bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Steps for A Well‐Adjusted Dislocation
Authors: López Luis
Published: December 2003

Abstract The overarching theme of this article is the interface between syntax and pragmatic interpretation. I take the phase system of Chomsky (2000, 2001a) as the basic syntactic framework and add the following assumptions: (i) the pragmatic values presupposition and contrast are linguistic features, assigned to EPP features by an interpretive component called pragmatics, (ii) pragmatics is “invasive” (in the sense of Epstein et al. 1998) and assigns features each time a phase is completed, (iii) assigned pragmatic features remain with the constituent even as it is involved in further syntactic operations, (iv) assigned features cannot be altered. I show how these assumptions make very accurate empirical predictions concerning left and right dislocation and focus fronting in Catalan that are unavailable within a traditional Y‐shape model of grammar.
Goal Conflict and Fund Diversion in Federal Grants to the States
Authors: Nicholson‐Crotty Sean
Published: December 2003

Researchers using fiscal choice models have had limited success predicting fund diversion in federal grant programs. The application of a principal‐agent framework to questions of fiscal federalism offered a potentially valuable alternative approach, but the traditional model employed by Chubb (1985) neglected potential variability in the degree of goal conflict between principals and agents. This article proposes an expanded framework, which incorporates the possibility of variation in goal conflict between participants in intergovernmental aid programs. The theory suggests that the level of policy congruence between recipient jurisdictions and the national government will determine the amount of grant funding diverted away from targeted policy areas. Findings from analyses of grant programs in two distinct policy areas support the hypothesis that grant effectiveness is partially a function of goal congruence. The relationship between intergovernmental partners is interactive, with the degree of policy agreement determining fund diversion in subnational jurisdictions, as well as the effectiveness of federal oversight activities. The findings have important theoretical implications for understanding both fiscal federalism and principal‐agent relationships more generally.
Racial Nationalism as a Paradigm in International Relations: the Kosovo Conflict as Seen by the Far Right in Germany
Authors: Virchow Fabian
Published: December 2003

As the German Federal Armed Forces are becoming more involved in wars since the early 1990s, the far right in Germany strengthens its propaganda on matters of war and peace. Despite its general military‐friendly stance and high regard of soldiery, the far right in its majority is very critical toward the deployment of German troops because this use is seen as being in the interests of the United States and Israel. Therefore, anti‐Americanism as well as anti‐Semitism and racial nationalism dominate the statements of the far right that creates the self‐image of being the “real peace movement” at the same time that they favor a new hegemonic position for Germany in Europe.
“Moo U”and the 26th Amendment: Registering for Peace and Voting for Responsive City Government
Authors: Brown Clyde , Pluta Brown Gayle K.
Published: December 2003

In July 1971 the 26th Amendment became part of the U.S. Constitution. As a result, over eleven million eighteen‐ to twenty‐year‐olds gained the right to vote. Among them were a group of Iowa State University students in Ames, many of them active opponents of the Vietnam War. Starting with a statewide weekend Register for Peace conference in August 1971 as part of Allard Lowenstein's “Dump Nixon” movement, they engaged in an extensive voter registration drive on campus. Motivated by perceived excesses of local political authority during the May 1970 Cambodian invasion and Kent State–Jackson State protests and mistreatment of counterculture youth, they organized a broad coalition and endorsed a slate of candidates in the November municipal election. They conducted a comprehensive voter education and get‐out‐the‐vote effort, modeled on anti‐Mayor Daley aldermanic campaigns in Chicago, which resulted in victory for their candidates and in a city government more responsive to their concerns.
Pragmatic Pacifist: Devere Allen and the Interwar Peace Movement, 1918–1940
Authors: Addison Barbara E.
Published: December 2003

Devere Allen (1891–1955), a prominent pacifist and socialist, was a journalist, author, editor, and historian of peace movements. He championed the cause of nonviolent resistance to war and militarism, especially as an influential member of the Socialist Party of America in the 1930s. He was the founder of the No‐Frontier News Service, a clearinghouse for the exchange of news and information about the international peace movement, which also communicated the peace philosophy to the wider community. Allen's articulate expression of his pacifist beliefs and his extensive organizational involvement made him a central figure in the peace movement in the years between the world wars.
Learning From Them Learning From Us. Participating in Citizenship Through a School/District Council Partnership Project
Authors: Rea Tony , Rutter Orlando
Published: December 2003

This paper identifies a number of problems facing school councils and examines their possible remit and function. It outlines a project aimed at improving school councils in a rural community college by fostering links with the local district council. The paper summarizes research aimed at understanding the authors' particular concept of participation and responsible action. They describe work undertaken with pupils and adults involved in this project. It concludes that as well as improving the school councils, such work can provide benefits to both partners by widening pupils' understanding of the functions of local government and providing an opportunity for councillors and council officers to connect with young peoples' perspectives.
International NGOs and the Role of Network Centrality in Humanitarian Aid Operations: A Case Study of Coordination During the 2000 Mozambique Floods
Authors: Moore Spencer , Eng Eugenia , Daniel Mark
Published: December 2003

In February 2000, Mozambique suffered its worst flooding in almost 50 years: 699 people died and hundreds of thousands were displaced. Over 49 countries and 30 international non‐governmental organisations provided humanitarian assistance. Coordination of disaster assistance is critical for effective humanitarian aid operations, but limited attention has been directed toward evaluating the system‐wide structure of inter‐organisational coordination during humanitarian operations.

