bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effects of prolonged growth hormone replacement on bone metabolism and bone mineral density in hypopituitary adults*
Authors: Beshyah Salem A. , Kyd Patricia , Thomas Elizabeth , Fairney Angela , Johnston Desmond G.
Published: March 2008

OBJECTIVE Short‐term GH replacement in hypopituitary adults increases bone turnover; data on the consequences of longer‐term GH treatment are limited. We report on the effects of 12–18 months of GH replacement treatment with biosynthetic human GH on bone metabolism and bone mass in hypopituitary adults.

DESIGN Patients were studied before and after GH treatment for 12 months (n= 11) and 18 months (n= 27) respectively in an open trial. GH dose was 0·04±0·01 IU/kg daily.

MEASUREMENTS Plasma calcium, phosphate and intact PTH concentrations, 24‐hour urinary calcium excretion, 3 markers of bone formation (total alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin and procollagen 1 carboxy terminal peptide (P1CP)) and serum concentration of carboxyterminal cross‐linked telopeptide of type 1 collagen (ICTP), as a marker of bone resorption, were measured at 6‐month intervals. Lumbar splne and total body bone mineral mass was measured by dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry.

RESULTS Small increases were observed in plasma calcium and phosphate concentrations at 12 months of GH therapy but the differences at 18 months were not statistically significant. Serum intact PTH concentration did not change. Plasma total alkaline phosphatase increased significantly on GH from 75 ± 26 to 92 ± 30 (P<0·01) and 85±31 U/I (NS) at 12 and 18 months respectively. Serum osteocalcin increased from 6·5 ± 3·7 to 15·7 ± 6·2 (P<0·0001) and 16·6±5·7 μg/l (P<0·001) at 12 and 18 months respectively and P1CP increased significantly from 106·0 ± 47·3 μ/l to 165·5 ± 95·3 (P< 0·0001) and 177·2 ± 72·2 μg/l (P<0·01) at 12 and 18 months respectively. Plasma ICTP concentration increased also from 3·4 ± 1·8 to 7·3 ± 3·4 (P < 0·0001) and 7·0 ± 2·7 μg/l (P<0·003) at 12 and 18 months of GH therapy respectively. No significant change was observed in total body or lumbar splne bone mass, over the 18 months of GH treatment

CONCLUSIONS Replacement therapy with GH in hypopituitary adults for 6–18 months produced a sustained increase in bone turnover (both formation and resorption). Bone mass was maintained but did not increase over the study period.
Nocturnal breathing abnormalities in acromegaly after adenomectomy
Authors: Pelttari Lisa , Polo Olli , Rauhala Esa , Vuorlluoto Jarkko , Altasalo Kalle , Hyyppä Markku T. , Kronholm Erkkl , Irjala Kerttu , Viikari Jorma
Published: March 2008

objective The Incidence of sleep apnoea Is Increased In acromegaly. The aim of the study was to determine the occurrence of nocturnal breathing abnormalities and upper airway morphology In acromegalic patients some years after adenomectomy

DESIGN A case‐control study

PATIENTS Eleven patients with treated acromegaly and two control groups: (1) sleep studies: 197 subjects randomly selected from the population, (2) cephalometry: 27 healthy subjects and 17 patients with obstructive sleep apnoea

MEASUREMENTS Nocturnal breathing was monitored with a static charge‐sensitive bed. The upper airway soft tissues and bone morphology were assessed by cephalometrlc X‐ray photography. The upper airway collapslblllty was Investigated with dynamic nasopharyngoscopy. Endocrinological investigations were also performed

RESULTS Nocturnal breathing abnormalities were present In all but one acromegalic patient (91%), which was far more frequent than In the general population (29‐4%, P< 0‐0001). Treated acromegaly was the most powerful predictor of breathing abnormalities, Independent of the other significant predictors, age and body mass Index. The predominant breathing abnormality was periodic breathing with symmetrically waxing and waning respiratory effort without a major body movement component. Episodes of complete obstruction with repetitive arousals were rare. Except for the longer soft palate, the cephalometrlc findings were similar to normal. In comparison to obstructive sleep apnoea, the treated acromegalic patients had rather prognathic than retrognathlc mandibles. Flbreoptlc endoscopy in the acromegalic patients revealed collapsible upper airways at the level of the soft palate, whereas at the base of the tongue little, If any, dynamic narrowing was observed.

CONCLUSION Our study confirms that nocturnal breathing abnormalities are common In treated acromegaly, and may persist years after the removal of the G H secreting tumour. The breathing abnormalities and the upper airway morphology in acromegalic patients after adenomectomy are different from those observed In primary obstructive sleep apnoea, suggesting a different pathophysiology of the airway obstruction
Long‐term effects of radioiodine on thyrotrophin receptor antibodies in Graves' disease
Authors: Alzawa Yoshihiko , Yoshida Katsumi , Kaise Nobuko , Kaise Kazuro , Fukazawa Hiroshi , Kiso Yoshinori , Mori Kouki , Sayama Noriyo , Kikuchi Kyo , Abe Keishi
Published: March 2008

OBJECTIVE Graves' disease is recognized as an organ‐specific autoimmune disorder caused by the presence of TSH receptor antibodies. The long‐term effects of 131I treatment for Graves' disease on TSH receptor antibodies have not previously been studied. We have measured the TSH‐binding Inhibitory immunoglobulin (TBII) Index and thyroid stimulating antibody (TSAb) activity in patients with Graves' disease following treatment with 131I.

DESIGN A retrospective study.

