bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predictors of driving assessment outcome in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Worringham Charles J. , Wood Joanne M. , Kerr Graham K. , Silburn Peter A.
Published: September 2005

This study evaluated selected clinical and functional tests as predictors of driving safety outcomes in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients. A total of 25 PD patients and 21 age‐matched controls, all regular drivers, underwent neurological evaluation and assessment of cognitive, visual, and motor function and a standardized, on‐road driving assessment. The capacity of the tests to predict pass/fail driving outcomes was determined by selecting a subset with the highest predictive value from each domain and then subjecting these subsets to discriminant function analysis. Accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values were determined. Three relatively simple tests from the larger battery predicted passes with relatively high sensitivity (PD, 72.7%; controls, 93.8%; both combined, 85.2%); and moderate specificity (PD, 64.3%; controls, 60.0%; both combined. 63.2%). These tests assessed motor performance (Purdue Pegboard test), contrast sensitivity (Pelli–Robson test), and cognitive function (verbal version of Symbol Digit Modalities test). Adding time since diagnosis for the PD group increased sensitivity to 90.9% and specificity to 71.4%. These simple tests confer more objectivity and predictive power to clinical recommendations for driving, they reflect distinct functions that are necessary for safe driving, and they may be especially useful when on‐road assessments are not feasible. © 2005 Movement Disorder Society
Screening for developmental and behavioral problems
Authors: Glascoe Frances Page
Published: September 2005

Early detection of developmental and behavioral/mental health problems is greatly facilitated when quality instruments are deployed. This article describes how to identify accurate measures and presents standards for screening tests. Included is a table delineating accurate tools for primary care: typically those relying on information from parents (e.g., PEDS, ASQ, PSC, etc.) as well as measures useful in settings where providers have more time and skill at eliciting behaviors from children (e.g., Brigance screens). Screening measures should be used in the context of developmental surveillance; the longitudinal process of incorporating professional observations into decision‐making about children's developmental needs. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. MRDD Research Reviews 2005;11:173–179.
The neuromotor examination of the preschool child and its prognostic significance
Authors: Hadders‐Algra Mijna
Published: September 2005

The present paper reviews the methods available for neurological or neuromotor evaluation at preschool age. General textbooks on pediatric neurology describe the neurological examination at preschool age in terms of the assessment of the evaluation of cranial nerves, muscle tone, muscle power, reflexes, and the presence of abnormal movements. They stress the fact that assessment at preschool age is difficult because of the time needed to achieve the child's cooperation. Noncooperation at the preschool neurological exam is associated with an increased risk for learning and behavioral problems at school age. At present three age‐specific and standardized test for neurological or neuromotor evaluation at preschool age are available. The method of Amiel‐Tison and Gosselin, of which information can be accessed easily, has the drawback that it focuses on muscle tone and reflexes. It pays little attention to the quality of spontaneous motor behavior. The other two methods, i.e., the neuromotor behavioral inventory (NBI) and the Hempel assessment, are probably more promising in terms of assessment of minor neurological dysfunction as these methods pay ample attention to the child's quality of motor behavior. All methods have in common that information in terms of concurrent validity is scarce, with no information on predictive validity. This means that further research on applicability and validity of preschool neuromotor assessment is urgently needed. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. MRDD Research Reviews 2005;11:180–188.
Measurement of attention and related functions in the preschool child
Authors: Mahone E. Mark
Published: September 2005

The goal of this review of the clinical and research literature is to identify, describe, and critique published methods for assessment of attention and related functions in preschool children (ages 6 and younger). The need for valid assessment of preschool children has grown dramatically in the past two decades following the implementation of special education services for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers under Public Law 99–457. At the same time, the number of preschool children presenting to clinicians for assessment of attention problems has grown at a steady rate. In contrast to assessment methods for school‐age children, the availability of reliable and valid measures of attention for preschool children is much more limited. The majority of instruments developed to measure attention in preschoolers are described in the experimental literature, with fewer available commercially. Attention tests that can be appropriately used with children aged 3 and younger are scarce. Most preschool tests of attention report validity data involving sensitivity in contrasting clinical groups to controls, while the literature describing the utility of these measures in differentiating between clinical groups is much more limited. The review provides information on performance based tests (e.g., continuous performance, cancellation, auditory/visual span), as well as parent and teacher rating scales. The review concludes that valid assessment of attention and related skills can be effectively achieved in preschool children, with appropriate cautions. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. MRDD Research Reviews 2005;11:216–225.
Screening for autism in young children: The Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M‐CHAT) and other measures
Authors: Dumont‐Mathieu Thyde , Fein Deborah
Published: September 2005

The literature on the importance of early identification and early intervention for children with developmental disabilities such as autism continues to grow. The increased prevalence of autistic spectrum disorders has fostered research efforts on the development and validation of autism‐specific screening instruments for use with young children. There are currently several such autism‐specific screening tools meant to be used with young children in various stages of development. Data from a few of these screening instruments have been published, and they include the Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (CHAT), Pervasive Developmental Disorders Screening Test (PDDST), Screening Tool for Autism in Two year olds (STAT), Checklist for Autism in Toddlers‐23 (CHAT‐23), and the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M‐CHAT). In this review, these five tools designed for use with children under three years old will be highlighted. In particular, the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M‐CHAT) will be discussed. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. MRDD Research Reviews 2005;11:253–262.
Measuring functional skills in preschool children at risk for neurodevelopmental disabilities
Authors: Msall Michael E.
Published: September 2005

