bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Number of antenatal visits and women's opinion
Authors: Hildingsson Ingegerd , Rådestad Ingela , Waldenström Ulla
Published: February 2005

Background.  The national recommendation in Sweden regarding number of antenatal care visits was reduced in 1996. The aim of this study was to explore the factors associated with number of visits made and with women's own opinions about these visits. Another aim was to study associations between the number of visits and satisfaction with antenatal care overall.

Methods.  All Swedish‐speaking women who came for their first visit to the midwife in 593 participating clinics during 3 weeks evenly spread over 1 year in 1999–2000 were invited to participate in the study. Information was collected by postal questionnaires after the booking visit and 2 months after childbirth. Cases of preterm delivery and intrauterine death were excluded.

Results.  After excluding miscarriages, non‐Swedish‐speaking women, and women booked at non‐participating clinics, about 69% of all women booked in antenatal care were recruited. Of these, 2421 (83%) completed the two questionnaires. About 25% followed the standard visiting schedule for a normal pregnancy, 57% made more visits, and 17% fewer visits. The number of visits made was associated with parity, medical diagnosis, depressive symptoms, level of education, and women's preferences in early pregnancy. Women's own opinion that they made too few visits was associated with a preference for more visits in early pregnancy and actually receiving fewer visits than the standard schedule. The view that they made too many visits was associated with a previous negative birth experience, a wish for fewer visits, having a medical diagnosis, many children, and major worries. The vast majority of women (87.6%) were satisfied with antenatal care overall but less with emotional (76.9%) than with medical (82.3%) aspects. No association was found between number of visits made and satisfaction, but women's own opinion that they had too few visits was associated with dissatisfaction with medical as well as emotional aspects of care and the opinion that they made too many visits with the emotional aspects of care.

Conclusion.  Two‐thirds of the women did not follow the standard visiting schedule, the majority of women made more visits. The number of antenatal visits seemed to be fairly well adapted to women's individual needs and, to some extent, to their own wishes. Very few women were dissatisfied with the number of visits made as well as the antenatal care overall.
Surgery for pelvic organ prolapse in women of 80 years of age and older
Authors: Schweitzer Karlijn J. , Vierhout Mark E. , Milani Alfredo L.
Published: February 2005

Background.  To investigate the long‐term results of women over 80 years of age following surgery for pelvic organ prolapse.

Design.  Retrospective, descriptive study.

Methods.  We reviewed all records of women of 80 years and older operated for pelvic organ prolapse; all patients alive were contacted through a postal questionnaire.

Results.  A total of 2058 operations for pelvic organ prolapse were performed in the study period. One hundred and twenty‐eight patients were 80 years and older with the mean age of 83 years (range 80–92 years). In three cases, serious complications occurred, and one of them died shortly after the operation. Follow‐up was done with a postal questionnaire. Eighty‐eight percent of patients who were alive at the time of data analysis returned the questionnaire.

The mean duration of follow‐up was 28 months (range 1–80 months). There were no patients who reported a relapse of prolapse. Urinary incontinence, urge, stress, or mixed incontinence, was present in almost half of the cases. The time to full recovery after the operation was experienced to be less than 3 months for 48%. General satisfaction with the procedure was high with 88% being (very) satisfied.

Conclusion.  The operative correction of a pelvic organ prolapse in a group of women 80 years and older is a successful operation, with an acceptable morbidity and a high satisfaction of the patients.
Role of progestins in contraception
Authors: Erkkola Risto , Landgren Britt‐Marie
Published: February 2005

Progestins have been used for contraception for more than 30 years. The main goal was to develop a contraceptive method devoid of the metabolic or clinical side‐effects associated with the use of estrogens. The development of new contraceptive methods and formulations is time‐consuming and requires devotion, belief, and also strong economical basis. As a result of this endeavor new methods have been developed: oral progestins, implants, injectables, intrauterine hormonal systems, and vaginal rings. Progestin‐only contraceptives may be preferable in some situations, which have absolute or relative contraindications to estrogen, side‐effects to estrogen containing hormonal contraception, lactation, and comfort and feasibility of formulations for long‐term use. At present, emergency contraception is also performed with progestin.
Controlling Birth: Science, Politics, and Public Policy
Authors: Russo Nancy Felipe , Denious Jean E.
Published: February 2005

Reproductive technologies raise a host of social and legal issues that challenge basic values and create intense controversy. If researchers wish to inform public policies related to reproductive technologies, they must understand how the scientific enterprise is being manipulated and research findings are being misrepresented to justify a particular social agenda and restrict access to contraception and abortion. To counter these distortions, scientists must defend the science advisory process, be involved in dissemination of their research findings beyond simple publication in scientific journals, and actively work to ensure that the findings are not misrepresented to the public.
Insecurity, Citizenship, and Globalization: The Multiple Faces of State Protection
Authors: Béland Daniel
Published: February 2005

