bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of dirlotapide, a microsomal triglyceride transfer protein inhibitor, on the digestibility of a dry expanded diet in adult dogs
Authors: KIRK C. A. , BOUCHER J. F. , SUNDERLAND S. J. , WREN J. A.
Published: June 2007

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effects of dirlotapide, a microsomal triglyceride transfer protein inhibitor, on apparent nutrient digestibility of an expanded dry dog food, on defecation frequency and fecal consistency. Eighteen beagles were randomized to either placebo (n = 6) or dirlotapide (n = 12). Testing was divided into a 21‐day adaptation phase (days −21 to −1) and a 35‐day treatment (digestibility testing) phase (days 0–35). During the treatment phase, dogs were administered oral dirlotapide (0.3 mg/kg) or placebo (0.06 mL/kg) once daily. For digestibility testing, feces were collected over two periods for 7 days each starting on days −9 and 28. All dogs were fed a commercial adult dog food throughout the study. Food intake was adjusted to maintain body weight during adaptation, followed by pair‐feeding placebo dogs the amount of food ingested by the dirlotapide dogs during the treatment period. Dogs in both groups had reduced food intake and lost similar amounts of body weight during treatment. Dogs receiving 0.3 mg dirlotapide/kg once daily had a small but significant (P = 0.018) decrease (6.16 ± 2.22%, mean ± SD) in crude fat digestibility compared with the placebo‐treated food‐restricted dogs, but no difference in crude protein, dry matter, or energy digestibility was observed. Fecal consistency and volume and defecation frequency were similar between groups. Dirlotapide effectively reduced appetite and energy intake without affecting nutrient digestibility, except for a minimal decrease in fat digestibility.
Pharmacokinetics of dirlotapide in the dog
Authors: MERRITT D. A. , LYNCH M. P. , KING V. L.
Published: June 2007

An overview of the pharmacokinetics of dirlotapide in beagle dogs is presented. The following mean parameters were observed after a 0.3‐mg/kg i.v. dose of dirlotapide: plasma clearance of 7.8 mL/min/kg and volume of distribution of 1.3 L/kg. Following single oral doses of 0.05, 0.3, and 1.0 mg/kg to fed dogs and 0.3 mg/kg to fasted dogs using the commercial formulation, mean Cmax of 7.5, 46, 97, and 31 ng/mL, respectively, were observed at mean tmax of 0.8–2.0 h. AUC and Cmax increased with increasing dose, but not proportionally. Oral bioavailability was 22–41%. Exposure, as reflected by AUC, was 54% higher in the fed than fasted state. In a 14‐day repeated‐dose study (0.3 mg/kg dose), the mean accumulation ratio was 3.7. In a 3‐month study at doses of 0.4–2.5 mg/kg, accumulation ratios ranged from 2.0 to 6.7 at day 29 and from 1.3 to 4.1 at day 87. In summary, dirlotapide exhibited low clearance, low first‐pass metabolism, moderate volume of distribution, low‐to‐moderate oral bioavailability, a modest food effect, and variable accumulation. Large interanimal variability in systemic exposure was noted for all routes and doses, but there were no consistent sex differences.
Canine obesity – an overview
Authors: GOSSELLIN J. , WREN J. A. , SUNDERLAND S. J.
Published: June 2007

Canine patients are generally regarded as being clinically obese when their body weight is at least 15% above ideal. The incidence of obesity in dogs is thought to be in the range of 20–40% of the general population and, since obesity is known to predispose or exacerbate a range of serious medical conditions, its importance cannot be overstated. Management of obesity through dietary restriction and increased exercise is often difficult to achieve and dependent upon owner compliance. Until recently there has been no authorized therapeutic medication available for weight reduction in dogs, and drugs used in people have proved unsuitable. However, with the development of microsomal triglyceride transfer protein inhibitors for canine use, such as dirlotapide, the veterinarian has a novel method with which to augment traditional weight control programmes. This approach has the additional advantage that weight loss is achieved without dietary restriction or change in exercise regimen, providing encouragement for the owner to comply with subsequent dietary and exercise recommendations, thereby increasing the likelihood for long‐term success.
Dirlotapide: a review of its properties and role in the management of obesity in dogs
Authors: WREN J. A. , GOSSELLIN J. , SUNDERLAND S. J.
Published: June 2007

Dirlotapide is a microsomal triglyceride transfer protein (MTP) inhibitor developed specifically for canine weight reduction. MTP catalyzes the assembly of triglyceride‐rich apolipoprotein‐B containing lipoproteins to form chylomicrons in the intestinal mucosa and very low‐density lipoproteins in the liver. Following oral administration, dirlotapide hasin vivoselectivity for intestinal MTP compared with hepatic MTP. In addition to reducing intestinal fat absorption, dirlotapide also reduces food intake in a dose‐dependent manner, probably via increased release of peptide YY into the circulation. The decrease in food intake is responsible for the majority of the weight reduction effect. In clinical use, it is recommended to adjust the dose according to the observed weight loss of each individual. The initial dose of 0.05 mg/kg is doubled after 14 days and then adjusted monthly, the maximum permitted daily dose is 1.0 mg/kg, although doses as high as 10 mg/kg have been administered to dogs without severe adverse experience in safety studies. Dirlotapide can be used without necessitating changes to the current feeding or exercise regimens, but it is desirable to monitor the food intake during weight‐stabilization to establish revised feeding and exercise routines that will minimize the risk of weight regain post‐treatment. The drug offers a novel approach that is applicable in cases where dietary management alone has proved to be unsuccessful.
Absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of dirlotapide in the dog
Authors: MERRITT D. A. , BESSIRE A. J. , VAZ A. D. , SAMS J. P. , LYNCH M. P.
Published: June 2007

