant in shallow lakes, ponds and ditches, typically in open locations with relatively clear water and abundant vegetation at the margins. It is commonly found in water bodies with a connection to rice cultivation and is more common in the north of Bangladesh than the south.Danio reriooccupies the whole of the water column and is observed as frequently in open water as amongst aquatic vegetation.
Hepatocytes primary culture from the Neotropical fish, trahira Hoplias malabaricus (Bloch)
Authors: Filipak Neto F. , Zanata S. M. , Randi M. A. F. , Pelletier É. , Oliveira Ribeiro C. A.
Published: October 2006

Hepatocytes were isolated and cultured from Hoplias malabaricus using a non‐enzymatic protocol. From 6·9 to 9·4 × 107 hepatocytes g−1 of liver were isolated and cell viability was 65–85%. Fish hepatocytes attached well to untreated polystyrene flasks (Corning) as well as on treated surfaces with extracellular matrix proteins, i.e. fibronectin, matrigel or type I collagen coatings. Cells rapidly started migrating and reorganizing in cord‐like groups after seeding, with spaces similar to bile canaliculi in vivo. Prominent nucleolus and euchromatin‐rich rounded nucleus, abundant mitochondria, well‐developed rough endoplasmic reticulum, polysomes and Golgi apparatus were seen under ultrastructural analysis. Cells remained functional and metabolically active after 6 days in culture. The protocol established in the current work provides the basis for further studies of native fishes for accurate in vitro toxicological studies.
Risk factors for medication misadventure among residents in sheltered housing complexes
Authors: George Johnson , Munro Kim , McCaig Dorothy , Stewart Derek
Published: October 2006

What is already known about this subject

• Medication‐related problems are more common among the elderly and are associated with poor outcomes.

• Identification of elderly patients at high risk of medication misadventure and timely interventions could avoid unnecessary hospitalizations.

What this study adds

• Three‐quarters of elderly patients living in sheltered housing complexes had at least one risk factor for medication‐related problems.

• Sheltered housing residents using five or more medications or using any medication with a narrow therapeutic index were more likely to have unplanned hospitalizations.

• Use of medications with high potential for adverse drug reactions in the elderly or self‐reported non‐adherence to prescribed medications were not independent predictors of unplanned hospitalizations.

Aim

To identify risk factors for unplanned hospitalizations among residents of sheltered housing complexes (SHCs).

Methods

Medication‐related risk factors for health outcomes among residents of SHCs in Aberdeen (n = 1137) were assessed using a postal questionnaire. Predictors of unplanned hospitalization/emergency department (ED) visit were identified using logistic regression.

Results

Of the 695 (61.1%) responses received, 645 were from residents (mean age 78.2 years) using prescribed medications. One or more risk factors for medication‐related problems was seen in 467 (72.4%) respondents; 488 (75.7%) were using medications with high potential for adverse drug reactions (ADRs) in the elderly. Unplanned hospitalizations/ED visits (n = 230) were found to be associated with use of drugs of narrow therapeutic index [P < 0.001; odds ratio (OR) 2.98, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.69, 5.28]; use of five or more different medications (P = 0.001; OR 2.10, 95% CI 1.34, 3.31); and greater disability (Townsend score) (P = 0.005; OR 1.06, 95% CI 1.02, 1.11).

Conclusion

Residents of SHCs using drugs of narrow therapeutic index, using five or more different medications, and with greater disability warrant periodic monitoring.
The effects of age on the incidence of aneuploidy rates in spermatozoa of oligoasthenozoospermic patients and its relationship with ICSI outcome
Authors: Plastira Konstantina , Angelopoulou Roxani , Mantas Dimitris , Msaouel Pavlos , Lyrakou Stavroula , Plastiras Aris , Bolaris Stamatis , Baka Stavroula , Paparisteidis Nikolaos
Published: October 2006

The development of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) for treatment of infertility as a result of severe male factor has improved the chances of achieving pregnancy in many infertile couples. However, concerns have been raised regarding the safety of this technique, because natural sperm selection is bypassed. In the present study, 25 oligoasthenozoospermic patients who were divided into two groups according to age: group A, 20–34 (n = 10) and group B, 35–50 (n = 15), were included. Pooling the data of the three semen parameters that were tested (volume, concentration and progressive motility) no statistically significant difference between the two age groups was found. A total of 50 883 decondensed spermatozoa was analysed using the dual and triple colour fluorescence in situ hybridization to estimate the rates of aneuploidy for chromosomes 13, 18, 21, X and Y in the two age groups. There was a significantly higher incidence of disomy for chromosome 21 compared to the other autosomes (chromosomes 13 and 18) in both age groups. The disomy rate of XY was significantly higher in the younger subject group (0.1%) compared to the older group (0.05%, p < 0.05). Statistically significant differences in the mean number of clinical pregnancies and abortions were not observed between the two age groups. The aneuploidy rates for all the analysed chromosomes did not differ significantly, both between and within the two age groups, and as a result there seems to be no effect of male age on chromosome numbers in the spermatozoa and on the ICSI outcome.
Effect of nutrition and health claims on the acceptability of soyamilk beverages
Authors: Behrens Jorge H. , Villanueva Nilda D. M. , Da Silva Maria A. A. P.
Published: October 2006

