bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sm‐p80‐based DNA vaccine formulation induces potent protective immunity against Schistosoma mansoni
Authors: AHMAD G. , TORBEN W. , ZHANG W. , WYATT M. , SIDDIQUI A. A.
Published: December 2008

No effective vaccine exists for the human parasitic disease, schistosomiasis. We have targeted a functionally important antigen, Sm‐p80 as a vaccine candidate because of its consistent immunogenicity, protective potential and important role in the immune evasion process. In this study we report that a Sm‐p80‐based DNA vaccine formulation confers 59% reduction in worm burden in mice. Animals immunized with Sm‐p80‐pcDNA3 exhibited a decrease in egg production by 84%. Sm‐p80 DNA elicited strong immune responses that include IgG2A and IgG2B antibody isotypes in vaccinated animals. Splenocytes proliferated in response to Sm‐p80 produced appreciably more Th1 response enhancing cytokines (IL‐2, IFN‐γ) than Th2 response enhancing cytokines (IL‐4, IL‐10). These data reinforce the potential of Sm‐p80 as an excellent vaccine candidate for schistosomiasis.
Ovipositing females of a short‐lived gall midge take time to assess suboptimal grass seed heads
Authors: GANEHIARACHCHI G. A. S. M. , HARRIS MARION O.
Published: December 2008

AbstractThe short‐lived adult wheat midgeSitodiplosis mosellanadeposits eggs on the seed head of various grasses close to the developing seeds on which larvae feed. The time taken to make egg‐laying decisions is investigated using three types of wheatTriticum aestivumseed heads. Young Roblin, Old Roblin and Young Key differ in their effects on ovipositing females (72%, 22% and 6% of eggs in choice tests, respectively) and effects on feeding larvae (75%, 25% and 5% larval survival, respectively). Within seconds of arriving, the female is able to distinguish Young Roblin from the two lower‐ranked types. However, the lower‐ranked types are not rejected at this time. Instead, all head types are examined before the female eventually flies away. On Young Roblin, probing with the ovipositor is the first behaviour that occurs. Thereafter probing and insertion of the ovipositor occupy most of the female’s time and behavioural transitions tend to be ‘progressive’, signalling a shift from low to high intensity examining. Differences between females visiting Old Roblin and Young Key are significant but take longer to emerge. On both, sitting is the first behaviour but, over the next 5–10 min, the female on Young Key exhibits more sitting, walking and ‘regressive’ transitions than the female on Old Roblin. It is suggested that, when the ovipositing female is short‐lived and incapable of controlled flight in all but essentially windless conditions, her behaviour is designed to thoroughly, rather than rapidly, examine a suboptimal host before abandoning it for the uncertain future of finding a better host.
Evaluation of four topical preparations for the treatment of cannon hyperkeratosis in a horse
Authors: Hilton Hugo , Affolter Verena K. , White Stephen D.
Published: December 2008

The response to treatment with four topical preparations was evaluated in an 11‐year‐old Morgan horse mare with histologically confirmed quadrilateral cannon hyperkeratosis. Each limb was treated for 30 days with 0.1% tacrolimus ointment, 0.1% adapalene gel, 0.2% phytosphingosine spray or a water‐based emollient. Response to treatment was evaluated both histologically and visually. A water‐based emollient and 0.1% tacrolimus ointment produced encouraging clinical responses. Pre‐treatment histopathology identified marked, mostly compact, hyperkeratosis and follicular hyperkeratosis, most prominent in the infundibular area. Following treatment, histopathology identified a mild reduction in follicular keratin production and stratum corneum thickness.
THE BLOOD UREA CLEARANCE and RENAL FUNCTION
Authors: Eastham R. D.
Published: December 2008

A critical assessment of theoretical aspects of the blood urea clearance as a test of renal function has been presented.

 The simple blood urea clearance test is not a satisfactory measure of renal function.

 Urine urea excretion is influenced by the diet, and therefore the diet has a very great effect on the blood urea clearance.

 There is an upper limit of blood urea concentration above which on normal diets it is physically impossible for a normal blood urea clearance to be obtained.

 Some anomalies arising from the blood urea clearance formulae have been demonstrated. Thus blood urea concentration and renal function appear to be simply inversely proportional. Also where the urine flow is less than 2 ml. per minute, the kidney appears to become less efficient as the urine flow increases and vice versa.
CARCINOMA OF THE PENIS IN EAST AFRICANS1
Authors: Dodge O. G.
Published: December 2008

Malignant disease is not uncommon among East Africans, but the relative frequency of the various forms of malignancy differs radically from that of Europeans.

Carcinoma of the penis is the commonest type of carcinoma seen in male Africans in Uganda, where circumcision is practised by only a small minority.

In Kenya, where circumcision is a widely‐distributed tribal custom, carcinoma of the penis is very much less common, except among members of the two tribes where this custom is not practised.
BALANITIS XEROTICA OBLITERANS: EFFECTIVE TREATMENT WITH TOPICAL AND SUBLESIONAL CORTICOSTEROID1
Authors: POYNTER JOSEPH H. , LEVY JEROME
Published: December 2008

A brief SUMMARY of balanitis xerotica obliterans is presented including the characteristic histology. A typical case with photographs is used to illustrate the various stages and methods of treatment with topical and sublesional corticosteroids.