Three once‐daily oral doses of 0.2 mg/kg [14C]dirlotapide were administered to beagle dogs to study the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of dirlotapide. Mean 14C recovered at 2.5 and 4.5 h after the last dose was 90%. Mean 14C in urine, bile, and feces was <1%, 1.7%, and 56% of the dose, respectively. In tissues, 26% of the 14C dose was present in the gastrointestinal tract, 6.0% in liver, and <1% each in kidney, gall bladder, heart, and brain. To further characterize drug disposition, a single 2.5‐mg/kg oral dose of [14C]dirlotapide was administered to beagle dogs. More than 84% of the dose had been eliminated by 72 h in feces, with 21% of the dose present in feces as parent dirlotapide. Less than 1% of the dose was excreted in urine. In bile collected during the first 24‐h postdose from three dogs, 32% and 11% of the 14C dose was present in samples from male and female dogs, respectively. Based upon metabolite profiling of plasma, excreta, and bile samples, dirlotapide was extensively metabolized to more than 20 metabolites. Biliary/fecal excretion and the potential for enterohepatic recycling of metabolites are suggested.
Does habitat fragmentation reduce fitness and adaptability? A case study of the common frog (Rana temporaria)
Authors: JOHANSSON MARKUS , PRIMMER CRAIG R. , MERILÄ JUHA
Published: June 2007

Studies examining the effects of anthropogenic habitat fragmentation on both neutral and adaptive genetic variability are still scarce. We compared tadpole fitness‐related traits (viz. survival probability and body size) among populations of the common frog (Rana temporaria) from fragmented (F) and continuous (C) habitats that differed significantly in population sizes (C > F) and genetic diversity (C > F) in neutral genetic markers. Using data from common garden experiments, we found a significant positive relationship between the mean values of the fitness related traits and the amount of microsatellite variation in a given population. While genetic differentiation in neutral marker loci (FST) tended to be more pronounced in the fragmented than in the continuous habitat, genetic differentiation in quantitative traits (QST) exceeded that in neutral marker traits in the continuous habitat (i.e.QST > FST), but not in the fragmented habitat (i.e.QST ≈ FST). These results suggest that the impact of random genetic drift relative to natural selection was higher in the fragmented landscape where populations were small, and had lower genetic diversity and fitness as compared to populations in the more continuous landscape. The findings highlight the potential importance of habitat fragmentation in impairing future adaptive potential of natural populations.
A remarkable new leafhopper genus and species from Thailand (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Stegelytrinae) with modified legs and ‘hairy’ eggs
Authors: WEI CONG , WEBB MICHAEL D. , ZHANG YA‐LIN
Published: June 2007

Abstract Pataniolidia magnifica Wei & Webb gen.n., sp.n. from Thailand is described and illustrated, and placed in the leafhopper subfamily Stegelytrinae. Its unusual features, including ‘membracid‐like’ legs and ‘hairy’ eggs, are discussed, and new tarsal sensilla for Cicadellidae are described.
Cladistic review of generic taxonomic characters in Xyleborina (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae)
Authors: HULCR JIRI , DOLE STEPHANIE A. , BEAVER ROGER A. , COGNATO ANTHONY I.
Published: June 2007

Abstract A cladistic analysis of morphological characters of the subtribe Xyleborina (Curculionidae, Scolytinae) is presented. An examination of individual characters revealed little phylogenetic information in many characters currently used for delimiting genera. Phylogenetically stable characters were used for the evaluation of the contemporary generic concept. The following genera have been recovered as monophyletic: Cnestus, Dryocoetoides, Eccoptopterus, Xylosandrus, Schedlia, Sampsonius and Taurodemus. The following genera have been found to be polyphyletic: Amasa, Ambrosiodmus, Arixyleborus, Coptoborus, Coptodryas, Cryptoxyleborus, Cyclorhipidion, Euwallacea, Leptoxyleborus, Taphrodasus, Theoborus, Webbia, Xyleborinus and Xyleborus. The analysis permitted the resurrection of four genera: Anisandrus, Microperus, Pseudowebbia and Streptocranus. A number of new combinations at specific level are given: Anisandrus cornutus (Schaufuss, 1891), A. dispar (Fabricius, 1792), A. eggersi (Beeson, 1930), A. improbus (Sampson, 1913), A. longidens (Eggers, 1930), A. maiche Stark, 1936, A. obesus (LeConte, 1868), A. sayi Hopkins, 1915, A. apicalis (Blandford, 1894), A. hirtus (Hagedorn, 1904), Microperus myristicae (Schedl, 1939), M. eucalypticus (Schedl, 1938), M. huangi (Browne, 1983), M. intermedius (Eggers, 1923), M. kadoyamaensis (Murayama, 1934), Pseudowebbia armifer (Schedl, 1942), P. seriata Browne, 1963, P. squamatilis (Schedl, 1955), P. trepanicauda (Eggers, 1923), P. curvatus (Browne, 1986), Streptocranus bicolor Browne, 1949, S. bicuspis (Eggers, 1940), S. capucinulus (Schedl, 1942), S. forficatus (Schedl, 1957), S. fragilis Browne, 1949, S. longicauda Browne, 1960, S. longispinis Browne, 1986, S. mirabilis Schedl, 1939, S. usagaricus (Eggers, 1922), S. sexdentatus (Eggers, 1940). The characters most useful for generic‐level taxonomy of Xyleborina were identified and their states refined and illustrated. An accompanying illustrated multiple‐entry electronic key for the updated xyleborine classification has been published on‐line at www.scolytid.msu.edu.
Effects of treatment latency on response to maintenance treatment in manic‐depressive disorders
Authors: Baldessarini Ross J , Tondo Leonardo , Baethge Christopher J , Lepri Beatrice , Bratti Irene M
Published: June 2007

Objectives: To further test the hypothesis that past illness episodes and delay of long‐term treatment do not limit maintenance treatment response among patients with manic‐depressive illnesses (MDI).

