bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Where and when is blood transfused? An observational study of the timing and location of red cell transfusions in the north of England
Authors: Tinegate H. N. , Thompson C. L. , Jones H. , Stainsby D.
Published: July 2007

Background and Objectives  This study was undertaken to provide denominator data relating to the timing and location of transfusion, to support interpretation of reports of incorrect blood component transfused (IBCT) events to the UK Serious Hazards of Transfusion (SHOT) scheme.

Materials and Methods  The study was carried out in 29 hospitals in northern England. Data on the timing, location and speciality responsible for transfusion were collected retrospectively (usually the following day) for all red cell units transfused over a 7‐day period in September 2005. The timing and location of transfusion of these units was compared with those IBCT reports to SHOT between 1 January and 31 December 2005 in which there was an error in blood collection from the hospital storage site and/or administration to the patient.

Results  Data were received on 3123 red cell units, 3118 of which were analysable. Individual hospitals returned data on between 1 and 279 units. The data showed that 888 out of 3118 (28.5%) of units were transfused between 20:00 and 08:00 hours, while 63 out of 169 (37%) of IBCT reports to SHOT where there was an error in blood collection/administration were recorded as occurring during this time period.

Conclusions  Comparison of our data with those from SHOT suggests that transfusions that are given outside core hours are more likely to be associated with clinical errors.
Transfusion‐associated microchimerism
Authors: Utter G. H. , Reed W. F. , Lee T.‐H. , Busch M. P.
Published: July 2007

Blood transfusion is a newly recognized cause of microchimerism, the stable persistence of a minor population of allogeneic cells. Relatively recent advances in polymerase chain reaction technology have spawned new information about the frequency and aetiology of transfusion‐associated microchimerism (TA‐MC). Although conceptually related to fetal‐maternal microchimerism, TA‐MC is a distinct and separate entity. Evidence of TA‐MC has been strongest among patients with severe traumatic injuries who receive relatively fresh blood products shortly after an episode of massive haemorrhage. The presence of a focal deficit in the cellular immunologic repertoire prior to transfusion that happens to match a blood donor's human leucocyte antigen type also appears to be an important predisposing factor. TA‐MC seems to be common (affecting approximately 10% of transfused injured patients), enduring (lasting years to decades) and pronounced (involving up to 5% of circulating leucocytes and multiple immunophenotypic lineages suggestive of haematopoietic engraftment). Further study of this topic may reveal important information regarding potential clinical consequences of TA‐MC, as well as basic haematologic and immunologic processes.
Effects of maize grain and lucerne particle size on ruminal fermentation, digestibility and performance of cows in midlactation
Authors: Cao Z. J. , Li S. L. , Xing J. J. , Ma M. , Wang L. L.
Published: July 2007

This study evaluated the effects of, and interactions between, maize grain particle size (MPS) and lucerne particle size (LPS) on dry matter intake, milk production, milk composition, ruminal fermentation, microbial yield, chewing activity and nutrient digestibility in midlactation cows. Four multiparous Holstein cows with ruminal cannulas were assigned randomly to a 4 × 4 Latin square design, averaged 595 kg (SD = 52) of body weight and 121 days in milk (SD = 21) at the start of the experiment. Experimental periods were 21 days in length (14 days of treatment adaptation and 7 days of data collection). All diets were fed as total mixed ration and were formulated to meet or exceed the requirements of a 600 kg multiparous cow producing 20 kg milk/day with 4.0% fat. The ratio of concentrate to forage was 39:61 (dry matter basis). Treatments were arranged in a 2 × 2 factorial design; two levels of LPS (2.54 and 6.22 mm) were combined with concentrates based on either ground maize grain (711 μm) or cracked maize grain (1755 μm). Maize grain and LPS did not affect milk production and milk fat percentage. Milk protein percentage increased when MPS was decreased (p = 0.04). Milk urea nitrogen was lower for cows fed ground maize grain compared with cracked maize grain (118–134 mg/l, p = 0.05). Estimated microbial N supply increased 41.9 g/day for ground maize grain compared with cracked maize grain. Cows fed long lucerne (LL) hay spent more time ruminating compared with cows fed short lucerne (SL) hay ranging from 293 to 336 min/day (p < 0.001). Total time spent chewing by cows increased from 505 to 574 min/day (p = 0.002) for SL and LL respectively. Based on the results from this study, midlactation cows can be fed diets that contain ground maize grain and SL hay without leading to negative effects on ruminal pH and nutrient digestibility.
Pustular psoriasis‐like tinea incognito due to Trichophyton rubrum
Authors: Serarslan Gamze
Published: July 2007

Tinea incognito describes fungal infections with atypical clinical features and is usually caused by administration of steroids. We describe an 11‐year‐old girl who presented with widespread erythematous and pustular lesions being treated with topical corticosteroid. The diagnosis was confirmed by mycological examination including culture. Complete clinical resolution was observed with oral and topical antimycotic treatment.
Use of diagnostic tests by dermatologists, podiatrists and family practitioners in the United States: pilot data from a cross‐sectional survey
Authors: Koshnick Rebecca L. , Lilly Kia K. , Clair Katherine St , Finnegan Mary T. , Warshaw Erin M.
Published: July 2007

