bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Correlation of femoral artery flow velocity waveform with ipsilateral iliac artery stenoses assessed with magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Wikström J. , Johansson L. , Karacagil S. , Ahlström H.
Published: May 2007

Background: Magnetic resonance (MR) permits quantitative flow velocity measurements that could be used to detect changes in the curve profile downstream of a high-grade stenosis.

Purpose: To assess whether MR flow measurements can be used to detect iliac artery stenoses.

Material and Methods: Contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) and quantitative flow measurements in the lower aorta and proximal femoral arteries were performed in 29 patients with suspected iliac artery stenoses. Stenoses were graded into five degrees: 0%, 1–49%, 50–74%, 75–99%, and 100% diameter reduction. The femoral artery waveforms were evaluated qualitatively by two independent reviewers regarding peak systolic velocity (PSV), aortofemoral difference in time-to-peak (ΔTTP), systolic acceleration (SA), curve-shape index (CSI), and the presence of an early diastolic flow reversal. The correlation between these parameters and the degree of stenosis was assessed.

Results: A significant correlation with degree of stenosis was observed for the qualitative flow waveform evaluations, with a high degree of interobserver agreement (κ = 0.84). A significant correlation was also found between degree of stenosis and PSV, ΔTTP, SA, CSI, and presence of diastolic flow reversal. The flow velocity pattern, however, remained unchanged, both qualitatively and quantitatively, up to a stenosis degree of at least 75%.

Conclusion: Iliac artery stenoses cause femoral artery flow waveform changes that can be detected with MRI, but only at high-grade levels.
Dynamic susceptibility contrast perfusion magnetic resonance imaging in patients with symptomatic unilateral middle cerebral artery stenosis or occlusion
Authors: Lu Jie , Li Kuncheng , zhang Miao , Jiao Liqun
Published: May 2007

Purpose: To evaluate cerebral hemodynamic disturbance in patients with symptomatic unilateral middle cerebral artery (MCA) high-grade stenosis or occlusion using dynamic susceptibility contrast perfusion magnetic resonance imaging (DSC-pMRI).

Material and Methods: DSC-pMRI was performed in 28 patients with symptomatic unilateral MCA high-grade stenosis or occlusion. Hemodynamic parameters including relative cerebral blood flow (rCBF), relative cerebral blood volume (rCBV), relative mean transit time (rMTT), and time to peak (TTP) were calculated and compared between the stenosed or occluded side and contralateral side. Seven of the 28 patients underwent surgery or interventional therapy, and hemodynamic changes between pre- and post-therapy were investigated.

Results: Prolonged rMTT and TTP were found in the stenosed or occluded MCA territories in all 28 patients. Significant differences were found in rCBV ( P<0.05), rMTT ( P<0.001), and TTP ( P<0.001) between the stenosed or occluded side and the contralateral side. However, no significant difference was observed in rCBF ( P>0.05). In the seven patients with surgical or interventional therapy, the values of rMTT and TTP significantly decreased after surgery or interventional therapy ( P<0.001).

Conclusion: DSC-pMRI may be a useful tool for evaluating and monitoring cerebral hemodynamic disturbance in patients with symptomatic unilateral MCA high-grade stenosis or occlusion.
Creatine depletion and altered fatty acid metabolism in diseased human hearts: clinical investigation using 1h magnetic resonance spectroscopy and 123I BMIPP myocardial scintigraphy
Authors: Nakae I. , Mitsunami K. , Matsuo S. , Horie M.
Published: May 2007

Background: In the heart, the creatine kinase system plays an important role in energy reserves, and myocardial energy production essentially depends upon fatty acid metabolism.

Purpose: To examine myocardial creatine (CR) concentration and altered cardiac fatty acid metabolism in various forms of heart disease.

Material and Methods: Myocardial CR concentration of the septum was measured by gated 1H magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS), applying a point-resolved spectroscopy (PRESS) sequence in 34 patients with heart disease. Of these patients, 14 underwent 123I BMIPP (radioactive fatty acid analogue) myocardial scintigraphy to evaluate myocardial fatty acid metabolism. Cardiac 123I BMIPP uptake was calculated as the heart-to-mediastinum count ratio.

Results: Myocardial CR concentration correlated positively with the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) by echocardiography ( R = 0.61, P<0.001, n = 34), suggesting that the degree of reduced CR is related to the severity of contractile dysfunction. Cardiac 123I BMIPP uptake also correlated positively with LVEF (initial image, R = 0.60, P<0.05; delayed image, R = 0.63, P<0.05; n = 14). There was a significant correlation between myocardial CR and cardiac 123I BMIPP uptake (initial image, R = 0.77, P<0.01; delayed image, R = 0.82, P<0.001; n = 14).

Conclusion: Our study suggests an association between CR depletion and impaired fatty acid metabolism in various forms of heart diseases.
Patellar cartilage lesions: comparison of magnetic resonance imaging and T2 relaxation-time mapping
Authors: Hannila I. , Nieminen M. T. , Rauvala E. , Tervonen O. , Ojala R.
Published: May 2007

Purpose: To evaluate the detection and the size of focal patellar cartilage lesions in T2 mapping as compared to standard clinical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at 1.5T.

