bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association between CYP1A2 activity and riluzole clearance in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Van Kan H. J. M. , Groeneveld G. J. , Kalmijn S. , Spieksma M. , Van Den Berg L. H. , Guchelaar H. J.
Published: March 2005

Aims

Riluzole is used in a fixed dosing schedule of 50 mg twice daily to treat patients with amyotropic lateral sclerosis (ALS), one form of motor neurone disease. The large variability in the pharmacokinetics of riluzole may be a factor contributing to its limited therapeutic benefit. Riluzole is assumed to be mainly metabolized by the cytochrome P450 enzyme 1A2 (CYP1A2). The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between CYP1A2 activity and riluzole clearance with a view to optimize drug treatment.

Methods

A group of 30 ALS patients participated in the study. In each patient the CYP1A2 activity was determined using caffeine as a metabolic probe. Riluzole clearance was estimated from serum drug concentration measurements followed by Bayesian fitting.

Results

Riluzole clearance and the serum paraxanthine : caffeine (P/C) ratio showed a positive correlation (r = 0.693; P = 0.0002). Linear regression analysis identified the P/C ratio (beta: 1.16) and height (beta: 0.027) as independent predictors of riluzole clearance (adjusted r2 = 0.369).

Conclusions

The P/C ratio, used as measure of CYP1A2 activity, significantly correlated with the riluzole clearance, although only 37% of the observed variability could be explained.
Pharmacokinetics of pitavastatin in subjects with Child‐Pugh A and B cirrhosis
Authors: Hui C. K. , Cheung B. M. Y. , Lau G. K. K.
Published: March 2005

Aim

Lipid lowering therapy with 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaryl‐coenzyme A (HMG‐CoA) reductase inhibitors is increasingly used for the prevention of cardiovascular events, but they should be used with caution in patients with impaired liver function. We therefore studied the pharmacokinetics of pitavastatin in patients with liver cirrhosis.

Methods

Plasma concentrations of pitavastatin were determined after administration of 2 mg single‐dose pitavastatin to 12 male patients with liver cirrhosis (six Child‐Pugh grade A and six grade B). These results were compared with the single‐dose pharmacokinetic results obtained from six male volunteers without liver disease.

Results

Administration of 2 mg single‐dose pitavastatin to patients with Child‐Pugh grade A and grade B cirrhosis resulted in a 1.19‐ and 2.47‐fold increase in Cmax and 1.27‐ and 3.64‐fold increase in AUCt, respectively, when compared with normal subjects. The geomean Cmax of pitavastatin was 59.5 ng ml−1, 70.7 ng ml−1 and 147.1 ng ml−1 in the control, Child‐Pugh grade A and Child‐Pugh grade B groups, respectively. The geomean AUCt of pitavastatin in the three groups was 121.2 ng h−1 ml−1, 154.2 ng h−1 ml−1 and 441.7 ng h−1 ml−1, respectively. The geomean Cmax of pitavastatin lactone was 20.3 ng ml−1, 19.1 ng ml−1 and 9.9 ng ml−1 in the control, Child‐Pugh grade A and grade B groups, respectively. The AUCt of pitavastatin lactone was 120.2 h−1 ml−1, 108.8 h−1 ml−1 and 87.5 h−1 ml−1, respectively.

Conclusion

The plasma concentration of pitavastatin is increased in patients with liver cirrhosis. In such patients, caution is required, although dose reduction may not be necessary in Child‐Pugh A cirrhosis.
Dosing strategy for enoxaparin in patients with renal impairment presenting with acute coronary syndromes
Authors: Green B. , Greenwood M. , Saltissi D. , Westhuyzen J. , Kluver L. , Rowell J. , Atherton J.
Published: March 2005

Background

Phase III clinical studies have confirmed that enoxaparin is superior to standard heparin in reducing the rate of recurrent ischaemic events in patients with non‐ST elevation acute coronary syndromes. Patients with moderate to severe renal impairment were, however, excluded from these studies. Due to the hydrophilic disposition of enoxaparin, accumulation is likely in patients with renal dysfunction, thereby increasing the risk of haemorrhagic complications if standard weight adjusted treatment doses are used. Arbitrary dose reduction has been reported to increase the risk of ischaemic events, presumably due to inadequate enoxaparin concentrations.

Aim

The aims of this study were to investigate the influence of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) on the pharmacokinetics of subcutaneously administered enoxaparin, and to develop a practical dosing algorithm in renal impairment that can easily be used at the bedside.

Methods

Thirty‐eight patients, median age 78 years (range 44–87), mean GFR 32 ml min−1 (range 16–117) and mean weight 69 kg (range 32–95), presenting with acute coronary syndrome were recruited into the study. Approximately 10 anti‐Xa concentrations were taken per patient over their period of therapy. A population pharmacokinetic model was developed using non linear mixed effects modelling techniques, utilizing the software NONMEM. Stochastic simulations were performed to identify the most suitable dosing regimen.