Network analysis methods were used to examine the structure of inter‐organisational relations among 65 non‐governmental organisations (NGOs) involved in the flood operations in Mozambique. Centrality scores were used to estimate NGO‐specific potential for aid coordination and tested against NGO beneficiary numbers. The average number of relief‐ and recovery‐period beneficiaries was significantly greater for NGOs with high relative to low centrality scores (p<0.05). This report addresses the significance of these findings in the context of the Mozambican 2000 floods and the type of data required to evaluate system‐wide coordination.
Keratin 9 gene mutations in five Korean families with epidermolytic palmoplantar keratoderma
Authors: Lee Joo‐Heung , Ahn Kwang‐Sung , Lee Cha‐Hui , Youn Seong‐Jae , Kim Jong‐Wook , Lee Dong‐Youn , Lee Eil‐Soo , Steinert Peter M. , Yang Jun‐Mo
Published: December 2003

Abstract:  Epidermolytic palmoplantar keratoderma (EPPK) is an autosomal dominant disease characterized clinically by localized palmoplantar thickening and histopathologically by granular degeneration of the epidermis. Recent molecular biological studies have revealed that EPPK is caused by mutations of the keratin 9 gene in sequences mainly encoding the highly conserved 1 A rod domain. Here we demonstrate a novel mutation of N160H (position 8 of the 1 A domain) and two other previously reported mutations, R162W and N160S, in five unrelated Korean families with EPPK. The three‐dimensional structure of the 1 A domain of the related vimentin intermediate filament protein chain is now known. Based on its likely similarity to the keratin 9 chain, we predict that inappropriate amino acid substitutions in position 10 of 1 A will likely interfere with coiled‐coil dimer stability, and those in position 8 will interfere with tetramer stability. Accordingly, these mutations compromise the structural integrity of the keratin intermediate filaments leading to the pathology of EPPK.
Increased E‐selectin, IL‐8 and IL‐10 gene expression in human skin after minimal trauma
Authors: Takeuchi Fumiko , Streilein Robert D. , Hall Russell P.
Published: December 2003

Abstract: While clinical observations suggest that trauma to the skin plays a critical role in the induction of skin lesions in some skin diseases, the mechanism by which these lesions are induced is not known. We have postulated that minor trauma to the skin may lead to the expression of critical adhesion molecules on epidermal endothelial cells (E‐selectin) and pro‐inflammatory cytokines, which would predispose these areas to the development of skin lesions. In order to test this hypothesis normal inner arm skin of 11 normal subjects was gently rubbed with a pencil eraser for 2 min. Four hours after rubbing, skin biopsies were obtained from the rubbed site and from adjacent normal, unrubbed inner arm skin. Expression of E‐selectin, intercellular adhesion molecules (ICAM‐1) and the mRNA of selected cytokines was studied utilizing real time polymerase chain reactions. Biopsies were also examined for the presence of an inflammatory infiltrate and for the presence of E‐selectin and ICAM‐1. No clinical or histologic changes were seen in the skin 4 h after this minor trauma. An increase in expression of mRNA of E‐selectin (median ratio rubbed skin expression/unrubbed skin expression = 9.0; range 0.9–161.0), ICAM‐1 (median rubbed skin expression/unrubbed skin expression = 3.2; range 0.9–19.8), IL‐8 (median rubbed skin expression/unrubbed skin expression = 6.6; range 2.6–57.3) and IL‐10 (median rubbed skin expression/unrubbed skin expression = 13.1; range 2.4–29.0) was noted. Immunohistochemistry revealed the presence of E‐selectin in the dermal blood vessels in three of four subjects 4 h after rubbing but not in the unrubbed skin. No changes in ICAM‐1 or HLA‐DR deposits were seen in the rubbed compared with the unrubbed skin. These findings demonstrate that minor trauma to skin may induce expression of E‐selectin, ICAM‐1 and IL‐8, which may make the skin a more permissive site for the development of inflammatory reactions. These findings may play an important role in the development of skin lesions in areas of minor trauma.
Protein kinase C isozymes regulate proliferation and high cell density‐mediated differentiation in HaCaT keratinocytes
Authors: Papp Helga , Czifra Gabriella , Lázár József , Gönczi Mónika , Csernoch László , Kovács László , Bíró Tamás
Published: December 2003