Material and Methods: Fifty-five consecutive clinical patients referred to knee MRI were imaged both with a standard knee MRI protocol (proton-density-weighted sagittal and axial series, T2-weighted sagittal and coronal series, and T1-weighted coronal series) and with an axial multislice multi-echo spin-echo measurement to determine the T2 relaxation time of the patellar cartilage. MR images and T2 maps of patellar cartilage were evaluated for focal lesions. The lesions were evaluated for lesion width (mm), lesion depth (1/3, 2/3, or 3/3 of cartilage thickness), and T2 value (20–40 ms, 40–60 ms, or 60–80 ms) based on visual evaluation.

Results: Altogether, 36 focal patellar cartilage lesions were detected from 20 human subjects (11 male, nine female, mean age 40±15 years). Twenty-eight lesions were detected both on MRI and T2 maps, while eight lesions were only visible on T2 maps. Cartilage lesions were significantly wider ( P = 0.001) and thicker ( P<0.001) on T2 maps as compared to standard knee MRI. Most lesions [27] had moderately (T2 40–60 ms) increased T2 values, while two lesions had slightly (T2 20–40 ms) and seven lesions remarkably (T2 60–80 ms) increased T2 relaxation times.

Conclusion: T2 mapping of articular cartilage is feasible in the clinical setting and may reveal early cartilage lesions not visible with standard clinical MRI.
Attempts to improve absolute quantification of cerebral blood flow in dynamic susceptibility contrast magnetic resonance imaging: a simplified T1-weighted steady-state cerebral blood volume approach
Authors: Wirestam R. , Knutsson L. , Risberg J. , Börjesson S. , Larsson E.-M. , Gustafson L. , Passant U. , Ståhlberg F.
Published: May 2007

Background: Attempts to retrieve absolute values of cerebral blood flow (CBF) by dynamic susceptibility contrast magnetic resonance imaging (DSC-MRI) have typically resulted in overestimations.

Purpose: To improve DSC-MRI CBF estimates by calibrating the DSC-MRI-based cerebral blood volume (CBV) with a corresponding T1-weighted (T1W) steady-state (ss) CBV estimate.

Material and Methods: 17 volunteers were investigated by DSC-MRI and 133Xe SPECT. Steady-state CBV calculation, assuming no water exchange, was accomplished using signal values from blood and tissue, before and after contrast agent, obtained by T1W spin-echo imaging. Using steady-state and DSC-MRI CBV estimates, a calibration factor K = CBV(ss)/CBV(DSC) was obtained for each individual. Average whole-brain CBF(DSC) was calculated, and the corrected MRI-based CBF estimate was given by CBF(ss) = K×CBF(DSC).

Results: Average whole-brain SPECT CBF was 40.1±6.9 ml/min·100 g, while the corresponding uncorrected DSC-MRI-based value was 69.2±13.8 ml/min·100 g. After correction with the calibration factor, a CBF(ss) of 42.7±14.0 ml/min·100 g was obtained. The linear fit to CBF(ss)-versus-CBF(SPECT) data was close to proportionality ( R = 0.52).

Conclusion: Calibration by steady-state CBV reduced the population average CBF to a reasonable level, and a modest linear correlation with the reference 133Xe SPECT technique was observed. Possible explanations for the limited accuracy are, for example, large-vessel partial-volume effects, low post-contrast signal enhancement in T1W images, and water-exchange effects.
Occlusion of pulmonary arteriovenous malformations by use of vascular plug
Authors: Andersen P. E. , Kjeldsen A. D.
Published: May 2007

Pulmonary arteriovenous malformations are commonly treated by embolization with coils or balloons to prevent cerebral complications and to raise the oxygenation of the blood. The Amplatzer vascular plug is a new occlusive device made of a self-expanding cylindrical nitinol mesh. It is fast and safe to position, and can be repositioned before final delivery. It is especially suited for embolization of large high-flow vessels as in pulmonary arteriovenous malformations with big feeding arteries. Two cases of successful use of the new device for treatment of large pulmonary arteriovenous malformations are described.
Lymph drainage studied by lymphoscintigraphy in the arms after sentinel node biopsy compared with axillary lymph node dissection following conservative breast cancer surgery
Authors: Celebioglu F. , Perbeck L. , Frisell J. , Gröndal E. , Svensson L. , Danielsson R.
Published: May 2007

Purpose: To investigate lymphatic drainage as measured by lymphoscintigraphy in the arms of patients undergoing either sentinel lymph node biopsy (SNB) or axillary lymph node dissection (ALND).

Material and Methods: From January 2001 to December 2002, 30 patients with unilateral invasive breast carcinoma underwent breast-conserving surgery with SNB and 30 patients with ALND. All patients received radiotherapy to the breast. Lymphoscintigraphy was performed, and skin circulation, skin temperature, and arm volume were measured 2–3 years after radiotherapy.

Results: None of the 30 patients who underwent SNB showed any clinical manifestation of lymphedema. Of the 30 patients undergoing ALND, six (20%) had clinical lymphedema, with an arm volume that was >10% larger on the operated than on the non-operated side ( P<0.01). Scintigraphically, visual analysis revealed lymphatic dysfunction in three patients, manifested as forearm dermal back flow. Two of these patients also had an increased arm volume. Quantitative analysis showed no differences between the groups, apart from a smaller amount of isotope in the axilla in the ALND group. There was no difference in skin circulation or skin temperature.