Results

Three hundred and thirteen anti‐Xa concentrations were collected. A two compartment, first order input model was identified as the best baseline model. Covariates found to improve model fitting were GFR as a linear function on clearance (CL) and weight as a linear function on the central volume compartment (Vc). The fraction of drug excreted unchanged (Fu) was estimated at 71%. CL and Vc from the final covariate model were estimated as;

CL (l h−1) = 0.681 per 4.8 l hr−1 (GFR) + 0.229

Vc (l) = 5.22 per 80 kg (total body weight)

Conclusions

Clearance of enoxaparin was predictably related to GFR estimated using the Cockroft and Gault equation, with ideal body weight used as the size descriptor. According to our model no dosage adjustment from the standard 1.0 mg kg−1 12 hourly is required for the first 48 h of treatment. Maintenance doses thereafter can be calculated using standard proportional adjustments based on Fu equal to 0.71.
Aquatic birnavirus induces apoptosis through activated caspase‐8 and ‐3 in a zebrafish cell line
Authors: Hong J‐R , Huang L‐J , Wu J‐L
Published: March 2005

In this study, the possible influence of temperature on infectious pancreatic necrosis virus (IPNV)‐induced apoptosis in a zebrafish liver epithelium (ZLE) cell line was investigated. At a lower temperature (18 °C), there was expression of viral proteins VP2 and VP3 at 4 h post‐infection (p.i.). At this time no expression was found in the high temperature group at 28 °C. The cell survival ratio was 52 and 18% at 24 and 48 h p.i., respectively, during IPNV infection at 18 °C. In addition, we assayed for apoptosis in IPNV‐infected cells with terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT)‐mediated end labelling (TUNEL) of DNA at different dosages of virus. We found a ratio of apoptotic cells of 8 and 25% at 12 and 18 h p.i., respectively, in the multiplicity of infection (MOI) 1 group. The MOI 10 group had 20 and 45% apoptotic cells at 12 and 18 h, respectively. Furthermore, at 18 °C IPNV activated the caspase‐8 and 3 from 1.5 to 2 times at 12 and 18 h p.i., respectively. Taken together, these findings suggest that successful virus replication occurs at the low temperature (18 °C) compared with the non‐permissive temperature of 28 °C. Thus, IPNV replication is capable of activating caspase‐8 and ‐3 and inducing host apoptosis.
Response of crayfish, Procambarus clarkii, haemocytes infected by white spot syndrome virus
Authors: Shi Z , Wang H , Zhang J , Xie Y , Li L , Chen X , Edgerton B‐F , Bonami J‐R
Published: March 2005

White spot syndrome virus (WSSV) is a serious pathogen of aquatic crustaceans. Little is known about its transmission in vivo and the immune reaction of its hosts. In this study, the circulating haemocytes of crayfish, Procambarus clarkii, infected by WSSV, and primary haemocyte cultures inoculated with WSSV, were collected and observed by transmission electron microscopy and light microscopy following in situ hybridization. In ultra‐thin sections of infected haemocytes, the enveloped virions were seen to be phagocytosed in the cytoplasm and no viral particles were observed in the nuclei. In situ hybridization with WSSV‐specific probes also demonstrated that there were no specific positive signals present in the haemocytes. Conversely, strong specific positive signals showed that WSSV replicated in the nuclei of gill cells. As a control, the lymphoid organ of shrimp, Penaeus monodon, infected by WSSV was examined by in situ hybridization which showed that WSSV did not replicate within the tubules of the lymphoid organ. In contrast to previous studies, it is concluded that neither shrimp nor crayfish haemocytes support WSSV replication.
Efficacy of furunculosis vaccines in turbot, Scophthalmus maximus (L.): evaluation of immersion, oral and injection delivery
Authors: Santos Y , García‐Marquez S , Pereira P G , Pazos F , Riaza A , Silva R , El Morabit A , Ubeira F M
Published: March 2005

The commercial furunculosis vaccine Aquavac Furovac 5 and an autogenous vaccine, based on the challenge strain, induced immune protection in turbot, Scophthalmus maximus (L.), as shown in challenge tests 120 days post‐immunization by injection (relative percentage of survival, RPS = 72–99%). This protective effect lasted for at least 6 months post‐immunization at appreciable levels (RPS = 50–52%). Neither the autogenous vaccine nor the commercial vaccine was able to induce significant levels of protection against Aeromonas salmonicida in turbot when administered by immersion. Antibody levels were high or moderate in fish vaccinated by injection with the different vaccines and very low in fish vaccinated by immersion. The field results show that delivering an oral boost after the primary vaccination by injection did not enhance protection of turbot against furunculosis and that water‐based (autogenous vaccine) and oil adjuvanted (Alpha Ject 1200) vaccines administered by injection conferred similar levels of protection (RPS > 80%) in turbot.
Galaxy occupation statistics of dark matter haloes: observational results
Authors: Yang Xiaohu , Mo H. J. , Jing Y. P. , van den Bosch Frank C.
Published: March 2005