The effect of expectation on the acceptability of four types of yoghurt‐like fermented soyamilk was studied among fifty‐three subjects. Overall liking was rated under three conditions: (1) blind test (B); (2) expectations created by nutritional and health claims about the products (E) and (3) subjects re‐tasted the beverages, having the nutrition and health claims available (R). Student's t‐tests performed on data indicated no significant differences (P > 0.05) between acceptance levels under the blind (B) and real (R) conditions, although expectation ratings (E) were significantly higher (P < 0.05) than (B) and (R). However, linear regression of (R − C) × (E − C) ratings for each sample revealed a major assimilation effect of expectation, especially under negative disconfirmation (when the product was evaluated as worse than expected). Contrast effect was also observed, but to a lesser extent. In conclusion, information influenced positively on the acceptance, although such influence was limited by the subjects’ sensory experience.
Long working hours increase the risk of sharp and needlestick injury in nurses: the need for new policy implication
Authors: İlhan Mustafa N. , Durukan Elif , Aras Evi̇n , Türkçüoğlu Sertaç , Aygün Remzi̇
Published: October 2006

Aim.  This paper reports a study to determine the sharp and needlestick injury incidence in nurses working at a university hospital and the contributing factors.

Background.  Although it is generally felt that working in the healthcare sector is clean and without risk, healthcare staff and especially physicians and nurses who generally work very long hours are actually exposed to various occupational risks. Sharps and needlestick injuries are important problems for healthcare workers as they increase the risk of spread of infection.

Method.  A self‐administered questionnaire was completed in October 2005 by 449 of the 516 nurses working at a Turkish hospital (response rate 87·0%).

Results.  The percentage of nurses experiencing a sharp or needlestick injury during their professional life was 79·7%. The incidence of exposure to sharp or needlestick injury in the last year was 68·4%. The factors increasing the rate of sharp and needlestick injury were: age 24 years and less, ≤4 years of nursing experience, working in surgical or intensive care units and working for more than 8 hours per day (P < 0·05).

Conclusion.  The findings indicate which groups of staff should be targeted for educational programmes. Consideration also needs to be given to the unwanted effects of working long shifts, where tiredness may contribute to the number of needlestick injuries.
Determinants of tenure in allied health and nursing education
Authors: Balogun Joseph A. , Sloan Patricia E. , Germain Monique
Published: October 2006

Aim.  This paper presents a prospective cross‐sectional study that investigated the tenure rate and the primary criterion use in granting tenure in nursing and allied health education in the United States of America.

Background.  Given the recent trend by highly skilled professionals to seek employment in other countries, a clear understanding of the conditions of service in higher education is important to educators contemplating the relocating to another country. The preponderance of the published literature on academic tenure is from the United States of America, where educators continue to debate the value of the tenure system and the criteria to be used in tenure decisions.

Method.  We surveyed the deans of National League for Nursing accredited programmes (n = 187) and deans of allied health programmes belonging to the association of schools of allied health professions (n = 75) in the United States of America. The questionnaire sought demographic and institution‐related information, tenure rate and weightings attached to teaching, scholarship and service in tenure decision. The data were collected in 2002.

Findings.  Allied health and nursing educators had 47% and 35% tenure rates, respectively. The overwhelming majority of the deans in our study, 77%, ranked teaching as the primary criterion used in tenure decisions in their institutions. On the other hand, fewer than 25% rated scholarship and fewer than 5% rated service as the most important criterion used for tenure in their institution. The responses of the deans were modulated by the type and ownership of the institution in which they were employed and the characteristics of the educators.

Conclusion.  The implications for preparing future educators in the United States of America for long‐term careers in allied health and nursing professions are that: (1) teaching is less highly valued in research‐oriented universities; and (2) heavy teaching workloads may be detrimental to the chances of obtaining tenure. Replication of the study in other countries would have the potential to facilitate the employment mobility and educator exchange.
Development and testing of a Clinical Learning Environment Diagnostic Inventory for baccalaureate nursing students
Authors: Hosoda Yasuko
Published: October 2006

Aim. This paper reports the development and testing of the psychometric properties of the Clinical Learning Environment Diagnostic Inventory for baccalaureate nursing students.