Methods:  In a sample of 764 MDI patients in Cagliari and Berlin, 77% of whom had bipolar disorder (BPD), we: (i) correlated treatment latency or pretreatment episode counts versus hospitalized morbidity during treatment; (ii) correlated treatment duration versus pretreatment morbidity; (iii) correlated treatment latency versus pretreatment or treated morbidity; (iv) modeled factors associated with longer treatment latency; (v) compared treatment latencies at extremes of treatment outcomes, and (vi) compared pretreatment morbidity within 2 years of the longest versus shortest treatment latency quartiles.

Results:  Pretreatment morbidity was strongly correlated with shorter treatment latency, but morbidity during treatment was unrelated to treatment latency, pretreatment episode counts, sex, diagnosis, treatment type or treatment duration. In multivariate modeling, treatment latency was longer among patients who had experienced an early onset of illness, mainly in depressive disorders (BPD II and major depression) and among women, but was unrelated to morbidity during treatment. Patients with no illness recurrences during treatment and those who were ill at least 50% of the time had similar treatment latencies. Pretreatment morbidity occurring just prior to the initiation of long‐term treatment was very similar at the highest and lowest treatment latencies.

Conclusions:  These findings support the therapeutically favorable conclusion that prior episode counts and treatment delay have little association with morbidity during prophylaxis with mood‐stabilizing agents. Comparisons of morbidity during versus before treatment in episodic disorders are misleading because overall morbidity becomes diluted with longer time‐at‐risk, whereas therapeutic intervention is typically determined by immediately preceding illness.
The nature of abnormal language processing in euthymic bipolar I disorder: evidence for a relationship between task demand and prefrontal function
Authors: Curtis Vivienne A , Thompson Jill M , Seal Marc L , Monks Paul J , Lloyd Adrian J , Harrison Louise , Brammer Michael J , Williams Steve CR , Murray Robin M , Young Allan H , Nicol Ferrier I
Published: June 2007

Objectives:  Abnormal language processing is a consistent finding in bipolar disorder (BD). We used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to investigate the core components of language processing as well as the impact of task demand in a group of bipolar subjects.

Methods:  Twelve euthymic dextral male BD I participants receiving lithium monotherapy were matched with 12 controls. Groups were matched for age, years of education and estimated premorbid IQ. We employed a factorial design manipulating task demand (decision versus fluency) and task domain (phonetic versus semantic) to investigate differences in language processing between groups and across different task domains and requirements. Data were fitted to haemodynamic response models convolved to the experimental design. Group and task difference maps were generated.

Results:  During the scanning session bipolar patients demonstrated significantly slower reaction times. However, groups demonstrated the same task accuracy except for one domain (phonetic decision). All participants activated regions known to be engaged by language tasks, but compared to controls the bipolar patients showed altered patterns of prefrontal activation which were related to the nature of the task, language processing, and increasing task demand.

Conclusions:  We have demonstrated abnormal prefrontal activation in bipolar patients across a range of language tasks with varying task demands.
Is a lack of disgust something to fear? A functional magnetic resonance imaging facial emotion recognition study in euthymic bipolar disorder patients
Authors: Malhi Gin S , Lagopoulos Jim , Sachdev Perminder S , Ivanovski Belinda , Shnier Ron , Ketter Terence
Published: June 2007

Objectives:  To determine the neural responses invoked in the recognition of facial fear and disgust in euthymic bipolar patients as compared with healthy subjects.

Methods:  This study examined 10 female euthymic bipolar patients, and 10 suitably matched healthy subjects using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) while subjects were engaged in an explicit facial emotion recognition task involving fear, disgust and neutral expressions. The activation paradigm involved nominating the facial expression using specified response keys. Behavioural data were collected and analysed and both within‐group (Fear versus Neutral; Disgust versus Neutral) and random‐effects between‐group analyses were performed on fMRI data using BrainVoyager (Brain Innovations, Maastricht, the Netherlands).

Results:  Patients were equally accurate in identifying facial expressions as healthy subjects but were slower to respond, especially with respect to fear and disgust. Responses to fear and disgust (within‐group analyses) resulted in activation of anticipated brain regions such as amygdala and insula, respectively. However, between‐group random effects analysis revealed differential responses to both disgust and fear in both healthy subjects and euthymic bipolar patients such that euthymic bipolar patients responded largely to fear and healthy subjects responded more so to disgust. This partitioning of responsiveness was reflected by differential activation involving the hippocampus and amygdala.