The greatest advantage of the two methods described is that the steroids are deposited locally at the site of the lesion, maintaining a concentration there far surpassing that which may be obtained by oral or intramuscular administration. The preferable method would seem to be the sublesional injection technique although the occlusive technique may be used to advantage in some cases. It is our opinion that treatment should be instituted immediately after biopsy confirmation of the diagnosis of balanitis xerotica obliterans and not postponed until after the onset of meatal stenosis.
Cytotoxicity of Latex Urinary Catheters
Authors: RUUTU M. , ALFTHAN O. , TALJA M. , ANDERSSON L. C.
Published: December 2008

Summary— After an epidemic of severe urethral strictures in cardiac surgery patients, all brands of latex catheters marketed in Finland were investigated for cellular toxicity with eluates made from the catheters. Four of the seven brands, including the one involved in the stricture cases, showed marked cytotoxicity and inhibited almost all cell growth in various human cell cultures when a 30% catheter eluate was used. DNA histograms of cells cultured with toxic catheter eluate showed inhibition of DNA synthesis. Silicone catheters did not influence cell growth, which correlates with the finding that no new stricture cases were seen after the latex catheters were replaced with silicone ones. Attention is paid to the facts that international standards regarding urethral catheter toxicity are lacking and that catheter quality control is insufficient.
Surgical Treatment for Enlarged Prostatic Utricle and Vagina Masculina in Patients with Hypospadias
Authors: IKOMA F. , SHIMA H. , YABUMOTO H. , MORI Y.
Published: December 2008

Summary— Fourteen patients with hypospadias were treated surgically for either an enlarged prostatic utricle (6) or vagina masculina (8). Six vaginae masculinae were removed by an extravesical abdominal approach. One enlarged prostatic utricle was removed by the perineal approach. Three enlarged utricles were removed by an abdominoperineal approach. The transtrigonal approach was recently used for three enlarged utricles and one vagina masculina in four patients. Surgical results in these 14 patients were satisfactory. One post‐operative complication of transient mild bilateral vesicoureteric reflux was seen after a transtrigonal removal of an enlarged utricle. Potency was not affected in any approaches in four patients who were older than 12 years. The transtrigonal approach was found to be the best for good exposure of the lesion.
Prepregnancy BMI and the risk of gestational diabetes: a systematic review of the literature with meta‐analysis
Authors: Torloni M. R. , Betrán A. P. , Horta B. L. , Nakamura M. U. , Atallah A. N. , Moron A. F. , Valente O.
Published: December 2008

The objective of this study is to assess and quantify the risk for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) according to prepregnancy maternal body mass index (BMI). The design is a systematic review of observational studies published in the last 30 years. Four electronic databases were searched for publications (1977–2007). BMI was elected as the only measure of obesity, and all diagnostic criteria for GDM were accepted. Studies with selective screening for GDM were excluded. There were no language restrictions. The methodological quality of primary studies was assessed. Some 1745 citations were screened, and 70 studies (two unpublished) involving 671 945 women were included (59 cohorts and 11 case–controls). Most studies were of high or medium quality. Compared with women with a normal BMI, the unadjusted pooled odds ratio (OR) of an underweight woman developing GDM was 0.75 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.69 to 0.82). The OR for overweight, moderately obese and morbidly obese women were 1.97 (95% CI 1.77 to 2.19), 3.01 (95% CI 2.34 to 3.87) and 5.55 (95% CI 4.27 to 7.21) respectively. For every 1 kg m−2 increase in BMI, the prevalence of GDM increased by 0.92% (95% CI 0.73 to 1.10). The risk of GDM is positively associated with prepregnancy BMI. This information is important when counselling women planning a pregnancy.
MORAL PARTICULARISM AND SCIENTIFIC PRACTICE
Authors: LARVOR BRENDAN
Published: December 2008

Abstract:Particularism is usually understood as a position in moral philosophy. In fact, it is a view about all reasons, not only moral reasons. Here, I show that particularism is a familiar and controversial position in the philosophy of science and mathematics. I then argue for particularism with respect to scientific and mathematical reasoning. This has a bearing on moral particularism, because if particularism about moral reasons is true, then particularism must be true with respect to reasons of any sort, including mathematical and scientific reasons.
WHAT IS GAY AND LESBIAN PHILOSOPHY?
Authors: HALWANI RAJA , JAEGER GARY , STRAMEL JAMES S. , NUNAN RICHARD , WILKERSON WILLIAM S. , MURPHY TIMOTHY F.
Published: December 2008

Abstract: This essay explores recent trends and major issues related to gay and lesbian philosophy in ethics (including issues concerning the morality of homosexuality, the natural function of sex, and outing and coming out); religion (covering past and present debates about the status of homosexuality and how biblical and qur'anic passages have been interpreted by both sides of the debate); the law (especially a discussion of the debates surrounding sodomy laws, same‐sex marriage and its impact on transsexuals, and whether the law should be used to enforce morality); scientific research into the origins of homosexuality (including discussion of arguments against such research); and metaphysics (especially the question of whether homosexuality is socially constructed during particular times and in particular cultures, or whether sexual orientation is an essential trait cutting across times and cultures).
A pragmatic critical appraisal instrument for search filters: introducing the CADTH CAI
Authors: Bak Greg , Mierzwinski‐Urban Monika , Fitzsimmons Hayley , Morrison Andra , Maden‐Jenkins Michelle
Published: December 2008

Objective:  To identify or develop a critical appraisal instrument (CAI) to aid in the selection of search filters for use in systematic review searching. The CAI is to be used by experienced searchers without specialized training in statistics or search filter design.