PATIENTS Two hundred and twenty‐five patients with Graves' disease who were treated with 131I 1–13 years earlier were studied (1 year: 27 patients; 2–5 years: 42 patients; 6–9 years: 79 patients; 10–13 years: 77 patients).

MEASUREMENTS The TBII index was measured as the percentage 125I‐TSH bound to pig thyroid membranes and TSAb activity as the amount of cAMP produced by cultured FRTL‐5 cells.

RESULTS TBII was detected in 78% of patients prior to 131I administration. Following 131I administration, the Incidence of positive TBII was 85% at the end of the first year decreasing to 40,19 and 17% at 2–5,6–9 and 10–13 years, respectively. The frequency of a positive TSAb was 74% at the end of the first year, and also decreased to 49, 27 and 29% at 2–5, 6–9 and 10–13 years, respectively. At more than 2 years after 131I therapy, the frequencies of hyperthyroidism In TBII and TSAb positive patients were 42% (19/45) and 30% (19/63), respectively, which were significantly higher than those In TBII and TSAb negative patients (8%: 12/153 and 8%:11/131, respectively). The frequency of hyperthyroidism after 131I treatment in patients with negative TBII before treatment (7%: 2/29) was significantly lower than that (29%: 30/102) In patients with positive TBII before treatment.

CONCLUSIONS These results indicate that (1) the TBII Index and TSAb activity decreased over a period of more than 2 years after 131I therapy for Graves' disease, and (2) the TBII index before treatment may influence the long‐term outcome of 131I therapy.
The growth and cardiovascular effects of high dose growth hormone therapy in idiopathic short stature
Authors: Barton J. S. , Gardiner H. M. , Cullen S. , Hindmarsh P. C. , Brook C. G. D. , Preece M. A.
Published: March 2008

OBJECTIVE It Is possible that high dose GH treatment may have beneficial effects on growth but important adverse effects on cardiac function. We have therefore Investigated the efficacy and cardiovascular effects of high dose biosynthetic human GH (r‐hGH) treatment in children with idiopathic short stature and a normal pretreatment height velocity.

STUDY DESIGN Randomized controlled study.

PATIENTS Twenty‐nine short (height SDS <1.5), normally growing (height velocity SDS >−1.5), prepubertal children referred to two specialist growth clinics.

INTERVENTIONS Children were randomly assigned to an observation group or to receive ‘standard’ (20IU/m2/ week) or ‘high’ (40 IU/m2/week) dose r‐hGH by dally subcutaneous injection. At the end of 1 year the observation group were randomly assigned to ‘standard’ or ‘high’ dose r‐hGH therapy for the second year of the study. Regular growth, biochemical and echocardiographic monitoring were performed throughout the study period.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Change In height velocity, HtSDS for bone age (HtSDSBA), left ventricular mass Index (LVMI) and left ventricular function (fractional shortening) during 2 years treatment.

RESULTS Twenty‐seven children completed the study. Ht velocity SDS Increased with r‐hGH therapy In a dose dependent fashion. First‐year height velocity SDS was +5.7 in the high dose r‐hGH group compared with +2.7 in the standard dose r‐hGH group and −0.5 In the observation group (P < 0.001). In those children treated for 2 years HtSDSBA was −0.5 In the high dose group but had not changed significantly In the standard dose group (−1.7) (P= 0.01).

After one year r‐hGH treatment LVMI was 71g/m2 (observation group), 73g/m2 (20 IU/m2/week group) and 74g/m2 (40 IU7m2/week group) (P= 0.77). LVMI Increased significantly from baseline to 76 g/m2 after 2 years therapy with 40 IU/m2/week r‐hGH (P= 004) but nevertheless remained within the normal range. Fractional shortening did not change significantly over 2 years of r‐hGH therapy.

CONCLUSIONS High dose (40 IU/m2/week) r‐hGH treatment of children with idiopathic short stature resulted in a greater short‐term acceleration In growth rate than ‘standard’ dose therapy without an excessive advance In skeletal maturity and probably represents the optimal growth promoting dose for short, normally growing children. Whether continued high dose r‐hGH therapy increases final height requires further study. Left ventricular morphology and function remained within the normal range during r‐hGH therapy but regular monitoring of cardiovascular status should continue In non‐GHD children receiving r‐hGH in high doses over a longer time period.
A single sleeping midnight cortisol has 100% sensitivity for the diagnosis of Cushing's syndrome
Authors: Newell‐Price John , Trainer Peter , Perry Les , Wass John , Grossman Ashley , Besser Michael
Published: March 2008

OBJECTIVE The diagnosis of Cushing's syndrome remains a major challenge in clinical endocrinology. Various screening tests are commonly used to support a biochemical diagnosis in the context of clinical suspicion. The aim of this study was to compare the sensitivity in the diagnosis of Cushing's syndrome of a single in‐patient sleeping midnight cortisol to a standard 48‐hour in‐patient low‐dose dexamethasone suppression test (LDDST) during the same admission.

DESIGN A retrospective analysis was performed on 150 patients Investigated in our department between the years 1970 and 1994 with a confirmed diagnosis of Cushing's syndrome.

PATIENTS One hundred and fifty patients with a diagnosis of Cushing's syndrome were analysed: 110 with Cushing's disease; 12 with tumours with ectopic ACTH secretion; 8 with ACTH dependent Cushing's syndrome of so far undetermined origin; 17 with cortisol secreting adrenal tumours; 3 with adrenocortical nodular hyper‐plasia. Twenty normal volunteers and nine patients with non‐endocrine conditions were also investigated as controls.