Abstract:  Protein kinase C (PKC) isoforms play pivotal roles in the regulation of differentiation of normal human epidermal keratinocytes (NHEK). In this study, we investigated the participation of the PKC system in the proliferation and high cell density‐induced differentiation of the human immortalized keratinocyte line HaCaT. HaCaT keratinocytes possessed a characteristic PKC isoform pattern (PKCα, β, γ,δ,ε,η,θ,ζ), which altered during proliferation and differentiation. The GF109203X compound, a selective PKC inhibitor, suppressed the expressions of the late (granular cell) differentiation markers involucrin (INV) and filaggrin (FIL), and the terminal marker keratinocytes‐specific transglutaminase‐1 (TG), but did not affect the level of the early (spinous cell) marker keratin 10 (K10) and cellular proliferation. Phorbol 12‐myristate 13‐acetate (PMA), an activator of PKC, inhibited proliferation, elevated intracellular calcium concentration, decreased the expression of K10, and increased the expressions of INV, FIL, and TG. These data indicate that the endogenous activation of PKC regulates the expressions of the late differentiation markers, and that the exogenous activation of PKC by PMA results in the induction of terminal differentiation. Because the cellular effects of PMA were accompanied by differential down‐regulations of the sensitive PKC isoforms in proliferating and differentiating cultures, our findings argue for the differential roles of the existing PKC isoforms in the regulation of cellular proliferation and high cell density‐induced differentiation of HaCaT cells.
In vivo alteration of the keratin 17 gene in hair follicles by oligonucleotide‐directed gene targeting
Authors: Fan W. , Yoon K.
Published: December 2003

Abstract:  Using intradermal injection of a chimeric RNA–DNA oligonucleotide (RDO) or a single‐stranded oligonucleotide (ssODN) into murine skin, we attempted to make a dominant mutation (R94P) in the conserved α‐helical domain of keratin 17 (K17), the same mutation found in pachyonychia congenichia type 2 (PC‐2) patients with phenotypes ranging from twisted hair to multiple pilosebaceous cysts. Both K17A‐RDO and K17‐ssODN contained a single base mismatch (CGC to CCC) to alter the normal K17 sequence to cause an amino acid substitution (R94P). The complexes consisting of oligonucleotides and cationic liposomes were injected to C57Bl/6 murine skin at 2 and 5 day after birth. Histological examination of skin biopsies at postnatal day 8 from several mice showed consistent twisted hair shafts or broken hair follicles at the sebaceous gland level and occasional rupture of the hair bulb or epidermal cyst‐like changes. In the injected area, the number of full anagen hair follicles decreased by 50%. Injection of the control oligonucleotide, identical to K17A‐RDO but containing no mismatch to the normal sequence, did not result in any detectable abnormality. The frequency of gene alteration was lower than 3%, according to the restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis of the genomic DNA isolated by dissection of hair follicles from slides. Although intradermal injection of K17A‐RDO or K17‐ssODN caused a dominant mutation in K17 affecting hair growth and morphology, these phenotypic changes were transient either due to the compensation of K17 by other keratins or the replacement of the mutated cells by normal surrounding cells during hair growth.
Colonising aliens: caterpillars (Lepidoptera) feeding on Piper aduncum and P. umbellatum in rainforests of Papua New Guinea
Authors: Novotny Vojtech , Miller Scott. E. , Cizek Lukas , Leps Jan , Janda Milan , Basset Yves , Weiblen George D. , Darrow Karolyn
Published: December 2003

Abstract.  1. Caterpillar assemblages feeding on two alien plants, Piper aduncum and P. umbellatum, were studied in lowland rainforest in Papua New Guinea and compared with assemblages from 69 species of native woody hosts, including congeneric P. macropiper.

2. Species richness of caterpillars feeding on P. aduncum (29 species per 1500 m2 of foliage) and P. umbellatum (36 species) was higher than the median richness for the 69 native hosts (23 species).

3. The probability that a caterpillar species colonised alien Piper increased with its host range from 3% for the species feeding on a single plant family to 92% for the species with host range >10 plant families.

4. The assemblage on P. aduncum was dominated by a single species (Herpetogramma sp. near licarsisalis, Crambidae), which represented 48% of individuals, and also had a high proportion (34%) of rare species, collected as single individuals. This community structure was indistinguishable from that of a typical native host. In contrast, the P. umbellatum assemblage was unusual as no species represented >10% of individuals.

5. The aggressive invasion by P. aduncum of early successional vegetation is not explained by a competitive advantage due to low herbivore load, as the abundance of caterpillars feeding on it was comparable to that of native pioneer plants.

6. The caterpillar assemblage on P. aduncum demonstrated that an assemblage indistinguishable from native assemblages in density, species richness, and dominance structure (but not in host specificity) can originate from the existing species pool in lowland rainforests on a recently established tree species in <50 years.
Influence of habitat structure on the phonotactic strategy of a parasitoid fly Emblemasoma auditrix
Authors: Lakes‐Harlan Reinhard , Köhler Ulrike
Published: December 2003

Abstract.  1. Females of the parasitoid fly Emblemasoma auditrix find their host cicadas (Okanagana rimosa) using the acoustic signals produced by the host. The phonotactic behaviour of the parasitoid was studied with regard to differently structured habitats.