Approximately 400,000 preschool children have a major neurodevelopmental disorder impacting on mobility, cognitive‐adaptive, or communicative skills. As many as 1 in 3 children live at psychosocial disadvantage because of poverty, parental mental illness or substance misuse, or low parental educational (i.e. less than high school). In the past decade over 500,000 preschool children have survived being born with very low birth weight (1001–1500 g) or extremely low birth weight status (≤1000 g). Given the scope of these risks and the importance of optimizing outcomes for vulnerable children, this review will highlight advances in functional assessment using adaptive and multiattribute health‐related quality of life measures. A framework based on the International Classification of Functioning, (ICF) World Health Organization and the Dynamic Kaleidoscope Model of the Institute of Medicine (IOM) will be described and illustrated with examples of children receiving new biomedical technologies. Assessment scales were chosen for review if they measured adaptive skills or multiattribute health status and had been used in child disability populations. Instruments reviewed include the Infant and Toddler Quality of Life Questionnaire (ITQOL), The Netherlands Office of Prevention Assessment of Preschool Quality of Life (TAPQOL), the Health Status Classification System‐PreSchool (HSCS‐PS), the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI), the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale (VABS), the Warner Inventory of Developmental and Emerging Adaptive and Functional Skills (Warner IDEA‐FS™), the Scales of Independent Behavior Revised (SIB‐R) Early Development Form, the Pediatric Functional Independence Measure (WeeFIM™), and the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory Version 4 (PedsQL™ 4.0). By measuring functional and adaptive skills and health‐related quality of life, we can help devise intervention strategies that optimize developmental independence, family supports, and community participation among children who are at risk for neurodevelopmental disabilities or who have evolving established neurodevelopmental disabilities. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. MRDD Research Reviews 2005;11:263–273.
Assessment of executive function in preschool‐aged children
Authors: Isquith Peter K. , Crawford Jennifer S. , Espy Kimberly Andrews , Gioia Gerard A.
Published: September 2005

Assessment of the overarching self‐regulatory mechanisms, or executive functions, in any age group is challenging, in part due to the complexity of this domain, in part due to their dynamic essence, and in part due to the inextricable links between these central processes and the associated domain‐specific processes, such as language, motor function, and attention, over which they preside. While much progress has been made in clinical assessment approaches for measuring executive functions in adults and to some extent in adolescents and school‐aged children, the toolkit for the preschool evaluator remains sparse. The past decade, however, has seen a substantial increase in attention to executive functions in very young children from a developmental neuropsychological perspective. With this has come a necessity for better, more specific, and more internally valid performance measures, many of which are now described in the experimental literature. Few such tasks, however, have adequately demonstrated psychometric properties for clinical application. We present two performance tasks designed to tap selective aspects of executive function in preschoolers that are emerging from the experimental laboratory and hold promise of appropriate reliability and validity for the clinical laboratory. Performance tests alone, however, are insufficient to develop a comprehensive picture of a child's executive functioning. Thus, we present a rating scale of preschoolers' executive function in the everyday context, and advocate a model of executive function assessment that incorporates both controlled performance tasks that target specific aspects of executive function and parent/teacher ratings that target more global aspects of self‐regulation in the everyday context. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. MRDD Research Reviews 2005;11:209–215.
Neighbor power: Building community the Seattle Way,by Jim Diers
Authors: Sirianni Carmen
Published: September 2005

University of Washington Press, 2004, Seattle Washington ($18.95).
A novel tridentate nitrogen donor as ligand in copper catalyzed ATRP of methyl methacrylate
Authors: Mittal Anuj , Sivaram Swaminathan
Published: September 2005

A tridentate ligand, BPIEP: 2,6‐bis[1‐(2,6‐diisopropyl phenylimino) ethyl] pyridine, having central pyridine unit and two peripheral imine coordination sites was effectively employed in controlled/“living” radical polymerization of MMA at 90°C in toluene as solvent, CuIBr as catalyst, and ethyl‐2‐bromoisobutyrate (EBiB) as initiator resulting in well‐defined polymers with polydispersities Mw/Mn ≤ 1.23. The rate of polymerization follows first‐order kinetics, kapp = 3.4 × 10−5 s−1, indicating the presence of low radical concentration ([P*] ≤ 10−8) throughout the reaction. The polymerization rate attains a maximum at a ligand‐to‐metal ratio of 2:1 in toluene at 90°C. The solvent concentration (v/v, with respect to monomer) has a significant effect on the polymerization kinetics. The polymerization is faster in polar solvents like, diphenylether, and anisole, as compared to toluene. Increasing the monomer concentration in toluene resulted in a better control of polymerization. The molecular weights (Mn,SEC) increased linearly with conversion and were found to be higher than predicted molecular (Mn,Cal). However, the polydispersity remained narrow, i.e., ≤1.23. The initiator efficiency at lower monomer concentration approaches a value of 0.7 in 110 min as compared to 0.5 in 330 min at higher monomer concentration. The aging of the copper salt complexed with BPIEP had a beneficial effect and resulted in polymers with narrow polydispersitities and higher conversion. PMMA obtained at room temperature in toluene (33%, v/v) gave PDI of 1.22 (Mn = 8500) in 48 h whereas, at 50°C the PDI is 1.18 (Mn = 10,300), which is achieved in 23 h. The plot of lnkapp versus 1/T gave an apparent activation energy of polymerization as (ΔE≠app) 58.29 KJ/mol and enthalpy of equilibrium (ΔH0eq) to 28.8 KJ/mol. Reverse ATRP of MMA was successfully performed using AIBN in bulk as well as solution. The controlled nature of the polymerization reaction was established through kinetic studies and chain extension experiments. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 43: 4996–5008, 2005
Metallosupramolecular approach toward functional coordination polymers
Authors: Dobrawa Rainer , Würthner Frank
Published: September 2005

