bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Delivery of antimicrobials into parasites
Authors: Samuel B. U. , Hearn B. , Mack D. , Wender P. , Rothbard J. , Kirisits M. J. , Mui E. , Wernimont S. , Roberts C. W. , Muench S. P. , Rice D. W. , Prigge S. T. , Law A. B. , McLeod R.
Published: November 2003

To eliminate apicomplexan parasites, inhibitory compounds must cross host cell, parasitophorous vacuole, and parasite membranes and cyst walls, making delivery challenging. Here, we show that short oligomers of arginine enter
Toxoplasma gondii
tachyzoites and encysted bradyzoites. Triclosan, which inhibits enoyl-ACP reductase (ENR), conjugated to arginine oligomers enters extracellular tachyzoites, host cells, tachyzoites inside parasitophorous vacuoles within host cells, extracellular bradyzoites, and bradyzoites within cysts. We identify, clone, and sequence
T. gondii enr
and produce and characterize enzymatically active, recombinant ENR. This enzyme has the requisite amino acids to bind triclosan. Triclosan released after conjugation to octaarginine via a readily hydrolyzable ester linkage inhibits ENR activity, tachyzoites
in vitro
, and tachyzoites in mice. Delivery of an inhibitor to a microorganism via conjugation to octaarginine provides an approach to transporting antimicrobials and other small molecules to sequestered parasites, a model system to characterize transport across multiple membrane barriers and structures, a widely applicable paradigm for treatment of active and encysted apicomplexan and other infections, and a generic proof of principle for a mechanism of medicine delivery.
Mapping dominant-negative mutations of anthrax protective antigen by scanning mutagenesis
Authors: Mourez Michael , Yan Ming , Lacy D. Borden , Dillon Lisa , Bentsen Lori , Marpoe Amy , Maurin Clémence , Hotze Eileen , Wigelsworth Darran , Pimental Ruth-Anne , Ballard Jimmy D. , Collier R. John , Tweten Rodney K.
Published: November 2003

The protective antigen (PA) moiety of anthrax toxin transports edema factor and lethal factor to the cytosol of mammalian cells by a mechanism that depends on its ability to oligomerize and form pores in the endosomal membrane. Previously, some mutated forms of PA, designated dominant negative (DN), were found to coassemble with wild-type PA and generate defective heptameric pore-precursors (prepores). Prepores containing DN–PA are impaired in pore formation and in translocating edema factor and lethal factor across the endosomal membrane. To create a more comprehensive map of sites within PA where a single amino acid replacement can give a DN phenotype, we used automated systems to generate a Cys-replacement mutation for each of the 568 residues of PA
63
, the active 63-kDa proteolytic fragment of PA. Thirty-three mutations that reduced PA's ability to mediate toxicity at least 100-fold were identified in all four domains of PA
63
. A majority (
22
) were in domain 2, the pore-forming domain. Seven of the domain-2 mutations, located in or adjacent to the 2β
6
strand, the 2β
7
strand, and the 2β
10
-2β
11
loop, gave the DN phenotype. This study demonstrates the feasibility of high-throughput scanning mutagenesis of a moderate sized protein. The results show that DN mutations cluster in a single domain and implicate 2β
6
and 2β
7
strands and the 2β
10
–2β
11
loop in the conformational rearrangement of the prepore to the pore. They also add to the repertoire of mutations available for structure–function studies and for designing new antitoxic agents for treatment of anthrax.
The causes and processes of the mid-summer population crash of the potato aphids Macrosiphum euphorbiae and Myzus persicae (Hemiptera: Aphididae)
Authors: Karley A.J. , Pitchford J.W. , Douglas A.E. , Parker W.E. , Howardh J.J.
Published: November 2003

Populations of many phloem-feeding aphid species in temperate regions increase exponentially in early summer and then ‘disappear’, usually over a time-scale of a few days, in July. To understand these dynamics, empirical investigation of the causes and modelling of the processes underlying population change are required. Numbers of the aphids Myzus persicae (Sulzer) and Macrosiphum euphorbiae (Thomas), monitored over three years in commercial potato fields in the UK, increased to a maximum of 2–2.5 per leaflet on 16 July in 1999 and 2001, and then declined to < 0.25 per leaflet by 26 July. In 2000, aphid numbers remained very low (< 0.25 per leaflet) throughout the season. The onset of the crash in aphid numbers (16–19 July in 1999 and 2001) was consistently associated with changes in the phloem amino acid composition of potato leaflets. Natural enemies, including syrphids, parasitoids, coccinellids, chrysopids and entomopathogenic fungi, increased in abundance throughout the sampling period. The incidence of winged emigrant aphids prior to the crash was low (< 10%). Experimental manipulation during 2001 demonstrated that, during the crash period, the fecundity of aphids (caged on leaves to exclude natural enemies) was depressed by 25–45% relative to earlier in the season, and that presence of natural enemies reduced aphid numbers by up to 68%. Using these data, an excitable medium model was constructed, which provided a robust description of aphid population dynamics in terms of plant development-induced changes in aphid fecundity and temporal change in natural enemy pressure.
Feeding site selection by workers of the Formosan subterranean termite Coptotermes formosanus (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae) – a re-analysis of field data from a mark–recapture study
Authors: Su N.-Y. , Scherer P.N.
Published: November 2003

