bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The ‘precautionary principle’ as a guide for future drug development
Authors: Alban S.
Published: February 2005

During the last decade, the ‘precautionary principle’ health has gained importance. It is an approach to manage uncertain risks and to prevent any damage to the environment or human. A key element is to take action, even if some cause and effect relationships are not fully established scientifically. Although there are also critics of this principle, it is meanwhile, also increasingly implemented in medicine. An important subject is medicinal products of human or animal origin. Manifold official precaution‐guided regulations have been stated to improve their safety, particularly to avoid any infection by viruses and pathogens causing transmissible spongiform encephalopathies. In addition to numerous regulations and decisions, it is generally recommended to substitute animal and human‐derived products with adequate alternatives wherever possible. This is a great challenge for research and drug development. One option is recombinant proteins, which however, are not generally free of any risk of contamination. Therefore, the best strategy might be the development of synthetic, specifically acting drugs.

The most widely used medicinal product of animal origin at present is heparin. Although there has been no indication of any viral contamination, many other reasons suggest its substitution by alternative antithrombotics. These actually promoted the research on new anticoagulants. With the approval of fondaparinux, the first synthetic, selective factor Xa, a first alternative to the porcine‐derived heparin has become available. In addition, other synthetic antithrombotics are currently in clinical development. In principle, it is thus possible that the prophylaxis and therapy of thromboembolic diseases will become completely independent of animal‐derived drugs, which would be in line with the precautionary principle.
Processes of Working Memory in Mind and Brain
Authors: Jonides John , Lacey Steven C. , Nee Derek Evan
Published: February 2005

Working memory is often conceptualized as storage buffers that retain information briefly, rehearsal processes that refresh the buffers, and executive processes that manipulate the contents of the buffers. We review evidence about the brain mechanisms that may underlie storage and rehearsal in working memory. We hypothesize that storage is mediated by the same brain structures that process perceptual information and that rehearsal engages a network of brain areas that also controls attention to external stimuli.
A Theory About Why We Forget What We Once Knew
Authors: Wixted John T.
Published: February 2005

Traditional theories of forgetting assume that everyday forgetting is a cue-overload phenomenon, and the primary laboratory method used for investigating that phenomenon has long been the A-B, A-C paired-associates procedure. A great deal of research in psychology, psychopharmacology, and neuroscience suggests that this approach to the study of forgetting may not be very relevant to the kind of interference that induces most forgetting in everyday life. An alternative interference theory holds that recently formed memories that have not yet had a chance to consolidate are vulnerable to the interfering force of mental activity and memory formation, even if the interfering activity does not involve material similar to what was previously learned. This account helps to explain why sleep, alcohol, and benzodiazepines all forestall forgetting of a recently learned list, and it is consistent with recent work on the variables that affect the induction and maintenance of long-term potentiation in the hippocampus.
The Automatic Pursuit and Management of Goals
Authors: Shah James Y.
Published: February 2005

This article reviews recent research on the automatic activation and management of goals. In particular, it focuses on research examining the variety of ways in which goals may be automatically brought to mind in everyday settings and how such goal priming may affect individuals' deliberate goal pursuits. Moreover, given the variety of ways in which goals may be automatically activated and the often numerous goals people deliberately choose to pursue, the article also examines an important component of effective self-regulation: automatically managing, or “juggling,” various pursuits in order to best ensure their successful completion.
The Perils of Perfectionism in Sports and Exercise
Authors: Flett Gordon L. , Hewitt Paul L.
Published: February 2005

Perfectionism is a multidimensional personality construct that has been linked with various forms of maladjustment. In this article, we discuss the role of perfectionism as a maladaptive factor in sports and exercise, and we describe a phenomenon we identify as the perfectionism paradox. We note that even though certain sports require athletes to achieve perfect performance outcomes, the tendency to be characterized by perfectionistic personality traits and to be cognitively preoccupied with the attainment of perfection often undermines performance and fosters a sense of dissatisfaction with performance. We review existing findings in the literature on sports and exercise and demonstrate that the extreme orientation that accompanies perfectionism is antithetical to attaining positive outcomes. Finally, future research directions are outlined.
Depression and Coronary Heart Disease
Authors: Frasure-Smith Nancy , Lespérance François
Published: February 2005

Beyond depression's impact on life quality, it is associated with both the incidence of coronary heart disease (CHD) and its prognosis. Depression is three times more common in CHD patients than in the general community. It is independently associated with at least a doubling in risk of subsequent cardiac events. Studies also show that it may precede the development of clinically evident CHD by many years. The mechanisms linking depression and CHD are currently unknown and likely to be complex. In addition to behavioral factors, changes in autonomic regulation, vascular disease of the brain, subchronic inflammation, reduced omega-3 free fatty acid levels, and enhanced platelet responsiveness may all be involved. Only one large clinical trial has attempted to alter CHD prognosis by treating depression. It succeeded in producing a small, but significant reduction in depression symptoms, but had no impact on subsequent CHD events. While debate continues about the causal relationship between CHD and depression, the best treatment strategy to improve prognosis in depressed CHD patients remains intensive modification of standard CHD risk factors in combination with treatment of depression to improve life quality.
Nurses’ experience of caring for inmate patients
Authors: Weiskopf Constance S.
Published: February 2005

Aim.  The aim of this paper is to report the findings of a study of the experience of caring for prisoners through examining the everyday experience of nurses’ delivering health care to inmate patients in a correctional setting.