Conclusions:  Greater responsiveness to fear with hippocampal activation in patients perhaps reflects recollection of traumatic events associated with past experiences of illness or simply the use of a more mnemonic (hippocampal) as opposed to affective (amygdala) approach when performing the task. It is possible that in bipolar disorder, prefrontal‐subcortical network dysfunction that relegates neural processing to limbic regions is impaired and that clinically euthymic bipolar patients, although able to accurately and effectively identify emotions such as fear and disgust, are limited in their ability to interpret their salience. The implications of these findings are discussed.
A 24‐week, randomized, controlled trial of adjunctive sibutramine versus topiramate in the treatment of weight gain in overweight or obese patients with bipolar disorders
Authors: McElroy Susan L , Frye Mark A , Altshuler Lori L , Suppes Trisha , Hellemann Gerhard , Black David , Mintz Jim , Kupka Ralph , Nolen Willem , Leverich Gabriele S , Denicoff Kirk D , Post Robert M , Keck Paul E
Published: June 2007

Objectives:  Patients with bipolar disorder (BD) have an increased risk of obesity as well as psychotropic‐associated weight gain. The objective of this study was to compare sibutramine and topiramate as adjunctive treatments for psychotropic‐associated weight gain in overweight or obese outpatients with BD.

Methods:  In this 24‐week, open‐label, flexible‐dose, comparison trial, 46 outpatients with bipolar disorders who had a body mass index (BMI) ≥30 kg/m2, or ≥27 kg/m2 with obesity‐related comorbidities, and psychotropic‐associated weight gain were randomly assigned to receive sibutramine (n = 18; 5–15 mg/day) or topiramate (n = 28; 25–600 mg/day). The primary outcome measure was weight loss. Secondary measures included changes in BMI, percent body weight loss, and mood symptoms.

Results:  Patients randomized either to sibutramine or topiramate lost comparable amounts of weight (4.1 ± 5.7 and 2.8 ± 3.5 kg, respectively) and displayed similar rates of weight loss (0.85 and 0.82 kg/week, respectively). However, only four (22%) patients receiving sibutramine and six (21%) patients receiving topiramate completed the 24‐week trial. In addition, the attrition patterns for the two drugs were different, with patients discontinuing topiramate doing so early in treatment and patients discontinuing sibutramine doing so throughout treatment. Also, higher ratings of manic and depressive symptoms significantly increased risk for early topiramate discontinuation compared to that for sibutramine.

Conclusions:  Adjunctive sibutramine and topiramate may have comparable weight loss effects in overweight or obese bipolar patients with psychotropic‐associated weight gain, but are each associated with similarly high discontinuation rates. In addition, they may have different attrition profiles. Compared to sibutramine, discontinuation of topiramate may be more likely to occur early in treatment and may be more dependent upon manic and depressive symptoms.
Heterogeneity of the risk of suicidal behavior in bipolar‐spectrum disorders
Authors: Cavazzoni Patrizia , Grof Paul , Duffy Anne , Grof Eva , Müller‐Oerlinghausen Bruno , Berghöfer Anne , Ahrens Bernd , Zvolsky Petr , Robertson Carrie , Davis Alison , Hajek Tomas , Alda Martin
Published: June 2007

Objectives:  The risk of suicidal behavior is substantially elevated in major affective disorders (AD). In bipolar disorder (BD), as many as 15% of patients may commit suicide and family history of suicide is recognized as one of the most important risk factors. Lithium reduces the rates of suicidal behavior in BD, especially in patients who achieve full mood stabilization. Yet even patients who continue experiencing mood episodes do benefit from anti‐suicidal properties of lithium. These observations raise questions about the nature of the relationship between the neurobiological mechanisms of BD and suicide, namely whether they are shared or independent.

Methods:  We studied the distribution of suicides and suicide attempts in 539 subjects from 78 families of probands with major AD, all responders to lithium prophylaxis. A Cox proportional hazard regression model was used to assess the contribution of several independent variables to the risks of AD, BD, and suicidal behavior.

Results:  The lifetime prevalence of BD was significantly greater among first‐degree relatives of suicide than non‐suicide probands (22% versus 11%) and the prevalence of BD in families was associated with an increased risk of developing mood disorder and subsequently committing or attempting suicide (p = 0.003). Families fell into 1 of 3 groups, corresponding to a low (<0.1%), intermediate (17.8%), and high (87.8%) risk for suicide in affectively ill subjects.

Conclusions:  Suicidal behavior is distributed unevenly in families of probands with BD, aggregating in a subset of families. Our results also suggest that partially overlapping sets of genetic factors may underlie BD and suicide.
Legal, financial, and public health consequences of transfusion‐transmitted hepatitis C virus in persons with haemophilia
Authors: Angelotta C. , McKoy J. M. , Fisher M. J. , Buffie C. G. , Barfi K. , Ramsey G. , Frohlich L. , Bennett C. L.
Published: June 2007

Background Since the first cases of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome in persons with haemophilia were reported in 1982, much has been written about the consequences of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) contamination of the blood supply. Relatively little attention has been paid to similar hepatitis C virus (HCV) concerns since the first cases of HCV‐infected persons with haemophilia were identified in 1989.

Methods We review the history, public health, policy, and financial consequences of blood supply policy decisions made for persons with haemophilia who received HCV‐contaminated blood products in eight countries that were severely impacted by viral contamination of the blood supply during the 1980s, contrasting these findings with those reported previously for HIV contamination of the blood supply during the same time‐period. A Medline search and a hand search of retrieved bibliographies of English‐language articles on HCV concerns in haemophilia patients published from 1989 to 2006 were performed.