Before treating onychomycosis, it is important to exclude other conditions such as lichen planus and psoriasis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate physician preferences and uses of diagnostic tests for toenail onychomycosis (TO) by surveying dermatologists (D), podiatrists (P) and family practitioners (FP) in the United States. Surveys were mailed to approximately 1000 randomly sampled physicians from each of the three specialities. The questionnaire consisted of 15 items regarding physician and practice characteristics, number of patients with TO seen and treated, tests used to diagnose TO and reasons for using the tests. Results were analysed using several statistical methods. Response rates were low (D33.7%; P16.6%; FP28.4%). Ds and Ps (75.2%) and FPs (43.4%) reported feeling ‘very confident’ at diagnosing onychomycosis. KOH was the preferred diagnostic test for all three specialities. More Ds (75.4%) felt ‘very confident’ interpreting potassium hydroxide (KOH) exams than Ps (24.9%) and FPs (18.5%). Use of KOH exams was statistically associated with confidence interpreting exams (P P = 0.04092; D & FP P < 0.0001). Some FPs (46.6%) and Ps (21.6%) did not obtain a confirmatory diagnostic test prior to the treatment of onychomycosis while 63.6% of Ds ‘almost always/always’ did. While limited by low‐response rate, this study provides pilot information on the diagnostic preferences for TO by American D, P and FP.
NOVEL EVIDENCE SUGGESTING AN ANTI‐OXIDANT PROPERTY FOR ERYTHROPOIETIN ON VANCOMYCIN‐INDUCED NEPHROTOXICITY IN A RAT MODEL
Authors: Cetin Hasan , Olgar şeref , Oktem Faruk , Ciris Metin , Uz Efkan , Aslan Çaǧatay , Ozguner Fehmi
Published: July 2007

The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of oxidative stress in renal injury and to determine whether erythropoietin (EPO) acts as an anti‐oxidant in vancomycin (VCM)‐induced renal impairment.

Twenty‐four rats were divided into three groups as follows: (i) control (Group 1); (ii) VCM treated (Group 2); and (iii) VCM + EPO treated (Group 3). Vancomycin (200 mg/kg, i.p.) was administered to Groups 2 and 3 for 7 days. Erythropoietin (150 IU/kg, i.p.) treatment was started 24 h before VCM and lasted for 7 days. On Day 8, renal tissues were excised and blood samples were collected. Serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen were measured, along with renal malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activity and tissue VCM levels. The kidneys were examined for any histopathological changes.

Renal MDA levels were found to be increased, whereas SOD and CAT activity was decreased, in the VCM‐treated group compared with the control group. There was a marked decrease in MDA levels and an increase in SOD activity, but not CAT activity, after VCM + EPO treatment. Marked histopathological alterations, including interstitial oedema, tubular dilatation, tubular epithelial cell desquamation and vacuolization, were observed in VCM‐treated rats. Histopathological changes were significantly improved after EPO administration.

In conclusion, the present data suggest that oxidative stress plays an important role in VCM‐induced nephrotoxicity. Erythropoietin seems to act as an anti‐oxidant, diminishing the toxic oxidative effects of VCM on renal tissues.
REVERSAL OF CISPLATIN‐INDUCED CARNITINE DEFICIENCY AND ENERGY STARVATION BY PROPIONYL‐l‐CARNITINE IN RAT KIDNEY TISSUES
Authors: Aleisa Abdulaziz M , Al‐Majed Abdulhakeem A , Al‐Yahya Abdulaziz A , Al‐Rejaie Salim S , Bakheet Saleh A , Al‐Shabanah Othman A , Sayed‐Ahmed Mohamed M
Published: July 2007

The present study examined whether propionyl‐l‐carnitine (PLC) could prevent the development of cisplatin (CDDP)‐induced acute renal failure in rats.

Forty adult male Wistar albino rats were divided into four groups. Rats in the first group were injected daily with normal saline (2.5 mL/kg, i.p.) for 10 consecutive days, whereas the second group received PLC (250 mg/kg, i.p.) for 10 consecutive days. Animals in the third group were injected daily with normal saline for 5 consecutive days before and after a single dose of CDDP (7 mg/kg, i.p.). Rats in the fourth group received a combination of PLC (250 mg/kg, i.p.) for 5 consecutive days before and after a single dose of CDDP (7 mg/kg, i.p.). On Day 6 following CDDP treatment, animals were killed and serum and kidneys were isolated for analysis.

Injection of CDDP resulted in a significant increase in serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), thiobarbituric acid‐reactive substances (TBARS) and total nitrate/nitrite (NOx), as well as a significant decrease in reduced glutathione (GSH), total carnitine, ATP and ATP/ADP in kidney tissues.

Administration of PLC significantly attenuated the nephrotoxic effects of CDDP, manifested as normalization of the CDDP‐induced increase in serum creatinine, BUN, TBARS and NOx and the CDDP‐induced decrease in total carnitine, GSH, ATP and ATP/ADP in kidney tissues.

Histopathological examination of kidney tissues from CDDP‐treated rats showed severe nephrotoxicity, in which 50–75% of glomeruli and renal tubules exhibited massive degenerative changes. Interestingly, administration of PLC to CDDP‐treated rats resulted in a significant improvement in glomeruli and renal tubules, in which less than 25% of glomeruli and renal tubules exhibited focal necrosis.

