bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Matrix Methods for Estimating Odds Ratios with Misclassified Exposure Data: Extensions and Comparisons
Authors: Morrissey Mary J. , Spiegelman Donna
Published: May 2004

Summary. Misclassification of exposure variables is a common problem in epidemiologic studies. This paper compares the matrix method (Barren, 1977, Biometrics33, 414–418; Greenland, 1988a, Statistics in Medicine7, 745–757) and the inverse matrix method (Marshall, 1990, Journal of Clinical Epidemiology43, 941–947) to the maximum likelihood estimator (MLE) that corrects the odds ratio for bias due to a misclassified binary covariate. Under the assumption of differential misclassification, the inverse matrix method is always more efficient than the matrix method; however, the efficiency depends strongly on the values of the sensitivity, specificity, baseline probability of exposure, the odds ratio, case‐control ratio, and validation sampling fraction. In a study on sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), an estimate of the asymptotic relative efficiency (

) of the inverse matrix estimate wasO99, while the matrix method's

wasO19. Under nondifferential misclassification, neither the matrix nor the inverse matrix estimator is uniformly more efficient than the other; the efficiencies again depend on the underlying parameters. In the SIDS data, the MLE was more efficient than the matrix method (

). In a study investigating the effect of vitamin A intake on the incidence of breast cancer, the MLE was more efficient than the matrix method (

).
Two‐Stage Design of Quanta1 Response Studies
Authors: Sitter R. R. , Wu C. F. J.
Published: May 2004

Summary. In a quantal response study, there may be insufficient knowledge of the response relationship for the stimulus (or dose) levels to be chosen properly. Information from such a study can be scanty or even unreliable. A two‐stage design is proposed for such studies, which can determine whether and how a follow‐up (i.e., second‐stage) study should be conducted to select additional stimulus levels to compensate for the scarcity of information in the initial study. These levels are determined by using optimal design theory and are based on the fitted model from the data in the initial study. Its advantages are demonstrated using a fishery study.
Repeated Probit Regression When Covariates Are Measured With Error
Authors: Follmann Dean A. , Hunsberger Sally A. , Albert Paul S.
Published: May 2004

Summary. This paper develops a model for repeated binary regression when a covariate is measured with error. The model allows for estimating the effect of the true value of the covariate on a repeated binary response. The choice of a probit link for the effect of the error‐free covariate, coupled with normal measurement error for the error‐free covariate, results in a probit model after integrating over the measurement error distribution. We propose a two‐stage estimation procedure where, in the first stage, a linear mixed model is used to fit the repeated covariate. In the second stage, a model for the correlated binary responses conditional on the linear mixed model estimates is fit to the repeated binary data using generalized estimating equations. The approach is demonstrated using nutrient safety data from the Diet Intervention of School Age Children (DISC) study.
Analysis of Infant Growth Curves Using Multivariate Adaptive Splines
Authors: Zhang Heping
Published: May 2004

Summary. In this paper, we study the effect of cocaine use by a pregnant woman on the growth of her infant after birth. Using a data set from a retrospective study, we found that cocaine use was a marginally significant contributor to the infant growth as measured by bodyweight. Prom a statistical point of view, the data represent a common, though complex, structure that has received little: attention in the statistical literature. To analyze these data, we adopt and further enhance an approach developed recently called MASAL (multivariate adaptive splines for the analysis of longitudinal data). In addition to the fitting of growth curves, we demonstrate particularly how to explore and estimate the underlying covariance structures for the longitudinal data that were collected from a rather irregular schedule.
Statistical Issues in a Metaregression Analysis of Randomized Trials: Impact on the Dietary Sodium Intake and Blood Pressure Relationship
Authors: Greenwood Celia M. T. , Midgley Julian P. , Matthew Andrew G. , Logan Alexander G.
Published: May 2004

Summary. In a meta‐analysis of randomized trials of the effects of dietary sodium interventions on blood pressure, we found substantial heterogeneity among the studies. We were interested in evaluating whether measurement error, known to be a problem for dietary sodium measures, publication bias, or confounding factors could be responsible for the heterogeneity. A measurement error correction was developed that corrects both the slope and the intercept and takes into account the sample size of each study and the number of measurements taken on an individual. The measurement error correction had a minimal effect on the estimates, although it performed well in simulated data. A smoothed scatter plot was used to assess publication bias. Metaregressions provide a convenient way to jointly assess the effects of several factors, but care must be taken to fit an appropriate model.
Attention‐Affect Check List: A self‐report measure of acute mental stress
Authors: SAWADA YUKIHIRO , TANAKA GOHICHI
Published: May 2004