Adopting a long-term historical perspective, this article examines the growing complexity and the internal tensions of state protection in Western Europe and North America. Beginning with Charles Tilly's theory about state building and organized crime, the discussion follows with a critical analysis of T. H. Marshall's article on citizenship. Arguing that state protection has become far more multifaceted than what Marshall's triadic model suggests, the article shows how this protection frequently transcends the logic of individual rights while increasing the reliance of citizens on the modern state. The last section formulates a critique of the idea formulated by theorists like Manuel Castells that globalization favors a rapid decline of state power. Yet, state protection may not necessarily grow indefinitely, and tax cuts, for example, the ones recently enacted in the United States, could seriously jeopardize a state's capacity to raise revenues and effectively fight older and newer forms of insecurity.
Turning Anomie on its Head: Fatalism as Durkheim's Concealed and Multidimensional Alienation Theory
Authors: Acevedo Gabriel A.
Published: February 2005

Durkheim's underdeveloped notion of fatalism is the keystone for a bridge between two conceptual categories central to Marxian and Durkheimian theory: alienation and anomie. Durkheim does not necessarily disagree with Marx that excessive regulation can be socially damaging but chooses to highlight the effects of under-regulation. A Durkheimian critique of overregulation becomes possible if we turn away from anomie and toward Durkheim's idea of fatalism—a concept that I will argue here is unexpectedly consistent with Marx's notion of alienation. We can infer that Durkheim presents us with a notion of an “optimal” human condition that exists between anomie and fatalism. The structure of modern societies, it will be argued, is characterized not just by excessive control leading to alienation or by a lack of integrative restraint leading to anomie but also by active efforts to optimally regulate social life.
Opinion Research and Publicness: (Meinungsforschung und Öffentlichkeit)
Authors: Adorno Theodor W. , Perrin Andrew J. , Jarkko Lars
Published: February 2005

We present a short introduction to, and the first English language translation of, Theodor W. Adorno's 1964 article, “Meinungsforschung und Öffentlichkeit.” In this article, Adorno situates the misunderstanding of public opinion within a dialectic of elements of publicness itself: empirical publicness' dependence on a normative ideology of publicness, and modern publicness' tendency to undermine its own principles. He also locates it in the dual role of mass media as both fora for the expression of opinion and, as he calls them, ‘organs of public opinion.’ The introduction provides a discussion of Adorno's reception in the American academy, arguing that contemporary sociological practice should be concerned with the problems Adorno raises. We suggest that Adorno's relegation to the fields of philosophy and aesthetics belies his relevance to empirical sociological research.
Child Health Assessment at School Entry (CHASE) project: evaluation in 10 London primary schools
Authors: Edmunds S. , Garratt A. , Haines L. , Blair M.
Published: February 2005

Aims  To assess the feasibility of implementing the Child Health Assessment at School Entry (CHASE) questionnaire, developed to capture the multiple dimensions of the health of children in their first year at school, and to evaluate data quality, reliability and validity.

Methods  Parents of 278 year‐1 children, from 10 primary schools in two London boroughs, received a parent questionnaire and school nurses completed a separate questionnaire from health and education records for children whose parents consented. Additional data on free school meal eligibility and ethnicity were obtained from the two Local Education Authorities. The parent questionnaire included the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) and four dimensions of the Child Health Questionnaire Parent Form‐28 (CHQ‐PF28).

Results  Response rate was 61%. The association between school free school meals eligibility and response rate in each school approached significance (r = –0.62, P = 0.05). Data completeness of the parent questionnaire was high (mean 98%). Data completeness of the school nurse questionnaire was more variable (mean 82%). Cronbach's Alpha was greater than 0.6 for four of the five SDQ scales and greater than 0.7 for the two CHQ‐PF28 multi‐item scales. Relative to parents with qualifications, parents with no qualifications rated their children as having significantly more conduct problems, peer problems, and overall mental health problems (P < 0.01) as assessed by the SDQ, and significantly lower global health (P < 0.01) as assessed by the CHQ‐PF28. Children with special educational needs and children with long‐standing illness or disability were rated as having significantly lower global health (P < 0.05) than children without these. Sample tables of inter‐school and inter‐borough comparison of key findings demonstrate considerable differences in physical and mental health status.

Discussion  The questionnaire was acceptable to parents and school nurses, and feasible to implement within existing school resources. Initial tests of internal reliability and validity are satisfactory. These data have the potential to inform interventions and service provision at school and borough level, and public health trends over time.
How do carers of disabled children cope? The Ugandan perspective
Authors: Hartley S. , Ojwang P. , Baguwemu A. , Ddamulira M. , Chavuta A.
Published: February 2005

Background Community‐based rehabilitation (CBR) was recommended by the World Health Organization in 1989 as the strategy for improving the quality of life of disabled people and their families, which should be built on local knowledge and practices. In Uganda, there is no documentation on how services relate to local knowledge. There is a need for increased knowledge and understanding of how family members cope with their disabled children to provide the basis for future service development.

Methods A qualitative phenomenological design was used to develop an in‐depth understanding of how Ugandan families cope with their disabled children in their own communities. Data were collected from 52 families with children with disabilities from five impairment groups, through interviews and observations in three districts of Uganda, one urban, two rural.