Conclusion: Our study shows that lymph drainage in the operated arm compared with the non-operated arm was less affected by SNB than by ALND, and that morbidity associated with SNB was lower than with ALND. However, the results do not confirm our hypothesis that lymphoscintigraphy can reveal differences in lymph circulation that are not evident clinically in the form of manifest lymphedema. The most sensitive clinical method of assessing lymph drainage seems to be measurement of arm volume.
Struggles Around the Commodification of Daily Life in South Africa
Authors: Naidoo Prishani
Published: May 2007

Post-apartheid South Africa has seen the emergence of new social and community movements making demands on the African National Congress government to deliver on its promise of ‘a better life for all’. In these struggles, the identity of ‘the poor’ has been increasingly mobilised, both by movements reminding the state of its obligations to its people, and in official policy discourse seeking to introduce neoliberal macro-economic changes. This paper explores how the category of ‘the poor’ is mobilised in struggles for basic services in urban areas in South Africa, and in state policy that seeks to draw poor people into agreements to pay for services. In doing this, it explores the possibilities inherent in capitalist society for change and the building of relations that challenge or subvert the dominant logic of commodification and, in turn, of capital.
Slavery for Beginners
Authors: Lucie-Smith Edward
Published: May 2007

SOME CHERISHED MYTHS EXPLODED AND SOME INCONVENIENT QUESTIONS RAISED
A Living History
Authors: Moszynski Peter
Published: May 2007

SLAVERY IN SUDAN HAS A LONG HISTORY AND IT IS NOT YET OVER, DESPITE THE WORK OF ANTI-SLAVERY GROUPS
Little Cats and Big Predators
Authors: Martino Eduardo
Published: May 2007

OLD HABITS AND INJUSTICES DIE HARD IN BRAZIL
A Very Common Practice
Authors: Fernandez-Armesto Felipe
Published: May 2007

SLAVERY IS AS OLD AS HUMAN HISTORY, BUT THE AFRICA TRADE ADDED A NEW DIMENSION IN SCALE AND CRUELTY
The Case of Mumia Abu Jamal
Authors: Macdonald Ian
Published: May 2007

AFTER ALMOST 25 YEARS ON DEATH ROW, THE AWARD WINNING JOURNALIST MUMIA ABU JAMAL HAS BEEN GRANTED A REVIEW. UK LAWYERS PUT THE CASE FOR RETRIAL AND ACQUITTAL
The New Labour Decade
Authors: Noorlander Peter , Noorlander Peter
Published: May 2007

This is an overview of the main legislation introduced since 1997 that affects freedom of expression. It includes legislation that supports freedom of expression, such as the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998, which protected whistleblowers from victimisation, and the Human Rights Act, which enacted a legally enforceable right to freedom of expression, as well as legislation that restricts freedom of expression, such as the various terrorism and criminal justice acts and, controversially, also the Human Rights Act, which has fuelled much privacy litigation.
Saying the Unsayable
Authors: Whittaker-Khan Yasmin
Published: May 2007

SPEAK OUT AND RISK OFFENCE — IT’S THE ONLY WAY TO CHALLENGE INJUSTICE AND AVOID CENSORSHIP
Free Speech on the Retreat
Authors: El Saadawi Nawal , Gharbeia AMR
Published: May 2007

Al Azhar, one of the leading religious centres in the Muslim world, is threatening legal action against the celebrated Egyptian writer and activist Nawal El Saadawi for insulting Islam. She describes the course of events.
Why They Killed Hrant Dink
Authors: Freely Maureen
Published: May 2007

ULTRA-NATIONALISM IS ON THE RISE IN TURKEY AND HAS FOUND NEW TARGETS IN A BATTLE FOR THE HEART AND SOUL OF THE COUNTRY
Less Equal than Others
Authors: Meer Nasar
Published: May 2007

EQUALITY FOR BRITISH MUSLIMS LIES BEYOND RACE AND RELIGION — IT’S TIME TO BRING THE LAW UP TO DATE
The Blair Report
Authors: Gearty Conor
Published: May 2007

A CLOSE LOOK AT NEW LABOUR’S DECADE REVEALS A JANUS-HEADED APPROACH TO FREE SPEECH
The Geo-Politics of Forced Migration in Africa, 1992—2001
Authors: Iqbal Zaryab
Published: May 2007

Of the consequences of war, the movement of large numbers of displaced peoples across international borders is among the most significant. I examine the determinants of international refugee flows in Africa during the period from 1992 to 2001. I begin with a gravity model of refugee flows, which posits that levels of such flows will vary as a function of the population of the two states in question and the distance between the two. To this, I add consideration of two key factors theorized to generate refugee populations: the presence of armed conflict , and the regime type of both the source and target nations. Most important, distance between the source and the target countries is the single most important determinant of dyadic refugee flows; in addition to its direct effect, distance also mediates the effects of conflict and regime type on volumes of refugees. My findings confirm the strong influence of distance on the levels of refugee flows. Although I find clear effects for the presence of conflict, with war in the source country substantially increasing refugee flows and war in the host country decreasing them, I also find strong evidence that this effect is mediated by distance.
The Myth of the Borderless World: Refugees and Repatriation Policy
Authors: Duffy Toft Monica
Published: May 2007