Background.  Prisons are most often viewed as places for punishment, while the goals of health and healing, and prevention of diseases in correctional facilities are often neglected. Nurses who deliver health care to prisoners are challenged to do so in a caring relationship that will facilitate their health and healing. The literature on the nature of prison nursing indicates that delivering health care to inmates must be carefully balanced against the need for security, and is affected by factors such as custody staff values, staff education, nursing management, and organizational practices.

Method.  In‐depth interviews were carried out with nine Registered Nurses who had been employed in a variety of correctional institutions throughout their careers, and analysed thematically using Colaizzi's phenomenological method.

Findings.  Nurses’ caring was experienced as an attempt to negotiate the boundaries between the cultures of custody and caring. Facing complex challenges and a number of limitations on the nurse–patient relationship, nurses strived to find a way to care for their inmate patients. Environmental risk meant that caution and vigilance were essential and these nurses demonstrated courage and persevered for the sake of their inmate patients.

Conclusion.  The findings make clear the challenging and frustrating experience of nurses’ caring for inmate patients in restrictive settings. As a result, there are implications for nursing practice, education, and research to assure the best possible health outcomes for inmate patients, the integrity of caring nursing practice, and the safety of both nurses and patients.
Cognitive Continuum Theory in nursing decision‐making
Authors: Cader Raffik , Campbell Steve , Watson Don
Published: February 2005

Aim. The purpose of this paper is to analyse and evaluate Cognitive Continuum Theory and to provide evidence for its relevance to nurses’ decision‐making.

Background. It is critical that theories used in nursing are evaluated to provide an understanding of their aims, concepts and usefulness. With the advent of evidence‐based care, theories on decision‐making have acquired increased significance.

Method. The criteria identified by Fawcett's framework has been used to analyse and evaluate Hammond's Cognitive Continuum Theory.

Findings. There is empirical evidence to support many of the concepts and propositions of Cognitive Continuum Theory. The theory has been applied to the decision‐making process of many professionals, including medical practitioners and nurses. Existing evidence suggests that Cognitive Continuum Theory can provide the framework to explain decision‐making in nursing.

Conclusion. Cognitive Continuum Theory has the potential to make major contributions towards understanding the decision‐making process of nurses in the clinical environment. Knowledge of the theory in nursing practice has become crucial.
Effects of Dietary Cation–Anion Difference on Blood Cortisol and ACTH Levels in Reproducing Ewes
Authors: Espino L. , Suarez M. L. , Santamarina G. , Goicoa A. , Fidalgo L. E.
Published: February 2005

Formulation of rations to induce a compensated metabolic acidosis in the post‐partum cow has proved a useful strategy for prevention of milk fever. Such acidification improves the ability of the animal to maintain calcium homeostasis by promoting the absorption of calcium from the intestine and mobilization of calcium from the bone. In humans, an acidogenic diet results in mild metabolic acidosis in association with a state of cortisol excess and this increase in plasma cortisol may increase bone catabolism. The objective of our experiment was to induce acidification by anionic salt supplementation and to study the effects of anionic supplementation on plasma cortisol and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) levels in sheep. Twenty‐seven twin‐bearing sheep were assigned to two experimental groups and a control group, depending on dietary cation–anion difference (DCAD) (+272.6, −88.9 and +164.5 mEq/kg DM respectively). Sheep assigned to each dietary treatment received their respective rations beginning 6 weeks pre‐partum and continuing until 12 days post‐partum. Anionic diet induced a non‐respiratory systemic acidosis in association with a mild increase in plasma cortisol concentration without changes in plasma ACTH levels. Our data suggest that the mild hypercortisolism observed in sheep fed the anionic diet may not be an effector for bone resorption induced by anionic salts. A mild hypercortisolism of this magnitude may lead to osteoporosis but this might require many years of adrenal hypersecretion while anionic salts are only used during the last weeks of pregnancy.
Caecal Impaction and Chronic Intestinal Pseudo‐Obstruction in a Dog
Authors: Eastwood J. M. , McInnes E. F. , White R. N. , Elwood C. M. , Stock G.
Published: February 2005

A 10‐year‐old female neutered cross‐breed dog presented with a 4‐month history of chronic intermittent diarrhoea and vomiting. Abdominal ultrasound showed dilated loops of small intestine and a suspected faecolith. Exploratory surgery revealed a caecal impaction and a typhlectomy was performed. Histopathological examination of caecal and full thickness small intestine sections demonstrated atrophy of smooth muscle fibres as well as an influx of plasma cells, lymphocytes and macrophages, and mild lymphoplasmacytic and eosinophilic enteritis. This combination of caecal impaction and chronic intestinal pseudo‐obstruction has not been reported previously in the dog.
Histopathological Evaluation of Treatment with Chondroitin Sulphate for Osteoarthritis Induced by Continuous Immobilization in Rabbits
Authors: Torelli S. R. , Rahal S. C. , Volpi R. S. , Sequeira J. L. , Grassioto I. Q.
Published: February 2005