Results Our review identified that two‐ to eightfold more persons with haemophilia in the eight countries contracted HCV vs. HIV from contaminated blood products during the 1980s. Opportunistic infections and immunosuppression‐related complications among persons with haemophilia developed shortly after these patients received HIV‐infected blood products whereas hepatic complications among HCV‐infected persons with haemophilia are just now being diagnosed two decades after these individuals received HCV‐contaminated blood products. Policy makers in four countries conducted official public inquiries into blood safety decisions related to HIV‐ and/or HCV‐contamination of the blood supply. More than 20 countries allocated compensation funds for HIV‐infected persons with haemophilia (mean award ranging from $37 000 to 400 000) whereas only the UK, Canada, and Ireland allocated compensation funds for HCV‐infected persons with haemophilia (mean award ranging from $37 000 to 50 000).

Conclusion While the clinical impact among persons with haemophilia of HCV contamination of the blood supply in the 1980s was larger than the impact of HIV contamination of the blood supply during this time‐period, the policy response was smaller. Consideration should be given to adopting support programmes for HCV‐infected persons with haemophilia in countries that do not have these programs.
Effects of a juvenile hormone analogue, pyriproxyfen, on the apterous form of soybean aphid (Aphis glycines)
Authors: Richardson M. L. , Lagos D. M.
Published: June 2007

The soybean aphid, Aphis glycines Matsamura, is an eastern Asian soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] pest which can reduce soybean yield. We determined the effects of pyriproxyfen, a juvenile hormone analogue, on development, mortality, longevity and fecundity of A. glycines under laboratory conditions. Distance Insect Growth Regulator, containing ∼11.2% pyriproxyfen, was applied at two concentrations, 50 and 150 mg/l, to first and fourth instar nymphs. When first or fourth instar A. glycines were treated with pyriproxyfen, some nymphs became supernumerary‐molted nymphs with 1–3 extra molts or were sterilized. Mortality of treated first instar nymphs was >68% greater than the control group and longevity was reduced by >40%. The higher concentration of pyriproxyfen reduced fecundity of first instar nymphs when they reached adulthood by ∼79%. Pyriproxyfen similarly affected fourth instar nymphs. Mortality of treated fourth instar nymphs was ≥15% greater than the control group and longevity was reduced by >24%. Both concentrations of pyriproxyfen lowered the fecundity of fourth instar nymphs by >27%. Pyriproxyfen also had other sublethal effects on fourth instar nymphs which became apparent when they molted to adulthood. In a few instances they developed wing pads and many produced dead, deformed or abnormal neonates that lacked appendages.
Mating disruption of codling moth Cydia pomonella with high densities of Ecodian sex pheromone dispensers
Authors: Angeli G. , Anfora G. , Baldessari M. , Germinara G. S. , Rama F. , De Cristofaro A. , Ioriatti C.
Published: June 2007

A mating disruption approach using high densities of pheromone dispensers, has recently been proposed for controlling codling moth, Cydia pomonella (L.) (Lep., Tortricidae). Ecodian® CP dispensers, made of low‐cost biodegradable material and easy to apply, were formulated with 10 mg of codlemone and placed at a rate of 1400–2000 dispensers/ha. Seasonal dispenser performance was evaluated using different methods. The release rate of new Ecodian dispensers, measured directly by solid‐phase micro‐extraction (SPME), was significantly higher than that of the standard monitoring lure. The release rate of field‐aged dispensers decreased over time; it was comparable with that of the standard monitoring lure after 55–90 days of field exposure and significantly lower beyond. Electroantennographic (EAG) recordings showed that field‐aged dispensers strongly stimulated virgin male moths’ antennae. Dispensers elicited close‐range approaches in wind tunnel irrespective of their age. Traps baited with aged Ecodian CP dispensers captured males throughout the season. Our results demonstrate that Ecodian dispensers achieved a good level of activity and longevity over the season. Field trials carried out from 2002 to 2004 confirmed the efficacy of Ecodian CP dispensers for codling moth control, regardless of the size of the treated area. The potential of this strategy for the control of C. pomonella is discussed.
Spatial patterns of Trybliographa rapae parasitism of Delia radicum larvae in oilseed rape and cauliflower
Authors: Hemachandra K. S. , Kuhlmann U. , Mason P. G. , Holliday N. J.
Published: June 2007

Trybliographa rapae (Westwood) is an important parasitoid of Delia radicum (L.). Parasitism of D. radicum larvae by T. rapae in relation to host density on canola (oilseed rape) and cauliflower roots was examined at 10 field sites in Germany and Switzerland. For roots with host larvae, the proportion of roots with one or more parasitized hosts increased with increasing host density. However, for these infested roots, the parasitism of individual larvae was not consistently related to host density. When considering only roots on which there were parasitized larvae and the opportunity for multiple attacks, the proportion of larvae that were parasitized decreased with increasing host density in the field locations, and in a cage study under controlled conditions. A model of patch‐finding and number of attacks by female parasitoids suggests that patch‐finding is density‐dependent, but that low attack rate and interference effects limit numbers of attacks to three or less per visit to a host patch; the reduced number of attacks per visit leads to the inverse relationship of larval parasitism with host density in the host patches visited. The interplay of the density‐dependent and inversely density‐dependent processes appears to be responsible for the inconsistency of density dependence of overall larval parasitism in this and previous studies. In the laboratory, adult female T. rapae parasitized hosts at ≤4 cm deep in soil, but not at 6 cm deep. From the depth distribution of larval feeding sites in the field, we infer that between 4% and 20% of Delia larvae may be in a physical refuge from T. rapae parasitism, which may have a stabilizing influence on the host–parasitoid interaction.
Life history of western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis (Thysan., Thripae), on five different vegetable leaves
Authors: Zhang Z.‐J. , Wu Q.‐J. , Li X.‐F. , Zhang Y.‐J. , Xu B.‐Y. , Zhu G.‐R.
Published: June 2007