MEASUREMENTS Plasma cortisol was measured by radioimmunoassay (RIA) in the 122 patients presenting after 1980, and by fluorimetry prlor to this date.

RESULTS In all the control subjects the sleeping midnight cortisol was < 50 nmol/l, below the lowest standard of the routine In‐house RIA. In every patient with Cushing's syndrome the sleeping midnight cortisol was detectable with a value greater than 50 nmol/l, with a range of 70–2000 nmol/l. In contrast, in three cases, all of whom had proven Cushing's disease on histology, there was uncharacteristic complete suppression of plasma cortisol to < 50 nmol/l following the LDDST.

CONCLUSION In this series of 150 cases, a single in‐patient sleeping midnight cortisol above 50 nmol/l had a 100% sensitivity for the diagnosis of Cushing's syndrome, clearly different from normal subjects. in contrast, the low‐dose dexamethasone suppression test had a sensitivity of 98% even when the drug was administered as an in‐patient. We recommend that a low‐dose dexamethasone suppression test should not be used alone for confirmation of Cushing's syndrome since it may miss 2% of cases.
Anaerobic Fusiform‐shaped Bacteria Isolated from the Caecum of Conventional Mice
Authors: ROACH SALLY , TANNOCK G. W.
Published: March 2008

Twenty‐four strains of anaerobic fusiform‐shaped bacteria were isolated from the caecum of conventional mice. Ten of the isolates belonged to the genus Clostridium, nine to Fusobacterium and five to Bacteroides. The clostridia were put into eight biotypes on the basis of their ability to: hydrolyze mucin and esculin; produce indole and hydrogen; utilize pyruvate, and ferment arabinose, cellobiose, fructose, glucose, galactose, maltose, mannose and N‐acetylglucosamine and on the acid end‐products of such fermentations. The fusobacteria were assigned to six biotypes based on their ability to hydrolyze casein, mucin and starch, and to ferment arabinose, lactose, maltose and N‐acetylglucosamine. Each of the bacteroides was deemed to be a separate biotype because of the differences in their ability to hydrolyze casein and starch, grow in bile medium, utilize pyruvate, and to ferment arabinose, maltose, xylan and N‐acetylglucosamine. Five of the Fusobacterium isolates resembled F. russii. The remaining 19 isolates did not resemble previously described species of anaerobic bacteria.
Classification of the spoilage flora offish, with special reference toShewanella putrefaciens
Authors: Stenström I.‐M. , Molin G.
Published: March 2008

One hundred and fifty‐nine Gram‐negative strains isolated from refrigerated fish, taken from the Baltic Sea or Swedish inland waters, together with 32 reference strains ofShewanella, Pseudomonas, AeromonasandAlcaligenes, were phenotypically classified using 124 unit characters. Data were processed by the Simple Matching (SSM) and Jaccard (SJ) coefficients, and unweighted pair group algorithm with arithmetic averages. Fourteen clusters were defined at the 75% SJsimilarity level which correspond to the SSMlevel of 86%. SJ‐based clusters containing field strains were designatedPseudomonas fragi(cluster 1; 31% of the field strains),Ps. lundensis(cluster 2; 2% of the field strains),Ps. fluorescensbiovar III (cluster 4; 4% of the field strains),Ps. putidabiovar A (cluster 5; 3% of the field strains),Ps. fluorescens/putida(clusters 3 and 6; 6% of the field strains),Psychrobacter(clusters 8 and 9; 3% of the field strains),Shewanella putrefaciens(clusters 10, 11, 12 and 13; 44% of the field strains) andAer. sobria(cluster 14; 6% of the field strains, all isolated from fresh water fish). Each field strain represented the spoilage flora of refrigerated fish at a total aerobic count of about 108cfu/g.

Phenotypic characteristics of major clusters are given. The fourS. putrefaciensclusters may be separated by key characteristics.Shewanella putrefaciensATCC 8071Tand reference strains from sources other than fish, did not group in any of the clusters. The mol % guanine + cytosine content was on average 47.6 for cluster 10, and 45.3 for cluster 13.
The presence of a showy invasive plant disrupts pollinator service and reproductive output in native alpine species only at high densities
Authors: Muñoz Alejandro A. , Cavieres Lohengrin A.
Published: March 2008

Alien invasive plants possessing attractive flowers can affect the interactions between native plants and their pollinators. The few studies conducted so far have reported positive, negative and neutral effects of the presence of an invasive species on the pollinator visitation rates and seed output of native species. However, the role played by the density of the alien species has been seldom explored.

While high densities of the invasive species can negatively effect the pollinator visitation rates and seed output of the native species, due to sequestration of pollinators by the invasive species, at lower densities the invasive can attract pollinators that otherwise would not visit patches of native species, positively affecting their reproduction.

Using observations and pollinator exclusions at a site at 2800 m altitude in the central Chilean Andes, we show that the alien herb Taraxacum officinale (Asteraceae), possessing showy floral capitula, shares pollinators to a high degree (> 90%) with two co‐occurring native Asteraceae: Hypochaeris thrincioides and Perezia carthamoides. Pollinator exclusion indicated that both natives are highly dependent on insect visitation to produce seeds.

Using manipulative supplemental hand‐pollination and experiments, where we varied the density of T. officinale, we determined that seed output in H. thrincioides and P. carthamoides is pollen‐limited and that its magnitude is not affected by the presence of the exotic. Further, while the presence of one individual of T. officinale around focal native individuals showed neutral or facilitative effects on pollinator service or seed output in the two native species, the presence of five individuals of T. officinale negatively affected these reproductive variables.