We study the occupation statistics of galaxies in dark matter haloes using galaxy groups identified from the Two-degree Field Galaxy Redshift Survey with the halo-based group finder of Yang et al.. The occupation distribution is considered separately for early- and late-type galaxies, as well as in terms of central and satellite galaxies. The mean luminosity of the central galaxies scales with halo mass approximately as Lc∝M2/3 for haloes with masses M < 1013h−1M⊙, and as Lc∝M1/4 for more massive haloes. The characteristic mass of 1013h−1M⊙ is consistent with the mass scale where galaxy formation models suggest a transition from efficient to inefficient cooling. Another characteristic halo mass scale, M∼ 1011h−1M⊙, which cannot be probed directly by our groups, is inferred from the conditional luminosity function (CLF) that matches the observed galaxy luminosity function and clustering. For a halo of given mass, the distribution of Lc is rather narrow. A detailed comparison with mock galaxy redshift surveys indicates that this implies a fairly deterministic relation between Lc and the halo mass. The satellite galaxies, however, are found to follow a Poissonian number distribution, in excellent agreement with the occupation statistics of dark matter subhaloes. This provides strong support for the standard lore that satellite galaxies reside in subhaloes. The central galaxies in low-mass haloes are mostly late-type galaxies, while those in massive haloes are almost all early types. We also measure the CLF of galaxies in haloes of given mass. Over the mass range that can be reliably probed with the present data, 13.3 ≲ log[M/(h−1M⊙)]≲ 14.7, the CLF is reasonably well fitted by a Schechter function. Contrary to recent claims based on semi-analytical models of galaxy formation, the presence of central galaxies does not show up as a strong peak at the bright end of the CLF. The CLFs obtained from the observational data are in good agreement with the CLF model obtained by matching the observed luminosity function and large-scale clustering properties of galaxies in the standard Λ cold dark matter model.
Long‐distance biological transport processes through the air: can nature's complexity be unfolded in silico?
Authors: Nathan Ran , Sapir Nir , Trakhtenbrot Ana , Katul Gabriel G. , Bohrer Gil , Otte Martin , Avissar Roni , Soons Merel B. , Horn Henry S. , Wikelski Martin , Levin Simon A.
Published: March 2005

Understanding and predicting complex biological systems are best accomplished through the synthesis and integration of information across relevant spatial, temporal and thematic scales. We propose that mechanistic transport models, which integrate atmospheric turbulence with information on relevant biological attributes, can effectively incorporate key elements of aerial transport processes at scales ranging from a few centimetres and fractions of seconds, to hundreds of kilometres and decades. This capability of mechanistic models is critically important for modelling the flow of organisms through the atmosphere because diverse aerial transport processes — such as pathogen spread, seed dispersal, spider ballooning and bird migration — are sensitive to the details of small‐scale short‐term turbulent deviations from the mean airflow. At the same time, all these processes are strongly influenced by the typical larger‐scale variation in landscape structure, through its effects on wind flow patterns. We therefore highlight the useful coupling of detailed atmospheric models such as large eddy simulations (LES), which can provide a high‐resolution description of turbulent airflow, with regional atmospheric models, which can capture the effects of landscape heterogeneity at various scales. Further progress in computational fluid dynamics (CFD) will enable rigorous exploration of transport processes in heterogeneous landscapes.
Recent advances in the study of long‐distance dispersal of aquatic invertebrates via birds
Authors: Green Andy J. , Figuerola Jordi
Published: March 2005

Although Darwin pioneered the study of long‐distance dispersal (LDD) of aquatic invertebrates via waterbirds, it remains in its infancy as a modern discipline. A handful of recent studies have quantified internal or external transport in the field, confirming that a variety of long‐distance migrants carry invertebrates both internally and externally. These studies show that variation in the morphology of vectors influences the frequency and size of propagules transported, and suggest that more invertebrate groups disperse via birds than was previously thought. Dispersal limitation has mainly been investigated for zooplankton in small experimental systems from which waterbirds were effectively excluded, and the extent of such limitation for invertebrate populations in wetlands interconnected by waterbird movements remains unclear. We expect that the spatial and temporal scales at which dispersal limitation constrains geographical ranges, species richness and genetic structure of invertebrates depends partly on the density of migratory birds using the area. Birds may have a major role in the expansion of exotic species. We propose several avenues for future research. There is a particular need for more quantitative studies of LDD by birds that will enable modellers to assess its role in maintaining invertebrate biodiversity among increasingly fragmented wetlands and in the face of climate change, as well as in the spread of invasive species.
Rapid fluid infusion therapy decreases the plasma concentration of continuously infused propofol
Authors: Adachi Y. U. , Satomoto M. , Higuchi H. , Watanabe K.
Published: March 2005

Background:  Rapid fluid infusion therapy to treat hypovolemia in anesthetized patients is a common practical regimen in daily clinical settings. This study investigated the effect of large volume loading on the plasma concentration of propofol (Cp), hemodynamic parameters, hemoglobin concentration (Hb), hematocrit value (Ht) and the bispectral index (BIS).

Methods:  Sixty patients were administered propofol using a target‐controlled infusion technique. We studied two independent groups. Half of the patients (group F, n = 30) were administered fentanyl, and the other half (group E, n = 30) epidural administration of mepivacaine for analgesia. After achieving a pseudo‐steady state of propofol anesthesia, baseline values of blood pressure, heart rate, Hb, Ht, cardiac output, Cp and BIS were measured, and 10 ml/kg Ringer's solution was infused over 15 min.

Results:  In group F, Cp was significantly decreased from 2.24 (0.69) [mean (SD)] to 2.07 (0.61) µg/ml and in group E from 2.02 (0.98) to 1.75 (0.51) µg/ml immediately after infusion (P < 0.05). The significant reduction lasted until 30 min in group F, whereas, Cp quickly recovered in group E. Cardiac output was increased only in group F. The dilution ratio demonstrated the prolonged diluting effect in group E and the significant correlation with the rate of decrease in Cp (P < 0.0003, R = 0.21). The BIS value showed no significant change immediately after infusion.