During the early stages of the development of termite baits, dyed paper was placed in specified feeding stations to ascertain whether a slow-acting toxicant could be placed in a few bait stations to be delivered to the entire colony members of the Formosan subterranean termite, Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki. Feeding frequency data, as measured by the dye concentration in individual termites, suggested the absence of feeding site fidelity. However, these results were often misinterpreted as random movement of termites that were marked and released for population estimate studies, or the random search of food in soil by subterranean termites. A computer simulation program was constructed to re-examine this feeding frequency data, and confirmed the earlier conclusion that the lack of feeding site fidelity was the most likely explanation for the data.
Seasonal variation in the effectiveness of the leaf-feeding beetle Zygogramma bicolorata (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) and stem-galling moth Epiblema strenuana (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) as biocontrol agents on the weed Parthenium hysterophorus (Asteraceae)
Authors: Dhileepan K.
Published: November 2003

Variation in the effectiveness of biocontrol agents on the weed Parthenium hysterophorus L. was evaluated at two properties (Mount Panorama and Plain Creek) in Queensland, Australia for four years (1996–2000) using a pesticide exclusion experiment. At Mount Panorama, higher levels of defoliation by the leaf-feeding beetle Zygogramma bicolorata Pallister and galling by the moth Epiblema strenuana Walker in 1996–97 coincided with an above average summer rainfall, but in the following three years with below average summer rainfall the defoliation and galling levels were significantly lower. Biocontrol had significant negative impact on the weed only in 1996–97 with no major impact in the following three years. At Plain Creek, galling by E. strenuana was evident in all the four years, but varied significantly between years due to non-synchrony between P. hysterophorus germination and E. strenuana emergence. At Plain Creek biocontrol had limited impact on the weed in 1996–97 and 1997–98, with no significant impact in the following two years. Over the 4-year period, defoliation and galling resulted in 70% reduction in the soil seed bank at Mount Panorama, but the reduction in the soil seed bank at Plain Creek due to galling was not significant. Effectiveness of Z. bicolorata and E. strenuana was dependent on weather conditions and as a result had only limited impact on the weed in three out of four years.
Effect of temperature on the development of the aquatic stages ofAnopheles gambiaesensu stricto (Diptera: Culicidae)
Authors: Bayoh M.N. , Lindsay S.W.
Published: November 2003

Global warming may affect the future pattern of many arthropod-borne diseases, yet the relationship between temperature and development has been poorly described for many key vectors. Here the development of the aquatic stages of Africa's principal malaria vector,Anopheles gambiaes.s. Giles, is described at different temperatures. Development time from egg to adult was measured under laboratory conditions at constant temperatures between 10 and 40°C. Rate of development from one immature stage to the next increased at higher temperatures to a peak around 28°C and then declined. Adult development rate was greatest between 28 and 32°C, although adult emergence was highest between 22 and 26°C. No adults emerged below 18°C or above 34°C. Non-linear models were used to describe the relationship between developmental rate and temperature, which could be used for developing process-based models of malaria transmission. The utility of these findings is demonstrated by showing that a map where the climate is suitable for the development of aquatic stages ofA. gambiaes.s. corresponded closely with the best map of malaria risk currently available for Africa.
The ascorbic acid system in seeds: to protect and to serve
Authors: De Tullio Mario C. , Arrigoni Oreste
Published: November 2003

The ascorbic acid (ASC) system functions dynamically in seeds, although the strategies for ASC production and utilization may vary according to seed developmental and functional stages. In orthodox seeds, ASC content and ASC peroxidase activity increase during the early stages of development, then decrease during the desiccation stage, so that, at quiescence, seeds have neither ASC nor ASC peroxidase, but retain a small amount of dehydroascorbic acid (DHA) and significant activities of ASC recycling enzymes. ASC and ASC peroxidase activity re-start after a few hours from the onset of imbibition. In contrast, the ASC system is little affected during germination of recalcitrant seeds. Although the presence of the ASC system in seeds has often been considered only within the framework of seed antioxidant defences, ASC function in seeds is also likely to be related to its action as a specific co-substrate required for the activity of dioxygenases (e.g. 1-aminocyclopropane carboxylate oxidase, gibberellic acid hydroxylases and 9-cis-epoxycarotenoid dioxygenases) involved in the synthesis of ethylene, gibberellins and abscisic acid, respectively. The possible role of ASC in coordinating the activities of these key enzymes is discussed.
Biopolymer volume change and water clustering function of primedVigna radiata seeds
Authors: Sun Wendell Q. , Liang Yongheng , Huang Shangzhi , Fu Jiarui
Published: November 2003