Methods:  Through extensive searching and consultation, one candidate instrument was identified. Through expert consultation and several rounds of testing, the instrument was extensively revised to become the Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health (CADTH) CAI.

Results:  The CADTH CAI consists of ten questions and can be applied by experienced searchers with a moderate knowledge of search filter methodology.

Conclusion:  The CADTH CAI provides experienced searchers with a means of selecting the search filter that is most methodologically sound.
Flatliners: Ideology and rational learning in the adoption of the flat tax
Authors: BATURO ALEXANDER , GRAY JULIA
Published: December 2008

What factors explain the wave of adoption of the flat tax in Eastern Europe? It is argued in this article that, once the first few successes were underway, governments with liberal outlooks toward taxation adopted the reform through a process of rational learning: an often radically new government will tend to adopt the policy based on successful implementation of its neighbours. The issue of policy diffusion is approached by explicitly modeling the different mechanisms that might underlie the process. Little evidence is found for pure ‘bandwagoning’ in the adoption of the flat tax – the presence of other market‐minded reforms do not predict adoption of the flat tax, and contagion measures do not capture the dynamics of the adoption of the reform. Instead, rational learning, where economically right‐wing governments evaluated the success of the reform (as measured by their ability to attract foreign investment) in the medium term, plays the largest role. Rational emulation in a shorter time period contributes to the probability of adoption as well, as does a change to an economically liberal ideology.
Schools of democracy? Disentangling the relationship between civic participation and political action in 17 European countries
Authors: VAN DER MEER T.W.G. (TOM) , VAN INGEN E.J. (ERIK)
Published: December 2008

Since Tocqueville's seminal writings, voluntary associations have been proclaimed to be schools of democracy. According to this claim, which regained popularity during the 1990s, involvement in voluntary associations stimulates political action. By participating in these associations, members are socialised to become politically active. Supposedly, having face‐to‐face contact with other members induces civic mindedness – the propensity to think and care more about the wider world. Participating in shared activities, organising meetings and events, and cooperating with other members are claimed to induce civic skills and political efficacy. Over the years, many authors have elaborated on these ideas. This article offers a systematic examination of the neo‐Tocquevillian approach, putting the theoretical ideas to an empirical test. It offers a critical overview of the literature on the beneficial role of voluntary associations and dissects it into five testable claims. Subsequently, these claims are tested by cross‐sectional, hierarchical analyses of 17 European countries. The authors conclude that the neo‐Tocquevillian theory faces serious lack of empirical support. In line with the expectations, they find a strong, positive correlation between associational involvement and political action. Moreover, this correlation is positive in all countries under study. However, more informative hypotheses on this correlation are falsified. First, the correlation is stronger for interest and activist organisations than for leisure organisations. Second, passive (or ‘checkbook’) members show much higher levels of political action than non‐involved, whereas the additional effects of active participation are marginal. Third, the correlation between associational involvement and political action is not explained by civic skills and civic mindedness. In sum, the authors find no evidence for a direct, causal relation between associational involvement and political action. The socialisation mechanism plays a marginal role at best. Rather, this article's findings imply that selection effects account for a large part of the correlation between associational involvement and political action. The conclusion reached therefore is that voluntary associations are not the schools of democracy they are proclaimed to be, but rather pools of democracy.
Lateglacial vegetation and environment at the mouth of Hardangerfjorden, western Norway
Authors: KARLSEN LINN CECILIE
Published: December 2008

This article is a detailed pollen analysis and accurate AMS chronology of the Lateglacial of two coastal sites in western Norway. The area was deglaciated around 14 600 cal. yr BP or shortly before. The earliest vegetation was open, with a pioneer mosaic of vegetation on mineral soils, including snowbed communities, and plants on wind‐blown ridges. Later, more stable vegetation developed with Empetrum as an important constituent. Scattered tree birches were established in the area in the last part of the Bølling/Allerød (GI‐1). The pollen record from Vassnestjern indicates three short‐lasting cold periods: c. 14 050 to 13 900, 13 800 to 13 700 and 13 150 to 13 000 cal. yr BP. It has been suggested that the last‐mentioned period, detected at both sites, corresponds with the Gerzensee/Killarney Oscillation. From about 12 750 cal. yr BP, the vegetation was affected by the Younger Dryas (GS‐1) cooling, which caused the vegetation to break up and humus‐soil communities to disappear. In the early Holocene, the humus‐soil communities re‐established and open birch forests developed. This Lateglacial vegetation development is broadly similar to the reconstructed vegetation development in other parts of southwestern Norway.
Holocene environmental change in the marginal area of the Asian monsoon: a record from Zhuye Lake, NW China
Authors: LI YU , WANG NAI'ANG , CHENG HONGYI , LONG HAO , ZHAO QIANG
Published: December 2008