2. Habitats were modified experimentally within a distance of 2.5 m (approximately the natural range of phonotaxis) from a loudspeaker broadcasting a model of the host calling song.

3. Video analysis showed that in an open habitat (no landmarks) more than 60% of the flies performed a direct flight towards the loudspeaker.

4. In structured habitats (with one to three landmarks) more than 90% of the flies landed on their way to the acoustic target.

5. In about 50% of the landings flies paused for several seconds indicating re‐orientation during that time. Several flies included sequences of walking in their approach behaviour, whereby most walking occurred close to the loudspeaker.

6. In summary, the phonotactic approach and host finding depends on the habitat structure.
Laparoscopic‐assisted surgery and irradiation in an 87‐year‐old‐woman with a large ovarian cystic tumour and uterine cervical cancer
Authors: Yamada Takashi , Kasamatsu Hajime , Mori Hiroshi
Published: December 2003

Objective To report a case of useful treatment for a patient with a large ovarian cystic tumour and uterine cervical cancer.

Results An 87‐year‐old woman was admitted to our hospital because of abdominal distension and genital bleeding. A large ovarian cystic tumour was removed by laparoscopic‐assisted oöphorosalpingectomy through a 2.5‐cm incision in the abdominal wall. Irradiation was carried out for cervical cancer of clinical stage IIb.

Conclusions Laparoscopic‐assisted surgery and irradiation are useful, minimally invasive therapies in elderly patients with large ovarian cystic tumour and uterine cancer.
Delivery outcomes following laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy during pregnancy
Authors: Ishihara Yuki , Inoue Hiromi , Kohata Yutaka , Yamamoto Kenji , Nakamura Takumi , Utsugisawa Yukari , Ohgi Shirei , Suzuki Yukinari
Published: December 2003

Objective  The purpose of this study was to survey delivery outcomes following gasless laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy with minilaparotomy during pregnancy, and to discuss the safety and benefits of this approach for benign ovarian lesions presenting during pregnancy.

Patients and methods  Asymptomatic patients underwent operation in the second trimester; symptomatic patients underwent operation when diagnosed. Written informed consent was obtained. Using the database of operation details, we retrospectively assessed the patients who had laparoscopic surgery during pregnancy, and the delivery outcomes for both mothers and babies.

Results  A total of 44 pregnant patients with benign ovarian mass underwent laparoscopic operation in our hospital. After exclusion of eight patients who had delivered at other hospitals or with complications from pre‐existing diseases, details from 36 patients were analysed. The mean gestational week at the time of surgery was 15.5 weeks; the mean surgical time was 93.2 min. There were no intraoperative or postoperative complications. Pathological examination showed benign cystic teratoma in 24 patients, lutein cyst in six, endometrial cyst in five and a paraovarian cyst in one patient. The mean length of hospitalization was 2.2 days. Of the patients, 32 had a normal vaginal delivery at term, and four delivered by Caesarean section, because of breech presentation, pre‐eclampsia or failure to progress. All the babies were healthy. There was no delivery complication related to the laparoscopic surgery during pregnancy.

Conclusions  The benefits of laparoscopic management in pregnancy for benign ovarian lesions have been discussed mainly from the point of view of safety and short hospitalization. The delivery outcomes at our hospital showed that gasless laparoscopic cystectomy with minilaparotomy during pregnancy has no effect with regard to subsequent normal delivery.
Adhesion formation after uterine horn resection in rabbit model: comparative study of laparoscopic procedure vs. laparotomy
Authors: Telles de Sousa Iuri Donati , Candido dos Reis Francisco José , Brito Garcia Sérgio , Alberto Nogueira Antonio
Published: December 2003

Objective  To determine whether laparoscopic surgery causes less adhesion formation than standard laparotomy for uterine horn resection in the rabbit model.

Design  Experimental prospective animal study: 10 New Zealand female rabbits were randomly allocated to operation by laparoscopy and 10 to standard laparotomy for uterine horn resection.

Setting  Tertiary referral centre for laparoscopic surgery.

Interventions  Laparoscopy and laparotomy.

Main outcome measures  Blauer's adhesions score, fibrous tissue layers and mesothelium layers at the site of the lesion.

Results  The median Blauer score was 1.0 in the laparoscopy group and 2.5 in the laparotomy group (P = 0.0003). The median number of layers of the area of fibrous tissue was 20 in the animals submitted to laparoscopy, and 65 in those submitted to laparotomy (P < 0.0001). The median number of layers of mesothelium was 1 in the laparoscopy group and 4 in the laparotomy group (P < 0.0001).