This essay explores the impact of the end of the Cold War on the counter-refugee-crisis policies of the United Nations and its strongest member states. I argue that during the Cold War, state interests were subordinated to the refugee interests for two reasons. First, refugees were few in number and tended to be educated, skilled, and informed (valuable). Second, the WWII experience of the Holocaust in Europe led to the institutionalization of concern for the fate of persecuted groups at the expense of state interests. After the end of the Cold War, however, a number of the Soviet Union's allies and successor states began to fail, and these state failures, combined with unprecedented access to information about living conditions abroad, led to refugee flows that impacted powerful states. Whereas the preferred counter-refugee crisis policy during the Cold War was resettlement, after the Cold War it shifted to repatriation: voluntary repatriation in the best cases, and forced repatriation in the worst. The essay's primary focus is an assessment of the consequences of this policy shift from resettlement to repatriation of refugees. After introducing a number of important empirical findings regarding the frequency and scale of contemporary refugee crises, I conclude that although in some cases the policy of supporting voluntary repatriation is a good thing, it may have the unintended consequence of involuntary or forced repatriations as receiving states feel little compulsion to resettle these refugees within their borders.
Classroom assessment within the alternative assessment paradigm: revisiting the territory
Authors: Buhagiar Michael A.
Published: May 2007

Assessment reform has been on the educational agenda of many countries for at least two decades. In this article—which begins by charting what lies behind the calls for a paradigm shift in assessment and what is being proposed instead—classroom assessment is explored in detail in relation to its links with teacher and student assessment, as well as with formative and summative assessment. The emerging notion that classroom assessment embodies all forms of assessment that take place within the confines of the classroom is subsequently analysed from an ‘assessment for learning’ perspective, which is increasingly being accepted as the way forward if teaching, learning and assessment are to become fully integrated as demanded by the underlying philosophy of the new, alternative paradigm. However, noting the gross difficulties facing the translation of new policies into classroom practices, the article finally suggests what can be done to rectify this certainly frustrating, but also potentially dangerous, situation.
Re‐inventing ‘Europe’: the case of the European dimension in Greek‐Cypriot geography and history curricula
Authors: Philippou Stavroula
Published: May 2007

‘Europe’ has been increasingly ‘invented’ and ‘reinvented’ in discussions about education, curricula and identities over the last five decades. The ‘European dimension in education’ was a term increasingly used by the European Union and the Council of Europe to denote their educational policies encouraging national educational systems to endorse a European dimension in order to prepare young people for an increasingly integrated Europe. However, it has also been a contested term in academic writing, as some researchers critique the elitist, exclusionary and Eurocentric educational implications it may have; others welcome its pedagogic and intercultural potential. This article presents the findings of a content analysis of the history and geography curricula and textbooks used in state Greek‐Cypriot primary schools and explores the possibilities of using the European dimension as a tool to alleviate ethnocentrism and traditional pedagogies in these curricula and textbooks, by presenting the application of some principles which have been used for the development of a curricular intervention in the two subjects.
Pedagogy and the Curriculum 2000 reforms at post‐16: the ‘learn it, forget it’ culture?
Authors: Fisher Linda
Published: May 2007

This article reports findings from a small‐scale project investigating the introduction of the Curriculum 2000 reforms at post‐16 in four state comprehensive schools in England. These reforms aimed to broaden the curriculum at post‐16, to provide parity of esteem for academic and vocational qualifications, to promote participation and lifelong learning, and to introduce greater consistency within and across different types of qualification. A key impact on schools was the change to the structure of A levels. This article reports findings from semi‐structured interviews with thirteen heads of department and four heads of sixth form to investigate teachers' perceptions of the consequences of the introduction of A level reforms on teaching and learning in the post‐16 classroom. Despite general support for the principles of change at post‐16, those interviewed were concerned about the quality of teaching and learning in the AS year. They reported greater didacticism in the classroom, with content‐heavy syllabuses and the need to focus on exams resulting in fewer opportunities for applying learning and for consolidating conceptual development. As a result, teachers reported less pedagogical breadth and less enjoyment in teaching the new syllabuses.
Illegal drug‐attributable morbidity in Canada 2002
Authors: POPOVA SVETLANA , REHM JURGEN , PATRA JAYADEEP , BALIUNAS DOLLY , TAYLOR BENJAMIN
Published: May 2007