Data from the present study suggest that PLC prevents the development of CDDP‐induced acute renal injury by a mechanism related, at least in part, to the ability of PLC to increase intracellular carnitine content, with a consequent improvement in mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation and energy production, as well as its ability to decrease oxidative stress. This will open new perspectives for the use of PLC in the treatment of renal diseases associated with or secondary to carnitine deficiency.
Restoring Western (Basalt) Plains grassland. 2. Field emergence, establishment and recruitment following direct seeding
Authors: Gibson‐Roy Paul , Delpratt John , Moore Greg
Published: July 2007

Summary Both reservation of small remnants and ecological restoration of degraded areas will be crucial if the Victorian Western (Basalt) Plains grassland community is to be conserved in the long term. This study examined the potential of direct seeding as a technique for grassland restoration by recording the initial establishment and subsequent recruitment success of 64 (predominantly perennial) grassland species direct sown onto a constructed site. Forty‐three (67%) of the sown species emerged and established during the 2‐year study and a further three species were recorded in subsequent years. In the second year, 32 species increased their number either through seedling or vegetative recruitment and 30 species dispersed beyond their original sown plot. Seed size was not correlated with field emergence but life form did influence initial field success for some groups. The finding that many species are able to establish and recruit under the study conditions supports the need for further investigation of direct seeding in the restoration of grassland communities.
Continuous monitoring of predator control operations at landscape scale
Authors: King Carolyn M. , McDonald Roderick M. , Martin Ross D. , MacKenzie Darryl I. , Tempero Grant W. , Holmes Selena J.
Published: July 2007

Summary  Exotic predators are considered pests to wildlife and agriculture, requiring predator‐control programs. Effective monitoring of predator‐control operations is essential to justify their considerable cost, but often impossible in practice. The difficulties are especially severe if the target species is small and wide‐ranging, and the area to be protected is inaccessible and/or extensive. A convenient model predator of this type, the feral Ferret (Mustela furo), is subject to control on farmland in New Zealand. We monitored the distribution of Ferrets over 2400 ha in the central North Island, before and throughout a standard control operation by professional trappers. We used 24 units of a new automated monitoring device, the Scentinel, set in a grid at 1 per 100 ha. Over 11 weeks (11 February to 29 April 2005, 1718 trap nights), we recorded 1559 visits by small mammals, including 198 by Ferrets. By the end of the 4th week, Ferrets had been detected at 17 of 24 sites. Removal of Ferrets from the study area by contractors began during the 5th week, and was reflected in significant declines in the number of Ferret visits recorded per day (P = 0.008) and the number of sites visited (P = 0.021). Analysis of our extensive repeat‐survey data by site‐occupancy methods confirmed these trends in greater detail, while also allowing for variation in detectability.
CLINICAL EVALUATION OF PERORAL CHOLANGIOSCOPY FOR BILIARY DISEASE USING NARROW BAND IMAGING
Authors: Okabe Yoshinobu , Tsuruta Osamu , Naito Yoshiki , Suga Hideya , Sata Michio
Published: July 2007

Regarding peroral cholangioscopy (POCS) for biliary disease, due to the recent appearance of a video cholangioscope that can obtain high‐quality images, it is possible to observe subtle changes of the biliary mucosa. In addition to the conventional observation method using POCS, the biliary mucosa with also observed with narrow band imaging (NBI) in one case of chronic cholangitis and four cases of extra hepatic bile duct tumor (three surgical cases). In the conventional observation method, the vessels in the surface layer of the biliary mucosa could be observed more clearly using NBI. In one case in which a tumor was observed, the irregularity of the biliary mucosa became clear on NBI, and the vessels inside a papillary tumor could also be easily observed. In another case of bile duct tumor, the conventional observation method showed a region in the proximity of the tumor where the vessels could not be seen clearly, but they could be seen clearly on NBI. In all of the cases, the bile juice was seen as red on NBI, which disturbed the observation. With POCS using NBI, it was possible to observe the vessels and irregularities in the surface layer of the biliary mucosa more clearly than with conventional observation methods.
RISK MANAGEMENT FOR ENDOSCOPIC TREATMENT FOR COMMON BILE DUCT STONES: ENDOSCOPIC SPHINCTEROTOMY AND ENDOSCOPIC PAPILLARY BALLOON DILATION
Authors: Igarashi Yoshinori , Yasuda Ichiro
Published: July 2007

Currently, endoscopic treatment for common bile duct stones is widely performed all over the world. Endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST) and endoscopic papillary balloon dilation (EPBD) are representative treatments of this modality in Japan. Both of them are much more convenient and much less invasive than surgical operation. These two procedures are also recognized as being relatively safe, but it is also a fact that serious complications may still occur at a certain rate. Bleeding, pancreatitis and duodenal perforation can occur in association with EST, and pancreatitis is the most important issue related to EPBD. To reduce the risk, these procedures should be performed only under the appropriate indications and in an appropriate manner. In addition, several special medications and treatments before and/or after the procedure might also be useful in reducing the risks associated with it.
DIAGNOSIS OF COLONIC ADENOMAS BY NEW AUTOFLUORESCENCE IMAGING SYSTEM: A PILOT STUDY
Authors: Uedo Noriya , Higashino Koji , Ishihara Ryu , Takeuchi Yoji , Iishi Hiroyasu
Published: July 2007