Abstract: Given a hint from Lang, Bradley, and Cutbert's (1997) defense cascade, two cognitive processes, instead of passive versus active behavioral coping, which seem to have differential effects on the provocation of vascular‐ versus cardiac‐dominant reaction pattern during mental stress were advocated: attention (Attent) versus unpleasant affect (UnplAff). Based on this notion the Attention‐Affect Check List (AACL) was developed as a self‐report measure. In addition, items on uncontrollability (Uncontr) were prepared for the purpose of checking whether heightened Attent and UnplAff are accompanied by alterations in Uncontr. Two hundred and eighty‐four students underwent two kinds of mental stress, which seemed to specifically heighten Attent and UnplAff. Four factors with four items each were extracted from the AACL item pool: concentrated and allocated Attent, UnplAff, and pleasant affect. Also, one factor with four items was extracted from the Uncontr item pool. For both the mental stresses, each scale, although very brief, had quite reasonable alpha reliability. Accountability of each scale for the total variance was reasonably high. Some problems are discussed in relation to the validity of AACL.
Can management of freshwater fish populations be used to protect and enhance the conservation status of a rare, fish‐eating bird, the bittern, Botaurus stellaris, in the UK?
Authors: Noble R. A. A. , Harvey J. P. , Cowx I. G.
Published: May 2004

The bittern, Botaurus stellaris (L.), is a Red Data list species in the UK with currently approximately 30 breeding males restricted to a few wet reedbeds, the majority of which are located in the East Anglian region of England. Although having a diverse diet, the bittern is mainly piscivorous, and eels, Anguilla anguilla (L.), and rudd, Scardinius erythrophthalmus (L.), are their main prey species. The EU Species Action Plan for the bittern targeted degradation of wet reedbed habitat and food availability as the two main threats and limiting factors to the conservation status of bitterns. To date, most conservation work has focused on the rehabilitation and creation of wetland reedbed habitat with little or no manipulation of the available or required food base, because of a paucity of knowledge regarding the habitat requirements of fish species in wetlands. Research was undertaken at a key bittern‐breeding site in the UK to assess the impact of habitat management on the dynamics of resident fish populations and their availability to bitterns. Fish stock assessments indicated that current management techniques, in particular reedbed lowering, open water creation and the extensive use of sluices in complex hydrological systems, have impacted on the distribution and recruitment dynamics of fish populations within the reedbed complex, consequently affecting the potential food base for bitterns. It was concluded that fish population management must complement reedbed management regimes if current conservation targets for bitterns are to be met.
Fish introductions and their management in the English Lake District
Authors: Winfield I. J. , Durie N. C.
Published: May 2004

For biogeographical reasons, the English Lake District contains relatively few native fish species although it encompasses 14 major lakes and many smaller water bodies. Nevertheless, it is nationally important for fish biodiversity because of the presence of vendace, Coregonus albula (L.), whitefish, Coregonus lavaretus (L.), and Arctic charr, Salvelinus alpinus (L.), while recreational angling contributes significantly to the local tourism industry. Several recent illegal introductions of fish species have been observed at several lakes, probably as a result of anglers live‐baiting for pike, Esox lucius L., including roach, Rutilus rutilus (L.) and ruffe, Gymnocephalus cernuus (L.), where they now threaten native species through competition and predation. As the removal of introduced populations is practically impossible, their management is limited to preventing further introductions. A description is given of legislation introduced in 2002 to achieve this objective by banning the use of live‐baits in 14 lakes of high conservation importance.
Coupling insights from a carp, Cyprinus carpio, angler survey with feeding experiments to evaluate composition, quality and phosphorus input of groundbait in coarse fishing
Authors: Niesar M. , Arlinghaus R. , Rennert B. , Mehner T.
Published: May 2004

A carp angler survey indicated that specialised carp anglers used on average 215 kg groundbaits (mostly cereals, nuts, beans, boilies) per year which corresponded to a mean annual gross P‐input of 1018 g P angler−1. A feeding experiment was conducted with juvenile carp fed with a random sample of the main bait types used in coarse angling to estimate the nutritional quality and P‐retention efficiency. The investigated groundbaits had a rather low nutritional quality. Based on the examined P‐retention efficiencies, the net annual P‐input was calculated to be 839 g P per angler. To counterbalance this P‐input, an annual harvest rate of 175–225 kg carp biomass per angler would be necessary. Thus, under certain conditions, a substantial contribution by carp and other coarse angling to the P‐loading is likely. Further studies on the issue of groundbaiting are needed to develop guidelines for more effective management of coarse angling.
Fish habitat is everyone's business, Canada's fish habitat management programme
Authors: Goodchild G. A.
Published: May 2004

The conservation and protection of fish habitat in support of Canada's coastal and inland fisheries is the mandate of Canada's Fish Habitat Management Programme. The programme's objective of a net gain of the productive capacity of habitat is achieved by a variety of actions that protect fish habitat but allow works and undertakings in and around water. Some of the core activities include a review of works and proposals for adherence to the requirements of the Fisheries Act, the issuance of letters of mitigation advice, and authorisation and enforcement activities for compliance with legislation and policies. The programme is enhanced through working with partners in community outreach activities, the generation of mitigation guidelines and fact sheets, as well as compliance monitoring and assessment. This paper presents an overview of the Canadian Fish Habitat Management Programme and focuses on how an expanded programme is being managed within the Province of Ontario. Habitat managers’ tools used to protect the resource are detailed. In 1997, an expanded programme for habitat management was initiated. Subsequently, there has been greater emphasis on advice to clients, agency partnerships and public education. Focussing on redesign and relocation of projects and mitigation of harmful effects has likely resulted in the reduction of the number of authorisations for habitat destruction in this period, despite an overall increase in project referrals for review. Once the Habitat Management Programme is fully implemented across Canada, it will be possible, through monitoring and review, to assess whether there is a greater achievement of no net loss of the productive capacity of habitat and potentially a net gain. This programme of habitat protection and conservation could serve as a model for other jurisdictions.
The economic evaluation of pit and fissure sealants
Authors: Deery C.
Published: May 2004