Background. The quality of the clinical learning environment is an essential factor in determining the quality of nursing students’ clinical experience. It is also well‐recognized that the clinical setting can be a source of stress and anxiety for students. To design an optimal clinical learning environment for students, instruments based on the cognitive and socio‐emotional aspects of the learning process are necessary.

Method. The hypothetical construct of the clinical learning environment was derived from a comprehensive review of the literature, including experiential learning theory and the epistemology of practice. Developing the instrument involved the collection of items through semi‐structured interviews, assessing content validity and determining the scaling. After a pilot study, the instrument was tested with 312 undergraduate students and 157 preceptors between September and December 2004. The factor structure was determined by exploratory factor analysis.

Results. Exploratory factor analysis produced a five‐factor solution that was similar to the hypothetical model. Cronbach's alpha internal consistency reliability coefficients ranged from 0·65 to 0·77 across the five factors. Three‐week test–retest reliability coefficients ranged from 0·59 to 0·74. Criterion‐related validity and construct validity were estimated by the correlation between the Clinical Learning Environment Diagnostic Inventory and appropriate other instruments and a set of comparison data obtained from the students and preceptors.

Conclusion. The findings yielded acceptable estimates of reliability and validity of the Clinical Learning Environment Diagnostic Inventory. Therefore, this instrument is considered useful for assessing learning environments in clinical settings.
The influence of pollinator abundance on the dynamics and efficiency of pollination in agricultural Brassica napus: implications for landscape‐scale gene dispersal
Authors: HAYTER KATRINA E. , CRESSWELL JAMES E.
Published: October 2006

It is important to understand the pollination processes that generate landscape‐scale gene dispersal in plants, particularly in crop plants with genetically modified (GM) varieties. In one such crop, Brassica napus, the situation is complicated by uncertainty over the relative importance of two pollen vectors, wind and insects.

We investigated pollination in two fields of B. napus that bloomed at different times of year (April vs. July) and attracted different abundances of foraging social bees. Rates of pollen transfer were quantified by counting the pollen grains deposited on stigmas and remaining in the anthers at intervals after flower opening.

Flowers open in April were adequately pollinated only after 5 days and only 10% received even a single bee visit. Flowers open in July received three bee visits per hour and were fully pollinated within 3 h.

Based on published measurements of airborne pollen dispersal, we estimate that wind‐pollination from a hypothetical field 1 km distant could have fertilized up to 0·3% of the field's seed when bees were scarce in April but only up to 0·007% when bees were abundant in July.

The efficiency of pollination (the proportion of pollen released from anthers that landed on receptive stigmas) was seven times greater in July (1·5%) than in April (0·2%). The relatively high efficiency of insect pollination may help to explain the evolutionary maintenance of entomophily.

Synthesis and applications. Our results begin to resolve a long‐standing inconsistency among previous studies by suggesting that the susceptibility of fields of B. napus to long‐distance cross‐pollination by wind depends on the level of bee activity. Models for predicting GM gene flow at the landscape‐scale in this crop should take this into account.
Atrophy and anarchy: third national survey of nursing skill‐mix and advanced nursing practice in ophthalmology
Authors: Czuber‐Dochan Wladyslawa J. , Waterman Christine G. , Waterman Heather A.
Published: October 2006

Aims and objectives.  The aims of the study were to investigate the advanced nursing practice and the skill‐mix of nurses working in ophthalmology.

Background.  The expansion of new nursing roles in the United Kingdom in the past decade is set against the background of a nursing shortage. The plan to modernize the National Health Service and improve the efficiency and delivery of healthcare services as well as to reduce junior doctors’ hours contributes towards a profusion of new and more specialized and advanced nursing roles in various areas of nursing including ophthalmology.

Design.  A self‐reporting quantitative questionnaire was employed. The study used comparative and descriptive statistical tests.

Method.  The questionnaires were distributed to all ophthalmic hospitals and units in the United Kingdom. Hospital and unit managers were responsible for completing the questionnaires.

Results.  Out of a total 181 questionnaires 117 were returned. There is a downward trend in the total number of nurses working in ophthalmology. The results demonstrate more nurses working at an advanced level. However, there is a general confusion regarding role interpretation at the advanced level of practice, evident through the wide range of job titles being used. There was inconsistency in the qualifications expected of these nurses.

Conclusion.  Whilst there are more nurses working at an advanced level this is set against an ageing workforce and an overall decline in the number of nurses in ophthalmology. There is inconsistency in job titles, grades, roles and qualifications for nurses who work at an advanced or higher level of practice. The Agenda for Change with its new structure for grading jobs in the United Kingdom may offer protection and consistency in job titles, pay and qualifications for National Health Service nurse specialists. The Nursing and Midwifery Council needs to provide clear guidelines to the practitioners on educational and professional requirements, to protect patients and nurses.