Conclusion  Laparoscopy caused less postoperative adhesion than laparotomy. Rabbits subjected to laparotomy presented a greater degree of mesothelial hyperplasia and more formation of fibrous tissue than the animals subjected to laparoscopy.
Laparoscopic appendectomy at 34 weeks of gestation
Authors: Aleywan Nadine , Nassar Anwar , Hussein Maher , Usta Ihab , Khalil Ali
Published: December 2003

Objective  To present a case of laproscopic appendectomy in a pregnant woman at 34 weeks of gestation. Using an open Hasson technique for the epigastric trocar, combined with low‐pressure pneumoperitoneum and two trocars in the right and left upper quadrants as the working channels, appendectomy was performed safely and effectively. The procedure was well tolerated with favourable maternal and perinatal outcomes.

Conclusion  The open laparoscopy technique seems to be a safe option for accessing the abdominal cavity to perform an appendectomy late in pregnancy.
Effect of intraperitoneal bupivacaine on postoperative pain following laparoscopic pelvic surgery
Authors: Shalan Hesham , Badawy Ahmed , Yousef Hamed , Nazar Mohamed
Published: December 2003

Background  There is much debate on the effectiveness of intraperitoneal local anaesthetic instillation, during laparoscopic surgical procedures, as a means of relieving postoperative pain and reducing analgesia use.

Study design  Randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled clinical trial.

Setting  Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mansoura University Hospital.

Material and methods  A group of 120 patients, admitted for elective laparoscopic pelvic surgery, were randomly allocated to two study arms: study group patients (n = 60) received instillation with 20 ml 0.5% bupivacaine intraperitoneally, before and at the end of the laparoscopic procedures, and placebo group patients (n = 60) patients received instillation with 20 ml 0.9% saline. Pain was evaluated by means of a visual analogue scale (VAS) at 0, 4, 8, 12 and 24 h postoperatively. The need for postoperative analgesia was also recorded.

Results  Pain scores and analgesia use were lower in the bupivacaine (study) group than in the saline (placebo) group. This difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05).

Conclusion  Topical instillation of 0.5% bupivacaine during laparoscopic gynaecological surgery reduces postoperative pain and analgesia use compared with that in a placebo group.
The effect of pneumoperitoneum and head‐down position on intraocular pressure
Authors: Kayacan Nurten , Arici Gulbin , Akar Munire , Karsli Bilge
Published: December 2003

Objective  Increased intraperitoneal pressure and head‐down position are associated with physiological changes including alterations of intraocular pressure.

Subjects  We investigated haemodynamic, respiratory and intraocular pressure changes at each phase of gynaecological laparoscopy, in 20 women of ASA I status. The same anaesthetic medication protocol was used. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, end‐tidal carbondioxide, pulmonary airway pressure and intraocular pressure changes were recorded continuously during pneumoperitoneum and head‐down position. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure decreased after induction of anaesthesia, increased after laryngoscopy and endotracheal intubation. Peak airway pressure increased significantly during pneumoperitoneum and decreased after deflation. Intraocular pressure decreased significantly after induction of anaesthesia and remained unchanged during the pneumoperitoneum and head‐down position.

Conclusion  In conclusion, adequate depth of anaesthesia may prevent intraocular pressure increase caused pneumoperitoneum and head‐down position. Further studies are required to clarify the picture both in experimental animals and in human.
Life events and psychiatric symptoms in adults with intellectual disabilities
Authors: Hastings R. P. , Hatton C. , Taylor J. L. , Maddison C.
Published: December 2003

Background  Previous research has indicated that children and adults with intellectual disabilities (ID) may respond to traumatic and other life events in a similar way to the general population. However, few studies have charted the extent of exposure to recent life events in samples of adults with ID and the association of such exposure with general psychiatric problems.

Methods  Adults with ID (n = 1155) in community and residential services in a county district in North‐east England were assessed using the Psychiatric Assessment for Adults with Developmental Disabilities Checklist (PAS‐ADD Checklist), which includes a checklist of recent life events. Data were provided by informants who knew the index client well.

Results  Within the 12 months before data collection, the five most frequently experienced life events were: moving residence (15.5% of sample), serious illness of close relative or friend (9.0%), serious problem with close friend, neighbour or relative (8.8%), serious illness or injury to self (8.5%), and death of close family friend or other relative (8.3%). Overall, 46.3% had experienced one or more significant life events in the previous 12 months and 17.4% had experienced two or more. Logistic regression analysis revealed that the presence of one or more life events in the previous 12 months added significantly to the classification of psychiatric caseness predicted by demographic variables (age, sex, residence in community or hospital) on the PAS‐ADD Affective Disorder scale. Overall, the odds ratio for affective disorder given exposure to one or more life events was 2.23 [95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.56, 3.18].