The aim of this study was to evaluate histologically the action of chondroitin sulphate in osteoarthritis experimentally induced by continuous immobilization. Fourteen young female Norfolk rabbits aged 2.5–3 months at the beginning of the experiment were divided into two equitable groups submitted to immobilization of the right knee for a period of 12 weeks. The treated group received 1.0 ml/animal/s.c. of 12% chondroitin sulphate, once a week for 12 weeks, and the untreated group did not receive any treatment. Two additional animals were not submitted to knee immobilization (sham group). Microscopical examination of knee preparations stained with haematoxylin–eosin and Masson trichrome showed lesions of both joints in treated and untreated groups, with no significant difference between the scores obtained for the right and left knees. Examination of preparations stained with picrosirius red showed collagen fibre alignment and misalignment in the right and left knees of the animals of all groups, but statistic analysis could not be performed. It was not possible to differentiate the proteoglycan concentration between limbs or groups (treated and untreated) by safranin O or toluidine blue staining. It was possible to conclude that the chondroitin sulphate was not able to reduce the histological changes induced by this osteoarthritis experimental model.
Abomasal Cannulation in the Milk‐fed Calf Using a 7 mm Polyurethane Tube
Authors: Ahmed A. F. , Constable P. D. , McCallister M. M. , Misk N. A.
Published: February 2005

The main objective of this study was to develop a simple and effective surgical technique for abomasal cannulation in neonatal calves. General anaesthesia was induced in 12, 3‐day‐old male dairy calves and a polyurethane cannula surgically implanted in the abomasal body (n = 12) and pyloric antrum (n = 6) through a right paracostal incision. Fifteen cannulae remainedin situfrom day 3 to 34 of life (mean: 29 days), and three cannulae were extruded 13–14 days after placement. Calves were clinically healthy and gained weight during the study. Cannulae were well tolerated by the calves and abomasal contents did not leak from the cannula sites. Necropsy examination revealed firm adhesions between the abomasum and parietal peritoneum at the cannula sites with no evidence of leakage or peritonitis. We conclude that surgical placement of polyurethane tubes designed for percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy provided a useful method for cannulation of the abomasum of neonatal calves. The cannulation technique can be used for experimental studies, as well as for nutritional and fluid support of sick calves that cannot be managed by oral treatment.
Detection of Group A Rotavirus Strains Circulating in Calves in Tunisia
Authors: Fodha I. , Boumaiza A. , Chouikha A. , Dewar J. , Armah G. , Geyer A. , Trabelsi A. , Steele A. D.
Published: February 2005

Faecal samples were collected from 89 dairy calves to determine the prevalence of rotavirus infection in Tunisia and the genomic diversity of bovine rotavirus strains. After screening of all faecal samples by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, rotavirus strains were analysed by RNA polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and characterized antigenically by monoclonal antibodies to the VP6 subgroup. The VP7 genotype was determined by nested RT‐PCR. Of the 89 calves tested, 27 (30%) were positive for rotavirus antigen. Four different long electrophoretypes were identified. All VP6 typeable strains carried the subgroup I specificity. G8 genotype was the most prevalent, but G6 and mixed strains G(6 + 8) were also detected.
DNA Immunization Against Very Virulent Infectious Bursal Disease Virus with VP2‐4‐3 Gene and Chicken IL‐6 Gene
Authors: Sun J. H. , Yan Y. X. , Jiang J. , Lu P.
Published: February 2005

The present study was to investigate the feasibility and efficiency of the DNA vaccine to protect chickens against very virulent infectious bursal disease virus (vvIBDV) infection. A plasmid DNA carrying VP2‐4‐3 genes of vvIBDV SH95 and a plasmid DNA carrying chicken interleukin‐6 (ChIL‐6) genes were constructed and designated as pALTER‐MAX‐VP2‐4‐3 and pALTER‐MAX‐ChIL‐6 respectively. Several DNA vaccination experiments were performed: 1‐week‐old chickens were intramuscularly injected with only plasmid pcDNA3‐VP2, pALTER‐MAX‐VP2‐4‐3 or mixture with pALTER‐MAX‐ChIL‐6. The chickens at 4 weeks old were orally inoculated with vvIBDV SH95. The results showed that immunization with the mixture of pALTER‐MAX‐VP2‐4‐3 and pALTER‐MAX‐ChIL‐6 three times conferred protection for 90% of chickens. Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) antibody titres in chickens immunized together with pALTER‐MAX‐ChIL‐6 were higher than those immunized simply with plasmid pcDNA3‐VP2 or pALTER‐MAX‐VP2‐4‐3. IBDV was not detected in the bursa of the protected chickens at 8 days after challenge by RT‐PCR. The results indicate that protection against vvIBDV can be achieved by using the VP2‐4‐3 gene of vvIBDV as a DNA vaccine. Furthermore, the simultaneous injection of ChIL‐6 plasmid significantly increased the protection after challenge with the very virulent strain.
PCR‐based Detection of Genes encoding Virulence Determinants in Staphylococcus aureus from Birds
Authors: El‐Sayed A. , Alber J. , Lämmler C. , Bönner B. , Huhn A. , Kaleta E. F. , Zschöck M.
Published: February 2005