Use of illegal drugs is an important behavioral risk factor for burden of morbidity in developed countries. The objective was to estimate the number of diagnoses in acute care hospitals, psychiatric hospitalizations, admissions in specialized treatment, and number of days in treatment attributable to use of illegal drugs for Canada in 2002. The number of diagnoses in acute care hospitals, psychiatric hospitalizations, and hospital days were obtained from the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI). Number of admissions and number of days in specialized inpatient and outpatient treatment of illegal drug dependency were obtained from provincial ministerial officials or drug addiction program coordinators. Except for effects of maternal use of drugs of addiction on the newborn, and suicide, drug‐attributable fractions (DAFs) were estimated directly from available statistics in published literature. There were 61,026 illegal drug‐related diagnoses in acute care hospitals, 1,517 psychiatric hospitalizations, and 139,773 admissions to specialized treatment attributable to illegal drug use in Canada. The largest contributors were mental and behavioral disorders due to psychoactive substance use in acute care hospitals, and drug psychoses in psychiatric hospitalizations. Length of stay amounted to 352,121 days in acute care hospitals, 31,508 days in psychiatric hospitals, and 2,851,829 days in specialized treatment. Drug use constitutes a major contributor to burden of morbidity in Canada. Compared to 1992, the total number of illegal drug‐attributable days in 2002 increased, especially in acute hospitals by a factor of 9.6. A mixture of prevention and harm reduction measures is proposed to reduce the burden of morbidity associated with drug use.
The use of psychoactive substances among medical students in southern Brazil
Authors: BONIATTI MÁRCIO MANOZZO , ZUBARAN CARLOS , PANAROTTO DANIEL , DELAZERI GERSON JACOB , TIRELLO JACSON LUÍS , FELDENS MAURÍCIO DE OLIVEIRA , SPEROTTO VAGNER FRANCISCO REMONTI
Published: May 2007

The objective of our study was to investigate the patterns of use of psychoactive substances among students of a medical school in Southern Brazil and to explore a putative role of discrete behavioral and social variables in their drug use. This is a descriptive and transversal cut study. All regularly enrolled medical students at the University of Caxias do Sul were invited to participate in the study. A self‐administered questionnaire, which analyses lifetime drug use as well as drug use in the previous 30 days and 12 months was utilized to collect data. From a total of 318 regularly enrolled students, 183 (57.5%) completed and returned the questionnaires. The highest prevalence rates of lifetime drug use, drug use in the last 12 months and drug use in the last 30 days were observed, according to drug type, as follow in descending order: alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, inhalants, tranquilizers, amphetamine and cocaine. A multivariate analysis indicated that research respondents who live with their parents as well as those whose parents live together harmoniously, those who deny close ties to drug users, those who disapprove drug use, those who are not tobacco smokers and those who manifest religious beliefs and practice presented the most reduced levels of illicit drug use. The use of psychoactive substances among medical students in the University of Caxias do Sul is a significant problem. Appropriate and timely initiatives are needed to prevent and curb drug use among medical students.
The gendered context of initiation to injecting drug use: evidence for women as active initiates
Authors: BRYANT JOANNE , TRELOAR CARLA
Published: May 2007

This paper explores differences between women's and men's first experience of injecting in relation to socio‐demographic context, drug use, and the role of others. We collected cross‐sectional retrospective data from 334 recently initiated (≤ 5 years) injecting drug users in New South Wales and Queensland, Australia using a structured questionnaire in face‐to‐face interviews. Logistic regression was used to estimate crude and adjusted odds ratios (OR). Findings from the adjusted analysis show that women had a shorter duration of illicit drug use prior to initiation (adjusted OR 0.84, 95%CI: 0.74 ‐ 0.94), and were more likely to have their romantic‐sexual partner facilitate the initiation by paying for the drugs (adjusted OR 4.64, 95%CI: 1.21‐17.73). Women also reported a greater likelihood of being initiated in groups of other women (adjusted OR 2.87, 95%CI: 1.24‐6.67), suggesting that some women play an active role in their initiation experience rather than relying on, or being lead by, a romantic‐sexual partner. These findings demonstrate the crucial role that romantic‐sexual partners play in women's initiation experience, but also provide evidence for the way that women can be active participants in their own initiation and in initiating other women.
Screening for drugs in oral fluid: illicit drug use and drug driving in a sample of Queensland motorists
Authors: DAVEY J. , LEAL N. , FREEMAN J.
Published: May 2007

Police Services in a number of Australian states have indicated random roadside drug testing will be implemented to target drug driving. This paper outlines research conducted to provide an estimate of the prevalence of drug driving in a sample of Queensland drivers. Oral fluid samples were collected from 781 drivers who volunteered to participate at Random Breath Testing (RBT) sites in a large Queensland regional area. Illicit substances tested for included cannabis (delta 9 tetrahydrocannibinol [THC]), amphetamine type substances, heroin and cocaine. Drivers also completed a self‐report questionnaire regarding their drug‐related driving behaviour. Samples that were drug‐positive at initial screening were sent to a government laboratory for confirmation. Oral fluid samples from 27 participants (3.5%) were confirmed positive for at least one illicit substance. The most common drugs detected in oral fluid were cannabis (delta 9 THC) (n = 13) followed by amphetamine type substances (n = 11). A key finding was that cannabis was also confirmed as the most common self‐reported drug combined with driving and that individuals who tested positive to any drug through oral fluid analysis were also more likely to report the highest frequency of drug driving. Furthermore, a comparison between drug vs drink driving detection rates for the study period revealed a higher detection rate for drug driving (3.5%) vs drink driving (0.8%). This research provides evidence that drug driving is relatively prevalent on Queensland Roads. The paper will further outline the study findings and present possible directions for future drug driving research.
The relationship between non‐acute adolescent cannabis use and cognition
Authors: HARVEY MEGAN A. , SELLMAN JOHN D. , PORTER RICHARD J. , FRAMPTON CHRISTOPHER M.
Published: May 2007