This article examines Holocene environmental change in Zhuye Lake in the marginal area of the Asian monsoon, NW China. Holocene environment records were obtained for the QTH01 and QTH02 sections in Zhuye Lake. The fluctuations in grain size, pollen, total organic carbon content and C/N ratios record notable environmental variation. The early Holocene (11.0 to 7.4 cal. kyr BP) was relatively arid, while vegetation coverage was sparse and primary productivity low. The optimal environment prevailed during the mid‐Holocene (7.4 to 4.7 cal. kyr BP). Vegetation coverage was the densest and primary productivity the highest during the mid‐Holocene. During the late Holocene (4.7 to 0 cal. kyr BP), the environment became arid, as shown by low lake level and sparse vegetation coverage. After 1.6 cal. kyr BP another strong aridification occurred. In this area, the environment was likely to have been influenced by both the Westerlies and the East Asian monsoon during the Holocene. During the early Holocene, the relatively arid environment lay in the background of the increasing East Asian monsoon and dry westerly wind. During the mid‐Holocene, central Asia was controlled by the humid Westerlies, while a strong East Asian monsoon prevailed in Central China. The mid‐Holocene optimum in this area benefited from an expanded East Asian monsoon and the humid Westerlies. Weakening of the East Asian monsoon caused aridification of the environment during the late Holocene. Intensification of this aridification after 1.6 cal. kyr BP might be correlated with appearance of the arid environments in the Westerly domain after ∼1.5 cal. kyr BP. These arid conditions might be affected by the decreased moisture content of the Westerlies.
PARTICIPATION OF EXTRACELLULAR NUCLEOTIDES IN THE WOUND RESPONSE OFDASYCLADUS VERMICULARISANDACETABULARIA ACETABULUM(DASYCLADALES, CHLOROPHYTA)1
Authors: Torres Jonathan , Rivera Amy , Clark Greg , Roux Stanley J.
Published: December 2008

As assayed by fluorescent reporter dyes, nitric oxide (NO) and H2O2, two downstream signaling agents induced by wounding in the algaDasycladus vermicularis(Scop.) Krasser, can also be induced in unwoundedDasycladuscells by μM Adenosine 5′[γ‐thio]triphosphate (ATPγS) and Adenosine 5′‐[β‐thio]diphosphate (ADPβS), but not by Adenosine 5′‐O‐thiomonophosphate (AMPS). These nucleotide‐induced responses are blocked by pyridoxalphosphate‐6‐azophenyl‐2′,4′‐disulphonic acid (PPADS), an antagonist of animal purinoceptors, and by adenosine, a feed‐back inhibitor of extracellular nucleotide responses in animals. Similar nucleotide‐ and nucleotide‐antagonist responses were observed inAcetabularia acetabulum(L.) P. C. Silva. Significant levels of ATP released fromDasycladuscells were measured at wound sites by a sensitive luciferin‐luciferase assay. Additionally, the normal wound‐induced production of NO and H2O2inDasycladuscan be blocked by pretreating the cells with PPADS. Our results indicate that nucleotides released from wounds can serve as a signal to trigger wound responses in algae, and that coordinated signaling between extracellular nucleotides and the NO pathway may have been established early during the evolution of plants.
VOLVOX BARBERI, THE FASTEST SWIMMER OF THE VOLVOCALES (CHLOROPHYCEAE)1
Authors: Solari Cristian A. , Michod Richard E. , Goldstein Raymond E.
Published: December 2008

Volvox barberi W. Shaw is a volvocalean green alga composed of biflagellated cells. Vovocales with 16 cells or more form spherical colonies, and their largest members have germ‐soma separation (all species in the genus Volvox). V. barberi is the largest Volvox species recorded in terms of cell number (10,000–50,000 cells) and has the highest somatic to reproductive cell ratio (S/R). Since they are negatively buoyant, Volvocales need flagellar beating to avoid sinking and to reach light and nutrients. We measured V. barberi swimming speed and total swimming force. V. barberi swimming speeds are the highest recorded so far for volvocine algae (∼600 μm · s−1). With this speed, V. barberi colonies have the potential to perform daily vertical migrations in the water column at speeds of 2–3 m · h−1, consistent with what has been reported about Volvox populations in the wild. Moreover, V. barberi data fit well in the scaling relationships derived with the other smaller Volvox species, namely, that the upward swimming speed Vup∝N0.28 and the total swimming force FS∝N0.77 (N = colony cell number). These allometric relationships have been important supporting evidence for reaching the conclusion that as size increases, colonies have to invest in cell specialization and increase their S/R to increase their motility capabilities to stay afloat and motile.
THE BIOGEOGRAPHIC ORIGIN OF ARCTIC ENDEMIC SEAWEEDS: A THERMOGEOGRAPHIC VIEW1
Authors: Adey Walter H. , Lindstrom Sandra C. , Hommersand Max H. , Müller Kirsten M.
Published: December 2008