Osmotic priming reduces the longevity ofVigna radiata(mung bean) seeds during subsequent dry storage. The present study has investigated the relationship between volumetric changes, modified water sorption properties and the decrease in seed longevity after priming. Volumetric analysis of control embryos revealed two major dehydration-related volumetric contractions in the biopolymer matrix, reflecting structural reorganization in biopolymer matrix during drying. These contractions occurred at hydration from 0.29 to 0.23 g g–1dw and from 0.18 to 0.11 g g–1dw, respectively. Volumetric contractions were reduced significantly after priming and also occurred at higher water contents (i.e. 0.48–0.32 g g–1dw and 0.21–0.11 g g–1dw). Consequently, at the same water content, primed seed embryos had higher specific biopolymer volume and lower specific density than control embryos. Water sorption study showed that priming did not change the monolayer hydration value, but altered the properties of multilayer water sorption in seed axes. The analysis of water clustering function suggested that priming enhanced the water–water association in seed axes, but not in cotyledon tissues. Solid-state1H-NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance) investigation confirmed that priming did not cause a significant change of water dynamic properties in cotyledon tissues at water contents below 0.20 g g–1dw. The relevance of volumetric modifications of the biopolymer matrix and changes in water clustering function to the reduced seed longevity after priming is discussed. It is proposed that priming-induced increases in surface reactivity may enhance deteriorative chemical reactions in re-dried seed tissues.
Variation in seed dormancy of the wetland sedge, Carex elongata, between populations and individuals in two consecutive years
Authors: Schütz Wolfgang , Rave Gerhard
Published: November 2003

Variation in dormancy of the wetland sedge, Carex elongata L., was tested using seeds from three wild populations and the garden-grown progeny of one population. Germination experiments, comprising four combinations of temperature and light, were conducted either with fresh-matured or cold-stratified seeds, to assess the relative contribution of populations and mother plants to the total variation. Between-year variation was tested at the population level and, partly, at the individual level, using seeds collected in two consecutive years. Among-population variation accounted for 72%, and among-individual variation for 23%, of the total variance in the first experiment. Significant differences were apparent between one wild population and its garden-grown descendants. Differences in germinability among populations were maintained in the two consecutive years, but a proportion of the variance was due to the contribution of the maternal environment. Weak evidence for genetic control at the individual level was shown by a correlation across years in one population. However, the lack of a main effect at the individual level in the first experiment makes it difficult to assess the relative contribution of the mother plants to the total variation. Our results imply that germination patterns of C. elongata have a genetic basis, but are markedly modified by environmental conditions.
What Makes Gentrification 'Gentrification'?
Authors: Redfern P.A.
Published: November 2003

This paper looks at demand issues in gentrification. It takes as its basic proposition that everyone involved in the demand side belongs to the same economic class and therefore possesses the same set of motivations; that 'otherness' in gentrification is something that needs to be problematised rather than assumed. It argues that the presumption of otherness arises because accounts of demand for gentrification begin at the end, from achieved housing situation, and argue back, rather than at the beginning, with means. The motivations of gentrifiers, suburbanites and displacees are the same, a concern for defining and preserving identity in the modern world: what differ between them are the means at the disposal of each group. Concern with identity means taking seriously the importance of fashion in gentrification: gentrifiers and suburbanites are members of different status groups, using housing as status symbols to define and claim membership of those groups. Displacees are just as concerned with the maintenance of their identity, but do not have access to the same amount of resources as gentrifiers. Because the solution to the gentrifiers' identity crisis takes place at the expense of the displacee, gentrification takes on a synecdochal quality: the concerns expressed in struggles over gentrification exemplify the general concern with identity in conditions of modernity, which should be understood as the subjective experience of everyday life within a capitalist mode of production. The context within which these struggles over status take place is nonetheless class-constituted and class-laden. Gentrification and the struggles it engenders should be interpreted as a form of hegemonic practice. Ultimately, it is this that makes gentrification 'gentrification'.
Gentrification, Housing Redifferentiation and Urban Regeneration: 'Going for Growth' in Newcastle upon Tyne
Authors: Cameron Stuart
Published: November 2003

The city-wide regeneration strategy known as 'Going for Growth' adopted by Newcastle City Council includes proposals for large-scale redevelopment of low-income, low-demand housing neighbourhoods and the introduction of a more affluent population to these areas. 'Going for Growth' is examined in terms of the concepts of gentrification and the Dutch policy of housing redifferentiation. Links to the major themes in recent UK urban regeneration of 'urban renaissance' and 'neighbourhood renewal' are examined, and the conflict between the perceived need for a 'critical mass' of affluent incomers and the imperative to consult and empower local residents is explored.
Reasoning and negotiation about child responsibility in urban Chinese families: Reports from mothers, fathers and children
Authors: Bowes Jennifer M. , San Li Qing , Chen May-Jane , Yuan Li
Published: November 2003

The study investigates everyday parental practices involved in the transmission of cultural values and extends current literature on parenting in Chinese families. Children aged 6, 8, and 10 years from 240 Beijing families, and both their parents, were asked about ways in which expectations of child responsibility are transmitted through routine requests, reasoning, and negotiation about household work, an area in which Western parents are known to use such practices. Use of a range of parental requests and reasons was reported. Few child age or gender differences were found for reasons related to child responsibility. Child-initiated negotiation was reported as rare and unacceptable, its use restricted to tagging the relative importance of different spheres of child responsibility.
European American and Mainland Chinese mothers’ responses to aggression and social withdrawal in preschoolers
Authors: Cheah Charissa S.L. , Rubin Kenneth H.
Published: November 2003