Conclusion:  Large volume loading decreased Cp without a significant change in BIS values. The effect of infusion therapy on the depth of anesthesia might be small and usually negligible during propofol anesthesia.
Intensive care treatment of severe mixed metabolic acidosis
Authors: Schmidt A. , Christensson A. , Åkeson J.
Published: March 2005

We report a case of severe metabolic acidosis associated with acute renal failure and septicaemia following treatment with maximal therapeutic doses of metformin and diclofenac. On the second day of intensive care the patient deteriorated with respiratory insufficiency and abdominal pain during continuous renal replacement therapy. A laparoscopy revealed a perforated cholecystitis with abscess formation. The patient regained renal function and recovered.

Intake of diclofenac 5 days before this episode could have been the main cause of renal insufficiency and metabolic acidosis in this patient and could also have delayed surgical treatment by masking early clinical signs of perforated cholecystitis. The renal failure may also have caused metformin and lactate to accumulate, contributing to the mixed pattern of metabolic acidosis.

This case report describes a mixed organic and non‐organic metabolic acidosis associated with acute renal failure, presumably resulting from a combination of drugs and diseases often found in the elderly – metformin for diabetes mellitus and a non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drug for cholecystolithiasis. Acid‐base balance and electrolyte changes were rapidly normalized by continuous renal replacement therapy.
Artificial colloids impair haemostasis. An in vitro study using thromboelastometry coagulation analysis
Authors: Niemi T. T. , Kuitunen A. H.
Published: March 2005

Background:  Hydroxyethyl starch (HES) solutions impair haemostatic mechanisms. The impact of the degree of substitution (DS) of a HES solution on thromboelastometry tracings is unclear. Therefore we tested the hypothesis of whether the DS has an effect on the haemostatic defect caused by HES, and assessed whole blood coagulation by thromboelastometry coagulation analysis (ROTEM®, Pentapharm Co., Munich, Germany) in serial in vitro haemodilutions of colloids.

Methods:  Whole blood was withdrawn from 12 volunteers in a crossover study. Six per cent low‐molecular weight HES with a high (HES MW 120 kDa/degree of substitution 0.7) and low (HES MW 130 kDa/0.4) degree of substitution, 4% succinylated gelatin (GEL) or 4% albumin (ALB) was added to citrated venous whole blood samples to make 20, 40, 60 vol.% end‐concentrations of each of the solutions. Samples were analyzed by ROTEM®.

Results:  There was a comparable decrease in maximum clot firmness (MCF) and shear elastic modulus [G = 5000 × MCF/(100–MCF)] by HES 120/0.7 and HES 130/0.4 at 20 and 40 vol.% dilutions. At 60 vol.% dilution HES 120/0.7 decreased less alpha‐angle and MCF than HES 130/0.4 (P < 0.05). With moderate dilutions all colloids shortened coagulation time (CT). At 20, 40 and 60 vol.% dilutions MCF and G were more decreased in both HES groups than in the ALB and GEL groups (P < 0.05). Furthermore, at 40 and 60 vol.% dilutions G deteriorated more in the GEL than in the ALB group (P < 0.05).

Conclusion:  In vitro the impact of the degree of substitution of HES solution on thromboelastometry coagulation analysis was modest. Haemodilution with gelatin and albumin induced fewer coagulation abnormalities than HES. In addition, the haemodilution with gelatin impaired coagulation more than albumin solution.
Are there changes in leg vascular resistance during laparoscopic cholecystectomy with CO2 pneumoperitoneum?
Authors: Andersson L. E. , Jogestrand T. , Thörne A. , Sollevi A. , Odeberg‐Wernerman S.
Published: March 2005

Background:  The prompt haemodynamic response to carbon dioxide insufflation during laparoscopic cholecystectomy suggests involvement of the sympathetic system. The aim of the present study was to examine if a change in vascular resistance in leg skeletal muscle could be an important mechanism behind the increased afterload. Furthermore, the arterio‐venous differences of the catecholamines were measured in the leg before and during insufflation of carbon dioxide into the peritoneal cavity.

Methods:  Ten patients (ASA I) scheduled for laparoscopic cholecystectomy were included. After induction of anaesthesia, catheters were introduced percutaneously into the radial artery, the femoral vein and the cubital vein for pressure monitoring and blood sampling. The arterial blood flow in the legs was measured by mercury‐in‐Silastic strain gauge venous occlusion plethysmography. Vascular resistance in the right leg (LVR) was calculated from the formula: (MAP–FVP)/calf blood flow. Measurements were made before and 5 min after insufflation of pneumoperitoneum.

Results:  Induction of pneumoperitoneum increased the heart rate (P < 0.05) and also increased mean arterial pressure and femoral vein pressure as well as the calculated leg vascular resistance (P < 0.01). Calf blood flow did not change significantly in either leg. Both arterial and venous noradrenaline concentrations were higher after insufflation (P < 0.01).

Conclusion:  In patients without heart or lung disease, pneumoperitoneum at an intra‐abdominal pressure level of 11–13 mmHg increased the peripheral vascular resistance in the leg while the arterial blood flow in the leg was unaffected. Catecholamine levels increased, but were still low. Therefore, we suggest that the increase in peripheral vascular resistance is caused by increased myogenic activity in the resistance vessels secondary to increased arterial and transmural pressure rather than by increased neurogenic sympathetic activity.
Variability of duration of action of neuromuscular‐blocking drugs in elderly patients
Authors: Arain S. R. , Kern S. , Ficke D. J. , Ebert T. J.
Published: March 2005

Background:  Steroid‐based, non‐depolarizing neuromuscular‐blocking (NMB) drugs (e.g. rocuronium, vecuronium) are characterized by organ‐dependent elimination and significantly longer durations of action in elderly compared to young patients. Cisatracurium is a benzylisoquinolinium NMB drug with a duration of action not altered by ageing. The objective of the study was to determine if elderly patients had less variability in duration of action with 2 × ED95 of cisatracurium compared to equipotent doses of rocuronium or vecuronium.