The Arctic is geologically and biogeographically young, and the origin of its seaweed flora has been widely debated. The Arctic littoral biogeographic region dates from the latest Tertiary and Pleistocene. Following the opening of Bering Strait, about 3.5 mya, the “Great Trans‐Arctic Biotic Interchange” populated the Arctic with a fauna strongly dominated by species of North Pacific origin. The Thermogeographic Model (TM) demonstrates why climate and geography continued to support this pattern in the Pleistocene. Thus, Arctic and Atlantic subarctic species of seaweeds are likely to be evolutionarily “based” in the North Pacific, subarctic species are likely to be widespread in the warmer Arctic, and species of Atlantic Boreal or warmer origin are unlikely in the Arctic and Subarctic. Although Arctic seaweeds have been thought to have a greater affinity with the North Atlantic, we have reanalyzed the Arctic endemic algal flora, using the Thermogeographic Model and evolutionary trees based on molecular data, to demonstrate otherwise. There are 35 congeneric species of the six, abundant Arctic Rhodophyta that we treat in this paper; 32 of these species (91%) occur in the North Pacific, two species (6%) occur in the Boreal or warmer Atlantic Ocean, and a single species is panoceanic, but restricted to the Subarctic. Laminaria solidungula J. Agardh, a kelp Arctic “endemic” species, has 18 sister species. While only eleven (61%) occur in the North Pacific, this rapidly dispersing and evolving genus is a terminal member of a diverse family and order (Laminariales) widely accepted to have evolved in the North Pacific. Thus, both the physical/time‐based TM and the dominant biogeographic pattern of relatives of Arctic macrophytes suggest strong compliance with the evidence of zoology, geology, and paleoclimatology that the Arctic marine flora is largely of Pacific origin.
Effect of oral naloxone hydrochloride on gastrointestinal transit in premature infants treated with morphine
Authors: Akkawi Ranaa , Eksborg Staffan , Andersson Åsa , Lundeberg Stefan , Bartocci Marco
Published: December 2008

Background: Opioids are common drugs for pain treatment in preterm newborn infants, in spite of several adverse effects. Constipation is a frequent problem when opioids are used in both adults and neonates. Although several studies indicate that the oral administration of naloxone hydrochloride (NH) improves intestinal motility during opioid therapy, there is still a lack of evidence in newborns.

Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of NH against reduced intestinal motility during opioid treatment.

Methods: A retrospective cohort study was performed. We analysed the medical records of fifteen infants (Group 1) treated with continuous morphine (MO) infusion and fourteen infants (Group 2) treated with both oral NH (3 μg/kg 4 times daily) and MO.

Results: There was no statistically significant difference in the total MO dose. Infants treated both with NH and MO had a tendency to improve their mean stool frequency/day. A statistically significant improvement was observed in the mean total food intake (mL/kg/day) of the infants treated with NH (p = 0.014). No difference in the mean food retention between the two groups was observed.

Conclusion: Orally administrated NH seems to improve intestinal motility resulting in increased food intake/day and improved stool frequency/day in premature newborn infants treated with MO. Further studies are needed to corroborate these findings.
Congenital heart disease in 111 225 births in Belgium: birth prevalence, treatment and survival in the 21st century
Authors: Moons Philip , Sluysmans Thierry , De Wolf Daniel , Massin Martial , Suys Bert , Benatar Abraham , Gewillig Marc
Published: December 2008

Aim: To investigate the birth prevalence, treatment modalities and short‐term survival of children with congenital heart disease who were born in 2002.

Methods: We undertook a retrospective review of medical records of all patients who were born in 2002, and were diagnosed, treated and/or followed‐up in one of the seven‐paediatric cardiology programmes in Belgium.

Results: In 111 225 births, 921 children with congenital heart disease were detected, yielding a birth prevalence of 8.3 per 1000. The most frequently occurring conditions were ventricular septal defects (VSDs) (33%), ostium secundum atrial septal defects (18%) and pulmonary valve abnormalities (10%). Thirty‐nine percent of the children either had a cardiosurgical operation or catheter intervention. In this study, 4% of the children died. The actuarial survival at 6 months and 1 year of age was 97% and 96%, respectively and remained stable after then. Compared to other heart defects, mortality was higher in univentricular physiology, pulmonary atresia with VSD, left ventricle outflow obstruction and tetralogy of Fallot.

Conclusion: Survival of congenital heart disease is excellent and continued to improve in the early 21st century. New therapeutic options are increasingly used. This study provides baseline data for the longitudinal follow‐up of this cohort.
Correlation between severity of mucopolysaccharidoses and combination of the residual enzyme activity and efficiency of glycosaminoglycan synthesis
Authors: Piotrowska Ewa , Jakóbkiewicz‐Banecka Joanna , Tylki‐Szymańska Anna , Czartoryska Barbara , Węgrzyn Alicja , Węgrzyn Grzegorz
Published: December 2008

Aim: To develop a method for prediction of severity and clinical course of mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS), a group of inherited metabolic diseases.

Methods: Various biochemical and clinical parameters (including estimation of the level of clinical severity, presence of specific mutations, residual enzyme activity, urinary glycosaminoglycan (GAG) excretion, storage of GAG in fibroblasts and efficiency of GAG synthesis) of patients suffering from MPS types II, IIIA and IIIB were determined. Correlations between genetic, biochemical and clinical parameters were tested.