Relevance to clinical practice.  The findings indicate that there is a need for better regulations for nurses working at advanced nursing practice.
Vascular pattern of the palms – a clinical feature of atopic skin diathesis
Authors: Schuster C. , Smolle J. , Aberer W. , Kränke B.
Published: October 2006

Background:  Atopic skin diathesis is a clinical term to describe skin atopics with previous, present or future atopic eczema/dermatitis syndrome (AEDS). In clinical practice, an unequivocal assessment of atopic skin diathesis in non‐eczematous patients may be difficult. The majority of the known clinical features included in diagnostic scores are characteristic, but not specific markers of atopy. Especially, the vasoreactivity of atopic skin is disturbed. This is manifested by white dermographism, an irregular vascular response to thermal stimuli, and paradoxic skin reactions to histamine, cholinergic agents, and nicotinates.

Objective:  The aims of our study were to investigate the clinical morphology of palmar vascular reactions in skin atopic and non‐atopic individuals, and to determine whether this abnormal vascular reaction is more pronounced in skin atopic individuals.

Methods:  Forty persons, 20 of them skin atopics, assessed by the Erlangen Atopy Score and an elevated serum IgE level (>150 U/ml), were included in a prospective single‐centre study. Standardized digital photographs of the palms were presented in a blinded manner to five dermatologists in random order by means of the computerized imaging analysis system KS400 3.0.

Results:  Evaluation of the original rgb (red, green, blue) color images and modified gray‐level images showed that a pronounced reticular pattern of erythema of the palms was significantly (P < 0.0001) more common in skin atopics (72% and 69.6%, respectively).

Conclusion:  The gross vascular pattern of the palm might be an additional diagnostic feature of atopy, and further studies are needed to establish its exact prevalence.
Serine proteases, their inhibitors and allergy
Authors: Smith P. K. , Harper J. I.
Published: October 2006

This paper reviews four serine protease inhibitors and three protease gene defects that are associated with allergic conditions, suggesting an important role for these genes and their products in the development of allergy. Serine protease inhibitors may have a therapeutic potential in the treatment of allergy.
Extended storage of red blood cells under anaerobic conditions
Authors: Yoshida T. , AuBuchon J. P. , Tryzelaar L. , Foster K. Y. , Bitensky M. W.
Published: October 2006

Background  Red blood cells (RBC) are subject to oxidative stress by reactive oxygen species during refrigerated storage. Near‐complete removal of oxygen from red cells during storage should eliminate this contributor to the red cell ‘storage lesion’. The in vitro effects of storing red cells under oxygen‐depleted conditions for extended periods were investigated, and these were correlated with the observed recoveries after reinfusion.

Study Design and Methods  Units of red cells, obtained after ‘soft spin’, were placed in a double volume of AS‐3 additive solution and subdivided. Oxygen in the test units was depleted by repeated exposure to Ar gas (to O2 saturation < 4%), and units were stored in anaerobic canisters for up to 15 weeks. Samples were taken weekly to monitor adenosine triphosphate (ATP), 2,3‐diphosphoglycerate (2,3‐DPG), cell‐free haemoglobin, and vesicle production. In a parallel experiment, six units of red cells was depleted of oxygen in a similar manner, stored for 8, 9 and 10 weeks, and reinfused autologously to determine the 24 h post‐transfusion recovery via 51Cr/99mTc radiolabelling. A similar study was also carried out using EAS61 additive solution, which by itself, had shown the ability to support 9‐week storage, comparing biochemical profiles and in vivo recovery after aerobic vs. anaerobic storage.

Results  Oxygen‐depleted AS‐3 units had significantly elevated ATP levels compared to controls. They also had significantly lower cell free haemoglobin and vesicle production when RBCs were stored for more than 9 weeks. An average of over 75% post‐transfusion survival was observed after 9 weeks of anaerobic storage with less than 0·43% haemolysis. However, no further extension of storage was achieved with EAS61 additive.

Conclusion  Anaerobic conditions permit acceptable 9‐week storage of RBCs using double‐volume AS‐3 additive solution. It did not synergize with the alkaline, 9‐week additive, EAS61, to further lengthen the acceptable storage time. These studies indicate that anaerobic storage may allow reduction in the effect of the storage lesion, but suggest that other factors contribute to limitations of RBC storage as well.
Procedural sedation for insertion of central venous catheters in children: comparison of midazolam/fentanyl with midazolam/ketamine
Authors: LUCAS DA SILVA PAULO SÉRGIO , OLIVEIRA IGLESIAS SIMONE BRASIL , LEÃO FLÁVIA VANESCA FÉLIX , AGUIAR VÂNIA EUZÉBIO , BRUNOW DE CARVALHO WERTHER
Published: October 2006

Background:  There is a lack of studies evaluating procedural sedation for insertion of central venous catheters (CVC) in pediatric patients in emergency departments or pediatric intensive care units (PICU). This study was designed to evaluate whether there is a difference in the total sedation time for CVC insertion in nonintubated children receiving two sedation regimens.