Synthesis. Our results suggest that the effects of the presence of alien invasive plant species with attractive flowers vary with their density. This demonstrates the need to experimentally test for the potential impacts of introduced species at different densities before prematurely coming to conclusions regarding their assumed negative or positive effects in native ecosystems.
ON THE CEREBRAL METABOLISM OF HEXOSAMINE IN NORMAL ADULTS AND SCHIZOPHRENIC PATIENTS
Authors: Ejima T. , Tanaka Z. , Kikuchi J. , Yoshida T.
Published: March 2008

The experimental results described hitherto are summirized as follows:

1. In 17 normal healthy persons and 47 schizophrenic patients, the serum hesosamine content in the blood samples drawn from A. carocis int., V. jugularis int. and V. mediana cubiti was measured spectrophotometrically by the modified method of Elson and Morgan by Blix.

2. In the normal male subjects the hexosamine content averaged 85.4 mg% in the serum from A. carotis int., 87.8 mg% in the serum from V. jugularis int. and 93.6 mg% in the serum from V. mediana cubiti, while in the normal female subjects it averaged 88.1, 90.4 and 96.2 mg%, respectively. The average value of the hexosamine content in each serum was always larger in the female subjects than in the male.

3. In 35 acute cases of the schizophrenic patients, the hexosmine content averaged 96.3 mg% in the serum from A. carotis int., 95.5mg% in the same from V. jugularis int. and 95.3 mg% in that from V. mediana cubiti, while in 12 chronic cases it averaged 92.7, 93.1 and 94.9 mg%, respectively. In all the schizophrenic subjects it averaged 95.7, 95.6 and 95.5 mg%, respectively. In the schizophrenic subjects as well as in the normal subjects, the average value of the hexosamine content in each of three kinds of sera was larger in the female cases than in the male.

4. All the average values of the hexosamine content in the schizophrenic subjects, inclusive of the acute and the chronic cases, fell within the range of distribution of it in the normal subjects. In the schizophrenic subjects, however, the hexosamine content in the serum from A. carotis int., that in the serum from V. jugularis int. and that in the serum from V. mediana cubiti were nearly equal to each other, unlike those in the normal subjects and, therefore, their correlaton was horizontal. This horizontal correlation formed a striking contrast to that in the normal subjects, which showed a tendency increasing step by step. This point was thought to be a pathological finding characteristic of schizophrenina. This fact stood firm as well, though, Hambur ger's phenomenon was taken into consideration.
UBER DIE HISTOCHEMISCHEN UNTERSUCHUNG DFS VITAMIN B1 IM ZENTRALEN NERVENSYSTEM (II) VERTEILUNG BEI INSULINKOMA
Authors: Iizuka Von Reiji , Takeda Tamotu , Tanabe Masskazu , Suwa Nozomi
Published: March 2008

Zuummenfueung

Die Verändexungen der Verteilungen der Vitamin B1‐Pyrophosphoxäure, d k bei den vom Insulinkoma hervorgebrachten Stoffwecheelstiirungen entstanden sind, wurden histochemisch untersucht. Die f i r die Experimente ausgewtihlten Hunde wurden unter verschiedener Dauer und Zahl des Komas in den Insulinshockzustand versetzt.

Vitamin B1‐PyrophosphoISure im Gehirn. teilweise in den Grosshimrindennerveellen, vermehrt sich im Friihstadium des in sulinkomas, um sich danach mit der Zeit allmiihlich zu vermindern.

Die Neigung zu dieser letzten Versnderung ist nicht nur bei den Grosshirnrindennervenzellen, sondern auch an den Purkin jexhen Zellen und an Nervenzellen der Basalganglien erkennbar aus diesen Erscheinungen kann man an die Moglichkeit denken, dass eine gewisse Anzahl von Nervenzellen in der Grosshirnrinde beim Initialstadium des Insulinkomas voriibergehend irgendeinen erhohten Kohlenhydratstoff wechselprozess zeigte. Infolge der wiederholten Insulinkoma kann eine Ver2Lnderung von Verbrauch oder der Zufuhr an Vitamin B1‐Pyrophosphorslure im Gehirn auftreten.

Die Verteilung des Vitamin BI‐Pyrophosphors2ure in den Grosshirnrindennervenzellen und Pwrk in jeschen Zellen konnten den Gedanken recht haben lassen, dass die Funktionszustiinde oder Aktivitiitszusande der Fermentsysteme keinesfalls gleich sind dagegen die Nervenzellen in diesen Gehirnteilen ihre verschiedenen Stoffwechselprozesse durchmachenwarden.
CLINICAL APPLICATION OF 4‐HYDROXYBUTYRATE SODIUM AND 4‐BUTYROLACTONE IN NEUROPSYCHIATRIC PATIENTS
Authors: Tanaka Zenryu , Mukai Akira , Takayanagi Yoshiji , Muto Akira , Mikami Yoshihiko , Miyakoshi Takashi , Araya Michimi , Ohdaira Tsunemoto , Aizawa Hirokuni
Published: March 2008

Summary

4‐hydroxybutyrate sodium (HB) and/or 4‐butyrolactone (BL) were applied orally or intravenously to 288 neuropsychiatric patients and 9 normal adults.

The results obtained were as follows:

1. In 9 normal adults to whom 1 to 8 gm of the drugs were administered, no serious changes were observed in respiration, heart rate, blood pressure and temperature. However, when more than 5 gm were given, there were somniferous, muscle relaxing and sedative effects.

2. These compounds showed remarkable sedative, somniferous, muscle relaxing, anesthetic effects and had a regulating effect on psychosis in neuropsychiatric patients.