The present study was designed to comparatively investigate 19 Staphylococcus aureus strains isolated from specimens of 19 different birds during routine microbiological diagnostics. The S. aureus strains were characterized genotypically by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification using 62 different oligonucleotide primers amplifying genes encoding staphylococcal cell surface proteins, exoproteins and two classes of the accessory gene regulator agr. All 19 investigated S. aureus were positive for the gene segment encoding a S. aureus‐specific part of the 23S rRNA, the genes encoding thermostable nuclease (nuc), clumping factor (clfA) and coagulase (coa) and the gene segments encoding the Xr‐repetitive region and the immunoglobulin G (IgG)‐binding region of protein A (spa). In addition, all tested strains were positive for the genes hla and fnbA and negative for the genes seb, sec, sed, see, sej, tst, eta and etb. The remaining genes, including sbi, hlb, fnbB, ebpS, cna (domains A and B), cap5, cap8, set1, agr class I, agr class II, sea, seg, seh and sei were detected in a variable number of isolates. The presented data give an overview on the distribution of virulence determinants of S. aureus strains isolated from birds. This might be useful to understand the role of these virulence determinants in bird infections.
Low‐grade metamorphism in the Palaeozoic sequences of the Townsville hinterland, northeastern Australia*
Authors: Brime C. , Talent J. A. , Mawson R.
Published: February 2005

The transition from diagenesis to low‐grade metamorphism for the Ordovician − Early Carboniferous sequences of the Burdekin and Clarke River Basins and the Broken River − Camel Creek region is characterised by b‐cell dimension and Kübler Index (KI = illite crystallinity) of K‐white micas, clay‐mineral assemblages and conodont colour alteration index (CAI). Data indicate that: (i) there is a regional metamorphic pattern characterised by anchizonal conditions, with consistently higher grade in the Camel Creek region (or Subprovince); (ii) anomalies are explicable in terms of location relative to areas of differing intensity of deformation (e.g. the Ruxton Formation) and inferred greater depth of burial (e.g. southern versus northern outcrop tracts of Quinton Formation); (iii) the regional pattern in the Broken River − Gray Creek area shows general alignment with the regional grain; (iv) there is a generalised north to south increase in CAI for the Broken River region (‘Top Hut’ to Broken River, <4 to >6), with higher values towards the Montgomery Range intrusions; (v) in the Burdekin Basin, there are higher CAI values north of Mt Podge and ‘Star’, and lower values (<4) in the southern part of the basin (‘Fletcher View’ to ‘Fanning River’); (vi) variation of both KI and CAI mean values through the stratigraphical sequence illustrates the existence of three metamorphic sequences, all possibly connected with interludes of orogenic activity: during the interval end‐Ordovician − earliest Silurian (early Llandovery), earliest Devonian (mid‐Lochkovian, broadly eurekaensis–delta Zones) and Middle Devonian (mid/late Givetian, broadly between the Middle varcus Subzone and the hermanni Zone); (vii) the relationship of KI data to CAI data from the Townsville hinterland indicates that the range of CAI values inferred for the anchizone should be enlarged to include CAI values of up to 6; and (viii) the average values of the K‐white mica b‐cell dimension is consistent with low–intermediate pressure–temperature metamorphic facies conditions. Distribution of the cumulative curves for the three areas indicates that metamorphism in the Camel Creek Region pelites took place under higher pressure conditions than in Broken River region or the Burdekin Basin.
Ephemeral acid mine drainage at the Montalbion silver mine, north Queensland
Authors: Harris D. L. , Lottermoser B. G. , Duchesne J.
Published: February 2005

Sulfide‐rich materials comprising the waste at the abandoned Montalbion silver mine have undergone extensive oxidation prior to and after mining. Weathering has led to the development of an abundant and varied secondary mineral assemblage throughout the waste material. Post‐mining minerals are dominantly metal and/or alkali (hydrous) sulfates, and generally occur as earthy encrustations or floury dustings on the surface of other mineral grains. The variable solubility of these efflorescences combined with the irregular rainfall controls the chemistry of seepage waters emanating from the waste dumps. Irregular rainfall events dissolve the soluble efflorescences that have built up during dry periods, resulting in ‘first‐flush’ acid (pH 2.6–3.8) waters with elevated sulfate, Fe, Cu and Zn contents. Less‐soluble efflorescences, such as anglesite and plumbojarosite, retain Pb in the waste dump. Metal‐rich (Al, Cd, Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Zn) acid mine drainage waters enter the local creek system. Oxygenation and hydrolysis of Fe lead to the formation of Fe‐rich precipitates (schwertmannite, goethite, amorphous Fe compounds) that, through adsorption and coprecipitation, preferentially incorporate As, Sb and In. Furthermore, during dry periods, evaporative precipitation of hydrous alkali and metal sulfate efflorescences occurs on the perimeter of stagnant pools. Flushing of the streambed by neutral pH waters during heavy rainfall events dissolves the efflorescences resulting in remobilisation and transport of sulfate and metals (particularly Cd, Zn) downstream. Thus, in areas of seasonal or irregular rainfall, secondary efflorescent minerals present in waste materials or drainage channels have an important influence on the chemistry of surface waters.
Obesity increases the risk of development of atherosclerosis in elderly type 2 diabetic patients*
Authors: Wakabayashi Ichiro , Masuda Hiroshi
Published: February 2005

Background:  Obesity has been suggested to have no effect on the rates of mortality from cerebro‐ and cardiovascular diseases in the elderly. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether obesity influences atherosclerotic risk factors in elderly diabetic patients.