This paper reviews the literature relating to the economic evaluation of sealants. Economic issues are commonly cited for lack of sealant utilization, although there are no adequate economic analyses on which to base this belief. The design of much of the existing economic literature regarding sealants is inappropriate, for example many analyses do not consider the advantages of a sound tooth in the calculation of budget. In general the recent literature supports the efficiency and the effectiveness of sealants. However, there is a need for well designed studies, examining modern materials and populations with current caries prevalence. In particular there is a need for well conducted cost–benefit analyses and cost‐utility analyses, which should encompass discounting for time and sensitivity analyses. Results from such research would assist clinicians and policy makers alike, in decisions regarding the provision of care with regard to sealant provision at the individual and community level.
Mandibular talon cusp: report of two rare cases
Authors: Hegde S. , Ashok Kumar B.R.
Published: May 2004

Two rare cases of talon cusps in the mandibular incisors were observed during a prevalence study on talon cusp. One of them was seen on a mandibular primary lateral incisor. The other one was observed on the mandibular left permanent central incisor, and the right mandibular permanent central incisor was congenitally missing. There were no associated developmental syndromes with either of the cases reported. Of the 4770 children examined, nine cases had talon cusp with only two rare cases of mandibular talon cusp, one in the primary dentition and the other in the permanent dentition.
Neurobehavioral correlates of sleep‐disordered breathing in children
Authors: O'Brien Louise M. , Mervis Carolyn B. , Holbrook Cheryl R. , Bruner Jennifer L. , Smith Nigel H. , McNally Nechia , Catherine McClimment M. , Gozal David
Published: May 2004

The effects of sleep‐disordered breathing (SDB) on neurobehavioral function were examined in two matched groups of children from the general population. Thirty‐five children with polysomnographically confirmed SDB were matched for ethnicity, age, gender, maternal educational attainment, and maternal smoking, to healthy children with no evidence of SDB. Children with SDB had significantly lower mean scores on the Differential Ability Scales for General Conceptual Ability (similar to IQ) and for the Non‐verbal Cluster. On the neuropsychology assessment battery (NEPSY), children with SDB scored significantly lower than the control group on the attention/executive function domain and two subtests within that domain, one measuring visual attention and the other executive function. In addition, children with SDB scored significantly lower than the controls on one subtest from the NEPSY language domain: Phonological Processing. This subtest measures phonological awareness, a skill that is critical for learning to read. No differences in behavior, as measured by the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) or the Conners’ Parent Rating Scale, were found between the two groups. Using a novel algorithm to assess sleep pressure, we found that children with SDB were significantly sleepier than controls. Furthermore, total arousal index was negatively correlated with neurocognitive abilities, suggesting a role for sleep fragmentation in pediatric SDB‐induced cognitive dysfunction.
Waking up properly: is there a role of thermoregulation in sleep inertia?
Authors: Kräuchi Kurt , Cajochen Christian , Wirz‐Justice Anna
Published: May 2004

We assume that alertness should be highest at the end of a sleep episode: it is not. There is always sleep inertia upon awakening, which can last minutes to hours, and whose underlying physiological mechanisms are largely unknown. Previously, we had found a functional relationship between the degree of distal vasodilatation (as measured by the distal‐proximal skin temperature gradient (DPG) and sleepiness (as measured by subjective ratings), promoting rapid sleep onset. This led us to hypothesize that the dissipation of sleep inertia (sleepiness) would be associated with reverse thermoregulatory mechanisms, i.e. distal vasoconstriction. In two sets of experiments with either a nocturnal sleep episode (study 1) or an afternoon nap (study 2) we could show that vasodilatation of hands and feet increased after lights off and that this was reversed after lights on. The time course of the DPG was significantly and positively correlated with subjective sleepiness (KSS), reflecting similar temporal relationships in both studies 1 and 2. The extremities cooled at a rate very closely parallel to the decay of sleepiness [time constants for the exponential decline calculated for study 2: DPG, 0.286 ± 0.048 h versus KSS, 0.332 ± 0.050 h; NS], indicating redistribution of heat from the shell to the core during dissipation of sleepiness. There was no statistical evidence that the time course of sleep inertia and its thermophysiological correlates depend on sleep structure prior to awakening. The symmetry between the thermoregulatory processes initiating sleepiness and those dissipating it is striking. In order to directly test our hypothesis, further studies with thermophysiological interventions (e.g. cooling the extremities) are needed.
Stimulus‐induced brain lactate: effects of aging and prolonged wakefulness
Authors: Urrila Anna S. , Hakkarainen Antti , Heikkinen Sami , Vuori Kim , Stenberg Dag , Häkkinen Anna‐Maija , Lundbom Nina , Porkka‐Heiskanen Tarja
Published: May 2004