3. The relationship between the somniferous effect and dosage was studied in patients aged from 1.5 to 71 years.

4. A wide spectrum of their clinical application was emphasized and future clinical application was suggested. The side‐effects of these compounds were also discussed.
Eye Movement as an Indicator of Brain Function
Authors: Kojima Takuya , Shimazono Yasuo , Ichise Kunihiro , Atsumi Yoshikata , Ando Harunobu , Ando Katsumi
Published: March 2008

Abstract: The level of consciousness between the alert and drowsy states was classified into four stages (Alert, Resting I, Resting II, Drowsy) by studying three factors of the EEG patterns on 23 normal subjects. The eye movements recorded by electro‐oculograph were divided into two groups, i.e. rapid eye movements (R type, r type) and slow eye movements (S type, s type). The occurrence of each type of eye movements was confirmed to change in close correspondence to the stages of consciousness.

The eye movements on 43 cases with a disturbance of consciousness by metabolic disease were recorded longitudinally according to clinical states. The S type movements were predominantly observed in a state of clouding of consciousness, while the R type and R‐S type were observed in a delirious state.
Accumulation of Neurofilaments in a Sporadic Case of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Authors: Kondo Akira , Iwaki Toru , Tateishi Jun , Kirimoto Kohji , Morimoto Tadao , Oomura Ichirou
Published: March 2008

Abstract: We report a case of sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) characterized by a marked accumulation of neurofilaments in the cytoplasm of neurons. The neurofilament was identified by immunohistochemical and electron microscopic studies. The distribution of the accumulation in this case was unique, not only in the motoneurons of the anterior horn but also in the neurons of the other areas of the spinal gray matter, some nuclei in the brain stem, pontine reticular formation, substantia nigra, dentate nucleus in the cerebellum and pyramidal cells in the motor cortex. These observations shed light on the pathogenesis of ALS.
The Diurnal Variation and Response to Dexamethasone Suppression Test of Saliva Cortisol Level in Autistic Children
Authors: Hoshino Yoshihiko , Yokoyama Fujio , Watanabe Makoto , Murata Shigeo , Kaneko Motohisa , Kumashiro Hisashi
Published: March 2008

Abstract: In order to examine the function of hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal axis (HPA‐axis) in autistic children, the diurnal rhythm of saliva Cortisol and the response of Cortisol to the DST was investigated using saliva samples.

The plasma and saliva Cortisol levels showed a positive correlation in normal healthy adults. Moreover, the saliva Cortisol level exhibited a similar diurnal rhythm and DST response as did the plasma Cortisol level.

The saliva Cortisol level in normal children showed a similar diurnal rhythm and DST response as that in normal healthy adults.

Some children with infantile autism showed an abnormal diurnal rhythm or DST response for saliva Cortisol. Moreover, the latter abnormality was observed more frequently in poorly‐developed cases than in highly‐developed cases.

These results suggest that the negative feedback mechanism of the HPA‐axis may be disturbed in autistic children, especially the poorly‐developed cases, owing to a disorder inthe regulation by serotonin metabolism.
Depression Antedating the Onset of Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Fukunishi Isao , Hosokawa Kiyoshi , Ozaki Susumu
Published: March 2008

Abstract: Neurological and depressive symptoms in a subtype of Parkinson's disease (PD), in which a depressive state precedes the clinical manifestation of neurological symptoms, were examined on the basis of clinical observations for 3 years or more. PD, in which depression preceded, was different from PD with preceding neurological symptoms, in the severity of not only neurological but also depressive symptoms. These results suggest that PD in which depression precedes neurological symptoms is a specific subtype of PD. It was speculated that the differences in clinical symptoms might be due to a biological background, in particular the dopaminergic system.
The prevalence of obsessive‐compulsive disorder in Japan: A study of students using the Maudsley Obsessional‐Compulsive Inventory and DSM‐III‐R
Authors: TADAI TOSHIAKI , NAKAMURA MICHIHIKO , OKAZAKI SHINYA , NAKAJIMA TERUO
Published: March 2008

Abstract The prevalence of obsessive‐compulsive disorder (OCD) was measured in 424 Japanese students using a Japanese version of the Maudsley Obsessional‐Compulsive Inventory (MOCI‐J). Six students (1.7%) of 350 interviewed students were diagnosed as OCD according to DSM‐III‐R. When the cut‐off point of the MOCI‐J was 12, the sensitivity was 100% and the specificity was 96%. Our results suggest that individuals with OCD are not rare among the young Japanese population and that the MOCI‐J is a useful tool for screening OCD.
Is sudden unexplained nocturnal death a breathing disorder?
Authors: TANCHAISWAD WARAN
Published: March 2008

Abstract Sudden unexplained nocturnal death syndrome (SUNDS), or ‘Lai Tai’ in northeastern Thai dialects usually occurs during sleep in healthy young adults, mostly male. The characteristics of Lai Tai are similar to SUNDS which has been reported in several southeast Asian countries and in Japan by the name of ‘Bangungut’ in Tagalog or ‘Pokkuri’ in Japanese. The condition has been recognized by the people in the northeastern part of Thailand for many years. Elderly people in the region have described ‘Lai Tai’ victims as making loud groans and showing signs of difficulty in breathing or labored respiration, who become rigid and die. Data, from relatives or those who had witnessed the episodes of deaths, revealed that the deaths usually occurred in the same manner as described by the elderly. The data also reported that the patients were unresponsive and difficult to arouse. From these reports it is likely that the instability of the physiological systems, especially respiration, in particular during the REM phase, may play some roles in precipitating the sudden death.
Prolonged silent periods produced by magnetic cortical stimulation in patients with cerebellar ataxia
Authors: NAKASHIMA KENJI , WANG YUPING , SHIMODA MANABU , SAKUMA KENJI , TAKAHASHI KAZURO
Published: March 2008