Detection and removal of adenoma by colonoscopy is an important means of preventing cancer. Autofluorescence endoscopy can visualize flat or isochromatic tumor that was not detectable by white light endoscopy by the difference in tissue fluorescence properties. Recently, a new autofluorescence imaging system (AFI, Olympus Medical Systems) using a combination of autofluorescence and reflection imaging has been developed. The purpose of the present paper was to investigate its feasibility in detection of colonic adenoma in a clinical setting. A total of 64 patients were randomly assigned to AFI or white light groups, and the distal sigmoid colon and the rectum was observed under autofluorescence or white light followed by the other mode of observation by a different endoscopist. The diagnostic ability of each method for detection of neoplasms was compared in relation to the histology as a reference standard. Sensitivity and specificity of AFI for detection of neoplastic polyps was 84% and 60%, respectively, and were similar to those of white light colonoscopy: 90% and 64%. Conventional colonoscopy overlooked more flat lesions including one adenocarcinoma. AFI has the potential to detect more flat lesions but efficacy was unable to be demonstrated in the restricted population. Further investigations are needed to determine optimum usage.
Apparent climatically induced increase of tree mortality rates in a temperate forest
Authors: Van Mantgem Phillip J. , Stephenson Nathan L.
Published: July 2007

We provide a first detailed analysis of long‐term, annual‐resolution demographic trends in a temperate forest. After tracking the fates of 21 338 trees in a network of old‐growth forest plots in the Sierra Nevada of California, we found that mortality rate, but not the recruitment rate, increased significantly over the 22 years of measurement (1983–2004). Mortality rates increased in both of two dominant taxonomic groups (Abies and Pinus) and in different forest types (different elevational zones). The increase in overall mortality rate resulted from an increase in tree deaths attributed to stress and biotic causes, and coincided with a temperature‐driven increase in an index of drought. Our findings suggest that these forests (and by implication, other water‐limited forests) may be sensitive to temperature‐driven drought stress, and may be poised for die‐back if future climates continue to feature rising temperatures without compensating increases in precipitation.
Elucidation of metabolic pathways in glycogen‐accumulating organisms with in vivo13C nuclear magnetic resonance
Authors: Lemos Paulo C. , Dai Yu , Yuan Zhiguo , Keller Jurg , Santos Helena , Reis Maria A. M.
Published: July 2007

Glycogen‐accumulating organisms (GAOs) are found in enhanced biological phosphorus removal systems where they compete with polyphosphate‐accumulating organisms for external carbon substrates. 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (13C‐NMR) was used to elucidate the metabolic pathways operating in an enriched GAO culture dominated by two known GAOs (81.2%). The experiments consisted of adding 13C‐acetate (labelled on position 1 or 2) to the culture under anaerobic conditions, and operating the culture through a cycle consisting of an anaerobic, an aerobic and a further anaerobic phase. The carbon transformations over the cycle were monitored using in vivo13C‐NMR. The two‐carbon moieties in hydroxybutyrate and hydroxyvalerate were derived from acetate, while the propionyl precursor of hydroxyvalerate was primarily derived from glycogen, with only a small fraction originating from acetate. Comparison of the labelling patterns in hydroxyvalerate at the end of the first and the second anaerobic periods in pulse experiments with 2‐13C‐acetate showed that the Entner–Doudoroff (ED) pathway was used for the breakdown of glycogen. This conclusion was further supported by the labelling pattern on glycogen observed in the pulse experiments with 1‐13C‐acetate, which can only be explained by the operation of ED with recycling of pyruvate and glyceraldehyde 3‐phosphate via gluconeogenesis. The activity of the ED pathway for glycogen degradation by GAOs is demonstrated here for the first time. In addition, the decarboxylating part of the tricarboxylic acid cycle was confirmed to operate also under anaerobic conditions.
Alone in the World: The Existential Socrates in the Apology and Crito
Authors: Saccarelli Emanuele
Published: July 2007

The story of Socrates' life, and in particular the circumstances of his death, has been a nearly obligatory referent for the development of Western political thought. Contemporary political theorists such as Hannah Arendt and, more recently, Gerald Mara and Dana Villa have presented Socrates as a model of political engagement for our times. Against the background of these accounts, I develop an existential interpretation of Socrates as he appears in the Apology and Crito, focusing on the singular, private, experiential and incommunicable character of Socrates' truth. In doing so, I discuss some important and contentious issues in Socratic studies, such as his disavowal of knowledge, his allegiance to the Athenian polis and the apparent tension between his defiance during the trial and his willingness to submit to the resulting death sentence. My interpretation reveals a Socrates that we should not strive to understand, let alone emulate politically particularly if we wish to respect his own sensibilities.
INHABITING NEW LANDSCAPES: SETTLEMENT AND MOBILITY IN BRITAIN AFTER THE LAST GLACIAL MAXIMUM
Authors: CONNELLER CHANTAL
Published: July 2007

Summary.  This paper explores the debate over the reoccupation of northern Europe after the last glacial maximum. Previous contributions to this debate have focused more on the timing of this event, rather than the technological and mobility strategies that enabled people to move into new landscapes. It is argued that a more detailed examination of the archaeological evidence from specific sites can provide a more nuanced understanding of these issues and can highlight the variety of technical economies employed in the late glacial. These concerns are explored through a case study from the Vale of Pickering in northern England.
Effects of age and sex on immunological and virological responses to initial highly active antiretroviral therapy
Authors: Patterson K , Napravnik S , Eron J , Keruly J , Moore R
Published: July 2007

Background

Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has increased longevity. Currently, women comprise >50% of HIV‐infected individuals worldwide. It is not known if there are differences between the sexes in the immunological and virological responses to HAART across the age strata.