Both aging and sleep deprivation disturb the functions of the frontal lobes. Deficits in brain energy metabolism have been reported in these conditions. Neurons use not only glucose but also lactate as their energy substrate. The physiological response to elevated neuronal activity is a transient increase in lactate concentrations in the stimulated area. We have previously shown that cognitive stimulation increases brain lactate. To study the effect of prolonged wakefulness on the lactate response we designed an experiment to assess brain lactate levels during a 40‐h sleep deprivation period in young (19–24 years old; n = 13) and in aged (60–68 years old; n = 12) healthy female volunteers. Brain lactate levels were assessed with proton MR‐spectroscopy (1H MRS) during the performance of a silent word generation task. The 1H MRS voxel location was individually selected, using functional magnetic resonance imaging, to cover the activated area in the left frontal lobe. The degree of sleepiness was verified using vigilance tests and self‐rating scales. In the young alert subjects, the silent word generation test induced a 40% increase in lactate, but during the prolonged wakefulness period this response disappeared. In the aged subjects, the lactate response could not be detected even in the alert state. We propose that the absence of the lactate response may be a sign of malfunctioning of normal brain energy metabolism. The behavioral effects of prolonged wakefulness and aging may arise from this dysfunction.
Liver transplantation in infants weighing under 7 kilograms: Management and outcome of PICU
Authors: Iglesias Juan , López Jesús A. , Ortega Juan , Roqueta Jorge , Asensio Marino , Margarit Carlos
Published: May 2004

Abstract:  Liver transplantation (LT) is an established treatment for children with acute and chronic liver failure. Some reports suggest that infants under the age of 1 yr and children weighing under 13 kg are high‐risk groups associated with less satisfactory results. This report describes our experience during the pediatric intensive care unit stay of 16 infants weighing <7 kg who received LT. We reviewed the records of 16 infants with median age 7.4 months and median weight 5.8 kg, who received 18 liver allografts, nine whole and nine reduced. We also reviewed the use of adrenergic agonist agents, anti‐infectious agents, antihypertensive agents, diuretics, immunosuppression protocol, sedation‐analgesia agents, others agents (prostaglandin E1, heparin and dipyridamole), diagnosis and management of rejection episodes, follow‐up examination, nutrition and outcome. Mean peri‐operative blood transfusions were 204 mL/kg, 188 mL/kg of plasma and 36 mL/kg of platelets; mean operative time was 5 h. Primary abdominal wound closure was possible in nine patients. Median initial intensive care unit stay was 18 days. Reasons for an initial stay of more than 18 days were retransplantation (1), gastrointestinal bleeding (2), paralytic ileus and atelectasis (2), septic shock (2), diaphragmatic paralysis, renal impairment and acute respiratory distress syndrome (2). Mean requirement for artificial ventilation was 168 h. Mean use of dobutamine, prostaglandin E1 and dopamine was 3.3, 7.5 and 8.8 days, respectively. Parenteral nutrition was started at a mean of 48 h and oral food intake was started at a mean of 72 h. The most frequent complications were infection, atelectasis, gastrointestinal bleeding, acute renal failure and hepatic artery thrombosis. Four children required six re‐explorations and two received retransplantation. Mean overall survival rate was 82% and graft survival was 72%. Weight alone (under 7 kg) should not be considered as a contraindication for LT. The survival rate of children post‐LT is excellent regardless of graft type.
Comparison of the outcomes of allogeneic bone marrow transplantation from partially mismatched related donors, matched sibling donors, and matched unrelated donors in Japanese pediatric patients: A single center result
Authors: Nagatoshi Yoshihisa , Kawano Yoshifumi , Okamura Jun
Published: May 2004

Abstract:  Human leukocyte antigen‐disparity is an essential factor in selecting a suitable donor for allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (BMT), and selection criteria may differ between countries or races and between adults and children. We investigated the usefulness of partially mismatched related donors (PMRD) for Japanese children in comparison with matched sibling donors (MSD) and matched unrelated donors (MUD). Eighteen patients were transplanted from PMRD, who consisted of 12 parents, five siblings, and one cousin. Five of these 18 patient–donor pairs were serologically two‐loci mismatched and 13 were one‐locus mismatched. The probability of engraftment from PMRD was not different from that using BMT from MSD (n = 59) or MUD (n = 28). Severe acute graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD) (≥grade III) developed more frequently in PMRD (25.5 ± 11.0%) than in MSD (0.0%), but was seen just as often as in MUD (21.9 ± 7.9%). The probabilities of chronic GVHD in PMRD (56.7 ± 14.3%) and MUD (41.7 ± 11.4%) were significantly higher than that in MSD (18.7 ± 5.7%, p = 0.01). However, there was no difference in the probability of event‐free survival among the three groups. We conclude that PMRD (up to two‐loci mismatch) could become suitable donors in BMT to the same extent as MUD for pediatric patients in Japan.
EBV‐negative lymphoproliferative disease with hyper‐IgA, in a child with combined liver and small bowel transplantation
Authors: Robert Clotilde Des , Lacaille Florence , Canioni Danielle , Quartier‐dit‐Maire Pierre , Talbotec Cécile , Goulet Olivier
Published: May 2004