Abstract Magnetic cortical stimulation can produce silent periods (SP) following excitatory motor responses. The SP in eight patients with cerebellar ataxia was examined. The onset latency of the SP in hand muscles after magnetic cortical stimulation was not different from that in control subjects. The duration of the SP was longer than that in control subjects, but the difference was not significant statistically. The end latency of the SP in patients with cerebellar ataxia was more prolonged than that in control subjects. Therefore, the inhibitory function may be enhanced in patients with cerebellar ataxia.
Screening for mutations at codon 717 of the amyloid precursor protein gene in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: DAI XIAO Y. , HATTORI MINEKO , HIRASAWA HIDETO , ISSE KUNIHIRO , UEKI AKIRA , NANKO SHINICHIRO
Published: March 2008

Abstract Three kinds of missense mutation at codon 717 of amyloid precursor protein (APP) gene (Val→Ile; Val→Gly; Val→Phe) were screened in 114 patients with familial and sporadic Alzheimer's disease (AD), using a rapid testing method for each Val→Gly and Val→Phe mutation and Goate's method for Val→Ile mutation based on the polymerase chain reaction. Mutations were not found in the subjects, confirming earlier suggestions that these three mutations at codon 717 of APP gene account for only a small proportion of cases of not only familial AD but also sporadic AD.
The effects of antiepileptic drugs on cognition in normal volunteers
Authors: AKAHO RIE
Published: March 2008

Abstract The effects of antiepileptic drugs on cognitive function in 48 healthy volunteers were assessed using event‐related potentials (ERP) and the Attention Index included in the Wechsler Memory Scale, revised edition (WMS‐R). The study was conducted over 1 week, using a double‐blind design. Four drugs, carbamazepine (CBZ), phenytoin (PHT), valproate (VPA) and zonisamide (ZNS) were tested. Using an auditory oddball task, ERP measurements were made under two conditions with different tone intensities: Condition 1 used 70 db SPL; and Condition 2 used 30 db SPL. Results showed that CBZ prolonged target N1 and P3 latencies in Condition 1, and reduced frequent N1 amplitude in Condition 2, which suggests that CBZ may cause a change in sensory memory and prolong stimulus evaluation time. It is suggested that under a low stimulus intensity level, the sensory function itself was affected. Phenytoin was found to prolong target N1 latency in Condition 2, which also indicates a change in the sensory memory function. However, VPA did not significantly affect ERP components, except for the shortened frequent N1 latency, which could not be explained due to the limited information. It was found that ZNS augmented P3 amplitude in Condition 2, and reduced scores on the Attention Index. It is suggested that the augmentation of P3 amplitude was caused by the reduction of processing negativity as a result of the detrimental effect of ZNS on subjects' attention. However, the apparent difference between the ERP and behavioral indices suggests that caution should be exercised in assessing the results obtained only from ERP measurements.
Magnesium ion augmentation of inhibitory effects of adenosine on dopamine release in the rat striatum
Authors: OKADA MOTOHIRO , MIZUNO KAZUHISA , OKUYAMA MIZUHO , KANEKO SUNAO
Published: March 2008

Abstract The effects of adenosine and magnesium ion (Mg2+) on striatal dopamine release were studied in awake rats by in vivo microdialysis. The mean striatal basal levels of dopamine release at Mg2+ free perfusate were 56.95 ± 5.30 fmol/sample (for 20 min). By varying the Mg2+ levels in perfusate from 0 mmol/L to 1, 10 or 40 mmol/L, the dopamine release was inhibited by Mg2+ in a level‐dependent manner. Perfusion with modified Ringer's solution containing zero Mg2+ and from 5 to 50 μmol/L adenosine, non‐selective adenosine agonist, as well as 0.1 μmol/L 2‐chloro‐N6‐cyclopentyladenosine (CCPA), selective adenosine Al agonist, showed no effect on dopamine release. However, from 5 to 50 μmol/L adenosine and from 0.1 to 1 μmol/L CCPA plus Mg2+ (1 and 40 μmol/L) perfusion decreased the dopamine release. This inhibitory effect of adenosine and CCPA on striatal dopamine release was enhanced by an increase in extracellular Mg2+ levels. Levels of 50 μmol/L of 8‐cyclopentyl‐l,3‐dimethylxanthine (CPT), a selective adenosine Al receptor antagonist, in perfusate increased the dopamine release under conditions both with and without Mg2+. This stimulatory effect of CPT on striatal dopamine release was reduced by an increase in extracellular Mg2+ levels. As a result, CPT antagonized the inhibitory effects of adenosine and CCPA on dopamine release under conditions of the presence and absence of Mg2+. These results suggest that the inhibition of striatal dopamine release by adenosine was mediated by adenosine Al receptor. This inhibition was intensified by Mg2+. This study also revealed that the concentrations of Mg2+, which ranged from physiological to supraphysiological, reduced the striatal dopamine release; furthermore it was found that the physiological concentration of Mg2+ potentiated the effects of adenosine agonists, but inhibited adenosine antagonist. Thus, the present study, using in vivo microdialysis preparations, suggests Mg2+ inhibits the calcium ion channels and enhances the adenosinergic function in the central nervous system.
Diagnostic use of daytime polysomnography versus nocturnal polysomnography in sleep apnea syndrome
Authors: MIZUMA HIKARI , SONNENSCHEIN WIELAND , MEIER‐EWERT KARLHEINZ
Published: March 2008