Methods

Immunological reconstitution and virological response in the first 6 months of a first HAART regimen in two observational clinical HIV‐infected cohorts were compared by both sex and age (≥50 vs. <50 years old).

Results

A total of 246 individuals (28% women) were included in the study; 63 cases (≥50 years old) and 183 controls (<50 years old). Over two‐thirds of patients had HIV RNA levels <400 HIV‐1 RNA copies/mL and CD4 count increases ≥50 cells/μL at 6 months from therapy initiation. There were no differences in immunological reconstitution across age and sex strata (P=0.81) and no differences in virological suppression, even after adjusting for type of HAART (P=0.68) or restricting the analysis to women only (P=0.81). These results suggest that younger and older women and men may have similar short‐term initial HAART outcomes.

Conclusions

Further evaluation of longer term clinical response to initial HAART regimen based on sex and age is indicated, especially with more efficacious and simplified antiretroviral regimens and the associated decrease in mortality.
Extrapyramidal signs, primitive reflexes and incontinence in fronto‐temporal dementia
Authors: Diehl‐Schmid J. , Schūlte‐Overberg J. , Hartmann J. , Förstl H. , Kurz A. , Häussermann P.
Published: July 2007

According to the diagnostic consensus criteria [1] akinesia, rigidity and tremor as well as primitive reflexes and incontinence support the diagnosis of fronto‐temporal dementia (FTD). However, the prevalence of extrapyramidal signs (EPMS), primitive reflexes and incontinence in FTD has not yet been systematically studied. In the present study, thirty‐one patients with mild or moderate FTD without previous or present antipsychotic medication underwent a detailed neurological exam including the motor part of the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS). The average total score on the motor subscale of the UPDRS was 14.0 points. Akinesia and Parkinsonian gait or posture were found frequently but were mild in most instances. Rigidity was found in 36% of the patients. Resting tremor was a rare symptom. The only primitive reflex that occurred was a positive palmomental that was found in 7% of the patients. Urinary incontinence was present in 26%. The results have to be confirmed with larger or pooled patient samples from different ascertainment scenarios. If the results of the present study can be replicated, a revision of the consensus criteria from 1998 might be considered.
UNCERTAIN INFANT MORTALITY, LEARNING, AND LIFE‐CYCLE FERTILITY*
Authors: Mira Pedro
Published: July 2007

This article examines the links between infant mortality and fertility in an environment with unobserved heterogeneity in infant mortality risk across mothers. In such an environment, replacement behavior (i.e., the fertility response to an experienced child death) might be influenced by mothers' learning about a family‐specific component of infant mortality risk. I explicitly introduce learning by mothers in a dynamic stochastic model of life‐cycle marital fertility, and I estimate the model's structural parameters using Malaysian panel data. The framework is used to estimate replacement rates and to correct for birth selectivity in the estimation of the relationship between infant mortality risk and “health inputs.”
A SIGNALING THEORY OF GRADE INFLATION*
Authors: Chan William , Hao Li , Suen Wing
Published: July 2007

When employers cannot tell whether a school truly has many good students or just gives easy grades, a school has incentives to inflate grades to help its mediocre students, despite concerns about preserving the value of good grades for its good students. We construct a signaling model where grades are inflated in equilibrium. The inability to commit to an honest grading policy reduces the efficiency of job assignment and hurts a school. Grade inflation by one school makes it easier for another school to do likewise, thus providing a channel to make grade exaggeration contagious.
Startle reflex modulation and autonomic responding during anxious apprehension in panic disorder patients
Authors: Melzig Christiane A. , Weike Almut I. , Zimmermann Jörg , Hamm Alfons O.
Published: July 2007

The present study explored anxious apprehension in panic disorder patients and controls in two threat conditions, darkness and threat of shock. Autonomic arousal and startle eyeblink reflexes were recorded in 26 panic disorder patients and 22 controls during adaptation, a safe condition, threat of shock, and darkness. Exposure to darkness resulted in a clear potentiation of the startle reflex. Panic patients but not controls responded with an increase in heart rate that was positively related to severity of agoraphobic avoidance. Threat of shock resulted in a startle potentiation that tended to be stronger in panic patients without comorbid depression than controls and attenuated in those patients who suffered from severe depression. These data suggest that only panic patients without depression belong to the fear disorders spectrum whereas panic patients with comorbid depression might rather belong to the distress disorders profile.
HOME FOOD STORAGE FACILITIES AND THEIR USE: III.
Authors: Cook D. J.
Published: July 2007

This paper continues (from paper II in the series) a report on a survey carried out in some 200 homes on foods stored in the refrigerator. It deals with the packaging (and domestic re‐packaging or the use of additional packaging) of a variety of foods stored in refrigerators and includes comment on the affects of inadequate or incorrect packaging on the safety and quality of foods from the refrigerator.
ACCESSIBILITY AS A CONSUMER STANDARD IN RURAL AREAS*
Authors: RADFORD DAVID
Published: July 2007

This paper considers accessibility as a consumer standard in rural areas and relates transport problems to factors such as family expenditure patterns. The access limitations on certain groups of individuals in a particular area in central South Wales are considered in detail and the need for a minimum access standard in all communities is suggested.
THE LANGUAGE OF POSSESSIONS AND THE IMPLICATIONS FOR CONSUMER STUDIES
Authors: GIORDAN MARION
Published: July 2007