Conclusions  Small, but potentially significant relationships were found between life events exposure and psychiatric problems in adults with ID. Further research is needed to explore the causal direction of this relationship and also to develop more sensitive measures of life events relevant to the situation of adults in residential and community service environments.
Screening for psychiatric symptoms: PAS‐ADD Checklist norms for adults with intellectual disabilities
Authors: Taylor J. L. , Hatton C. , Dixon L. , Douglas C.
Published: December 2003

Background  The Psychiatric Assessment Schedule for Adults with Developmental Disabilities Checklist (PAS‐ADD Checklist) is a screening instrument designed to help carers recognize likely mental health problems in people with intellectual disabilities (ID). To date there are no published PAS‐ADD Checklist data on a large nonpsychiatric population of adults with ID, an important step towards developing norms for comparative purposes.

Methods  Informants who had known participants for a median 24 months completed the PAS‐ADD Checklist on 1155 adults with ID living in community, residential care and hospital settings in a county district in the North‐east of England.

Results  Normative data were obtained for the PAS‐ADD Checklist for the study population with reference to gender, age, and type of residence. The overall prevalence of mental health problems was 20.1%, and the rates for affective/neurotic, organic and psychotic disorders were 14%, 3.9%, and 10.2%, respectively. Significant differences in the rates for particular disorders were found across gender, age and, residence type.

Conclusions  The rates of mental disorders found in the study population were consistent with previous studies of general populations of people with ID using over‐inclusive screening instruments. The PAS‐ADD Checklist appears to be an easy‐to‐use and sensitive tool for identifying mental health cases in ID populations, but further investigation is required concerning the specificity of the instrument.
Assessing the needs of people with learning disabilities and mental illness: development of the Learning Disability version of the Cardinal Needs Schedule
Authors: Raghavan R. , Marshall M. , Lockwood A. , Duggan L.
Published: December 2003

Background  People with learning disability (LD) experience a range of mental health problems. They are a complex population, whose needs are not well understood. This study focuses on the development of a systematic process of needs assessment for this population.

Methods  The Cardinal Needs Schedule used in general psychiatry was adapted for people with learning disabilities (LD). The Learning Disability version of the Cardinal Needs Schedule (LDCNS) was tested on a sample of 35 people with LD and mental illness for its inter‐rater reliability.

Results  The inter‐rater reliability (Kappa) was calculated for 22 areas of functioning assessed by the LDCNS. Overall, there was very good agreement in seven areas, moderate agreement in six areas, fair agreement in three areas and poor agreement in one area. In four areas of functioning, Kappa could not be calculated. More needs were found in the social domain than in the clinical domain.

Conclusion  A systematic needs assessment schedule (LDCNS) was developed for people with LD and mental illness. The inter‐rater reliability is generally acceptable, but requires further examination.
A new approach to evaluate relative resistance and tolerance of tomato cultivars to begomoviruses causing the tomato yellow leaf curl disease in Spain
Authors: Rubio L. , Herrero J. R. , Sarrió J. , Moreno P. , Guerri J.
Published: December 2003

A simple procedure to evaluate relative resistance and tolerance of tomato cultivars to the begomoviruses causing tomato yellow leaf curl (TYLC) disease in Spain was developed. To estimate the resistance and tolerance levels of a cultivar, several formulae were developed based on the ratio of infected plants, virus titre (estimated by tissue–print hybridization) and symptom intensity. The formulae were applied to five commercial tomato cultivars (Amoretto, Birloque, Royesta, Tovigreen and Ulises) naturally infected by TYLC viruses. The analyses showed that Ulises, Birloque and Tovigreen exhibited a moderate resistance, and Ulises was also highly tolerant. There was a positive correlation between symptom intensity and virus titre in infected plants, suggesting that the hybridization technique could also be used as an early estimator of tolerance. Finally, molecular hybridization and nucleotide sequence analyses of the begomovirus intergenic region showed that the local TYLC virus population consisted of a single species, Tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV, formerly TYLCV‐Israel), with low genetic variation (nucleotide identity between isolates higher than 97%).
Solarization of soil in piles for the control of Meloidogyne incognita in olive nurseries in southern Spain
Authors: Nico A. I. , Jiménez‐Díaz R. M. , Castillo P.
Published: December 2003

The potential of solarization to control Meloidogyne incognita in piles of soil used at olive nurseries in southern Spain was studied in 1999 and 2000. Kaolin and soil infested with free eggs and egg masses of the nematode in nylon bags were buried 20 and 40 cm deep inside conical piles of soil 80 cm high and with a base diameter of 1 m. Soil piles were solarized for 3 weeks in July and August. The effect of various periods of solarization was assessed by egg hatch bioassays in sterile water, and by infectivity to tomato plants. Maximum soil temperature at 20 cm depth in solarized piles was 47·4°C in 1999 and 48·2°C in 2000, compared with 32·9°C and 31·7°C in nonsolarized piles. Solarization reduced egg hatch by > 95% compared with nonsolarized samples, irrespective of type, burial depth and location of inocula in a soil pile. Egg hatch of egg mass‐infested samples buried at 20 cm depth was higher than that of free eggs buried at the same depth. The differential effect associated with burial depth and type of inoculum was not found in solarized piles. In nonsolarized piles, hatch of free eggs from samples buried at 40 cm depth was higher than that from samples buried at 20 cm depth. Egg hatch in samples from solarized piles was lower than that from nonsolarized piles. A bioassay of tomato plants in 2000 confirmed the reduction in infectivity of free eggs buried in solarized soil piles. Under the conditions in southern Spain, solarization of 40 cm‐high piles of soil for 3 weeks can therefore be used for the control of root‐knot nematodes in potting soil for olive nursery production.
Population differentiation in the banana leaf spot pathogen Mycosphaerella musicola, examined at a global scale
Authors: Hayden H. L. , Carlier J. , Aitken E. A. B.
Published: December 2003