Results There are many children with disabilities who are included, loved and cared for by their families. A lot of time and money is spent on seeking a cure. The extended family systems are breaking down and the main burden of caring for a disabled family member generally falls on one, sometimes two, female carers. Male members act as gatekeepers, controlling the key decisions concerning the child and the associated resources.

Conclusions CBR should move the focus of their services away from the disabled individual towards the whole family. It is important to provide accurate information about causes and prevention of impairments, the realities of a cure, support and respite for the female carers, and opportunities for the involvement of fathers. This methodology is a practical mechanism for collecting data that have the potential to positively influence and guide the development of CBR practice in the locality. At a conceptual level the data support the philosophy of inclusion, social integration, the importance of trust and respect, and utilizing a holistic approach. These are eminently transferable to other settings.
Children's perceptions of attending a residential weight‐loss camp in the UK
Authors: Holt N. L. , Bewick B. M. , Gately P. J.
Published: February 2005

Background and aim  Residential camps have been used to deliver weight‐loss interventions to paediatric populations, but very little is known about how children perceive and evaluate attending such camps. Therefore, this study examined children's perceptions of attending a residential paediatric weight‐loss camp.

Methods  Fifteen attendees (mean age = 13.56) of the 2002 Carnegie International Camp‐UK (CIC‐UK) were engaged in semi‐structured interviews, which were transcribed verbatim and subjected to an inductive analysis procedure.

Results  Results reflected pre‐camp issues including worries (boot camp fears, being bullied) and goals and aspirations (weight loss goals, reducing bullying, increasing self‐esteem and making friends). Negative elements pertaining to the camp experience were homesickness and dietary concerns. Positive elements of the camp experience were enjoyment, peer support, staff support and choice of activities.

Conclusion  Enjoyment, support from peers and staff and choice over activities appear to be important aspects in the delivery of residential obesity treatments for children.
Child health care centres: an academic model for comprehensive child health care in the community
Authors: Katz M. , Urkin J. , Bar‐David Y. , Cohen A. H. , Warshawsky S. , Barak N.
Published: February 2005

The challenge of the discipline of paediatrics in the 21st century is to promote health and development of children in a way that will enable them to maximize their biological and social potential. The community child health centre (CHC) in Israel is a model of community health care service built to provide comprehensive health care to children and adolescents, as well as an academic setting for under‐ and postgraduate paediatric training. Today there are 34 CHCs in Israel, serving a population of 220 000 children from birth to 18 years of age. The CHC combines the advantages of group practice with those of an academic medical centre and enables flexibility and mutual learning. Further expansion and development are required to realize the CHC's mission of a true comprehensive academic centre for paediatric community health.
Development of a condition‐specific measure of quality of life for children with cerebral palsy: empirical thematic data reported by parents and children
Authors: Waters E. , Maher E. , Salmon L. , Reddihough D. , Boyd R.
Published: February 2005

Background Although there is increasing recognition that quality of life (QOL) and health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) are important outcome variables in clinical trials for children with cerebral palsy, there are substantial limitations in existing measures of QOL. This study identify themes of QOL for children with cerebral palsy and their parents to guide the development of a new condition‐specific QOL scale.

Methods A qualitative study of parent and child views on QOL composition was conducted, using a grounded theory framework. Families participated in semistructured interviews on QOL until thematic saturation was reached (n = 28 families).

Results Overall, 13 themes emerged from the interviews: physical health, body pain and discomfort, daily living tasks, participation in regular physical and social activities, emotional well‐being and self‐esteem, interaction with the community, communication, family health, supportive physical environment, future QOL, provision of, and access to services, financial stability, and social well‐being.

Conclusions Research with parents and children with cerebral palsy, representative of severity across the disease spectrum and socio‐economic status, reinforced and expanded on the traditional themes that have underpinned QOL measurement development. This has implications not only for the development of a new QOL scale for children with cerebral palsy, but also for clinical interventions and community care management.
A 2‐year follow‐up of orphans’ competence, socioemotional problems and post‐traumatic stress symptoms in traditional foster care and orphanages in Iraqi Kurdistan
Authors: Ahmad A. , Qahar J. , Siddiq A. , Majeed A. , Rasheed J. , Jabar F. , Von Knorring A.‐L.
Published: February 2005

Background This paper aims to compare orphans’ development in two different care systems.

Methods Based on age, sex, psychological trauma scores, competence and psychological problem scores, two comparable samples were found representing orphans in the traditional foster care (n = 94) and the orphanages (n = 48) in a middle‐large city in Iraqi Kurdistan. At an index interview, Child Behaviour Checklist (CBCL), Harvard–Uppsala Trauma Questionnaire for Children and Post‐traumatic Stress Symptoms for Children (PTSS‐C) were administered to the caregivers. After 1 year the CBCL, and after 2 years both the CBCL and the PTSS‐C, were‐re‐administered, consecutively.

Results Although both samples revealed significant decrease in the means of total competence and problem scores over time, the improvement in activity scale, externalizing problem scores and post‐traumatic stress disorder‐related symptoms proved to be more significant in the foster care than in the orphanages. While the activity scale improved in the foster care, the school competence deteriorated in both samples, particularly among the girls in the orphanages. The improvement of boys’ activity scores in the foster care, and deterioration of girls’ school competence in the orphanages were the most significant gender differences between samples over time.