An appropriate definition of metallosupramolecular coordination polymer is offered, and the relationship between the polymer length, binding constant, and concentration is clarified. The possibility of influencing the binding constant with chelating ligands is discussed on the basis of examples of different Zn2+ complexes and their respective binding constants. In the main part, coordination polymers constructed by a supramolecular approach from different metal ions and pyridine–ligand systems are highlighted, and their applications as functional materials for artificial membrane and enzyme models, responsive gels, light‐harvesting systems, and organic light‐emitting diodes are discussed on the basis of individual examples. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 43: 4981–4995, 2005
Dielectric relaxation study in electron‐irradiated ferroelectric poly(vinylidene fluoride‐trifluoroethylene) (80/20 mol%) copolymer
Authors: Guo S. S. , Lu S. G. , Xu Z. K. , Zhao X.‐Z.
Published: September 2005

The relaxor ferroelectric (RFE) behavior in high‐energy electron‐irradiated poly(vinylidene fluoride‐trifluoroethylene) [P(VDF‐TrFE)] 80/20 mol % copolymer system is characterized over a broad frequency and temperature range. The dielectric properties remarkably vary with the irradiated dose in terms of the change from normal ferroelectric (FE) to RFE phase. During the RFE–paraelectric (PE) transition, the dielectric constants, as a function of temperature, can be described by the Vogel–Fulcher (V–F) relation. It has been found that the relationship between the real and imaginary part of dielectric constant in irradiated copolymer can be well fitted with modified Cole–Cole equation and Debye relaxation equation, exhibiting similar features as inorganic RFEs. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 43: 2972–2980, 2005
Pilot study of radiofrequency interstitial tumor ablation (RITA) for the treatment of radio‐recurrent prostate cancer
Authors: Shariat Shahrokh F. , Raptidis Grigorios , Masatoschi Muramoto , Bergamaschi Franco , Slawin Kevin M.
Published: September 2005

BACKGROUND

To prospectively evaluate the feasibility, safety, morbidity, and preliminary efficacy of radiofrequency interstitial tumor ablation (RITA) for the focal treatment of patients with local prostate cancer recurrence.

METHODS

Eleven patients with biopsy‐proven, hormone‐naïve, clinically localized prostate cancer were enrolled in a prospective phase I/II trial. Eight patients had failed prior radiation therapy and three were not candidates for curative primary therapy (median Gleason score 7 and 6, respectively). Median follow‐up was 20 months. All patients were treated with RITA in an office setting, under intravenous sedation and were discharged after the procedure. Radiofrequency energy was applied via needles placed transperineally under transrectal ultrasound guidance.

RESULTS

The placement of 1/4 lesions was aborted in two patients due to increasing rectal temperature. Complications included transient macrohematuria (19%), bladder spasms (9%), and dysuria (9%). Serum PSA levels decreased after RITA >50% in 90% of patients, > 70% in 72% of patients, and > 80% in 46% of patients. The mean PSA doubling time after RITA was slower than that before RITA (37 ± 22 months vs. 14 ± 13 months, P = 0.008). At 12 months after RITA, 50% of patients with sufficient follow‐up had no residual cancer on repeat systematic 12‐core biopsy cores and 67% were cancer‐free in biopsy cores sampled from the RITA‐treated areas.

CONCLUSIONS

RITA treatment is a minimal invasive, rapid, user‐friendly, office‐based procedure that is well tolerated. Focal ablation with RITA results in effective local disease control in patients with non‐metastatic prostate cancer recurrence. Larger, prospective, multicenter clinical studies are needed to confirm these findings. Prostate. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Possible role of adaptive mutation in resistance to antiandrogen in prostate cancer cells
Authors: Hara Takahito , Kouno Jin , Nakamura Kazuyo , Kusaka Masami , Yamaoka Masuo
Published: September 2005

BACKGROUND

Some mutations of androgen receptor (AR) confer resistance to antiandrogen to prostate cancer (PC) cells. Previously we reported that LNCaP‐cxD2 cells established from androgen‐dependent LNCaP‐FGC PC cells as an antiandrogen bicalutamide‐resistant subline harbor W741C/L mutation in the AR gene. In this report, we examined one possible mechanism of the resistance.