Methods:  Informed consent was obtained from 66 elderly patients with normal renal and liver function. Preoperative midazolam (1 mg) was given IV. The anaesthestic induction was with 5 mg kg−1 thiopental and 2 µg kg−1 fentanyl. The patients received 0.6 mg kg−1 rocuronium, 0.1 mg kg−1 vecuronium or 0.1 mg kg−1 cisatracurium. Anaesthetic maintenance was with sevoflurane in oxygen/nitrous oxide. Neuromuscular‐blocking duration of action was defined as the return of T1 twitch height to 25% of control. Variability was determined by subtracting the actual duration of action from the mean duration of action for each drug.

Results:  The durations of action (range, min) were: cisatracurium, 37–81; vecuronium, 35–137; and rocuronium, 33–119. The median of the variability of duration was significantly less with cisatracurium (7 min) compared to vecuronium (18 min) and rocuronium (18 min) (P < 0.05).

Conclusion:  When used with sevoflurane/N2O, there was a two‐fold greater variability of duration of neuromuscular blockade in elderly patients receiving rocuronium or vecuronium compared with cisatracurium.
Increase in the use of rebreathing gas flow systems and in the utilization of low fresh gas flows in Finnish anaesthetic practice from 1995 to 2002
Authors: Tohmo H. , Antila H.
Published: March 2005

Background:  The use of rebreathing systems together with low fresh gas flows saves anaesthetic gases, reduces the costs of anaesthesia, causes less environmental and ergonomic adverse effects, i.e. less air contamination in the operating room, and has favourable physiological effects. We assessed whether the use of non‐rebreathing vs. rebreathing gas flow systems and high vs. lower fresh gas flows has changed during recent years.

Methods:  The use of rebreathing and non‐rebreathing systems and the utilization of fresh gas flows were evaluated by sending a questionnaire to the heads of anaesthesia departments at all public health care hospitals in Finland in 1996 and 2003. The data was gathered from the previous years 1995 and 2002, respectively.

Results:  The use of rebreathing systems increased from 62% to 83% of all instances of general anaesthesia (P < 0.001). In rebreathing gas flow systems, there was a significant shift from high fresh gas flows (3 l min−1 and more) towards lower fresh gas flows (between 1 to 2 l min−1 and even below 1 l min−1) (P < 0.001).

Conclusions:  The benefits of low fresh gas flows have now been achieved in most instances of rebreathing system anaesthesia, which was not the case in 1995.
Less postoperative nausea and vomiting after propofol + remifentanil versus propofol + fentanyl anaesthesia during plastic surgery
Authors: Rama‐Maceiras P. , Ferreira T. A. , Molíns N. , Sanduende Y. , Bautista A. P. , Rey T.
Published: March 2005

Background:  The effect of different opioids on postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) has not been conclusively determined yet, thus the aim of this study was to compare the incidence of PONV in propofol‐anaesthetized patients receiving either fentanyl or remifentanil as opioid supplement.

Methods:  Sixty ASA physical status I and II patients scheduled for plastic surgery gave their written informed consent for this prospective, randomized, double‐blind study. Anaesthesia was induced with propofol, rocuronium and fentanyl (n = 30; 2 µg kg−1) or remifentanil (n = 30; 1 µg kg−1). After tracheal intubation, anaesthesia was maintained with propofol, oxygen in air and an infusion of the opioid studied, which was modified according to clinical criteria. Baseline postoperative analgesia was achieved with intravenous propacetamol + metamizol. Intravenous morphine was given if visual analogic scale (VAS) for pain was ≥ 4 (scale 0–10) and metoclopramide was administered if a patient presented ≥ 2 PONV episodes (nausea or vomiting) in less than 30 min. Postoperatively (2, 12 and 24 h), we registered VAS, rescue morphine consumption, number of patients with episodes of PONV and number of patients requiring metoclopramide. P < 0.05 was considered significant.

Results:  There were no significant differences between groups in the demographic parameters, ASA physical status, propofol dose, VAS, and rescue morphine requirements. Fourteen patients in the fentanyl group and four in the remifentanil group presented PONV episodes 2–12 h postoperative hours' interval; (P < 0.05). Ten patients in the fentanyl group and four in the remifentanil group presented vomiting episodes in the same period (P < 0.05); and eight patients in the fentanyl group and one in the remifentanil group required metoclopramide; (P < 0.05). The number of postoperative PONV episodes were low, both in the 0–2‐h period (n = 2 vs. n = 1, fentanyl and remifentanil, respectively) and in the 12–24‐h period (n = 3 vs. n = 1).

Conclusion:  Propofol + fentanyl anaesthesia resulted in a higher incidence of PONV and requirements of antiemetic drugs in the period between 2 and 12 postoperative hours compared with propofol + remifentanil, in patients undergoing plastic surgery.
Body fat distribution and leptin correlation in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: Endocrine and biochemical evaluation in south Indian population
Authors: RAM MANI RAVISHANKAR , SUNDARARAMAN PULLIANGUDI GOKULAKRISHNAN , MALATHI RAGHUNATHAN
Published: March 2005

Aims:   Obesity is associated with the increased prevalence of infertility and is also an independent risk factor in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The aim of this study was to examine the extent to which the ob gene product, leptin, alone or in combination with other metabolic and endocrinal parameters, may be correlated to infertility with the incidence of PCOS.