Single‐copy restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) markers were used to determine the genetic structure of the global population of Mycosphaerella musicola, the cause of Sigatoka (yellow Sigatoka) disease of banana. The isolates of M. musicola examined were grouped into four geographic populations representing Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, Australia and Indonesia. Moderate levels of genetic diversity were observed for most of the populations (H = 0·22–0·44). The greatest genetic diversity was found in the Indonesian population (H = 0·44). Genotypic diversity was close to 50% in all populations. Population differentiation tests showed that the geographic populations of Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, Australia and Indonesia were genetically different populations. Using FST tests, very high levels of genetic differentiation were detected between all the population pairs (FST > 0·40), with the exception of the Africa and Latin America‐Caribbean population pair. These two populations differed by only 3% (FST = 0·03), and were significantly different (P < 0·05) from all other population pairs. The high level of genetic diversity detected in Indonesia in comparison to the other populations provides some support for the theory that M. musicola originated in South‐east Asia and that M. musicola populations in other regions were founded by isolates from the South‐east Asian region. The results also suggest the migration of M. musicola between Africa and the Latin America‐Caribbean region.
Results and costs of intensive care in a tertiary university hospital from 1996–2000
Authors: Parviainen I. , Herranen A. , Holm A. , Uusaro A. , Ruokonen E.
Published: December 2003

Background:  Costs of intensive care may be 20% of all hospital costs. Population aging likely increases the demand for intensive care services, while health care has financial limitations. Therefore data about outcome and costs of intensive care are needed. We studied changes in patient characteristics, outcome, intensity of care and costs of intensive care in a tertiary university hospital in Finland.

Methods:  We analyzed retrospectively data of patients admitted to the ICU between 1 January 1996 and 31 December 2000 using the patient data management system. Postoperative and ICU patients were analyzed separately. Data included age, Apache II score, cause of intensive care admission, length and intensity of ICU care. ICU, hospital and 6‐month mortality were analyzed. Intensity of care was assessed by TISS points and the annual costs of intensive care were evaluated.

Results:  The number of ICU admissions from 1996–2000 was 11,323. The proportions of ICU and postoperative patients were 39% and 61%, respectively. The mean age of the patients did not change. The mean Apache II score increased over time both in the ICU and postoperative patients. There was no change in crude hospital mortality. Total ICU costs decreased from 8,660,000€ (in 1997) to 7,480,000€ (in 2000). In the ICU patients, the costs of hospital survival decreased towards the end of the study period.

Conclusions:  We treated more severely ill patients with unchanged outcome but at lower costs towards the end of the study period. Costs of intensive care are not necessarily increasing.
Pneumomediastinum in labour – probably not caused by a lumbar epidural anaesthesia
Authors: Søfteland E. , Bergjord K.
Published: December 2003

We describe a case of pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema during labour. The patient had previously received an epidural anaesthesia to alleviate labour pain. We found several reports of subcutaneous emphysema and pneumomediastinum (or pneumothorax) possibly caused by or related to epidural anaesthesia use, but conclude that the epidural anaesthesia was probably not a cause in our case.
Tetrodotoxin‐induced conduction blockade is prolonged by hyaluronic acid with and without bupivacaine
Authors: Stevens M. F. , Hoppe M. , Holthusen H. , Lipfert P.
Published: December 2003

Background:  In isolated nerves, tetrodotoxin (TTX) blocks nerve conduction longer than bupivacaine. In vivo, however, both substances block nerve conduction to an equal duration, presumably because the hydrophilic TTX binds only weakly to the perineural tissue. High molecular weight hyaluronic acid (HA) prolongs the action of local anaesthetics several‐fold. We tested whether admixture of HA enhances the binding of TTX to the perineural tissue and thus induces an ultralong conduction block after a single application.

Methods:  In 12 anaesthetized rabbits, the minimal blocking concentrations of TTX, TTX and HA (TTX/HA) and bupivacaine with HA (bupivacaine/HA) were determined by blocking the natural spike activity of the aortic nerve. In 18 other animals, equipotent concentrations of either TTX, TTX/HA or TTX/bupivacaine/HA were applied topically to the aortic nerve. After disappearance of the spike activity, the wound was closed to simulate the clinical situation of a single shot nerve block. The time until recovery of spike activity was determined. The nerves were examined for signs of neurotoxicity 24 h after the application of the drugs. Data are presented as means ± SD and compared by ANOVA and Student's t‐test for unpaired data.