Abstract:  A 4‐year‐old boy presented 14 months after liver and small bowel transplantation with fever, diarrhea, elevated liver enzymes, thrombocytopenia and autoantibodies. Total gammaglobulins level was normal but the level of plasma IgA1 was very high. The blood PCR for Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) was negative. The ileal biopsy disclosed a lymphoplasmacytic infiltration. The EBER probe was negative on the small bowel biopsies. The child was considered as suffering from a non‐EBV‐induced posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD). The high IgA level was presumed to be secreted by proliferating plasma cells in the transplanted bowel. Immunosuppression was reduced; but the efficacy was incomplete and an anti‐CD20 antibody was added. There was complete resolution of symptoms and normalization of the IgA level. As IgA1 is mostly of intestinal origin, this unusual presentation of PTLD should lead to a high suspicion of a small bowel proliferating process.
Central and obstructive sleep apnoea during ascent to high altitude
Authors: BURGESS Keith R. , JOHNSON Pamela L. , EDWARDS Natalie
Published: May 2004

Objective:  The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between central sleep apnoea (CSA) at high altitude and arterial blood gas tensions, and by inference, ventilatory responsiveness.

Methodology:  Fourteen normal adult volunteers were studied by polysomnography during sleep, and analysis of awake blood gases during ascent over 12 days from sealevel to 5050 m in the Nepal Himalayas.

Results:  Thirteen subjects developed CSA. Linear regression analysis showed tight negative correlations between mean CSA index and mean values for sleep SaO2, PaCO2 and PaO2 over the six altitudes (r2 ≥ 0.74 for all, P < 0.03). Paradoxically there was poor correlation between the individual data for CSA index and those parameters at the highest altitude (5050‐m) where CSA was worst (r2 < 0.12 for all, NS), possibly due to variation in degree of acclimatization between subjects. In addition, CSA replaced mild obstructive sleep apnoea during ascent. Obstructive sleep apnoea index fell from 5.5 ± 6.9/h in rapid eye movement sleep at sealevel to 0.1 ± 0.3/h at 5050 m (P < 0.001, analysis of variance), while CSA index rose from 0.1 ± 0.3/h to 55.7 ± 54.4/h (P < 0.001).

Conclusion:  There was a general relationship between decreasing PaCO2 and CSA, but there were significant effects from variations in acclimatization that would make hypoxic ventilatory response an unreliable predictor of CSA in individuals.
Pulmonary fibrosis in myeloperoxidase antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody‐associated vasculitides
Authors: HOMMA Sakae , MATSUSHITA Hiroshi , NAKATA Koichiro
Published: May 2004

Objective:  The association of pulmonary fibrosis (PF) with myeloperoxidase antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (MPO‐ANCA)‐associated vasculitides has not been well documented. The aim of this study was to assess the clinicopathological characteristics of PF in patients who tested positive for MPO‐ANCA.

Methodology:  In this study, 31 patients (17 males and 14 females; mean age, 69 years) diagnosed as having PF with positive MPO‐ANCA levels ranging from 10 to 840 EU with a mean of 112.5 EU, were evaluated clinicopathologically.

Results:  Among 31 patients with PF, 22 had underlying systemic diseases such as collagen vascular diseases, while nine had unknown aetiology. Evidence of glomerulonephritis was demonstrated in 14 patients. The clinical features were a history of dry cough and/or fine crackles in all 31 patients. Chest CT scans showed honeycombing in the lung bases in 26 patients. The histopathological features of the diseased lung tissues in all 11 autopsied cases were compatible with the usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) pattern. Vasculitis was confirmed in bronchial arteries and/or pulmonary arterioles in five patients. The mortality was as high as 13 of the 31 patients. The causes of death were: deterioration of PF in five (two of whom were associated with pulmonary haemorrhage), lung cancer in two, pneumonia in four, and digestive tract bleeding in two. The survival rates in PF with MPO‐ANCA‐negative collagen vascular diseases, cryptogenic fibrosing alveolitis (CFA), and PF with positive MPO‐ANCA, were compared. The 5‐year survival rate in PF with positive MPO‐ANCA was worse than in PF with MPO‐ANCA‐negative collagen vascular diseases and was the same for CFA.

Conclusion:  Although there was no correlation between MPO‐ANCA titres and the activity of PF, this study demonstrated that the presence of positive MPO‐ANCA was an unfavorable prognostic factor in patients with PF.
Field studies on a social lizard: Home range and social organization in an Australian skink, Egernia major
Authors: OSTERWALDER K. , KLINGENBÖCK A. , SHINE R.
Published: May 2004

Abstract  Although most reptiles have polygynous mating systems without long‐term pair bonds, one lineage of large scincid lizards in Australia is exceptional in this respect. Reports of complex sociality in the genus Egernia led us to conduct the first radiotelemetric field study of a species within this group. Land mullets (Egernia major) are large (60 cm total length), viviparous lizards from rainforest habitats in south‐eastern Australia. To document the spatial ecology and social organization of this species, we captured 12 adult lizards in the Barrington Tops area of eastern New South Wales and implanted them with miniature radiotransmitters. The lizards were released at their sites of capture and located daily for the next 6 weeks. All of the radiotracked lizards had discrete home ranges of approximately 10 000 m2, based around well‐defined core areas (approximately 2000–3000 m2). Females tended to move further, and to range over wider areas, than did males. All of the radiotracked lizards lived in social groups consisting of one or more adult males and females plus juveniles of all age classes. Subgroups were apparent within one group of five radio‐tagged lizards: individual animals consistently shared their shelter sites and home ranges with one or more specific individuals. Male/female pairings were more frequent than expected under the null hypothesis of random association among individuals. The data in the present study support anecdotal reports of pair bonds in E. major and support suggestions that the social systems of species in this genus are more complex than those of previously studied reptiles.
Soil temperature and depth of legume germination during early and late dry season fires in a tropical eucalypt savanna of north‐eastern Australia
Authors: WILLIAMS PAUL R. , CONGDON ROBERT A. , GRICE ANTHONY C. , CLARKE PETER J.
Published: May 2004