Conclusions Even if the two orphan care systems showed more similarities than differences, the foster care revealed better outcomes over time. The results are discussed in relation to gender, age, socio‐economic situation, cultural values and the characteristics of each care system.
How do Turkish mothers discipline children? An analysis from a behavioural perspective
Authors: Kircaali‐Iftar Gonul
Published: February 2005

A descriptive study was conducted to assess the disciplinary practices of Turkish mothers for increasing appropriate and decreasing inappropriate behaviours of their children. The participants were 50 mothers of 4‐ to 6‐year‐old children receiving preschool education. The data were collected via a questionnaire consisting of open‐ended questions. The results revealed that the most frequently used disciplinary technique for strengthening desirable behaviours of children was presenting verbal praise, followed by presenting activity, edible, and social reinforcers whereas the favourite disciplinary technique for overcoming behaviour problems was providing verbal explanations. These findings show that the participants seem to be benefiting from a variety of behavioural techniques for supporting their children's appropriate behaviours. However, they look less competent when it comes to discouraging inappropriate behaviours. These findings are expected to (a) offer an alternative data collection model for assessing parental disciplinary practices, and (b) contribute to designing parent training and family‐focused early intervention programmes.
Risperidone in the treatment of disruptive behavioural symptoms in children with autistic and other pervasive developmental disorders
Authors: Reading Richard
Published: February 2005

.
 
Shea S,
Turgay A,
Carroll A,
Schulz M,
Orlik H,
Smith I &
Dunbar F.
(
2004
)

,
114
,
e634
–
e641
.

Objective  To investigate the efficacy and safety of risperidone for the treatment of disruptive behavioural symptoms in children with autism and other pervasive developmental disorders (PDD).

Methods  In this 8‐week, randomized, double‐blinded, placebo‐controlled trial, risperidone/placebo solution (0.01–0.06 mg/kg/day) was administered to 79 children who were aged 5–12 years and had PDD. Behavioural symptoms were assessed using the Aberrant Behaviour Checklist (ABC), Nisonger Child Behaviour Rating Form and Clinical Global Impression‐Change. Safety assessments included vital signs, electrocardiogram, extrapyramidal symptoms, adverse events and laboratory tests.

Results  Subjects who were taking risperidone (mean dosage: 0.04 mg/kg/day; 1.17 mg/day) experienced a significantly greater mean decrease on the irritability subscale of the ABC (primary endpoint) compared with those who were taking placebo. By study endpoint, risperidone‐treated subjects exhibited a 64% improvement over baseline in the irritability score almost double that of placebo‐treated subjects (31%). Risperidone‐treated subjects also exhibited significantly greater decreases on the other four subscales of the ABC; on the conduct problem, insecure/anxious, hyperactive and overly sensitive subscales of the Nisonger Child Behaviour Rating Form (parent version); and on the Visual Analog Scale of the most troublesome symptom. More risperidone‐treated subjects (87%) showed global improvement in their condition compared with the placebo group (40%). Somnolence, the most frequently reported adverse event, was noted in 72.5% vs. 7.7% of subjects (risperidone vs. placebo) and seemed manageable with dose/dose‐schedule modification. Risperidone‐treated subjects experienced statistically significantly greater increases in weight (2.7 vs. 1.0 kg), pulse rate and systolic blood pressure. Extrapyramidal symptoms scores were comparable between groups.

Conclusions  Risperidone was well‐tolerated and efficacious in treating behavioural symptoms associated with PDD in children.
Prognosis for ambulation in cerebral palsy: a population‐based study
Authors: Reading Richard
Published: February 2005

.
 
Wu YW,
Day SM,
Strauss DJ &
Shavelle RM.
(
2004
)

,
114
,
1264
–
1271
.

Objectives  To determine independent predictors of ambulation among children with cerebral palsy and to develop a simple tool that estimates the probability that a child will walk.

Methods  In a retrospective study of all children with cerebral palsy who were not yet walking at 2–3.5 years of age, while receiving services from the California Department of Developmental Services during the years 1987–1999, we analysed medical and functional data obtained annually by Department of Developmental Services physicians and social workers. Using logistic regression analyses, we determined independent predictors of a child's ability to walk well alone at least 20 feet, without assistive devices, by age 6. We then estimated the probabilities of walking at various levels of ability over time, using multistate survival analysis.

Results  Of 5366 study subjects, 2295 (43%) were evaluated at age 6; 12.8% could walk independently and 18.4% walked with support. Independent predictors of successful ambulation included early motor milestones such as sitting (odds ratio: 12.5; 95% confidence interval: 5.8–27.2) and pulling to a stand (odds ratio: 28.5; 95% confidence interval: 13.4–60.4) when compared with lack of rolling at age 2, cerebral palsy type other than spastic quadriparesis (odds ratio: 2.2; 95% confidence interval: 1.5–3.1), and preserved visual function (odds ratio: 2.4; 95% confidence interval: 1.1–5.4). Our ambulation charts depict the probability of remaining non‐ambulatory, transitioning to one of three possible ambulatory states, or expiring at all subsequent ages through age 14.