Results: We found that efficiency of GAG synthesis may contribute to the level of severity of MPS. It appears that (i) combination of low or average efficiency of GAG synthesis and the presence of residual activity of the enzyme is responsible for an attenuated phenotype, (ii) a lack of detectable residual enzyme activity causes a severe phenotype, irrespective of the efficiency of GAG synthesis and (iii) high efficiency of GAG synthesis leads to a severe phenotype, even if residual enzyme activity is detected. This correlation was found to be valid in 15 out of 17 patients tested.

Conclusion: Analysis of efficiency of GAG synthesis and residual activity of the enzyme may be considered for prediction of severity of MPS patients’ clinical phenotypes.
SOCIAL ROLES FOR OLDER WOMEN
Authors: Pilcher Ann Jackson
Published: December 2008

This article addresses a concern with the lack of real life positions for older adults. It suggests that, unlike other real life positions, older adult has not been sufficiently defined in a normative sense. Consequently there are few established or structural roles for the aged. Four broad social role categories are proposed for older adults and possible activities described within each. Also identified are the particular theories on ageing which support each role category, and the implications of each are discussed for social work practice.
AUSTRALIAN LITERATURE IN SOCIAL GERONTOLOGY: A CONTENT ANALYSIS OF TRENDS SINCE 1980
Authors: Minichiello V. , Alexander L. , Jones D.
Published: December 2008

Australian social gerontology entered a new stage of development in the 1980s with the establishment of a number of research projects and educational programmes. The aim of this paper is to make a systematic review of the recent research literature and identify research achievements and knowledge gaps. A total of 158 research articles published in overseas and Australian academic journals are reviewed in terms of source of publication, author institutional affiliation, content and theoretical orientation, and research approaches. The findings show a steady increase In the volume of published material but a number of theoretical and methodological issues need further analysis. Notable gaps are in the psychological aspects of ageing, research by allied health professionals, studying ageing from a political economy perspective, and multi‐disciplinary and multi‐method approaches.
TRY, TRY AGAIN: IMPROVING OLDER ADULTS‘ MEMORY THROUGH PRACTICE
Authors: Luszcz M. , Hinton M.
Published: December 2008

Older, relative to younger, adults may be disadvantaged on typical laboratory memory tasks because of limited experience with them. This study provided task experience over four serial memory trials, on the expectation that practice would be more beneficial for older (mean age 73) than younger (mean age 23) adults, giving them the opportunity to gain task knowledge and devise strategies to enhance memory. Results confirmed these hypotheses. Although older adults remembered less throughout the trials, their memory and strategies improved. Individual differences in strategy use and educational background also predicted performance. Findings challenge the assumption that older adults cannot actively improve their memory.
INTERGENERATIONAL HELP GIVING AND RECEIVING: ATTITUDES OF SIX AUSTRALIAN COMMUNITIES
Authors: Legge V. , Westbrook M.
Published: December 2008

A survey of 371 health practitioners from the Arabic speaking, Chinese, German, Greek, Italian and Anglo Australian communities investigated perceptions of the help aged people within these communities receive from, and give to, their families as well as community attitudes regarding such transfers. Positive and negative aspects of intergenerational relationships within the communities were also examined. Highly significant community differences were observed in responses to 22 of the 29 questions asked.
The Formation of Gerontological Societies in Australia
Authors: Everitt A.V. , Shaw M.
Published: December 2008

Professor Vladimir Korenchevsky formed the British Society for Research on Ageing in 1939 and stimulated world wide interest in gerontology over the following 20 years. His message came to Australia via Dr David Wallace in 1957 and Dr Arthur Everitt in 1960 and led to the separate development of the Gerontological Society of NSW in 1962 and the Australian Association of Gerontology (AAG) in 1964. Gerontological societies and divisions of the AAG were formed in other States subsequently.
A Psychogeriatric Outreach Service to Nursing Homes in Sydney
Authors: Draper Brian , Meares Susanne , McIntosh Helen
Published: December 2008

Objective: To describe nursing home referrals to a multidisciplinary psychogeriatric outreach service.

Methods: Retrospective case note audit of all nursing home referrals to a psychogeriatric outreach service in Sydney during 1996.

Results: Of 106 referrals (mean age 76.9 years) from 22 nursing homes, 101 (95%) were assessed in the home. Behavioural problems were identified in 87 referrals (82%), usually being associated with chronic organic brain syndromes including dementia (n = 75, 86%). Aggressive behaviours (45%), agitation (32%), uncooperativeness (17%) and vocally disruptive behaviour (16%) were the most frequently identified problems. Depression was diagnosed in 33 referrals (31%), often comorbid with dementia (n = 16). Multiple diagnoses were present in 58 (55%) referrals. The most frequent treatment recommendations related to the use of nursing interventions (73%), psychotropic medication (70%), behavioural programs (29%) and family involvement (29%). Admission to the acute psychogeriatric ward occurred in 18 cases (17%).

Conclusion: Psychogeriatric services should provide adequately staffed outreach teams to nursing homes.
The impact of age on antithrombotic use in elderly patients with non‐valvular atrial fibrillation
Authors: Bajorek B.V. , Krass I. , Ogle S.J. , Duguid M.J. , Shenfield G.M.
Published: December 2008

Aim of study: To investigate the use of antithrombotic therapy in elderly patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Methods: Data were collected retrospectively from the medical records of 262 AF patients >65 years, who were admitted to a Sydney teaching hospital over a 12‐month period.