Methods:  The relationships between body mass index (BMI) and representative atherosclerotic risk factors were investigated using data from patients with type 2 diabetes who were aged from 65 to 91 years (mean ± standard deviation, 72.3 ± 5.2 years).

Results:  BMI significantly correlated with systolic and diastolic arterial pressures and serum triglyceride, uric acid and sialic acid levels. BMI also showed significant negative correlations with duration of diabetes and serum HDL cholesterol levels. Multiple regression analysis using BMI as a target variable and age, sex, duration of diabetes, mean arterial pressure, serum uric acid and triglyceride as explanatory variables showed that BMI significantly correlated with arterial pressure and serum triglyceride level (R = 0.459). After adjustment for history of drug therapy for each disease (hypertension, dyslipidemia or hyperuricemia), BMI also significantly correlated with arterial pressure, serum triglyceride, HDL cholesterol and uric acid levels. In the subjects with BMI of 25 or over, the mean levels of systolic and diastolic arterial pressures, serum triglyceride and sialic acid were higher and the mean level of serum HDL cholesterol was lower, after adjustment for age and sex, than those in the subjects with BMI below 22.

Conclusion:  These results suggest that obesity is related to arterial pressure, blood lipid and uric acid levels and increases the risk of development of atheroclerosis in elderly diabetic patients.
Relation of hypertension and glucose tolerance impairment in elderly people to the development of arteriosclerosis: Investigation using pulse wave velocity*
Authors: Isobe Takeshi , Saitoh Shigeyuki , Takagi Satoru , Ohnishi Hirofumi , Ohhata Junichi , Takeuchi Hiroshi , Chiba Yu , Katoh Nobuo , Fujiwara Tadashi , Akasaka Hiroshi , Shimamoto Kazuaki
Published: February 2005

Background:  The aim of the present study was to determine the correlation between the combination of hypertension and diabetes mellitus and arteriosclerosis using pulse wave velocity (PWV).

Methods:  The subjects were 186 men over the age of 60 years (mean age: 68.8 ± 5.8 years). PWV, systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure, body mass index, fasting blood sugar (FBS), total cholesterol, triglyceride and HDL cholesterol were measured in all subjects. The subjects were divided into three groups on the basis of FBS level: a normal group (FBS < 110 mg/dL), an impaired fasting glucose group (110 ≤ FBS < 126 mg/dL) and a diabetes mellitus group (FBS ≥ 126 mg/dL or taking antidiabetics). The subjects were also divided into two groups on the basis of blood pressure level: a hypertension (HT) group (SBP ≥ 140 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure ≥ 90 mmHg or taking antihypertensives) and a normotension group (other subjects).

Results:  PWV showed positive correlations with SBP and FBS (r = 0.499 and r = 0.300, respectively). In all three groups classified by FBS level, PWV was higher in subjects with HT than in subjects with normotension (P < 0.01 in all three groups). In the HT group, PWV had already increased at the stage of impaired fasting glucose and was significantly higher in the diabetes mellitus group than in the normal FBS group (P = 0.002). In multiple regression analysis using PWV as a dependent variable, SBP and FBS were selected as independent variables.

Conclusions:  Even in the elderly, strict control of blood pressure and blood sugar level may be necessary in order to prevent the development of arteriosclerotic diseases.
Correlation between symptoms, chest radiographs, pulmonary function tests and severity of emphysema on autopsy lungs in elderly patients
Authors: Motegi Takashi , Kida Kozui , Kudoh Shoji
Published: February 2005

Background:  In general, the clinical features of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in the elderly are complicated, frequently resulting in undiagnosed disorders. It would be convenient if simple parameters to screen for the disease were developed. The present study investigated the pathological–clinical inter‐relationships in emphysema.

Methods:  A total of 121 cases were graded by severity of emphysema into five groups according to the panel grid system. Grades were then compared with various clinical parameters including the severity of respiratory symptoms, characteristics of physical examination, measurements on chest radiographs and airflow obstruction on pulmonary function tests.

Results:  The mean age of patients was 77.1, and 71 cases (58.7%) were male. The severity distribution was as follows: no emphysema 20 (16.5%), and the four grades, ranging from mild to severe, were 65 (53.7%) grade I, 16 (13.2%) grade II, 13 (10.7%) grade III and seven (5.9%) cases were grade IV. Both smoking history (pack‐year) and body mass index were significantly correlated with emphysema severity. In addition, both respiratory symptoms and airflow obstruction were sharply and significantly increased in groups III + IV compared with groups I + II. On plain chest radiograph, the ratio of lung length to body height was significantly correlated with the severity of emphysema (P < 0.01).