METHODS

Change in the gene expression and the protein levels relevant to mutagenesis in LNCaP‐FGC cells during bicalutamide‐treatment was assessed. The AR sequence of bicalutamide‐resistant LNCaP‐cxD2 cells was compared with that of parental LNCaP‐FGC cells.

RESULTS

The expression of DNA polymerases (Pol) switched from high‐fidelity subset to error‐prone subset, and DNA mismatch repair proteins (MMR) were down‐regulated. The rate of multiple mutations in the AR gene was higher in LNCaP‐cxD2 cells than LNCaP‐FGC cells.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest the hypermutational state might occur in LNCaP‐FGC cells during bicalutamide‐treatment, which might create the W741C/L mutant AR leading to bicalutamide‐resistance. Prostate. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Pim‐2 upregulation: Biological implications associated with disease progression and perinueral invasion in prostate cancer
Authors: Dai Hong , Li Rile , Wheeler Thomas , de Vivar Andrea Diaz , Frolov Anna , Tahir Salahaldin , Agoulnik Irina , Thompson Timothy , Rowley David , Ayala Gustavo
Published: September 2005

BACKGROUND

The serine/threonine kinase Pim‐2 acts as a transcriptionally regulated apoptotic inhibitor and is implicated in prosurvival. Pim‐2 has been implicated in many apoptotic pathways.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Silencer validated short interfering RNA (siRNA) to Pim‐2, Silencer GAPDH siRNA, and one scrambled siRNA for eliciting RNAi were transfected separately into DU‐145/DRG in vitro model. Total RNA was extracted, purified, and validated by Quantitative RT‐PCR 48 hr after transfection. The effects of Pim‐2 silencing in vitro were evaluated by Western blot and immunofluroscence and collaborated with Ki‐67 and TUNEL. The first microarrays (0.6 mm) had 640 radical prostatectomies while the second array (2 mm) used 226 perineural invasion (PNI) cases.

RESULTS

mRNA level of Pim‐2 in experimental samples was 99% decreased. The experimental samples (mean 7.6 ± 0.52%) had significantly higher apoptosis than controls (mean 0.89 ± 0.014%) (P = 0.000). Conversely, proliferation (Ki‐67 index) of the experimental samples (mean 57.1 ± 3.94%) was lower than controls(mean 64.7 ± 3.1%), but not significant (P = 0.0979). Both nuclear and cytoplasmic Pim‐2 were increased in PNI than in prostate cancer (PCa) away from the nerve. Increased nuclear Pim‐2 in PCa was associated with many established prognostic factors. Increased Pim‐2 levels (nuclear or cytoplasmic) also correlated with NFκB nuclear translocation, higher proliferation, and reduced apoptosis. Higher level of nuclear Pim‐2 in the PCa was associated with higher risk of biochemical recurrence (HR: 1.021–2.419, P = 0.0399).

CONCLUSION

Pim‐2 is an important prosurvival gene, which might result in activation of enhanced anti‐apoptotic pathway, leading to a more aggressive phenotype of PCa. Pim‐2 may become a target for novel therapeutic strategies. Prostate. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Characterization of peptides resulting from digestion of human skin elastin with elastase
Authors: Getie M. , Schmelzer C.E.H. , Neubert R.H.H.
Published: September 2005

Several pathological disorders are associated with abnormalities in elastic fibers, which are mainly composed of elastin. Understanding the biochemical basis of such disorders requires information about the primary structure of elastin. Since the acquisition of structural information for elastin is hampered by its extreme insolubility in water or any organic solvent, in this study, human skin elastin was digested with elastase to produce water‐soluble peptides. Tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) experiments were performed using conventional electrospray ionization (ESI) and nano‐ESI techniques coupled with ion trap and quadrupole time‐of‐flight (qTOF) mass analyzers, respectively. The peptides were identified from the fragment spectra using database searching and/or de novo sequencing. The cleavage sites of the enzyme and, for the first time, the extent and location of proline hydroxylation in human skin elastin were determined. A total of 117 peptides were identified with sequence coverage of 58.8%. It has been observed that 25% of proline residues in the sequenced region are hydroxylated. Elastase cleaves predominantly at the C‐terminals of the amino acids Gly, Val, Leu, Ala, and Ile, and to a lesser extent at Phe, Pro, Glu, and Arg. Our results confirm a previous report that human skin elastin lacks amino acid sequences expressed by exon 26A. Proteins 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
In vitro antioxidant studies and free radical reactions of triphala, an ayurvedic formulation and its constituents
Authors: Naik G. H. , Priyadarsini K. I. , Bhagirathi R. G. , Mishra B. , Mishra K. P. , Banavalikar M. M. , Mohan Hari
Published: September 2005