Abstract  Temperatures that significantly increase seed germination of some tropical legumes (i.e. 80–100°C) were documented in the topsoil during the passage of early (May) and late (October) dry season fires in a tropical eucalypt savanna of north‐eastern Australia. Elevated temperatures penetrated at least 30 mm into the soil during the higher‐intensity, late dry season fires, but were only detected at 10 mm during the early dry season fires. The depth from which germination of two native legume forbs Galactia tenuiflora and Indigofera hirsuta occurred was positively related to the temperature elevation in the topsoil and was greater after late compared with early dry season fires. A broader range in germination depth, resulting in higher seedling densities, was recorded for I hirsuta after late dry season fires. These results suggest that seedling emergence of native leguminous forbs is likely to occur at a greater density after late rather than early dry season fires in tropical eucalypt savannas of north‐eastern Australia. Therefore, the season of burning, as a result of its relationship to fire intensity, can influence species composition through its effect on seed germination.
The cost of clinically significant urinary storage symptoms for community dwelling adults in the UK
Authors: Turner D.A. , Shaw C. , McGrother C.W. , Dallosso H.M. , Cooper N.J. , The MRC Incontinence Team
Published: May 2004

OBJECTIVES

To estimate the cost of clinically significant urinary storage symptoms (CSUSS), including costs borne by the National Health Service (NHS) and individuals, in terms of the use of goods and services in community‐dwelling adults.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

The subjects were community‐dwelling adults aged ≥ 40 years and living in Leicestershire. The prevalence of CSUSS was estimated using a postal questionnaire with a randomly selected sample of 23 182 respondents. The costs associated with CSUSS were estimated using home interviews with 613 cases with and 523 subjects without CSUSS. Cases were defined on the basis of urinary symptoms of leakage, urgency, frequency and nocturia. Willingness‐to‐pay was used to measure intangible costs as an indicator of the value of alleviating symptoms.

RESULTS

The estimated total annual cost to the NHS for treating CSUSS cases in community‐dwelling adults was £536 million at 1999/2000 prices (£303 million and £233 million for men and women, respectively). The total value of costs borne by individuals was estimated to be £207 million (£29 million and £178 million for men and women, respectively). This gives total annual costs related to the use of services of £743 million. There were large intangible costs borne by individuals estimated to be £669 million (£301 and £368 million for men and women) for the UK in terms of willingness‐to‐pay.

CONCLUSIONS

The costs of CSUSS in the community amounted to ≈ 1.1% of overall NHS spending for 1999/2000. Personally borne and intangible costs are also large and important components of the costs of CSUSS. There are large gender differences in the proportion of costs borne by the NHS, i.e. 91% of male and 57% of female costs.
The expression of thrombospondin‐1 in benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia is decreased in prostate cancer
Authors: Vallbo C. , Wang W. , Damber J.‐E.
Published: May 2004

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the immunohistochemical expression of thrombospondin (TSP), a potent inhibitor of angiogenesis, in human benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostate cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The expression of TSP‐1, TSP‐2 and CD36 receptor was assessed in 73 tissue specimens using immunohistochemistry; specimens were from 32 patients with BPH, seven with prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN) and 34 with cancer.

RESULTS

Immunohistochemistry showed that all 39 patients with BPH and PIN had TSP‐1‐positive glands. In contrast, none of the 34 patients with cancer had positive TSP‐1 staining in the cancer tissue. All 73 patients were positive for TSP receptor CD36 and negative for TSP‐2.

CONCLUSIONS

TSP is expressed in BPH, down‐regulated in PIN and absent in prostate cancer tissue. This may indicate that TSP is important in prostate cancer progression. Further studies are needed to understand the significance of these findings for the malignant transformation of the prostate gland.
P2X2 and P2X3 receptor expression in human bladder urothelium and changes in interstitial cystitis
Authors: Tempest H.V. , Dixon A.K. , Turner W.H. , Elneil S. , Sellers L.A. , Ferguson D.R.
Published: May 2004

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether the expression of P2X3 receptors (implicated in the pathophysiology of pain) is altered in human bladder urothelium from patients with interstitial cystitis (IC, a major symptom of which is pain), and as P2X2 receptors can be co‐expressed with P2X3 receptors, to assess their expression also.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Bladder tissue samples were collected from patients undergoing cystectomy or radical prostatectomy. Patients with IC were diagnosed using the international criteria. RNA protein expression levels of both receptors were evaluated using reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (PCR), real‐time quantitative PCR and Western blot analysis.

RESULTS

P2X2 was expressed in the human urothelium, in a glycosylated form. There was less gene expression of P2X3 in IC urothelium, whereas P2X2 gene expression was unchanged. This contrasted with the protein expression, which was increased for both P2X2 and P2X3.