Biological characteristics of western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande) (Thysan., Thripae), were investigated on excised leaves of five vegetables: cabbage (Brassica oleracea L. var. Jingfeng 1), cucumber (Cucumis sativus L. var. Zhongnong 8), capsicum (Capsicum annuum L. var. Zhongjiao 5), kidney bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L. var. Gonggeizhe) and tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum M. var. zhongza 9). The developmental time from egg to adult on the cucumber, cabbage, bean, capsicum and tomato leaf was 9.22 ± 0.13, 10.19 ± 0.08, 10.42 ± 0.06, 12.15 ± 0.07 and 12.91 ± 0.04 days, respectively. Survivorship of immatures on cucumber, cabbage and tomato was high (75–80%) but low on capsicum (50%). The total number of first instars produced was highest on cabbage (76.62 ± 11.79), while the daily first instar production was highest on cucumber (6.12 ± 1.81), whereas the total and daily first instar production rates were lowest on capsicum (7.67 ± 3.35 and 1.89 ± 0.91). F. occidentalis had the highest intrinsic rate of increase (rm) on cucumber (0.208), followed by cabbage (0.184), bean (0.164), tomato (0.100) and capsicum (0.017). The results indicate that cucumber was the most suitable host plant for F. occidentalis, whereas capsicum was the least suitable.
Bionomics of the acarophagous ladybird beetle Stethorus tridens fed Tetranychus evansi
Authors: Fiaboe K. K. M. , Gondim M. G. C. , De Moraes G. J. , Ogol C. K. P. O. , Knapp M.
Published: June 2007

The bionomics of Stethorus tridens Gordon fed Tetranychus evansi Baker & Pritchard were studied in the laboratory. The number of prey consumed by S. tridens increased with increasing instar levels and the total mean number consumed during immature development was 184.1 ± 18.02 T. evansi nymphs per individual. For adult male and adult female, the daily consumption was 41.3 ± 0.80 and 67.8 ± 1.69 nymphs, respectively. Stethorus tridens successfully developed to adulthood between 20 and 30°C but failed at 10, 15 and 35°C. The lower thermal threshold for egg‐to‐adult development estimated via linear regression and the modified Logan model was 9.2 and 8.1°C, respectively. The optimum and maximum temperatures for egg‐to‐adult development were around 29–31 and 32.9°C, respectively. Egg to adult development time was 23.8 ± 0.24, 17.4 ± 0.22, 16.2 ± 0.22 and 12.1 ± 0.16 days at 20, 24, 27 and 30°C, respectively. At 27°C, the sex ratio, expressed as the proportion of females, was 0.54 and the mean preoviposition, oviposition and postoviposition periods were 10.3 ± 0.67, 31.2 ± 4.74 and 30.2 ± 5.24 days, respectively. The oviposition rate was 4.0 ± 0.16 eggs/female/day with a female mean longevity of 71.6 ± 6.19 days and an intrinsic rate of natural increase of 0.104. The potential of S. tridens as a candidate natural enemy of T. evansi is discussed.
Influence of salicylaldehyde and methyl salicylate on post‐landing behaviour of Frankliniella occidentalis Pergande
Authors: Koschier E. H. , Hoffmann D. , Riefler J.
Published: June 2007

This study investigates behavioural responses of adult western flower thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis Pergande; Thysan., Thripidae) females to direct contact with repellent phenylpropanoid plant compounds (salicylaldehyde and methyl salicylate) applied on bean and cucumber leaves. The residence time of F. occidentalis females until take off was significantly shorter on bean or cucumber leaf discs treated with salicylaldehyde at 1% concentration compared with control leaf discs. A methyl salicylate (1%) treatment of cucumber resulted in shorter time periods until thrips took off the treated leaf discs compared with the control leaf discs. In a choice experiment thrips avoided to settle on a 1% salicylaldehyde treatment of bean and cucumber leaf discs for a maximum of 3 h, on a 1% methyl salicylate treatment for a 5‐h period. Within a 24‐h period neither the egg‐laying nor the feeding activity of F. occidentalis was affected after salicylaldehyde application (0.1%, 1%) on bean or cucumber. In contrast, methyl salicylate (1%) applied on bean and cucumber significantly prevented thrips females from oviposition and reduced the percentage of damaged area caused by their feeding activity for 24 h. As olfactory repellent plant volatiles applied on crop plants may elicit diverse post‐landing responses of F. occidentalis, short‐ and long‐term effects should be considered when evaluating the factual applicability of secondary plant compounds in a successful thrips management strategy.
Dual pheromone dispenser for combined control of codling moth Cydia pomonella L. and oriental fruit moth Grapholita molesta (Busck) (Lep., Tortricidae) in pears
Authors: Il'ichev A. L. , Williams D. G. , Gut L. J.
Published: June 2007