Methods:  Patients were prospectively randomized to receive either midazolam/fentanyl (M/F) or midazolam/ketamine (M/K) i.v. The Children's Hospital of Wiscosin Sedation Scale was used to score the sedation level.

Results:  Fifty seven patients were studied (28 M/F and 29 M/K). Group M/F received midazolam (0.24 ± 0.11 mg·kg−1) and fentanyl (1.68 ± 0.83 μg·kg−1) and group M/K received midazolam (0.26 ± 0.09 mg·kg−1) and ketamine (1.40 ± 0.72 mg·kg−1). The groups were similar in age, weight, risk classification time and sedation level. Median total sedation times for M/F and M/K were 97 vs 105 min, respectively (P = 0.67). Minor complications occurred in 3.5% (M/F) vs 20.7% (M/K) (P = 0.03). M/F promoted a greater reduction in respiratory rate (P = 0.005).

Conclusions:  In this study of nonventilated children in PICU undergoing central line placement, M/F and M/K provided a clinically comparable total sedation time. However, the M/K sedation regimen was associated with a higher rate of minor complications. A longer period of study is required to assess the efficacy and safety of these sedative agents for PICU procedures in nonintubated children.
Midazolam does not reduce emergence delirium after sevoflurane anesthesia in children
Authors: BRESCHAN CHRISTIAN , PLATZER MANUELA , JOST ROBERT , STETTNER HARO , LIKAR RUDOLF
Published: October 2006

Background:  Behavioral disturbance in children following sevoflurane anesthesia is a relatively frequent event. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether a higher dose of preoperatively administered rectal midazolam compared with a lower would alleviate this phenomenon. Furthermore the impact of these two doses of midazolam on sedation at induction of anesthesia was compared.

Methods:  A total of 115 children presenting for minor surgery under anesthesia were included in the study. The children were randomized to receive rectally either 1 mg·kg−1 midazolam (group H) or 0.5 mg·kg−1 midazolam (group L). General anesthesia was induced with propofol or sevoflurane and maintained with 1.5% sevoflurane in the inspiratory limb. Prior to the start of surgery a regional block was performed to ensure adequate pain relief. Behavior on emergence was assessed using a three point scale. In case of severe agitation propofol was administered IV.

Results:  The children in group H were significantly better sedated preoperatively (P < 0.01). There was no significant difference in emergence behavior: 42.1% of children in group H compared with 36.2% of children in group L exhibited severe agitation requiring sedation with propofol (P = 0.37). However, regardless of the preoperative dose of midazolam more children under the age of 36 months (61.4%) were severely distressed at emergence compared with older children (16.7%) (P < 0.01).

Conclusions:  A higher dose of 1 mg·kg−1 rectal midazolam results in much better sedated children on induction of anesthesia than 0.5 mg·kg−1. This, however, does not result in a reduced incidence of emergence delirium after sevoflurane anesthesia. Regardless of the premedication negative behavioral changes occur more frequently in children younger than 3 years of age.
Undetected central core disease myopathy in an infant presenting for clubfoot surgery
Authors: ZANETTE G. , ROBB N. , ZADRA N. , ZANETTE L. , MANANI G.
Published: October 2006

A 1‐year‐old child was scheduled for two stage bilateral clubfoot surgery. Preoperative evaluation was normal and total intravenous anesthesia with a continuous sciatic nerve block was performed. Two months later, before the second clubfoot correction, a hip subluxation was evident suggesting a provisional diagnosis of neuromuscular disease. Anesthesia was identical, except that a femoral nerve block, necessary to permit a diagnostic muscle biopsy was performed. The perioperative course was uneventful but result of the muscular biopsy was surprising in that central core disease was diagnosed. Although congenital myopathies of all grades and severity exist, they are often mild and underestimated. Patients affected by central core disease are considered susceptible to malignant hyperthermia. Because a high prevalence of myopathic changes is reported in children undergoing clubfoot surgery, anesthesiologists must take precautions including a hightened awareness of these events and a high index of suspicion.
Acarbose and metabolic control in patients with type 2 diabetes with newly initiated insulin therapy
Authors: Schnell O. , Mertes G. , Standl E. ,   Acarbose–Insulin Combination Study Group
Published: October 2006

Aim:  This study was designed to investigate the effect of acarbose in patients with type 2 diabetes with newly initiated insulin treatment who had previously been insufficiently controlled with oral antihyperglycaemic agents [haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) ≥ 8%].