CONCLUSION

This is the first report of the expression of the P2X2 receptor in human bladder urothelium. There was greater protein expression of both P2X2 and P2X3 in IC bladder urothelium which did not directly correlate with the gene expression. Changes in expression of P2X2 and P2X3 receptors may contribute to the pain that patients with IC have, and might provide novel drug targets.
Original semiologic standardized evaluation of stratum corneum hydration by Diagnoskin® stripping sample
Authors: Gasser P. , Peno‐Mazzarino L. , Lati E. , Djian B.
Published: May 2004

Synopsis

In a normal and healthy skin, the regular elimination of the superficial corneocytes, called desquamation, is a fundamental physiologic process intended to protect the barrier function of the skin. This invisible loss of corneocytes, individually or in small groups, is incessantly compensated by the divisions of the proliferative layer and the upward cellular maturation in order to maintain the harmonious renewal of the epidermis and the integrity of the stratum corneum. The harmony of this desquamation process is intimately conditioned by a sufficient hydration of the stratum corneum: (i) an abnormal desquamation leads to a disruption of the water barrier function and consequently to a dehydration tendency of the stratum corneum, and (ii) a cutaneous dryness (whatever the cause) is able to disturb the desquamation process. Protecting the water content of the stratum corneum has always been a major preoccupation of the cosmetic industry scientists. Consequently, the moisturizing properties of a cosmetic product are objectively measured by various explorations directly targeted on the hydration (corneometry) and on the level of the water barrier function (transepidermal water loss (TEWL) measurements), which depends directly on the skin hydration state. This intimate linkage of the desquamation process and the water content of the stratum corneum enable us to suggest an indirect assessment of the hydration from a direct study of the desquamation by examining a skin‐stripping sample (D‐Squames®) by an optical microscope (linked to a computer). We will describe this already known technique and mainly its new and unpublished semiologic exploitation, named Diagnoskin®, whose advantages are its simplicity and its reproducibility particularly interesting in the case of sequential appraisal of dermatologic or cosmetic treatments.
Post‐adolescent acne
Authors: Knaggs H. E. , Wood E. J. , Rizer R. L. , Mills O. H.
Published: May 2004

Synopsis

Although acne has traditionally been viewed as predominantly affecting adolescents, a significant and growing body of literature suggests an adult (i.e. post‐adolescent) form of the disease. This review summarizes selected publications on post‐adolescent acne, and discusses possible causes and treatment options. Recent epidemiological studies show that there appears to be an increase in post‐adolescent acne, and that the disease is lasting longer and is requiring treatment well into the mid forties. There is good agreement that, unlike teenage acne, where males tend to show the most severe forms of the disease, post‐adolescent acne mainly affects females (the lesions are frequently perioral and occur premenstrually) and that there are two forms of the disease. The terms ‘persistent’ and ‘late onset’ are now generally accepted as describing these two types. The causes of post‐adolescent acne remain to be fully elucidated and hormones, colonization by resistant bacteria and the use of cosmetics have been put forward and debated in the literature. Additionally, some clues to the cause of post‐adolescent acne may be gleaned from an individual's response to therapy. Perhaps one of the most intriguing explanations for the increase in this disease is the proposed relationship between increasing stress levels, androgen hormones and increasing levels of acne found in women in fast paced jobs.
Amphiphilic association structures in a model skin lotion with hydroxy acids
Authors: Al‐Bawab A. , Friberg S. E.
Published: May 2004

Synopsis

The phase diagrams were determined of lactic and isohexanoic hydroxy acids as well as salicylic acid with water, a non‐ionic surfactant and a paraffinic oil to outline the influence of the hydroxy acids on the structure in a model for a skin lotion. The results showed the influence of the acid to be similar to that of the oil, but that the difference in chain length between the two alpha acids had only insignificant influence. The results are discussed from two aspects: the structures involved in the lotion as applied and the action of the lotion residue on the skin after the evaporation of the water.
Downregulation of nuclear factor‐kappaB activation in human keratinocytes by melanogenesis inhibitors
Authors: Ahn K. S. , Lee J. , Kim Y. S.
Published: May 2004

Liberated nuclear factor‐kappaB (NF‐κB) is translocated into the nucleus where it can change or alter the expression of target genes, resulting in the secretion of extracellular signaling molecules including melanotrophic factors affecting the melanocyte. In order to demonstrate the possible role of NF‐κB activation on the synthesis of melanotrophic factors from the keratinocytes, the activities of NF‐κB induced by melanogenesis inhibitors were determined in human HaCaT keratinocytes transfected with pNF‐κB‐SEAP‐NPT plasmid. Transfectant cells released the secretory alkaline phosphatase (SEAP) as a transcription reporter in response to the NF‐kB activity. Melanogenesis inhibitors such as niacinamide, kojic acid, hydroquinone, resorcinol, arbutin and glycolic acid were pre‐incubated with transfectant HaCaT cells for 3 h and then irradiated with ultraviolet B (UVB). Of the melanogenesis inhibitors tested, kojic acid (IC50 = 60 μM) was found to be the most potent inhibitor of UVB‐upregulating NF‐κB activation in transfectant HaCaT cells, which is followed by niacinamide (IC50 = 540 μM). Especially kojic acid and niacinamide effectively lowered NF‐κB binding as measured by the electrophoretic mobility shift assay. Furthermore, these two inhibitors remarkably reduced the secretion level of IL (interleukin)‐6, one of the melanotrophic factors, triggered by UV radiation of the HaCaT cells. These observations suggest that melanogenesis inhibitors working at the in vivo level might act partially through the modulation of the synthesis of melanotrophic factors in keratinocytes.
Symposium abstracts
Authors: Grina Diana K. , He Claire Q. , Rawlings Anthony
Published: May 2004