The usefulness of daytime polysomnography (DPSG) in the diagnosis of sleep apnea syndrome (SAS) is examined. Diagnostic use was investigated by conducting DPSG of two different time periods (Group M, 11.00–14.00 h, and Group A, 15.00–18.00 h). The subjects were 30 patients (28 men and two women; mean age, 54.0 years). Nocturnal polysomnography (NPSG) and DPSG were investigated by comparing indices of sleep, apnea index (AI) and arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2). There was no significant difference among these indices but there was a significant positive correlation between NPSG and DPSG in all variables related to sleep apnea. Moreover, there was no significant difference in the frequency of each type of apnea between NPSG and DPSG in either group. These findings suggest that DPSG is useful not only in diagnosing SAS but in evaluating its severity.
A long‐term follow‐up study of serial magnetic resonance images in patients with delayed encephalopathy after acute carbon monoxide poisoning
Authors: INAGAKI TAKUJI , ISHINO HIROSHI , SENO HARUO , UMEGAE NOBUYUKI , AOYAMA TAKASHI
Published: March 2008

Abstract  Serial magnetic resonance (MR) images were obtained for 18 months in the follow‐up of a patient with delayed encephalopathy after acute carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. The characteristic findings on T2‐weighted MR images (T2WI) were high intensity in the bilateral periventricular white matter and pallidal regions, and low intensity in the striatum. Although the neurological symptoms had improved by about 5 months after exposure, the high signal intensity In the white matter remained visible for 18 months. In addition, low signal intensity in the putamen seen on T2WI, which suggested iron deposition, was seen throughout the 18 months.
Effects of Hemerocallis on sleep in mice
Authors: UEZU EIKO
Published: March 2008

Abstract Freeze‐dried flowers of the Akinowasuregusa (Hemerocallis fulva L. var. sempervirona M. Hotta), a Hemerocallis genus of the lily family, were fed to C57BL strain mice. The slow wave sleep and paradoxical sleep of the Hemerocallis‐treated group increased during the dark period. The differences between the control group and the Hemerocallis‐treated group were significant (P < 0.05). The Hemerocallis feeding did not cause a change in sleep time during the light period. As a result, there was no significant change in the sleep‐time percentage over a 24‐h period.
An attempt of radar chart expression of a self‐rating scale for sleep disturbance
Authors: YAMAGUCHI NARIYOSHI , MATSUBARA SABURO , MOMONOI FUMIO , MORIKAWA KEIICHI , TAKEYAMA MASASHI , MAEDA YOSHIKI
Published: March 2008

Abstract We made an attempt to express a complaint of sleep disturbance by a self‐rating scale of radar chart mode. The questionnaire for sleep disturbance is made up of eight items. Each item was scored from grade 1 to 4. The score of each item was projected to the MY radar chart, designed by us. It is noted that this method is useful in following the effect of hypnotics on sleep disturbance.
MINISTERIAL ADVISERS: THE EXPERIENCE OF THE WHITLAM GOVERNMENT*
Authors: Smith R.F.I.
Published: March 2008

Abstract: Following the election of the Whitlam government in December 1972 changes in the composition, work and style of ministers' offices were substantial. Evaluations of the emerging pattern conflicted, often quite sharply. This paper surveys the pattern of staffing introduced by Labor and examines in particular the roles of ministerial officers as political and policy advisers. The paper also discusses recent experiences with ministerial staff in the United Kingdom and Canada, and makes brief reference to the use of ministerial staff by the Fraser government. Assessing the effectiveness of ministerial advisers is not easy. No straight forward measures of effectiveness exist. It is argued that, despite the ambitions of some ministerial staff during the Whitlam government, the role of ministerial advisers was essentially limited and confined. Ministers found them useful but few found them overwhelmingly so. While the Fraser government has reduced the number and visibility of ministerial staff it has retained the institutional underpinning of Labor's system. In the search for ways of assisting political parties to govern and to respond to changing situations, it is likely that ministerial staff with ability to advise on policy will receive further attention in the future.
TECHNOLOGY, ADMINISTRATION AND POLITICS
Authors: Peres Leon
Published: March 2008

Abstract: Technology is now a subject of politics, but we have little expertise in handling science and technology as issues in politics. Most of the solutions put forward to solve the technology and politics problem have their shortcomings, whether they be the “new calculus” of computer‐based decisions taking into account all possible values; participation and decentralization; competing sources of advice or the implication contained in the Report of the Royal Commission on Australian Government Administration that government be “elevated” to partnership with the bureaucracy. The technology‐based issue of energy illustrates this move towards politics, first through debates about whether certain values should be excluded from the calculus; secondly by the move to increase the degree of coordination not only within the energy complex but also in its relationship with other social objectives; and finally by posing the need for “brokerage” skills beyond those of profession or expertise. In fact the vision of the future as a knowledgeable society is now a description of the past. Our technological missions, once left to the protected world of the autonomous statutory corporations with their “little” politics, are being pushed into the area of “big” politics with its policy competition. The politicization of technology throws up the need for much more dynamic models of the relationship between politics and administration as neither the dichotomy nor continuum model is adequate. As a start, it may be useful to analyse the ways in which an administrative continuum and a political continuum twist and spiral around each other.
PUBLIC POLICY AND INTERGOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS: TEACHER EDUCATION, 1960–1972*
Authors: Gibson Wendy , Price Eileen
Published: March 2008