Results: Overall, 202 (79%) patients were discharged on some antithrombotic therapy. Patients <80 years were as likely to receive antithrombotic therapy as those <80 years (75.8% versus 81.9%, P=0.23), but a significantly lower proportion received warfarin than did those <80 years (25.5% versus 61.5%, P < 0.0001). Definite contraindications to anticoagulation were a significant influence on antithrombotic agent selection (P=0.04), but multivariate analysis indicated that ‘old age’ was the largest contributing factor: patients >80 years were 5.46 times more likely to receive aspirin in preference to warfarin than their younger counterparts (P<0.0001).

Conclusion: Warfarin is being withheld in AF patients ≥80 years for reasons other than recognised contraindications and is, therefore, potentially underutilised in the target elderly population. Further studies are necessary to determine whether this is appropriate.
Crushing or altering medications: what's happening in residential aged‐care facilities?
Authors: Paradiso L M. , Roughead E. E. , Gilbert A. L. , Cosh D. , Nation R. L. , Barnes L. , Cheek J. , Ballantyne A.
Published: December 2008

Objectives: To determine the extent to which medications are altered or crushed prior to administration to residents of aged‐care facilities, the medications involved and the methods employed.

Method: Observation of medication rounds at a representative sample of South Australian aged‐care facilities.

Results: At least one medication was altered in 34% of the 1207 occasions of medication administration observed within ten residential aged‐care facilities in South Australia. 17% of medicines which were altered, had the potential, because of the alteration, to cause increased toxicity, decreased efficacy, unpalatability, safety or stability concerns. The process of altering medicines was found to be problematic. In all occasions where more than one medicine was altered, they were crushed together within the same vessel. In 59% of occasions where the same vessel was shared amongst residents, the vessel was not cleaned between residents and in 70% of cases where medicines were altered, spillage, and thus potential loss of dosage, was observed.

Conclusions: Guidelines outlining best practice for the alteration and administration of medications in residential aged‐care facilities are required. In addition, accurate and up‐to‐date information needs to be available for carers and health practitioners in residential aged‐care facilities detailing those medications which should not be altered, the potential risks of alternating medicines and other options.
What Influences Innovation Adoption by Water Managers? Climate Information Use in Brazil and the United States1
Authors: Lemos Maria Carmen
Published: December 2008

Abstract:  This paper examines the use of climate forecasting in water management in Brazil and the United States (U.S.). Specifically, it seeks to understand how different institutional arrangements shape the willingness and ability of water managers to incorporate technoscience, especially seasonal climate forecasting (SCF), in their decision‐making process. It argues that among the many factors shaping the willingness of water managers to use SCF, institutional design and change is critical to explain different patterns in Brazil and the U.S. Moreover, factors related to individual flexibility, discretion, and accountability also affect the ability of managers to use climate information in water management. This paper finds that while water managers in the U.S operate in a mostly fragmented and risk‐averse system – which constrains the adoption of innovation – decision makers in Brazil can afford more flexibility to introduce new decision tools as a result of widespread water management reforms initiated in the 1990s.
Impacts of Multiple Stresses on Water Demand and Supply Across the Southeastern United States1
Authors: Sun Ge , McNulty Steven G. , Moore Myers Jennifer A. , Cohen Erika C.
Published: December 2008

Abstract:  Assessment of long‐term impacts of projected changes in climate, population, and land use and land cover on regional water resource is critical to the sustainable development of the southeastern United States. The objective of this study was to fully budget annual water availability for water supply (precipitation − evapotranspiration + groundwater supply + return flow) and demand from commercial, domestic, industrial, irrigation, livestock, mining, and thermoelectric uses. The Water Supply Stress Index and Water Supply Stress Index Ratio were developed to evaluate water stress conditions over time and across the 666 eight‐digit Hydrologic Unit Code basins in the 13 southeastern states. Predictions from two Global Circulation Models (CGC1 and HadCM2Sul), one land use change model, and one human population model, were integrated to project future water supply stress in 2020. We found that population increase greatly stressed water supply in metropolitan areas located in the Piedmont region and Florida. Predicted land use and land cover changes will have little effect on water quantity and water supply‐water demand relationship. In contrast, climate changes had the most pronounced effects on regional water supply and demand, especially in western Texas where water stress was historically highest in the study region. The simulation system developed by this study is useful for water resource planners to address water shortage problems such as those experienced during 2007 in the study region. Future studies should focus on refining the water supply term to include flow exchanges between watersheds and constraints of water quality and environmental flows to water availability for human use.
Demolish it and They Will Come: Estimating the Economic Impacts of Restoring a Recreational Fishery1
Authors: Robbins Jesse Lance , Lewis Lynne Y.
Published: December 2008