Conclusion  The ambulation charts provide a simple straightforward way to estimate the probability that a child with cerebral palsy who is non‐ambulatory at 2–3.5 years of age will eventually walk with or without support.
Resource allocation in the submerged plant Vallisneria natans related to sediment type, rather than water‐column nutrients
Authors: XIE YONGHONG , AN SHUQING , WU BOFENG
Published: February 2005

1. Phenotypic plasticity in resource allocation by Vallisneria natans was investigated in a greenhouse experiment, using three types of sediment [sandy loam, clay, and a 50 : 50 (by volume) mixture of the two sediments] and two levels of water‐column nutrient. The clay was collected from a highly eutrophic lake in Jiangsu Province, China, and the N and P concentrations applied in nutrient media were at the upper limits observed in most lakes of China.

2. Growth and biomass allocation were significantly affected by sediment type, rather than water‐column nutrients. Plant growth in clay and the mixture were similar, and 2.4–3.4 times higher than that in sandy loam. Compared with the plants grown in clay or the mixed sediments, the plants grown in sandy loam allocated relatively more biomass to root (11–17% versus 7–8% of total biomass), and relatively less to leaf (76–82% versus 86–87% of total biomass). Plastic variations in root area were induced by sediment type alone (P < 0.05), whereas the impacts of sediment type and water‐column nutrients on leaf area were insignificant (P > 0.05).

3. Plant N and P concentrations were significantly affected by both sediment type and water‐column nutrients. Increased nutrient availability in the water column enhanced plant N concentration by 3.5–20.2%, and plant P concentration by 19.1–25.8%.

4. Biomass accumulation and plant nutrient concentration in plants grown in different sediment types and water‐column nutrients indicate that sediment type had more significant impacts on growth and N and P concentrations of V. natans than did water‐column nutrients. Changes in phenotype are a functional response to nutrient availability in sediment, rather than to water‐column nutrients.
Light absorption by phytoplankton and chromophoric dissolved organic matter in the drainage basin and estuary of the Neuse River, North Carolina (U.S.A.)
Authors: VÄHÄTALO ANSSI V. , WETZEL ROBERT G. , PAERL HANS W.
Published: February 2005

1. We examined the absorption of solar radiation by phytoplankton and chromophoric dissolved organic matter (CDOM) taking into account riparian shading in the rivers, reservoirs, swamps of the Neuse River Estuary and its drainage basin.

2. In the streams, CDOM typically absorbed 55 and 64% of photons in the spectral range of 400–700 nm (photosynthetically active radiation, PAR) and 500–600 nm, respectively. The large proportion of photons absorbed by CDOM indicates high potential for abiotic photochemial reactions in the 500–600 nm region.

3. Despite the high concentration of nutrients, phytoplankton contributed little (2%) to the total absorption of PAR in the streams. Small (<30 m wide) streams typically received only 7% of incident PAR that impinged onto the more exposed reservoirs and estuary. Riparian shading and the low contribution of phytoplankton to the total absorption resulted in conditions where phytoplankton absorbed nearly two orders of magnitude less PAR in the streams than in the estuary and reservoirs.

4. The results indicated that riparian shading and non‐algal absorbing components can significantly restrict phytoplankton production in nutrient‐rich streams with a high concentration of CDOM flowing throughout forested catchments.
Plasticity in newt metamorphosis: the effect of predation at embryonic and larval stages
Authors: ORIZAOLA GERMÁN , BRAÑA FLORENTINO
Published: February 2005

1. Some organisms under variable predator pressure show induced antipredator defences, whose development incurs costs and may be associated with changes to later performance. This may be of especial relevance to animals with complex life histories involving metamorphosis.

2. This study examines the effect of predation environment, experienced both during embryonic and larval stages, on palmate newt (Triturus helveticus) metamorphosis. Newt eggs were raised until hatching with or without exposure to chemical cues from brown trout (Salmo trutta), and larval development was monitored in the presence or absence of the cues.

3. Exposure to predator cues during the embryonic stage resulted in higher growth rates at the larval stage, reduced time to metamorphosis and size at metamorphosis. Metamorphs also had narrower heads and shorter forelimbs than those from predator‐free treatments. In contrast, exposure to predator cues during the larval stage did not affect metamorph characteristics.

4. These results indicate that developing embryos are sensitive to predator chemical cues and that the responses can extend to later stages. Reversion of induced defences when predation risk ceased was not detected. We discuss the possible adaptive significance of these responses.
Growth of shredders on leaf litter biofilms: the effect of light intensity
Authors: FRANKEN ROB J. M. , WALUTO BEATA , PEETERS EDWIN T. H. M. , GARDENIERS JEAN J. P. , BEIJER JOHN A. J. , SCHEFFER MARTEN
Published: February 2005

1. The effect of light intensity on the decomposition of poplar (Populus nigra) leaves and growth of the shredders, Asellus aquaticus and Gammarus pulex, was studied in a laboratory experiment. The response was studied along a gradient of six light intensities of 0, 5, 23, 54, 97 and 156 μmol m−2 s−1. It was hypothesised that an increase in light intensity would increase growth of shredders, because of an increase of algae (i.e. food quality) in the leaf‐biofilm.