Methods:  Serum leptin levels were measured in both PCOS and non‐PCOS subjects of the following categories, such as thin, overweight, obese and morbidly obese, and compared with normal weight women. Female infertility is associated with body mass index, percentage of body fat, body fat distribution, and other biochemical and endocrinal parameters parameters.

Results:  Women with PCOS and normally menstruating control women were analyzed by univariate analysis for body fat distribution. Serum leptin was positively correlated with body mass index, percentage of body fat, serum levels of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, testosterone, free testosterone, luteinizing hormone and prolactin. Serum leptin was inversely correlated with serum sex hormone‐binding globulin concentration and androstenedione.

Conclusions:  We report, for the first time in the Indian population, that leptin levels are different in thin and morbidly obese PCOS patients than in regularly menstruating normal weight subjects, and leptin could be a novel, independent risk factor for PCOS. (Reprod Med Biol 2005; 4: 71–78)
New insights into possible factors contributing to male subfertility
Authors: FRASER LYNN R. , ADEOYA‐OSIGUWA SUSAN A.
Published: March 2005

Male subfertility contributes significantly to fertility problems in couples. Although semen analysis may identify abnormalities in sperm numbers, morphology and/or motility that might contribute to subfertility, in other instances the semen parameters may appear to be normal, but the spermatozoa might be dysfunctional. A number of endogenous and exogenous factors have now been identified that can significantly affect sperm function in vitro and it is possible that they may have similar effects in vivo. Some endogenous factors maintain the spermatozoa in a non‐fertilizing state, to avoid them ‘burning out’ and losing fertility before they reach an oocyte, while others stimulate spermatozoa to become fertile and then hold them in a state of readiness to fertilize. Exogenous environmental molecules, referred to as xenobiotics, have been shown to continuously stimulate spermatozoa so that they become fertile quickly, but then ‘burn out’. Defects relating to the endogenous molecules could result in spermatozoa either never becoming fertile or becoming fertile too quickly and so losing fertilizing potential. By understanding the mechanisms involved in promoting sperm fertilizing ability, it may be possible to develop new therapeutic treatments to overcome such defects. (Reprod Med Biol 2005; 4: 45–53)
Ovarian follicular development in the unilateral ovariectomized rat
Authors: KAGABU SATOSI , UMEZU MOTOAKI
Published: March 2005

Background and Aims:  Following unilateral ovariectomy, the contralateral ovary underwent hypertrophy and the number of ovulations remained unchanged. The aim of the present study was to elucidate the mechanism, which occurred by this compensation, through examination of ovarian follicular development in operated rats.

Methods:  Rats were examined 1–8 weeks post unilateral operation. The ovaries were serially sectioned. All sections were examined and the size of each follicle was measured.

Results:  Large follicles soon recovered after surgery, but it took 5 weeks for small and medium‐sized follicles to recover. The rate of atresia at the ‘critical point’ was 31.1% in unilateral ovariectomized animals and 73.9% in the sham‐operated rats.

Conclusions:  These findings showed that in operated rats, the recovery of the number of follicles varied depending on the size of the follicle. Compared with the control animals, approximately twice as many large healthy follicles were saved from atresia at the ‘critical point’, producing a compensatory increase in the ovulation number (P < 0.01). (Reprod Med Biol 2005; 4: 89–93)
Is culture a problem for social psychology?
Authors: Kashima Yoshihisa
Published: March 2005

Culture has been regarded as an anathema to psychology as an empiricist research tradition. Despite the explosive growth of research on culture and psychology over the last decade of the 20th century and its importance in Asian social psychology, the ontological and epistemological tension between psychology as a science and psychology as a cultural/historical discipline introduced in the writings of the thinkers of the Enlightenment and counter‐Enlightenment still lingers on in the contemporary discourse of psychology. Clifford Geertz once ominously suggested that cultural psychology may have chewed more than it can. In the present paper, the interpretive turn in social science as exemplified by writings of Charles Taylor and Paul Ricoeur is reviewed and how it may impinge on the practice of Asian social psychology as an empirical science in methodological, epistemological, and ontological respects is discussed. It is argued here that the current practice of Asian social psychology is largely, though not entirely, free of the challenges mounted by these theorists, and that Asian social psychology has an advantage of not being encumbered by this traditional tension due to a monist ontology that is prevalent in Asia.
Developmental issues in indigenous psychologies: Sustainability and local knowledge
Authors: Shams Manfusa
Published: March 2005

The present paper endeavours to discuss some of the potential issues inherent in the developmental work for indigenous psychologies, especially in the Western context.  The  discussion  is  made  around  two  topical  issues,  sustainability  and  local knowledge. The developmental processes in indigenous psychologies are influenced by the inter‐ and intracommunity environment. It is important to trace the development of local knowledge in a sustained community environment. The cross‐fertilization of ecological perspectives with indigenous psychological knowledge can enlighten our understandings of global issues in psychology as well as the applications of psychological knowledge to a local context. A theoretical model is proposed to highlight major social psychological processes in a participatory community environment − the model is expected to address essential contentious issues to the future of a globalized psychology, especially the way integrated local knowledge can lay the foundations of a globalized indigenous psychology.
Measuring the personality of Chinese: QZPS versus NEO PI‐R
Authors: Wang Dengfeng , Cui Hong , Zhou Fan
Published: March 2005