Research indicates that cannabis continues to be a popular illegal drug internationally. Furthermore, adolescent rates of use appear to be significant. Whilst the non‐acute effect of cannabis use on adult cognition has been extensively researched, there has been less examination of adolescents. This study aimed to investigate the non‐acute relationship between cannabis and cognitive function in a sample of adolescents with a continuum of cannabis use, taking into account additional predictor variables (psychiatric functioning, general functioning, demographics and other drug use). Seventy adolescents were recruited from clinical and community sources as well as through newspaper advertisements. After 12 hours abstinence from cannabis, adolescents completed a two‐hour interview covering: demographics; alcohol and drug use history; drug use in the past 28 days; depression; further psychiatric functioning (including ADHD and Conduct Disorder); and cognitive functioning as measured by computerised tasks (CANTAB) and traditional pen and paper tests. Adolescents who were regular cannabis users (more than once a week) had a significantly poorer performance on four measures of cognitive function reflecting attention, spatial working memory and learning. Cannabis use remained an independent predictor of performance on the working memory and strategy measures after additional predictor variables were included in a multivariate regression analysis. The results suggest that aspects of adolescent cognitive function are independently related to the frequency of cannabis use beyond acute intoxication.
An epidemiological investigation into an outbreak of rash illness among methadone maintenance clients in Australia
Authors: MCANULTY JEREMY M. , JAUNCEY MARIANNE E. , MONGER CLAIRE K. , HAILSTONE SUSAN T. , ALAM NOORE K. M. , MANNES TRISH F. , CAPON ADAM G. , IRVINE KATIE , ARMSTRONG PAUL K. , KALDOR JOHN M.
Published: May 2007

In late 2004, NSW Health received several reports of a serious desquamating rash among clients of the methadone program. We sought to identify the extent and likely cause of this outbreak. We initiated active surveillance for cases throughout Australia, a survey of dosing points in NSW, and a case control study of clients receiving methadone syrup (MS) at two clinics. Between October 2004 and March 2005, 388 cases were identified, largely in NSW. The dosing point survey found almost all cases were clients prescribed MS (attack rate 4.5%). In multivariate analysis of data from dosing points that dispensed MS, use of take away doses or location of the dosing point in greater western Sydney were associated with illness. In the case control study, MS injection, use of street MS, high doses of MS, frequent takeaway doses, or use of benzodiazepines were associated with illness. Testing found no abnormality in associated batches of MS. Batches of MS temporally associated with the outbreak were quarantined from use and the outbreak subsided. While a direct causal link could not be established, available evidence suggests that a contaminant may have caused the outbreak. Epidemiological analyses are important for assessing concerns about product safety following marketing approval.
Legal piperazine‐containing party pills‐a new trend in substance misuse
Authors: SHERIDAN JANIE , BUTLER RACHAEL , WILKINS CHRIS , RUSSELL BRUCE
Published: May 2007

In this Harm Reduction Digest Sheridan, Butler, Wilkins and Russell address the emergent phenomenon of so‐called ‘legal party pills’ which have become a significant drug issue in New Zealand and elsewhere. Although banned in a number of countries, they are currently legally available in New Zealand where they are marketed as ‘safe' alternatives’ to ‘illicit’ drugs often used in the dance scene such as MDMA and amphetamines. The authors describe the availability and use of these substances in New Zealand, summarize what is known about their effects, and speculate on harm reduction interventions and mechanisms of control and their possible sequelae. The paper provides a timely account of an emerging drug issue of relevance to harm reduction internationally.
Reforming Mental Health Care in Victoria: A Decade Later
Authors: Gerrand Valerie , Bloch Sidney , Smith Jenny , Goding Margaret , Castle David
Published: May 2007

Objective: From 1994, the Australian State of Victoria began a major transformation of its public mental health service system. In June 2006, St Vincent's Mental Health hosted a conference to reflect on the changes and identify steps to be taken over the next decade.

Method: Participants came from Victoria's 21 adult mental health services, consumer and carer groups, and psychiatric disability rehabilitation and support organizations. They met in small groups, and discussed pre-set topics. Their observations were pooled in plenary sessions.

Results: Participants agreed the changes had had many positive outcomes. People most affected by mental illness had priority for treatment. Services were better structured to meet their needs, and staff were more familiar with community-based care. Negatives included restricted service access for some groups, insufficient resourcing to meet increased service demand and clinical staff not maintaining specialist skills.

Conclusions: The conference enabled experiences to be shared and ideas exchanged about improvements.
Public Sector Group Treatment for Severe Personality Disorder: A 12-month follow-up Study
Authors: Hulbert Carol , Thomas Rosemary
Published: May 2007

Objective: The results of an evaluation of an innovative pubic sector treatment program for patients with borderline personality disorder (BPD) with a history of unsuccessful treatment attempts and severe self-harm are presented.

Method: DSM-IV axis I and axis II diagnoses, psychiatric symptoms, patterns of self-harm, suicidality, coping styles, and quality of life were assessed for 27 women who completed a 6-month residential program. Pre- and post-treatment assessments and a 12-month follow-up were undertaken.