The purpose of the present study was to examine European American and Mainland Chinese mothers’ responses to preschoolers’ social behaviours (aggression and social withdrawal) within a cultural framework. Participants were 103 European American mothers from Washington DC, and 100 Mainland Chinese mothers from Beijing and Baoding cities, China. The maternal emotional reactions, causal attributions, socialisation strategies, and socialisation goals that were endorsed in response to these behaviours were targeted. Both groups of mothers reacted with negative emotions to aggression and withdrawal. Consistent with Confucian ideology on child socialisation, Chinese mothers endorsed more external causal attributions, directive socialisation strategies, and child socialisation goals focused on instilling long-term values and group-focused collectivistic ideals. In contrast, European American mothers focused on internal attributions and the more immediate psychological state of the child. The findings were discussed with regard to the importance of distinguishing shy, cautious behaviour from that of the consistent display of social withdrawal among familiar others, and the significance of cultural norms and conventions in the perception and evaluation of social behaviours.
The Contribution of Childcare to Local Employment: Poor Work or Work for the Poor?
Authors: Scott Gill , Campbell Jim , Brown Usha
Published: November 2003

In recent years local economic development and regeneration agencies have begun to examine how locally based childcare can contribute to economic and social regeneration. This paper is based on current research by the authors and reports on the expectation s and current realities of community based childcare as part of an economic regeneration strategy. It suggests that whilst the incorporation of childcare into urban regeneration strategy holds the potential to reduce the barriers to labour market involvement by mothers in low income households, less positive effects are also identiable. Early evaluation is used to show that the commodification of care within urban regeneration policies reinforces care work as low paid, insecure gendered employment. It concludes by arguing that a more critical evaluation of both the economic an d social impact of childcare on area regeneration is necessary.
Laser and Material Parameter Dependence of the Chemical Modifications in the UV Laser Processing of Model Polymeric Solids
Authors: Andreou E. , Athanassiou A. , Fragouli D. , Anglos D. , Georgiou S.
Published: November 2003

Chemical modifications are expected to be the major type of side‐effect in the UV laser
processing of molecular substrates. For their systematic characterization, studies on
polymeric systems consisting of poly(methyl methacrylate) and polystyrene films doped
with aromatic dopants exemplifying different degrees of photoreactivity are undertaken. In
particular, the dependence of the nature and extent of the modifications on chromophore
properties and laser parameters (laser fluence, wavelength, and number of pulses) is
examined. The substrate absorptivity and the number of employed laser pulses turn out to
be the critical parameters in determining the quantity and nature of photoproducts that
remain in the substrate. The implications of these results for the optimisation of laser
processing of molecular/organic solids are discussed. It is suggested that the importance of
employing relatively strongly absorbed wavelengths in laser processing may relate, besides
the efficient etching and good surface morphology, to the minimization of the chemical
modifications. In contrast, irradiation with successive laser pulses is indicated to be highly
disadvantageous for the chemical integrity of the substrate. In all, the study of such model
systems appears to be most appropriate for establishing criteria for the systematic
optimisation of laser processing techniques of molecular substrates.
Realization of Optical Logic Gates Using the Thermal Lens Effect
Authors: Kurian Achamma , Unnikrishnan K. P. , S. Thomas Lee , Nampoori V. P. N. , Vallabhan C. P. G.
Published: November 2003

A sensitive method based on the principle of photothermal phenomena to realize optical
logic gates is presented. A dual beam thermal lens method using low power cw lasers in a
dye‐doped polymer can be very effectively used as an alternate technique to perform the
logical function such as NAND, AND and OR.
Studies on Fluorescence Efficiency and Photodegradation of Rhodamine 6G Doped PMMA Using a Dual Beam Thermal Lens Technique
Authors: Kurian Achamma , George Nibu A. , Paul Binoy , Nampoori V. P. N. , Vallabhan C. P. G.
Published: November 2003

In this paper we report the use of the dual beam thermal lens technique as a quantitative
method to determine absolute fluorescence quantum efficiency and concentration
quenching of fluorescence emission from rhodamine 6G doped Poly(methyl
methacrylate) (PMMA), prepared with different concentrations of the dye. A
comparison of the present data with that reported in the literature indicates that the
observed variation of fluorescence quantum yield with respect to the dye
concentration follows a similar profile as in the earlier reported observations on
rhodamine 6G in solution. The photodegradation of the dye molecules under cw laser
excitation is also studied using the present method.
Kinetics of Laser Induced Plasma on an Aqueous Surface
Authors: Ben Ahmed J. , Ben Lakhdar Z. , Taieb G.
Published: November 2003

Emission spectra of MgI and MgII from a plasma induced by the interaction of a laser
pulse with the surface of aqueous solutions of MgCl2, were recorded by a time
resolved spectroscopy method to obtain information on the processes involved in the
formation and the evolution of the two different species. A kinetic model based on
ion‐electron recombination produced during the relaxation of the plasma is
constructed with the aim to explain the origin and the temporal shift of observed Mg+ and Mg emissions. Comparison with the experimental results is presented and discussed.
Creating space in the global economy: Building a high tech dream in Malaysia
Authors: Wong Loong
Published: November 2003