Codling moth (CM) and oriental fruit moth (OFM) are very important orchard pests worldwide, and particularly in Victoria, Australia, where both species damage pome fruit. Individually CM and OFM have been controlled successfully by pheromone‐mediated mating disruption, but treatment of pome fruit with full registered rates of two individual hand‐applied dispensers for CM and OFM could be uneconomical for growers. Field trials conducted over three seasons in plots sprayed with insecticides consistently demonstrated that dual Isomate C/OFM TT dispensers, designed to disrupt both CM and OFM, were as effective as Isomate CTT and Isomate OFM Rosso dispensers applied individually in pears for control of CM and OFM respectively. The dual‐ and individual‐species dispensers reduced moth catches and fruit damage to a similar degree. The results suggest that combined control of CM and OFM in pears by applying dual Isomate C/OFM TT dispensers at the full‐recommended rate of 500 dispensers per hectare will be more economical than use of individual species dispensers, because the price and application cost of dual dispenser is about half that for individual dispensers.
Appraising the trustworthiness of qualitative studies: Guidelines for occupational therapists
Authors: Curtin Michael , Fossey Ellie
Published: June 2007

Qualitative research provides a valuable source of evidence to enhance occupational therapy practice. Occupational therapists need to consider the issue of trustworthiness prior to deciding whether the findings of qualitative research have relevance to their day‐to‐day work. By trustworthiness we mean the extent to which the findings are an authentic reflection of the personal or lived experiences of the phenomenon under investigation. In this article we provide guidance to enable occupational therapists to competently determine the trustworthiness of a qualitative research project. We do this by explaining, and illustrating with examples, six considerations that should be taken into account when determining whether the method, findings and interpretation of a qualitative research have been conducted in a trustworthy manner. These considerations are evidence of thick description, triangulation strategies, member‐checking, collaboration between the researcher and the researched, transferability and reflexivity. Once the trustworthiness of a qualitative research has been determined, occupational therapists are in a better position to consider how the research findings may impact on their practice.
Residential exposure to electric power transmission lines and risk of lymphoproliferative and myeloproliferative disorders: a case–control study
Authors: Lowenthal R. M. , Tuck D. M. , Bray I. C.
Published: June 2007

Background: Studies have shown an association between electromagnetic fields and childhood leukaemia. The aim of this study was to determine whether there is an increased risk of lymphoproliferative disorders (LPD) or myeloproliferative disorders (MPD) associated with residence ≤300 m from high‐voltage power lines.

Methods: Case–control study of 854 patients diagnosed with LPD or MPD (including leukaemia, lymphoma and related conditions) aged 0–94 years comprising all cases diagnosed in Tasmania between 1972 and 1980. Controls were individually matched for sex and approximate age at the time of diagnosis.

Results: Compared with those who had always lived >300 m from a power line, those who had ever lived within 50 m had an odds ratio (OR) of 2.06 (95% confidence interval 0.87–4.91) for developing LPD or MPD (based on 768 adult case–control pairs); those who had lived between 50 and 300 m had an OR of 1.30 (0.88–1.91). Adults who had lived within 300 m of a power line during the first 15 years of life had a threefold increase in risk (OR 3.23; 1.26–8.29); those who had lived within the same distance aged 0–5 years had a fivefold increase in risk (OR 4.74; 0.98–22.9). These associations were strengthened when analyses were repeated for 201 pairs with entirely Tasmanian residential histories.

Conclusion: Although recognizing that this study has limitations, the results raise the possibility that prolonged residence close to high‐voltage power lines, especially early in life, may increase the risk of the development of MPD and LPD later.
Hepatocellular carcinoma in Sydney South West: late symptomatic presentation and poor outcome for most
Authors: Gellert L. , Jalaludin B. , Levy M.
Published: June 2007

Background: Hepatocellular cancer (HCC) is a serious complication of cirrhosis and chronic hepatitis B infection. The aim of the study was to determine the characteristics of patients with HCC presenting within the South West Sydney area, including an analysis of the rates and benefits of hepatocellular surveillance.

Methods: Data from patients with HCC presenting to Liverpool and Bankstown Hospitals from July 1993 to June 2003 were analysed retrospectively, predominantly from hospital records.

Results: Of the 151 HCC patients, 41% were Asian born. Most of the patients required an interpreter. Chronic viral hepatitis infection was present in 91 patients, of whom only 7% had previously received antiviral therapy. Alcohol alone was considered responsible in 31 patients. Cirrhosis could be documented in 58% of patients. Most of the patients (75%) presented symptomatically. The median survival was 5.1 months. When HCC was detected by surveillance, the tumours were slightly but not significantly more likely to be operable and the patients tended to be offered some form of active treatment more frequently. Multivariate analysis identified detection by surveillance, lower Child–Pugh score, smaller tumour size and eligibility for some form of treatment to be associated with a more favourable outcome.

Conclusion: We observed low rates of surveillance for HCC, low recognition of cirrhosis before development of HCC and low rates of prior treatment of viral hepatitis. The poor outcome of HCC in the small group who had some sort of community surveillance is also a concern requiring further investigation.
Pilot study of an outpatient‐based approach for advanced lymphoma using vinorelbine, gemcitabine and filgrastim
Authors: Spencer A , Reed K , Arthur C
Published: June 2007

Background: Vinorelbine and gemcitabine have demonstrable single‐agent activity against lymphoma, show differing toxicity profiles and can be given in an outpatient setting.

Aims: We have evaluated the feasibility of an outpatient‐based combination of vinorelbine and gemcitabine with filgrastim support (VGF) in patients with advanced lymphoma.