Methods:  In this 20‐week double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study, 163 patients were randomized to receive acarbose up to 100 mg three times a day or matching placebo. Both the groups were newly initiated with insulin, which was adjusted according to blood glucose values. Primary efficacy parameter was the change in HbA1c from baseline; changes in daily insulin doses were also assessed.

Results:  Mean HbA1c was significantly reduced by acarbose compared with placebo (2.31 vs. 1.81%, p = 0.033). Insulin doses were comparable at the end of the study. There was no difference in blood glucose and triglyceride levels between the treatment groups. Postprandial serum insulin levels increased in both treatment arms owing to insulin administration but less so under acarbose. In contrast to the placebo group, an increase in body mass index was prevented for acarbose‐treated patients.

Conclusion:  As adjunct administration to newly initiated insulin therapy, acarbose enhances the optimization of blood glucose control in patients with type 2 diabetes.
‘Stalking the stalker’: a Chwezi initiation into spirit possession and experiential structure
Authors: Stroeken Koen
Published: October 2006

Among Sukuma (Tanzania) the Chwezi spirit society operates in the shadow of, and in tension with, the lineage cults domesticating the dead. As this ethnography describes, Chwezi candidates are initiated into spirit possession by ‘stalking the stalker’, that is, by seeking synchrony with intrusion. Recognition of the healing and of the power/resistance in spirit performances once resuscitated anthropology from its crisis of representation, but now arrests advance. Both functions obscure possession itself, which, unlike rituals, has a subversive, ‘quaternary’ structure that reveals the gap between experience and communication, and thus decentres both self and society. Spirit possession exposes the plurality of experiential structures. This may better account for its role world‐wide in dialectics of social resistance and of cathartic healing.
Transdimensional relations: on human‐spirit interaction in the Amazon
Authors: Rosengren Dan
Published: October 2006

Animism has been a topic of interest for some time, and several innovative approaches challenging earlier conventional perspectives have been presented. Inspired by the recent thinking on this classical anthropological subject, this article explores conceptualizations of the human‐spirit, or transdimensional, relationship central to any theory on animism. Drawing on fieldwork among the Matsigenka of the tropical lowlands of southeastern Peru, conceptions of and motivations for the interaction with spirits are examined. For a society that places high moral value on equality and conviviality, the emphasis on discrimination and hierarchical relations that is prominent in many studies is inappropriate. As an alternative more congenial to the Matsigenka ethos, the article stresses the convivial qualities of sharing and mutual trust. Both these virtues play down the importance of hierarchy and discrimination allowing us to understand what motivates the Matsigenka to enter into an often arduous and demanding relationship with spirits.
Protection Against Judicially Compelled Disclosure of the Identity of News Gatherers' Confidential Sources in Common Law Jurisdictions
Authors: Brabyn Janice
Published: October 2006

In many common law liberal democracies today, news gatherers are resisting efforts to use the powers of the courts to compel them to identify their confidential sources. Often the struggles are epic. Often the public interest in effective news gathering fuelling the vitality of a modern liberal democracy is insufficiently recognised. The article uses recent cases to spotlight the shortfalls in the approach and legacy of the common law in dealing with news gatherer/confidential source relationships. Post Human Rights Act English decisions, especially that of Tugendhat J in Ackroyd, combining European style commitment to the public interest in vigorous newsgathering with common law style analysis of evidence, point the way to a more effective approach. US and Hong Kong cases remind news gatherers of their public interest responsibilities.
The Effect of Corporate Status on External Audit Fees: Evidence From the UK
Authors: Clatworthy Mark A. , Peel Michael J.
Published: October 2006

Abstract:  This paper simultaneously examines, for the first time, the determinants of external audit fees of UK companies drawn from the quoted sector (Main Market, the Alternative Investment Market and Ofex), and the unquoted sector (public and private limited companies). The paper also provides new evidence on the effects of corporate failure and the persistence of the big four and mid‐tier auditor premiums across the public and private corporate sectors. After controlling for firm size, audit risk and complexity, we find that quoted and unquoted public limited companies have significantly higher audit fees than their private limited counterparts. Our estimates imply that relative premiums for market/corporate form are as follows: Main Market over AIM, 6.8%; AIM over Ofex, 19.5%; Ofex over unquoted plc, 15.5%; and unquoted plc over private, 16.7%. However, despite indications in prior US research to the contrary, we find no evidence that insolvent firms that failed were charged higher audit fees in the year preceding failure. A positive relationship is also found between audit and consultancy fees – a result that persists using an instrumental variables approach to control for endogeneity.
Cytoplasmic regions adjacent to the M3 and M4 transmembrane segments influence expression and function of α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. A study with single amino acid mutants
Authors: Castelán Francisco , Mulet José , Aldea Marcos , Sala Salvador , Sala Francisco , Criado Manuel
Published: October 2006