The response patterns of Chinese subjects to the items and facets of NEO Personality Inventory Revised (NEO PI‐R) were investigated. The Big Five‐factor structure underlying this instrument was not found, while a seven‐factor structure, more recently proposed to represent the Chinese personality, emerged. A cross‐cultural strategy was adopted to analyze these results and mechanisms through which culture influences personality, behavioral categories and specific behaviors were proposed. The results showed that the Big Seven model of Chinese personality was stable and Western personality questionnaires could not accurately measure the personality characteristics of the Chinese.
In‐ and outgroup representation in a dynamic society: Hong Kong after 1997
Authors: Schack Thomas , Schack Ellen
Published: March 2005

Reunification with the People's Republic of China in 1997 draws attention to the identity of Hong Kong people along with their representation and perception of in‐ and outgroups. We gathered current data on in‐ and outgroup representations, self‐categorizations, and the willingness to assimilate in this dynamic sociocultural environment. A new experimental method was developed to measure the structure and feature dimensions of in‐ and outgroup representation in 25 university students and 25 employees. Results showed that the structure of mental representations had changed after reunification. Interestingly, significant feature dimension of intergroup perception, such as modernity and Confucian values, proved to be consistent with earlier research. In the present study, it became obvious that such feature dimensions played an important role in discriminating between in‐ and outgroups.
Low Income Dynamics in 1990s Britain
Authors: JARVIS SARAH , JENKINS STEPHEN P.
Published: March 2005

This paper analyses low income dynamics in Britain using the first four waves of the British Household Panel Survey. There is much low income turnover: although there is a small group of people who are persistently poor, more striking is the relatively large number of low income escapers and entrants from one year to the next. Simulations using estimated low income exit and re‐entry rates demonstrate the importance of repeated low income spells for explaining a person's experience of low income over a given period. We also document the characteristics of low income stayers, escapers and entrants.
Binding Rulings
Authors: CHAN WINNIE
Published: March 2005

After a period of consultation, it has been decided that the Revenue should be empowered to issue legally‐binding rulings in favour of taxpayers only where the relevant transaction has already taken place. This paper considers the reasons for having binding rulings, and argues that those reasons justify implementing pre‐ as well as post‐transaction rulings. Additionally, it is contended that many of the more detailed aspects of the proposal warrant reconsideration in light of those underlying rationales.

JEL classification: H20, K34.
European Pension Systems: A Simulation Analysis
Authors: KENC TURALAY , PERRAUDIN WILLIAM
Published: March 2005

Pension systems in different countries vary widely in such aspects as the dependence of benefits on earlier labour income, the minimum permitted retirement age and limits on labour supply after retirement. This paper uses a simulation model of a rational, utility‐maximising household facing the detailed pension provisions of eight European countries to study microeconomic distortions induced by the different rules and regulations. We examine in particular the impact on savings, labour supply, retirement age decisions and welfare.

JEL classification: H55, J26, J65.
The Windfall Tax
Authors: CHENNELLS LUCY
Published: March 2005

This paper analyses the windfall tax on the privatised utilities, introduced in the 1997 Budget. It describes the main arguments put forward for the tax and sets out the details of its scope, scale and method of implementation. The tax is examined against the guidelines of economic efficiency, fairness and administrative feasibility. A one‐off tax based on past profits should be efficient, provided that the statement that it is one‐off is credible. However, as a tax levied on companies, it does not directly tax the windfall gains that were made in the past by shareholders in the companies concerned.

JEL classification: H25, L51, L98.
Simplifying the Formal Structure of UK Income Tax
Authors: MCCRAE JULIAN
Published: March 2005

The tax system in the UK has developed through numerous ad hoc changes to its structure. This has resulted in a situation where the way in which the tax system is described does not readily correspond to the marginal rate schedule actually faced by taxpayers. This paper outlines the connection between the formal description of the tax system and the marginal rate schedule faced by taxpayers. It argues that the operation of the tax system would be greatly clarified if it were described explicitly in terms of its marginal rate schedule.
Forecasting the Public Finances in the Treasury
Authors: PIKE TIM , SAVAGE DAVID
Published: March 2005

This article describes the methods used by the Treasury and other government departments for making forecasts of the public finances. A highly detailed approach is required because of the Treasury's budgetary role, but the aggregated results are subjected to careful ‘top‐down’ checks. Forecasts have a necessary role in fiscal policy. But they are subject to large margins of error, and should be presented and used with caution.

JEL classification: E6, H1, H6.
Modelling and Forecasting UK Public Finances
Authors: SENTENCE ANDREW , HALL STEPHEN , O'SULLIVAN JOHN
Published: March 2005

In this paper, we present a new model of UK public finances which aims to shed light on recent problems of forecasting the PSBR. The main elements of public spending are treated as endogenous variables which rise in line with GDP over the medium term. Also, the cyclical response of public borrowing to rises in the level of economic activity is more muted when growth is export‐led than when it is consumer‐led. These two features go a long way towards explaining the rapid deterioration of public finances in the early 1990s and the slow pace of improvement since 1993.