2. Light intensity affected both leaf‐biofilm quality and consumer behaviour and affected several aspects of the decomposition‐consumer interaction. In the absence of invertebrates, leaf mass loss was lower in the dark, while light intensity had no significant effect on mass loss of poplar leaf in the presence of invertebrates. Light intensity affected algal biomass, density and composition, and had a significant positive effect on the growth of both shredders.

3. Our results suggest that algae can be an important component of the nutritional value of the leaf‐biofilm for benthic invertebrates, directly as an additional food source and indirectly through a link with bacteria and/or fungi.

4. The River Continuum Concept mainly emphasises allochthonous inputs to headwater streams and autochthonous production further downstream. Our results suggest that light, by its effect on the biofilms on leaf surfaces, might be a more important factor in headwaters than is usually assumed.
Catchment‐ and site‐scale influences of forest cover and longitudinal forest position on the distribution of a diadromous fish
Authors: EIKAAS HANS S. , MCINTOSH ANGUS R. , KLISKEY ANDREW D.
Published: February 2005

1. The hydrologic connectivity between landscape elements and streams means that fragmentation of terrestrial habitats could affect the distribution of stream faunas at multiple spatial scales. We investigated how catchment‐ and site‐scale influences, including proportion and position of forest cover within a catchment, and presence of riparian forest cover affected the distribution of a diadromous fish.

2. The occurrence of koaro (Galaxias brevipinnis) in 50‐m stream reaches with either forested or non‐forested riparian margins at 172 sites in 24 catchments on Banks Peninsula, South Island, New Zealand was analysed. Proportions of catchments forested and the dominant position (upland or lowland) of forest within catchments were determined using geographical information system spatial analysis tools.

3. Multivariate analysis of variance indicated forest position and proportion forested at the catchment accounted for the majority of the variation in the overall proportion of sites in a catchment with koaro.

4. Where forest was predominantly in the lower part of the catchments, the presence of riparian cover was important in explaining the proportion of sites with koaro. However, where forest was predominantly in the upper part of the catchment, the effect of riparian forest was not as strong. In the absence of riparian forest cover, no patterns of koaro distribution with respect to catchment forest cover or forest position were detected.

5. These results indicate that landscape elements, such as the proportion and position of catchment forest, operating at catchment‐scales, influence the distribution of diadromous fish but their influence depends on the presence of riparian vegetation, a site‐scale factor.
The unimolecular character of the classical Brunauer, Emmett and Teller adsorption equation and moisture adsorption
Authors: Caurie Matthew
Published: February 2005

A reformulation of the classical Brunauer, Emmett and Teller multimolecular adsorption equation resulted in a unimolecular equation in which a third parameter was introduced into general statements. The third parameter represented adsorption centres on the unimolecular surface. This parameter modified the constant C in the BET equation to C1/n which, on analysis, was found to measure the density of the most strongly adsorbed molecules. The new equation, which was shown to apply to all isotherm shapes, delineated limits between which three states of unimolecularly adsorbed molecules could be identified along the isotherm. It also provided a new method for calculating the net heat of adsorption, which is identical with the Clausius–Clapeyron equation at low values of Aw. The equation also explained the phenomenon of adsorption compression in sorption studies and this was because of the increased density of primary adsorbate molecules at low values of Aw.
Composition, quality control and antimicrobial activity of the essential oil of cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.) seeds from Bulgaria that had been stored for up to 36 years
Authors: Jirovetz Leopold , Buchbauer Gerhard , Stoyanova Albena S. , Georgiev Evgenii V. , Damianova Stanka T.
Published: February 2005

The essential oil of seeds of cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.) from Bulgaria stored for more than 35 years was analyzed by physicochemical methods, GC, GC‐MS and olfactometry and its antimicrobial activity tested using different strains of microorganisms. More than sixty constituents of this cumin oil could be identified as essential volatiles, responsible for the pleasant fresh, clean, spicy (typical cumin‐like) odour of a high quality product. Cumin aldehyde (36%), β‐pinene (19.3%), p‐cymene (18.4%) and γ‐terpinene (15.3%) were the principal compounds found. Antimicrobial testing showed high activity of the essential C. cyminum oil against the mold Aspergillus niger, the Gram (+) bacteria Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus epidermidis as well as the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Candida albicans.
Effect of grafting and modified atmosphere packaging on eggplant quality parameters during storage
Authors: Arvanitoyannis Ioannis S. , Khah Ebrahim M. , Christakou Evangelia C. , Bletsos Fotios A
Published: February 2005