We studied the role of the cytoplasmic regions adjacent to the M3 and M4 transmembrane segments of α7 nicotinic receptors in the expression of functional channels. For this purpose, a total of 50 amino acids were mutated throughout the mentioned regions. Mutants close to M3, from Arg294 to Leu321, showed slight modifications in the levels of α‐bungarotoxin binding sites and acetylcholine‐evoked currents. Exceptions were mutants located at two clusters (His296 to Pro300 and Ile312 to Trp316), which exhibited low expression levels. In addition, some mutants showed altered functional responses. Many mutants close to M4 showed increased receptor expression, especially the ones located at the hydrophobic face of a putative amphipathic helix. This effect seems to be the consequence of a combination of increased receptor biosynthesis, higher transport efficiency and delayed degradation, such that we postulate that elements in the amphipathic domain strongly influence receptor stability. Finally, some mutants in this region showed altered functional responses: elimination of positively charged residues (Arg424 and Arg426) increased currents, whereas the opposite was observed upon suppression of negatively charged ones (Glu430 and Glu432). These results suggest that the cytoplasmic regions close to M3 and M4 play important structural and functional roles.
Ethanol‐Related Behaviors in Serotonin Transporter Knockout Mice
Authors: Boyce‐Rustay Janel M. , Wiedholz Lisa M. , Millstein Rachel A. , Carroll Jenna , Murphy Dennis L. , Daws Lynette C. , Holmes Andrew
Published: October 2006

Background:Increasing evidence supports a role for 5‐hydroxytryptamine (5‐HT) and the 5‐HT transporter (5‐HTT) in modulating the neural and behavioral actions of ethanol (EtOH) and other drugs of abuse.

Methods:We used a 5‐HTT knockout (KO) mouse model to further study this relationship. 5‐Hydroxytryptamine transporter KO mice were tested for the sedative/hypnotic, hypothermia‐inducing, motor‐incoordinating (via accelerating rotarod), and depression‐related (via tail suspension test) effects of acute EtOH administration. Reward‐related effects of EtOH were assessed in 5‐HTT KO mice using the conditioned place preference (CPP) paradigm. 5‐Hydroxytryptamine transporter KO mice were tested for voluntary consumption of EtOH in a modified 2‐bottle choice test that measured the temporal organization of drinking over the circadian cycle via “lickometers.”

Results:Replicating previous findings, 5‐HTT KO mice exhibited significantly increased sensitivity to EtOH‐induced sedation/hypnosis relative to wild‐type controls. Additionally, 5‐HTT KO mice showed motor‐coordination deficits at baseline and in response to EtOH. Hypothermic, pro‐depressive–like, and reward‐related effects of EtOH were no different across genotypes. Gross EtOH consumption was modestly reduced in 5‐HTT KO mice, due to significantly lesser consumption during the peak period of drinking in the early dark phase.

Conclusions:Data extend the finding that loss of 5‐HTT gene function alters certain neural and behavioral effects of EtOH, with implications for better understanding the pathophysiology and treatment of alcoholism.
Time‐Dependent Alterations in Ethanol Intake in Male Wistar Rats Exposed to Short and Prolonged Daily Maternal Separation in a 4‐Bottle Free‐Choice Paradigm
Authors: Gustafsson Lisa , Nylander Ingrid
Published: October 2006

Background: Previous studies have shown that maternal separation can be used in animal studies of early environmental influence on adult ethanol intake. These studies have shown that short daily separations result in low ethanol intake, whereas prolonged separations relate to an enhanced risk for a high ethanol intake. The aim of the present study was to further examine the long‐term effects of early‐life events on ethanol intake.

Methods: Rat pups were exposed to 15 minutes (MS15) or 360 minutes (MS360) of daily maternal separation during postnatal days 1 to 21 or kept under normal animal facility rearing (AFR) conditions. In adulthood, male rats were given free access to 5, 10, and 20% ethanol, in addition to water, in a 4‐bottle‐choice paradigm.

Results: No differences in total ethanol intake or preference between the 3 experimental groups were found. The 54‐day drinking period was divided into acquisition, stabilization, and maintenance phases for analysis of time and group differences. The MS15 rats increased ethanol intake over time; they mostly consumed 5% ethanol and had a low intake of 20% ethanol throughout the experiment. MS360 rats increased ethanol intake, changed preference from 5% to 20% ethanol, and had a higher increase in intake of 20% ethanol over time. The ethanol intake and preference in the AFR rats were more similar to that of the MS360 rats.