The aqueous extract of the fruits of Emblica officinalis (T1), Terminalia chebula (T2) and Terminalia belerica (T3) and their equiproportional mixture triphala were evaluated for their in vitro antioxidant activity. γ‐Radiation induced strand break formation in plasmid DNA (pBR322) was effectively inhibited by triphala and its constituents in the concentration range 25–200 µg/mL with a percentage inhibition of T1 (30%–83%), T2 (21%–71%), T3 (8%–58%) and triphala (17%–63%). They also inhibited radiation induced lipid peroxidation in rat liver microsomes effectively with IC50 values less than 15 µg/mL. The extracts were found to possess the ability to scavenge free radicals such as DPPH and superoxide. As the phenolic compounds present in these extracts are mostly responsible for their radical scavenging activity, the total phenolic contents present in these extracts were determined and expressed in terms of gallic acid equivalents and were found to vary from 33% to 44%. These studies revealed that all three constituents of triphala are active and they exhibit slightly different activities under different conditions. T1 shows greater efficiency in lipid peroxidation and plasmid DNA assay, while T2 has greater radical scavenging activity. Thus their mixture, triphala, is expected to be more efficient due to the combined activity of the individual components. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Naturally derived anti‐HIV agents
Authors: Asres Kaleab , Seyoum Ameha , Veeresham Ciddi , Bucar Franz , Gibbons Simon
Published: September 2005

The urgent need for new anti‐HIV/AIDS drugs is a global concern. In addition to obvious economical and commercial hurdles, HIV/AIDS patients are faced with multifarious difficulties associated with the currently approved anti‐HIV drugs. Adverse effects, the emergence of drug resistance and the narrow spectrum of activity have limited the therapeutic usefulness of the various reverse transcriptase and protease inhibitors that are currently available on the market. This has driven many scientists to look for new anti‐retrovirals with better efficacy, safety and affordability. As has always been the case in the search for cures, natural sources offer great promise. Several natural products, mostly of plant origin have been shown to possess promising activities that could assist in the prevention and/or amelioration of the disease. Many of these anti‐HIV agents have other medicinal values as well, which afford them further prospective as novel leads for the development of new drugs that can deal with both the virus and the various disorders that characterize HIV/AIDS. The aim of this review is to report new discoveries and updates pertaining to anti‐HIV natural products. In the review anti‐HIV agents have been classified according to their chemical classes rather than their target in the HIV replicative cycle, which is the most frequently encountered approach. Perusal of the literature revealed that most of these promising naturally derived anti‐HIV compounds are flavonoids, coumarins, terpenoids, alkaloids, polyphenols, polysaccharides or proteins. It is our strong conviction that the results and experiences with many of the anti‐HIV natural products will inspire and motivate even more researchers to look for new leads from plants and other natural sources. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Antimicrobial activity of Pycnogenol®
Authors: Torras Maria Angeles Calvo , Faura Carles Adelantado , Schönlau F. , Rohdewald P.
Published: September 2005

Pycnogenol®, a standardized extract of Pinus pinaster bark, was tested for its antimicrobial activity against 23 different pathogenic prokaryotic (gram‐positive and gram‐negative) and eukaryotic (yeast and fungi) microorganisms. Pycnogenol® inhibited the growth of all the tested microorganisms in minimum concentrations ranging from 20 to 250 µg/mL. Thus, Pycnogenol® in concentrations as low as 0.025% could counteract the growth of all the strains investigated in our study. These results conform with clinical oral health care studies describing the prevention of plaque formation and the clearance of candidiasis by Pycnogenol®. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Biological activity of Spatoglossum asperum: a brown alga
Authors: Ara Jehan , Sultana Viqar , Qasim Rashida , Ehteshamul‐Haque Syed , Ahmad Viqar Uddin
Published: September 2005

Chloroform and methanol fractions of an ethanol extract of Spatoglossum asperum showed antifungal activity against the highly destructive plant pathogen, Macrophomina phaseolina while the n‐hexane fraction showed activity against Rhizoctonia solani and Fusarium solani. n‐Hexane and methanol fractions also showed nematicidal activity against the plant parasitic nematode, Meloidogyne javanica. Column chromatography of the ethanol extract of seaweed yielded oily fractions named SA‐I to SA‐VI. GC‐MS data of these oily fractions showed the presence of various fatty acid esters. Some of these oily fractions exhibited strong antifungal and nematicidal activities. Oily fractions of S. asperum also showed hypolipidaemic activity in normal, triton‐induced and high fat diet‐induced hyperlipidaemic rats without producing any ill effect on cardiac and liver enzymes. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
In vitro anticancer activity of twelve Chinese medicinal herbs
Authors: Shoemaker Mark , Hamilton Bobbi , Dairkee Schanaz H. , Cohen Isaac , Campbell Michael J.
Published: September 2005

Aqueous extracts of 12 Chinese medicinal herbs, Anemarrhena asphodeloides, Artemisia argyi, Commiphora myrrha, Duchesnea indica, Gleditsia sinensis, Ligustrum lucidum, Rheum palmatum, Rubia cordifolia, Salvia chinensis, Scutellaria barbata, Uncaria rhychophylla and Vaccaria segetalis were evaluated for their antiproliferative activity on eight cancer cell lines as well as on normal human mammary epithelial cells. Five human and three murine cancer cell lines representing different tissues (breast, lung, pancreas and prostate) were used. All the crude aqueous extracts demonstrated growth inhibitory activity on some or all of the cancer cell lines, but only two showed activity against the normal mammary epithelial cells. Overall, the murine cell lines tended to be more sensitive to most of the extracts compared with the human cell lines. Among the human cell lines, cell type specificity was observed for two extracts. These results indicate the potential use of traditional Chinese medicinal herbs as antineoplastic agents and suggest that further studies evaluating their mechanism(s) of action and the isolation of active antitumor compounds are warranted. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The use of health foods, spices and other botanicals in the Sikh community in London
Authors: Sandhu Davinder S. , Heinrich Michael
Published: September 2005