Abstract:  This paper presents the results of an ex post survey of recreational anglers for the lower Kennebec River, post‐Edwards Dam removal. To the best of our knowledge, this study represents one of the first ex post analyses of fisheries restoration from dam removal. We find significant benefits have accrued to anglers using the restored fishery. Specifically, anglers are spending more to visit the fishery, a direct indication of the increased value anglers place on the improved fishery. Anglers are also willing to pay for increased angling opportunities on the river. These findings have policy implications for other privately owned dams that are currently undergoing relicensing and/or dam removal considerations. Our findings may also hold implications for fisheries that have deteriorated due to historic dam construction.
Modeling the Effect of Summertime Heating on Urban Runoff Temperature1
Authors: Thompson A.M. , Wilson T. , Norman J.M. , Gemechu A.L. , Roa‐Espinosa A.
Published: December 2008

Abstract:  The summertime heating of runoff in urban areas is recognized as a common and consistent urban climatological phenomenon. In this study, a simple thermal urban runoff model (TURM) is presented for the net energy flux at the impervious surfaces of urban areas to account for the heat transferred to runoff. The first step in developing TURM consists of calculating the various factors that control how urban impervious areas absorb heat and transfer it to moving water on the surface. The runoff temperature is determined based on the interactions of the physical characteristics of the impervious areas, the weather, and the heat transfer between the moving film of runoff and the impervious surface common in urban areas. Key surface and weather factors that affect runoff temperature predictions are type of impervious surface, air temperature, humidity, solar radiation before and during rain, rainfall intensity, and rainfall temperature. Runoff from pervious areas is considered separately and estimated using the Green‐Ampt Mein‐Larson rainfall excess method. Pervious runoff temperature is estimated as the rainfall temperature. Field measurements indicate that wet bulb temperature can be used as a surrogate for rainfall temperature and that runoff temperatures from sod average just 2°C higher than rainfall temperatures. Differences between measured and predicted impervious runoff temperature average approximately 2°C, indicating that TURM is a useful tool for determining runoff temperatures for typical urban areas.
Contaminant Retention Potential of Forested Filter Strips Established as SMZs in the Piedmont of Georgia1
Authors: Pinho Alexandra P. , Morris Lawrence A. , Jackson C. Rhett , White W. James , Bush Parshall B. , Matos Antônio T.
Published: December 2008

Abstract:  It is common practice in the United States and elsewhere to maintain vegetated filter strips adjacent to streams to retain contaminants in surface runoff. Most research has evaluated contaminant retention in managed agricultural field strips, while relatively few studies have quantified retention in forested filter strips, particularly for dissolved contaminants. Plot‐scale overland flow experiments were conducted to evaluate the efficiency of natural forested filter strips established as streamside management zones (SMZs) for retaining phosphorus (P), atrazine, and picloram transported in runoff. Retention was evaluated for five different slope classes: 1‐2, 5‐7, 10‐12, 15‐17, and 20‐22%; two cover conditions: undisturbed forest floor (O horizon intact) and forest floor removed by raking; and two periods with contrasting soil moisture conditions: summer‐dry and winter‐wet season. Surface flow was collected at 0, 2, 4, 6, and 10 m within the filter strip to evaluate changes in solution concentration as it moved through the O horizon and the surface soil horizon mixing zone. On average, a 10 m length of forested SMZ with an undisturbed forest floor reduced initial solution concentration of total dissolved P by 51%, orthophosphate P by 49%, atrazine by 28%, and picloram by 5%. Percentages of mass retention through infiltration of water plus concentration reductions in runoff were 64% for total dissolved P, 62% for orthophosphate P, 47% for atrazine, and 28% for picloram for undisturbed forest floor conditions. Lower retention occurred following forest floor removal, particularly for P. Average dissolved P retention was 16% lower following forest floor removal. For undisturbed sites, differences in retention were more closely related to forest floor depth than to slope or antecedent soil moisture. These results indicate that forested SMZ filter strips provide a significant measure of surface water protection from dissolved P and herbicide delivery to surface water.
Method to Partition Between Attached and Unattached E. coli in Runoff From Agricultural Lands1
Authors: Soupir Michelle L. , Mostaghimi Saied , Love Nancy G.
Published: December 2008

Abstract:  Remediation of waters impaired by bacterial indicators is usually dictated by total maximum daily load plans, which are heavily dependent on fate and transport modeling of bacterial indicators. Nonpoint source pollution models are most frequently used to assess bacterial transport to surface waters and most models typically simulate bacterial transport as a dissolved pollutant. Previous studies have found that cells preferentially attach to sediments; however, a variety of techniques have been used to assess attachment including filtration, fractional filtration, and centrifugation. In addition, a variety of chemical and physical dispersion techniques are used to release attached and bioflocculated cells from particulates. Here we developed and validated an easy‐to‐replicate laboratory procedure for separation of unattached from attached E. coli which will also identify particle sizes to which E. coli preferentially attach. Physical and chemical dispersion techniques were evaluated and a combined hand shaker treatment for 10 min followed by dilutions in 1,000 mg/l of Tween 85 significantly increased total E. coli concentrations by 31% when compared with a control. In order to separate unattached from attached fractions, two commonly used techniques, fractional filtration, and centrifugation were combined. The filtration and centrifugation treatments did not reduce E. coli concentrations when compared with a control (p > 0.05), indicating that damage was not inflicted upon the E. coli cells during the separation procedure.