Results: At 12-month follow-up, significantly fewer participants met criteria for BPD. Significant post-treatment gains, including reduced levels of depression, anxiety and hopelessness, and improvements in some coping style and quality of life domains, were maintained at follow-up. The results in relation to self-harm indicated considerable within-sample variability.

Conclusion: Findings indicating clinically significant improvements in psychiatric symptoms and coping, along with mixed results in relation to self-harm and quality of life, are encouraging for the continued development of treatment services for this challenging patient group.
Marshall's Metaphors on Method
Authors: Raffaelli Tiziano
Published: May 2007

This paper, in a roundabout way, deals with Alfred Marshall's views on method, examining the metaphors, similes, and analogies by which they were expressed; or, conversely, it investigates his use of metaphors as a means to convey methodological reflections. Marshall's biological analogy has aroused much controversy in the past; it is to be hoped that a more comprehensive investigation will allow us to place the metaphors/method relationship in a wider context.
How can the History of Economic thought Contribute to an Understanding of Institutional Change?
Authors: Zweynert Joachim
Published: May 2007

Since Moses Abramovitz's “classic” paper on “Catching-Up, Forging Ahead, and Falling Behind” (1986) economists have become increasingly aware again of the significance of “social capability” for processes of economic change. During the past twenty years much research has been done on “soft” determinants of development and growth. Especially some of the so-called new institutionalists and evolutionary economists have now returned to the roots of the institutional research program by acknowledging that “ideas matter” in the process of institutional change. However, it is still often overlooked in the literature that the cognition of social reality is deeply intertwined with the general world-view prevailing in a given society. Certainly, such general world-views are partly determined by the level of economic and technological development, but they are also a reflection of deeply rooted cultural traditions. In particular, the highly divergent outcomes of economic and political transition in the formerly socialist countries of Central and Eastern Europe have brought the connection between culture, ideas, and institutions to the fore again (see, for example, Winiecki 2004). Therefore it is all but an accident that it is one of the leading transition experts who has recently called on economists to “seek a better understanding of the role of values and norms in shaping both ideas and institutions” (Roland 2004, p. 128).
Abuse Liability of Medications Used to Treat Attention‐Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Authors: Kollins Scott H.
Published: May 2007

The use of psychostimulants to treat attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has been controversial for a number of reasons. In an effort to clarify the extent to which the psychostimulant methylphenidate has abuse potential, the existing published evidence has been reviewed and is summarized here, with an emphasis on delineating a number of related but independent issues that are often confused. The existing evidence reviewed is pertinent to three questions: Does stimulant drug use increase the risk for substance abuse later in life? Do ADHD medications have the potential for abuse?, and What is the distinction between drug abuse and misuse/diversion with respect to ADHD medication?
Methamphetamine Use in Rural Midwesterners
Authors: Grant Kathleen M. , Kelley Stephanie Sinclair , Agrawal Sangeeta , Meza Jane L. , Meyer James R. , Romberger Debra J.
Published: May 2007

Methamphetamine use has been characterized as a “rural” drug; however, little is known about rural methamphetamine use disorders (MUD). This study describes and compares characteristics of rural and urban patients with MUD. Rural study participants reported earlier first regular use of methamphetamine, more alcoholism, more intravenous use, and a greater number of cigarettes/day, and were more likely to report methamphetamine‐related psychotic symptoms. Rural methamphetamine users report multiple factors that may contribute to medical and psychiatric complications and worsen their prognosis. This is of significant concern given the limited substance abuse, mental health, and specialty care available in most rural Midwestern communities.
Hypertonic Saline and the Cerebral Microcirculation in Obese Septic Mice
Authors: Vachharajani Vidula , Vital Shantel , Russell Janice , Granger D. Neil
Published: May 2007

ABSTRACT

Objectives: Increased morbidity and mortality in critically ill obese patients may result from an exaggerated inflammatory response and/or a diminished effectiveness of routine therapeutic strategies used in the critical care setting. The objectives of this study were to compare the effectiveness of hypertonic saline (HTS) resuscitation in obese and lean mice with sepsis and to address potential mechanisms underlying HTS‐mediated protection against the inflammatory and microvascular responses to sepsis.

Methods: Intravital videomicroscopy was used to monitor and quantify the adhesion of platelets and leukocytes in the brain microcirculation of WT (C57 Bl/6) and ob/ob (B6.V‐Lepob/J) mice subjected to cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) and resuscitated with either normal saline or HTS. The dual radiolabeled monoclonal antibody method was used to measure P‐selectin expression in the microcirculation, while the sepsis‐induced behavioral deficit was quantified using a multicompartment chamber test.

Results: HTS attenuated the accumulation of adherent leukocytes and platelets and the behavioral deficit observed at 4 h after CLP in both WT and ob/ob mice. CLP‐induced upregulation of P‐selectin in the brain microcirculation was attenuated by HTS in ob/ob, but not in lean, mice.