The globalisation of innovation has become a major issue in the discourses of economic development. There is a view that unfettered market forces will promote greater and better developmental outcomes and for this to happen, the state must play a minimalist role. There is the other view that argues that the state can play 'catalytic' roles and mediate the forces of globalisation to engender outcomes congruent to its aspirations. In this paper, we look at the experiences of one Asian state, Malaysia. The paper will examine the historical evolution of technology policies in Malaysia. It argues that the Malaysian state has been an active change agent and has sought to realise its vision of becoming a democratic, modern and 'developed society' via its latest technology flagship, the Multimedia Supercorridor (MSC). The paper argues that, despite its resoluteness and investment in the project, the Malaysian state is unlikely to succeed in producing its high tech utopia. Rooted in a highly technocratic and managerial context, the Malaysian vision fails to account for the prevailing institutional forces impacting on, and impeding transformation in Malaysia.
The Crisis of communication: Videotext, the internet and innovation in France and the United States
Authors: Fletcher Amy
Published: November 2003

This article compares videotext in France and the United States, the two advanced industrialized countries where videotext was the most and least successful, respectively, in order to demonstrate how videotext as a techno-political project foreshadows the explosive growth of the Internet as the dominant global communications platform. It draws upon the theory of network effects, in combination with a comparative analysis of both the institutional settings for research and development and political discourse, to explain how the interaction between state, market, and culture shaped network development and policy outcomes. Data are drawn primarily from official policy documents and trade journals from the era.
PhD student satisfaction with course experience and supervision in two Australian Research-intensive Universities
Authors: Harman Grant
Published: November 2003

Over the past decade, Australian universities have experienced a dramatic expansion in PhD enrolments and in the proportion of female PhD candidates. This article assesses how well two major research-intensive universities have coped with these changes, looking particularly at student course experience. Of particular concern are relatively low satisfaction ratings given by PhD students to their overall course experience, which appeared to stem largely from dissatisfaction with supervision. Females were decidedly more dissatisfied than males with both course experience and supervision. In turn, dissatisfaction with supervision by both male and female students appears to have stemmed from various factors, but particularly important were lack of easy access by students to supervisors because of high workloads, and weaknesses in supervision practice. Many younger PhD students had distinctively negative attitudes towards universities and academic careers at a time of declining government funding per student unit.
Multiple drug use: patterns and practices of heroin and crack use in a population of opiate addicts in treatment
Authors: BESWICK TRACY , BEST DAVID , REES SIAN , COOMBER ROSS , GOSSOP MICHAEL , STRANG JOHN
Published: November 2003

One hundred and sixteen opiate addicts attending treatment services in south London were interviewed about their drug use patterns. In the month before interview, 90% reported heroin use, while 60% had used crack cocaine and 58% alcohol. In the same period, 70% of participants reported multiple drug use, particularly concurrent heroin and crack cocaine use. Of the patients who reported using other drugs with heroin, two‐third used crack cocaine, 11% diazepam, 9% methadone and 8% cocaine powder. Twenty‐six per cent of crack users sample had injected crack cocaine, which provides confirmation of the increasing prevalence of this recent trend in studies using similar samples. Male participants were significantly more likely to use benzodiazepines with heroin, while women were more likely to use crack alongside heroin (and used larger quantities). These findings have implications for the treatment and management of multiple drug users, for whom opiates may be only a part of their drug‐using repertoire.
Identifying young people who drink too much: the clinical utility of the five‐item Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT)
Authors: MILES HELEN , WINSTOCK ADAM , STRANG JOHN
Published: November 2003

The current study investigated the patterns and consequences of alcohol use among young people and their perceptions of associate health risk, and explored the clinical utility of the five‐item version of the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) in screening young people for hazardous drinking. A cross‐sectional sample of 393 young people aged 16–19 years were accessed through two tertiary colleges in South London and self‐completed an anonymous, confidential questionnaire recording the five‐item AUDIT, patterns of alcohol consumption, hazardous consequences and perception of associate health risk. Over 90% of the sample reported drinking alcohol regularly, commonly excessive weekend use and related physical, psychological and social consequences. A significant minority (20.4% of males, 18.0% of females) reported consumption of alcohol in excess of UK recommended limits, while almost a third (34.2% of males, 30.2% of females) reported scores in the ‘hazardous’ range of the five‐item AUDIT. However, the majority had little perception of associate health risk, perceiving their use to be ‘light’ and unproblematic. Only one in 10 of those drinking at ‘hazardous’ levels recognized their alcohol use as problematic, most believing the hazardous consequences of this use were acceptable. Self‐reported patterns of alcohol consumption (except age first used) and total number of psychological and social hazardous consequences were found to significantly predict AUDIT scores using linear regression analysis. Therefore the five‐item AUDIT appears to have predictive validity, reflecting self‐reported alcohol consumption, perception of associate health risk and hazardous consequences among young people. It is concluded that it may consequently have clinical utility as a simple screening tool (suitable for use by a variety of professionals in contact with young people) for the identification of hazardous alcohol consumption among this population.
One hundred and twenty‐five patients prescribed injectable opiates in the North West of England
Authors: SELL LOUISE , SEGAR GRAHAM , MERRILL JOHN
Published: November 2003