In this paper the author considers the way in which consumers regard their possessions and how this can influence consumer behaviour. The need for change in consumer education and consumer protection is considered and the idea of consumer responsibility is proposed.
CLOTHES‐CARE SYMBOLS: ARE THEY UNDERSTOOD?
Authors: ARSTALL JANE , BRASS CHRISTINE , EVERARD JULIA , GEORGE PHILIP , MURDOCH PAULA , SHEARMON TRACEY , SHEPHERD SARA
Published: July 2007

This brief paper is a report of an investigation into the acceptability of modern clothes care symbols carried out by third‐year psychology students who have been following an option in consumer psychology in their course.
EFFECTS OF INDOOR CLIMATE ON HUMAN COMFORT, PERFORMANCE AND HEALTH IN RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL AND LIGHT‐INDUSTRY BUILDINGS*
Authors: PARRY MALCOLM
Published: July 2007

This paper is a report of an international symposium in Copenhagen on the effects of indoor climate on human comfort, performance and health.
GETTING PRIMARY CARE ON THE NATIONAL HEALTH SERVICE
Authors: WOODS PHILIP , JONES KATHERINE
Published: July 2007

As a result of a request from the Royal Commission on the NHS, the Welsh Consumer Council carried out a sample survey of two groups of people: parents of children under 10 and the elderly (aged 60 or over). The purpose of the study was to find out how accessible GPs, chemists, dentists, opticians and chiropodists were, and the two sampled groups were thought to consist of those likely to make the heaviest demands on these services.

A higher proportion of the parents, compared with the elderly, experienced difficulties in getting to see the GP and obtaining treatment. The attitude and manner of doctors, the rushed nature of consultations, long waits for appointments and the response to requests for home visits were all criticized, albeit by a minority. Nearly half the parents asked the chemist for advice about minor ailments. Concerning dental and ophthalmic treatment, the main problem was cost. Some elderly people had long and painful waits between chiropody appointments and the chiropody service appears to be understaffed.
SOLAR ENERGY: STANDARDS AND CONSUMER PROTECTION
Authors: BRINKWORTH B. J.
Published: July 2007

Solar heating systems provide an independent source of energy at the consumer's own premises. It is thus appropriate that national standards in this field should be framed with particular regard for the ‘consumer dimension’. as well as giving guidance to the industry on technical matters. The forthcoming British Standard Code of Practice on Solar Heating Systems for Domestic Hot Water provides an example of how this might be done.
THERMAL COMFORT IN THE HOME
Authors: PARRY M. J. , IRVING R. J.
Published: July 2007

The thermal conditions required for comfort in the indoor environment have stimulated much research. Results of this research have both elucidated the physiological mechanisms which determine what conditions are comfortable as well as defining the combinations of physical variables which constitute these. This paper discusses these two aspects of thermal comfort in relation to the home environment
COOPERATIVES: PARTICULARLY THEIR RELEVANCE TO WOMEN IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES
Authors: CLARK VIRGINIA LEE
Published: July 2007

‘Cooperatives give us the opportunity to demonstrate with our own lives that giving ourselves away in service to others is a way of creating ourselves anew.’1

The purpose of this article is to give an over‐all picture of cooperatives and their relevance in developing countries especially with regard to women.
AN EMPIRICAL INVESTIGATION OF THE RELATIONSHIP AMONG WIFE'S EMPLOYMENT STATUS, STAGE IN THE FAMILY LIFE CYCLE, MEAL PREPARATION TIME, AND EXPENDITURES FOR MEALS AWAY FROM HOME
Authors: GOEBEL KAREN P. , HENNON CHARLES B.
Published: July 2007

The allocation of time is an ultimate reflection of quality of life choices. Since the current trend for increased proportions of dual wage earner families will probably continue, data on how they allocate and consume time will help in clarification of this dual wage earner lifestyle on future consumer decision making and behaviour.

Role theory is used to organize data on the relationships between consumption of time in the wives’ provider and homemaker roles. The relationship between purchased services, i.e. meal preparation, and wives’ time use is explored. Employment is related to meal preparation time, but not to the substitution of buying meals away from home. The age of the youngest child is important in explaining out‐of‐home meals. Implications for research and future lifestyles are discussed.
ENERGY CONSIDERATIONS WHEN COOKING WITH SAUCEPANS
Authors: HUGHES J. L. , McGUINESS P. , HOWARD K.
Published: July 2007

Greater efficiency in terms of utilization of energy in cooking can be achieved by reducing the use of small diameter saucepans. A sheet of household aluminium foil placed below the radiant ring of an electric cooker leads to small but significant energy savings. The life of rings could be shortened if a reflector is used without a saucepan.
LEGIONNAIRES' DISEASE AND AFTER — LEGAL HEADACHES FOR THE CATERING INDUSTRY
Authors: HARPWOOD V. M.
Published: July 2007

This study is an examination of the legal implications for the catering industry of diseases contracted by employees and guests from air‐conditioning systems, refrigeration units and water stored in hotels. The illnesses themselves are described in outline, together with their possible environmental sources. The legal situation is considered more fully and action which may prevent outbreaks of disease is suggested.
THE COST OF WASHING CLOTHES: SOURCES OF VARIATION
Authors: PURCHASE MARY E. , BERNING CAROL K. , LYNG ANNE L.
Published: July 2007