Attitudes and practice concerning complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) are currently an area of considerable interest. However, little is known about the overall importance of such practices, for example, in immigrant communities such as the Sikh (Punjabi) British. The use of CAM in immigrants belonging to the Sikh religion in London was studied. The primary objective was to analyse the extent to which traditional medicine is used and understood by this population. Traditional Sikh medicine is important to this group of informants and a total of 42 species were recorded and identified tentatively. The most frequently mentioned species were Allium cepa (onion – gunda), Allium sativum (garlic – lasan, thon), Capsicum frutescens (cayenne pepper – lalmirch), Cinnamomum verum (cinnamom‐dhal chini), Citrus limon (lemon – nimbu), Foeniculum vulgare (fennel – saunf), Elettaria cardamomum (cardamom – elaichi) and Zingiber officinale (ginger – adrak). The study also highlights the rapid change this tradition is undergoing in a diaspora situation.

In depth studies on the use of CAM among other immigrant communities and among ethnic groups are urgent and may help to manage better the treatment of minor ailments as well as chronic diseases. Specifically, more research on traditional and herbal remedies amongst the numerous ethnic groups in urban Britain and how this impacts on the use of biomedicine (e.g. as it is provided by the NHS) is essential. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Antibacterial activity of essential oils from Australian native plants
Authors: Wilkinson Jenny M. , Cavanagh Heather M. A.
Published: September 2005

To date, of the Australian essential oils, only tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) and Eucalyptus spp. have undergone extensive investigation. In this study a range of Australian essential oils, including those from Anethole anisata, Callistris glaucophyllia, Melaleuca spp. and Thyptomine calycina, were assayed for in vitro antibacterial activity. M. alternifolia was also included for comparison purposes. Activity was determined using standard disc diffusion assays with each oil assayed at 100%, 10% and 1% against five bacteria (Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Alcaligenes faecalis) and the yeast, Candida albicans. All bacteria, with the exception of Ps. aeruginosa, were susceptible to one or more of the essential oils at 100%, with only Eremophilia mitchelli inhibiting the growth of any bacteria at 1% (inhibition of Sal. typhimurium). Where multiple samples of a single oil variety were tested variability in activity profiles were noted. This suggests that different methods of preparation of essential oils, together with variability in plant chemical profiles has an impact on whether or not the essential oil is of use as an antimicrobial agent. These results show that essential oils from Australian plants may be valuable antimicrobial agents for use alone or incorporated into cosmetics, cleaning agents and pharmaceutical products. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluated fate and effects of atrazine and lambda‐cyhalothrin in vegetated and unvegetated microcosms
Authors: Bouldin J. L. , Farris J. L. , Moore M. T. , Smith S. , Stephens W. W. , Cooper C. M.
Published: September 2005

Contaminants such as nutrients, metals, and pesticides can interact with constructed wetlands and existing drainage ditches used as agricultural best‐management practices. Our research has shown that the presence of macrophytes and a hydrologic regime aid in the transfer and transformation of pesticides associated with agricultural runoff. This study consisted of application of both atrazine (triazine herbicide) and lambda‐cyhalothrin (pyrethroid insecticide) to vegetated and unvegetated microcosms in order to measure the fate and effects of pesticides applied at suggested field application rates. Exposures focused on monocultures of Ludwigia peploides (water primrose) and Juncus effusus (soft rush). Pesticide sorption was evident through concentrations of atrazine and lambda‐cyhalothrin in plant tissue as high as 2461.4 and 86.50 μg/kg, respectively. Toxicity was measured in water from unvegetated microcosms for 28 days and in Chironomus tentans (midge larvae) exposed to sediment collected from 3 h to 56 days in microcosms receiving the pesticide combination. The comparative survival of test organisms in this study suggests that effective mitigation of pesticides from runoff can depend on the macrophyte contact and vegetative attributes associated with ditches. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 20: 487–498, 2005.
Stream macroinvertebrate drift response to pulsed exposure of the synthetic pyrethroid lambda‐cyhalothrin
Authors: Lauridsen Rasmus B. , Friberg Nikolai
Published: September 2005