This study describes the demographics, drug‐using history, current prescription, current illicit drug use, injecting practice and opinion of treatment of 125 patients prescribed injectable opiates at a clinic in the North West of England. The prescribing policy at the clinic has resulted in maintenance treatment with several opiate drugs, dominated by injectable methadone and injectable diamorphine (heroin). Injectable methadone (85.6% (107/125)) was more frequently prescribed than injectable diamorphine (12.8% (16/125)). Injectable heroin was desired by many who were prescribed injectable methadone, since it was the current drug of choice for 50.4% of the sample (61/121). The patient cohort gave a history of risky drug use in the past, both with regard to immediate physical health and blood borne viruses. Current self‐reported risk behaviour for blood‐borne viruses was low. Twenty‐five percent (29/121) of patients continued to use street heroin, of whom only four did so on a daily basis. This patient cohort has very low levels of daily illicit drug use; 40.5% (49/121) of patients currently used their femoral veins to inject, a practice which highlights the difficult risk‐benefit analysis which is inherent in injectable prescribing.
Smoking among in‐patients with drug‐related problems in an Australian psychiatric hospital
Authors: REICHLER HEIDI , BAKER AMANDA , LEWIN TERRY , CARR VAUGHAN
Published: November 2003

Despite the high prevalence of smoking among people with mental illnesses, interventions for tobacco dependence have not typically been offered as part of treatment regimens. Data on the prevalence of smoking among 160 people with coexisting alcohol or other drug problems admitted to acute wards of a public psychiatric hospital are presented. Associations between level of smoking, diagnosis, socio‐demographic variables and readiness to quit smoking are examined. Reasons for smoking are also reported. Over 90% of the sample were regular smokers, with a mean cigarette consumption of 22.09 cigarettes per day, which was not related to type of psychiatric illness, gender or relationship status. Daily cigarette consumption was higher among older smokers and those with a diagnosis of alcohol dependence. It is suggested that interventions for tobacco dependence among people with co‐existing alcohol or other drug problems and mental illnesses should be conducted by mental health staff and aim to increase or consolidate motivation to quit smoking; provide nicotine replacement; address any concurrent alcohol abuse; identify and challenge dysfunctional beliefs about smoking; and address stress management, boredom and lifestyle.
Characteristics of regular amphetamine users and implications for treatment
Authors: BAKER AMANDA , BOGGS TRACY G. , LEWIN TERRY J.
Published: November 2003

Sixty‐four regular users of amphetamine were recruited in Newcastle, a regional city of New South Wales, Australia. A structured interview was conducted, comprising background information, the Opiate Treatment Index, Severity of Dependence Scale and a stage of change measure. Key variables common to the present study and previous Australian studies were also compared. Sixty‐two subjects (96.9%) reported having injected drugs in the month prior to interview. Amphetamine was nominated as the main drug of choice for half (50.0%) of the sample, followed closely by opiates (42.2%). Just over one‐fifth (21.9%) of the sample were at the precontemplation stage for quitting or reducing amphetamine use, 37.5% were at the contemplation stage, 23.4% were at the preparation stage and 17.2% were at the action stage. Over one‐third of the sample (39.1%) were enrolled in methadone maintenance treatment (MMT), indicating that interventions for amphetamine use may need to be provided within MMT programmes. Interventions should also be available to regular amphetamine users in primary care and community settings. Services need to adopt a harm reduction approach as few users wished to reduce or abstain from all drug classes. Different interventions are indicated according to stage of change for amphetamine use, employment opportunities, gender and concurrent tranquillizer use.
Changes in drug use in Australia and the United States: results from the 1995 and 1998 National Household Surveys
Authors: MAXWELL JANE CARLISLE
Published: November 2003

Comparison of the results of the 1995 and 1998 Australian National Drug Strategy Household Surveys showed a significant increase in use of ‘any illicit drug’. Lifetime use increased 17% and past‐year use increased 29%, while results of the 1995 and 1998 United States National Household Surveys on Drug Abuse showed no significant increase. The conversion or continuation rate in Australia has been rising since 1993; in 1998, 48% of all people who have ever tried illicit drugs continued to use them. In comparison, the conversion rate in the United States has held steady in these years at an average of 30%. The Australian survey showed use increasing among all age groups, with teenaged girls catching up to boys in use of alcohol and ‘any illicit drug’. US teenage girls are also using alcohol at the same rate as boys. Both surveys found increases in inhaling and smoking of heroin by younger people and aging cohorts of drug users. The US survey found conflicting changes over time in perceptions of risk and availability and the Australian survey also presented a mixed message about problematic drugs and the acceptability of their regular use.
Naltrexone for opioid dependence: evaluation of a manualized psychosocial protocol to enhance treatment response
Authors: RAWSON RICHARD A. , MCCANN MICHAEL J. , SHOPTAW STEVEN J. , MIOTTO KAREN A. , FROSCH DOMINICK L. , OBERT JEANNE L. , LING WALTER
Published: November 2003