This paper develops the national average cost of washing clothes by examining consumer research data on the frequencies of using various water temperature settings and laundry additives and by utilizing national surveys of laundry product prices. Variations in these costs are shown to be significantly affected by three variables: (1) costs increase with family size due to the higher number of loads washed, (2) costs increase in areas where phosphate detergents are not available due to an increased use of hot water and laundry additives and (3) costs increase in harder water areas due to an increased use of hot water and fabric softener. The average increased cost for energy and laundry additives per family due to the nonavailability of phosphate detergents exceeds $11.00 per year. In addition to this amount, increased wear on washing machine parts and fabrics from the use of carbonate‐built detergents significantly increases the costs to consumers in nonphosphate areas.
Environmental education: a task for home economists
Authors: FEGEBANK BARBARA
Published: July 2007

Environmental education, with its aims of promoting an awareness of and responsibility for the environment, should be a lifelong process in order to protect the environment now and in the future. As home economics education takes place at all levels and in all kinds of schools throughout the world it can be used to demonstrate practical consequences and to motivate personal responsibility. Multiplierc in home economics (professors, teachers, etc) therefore have to integrate environmental education into home economics education and training. It is very important not just to enter into the so called ‘technical protection’ of the environment (water cleaning, reduction of waste, etc.) but to integrate environmental issues into a global view based on a holistic concept.

Environmental education in home economics in different countries will be analysed but the main example will be the environmental education in the Federal Republic of Germany (F. R. G.). At the same time questions of content and aims will be discussed.
Impacts of state laws on the consumption of wine per capita
Authors: FOLWELL RAYMOND J. , HARDY AMOS R. , McCRACKEN VICKI A. , PRICE DAVID W.
Published: July 2007

Wines are exempt from the Commerce Clause of the U.S. Constitution, as are tobacco and firearms. Each state can regulate the commerce including the taxation, pricing, and authorized sales agencies of such products. This paper examines the impact of taxation levels and other regulations on the consumption of wine per capita in six selected states. Each state is composed of a different set of consumers who react differently to tax levels and retail price levels, as well as product availability. In general, sales tax and excise tax on wine were found to have decreasing impacts on wine consumption. Greater product availability made possible by relaxation of off‐sale authorization regulations had an increasing impact on wine consumption.
Nutrition information in the market: food labelling as an aid to the consumer
Authors: WANDEL MARGARETA , BUGGE ANNECHEN
Published: July 2007

This research was conducted in order to find out how consumers perceive and use the information given on food labels. It included two different studies: (i) a pilot study consisting of in‐depth interviews with the help of an interview guide in 25 households, (ii) a consumer survey of personal interviews with a representative sample of the Norwegian population, 1050 persons over 15 years of age. The data showed that, even though the food labels were perceived as difficult to understand, there were nevertheless many consumers who made use of them. The typical pattern was occasional use; 46% read them very or rather often. The typical reader is a women between 30 and 59 years of age, and with a high education. Of all the substances listed on the food labels, most people looked for the additives (60%) and amount of fat (58%). Only 10% reported that they were very satisfied with the food labels as they appear today, whereas about 40% were rather satisfied. Suggestions from the respondents to make the food labels more satisfactory are discussed.
Sensory evaluation and consumer acceptance of carbohydrate‐based fat replacers in biscuits
Authors: CONFORTI FRANK D. , CHARLES STACEY A. , DUNCAN SUSAN E.
Published: July 2007

The effect of three different carbohydrate‐based fat substitutes in a baking powder biscuit was studied. The various fat replacers were substituted for fat in the biscuit formula at a rate of 33%, 66% and 100%. The biscuit variations were assessed by objective and sensory measurements. Comparable objective and sensory results indicated that crust colour was lightened significantly with increased use of the individual fat substitute. Tenderness decreased as substitute use increased when biscuits were rated by the sensory panel, but opposite results were obtained by the texture analyser. Objective analysis indicated that an increase in use of the fat substitute produced a moister biscuit, which was in agreement with the sensory panel. Consumer location testing rated the biscuits as moderately acceptable, but data did indicate a willingness for a product of this type to become available in the marketplace. The overall results do indicate that a fat substitute can be a viable additive in the basic biscuit, but there is a maximum at which the substitute can be used for fat and still produce an acceptable product.
Organizational differences in recruiting older department store workers in the US
Authors: CUMMINGS KAREN J. , PRIER‐WICKLIFFE VANESSA
Published: July 2007

Department store retailers need a reliable and stable labour resource, particularly for entry‐level positions. Older workers may be an alternative labour pool for these positions. The goal of this study is to learn whether department store attributes and recruitment representative characteristics affect the use of formal and informal recruiting strategies in developing an older applicant pool. The findings indicate that small sales volume stores used both formal and informal recruiting practices significantly less than medium or large stores. Further, younger respondents and human resource support staff relied upon informal methods more than formal ones. Finally, highly educated recruiting representatives used formal recruiting methods more than those with less education.
Consumption patterns among ethnic groups in Canada
Authors: ABDEL‐GHANY MOHAMED , SHARPE DEANNA L.
Published: July 2007

Canadian ethnic differences in consumption patterns were examined using the Canadian 1990 Survey of Family Expenditures. Tobit analysis was used to estimate the income elasticities of 14 expenditure categories. The results indicate that spending patterns differ significantly among the different groups in Canada.
Comparison of single vs. multiple administrations of the AMPA receptors modulator S 18986 in the object recognition task in rats
Authors: Bertaina‐Anglade V. , Drieu la Rochelle C. , Muñoz C. , Morain P. , Bernard K.
Published: July 2007