Outdoor experimental channels were used to study the behavioral changes of stream macroinvertebrates exposed to a pulse of the pyrethroid insecticide lambda‐cyhalothrin. The primary end point was the number of macroinvertebrates drifting, but the mobility of macroinvertebrates caught in the drift also was assessed. A specified number of two insect species, Baetis rhodani and Leuctra fusca/digitata, and of the amphipod Gammarus pulex were introduced into small replicated subsections of the experimental channels. Macroinvertebrates were allowed to acclimatize for 26 h prior to a 60‐min pulsed exposure to lambda‐cyhalothrin. Measurement was initiated 2 h before pesticide application and continued for the following 24 h. Pulse concentrations of lambda‐cyhalothrin of 0.001, 0.01, 0.1, and 1.0 μg L−1 were applied, and each experiment was replicated 8 times. All three species responded to the pesticide pulse with catastrophic drift. The 0.001 μg L−1 treatment caused a significant increase in the drift of Gammarus, whereas the drift response threshold was 0.01 μg L−1 for the two insect species. Drift response onset followed the applied pulse concentration, with the highest concentrations resulting in more individuals of all species entering drift at an early stage. The majority of individuals caught in drift samples during low concentrations showed no change in mobility. At the two highest concentrations, however, both Baetis and Leuctra were in the process of being immobilized, with Leuctra the more sensitive of the two. In contrast, only a few of the Gammarus individuals caught showed changes in mobility after the high‐concentration treatments. The present study shows that lambda‐cyhalothrin is a potential hazard for macroinvertebrate populations in headwater streams. The clear species‐specific responses indicate that sublethal doses have the potential to change the macroinvertebrate community structure. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 20: 513–521, 2005.
Interseasonal variability in biomarkers of exposure in fish inhabiting a southwestern Australian estuary
Authors: Webb Diane , Gagnon Marthe Monique , Rose Tom
Published: September 2005

The Swan–Canning Estuary, in southwestern Australia, undergoes distinct seasonal changes, with freshwater discharge predominant in the winter (wet) season and low flow with high salinity predominant in the dry summer season. To investigate seasonal variability in biomarkers of exposure in fish, black bream (Acanthopagrus butcheri) were collected from seven sites in the Swan–Canning Estuary in winter 2000 and in summer 2001. No interseasonal or intersite differences in serum sorbitol dehydrogenase concentration were found, indicating the measured mixed‐function oxygenase (MFO) enzymes were not influenced by liver damage. The ethoxyresorufin‐O‐deethlyase (EROD) activity of the postspawning females was higher in summer than in winter but was significantly lower than that in males in both seasons, suggesting estradiol suppression in females. Sexual differences in ethoxycoumarin‐O‐deethylase (ECOD) activity were not evident in either season. Both EROD and ECOD activities and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) biliary metabolites had significantly different patterns of induction between seasons. The ratio of naphthalene‐type to benzo(a)pyrene‐type biliary metabolites was significantly higher in summer, indicating the sources of petroleum hydrocarbons were petrogenic compared to in winter, when the source was a mixture of pyrogenic and petrogenic PAHs. There was no upstream or downstream gradient of response in any biomarker in either season, demonstrating that there were multiple sources of contaminant input into the estuary. Although winter biomarker levels were triggered by the discharge runoff from major roads and drains, summer biomarker levels appear to have been related to recreational boating use on the estuary. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 20: 522–532, 2005.
Toxicokinetics of 14C‐endosulfan in male Sprague–Dawley rats following oral administration of single or repeated doses
Authors: Chan Melissa P. L. , Morisawa Shinsuke , Nakayama Aki , Kawamoto Yuko , Sugimoto Miki , Yoneda Minoru
Published: September 2005

Endosulfan (ES), an organochlorine (OC) insecticide that belongs to the cyclodiene group, is one of the most commonly used pesticides to control pests in vegetables, cotton, and fruits. The toxicokinetics of 14C‐endosulfan following oral administration of a single dose of 5 mg/kg body weight was investigated in male Sprague–Dawley rats. Three rats were sacrificed 30 min, 1 h, 2 h, 4 h, and 8 h after dosing. 14C‐endosulfan radioactivity was detected in all tissues at each time point. In a separate experiment urine and feces were collected for 96 h. The total radioactivity recovered in the excreta for 4 days was 106.8% ± 26.2%, with fecal elimination the major route of elimination route (94.4% ± 21.4%). The cumulative excretion in the urine for 4 days was 12.4% ± 4.8%. Radioactivity 8 h after administration was highest in gastrointestinal (GI) tract tissue (20.28 ± 16.35 mg ES eq./L) and lowest in muscle (0.18 ± 0.06 mg ES eq./L). The toxicokinetic parameters obtained from 14C‐endosulfan‐derived radioactivity in blood were distribution half‐life (T1/2 x) = 31 min and terminal elimination half‐life (T1/2 y) = 193 h. Blood concentration reached its maximum (Cmax) of 0.36 ± 0.08 mg ES eq./L 2 h after the oral dose. Endosulfan was rapidly absorbed into the GI tract in rats, with an absorption rate constant (ka) of 3.07 h−1. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 20: 533–541, 2005.
Helmet efficacy in the prevention of bicyclist head injuries: Royal australasian college of surgeons initiatives in the introduction of compulsory safety helmet wearing in Victoria, Australia
Authors: McDermott F. T.
Published: September 2005

The results of a comparative study of the injury profiles of Victorian motorcyclist and bicyclist casualties were used by the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons in initiating a state‐wide campaign to promote the wearing of approved safety helmets by Victorian bicyclists and to obtain the necessary legislation whereby such wearing would become compulsory. Bicyclist casualties had sustained more frequent and severe head injuries than motorcyclist casualties although the latter had sustained overall more severe body injuries. Increases in voluntary helmet wearing rates and reductions in costs preceded the introduction in July, 1990 in Victoria of compulsory safety helmet wearing by bicyclists. Sixty‐four helmets obtained during a study of more than 1,700 Victorian bicyclists wearing and not wearing helmets were evaluated for performance by impact severity testing and findings related to head injury occurrence. Sixteen helmets sustained more than one impact during the accident. All casualties who sustained a severe head injury (Abbreviated Injury Scale ≥ 4) were involved in a collision with a motor vehicle and subjected to more than one impact to the head/helmet and/or the helmet had come off during the accident. Most impacts occurred below the current test lines of Australian and United States standards. Ten percent of impacts were more severe than required in performance standards. Recommendations are made for improvements in the current standard.
Reducing traffic injury: Size of the problem and lack of research resources
Authors: Campbell B. J.
Published: September 2005