Conclusions: Time‐dependent changes were observed in the preferred choice of low versus high ethanol concentrations in MS15 and MS360 rats. The results support previous findings suggesting that MS15 can be used as a model for environmental protective factors and that MS360 represents a risk environment for acquisition of a high adult ethanol intake.
Environmental Cues, Alcohol Seeking, and Consumption in Baboons: Effects of Response Requirement and Duration of Alcohol Abstinence
Authors: Weerts Elise M. , Goodwin Amy K. , Kaminski Barbara J. , Hienz Robert D.
Published: October 2006

Background:Environmental stimuli (cues) that have been paired with alcohol drinking may evoke classically conditioned states that in turn influence alcohol consumption and relapse to heavy drinking. Animal models using chained schedules of alcohol reinforcement may be useful for examining such complex interactions.

Methods:Alcohol drinking was established in 4 baboons. A sequence of lights and tones was presented during daily 3‐hour sessions. First, cues were presented alone and no programmed contingencies were in effect. Second, cues were paired with 3 linked components consisting of different behavioral contingencies leading to and concluding with access to alcohol for self‐administration in the last component (i.e., a chained schedule of alcohol reinforcement). Third, the effects of withholding alcohol access (i.e., forced abstinence) and increasing the number of lever responses required per drink were evaluated.

Results:Cues paired with a chained schedule of alcohol reinforcement engendered behaviors that brought baboons into contact with alcohol‐related cues and occasioned operant responding that facilitated access to alcohol (alcohol seeking) during components that preceded alcohol access. Increasing the response requirement for each drink decreased the number of drinks and volume of alcohol consumed, but did not alter alcohol seeking. On the first session after 14 days of alcohol abstinence, latency to complete the operant requirement that produced alcohol access was decreased while both alcohol self‐administration and volume of alcohol consumed were increased.

Conclusions:Alcohol self‐administration and consumption were sensitive to increases in response requirement and duration of alcohol abstinence, while seeking was only enhanced by duration of alcohol abstinence. This animal model may be useful to further examine the interactions between environmental cues and behaviors associated with seeking and consumption of alcohol and to evaluate the efficacy of potential alcohol treatment drugs on these behaviors.
Chronic Alcohol Accentuates Nutritional, Metabolic, and Immune Alterations During Asymptomatic Simian Immunodeficiency Virus Infection
Authors: Molina Patricia E. , McNurlan Margaret , Rathmacher John , Lang Charles H. , Zambell Kirsten L. , Purcell Jeanette , Bohm Rudolf P. , Zhang Ping , Bagby Gregory J. , Nelson Steve
Published: October 2006

Background: Alcohol abuse has been reported to have a high prevalence in the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐infected population. However, its impact on disease progression is unknown. Studies dissecting the drug‐induced or alcohol‐induced metabolic derangements that are likely to alter the course of disease progression are lacking. This is particularly important because of the substantial reduction in morbidity and mortality of patients on highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). HIV infection has become a more chronic disease during which alcohol‐induced metabolic alterations may become more prevalent and pronounced.

Methods: The present study used a model of chronic intragastric alcohol administration initiated 3 months before intravenous simian immunodeficiency (SIV) inoculation and continued thereafter throughout the course of SIV infection, to investigate the impact of chronic alcohol binge‐like consumption during the initial 10‐month asymptomatic phase of SIV infection in nonhuman primate rhesus macaques. Anthropometric, metabolic, biochemical, nutritional, and immune state indicators were examined before infection and at 3‐month intervals in asymptomatic chronic alcohol‐treated SIV‐infected macaques and time‐matched isocaloric and uninfected controls.

Results: Intravenous SIVΔB670 infection resulted in increased viral load, decreased circulating CD4+/CD8+ lymphocyte ratio, and increased lymphocyte proliferation (Ki67/CD3+). Chronic alcohol/SIV+ animals showed a higher viral load at 3 months post‐SIV infection as well as a significant and early decrease in caloric intake and nitrogen balance associated with a change in food choice. Rates of skeletal muscle protein synthesis and breakdown, mRNA expression of IGF‐I, myostatin, or the ubiquitin ligase muscle atrophy F‐box protein (MAFbx) did not differ from basal during the 10‐month asymptomatic period of infection. However, muscle TNF‐α mRNA expression was markedly increased at 10 months post‐SIV infection in alcohol/SIV+ animals.

Discussion: These findings suggest that chronic alcohol accelerates nutritional and metabolic dysregulation during SIV infection and may favor a skeletal muscle proinflammatory state, possibly conducive to subsequent muscle wasting.