The present study aimed at defining the best scheme of administration of the α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methyl‐4‐isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) receptor‐positive modulator (S)‐2,3‐dihydro‐[3,4]‐cyclopentano‐1,2,4‐benzothiadiazine‐1,1‐dioxide (S 18986) [once daily (o.d.) administration of 1 mg/kg for 3 days vs. three times daily (t.i.d.) administration of 0.3 mg/kg for 3 days] to get an optimal procognitive activity in the object recognition task in rats. Memory performance [Recognition Index (RI)] of rats was significantly improved 1 h (RI = 41%, P < 0.01) and 3 h (RI = 46%, P < 0.001) following oral administration of S 18986 (1 mg/kg, o.d.) when compared with animals receiving the vehicle (RI = 6%). When the interval between administration and testing was increased to 6 h and 9 h, no statistically significant improvement in memory performance was observed (RI = 42% for 6 h and RI = 18% for 9 h vs. 20% for the vehicle group). When S 18986 was administered at 0.3 mg/kg t.i.d., no statistically significant improvement in memory performance was observed (RI = 36%). These findings show a long‐lasting efficacy of the AMPA receptor allosteric modulator in the object recognition task despite a short half‐life in plasma and in brain (approximately 1 h). Accordingly, multiple administrations of S 18986 are not required to obtain a maximal efficacy in this paradigm, because a o.d. schedule of administration leads to a powerful procognitive activity.
Genetic polymorphisms of drug‐metabolizing enzymes CYP2D6, CYP2C9, CYP2C19 and CYP3A5 in the Greek population
Authors: Arvanitidis Kostas , Ragia Georgia , Iordanidou Maria , Kyriaki Sofia , Xanthi Athanasia , Tavridou Anna , Manolopoulos Vangelis G.
Published: July 2007

The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of the most common allelic variants of the polymorphic cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes CYP2D6, CYP2C9, CYP2C19 and CYP3A5 and to predict the genotype frequency for each polymorphism in the Greek population. DNA isolated from peripheral blood samples derived from 283 non‐related Greek ethnic subjects was used to determine the frequency of CYP2D6*3, CYP2D6*4, CYP2C9*2, CYP2C9*3 and CYP3A5*3 allelic variants by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR)‐restriction fragment length polymorphism method, CYP2C19*2 and CYP2C19*3 with allelic specific amplification (PCR‐ASA), and CYP2D6*2 (gene duplications) by long PCR analysis. The allelic frequencies (out of a total of 566 alleles) for CYP2D6*3 and CYP2D6*4, were 2.3% and 17.8%, respectively, while gene duplications (CYP2D6*2) were found in 7.4% of the subjects tested. For CYP2C9*2 and CYP2C9*3 polymorphisms the allelic frequencies were 12.9% and 8.13% respectively. For CYP2C19, the *2 polymorphism was present at an allelic frequency of 13.1%, while no subjects were found carrying the CYP2C19*3 allele. Finally, the CYP3A5*3 allele was abundantly present in the Greek population with an allelic frequency of 94.4%. Overall our results show that the frequencies of the common defective allelic variants of CYP2C9, CYP2C19 and CYP3A5 in Greek subjects are similar to those reported for several other Caucasian populations. Finally, a high prevalence of CYP2D6 gene duplication among Greeks was found, a finding that strengthens the idea that a South/North gradient exists in the occurrence of CYP2D6 ultrarapid metabolizers in European populations.
Regulation of replicative senescence by insulin‐like growth factor‐binding protein 3 in human umbilical vein endothelial cells
Authors: Kim Kwang Seok , Kim Min‐Sun , Seu Young Bae , Chung Hae Young , Kim Jung Hye , Kim Jae‐Ryong
Published: July 2007

Insulin/insulin‐like growth factor (IGF) signaling pathways are among the most conserved processes in aging in organisms ranging from yeast to mammals. Previously, using cDNA microarray technology, we reported that expression of IGF‐binding protein 3 (IGFBP3), one of the IGF‐binding proteins, was increased with age in human dermal fibroblasts. In this study, the role of IGFBP3 on cellular senescence was studied in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). The expression levels of IGFBP3 mRNA and protein were increased in HUVECs with age. Knockdown of IGFBP3 in old cells with IGFBP3 short hairpin RNA (shRNA) retrovirus resulted in the partial reduction of a variety of senescent phenotypes, such as changes in cell morphology, and decreases in population doubling times and senescence‐associated β‐galactosidase (SA‐β‐gal) staining. Down‐regulation of IGFBP3 rescued the growth arrest induced by p53 overexpression in young HUVECs. In contrast, up‐regulation of IGFBP3 in young cells and prolonged IGFBP3 treatment accelerated cellular senescence, confirmed by cell proliferation and SA‐β‐gal staining. The FOXO3a (forkhead box O3a) protein level was increased in old IGFBP3 shRNA cells. The treatment of young HUVECs with IGFBP3 repressed the levels of FOXO3a protein. Furthermore, calorie restriction reduced IGFBP3 protein levels, which were found to be increased with age in the rat liver and serum. These results suggest that IGFBP3 might play an important role in the cellular senescence of HUVECs as well as in vivo aging.