The physico‐chemical parameters (pH, mechanical firmness and vitamin C) and sensory parameters of grafted and ungrafted eggplant plants were studied in relation to storage time (up to 17 days at 10 °C). Eggplant plants of cultivar ‘Tsakoniki’ were grafted on Solanum torvum and S. sisymbriifolium rootstocks in order to avoid the soil borne disease caused by Verticillium dahliae. The fruits were stored under modified atmosphere packaging (MAP). Vitamin C was negatively affected by grafting it storage, while MAP prolonged the shelf life. Although pH was not affected by grafting but was positively affected by MAP. Flesh firmness was negatively affected by grafting and reduced over storage, but positively affected by MAP. Sensory analysis showed higher ratings of fruits from ungrafted plants for sweetness, acceptance and hardness whereas no difference was detected for overall acceptance. Fruits stored under MAP were better maintained compared with those stored in air.
Antioxidant activities of organic grape, pomace, juice, must, wine and their correlation with phenolic content
Authors: Yıldırım Hatice K. , Akçay Yasemin D. , Güvenç Ulgar , Altındişli Ahmet , Sözmen Eser Y.
Published: February 2005

The highest values of antioxidant activity (AOA), inhibition of low‐density lipoproteins (LDL‐diene, LDL‐MDA) and total phenols were determined in pomace (82.30 and 82.60%), grapes (68.91%) and must [2750 mg L−1 gallic acid equivalents (GAE)], respectively. For all parameters (AOA, iLDL‐diene, iLDL‐MDA, total phenols) the highest values were obtained in Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grape varieties. Positive correlations were determined between AOA and iLDL‐diene (r = 0.809); AOA and total phenols (r = 0.528); total phenols and iLDL‐diene (r = 0.451) with significance of P < 0.005. The results of principal component analysis demonstrated that the location of iLDL‐diene and AOA is the same for pomace, must and red wines. The total phenols are found in the same place in red wines, red grapes, pomace and must. The results emphasize the importance of must, pomace and red wine for inhibiting LDL‐oxidation.
The effect of varying the mixing formula on the quality of a yeast sweet bread and also on the process conditions, as studied by surface response methodology
Authors: Calderón‐Domínguez Georgina , Farrera‐Rebollo Reynold , Arana‐Errasquín Ramón , Mora‐Escobedo Rosalva
Published: February 2005

The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of different ingredients on the mixing and fermentation times required to attain good bread quality. Results showed that variation in almost all ingredients affected mixing time; shortening being the exception. Longer mixing times were required as the concentration of ingredients was increased. Water‐soluble ingredients had a synergistic effect. The same behaviour was observed with total fermentation time, sugar, salt and milk powder having major effects. The only change in crumb colour was caused by egg. Crust colour was only affected by the presence of milk and sugar. It was concluded that it was possible to get good quality bread by varying the process conditions according to the formulation used. Non‐hygroscopic ingredients had a lesser effect on mixing and fermentation times. Predictive equations were obtained.
The effects of cultivar and physiological age on quality and shelf‐life of coleslaw mix packaged in modified atmospheres
Authors: Cliffe‐Byrnes Valerie , Beirne David O’
Published: February 2005

Two cultivars of ‘Dutch’ cabbage were used to determine conditions whereby coleslaw made from them could be stored under modified atmospheres (MA) with minimal deterioration. The cabbage was sliced and mixed (4:1) with shredded carrot. The effects of storing the cabbages prior to processing, the cultivar identity, and use of low temperatures and MA storage on the quality and storage life were investigated. Quality in terms of appearance and aroma were measured as well as bacterial contamination before and during storage. Cultivar (cv.) Marathon rather than cv. Lennox gave a product of higher quality, with a better shelf‐life, particularly when packaged under micro‐perforated PA‐160 film rather than oriented polypropylene (OPP). Long‐term storage of cabbage prior to processing had detrimental effects on the acceptability of MA packaged coleslaw. Attempts were made to explain the findings in terms of differences in microbial counts. Guidelines were established that could be used in the production of high quality coleslaw mix packaged in MA.
Blood coagulation and its regulation by anticoagulant pathways: genetic pathogenesis of bleeding and thrombotic diseases
Authors: DAHLBÄCK BJÖRN
Published: February 2005

Platelet‐mediated primary haemostasis and blood coagulation have evolved as important defence mechanisms against bleeding. The formation of the platelet plug provides the initial occlusion of the vascular lesion. This is temporally co‐ordinated with the activation of the coagulation system, which occurs in response to the rupture of endothelium and the exposure of blood to the extravascular tissue. The reactions of blood coagulation are carefully controlled by several anticoagulant mechanisms and under normal conditions they prevail over the procoagulant forces. Genetic or acquired disturbances of the natural balance between the pro‐ and anticoagulant systems may result in bleeding or thrombotic diseases.
The Pro387Leu variant of protein tyrosine phosphatase‐1B is not associated with diabetes mellitus type 2 in a German population
Authors: GOUNI‐BERTHOLD I. , GIANNAKIDOU E. , MÜLLER‐WIELAND D. , FAUST M. , KOTZKA J. , BERTHOLD H. K. , KRONE W.
Published: February 2005

Objectives.  Diabetes mellitus type 2 (DM‐2) is a complex disorder with a strong genetic background. Protein tyrosine phosphatase‐1B (PTP‐1B) dephosphorylates various receptor protein kinases in vitro, including the β subunit of the insulin receptor, therefore representing a potential candidate to be involved in the polygenic pathogenesis of DM‐2. Recently a Pro387Leu variant of the PTP‐1B gene has been associated with an increased risk of DM‐2 in a Danish population. Reports from China and Finland failed to confirm this association.