Conclusion: HTS exerts significant anti‐inflammatory and anti‐thrombogenic actions in obese septic mice. These responses may be related to the inhibitory effect of HTS on sepsis‐induced P‐selectin expression.
Both ADP and Thrombin Regulate Arteriolar Thrombus Stabilization and Embolization, but Are Not Involved in Initial Hemostasis as Induced by Micropuncture
Authors: Van Gestel Miriam A. , Reitsma Sietze , Slaaf Dick W. , Heijnen Viviane V. Th. , Feijge Marion A. H. , Lindhout Theo , Van Zandvoort Marc A. M. J. , Elg Margareta , Reneman Robert S. , Heemskerk Johan W. M. , Egbrink Mirjam G. A. Oude
Published: May 2007

ABSTRACT

Objective: Thrombosis and embolization are main causes of morbidity and mortality. Up to now, the relative importance of mediators involved is only partly known. It was the aim of this study to investigate the involvement of ADP and thrombin in subsequent phases of arteriolar hemostasis and thromboembolism in vivo.

Methods: Rabbit mesenteric arterioles were punctured, which induced bleeding, hemostasis, and subsequent thromboembolism. This reaction as well as the activation state of platelets involved ([Ca2 +]i), was monitored in real time by intravital (fluorescence) microscopy.

Results: Neither inhibition of thrombin formation or thrombin activity nor blockade of platelet ADP receptors P2Y1 and P2Y12 influenced the initial hemostatic reaction: in all experiments initial bleeding was stopped by a primary thrombus within 2–3 s. On the other hand, both thrombin inhibition and P2Y1 blockade increased rebleeding frequency, which indicates reduced thrombus stability in the long term. Finally, inhibition of either thrombin or ADP (via both receptors) reduced aggregate formation during the embolization phase by at least 90%. While most participating platelets exhibited a transient increase in [Ca2 +]i during embolization, an increased percentage of platelets showed no calcium response at all during P2Y1 blockade, which was accompanied by reduced platelet–platelet interaction strength.

Conclusions: Whereas thrombin and ADP are not involved in the initial hemostatic reaction, both substances appear to be essential to prevent rebleedings in the long term. During subsequent embolization, ADP (via both receptors) and small amounts of thrombin are involved in platelet activation.
EphB4 Expression Along Adult Rat Microvascular Networks: EphB4 Is More Than a Venous Specific Marker
Authors: Taylor Alyssa C. , Murfee Walter L. , Peirce Shayn M.
Published: May 2007

ABSTRACT

Objective: EphrinB2 and EphB4 are considered to be markers of arterial/venous identity during embryonic development. However, the expression patterns of these arterial/venous‐specific markers in adult microvascular networks remain unclear. The objective of this study was to characterize the cellular distribution of EphB4 expression along the hierarchy of unstimulated and remodeling adult rat mesenteric microvascular networks.

Methods: Mesenteric tissue was harvested from unstimulated and stimulated adult male Fisher rats, and stained for various combinations of EphB4, SM α ‐actin, NG2, and isolectin/CD‐31. The distribution of EphB4 expression was compared to the cell‐specific markers along arteriole, venule, and capillary segments for each mesenteric microvascular network (n = 32). Arterial/venous expression was also characterized in subcutaneous tissue and spinotrapezius muscle.

Results: Endothelial cells along both venules and arterioles stained positive for EphB4. EphB4 expression levels along capillaries correlated with capillary type, as the fluorescence staining intensity along capillary sprouts was significantly elevated in comparison to capillaries connecting arterioles and venules (mean intensity index = 25 for capillary sprouts; 6 for connected capillaries)

Conclusion: The results suggest that EphB4 is not an arterial/venous‐specific marker in adult rat microvascular networks, and provide new data suggesting that its elevated expression in capillaries is indicative of capillary sprouting.
Pregnancy outcome after cervical cone excision: a case‐control study
Authors: SJØBORG KATRINE DONVOLD , VISTAD INGVILD , MYHR SIV S. , SVENNINGSEN RUNE , HERZOG CHRISTINE , KLOSTER‐JENSEN ARILD , NYGÅRD GUNHILD , HOLE SØLVI , TANBO TOM
Published: May 2007

Background. To investigate the effect of cervical laser conisation (CLC) or loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) on the outcome of subsequent pregnancies.Methods. Multi‐centre, retrospective, case‐control study, which included a cohort of 742 women, who, after treatment with LEEP or CLC, gave birth or suffered second trimester miscarriage. Control women (n= 742) were extracted from the respective hospital birth registries and matched by age and parity. Outcome measures were perinatal mortality, length of gestation, birth weight and preterm premature rupture of membranes (pPROM).Results. There was no significant difference in perinatal mortality among women treated with LCL or LEEP compared to controls, 6/742 versus 2/742: odds ratio (OR) = 3.1 (95% CI: 0.6–15.2). Excluding second trimester miscarriages, ORs for giving birth before week 37, 32 and 28 after conisation compared to the controls were 3.4 (95% CI: 2.3–5.1), 4.6 (95% CI: 1.7–12.5), and 12.4 (95% CI: 1.6–96.1), respectively, after adjusting for smoking habits during pregnancy, marital status and educational level. Adjusted ORs of birth weight <2,500, <1,500 and <1,000 g after conisation compared to controls were 3.9 (95% CI: 2.4–6.3), 4.4 (95% CI: 1.5–13.6), and 10.4 (95% CI: 1.3–82.2), respectively. The adjusted OR for pPROM was 10.5 (95% CI: 3.7–29.5).Conclusion. Treatment by CLC and LEEP increases the risk of preterm delivery, low birth weight and pPROM in subsequent pregnancies.