The clinical application of the narcotic antagonist, naltrexone for the treatment of opioid dependence has been minimal. This study evaluated the impact of a multi‐component, manualized, psychosocial protocol designed to enhance the clinical value of naltrexone for opioid dependence treatment. Eighty‐one detoxified individuals meeting DSM‐IV criteria for opioid dependence were inducted onto naltrexone and randomly assigned to either a standard (ST) group, with monthly medical monitoring visits, or an enhanced (EN) group in which participants received counseling and educational interventions three times per week. EN group participants took more study medication, were retained in treatment longer, used less opioids while in treatment and showed greater improvement on a number of psychological/affective dimensions. The improved performance of the EN group was relatively short‐lived as there were no significant group differences at 6‐ or 12‐month post‐admission follow‐up points.
The public health and safety benefits of the Northern Territory's Living with Alcohol programme
Authors: STOCKWELL TIM , CHIKRITZHS TANYA , HENDRIE DELIA , FORDHAM RICHARD , YING FAITH , PHILLIPS MIKE , CRONIN JOANNE , O'REILLY BRIDIE
Published: November 2003

An evaluation is presented of the impact of a comprehensive population‐based alcohol harm‐reduction programme in the Northern Territory funded by a levy of 5 cents per standard drink which took effect from April 1992. The proceeds of the levy supported increased treatment, public education and other prevention activities. Towards the end of the study period (the first 4 years) other positive initiatives were introduced: the lowering of the legal limit for drivers to 0.05mg/ml and a special levy on cask wine. Indicators of alcohol‐related harm were tracked from 1980 to June 30 1996 and developed from hospital, mortality and road crash data. In each case appropriate control data from the same source was employed to control for other possible confounding effects. Alcohol aetiological fractions for major alcohol‐related causes of death were estimated taking account of the level of high‐risk alcohol use in the Northern Territory. Multiple linear regression and time‐series analyses were employed to test for any effect coinciding with the introduction of LWA. There were reductions in estimated alcohol‐caused deaths from acute conditions (road deaths 34.5%, other 23.4%) and in road crash injuries requiring hospital treatment (28.3%). In addition there were substantial reductions in per capita alcohol consumption and self‐reported hazardous and harmful consumption via surveys. These reductions were evident immediately from the outset of the introduction of LWA and were largely sustained throughout the 4 years studied. The data reported here suggest that significant health and safety benefits accrued to the people of the Northern Territory during the first 4 years of the Living With Alcohol programme. This benefit is likely to be due to several factors: the effect of the levy on alcohol consumption, other factors depressing alcohol consumption and the effect of the LWA programme itself.
Emotion concepts in models of substance abuse
Authors: QUIRK STUART W.
Published: November 2003

Research and theoretical perspectives of substance abuse are reviewed from an emotion theory perspective. Emotion permeates many important concepts in substance abuse research, such as trait anxiety, disinhibition, environmental cue reactivity, cognitive and mood regulation and behavioral motivation. Emotion theory and research may help integrate findings central to substance abuse such as predicting onset of use and describing end‐state dysfunction. Increased incorporation of emotion concepts and measures in substance abuse research will increase the ecological validity of future research and provide more sophisticated understandings of substance abuse behavior.
Effects of fluticasone propionate inhalation on levels of arachidonic acid metabolites in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Verhoeven Gert T. , Garrelds Ingrid M. , Hoogsteden Henk C. , Zijlstra Freek J.
Published: November 2003

Background: In smoking COPD patients the bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid contains high numbers of inflammatory cells. These cells might produce arachidonic acid (AA) metabolites, which contribute to inflammation and an increased bronchomotor tone.

Aims: To investigate levels of AA metabolites in BAL fluid, before and after inhaled glucocorticoid therapy: fluticasone propionate (FP) 1mg per day, or placebo.

Methods: A double‐blind placebo controlled trial lasting six months. COPD patients were selected by clinical criteria and the presence of bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR). Lung function was recorded and in BAL fluid we counted cell numbers and measured LTB4, LTC4/D4/E4, PGE2, 6kPGF1α , PGF2α and TxB2. A control group consisted of asymptomatic smokers (n = 6).

Results: Paired data were obtained from 9 FP treated and 11 placebo patients. BAL cells were almost exclusively alveolar macrophages. In patients and controls both cellularity and levels of AA metabolites were equal. Cell numbers did not change after treatment. Statistically significant decreases after FP therapy were noticed for PGE2 (30%), 6kPGF1α (41%) and PGF2α (54%).

Conclusions: In COPD, the capability of inflammatory cells to produce certain AA metabolites was decreased after inhaled FP treatment. This result is discussed in its relation to clinical effects, the influence of smoking, and the results of an earlier, similar study in asthma patients.
Effects of PDE4 inhibitors on lipopolysaccharide‐induced priming of superoxide anion production from human mononuclear cells
Authors: Germain Noëlla , Corbel Marianne , Belleguic Chantal , Boichot Elisabeth , Lagente Vincent
Published: November 2003

Aims: Phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) inhibitors have been described as potent anti‐inflammatory compounds, involving an increase in intracellular levels of cyclic 3′,5′‐adenosine monophosphate (AMP). The aim of this study was to compare the effects of selective PDE4 inhibitors, rolipram and RP 73‐401 with the cell permeable analogue of cyclic AMP, dibutyryl‐cyclic AMP (db‐cAMP) and the anti‐inflammatory cytokine interleukin‐10 (IL‐10) on superoxide anion production from peripheral blood mononuclear cells preincubated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS).