Design, setting and subjects.  The purpose of the present study was to examine the possible association between the presence of DM‐2 and the Pro387Leu polymorphism in a German Caucasian population. A total of 836 subjects (age 20–92 years) participated in the study. The presence of the Pro387Leu variant of the PTP‐1B gene was investigated using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) restriction fragment‐length polymorphism in 402 subjects with DM‐2 (231 men, 171 women, age 63.1 ± 10.8 years, BMI 28.7 ± 5.1 kg m−2) and in 434 normoglycemic age‐ and sex‐matched control subjects (248 men, 186 women, age 64.4 ± 6.5 years, BMI 26.5 ± 3.7 kg m−2).

Results.  Nine subjects in the control group and nine in the diabetic group (allelic frequency 0.99% in both groups) carried the Pro387Leu polymorphism. A meta‐analysis on published data of >3000 subjects including our own data did not find an association between the polymorphism and DM‐2. In addition, the polymorphism had no significant influence on the presence of atherosclerotic disease, whilst the influence of other known cardiovascular risk factors was confirmed. Furthermore, the impact of the mutation on metabolic and anthropometric parameters in both groups was examined. Amongst the controls there were no significant differences in BMI, HDL and LDL cholesterol or blood pressure between the two groups with or without the Pro387Leu polymorphism. The same was true for the diabetic group. Interestingly, in both diabetics and controls, Pro387Leu carriers had significantly higher triglycerides. In a logistic regression model only BMI and family history but not polymorphism were predictors of DM‐2.

Conclusions.  In conclusion, the present data suggest that in a German Caucasian population the Pro387Leu polymorphism of the PTP‐1B gene is not associated with DM‐2 but may play a role in other metabolic phenotypes.
Homocysteine as a risk factor for CVD mortality in men with other CVD risk factors: the Kuopio Ischaemic Heart Disease Risk Factor (KIHD) Study
Authors: VIRTANEN J. K. , VOUTILAINEN S. , ALFTHAN G. , KORHONEN M. J. , RISSANEN T. H. , MURSU J. , KAPLAN G. A. , SALONEN J. T.
Published: February 2005

Objective.  Based on case–control and prospective studies elevated blood total homocysteine (tHcy) has been suggested to be an independent risk factor for cardiovascular diseases (CVD). The purpose of the study was to explore the joint effect of increased serum tHcy concentration and other risk factors on the risk of CVD mortality in middle‐aged men without a history of heart disease or stroke.

Design.  A prospective, population‐based Kuopio Ischaemic Heart Disease Risk Factor (KIHD) Study.

Setting.  Eastern Finland.

Subjects.  A total of 802 men aged 46–64 years, examined in 1991–93.

Main outcome measures.  CVD mortality event.

Results.  The mean serum tHcy concentration was 10.8 μmol L−1 (SD 3.3). During the average follow‐up time of 10.8 years 50 men experienced a CVD death. The hazard rate ratio for CVD mortality was 1.80 (95% confidence interval: 1.02–3.19) in men in the highest serum tHcy third versus lower thirds after adjustment for cardiovascular risk factors. Furthermore, elevated serum tHcy concentration appeared to increase the risk of CVD death in men who smoke or who have high circulating concentrations of serum total or LDL cholesterol, apo‐B apolipoprotein or plasma fibrinogen.

Conclusion.  We conclude that homocysteine may increase the risk of CVD mortality in middle‐aged men from Eastern Finland, and it may especially increase the risk when present with other risk factors for CVD.
Multimodal approach to rapid discharge after endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy
Authors: Cruvinel M. G. C. , Duarte J. B. V. , Castro C. H. V. , Costa J. R. R. , Kux P.
Published: February 2005

Background:  After a large experience (more than 10 years) with bilateral endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy (ETS) surgery on an outpatient basis, we studied prospectively a multimodal approach to rapid discharge patients undergoing this procedure.

Methods:  One hundred and seventeen consecutive patients, aged 13–60 years, ASA physical status I or II, undergoing outpatient ETS under general anaesthesia were enrolled in this study. All patients were managed using a predefined multimodal clinical care protocol consisting of a general balanced anaesthesia. Basic demographic information was collected from each patient. Duration of surgery and anaesthesia and times to PACU and home discharge were recorded as well as intraoperative and postoperative complications like nausea and vomiting.

Results:  Surgery took 41.4 ± 22.1 min and anaesthesia lasted 63 ± 21.5 min. Time between induction of anaesthesia and beginning of surgery and end of surgery to extubation was 15.0 ± 2.0 and 7.2 ± 3.1 min, respectively. It took 4.9 ± 1.5 min from extubation to OR discharge. Time from PACU arrival to discharge was 12.8 ± 6.3 min. Time of hospital stay was 132 ± 18 min. No patient experienced vomiting and two had nausea, representing an incidence of 1.7%. The only anaesthetic cause for hospital admission was a severe allergic reaction.

Conclusion:  Multimodal management to rapid discharge after ETS surgery did result in a short time to patient discharge. We confirm that endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy can be performed safely on an outpatient basis with brief postoperative hospital care and a low rate of complications.