JEL classification: C53, E62, H62.
Private Opportunity, Public Benefit?
Authors: HALL JOHN
Published: March 2005

The newly elected Labour government has pledged to ‘reinvigorate the Private Finance Initiative’, as part of the new emphasis on ‘public/private partnerships’ in the delivery of core public services. This article assesses the merits of using private finance to deliver public services against three criteria: whether it will lead to additional investment in social infrastructure, whether it represents good value for the taxpayer's money and whether the use of private finance will reduce the public sector's flexibility to pursue its public service objectives.

JEL classification: H54, H11.
Asset Wealth and Asset Decumulation among Households in the Retirement Survey
Authors: DISNEY RICHARD , JOHNSON PAUL , STEARS GARY
Published: March 2005

This paper examines the asset positions of households at and around retirement in Britain using the Retirement Survey ‘waves’ of 1988–89 and 1994. The data provide the first panel evidence on retirement behaviour and asset evolution for a sample of older households in Britain. The analysis in this paper shows the importance of housing and private pension wealth for this age‐group in Britain, and also the differential wealth holdings between surviving respondents and those who died or failed to respond for other reasons in 1994. It provides some preliminary evidence as to whether households decumulate assets after retirement in accordance with the ‘textbook’ version of the Life‐Cycle Hypothesis of consumption.
Responses of Nondormant Black Willow (Salix nigra) Cuttings to Preplanting Soaking and Soil Moisture
Authors: Pezeshki S. R. , Brown C. E. , Elcan J. M. , Douglas Shields F.
Published: March 2005

The use of willow cuttings for streambank stabilization is a common practice in riparian ecosystems throughout the United States. Many environmental factors govern the outcome of such planting. However, other factors such as preplanting treatments, planting methods, and physiological status of cuttings (dormant vs. actively growing) may also be crucial in determining the survival of willow cuttings. Actively growing (nondormant) Black willow (Salix nigra) cuttings, 30 cm in length and 1 cm in diameter at the base, were subjected to three soaking treatments (0, 7, and 15 days) prior to planting. Following the initial treatment, cuttings were grown in a greenhouse in pots under three soil moisture regimes (well‐watered but not flooded, permanently flooded, and intermittently flooded). Plant gas exchange, growth, biomass, and survival were measured. Results demonstrated that soaking for 7 days was beneficial to early development of cuttings in the well‐watered (control) soil moisture regime, enhancing percent bud flush and survival significantly. However, 15 days of soaking proved to be detrimental to survival of cuttings irrespective of soil moisture regimes. Results also demonstrated that the beneficial effects of 7‐day soaking were limited to the well‐watered soil moisture regime but not to the flooded or intermittently flooded regimes. Soaking nondormant cuttings may be worthwhile if the planting site is likely to present ample soil moisture but nonflooded conditions to the transplanted cuttings.
Capsule Treatments to Enhance Seedling Emergence of Gaura neomexicana ssp. coloradensis
Authors: Burgess L. M. , Hild A. L. , Shaw N. L.
Published: March 2005

Management of riparian vegetation is difficult because these communities are frequently impacted by herbivores, invasive weeds, and altered hydrologic regimes. Multiple and intertwined factors affecting rare species recruitment are particularly difficult to identify. Gaura neomexicana ssp. coloradensis Munz (Gaura) is a short‐lived perennial forb endemic to riparian areas in mixed‐grass prairies of Wyoming, Nebraska, and Colorado, U.S.A. It became a federally listed threatened species in October 2000. Because the species is a recruitment‐limited monocarpic perennial, we studied the effects of six capsule‐collection dates, a 2‐month cool‐moist stratification, 24‐hr leaching, and 24‐hr imbibition on Gaura seedling emergence. Seedling emergence did not vary with collection date. Capsules collected from Gaura plants grown at the Bridger Plant Materials Center in Montana exhibited greater emergence than capsules harvested from endemic populations near Cheyenne, Wyoming, suggesting that maternal plant growing conditions impact dormancy. Because cool‐moist stratification enhanced seedling emergence of Gaura and leaching did not, sufficient moisture during cool temperatures may be more critical than leaching of germination inhibitors as might occur with normal stream flows. Spring flooding may enhance Gaura recruitment by increasing the availability of riparian sites that are inundated during periods of cool temperatures. If so, hydrologic and climatic regimes must be considered in restoring the unique conditions needed for germination of this rare riparian endemic.
Effects of Multispecies Clumping on Survival of Three Succulent Plant Species Translocated onto Mine Spoil in the Succulent Karoo Desert, South Africa
Authors: Blignaut A. , Milton S. J.
Published: March 2005

Salvaging from premining areas and translocation of succulent plants has been investigated for the revegetation of gypsiferous mine spoil in an arid region of South Africa. Given that facilitation effects are thought to outweigh competition effects in harsh environments, we hypothesized that the survival of translocated succulents would be higher when planted in multispecies clumps than alone and that the growth rate (measured as stem extension) and fruit‐set would be greater for plants in clumps than for those planted alone. Two leaf‐succulent species (Aridaria noctiflora ssp. noctiflora and Drosanthemum deciduum) and one stem‐succulent species (Psilocaulon dinteri) were salvaged from the area destined for mining and translocated onto the mine spoil. These plants were planted either in a multispecies clump of the three species together or alone. One year after translocation, 67% of the plants survived. It was also found that the succulents used in these experiments survived in higher numbers when planted alone. Due to the similar root morphology of D. deciduum and P. dinteri, they competed for resources instead of facilitating each other's establishment. The results were variable for each of the species used, and neither growth nor seed‐set was improved by clumping. These findings would also possibly vary from year to year with different abiotic conditions.