Major findings: We report that, after incubation of the cells with LPS, a large increase in superoxide anion production was observed. Rolipram or RP 73‐401 (10-8 to 10-5 M) induced significant reductions of fMLP‐induced superoxide anion production in cells incubated with or without LPS. The db‐cAMP (10-5 to 10-3 M) also elicited dose‐dependent inhibitions of the fMLP‐induced superoxide anion production. In contrast, IL‐10 (1 or 10 ng/ml) did not elicit a reduction in fMLP‐induced superoxide anion production in both conditions.

Principal conclusion: These results suggest that the inhibitory activity of PDE4 inhibitors on fMLPinduced production of superoxide anion production is mediated by db‐cAMP rather than IL‐10.
The involvement of CD14 in the activation of human monocytes by peptidoglycan monomers
Authors: Muhvić Damir , El-Samalouti Volker , Flad Hans-Dieter , Radošević-Stašić Biserka , Rukavina Daniel
Published: November 2003

Background: Cell‐wall components of Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria induce the production of cytokines in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. These cytokines are the main mediators of local or systemic inflammatory reaction that can contribute to the development of innate immunity.

Aims: This study was performed to analyze the involvement of CD14 molecule in the activation of human monocytes by peptidoglycan monomer (PGM) obtained by biosynthesis from culture fluid of penicillin‐treated
Brevibacterium divaricatum NRLL-2311.

Methods: Cytokine release of interleukin (IL)‐1, IL‐6 and tumor necrosis factor‐alpha from human monocytes via soluble CD14 (sCD14) or membrane‐associated (mCD14) receptor using anti‐CD14 monoclonal antibody (MEM‐18) or lipid A structure (compound 406) was measured in bioassays.

Results: The results demonstrated that PGM in the presence of human serum might induce the monokine release in a dose‐dependent manner. The addition of sCD14 at physiologic concentrations enhanced the PGM‐induced monokine release, while the monokine inducing capacity of PGM in the presence of sCD14 was inhibited by MEM‐18. Effects of PGM were also blocked by glycolipid, compound 406, suggesting the involvement of binding structures similar to those for lipopolysaccharide.

Conclusion: Activation of human monocytes by PGM involves both forms of CD14 molecule, sCD14 and mCD14.
Recurrence of hepatitis C after liver transplantation is associated with increased systemic IL‐10 levels
Authors: Sheiner Patricia A. , Florman Sander S. , Emre Sukru , Fishbein Thomas , Schwartz Myron E. , Miller Charles M. , Boros Peter
Published: November 2003

Background: Recurrence of hepatitis C after liver transplantation is an almost universal occurrence. T‐cell derived cytokines have an important role in the development of liver damage associated with chronic hepatitis C, their post‐transplant levels, however, have not been correlated with histologic recurrence of the disease.

Aims: We sought to analyze levels of TNF‐α, soluble IL2 receptor, IL‐4 and IL‐10 at 1 month, 6 months and 1 year after transplantation in 27 patients undergoing transplantation for hepatitis C related end‐stage liver disease.

Methods: HCV RNA levels were monitored by a branched‐chain DNA signal amplification assay. Diagnosis of recurrent hepatitis was based on 1‐year protocol biopsies and on biopsies performed for liver enzyme elevations.

Results: Recurrent hepatitis C was detected in 52% (n =14) of the 27 patients. HCV RNA levels rose over time in all patients regardless of histologic recurrence. TNF‐α, and IL‐4 levels, although elevated, did not show specific patterns over time or in correlation with recurrence. Similarly, the early elevation followed by a gradual decrease over the first year in the amount of soluble IL‐2 receptor was not related to histologic recurrence. We observed a significant increase in circulating IL‐10 levels over the first year in patients with biopsy‐proven recurrence, while patients with no signs of histologic recurrence displayed increased, but steady levels.

Conclusions: These results suggest that while these cytokines are associated with post‐transplant recurrence of hepatitis C, their production may be altered by additional factors.
Evidence that behavioral depression does not influence airway cell influx in allergic rats
Authors: Varriano Marcos A. , Varriano Ana A. , Datti Fernanda , Datti Marcelo , Antunes Edson , Teixeira Nancy A.
Published: November 2003

This study was designated to evaluate the influence of behavioral depression on the airway leukocyte recruitment in allergic animals. To achieve this, total and differential cell counts in bronchoalveolar (BAL) fluid of ovalbumin (OVA)‐sensitized and depressed rats was evaluated. Inescapable electric footshock, applied on day 0, 7 and 13 after OVA sensitization, was used as a model to induce depression. In both non‐depressed and depressed groups, the number of total and differential cells (eosinophils and mononuclear cells) in BAL fluid was significantly larger in sensitized compared with non‐sensitized animals. However, no statistical differences were found between these groups with respect to the number of total and differential leukocytes,irrespective of the day inescapable shock was applied. Thus, behavioral depression does not influence the pattern of cell infiltration into the airways of allergen‐induced airway inflammation.