Abstract: This is a case study of some aspects of teacher education policy formation in Australia. Between 1960 and 1972 the States sought to obtain from the national government specific purpose grant‐aid for the training of their teachers, in addition to that already provided indirectly by grants to the States for their universities. The national government gave way, step‐by‐step, to this pressure, but “imposed” the broad condition of corporate “autonomy” for grant‐aided tertiary educational institutions, instead of State departmental “control” of teacher training. The paper also considers what perspectives are suggested by this case study for the development of theories of public policy in the Australian federal system of government.
THE HOUSE OF COMMONS LOOKS AT THE CIVIL SERVICE*
Authors: Nethercote J. R.
Published: March 2008

Abstract: The 1977 report on the Civil Service by the Expenditure Committee of the U.K. House of Commons contains much to interest Australian readers. It recommends abolition of the Administration Trainee Scheme and an extension of the “Open Structure” to Assistant Secretary level; the establishment of a higher management course; the re‐activation of the Pay Research Unit; and the appointment of part‐time “outsiders” to the Civil Service Commission. Although luke‐warm to the Fulton doctrine of “hiving‐off”, the Committee favours the creation of more “accountable units” in departments. The centrepiece of the Report is the recommended return of key Civil Service Department functions—manpower control; management services; and internal responsibility for monitoring efficiency—to Treasury. The role of Parliament in improving efficiency is not neglected; it is proposed that the Exchequer and Audit Department conduct audits of management efficiency and effectiveness and that the use of select committees to review Executive activity be extended. The Committee was divided on the issue of whether officials serve ministers as well as they should, but the Report does contain proposals which are seen as “strengthening the minister's arm”. Overall the Report reflects the Committee's limited resources; analysis is often inconclusive, or at best, partial (particularly in areas such as the central organization of government and relations between the centre and departments), and the document seems to lack a clear strategy and sense of direction. However, the Committee's work does compare favourably with that of many other inquiries into the Civil Service.
COMMONWEALTH STATUTORY AUTHORITIES: EXPLORING THE FIELD
Authors: Wettenhall R. L.
Published: March 2008

In the December 1977 number of this Journal (vol. 36, no. 4, pp. 357–366), I presented a number of charts which had developed out of my consulting work on statutory authorities for the Coombs Royal Commission, and which sought to trace the pattern of creations and abolitions of such authorities over the period from 1901 to mid‐1975. A supplementary list traced developments up to the end of 1976, when the article was prepared. Though I believed the listings were reasonably comprehensive, some statutory authorities are notoriously elusive, and readers were invited to suggest any additions or alterations that should be made.
MANAGING WITH LESS
Authors: Hawker Geoffrey
Published: March 2008

Managers everywhere are faced always with problems of scarcity, with setting priorities, making trade‐offs and allocating short resources. One part of the administrative task is necessarily about getting the most done for the least cost. But is Australian government administration now entering a particularly severe period of restraint, which will place even sharper challenges upon managers in the public service? I think the answer to this question is yes, and that there is general agreement about this within the public service itself. Problems of managing with less are therefore contemporary and pressing; and this paper is a summary of ways in which those problems are being approached. One way issues in calls for improved efficiency in government. This is not, however, a straightforward matter at all. Improvements or so called improvements to efficiency will always meet some resistance for a mixture of reasons. Some managers think that the need for change is not as great as critics maintain, so giving them no cause to do more than continue their normal practices of good management. Others see a renewed emphasis on efficiency as cutting into the resources properly available to the public service, so harming the community which the administration is supposed to serve. Managing with less is not then merely a technical issue. It involves questions about the meaning of efficiency and the role of management, and also judgments about the nature of the period in which we live and about who gains and who loses when we do indeed have to manage with less: that is, political and even moral considerations are mixed up with considerations of good management and efficiency. These matters of value, choice and conflict cannot be avoided.
STATESMEN IN DISGUISE*
Authors: Parker R. S.
Published: March 2008

It is a daunting honour to tread in the illustrious footsteps of those who have previously delivered this Oration. It is also a personal pleasure, because Sir Robert Garran was the gracious and tolerant chairman of the Canberra University College Council that gave me my first academic post. Impressive but totally unpretentious, Sir Robert was a man that I could look up to, literally as well as figuratively. In 1938, however, I was scarcely aware that Garran had been the first Commonwealth public servant, a permanent head for thirty‐one years and, as Attorney‐General John (later Sir John) Latham put it a few days after Garran retired in January 1932, “guide, philosopher and friend to every Federal Cabinet” during those years1
THE IMAGE OF THE PUBLIC ADMINISTRATOR: AN INTERNATIONAL PERSPECTIVE
Authors: Plowden William
Published: March 2008

The more that I have thought about the question of the image of the public administrator, the more complex and ambiguous the whole concept has seemed to be. Our knowledge of the facts is patchy enough. Our understanding of causes and effects is thinner still. The best approach is perhaps to pool what we know from different sources. So today I propose to add to the available material, including the recent ANOP survey findings, such fragments of information and such conclusions as are available in the British context. I shall certainly look forward to learning more about Australian experiences while I am here. Between us, we may be able to make a little progress.
THE IMAGE OF THE PUBLIC ADMINISTRATOR: THE PERSPECTIVE OF THE PRESS*
Authors: Adams Peter Cole
Published: March 2008

The theme of this conference is “the image of the public administrator”. This puts me immediately on the spot, since I suspect that many public servants believe that if that image is less flattering than they would like it to be, the fault lies largely with the press. This notion, which is also popular in the professions, is at once comforting and dangerous. It is comforting because it is always a relief to find that it is someone else's fault that one is unloved. It is dangerous because it encourages a retreat back into complacency.