Conclusions:  We conclude that both respiratory symptoms and airflow obstruction are inter‐related and demarcate mild emphysema from that showing more than moderate severity. The number of cigarette pack‐years, loss of body weight and increased lung length on plain chest radiography might be useful indicators for speculated emphysema severity.
Urinary N‐acetyl‐β‐D‐glucosaminidase activity predicts development of diabetic nephropathy
Authors: Okazaki Kyoji , Oba Kenzo , Nakano Hiroshi , Suzuki Tatsuya
Published: February 2005

Background:  Urinary N‐acetyl‐β‐D‐glucosaminidase (NAG) has been suggested as a marker for diabetic nephropathy. A prospective study has therefore been performed to compare albuminuria and urinary NAG activities in type 2 diabetic patients.

Methods:  Forty‐one patients (23 men and 18 women) with type 2 diabetes between 40 and 78 years of age were selected for a 5‐year follow‐up study. The urinary activities of NAG to creatinine ratios (NAG index) and albumin to creatinine ratios (albumin index) were measured in random spot urine samples. All patients were normoalbuminuric (albumin index < 30 mg/g Cr) at the beginning of the study. The mean NAG indexes and albumin indexes were calculated yearly.

Results:  During the observation period, 15 patients developed diabetic nephropathy (albumin index ≥ 30 mg/g Cr). Significantly higher mean NAG index and albumin index were found at the beginning of the study in patients who later developed diabetic nephropathy in comparison with those who did not (5.5 ± 2.0 vs 10.6 ± 4.2 U/g Cr, 11.0 ± 5.0 vs 17.8 ± 5.7 mg/g Cr, respectively). A gradual increase of the NAG index was found during the study in both patients who developed diabetic nephropathy and those who did not. On multiple logistic regression analysis, the NAG index at the beginning of the study was an independent predictor for the development of diabetic nephropathy.

Conclusions:  These results suggest that the NAG index may serve as an early functional indicator of diabetic nephropathy.
Bowel incontinence is related to improvement in basic activities of daily living in residents of long‐term health care facilities for the elderly in Japan
Authors: Nomura Hideki , Hayashi Hatsuyo , Hayashi Toshio , Endo Hidetoshi , Miura Hisayuki , Satake Shosuke , Iguchi Akihisa
Published: February 2005

Background:  The purpose of the present study is to clarify the target criteria for care in long‐term health care facilities for the elderly in Japan and to investigate the relationship between changes in basic activities of daily living (BADL) over 1 year and the comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) scale.

Methods:  An observational study was conducted in a facility in Nagoya, Japan. The participants consisted of 54 residents. The following four scales of comprehensive geriatric assessment were administered to the residents in both 2000 and 2001: Barthel index (BI), Lawton scale, mini‐mental state examination and geriatric depression scale 15.

Results:  The Barthel index was significantly improved in 2001 compared with 2000 (P= 0.007). The Lawton scale was significantly lower in 2001 (P= 0.029). Neither the mini‐mental state examination nor geriatric depression scale 15 scores changed significantly. To determine the factors that influenced the change in BADL, logistic regression analyses were performed using the above four scales as independent variables and the BI change as a dependent variable. In multivariate analysis, a BI score of less than 75 approached significance for improvement in BADL (P = 0.094, odds ratio = 2.79). Other logistic regression analyses were also performed using each ADL task in BI as an independent variable and the change in BI as a dependent variable. In multivariate analysis, bowel incontinence was a significant independent variable (P = 0.006, odds ratio = 10.9).

Conclusion:  As bridging facilities between acute‐care hospitals and home, long‐term health care facilities are a reasonable choice for the elderly with bowel incontinence.
Perindopril protection against recurrent stroke study: An overview of published results
Authors: Walters Matthew
Published: February 2005

The Perindopril Protection Against Recurrent Stroke Study was designed to clarify the role of intervention to lower blood pressure after stroke. Its aim was to determine the effect of long‐term treatment with an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor‐based blood pressure lowering regimen in patients with a history of non‐disabling stroke. A series of publications have reported the design and both main and subsidiary analyses of the Perindopril Protection Against Recurrent Stroke Study trial. This article will provide an overview of the trial and draw together the results of previously‐published primary, secondary and subgroup analyses.
Auditing in the United States: a historical perspective
Authors: Flesher Dale L. , Previts Gary John , Samson William D.
Published: February 2005

This article reports several archival auditing discoveries and episodes, including significant previously unpublished ones, in a context that relates auditing to early corporate enterprises in the United States. While the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad's reliance on its audit committee of directors from its inception in 1827 and the functions of the auditing committee of the Mobile and Ohio Railroad in the 1850s are the principal subjects of the article, other railroad examples are also provided. These uses of auditing in the early corporate United States provide materials which provide a useful perspective for today's accounting researchers and practitioners as to the fundamental control and governance values of the auditing function. The article advances the basis for explaining the origins and development of auditing in the United States.
An exploration of the competitive value of an accurate accounting system
Authors: Moriarity Shane
Published: February 2005

The value of an accurate accounting system is compared to one that introduces a cross‐subsidy. In a two‐product experimental market the accurate system is shown to provide value when a competitor has a system that introduces a cross‐subsidy. The value appears to arise from better product‐mix decisions. But it is likely that this value is transitory, explaining in part why observational studies of practice have found it difficult to document sustained value from improved information systems.
Measuring the national wealth in seventeenth‐century England
Authors: SLACK PAUL
Published: February 2005