Methods: An open‐label, single‐arm study of 40 consecutive patients with relapsed (n = 24) or refractory (n = 16) lymphoma was undertaken. The median number of prior regimens was three (range 1–11) and 12 had undergone prior stem cell transplantation. Patients received vinorelbine 25 mg/m2 and gemcitabine 1000 mg/m2 on days 1 and 8 of each 21‐day cycle. Patients showing no response after two cycles (early response) were offered alternative therapy. Responding patients received two more cycles. Primary end‐points were the early and overall response rates.

Results: One hundred and sixteen cycles of therapy were delivered. Hospital admissions were required following 27 treatment cycles (24%), predominantly following cycle 1. Febrile neutropenia followed 6% of cycles. The early and overall response rates on an intention‐to‐treat basis were 60 and 53%, respectively. Responses for peripheral T‐cell lymphoma and Hodgkin lymphoma were particularly encouraging, 70 and 75%, respectively. With a median follow up of 34 months overall survival for the entire cohort at 2 years is 50%. Furthermore, for the 23 patients who did not receive high‐dose consolidative therapy 2‐year survival was 35%.

Conclusions: Vinorelbine and gemcitabine with filgrastim support can be safely delivered in an outpatient setting and shows clinically meaningful activity against a range of advanced lymphoma subtypes.
Geriatric syndromes as predictors of adverse outcomes of hospitalization
Authors: Anpalahan M. , Gibson S. J.
Published: June 2007

Aims: The aim of this study was to determine the association between the common geriatric syndromes and predefined adverse outcomes of hospitalization and to identify the most important independent predictors of adverse outcomes using information gained within 24 h of admission in older general medical patients.

Methods: A prospective longitudinal cohort study of patients aged ≥75 years admitted to the rapid assessment medical unit in a teaching hospital was carried out. The role of geriatric syndromes in predicting outcomes was examined in univariate and multivariate models. The outcome measures were (i) length of hospital stay (LOS) of 28 days or more, (ii) institutionalization or change in residential care status to a more dependent category at discharge or during 3 months post‐discharge, (iii) unplanned readmissions during 3 months and (iv) mortality in hospital or 3 months post‐discharge.

Results: The presence of geriatric syndromes was significantly associated with increased LOS and institutionalization or change in residential care status to a more dependent category. The factors most predictive of these outcomes were impaired pre‐admission functional status in activities of daily living, recurrent falls, urinary incontinence and supported living arrangements. The geriatric syndromes appeared less important in predicting unplanned readmission and death.

Conclusion: The presence of geriatric syndromes in older general medical patients is an important determinant of adverse outcomes of hospitalization, particularly of LOS and admission to residential care. The predictors most useful for screening patients for these outcomes, within 24 h of admission, appear to be the presence of certain pre‐existing geriatric syndromes before admission.
Short interval between symptom onset and medical care as an indication of rapid onset of interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome
Authors: Greenberg Patty , Tracy J. Kathleen , Meyer Walter A. , Yates Teresa , Diggs Christina , Warren John W.
Published: June 2007

OBJECTIVE

To assess how many patients with interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome (IC/PBlS) obtain medical care soon after symptom onset, and to determine how these patients differ from those who have medical care later.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In a risk‐factor study of IC/PBlS, we recruited women with IC/PBlS symptoms of ≤12 months’ duration and carefully identified the onset date, first medical encounter and early clinical findings.

RESULTS

Of 138 women with IC/PBlS for ≤12 months, 49% sought medical care within 7 days and another 31% within 4 weeks. These patients had no easier access to medical care but rather experienced symptoms differently, with more evidence for discomfort and inflammation. However, subsequently they did not differ from those with more gradual onset in features indicative of IC/PBlS, i.e. Hunner’s ulcers, petechial haemorrhages, symptoms, medications, or quality of life.

CONCLUSIONS

A shorter time to the first medical encounter was not a function of greater access to medical care but instead was associated with more discomfort and evidence of inflammation, as distinct from those with more gradual onset. The 6‐month follow‐up of both groups indicated that no significant differences in IC/PBlS symptoms persisted. A careful study of rapid‐onset IC/PBlS might provide clues to the pathogenesis of this enigmatic disease.
Teachers' mindsets and the integration of computer technology
Authors: Subramaniam Karthigeyan
Published: June 2007

The paper addresses how the construct of zone of proximal development was used as an analytical lens to examine teachers' integration of computer technology for teaching. The research question ‘What are the teachers' psychological insights that serve to mediate student learning?’ was the focus of the study. Six secondary school science teachers took part in the 5‐month study. Data were collected using qualitative methods. Analysis of participants' natural metaphoric language revealed four themes that framed participants' psychological insights: mediation as a journey; mediation as adopting roles; mediation as mutual investment; and, mediation as liberating and/or domesticating. Collectively, these psychological insights mediated learning actions within the zone of proximal development.
A New Look at Infant Pointing
Authors: Tomasello Michael , Carpenter Malinda , Liszkowski Ulf
Published: June 2007

The current article proposes a new theory of infant pointing involving multiple layers of intentionality and shared intentionality. In the context of this theory, evidence is presented for a rich interpretation of prelinguistic communication, that is, one that posits that when 12‐month‐old infants point for an adult they are in some sense trying to influence her mental states. Moreover, evidence is also presented for a deeply social view in which infant pointing is best understood—on many levels and in many ways—as depending on uniquely human skills and motivations for cooperation and shared intentionality (e.g., joint intentions and attention with others). Children's early linguistic skills are built on this already existing platform of prelinguistic communication.