Worldwide, traffic deaths are 500,000 per year and growing. Four nations, China, India, Russia, and the United States of America, have reached levels of 45,000–50,000 traffic deaths per year, although the nature of the problem is quite different in fully motorized countries from what it is in motorizing countries. In motorizing countries the death rates per 10,000 motor vehicles are much higher than in motorized countries, and also the traffic stream is much more varied. Research for the reduction of traffic injuries is funded at a proportionately much lower level than that for heart disease, cancer, or AIDS. Part of the reason for this is the failure of governments to view and to treat the problem of traffic injuries as a public health problem, but rather to view it solely as a transport problem or as a police matter. A case is made for global mechanisms for the transfer of traffic injury reducing technology from fully motorized nations to motorizing nations.
Improving head protection for cyclists, motorcyclists, and car occupants
Authors: Ryan G. Anthony
Published: September 2005

This paper reviews current concepts of brain injury as it occurs in road traffic crashes, and examines their application in providing improvements in protection against head injury for bicyclists, motorcyclists, and car occupants.
Local excision of carcinoma of the rectum: Indications
Authors: Killingback Mark
Published: September 2005

To discuss indications for local excision of adenocarcinoma of the low rectum, two different series of patients were analysed. Series I consisted of 60 patients treated by local excision from 1969 to 1985 in whom local recurrence developed. Series II consisted of 59 patients who underwent resection for non high grade tumors ≤3.5 cm from 1980 to 1990 in whom lymph node spread was studied. A distinction is made between tumors which are obvious cancers and malignant polyps, and the discussion of indications for local excision is orientated to the former. The results of local excision have been disappointing but a number of compromise selections for local excision have been necessary. Endorectal ultrasound has emerged as the most important method of assessing the depth of invasion of the tumor. Stratifying the depth of the tumor is at present the most important prognostic indicator for lymph node metastasis and local recurrence in non high grade tumors. If the muscle layer is invaded by tumor, local metastasis will occur in 17% of patients. It is likely that only tumors involving superficial layers of muscle are suitable for local excision, but this needs further study. Mucinous carcinomas and the presence of lymphatic invasion are contra‐indications to local excision. The shape and size of tumors are not independent prognostic indicators. The techniques available for local excision alter the indications. Salvage operations for recurrence after local excision have proved disappointing.
Endocavitary irradiation in the conservative treatment of adenocarcinoma of the low rectum
Authors: Papillon J. , Berard Ph.
Published: September 2005

Early T1 and small T2 low rectal cancers may be controlled by endocavitary irradiation using the 50 kV Philips machine. The ambulatory treatment performed in the out‐patient department consists of 4 applications within 6 weeks. Iridium‐192 implant performed under local anesthesia is useful in many cases to give a booster dose to the tumor bed. In a series of 312 patients followed for >5 years, the rates of local and nodal failure were 4.5% and 3.8%, respectively. The rate of death from cancer was 7.7%. After local excision endocavitary irradiation may be used as adjuvant therapy but it is safer to combine external beam and endocavitary irradiation. In the particular case of very poor risk patients with T2 or T3 tumors of the lower third of the rectum, a short course of external beam irradiation (30 Gy within 12 days) followed 2 months later by endocavitary irradiation may be a reliable procedure to prevent permanent colostomy in cases selected according to the patient's condition and the features of the residual disease. Of 67 patients followed for >5 years, 3 patients died of distant metastasis and 5 patients died of local failures. These data, based on close collaboration with surgeons, suggest a reappraisal of the role of radiation therapy in the conservative management of rectal cancer.
Excision of the rectum with colonic J pouch‐anal anastomosis for adenocarcinoma of the low and mid rectum
Authors: Berger A. , Tiret E. , Parc R. , Frileux P. , Hannoun L. , Nordlinger B. , Ratelle R. , Simon R.
Published: September 2005

The results of rectal excision with colonic pouch‐anal anastomosis are reviewed from a series of 162 patients covering 7 years. All patients have been operated upon in the same institution and consecutively. The follow‐up is now sufficient to allow an accurate evaluation of the outcome of the patients. The main goal of this study was to provide a detailed report of the functional results. Continence was satisfactory in 96% of the patients, with either a perfect continence or minor troubles that would not have been detectable other than by a rigorous questioning. The mean number of bowel movements was 2 per 24 hours. Fragmentation of the defecation and urgency were absent. Twenty‐five per cent of the patients had to elicit the evacuation of the reservoir with a suppository or an enema. Improvement of function yielded by a reservoir over straight colo‐anal and low colo‐rectal anastomoses are significant and, as suggested by manometric studies, are directly related to the restoration of a reservoir function.