This article discusses William Petty's 1665 estimate of the wealth of England and Wales—the first set of national accounts—and compares it with Gregory King's (1696), which is shown to be heavily influenced by it. There are conclusions about the methodology of the first political arithmeticians, the kinds of national resources which could be measured for the first time in the seventeenth century, and the lacunae which made it likely that Petty and King underestimated per caput and aggregate incomes. An appendix prints a contemporary analysis of hearth tax returns for every county.
List of publications on the economic and social history of Great Britain and Ireland published in 2003
Authors: Hale Matthew , Hawkins Richard , Partridge Michael
Published: February 2005

(The place of publication is London and the date 2003 unless otherwise stated.)
Foraging behaviour at the fourth trophic level: a comparative study of host location in aphid hyperparasitoids
Authors: Buitenhuis R. , Vet L.E.M. , Boivin G. , Brodeur J.
Published: February 2005

In studies of foraging behaviour in a multitrophic context, the fourth trophic level has generally been ignored. We used four aphid hyperparasitoid species: Dendrocerus carpenteri (Curtis) (Hymenoptera: Megaspilidae), Asaphes suspensus Walker (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae), Alloxysta victrix (Westwood) (Hymenoptera: Alloxystidae) and Syrphophagus aphidivorus (Mayr) (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae), to correlate their response to different cues with their ecological attributes such as host range and host stage. In addition, we compared our results with studies of primary parasitoids on the same plant–herbivore system. First, the olfactory response of females was tested in a Y‐tube olfactometer (single choice: plant, aphid, honeydew, parasitised aphid, aphid mummy, or virgin female parasitoid; dual choice: clean plant, plant with aphids, or plant–host complex). Second, their foraging behaviour was described on plants with different stimuli (honeydew, aphids, parasitised aphids, and aphid mummies). The results indicated that olfactory cues are probably not essential cues for hyperparasitoid females. In foraging behaviour on the plant, all species prolonged their total visit time and search time as compared to the control treatment (clean plant). Only A. victrix did not react to the honeydew. Oviposition in mummies prolonged the total visit time because of the long handling time, but the effect of this behaviour on search time could not be determined. No clear correlation between foraging behaviour and host stage or host range was found. In contrast to specialised primary aphid parasitoids that have strong fixed responses to specific kairomones and herbivore‐induced synomones, more generalist aphid hyperparasitoids seem to depend less on volatile olfactory stimuli, but show similarities with primary parasitoids in their use of contact cues while searching on a plant.
Intraguild predation of parasitoids by Solenopsis invicta: a non‐disruptive interaction
Authors: Harvey Chad T. , Eubanks Micky D.
Published: February 2005

The outcome of intraguild predation among natural enemies can have significant ramifications for herbivore suppression and biological control. Manipulating habitat complexity may alter the strength of intraguild predation, since changes in habitat complexity are often associated with concomitant changes in natural enemy abundance. Using a combination of greenhouse and field experiments, we determined if asymmetric intraguild predation by a pervasive generalist predator, the red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta Buren (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), disrupts important parasitoids in a collard, Brassica oleracea L. (Brassicaceae), agroecosystem. The effect of habitat complexity on this interaction was assessed by conducting field experiments in a simple, collard monocrop and a more complex, collard‐white clover intercrop. Neither the density of adult parasitoids nor the percentage parasitism of caterpillars was affected when S. invicta abundance was manipulated. Solenopsis invicta reduced the survival of the diamondback moth larvae, Plutella xylostella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae) by 26% and 42% in greenhouse and field experiments, respectively, but there was no preference of S. invicta for parasitized or unparasitized caterpillars. An increase in habitat complexity significantly affected the abundance of both S. invicta and parasitoids, but had no overall effect on their interaction. The results of this study suggest that although S. invicta is an intraguild predator of parasitoids because it preys upon parasitized caterpillars, the action of S. invicta may not compromise overall biological control. This study's findings are important, because they suggest that the presence and conservation of multiple natural enemies may result in sustained pest suppression in agroecosystems, even complex systems containing many species of natural enemies including strong intraguild predators such as S. invicta.
Superparasitism strategy in a semisolitary parasitoid with imperfect self/non‐self recognition, Echthrodelphax fairchildii
Authors: Yamada Yoshihiro Y. , Ikawa Kenji
Published: February 2005

To assess the adaptiveness of self‐ and conspecific superparasitism in the parasitoid Echthrodelphax fairchildii Perkins (Hymenoptera: Dryinidae), we measured the rate of superparasitism avoidance and fitness returns from superparasitism for different intervals between the first and second ovipositions. We also tested for any preference in oviposition side and whether any such preference was adaptive. The rate of superparasitism avoidance in both self‐ and conspecific superparasitism was about 10% for oviposition intervals of 2–8 h, and higher for intervals of 1 and ≥24 h (but did not exceed 35%). When conspecifically superparasitizing (but not self‐superparasitizing), females exhibited a slight preference for the side without the first‐comer. Under conspecific superparasitism, the survival rate of second comers was independent of the oviposition side and interval, but slightly lower than that of immature parasitoids for single parasitism. The adult size of second‐comers on the side harboring the first‐comer was larger than that of second‐comers on the side without it, when the oviposition interval was <24 or 96 h. These results explained the overall low rate of avoidance of conspecific superparasitism, but not the variation in avoidance rate or the preference for side without the first‐comer when conspecifically superparasitizing. Assuming that fitness returns are influenced more by offspring quantity than by their quality, self‐superparasitism produced positive fitness returns only when the oviposition interval was <24 h and the side without the first‐comer was selected. This suggests that the observed behavior was not adaptive. Possible reasons for the discrepancies between observed and optimal behaviors, including an imperfect ability for self/non‐self recognition, are discussed.
Duration of untreated psychosis and outcome in first‐episode psychosis. Perspective from a developing country
Authors: Oosthuizen P. , Emsley R. A. , Keyter N. , Niehaus D. J. H. , Koen L.
Published: February 2005

Objective:  To investigate the association between duration of untreated psychosis (DUP) and treatment outcome in a sample of subjects from a developing country.