Dear Readers

Sensorially exciting personal care products and regimens appear in the cosmetic arena more and more. The growing consumer delight in this area has sparked a whole new area of research over the last several years to investigate the relationship between aromas, touch, emotion, and general well‐being. This symposium sponsored by Colgate‐Palmolive brought together research leaders in the area and explored some of the latest findings on how specific sensory stimuli may enhance quality of life and the feeling of personal well‐being. Colgate‐Palmolive's leadership in personal care is reflected in the creation of this symposia, the panel of experts chosen, and the topics presented.

The International Journal of Cosmetic Science thanks the Colgate‐Palmolive Company for its support of leading‐edge scientific exchange in personal care and for publishing these abstracts.
Scent, physical appearance and skin care
Authors: White T.
Published: May 2004

The influence of the mind on the body and the body's influence on the mind have far reaching implications for human health and well‐being in modern society. One of the most salient present‐day examples of this interaction is the complex relationship between emotional state and skin health, which appears to be positively correlated. Because odorants have been demonstrated to improve mood and increase relaxation, Aromachology can assist in the maintenance of good skin health, and can be an important part of skin‐care practices. Through both the natural qualities of odorants and through odor‐induced stress‐reduction, the sense of smell can enhance skin appearance and health, which leads to a sense of well‐being and better quality of life.
Guillain–Barré syndrome in Greece: seasonality and other clinico‐epidemiological features
Authors: Chroni E. , Papapetropoulos S. , Gioldasis G. , Ellul J. , Diamadopoulos N. , Papapetropoulos T.
Published: May 2004

The epidemiologic and clinical features of Guillain–Barré syndrome (GBS) during a 13‐year period in a region of south‐western Greece with an average population of 819 009 inhabitants are described. Clinical records of all patients between 1 January 1989 and 31 December 2001 who were admitted in the two referring hospitals of the above district and fulfilled the criteria for idiopathic GBS were reviewed. Overall 105 patients were identified. The age adjusted to European population incidence rate per 100 000 person‐years was 1.02 (95% CI: 0.84–1.24) and a male preponderance was found. The highest number of cases (35; 33.3%) occurred in spring and the lowest (17; 16.2%) in autumn, although this tendency did not reach a significant level. Cases with and without preceding illness were similarly distributed in the seasons. Electrophysiologic abnormalities of axonal type were found in 6.1% of patients. The mortality rate was 2.8% and the long‐term outcome 5%. The incidence of GBS was relatively low and the prognosis was close to the best reported. Spring clustering has also been observed in other countries with mild climate.
The Politics of Discontent: The Emergence of a New Criminal Justice Discourse in the Netherlands
Authors: Pakes Francis
Published: May 2004

Abstract: Criminal justice policy in the Netherlands has traditionally been characterised by a great deal of stability but recent crises have fuelled a public mood of discontent and disarray. The most notable event in this regard has no doubt been the assassination of populist politician Pim Fortuyn in May 2002. This article discusses some of these crises, the governmental response to them, and examines how criminal justice is evolving under an emerging Dutch‐style Garlandian social discourse of crime and security.
Compositional and Microstructural Study of KoryŎ Celadon and Whiteware Excavated from SŎRi Kiln in Kyŏnggi Province
Authors: Choo C. K. Koh , Lee Y. E. , Shim I. W. , Kim G. H. , Huh W. Y. , Chun S. C. , Choo W. K.
Published: May 2004

An extensive study of the composition and microstructure of celadon and whiteware sherds excavated at Sori, one of the most important sites that were active during the founding stage of the stoneware and porcelain industry in Korea, was carried out. The analysed sherds were organized according to four different levels of the excavation and four different styles of haemurigup foot rim. Principal component analysis of the chemical compositions of the sherds revealed slight differences in their body and glaze compositions between the levels of excavation. Porcelain stone with high silica and low aluminium contents was generally used as the body material and wood ash as the chief flux in the glaze. Over the period of operation, the aluminium content in the bodies of the ceramics decreased and the P2O5 content in the glazes increased. Glazed bodies were fired in a single step, in contrast to the two‐step method used in later ceramic production. Firing conditions were adjusted to produce vitrification of the glazes, which meant that vitrification of the ceramic bodies occurred to varying extents, mostly determined by the relative contents of flux in the body and the glaze.
A Fair Result in Foul Weather
Authors: Duckworth Frank
Published: May 2004

The Duckworth–Lewis method for adjusting targets in rain-interrupted one-day cricket matches is used throughout the world, but, as Frank Duckworth explains, he originally came to statistics from physics via metallurgy, and only thought of applying statistical methods to sport when their power became apparent to him during his career in the nuclear energy industry