Method:  Forty‐eight subjects with a first episode of psychosis were evaluated prior to treatment and at 3‐month intervals over a period of 24 months. We first examined correlations between DUP and symptom improvement as measured on the Positive and Negative Symptom Scale (PANSS), and then performed multivariate analysis to determine the validity of DUP as a predictor of outcome.

Results:  DUP was significantly correlated with improvement in PANSS total and negative subscale scores as well as the PANSS depression factor at 21 and 24 months. Multivariate analysis found DUP to be the only significant predictor of improvement in negative symptoms at 24 months.

Conclusion:  DUP was a significant predictor of outcome in a cohort form a developing country. This study provides support for early detection and intervention strategies.
Craniofacial dysmorphology in Swedish schizophrenia patients
Authors: Kelly B. D. , Lane A. , Agartz I. , Henriksson K. M. , McNeil T. F.
Published: February 2005

Objective:  To perform detailed assessments of craniofacial dysmorphology in individuals with schizophrenia and controls in Sweden, in order to further elucidate the neurodevelopmental origins of schizophrenia.

Method:  We performed detailed, anthropometric assessments of craniofacial dysmorphology in male patients with schizophrenia (n = 24), healthy controls (n = 16), and patients’ siblings with schizophrenia (n = 2) in Sweden, while remaining as blind as possible to schizophrenia/control status.

Results:  Individuals with schizophrenia evidenced significantly more craniofacial dysmorphology than controls, especially in the ears and mouth. At a group level, there was a dose–response type relationship between total dysmorphology score and patient/control status.

Conclusion:  The consistency of results across multiple studies supports the hypothesis that individuals with schizophrenia have increased rates of prenatal developmental disturbances. The presence of a dose–response type relationship between total dysmorphology score and patient/control status supports the importance of neurodevelopmental disturbance as a contributory cause of schizophrenia.
Hierarchical faunal filters: an approach to assessing effects of habitat and nonnative species on native fishes
Authors: Quist M. C. , Rahel F. J. , Hubert W. A.
Published: February 2005

Abstract – Understanding factors related to the occurrence of species across multiple spatial and temporal scales is critical to the conservation and management of native fishes, especially for those species at the edge of their natural distribution. We used the concept of hierarchical faunal filters to provide a framework for investigating the influence of habitat characteristics and nonnative piscivores on the occurrence of 10 native fishes in streams of the North Platte River watershed in Wyoming. Three faunal filters were developed for each species: (i) large‐scale biogeographic, (ii) local abiotic, and (iii) biotic. The large‐scale biogeographic filter, composed of elevation and stream‐size thresholds, was used to determine the boundaries within which each species might be expected to occur. Then, a local abiotic filter (i.e., habitat associations), developed using binary logistic‐regression analysis, estimated the probability of occurrence of each species from features such as maximum depth, substrate composition, submergent aquatic vegetation, woody debris, and channel morphology (e.g., amount of pool habitat). Lastly, a biotic faunal filter was developed using binary logistic regression to estimate the probability of occurrence of each species relative to the abundance of nonnative piscivores in a reach. Conceptualising fish assemblages within a framework of hierarchical faunal filters is simple and logical, helps direct conservation and management activities, and provides important information on the ecology of fishes in the western Great Plains of North America.
Planktivory and diet‐overlap of densely rakered whitefish (Coregonus lavaretus (L.)) in a subarctic lake
Authors: Kahilainen K. , Alajärvi E. , Lehtonen H.
Published: February 2005

Abstract –  Three sympatric whitefish (Coregonus lavaretus (L.)) forms, one being pelagic and two benthic, segregate available habitat and food resources in subarctic Lake Muddusjärvi, northern Finland. Zooplankton availability in the lake, food composition, diet‐overlap and growth of densely rakered (DR) whitefish were examined during June to September to explore the reasons for the small individual size of the pelagic form. DR whitefish used zooplankton as main food item and prey selection followed zooplankton species density proportions in the lake. Zooplankton density and water temperature was highest in July–August. The average lengths of Bosmina spp., Daphnia spp., Calanoida and Cyclopoida in DR whitefish stomach were higher than in zooplankton sample during June–September, except Calanoida in June. Diet‐overlap between DR whitefish age groups was high at all months indicating intercohort resource competition. DR whitefish reached sexual maturity at 3 years of age and at the length of 12 cm, after which somatic growth almost ceased. Reason for the small average size and slow growth of DR whitefish were connected to high diet‐overlap between age groups and early sexual maturation.