Results:  The conduction block by TTX/bupivacaine/HA (10.1 ± 1.9 h) or TTX/HA (9.3 ± 1.0 h) was significantly longer than that of plain TTX (7.9 ± 1.0 h). Neurotoxicity was not observed.

Conclusions:  Both HA and HA/bupivacaine prolong the TTX‐induced conduction blockade of the aortic nerve of rabbits in vivo. No signs of neurotoxicity were observed.
Bier's block; 100 years old and still going strong!
Authors: Brill S. , Middleton W. , Brill G. , Fisher A.
Published: December 2003

In August 1908 Karl August Bier, Professor of Surgery in Berlin, described a new method of producing analgesia of a limb which he named ‘vein anesthesia’. Bier first presented his new method of intravenous regional anesthesia (IVRA) at the 37th Congress of the German Surgical Society on 22 April, 1908, only 10 years after his significant communication on spinal anesthesia (1). His method, which now bears his name, consisted of occluding the circulation in a segment of the arm with two tourniquets and then injecting a dilute local anesthetic through a venous cut‐down in the isolated segment. Bier had the good fortune to use procaine, the first safe injectable local anesthetic that had been synthesized by Einhorn in 1904.
Cyclic GMP protein kinase activity is reduced in thyroxine‐induced hypertrophic cardiac myocytes
Authors: Yan Lin , Zhang Qihang , Scholz Peter M , Weiss Harvey R
Published: December 2003

1. We tested the hypothesis that the cGMP‐dependent protein kinase has major negative functional effects in cardiac myocytes and that the importance of this pathway is reduced in thyroxine (T4; 0.5 mg/kg per day for 16 days) hypertrophic myocytes.

2. Using isolated ventricular myocytes from control (n = 7) and T4‐treated (n = 9) rabbit hypertrophic hearts, myocyte shortening was studied with a video edge detector. Oxygen consumption was measured using O2 electrodes. Protein phosphorylation was measured autoradiographically.

3. Data were collected following treatment with: (i) 8‐(4‐chlorophenylthio)guanosine‐3′,5′‐monophosphate (PCPT; 10−7 or 10−5 mol/L); (ii) 8‐bromo‐cAMP (10−5 mol/L) followed by PCPT; (iii) β‐phenyl‐1,N2‐etheno‐8‐bromoguanosine‐3′,5′‐monophosphorothioate, SP‐isomer (SP; 10−7 or 10−5 mol/L); or (iv) 8‐bromo‐cAMP (10−5 mol/L) followed by SP.

4. There were no significant differences between groups in baseline percentage shortening (Pcs; 4.9 ± 0.2 vs 5.6 ± 0.4% for control and T4 groups, respectively) and maximal rate of shortening (Rs; 64.8 ± 5.9 vs 79.9 ± 7.1 µm/ s for control and T4 groups, respectively). Both SP and PCPT decreased Pcs (−43 vs−21% for control and T4 groups, respectively) and Rs (−36 vs−22% for control and T4 groups, respectively), but the effect was significantly reduced in T4 myocytes. 8‐Bromo‐cAMP similarly increased Pcs (28 vs 23% for control and T4 groups, respectively) and Rs (20 vs 19% for control and T4 groups, respectively). After 8‐bromo‐cAMP, SP and PCPT decreased Pcs (−34%) and Rs (−29%) less in the control group. However, the effects of these drugs were not altered in T4 myocytes (Pcs −24%; Rs −22%). Both PCPT and cAMP phosphorylated the same five protein bands. In T4 myocytes, these five bands were enhanced less.

5. We conclude that, in control ventricular myocytes, the cGMP‐dependent protein kinase exerted major negative functional effects but, in T4‐induced hypertrophic myocytes, the importance of this pathway was reduced and the interaction between cAMP and the cGMP protein kinase was diminished.
Hepatic hydropericardium
Authors: CHEUNG TING KIN , TAM WILLIAM , BARTHOLOMEUSZ DYLAN , HARLEY HUGH , JOHNSON RICHARD
Published: December 2003

A 41‐year‐old man with chronic hepatitis C and cirrhosis presented with pericardial effusion and tamponade requiring pericardiocentesis. Nine liters of pericardial fluid was drained with complete resolution of his ascites. He represented with recurrent pericardial effusions despite salt restriction and diuretic therapy. Subsequent radionuclide scans demonstrated a direct connection between the peritoneal and pericardial spaces. A pericardial window was formed but despite this there was recurrence of pericardial effusion and pleural effusion. The patient underwent orthotopic liver transplantation 7 months later and no recurrence of pleural or pericardial effusion was observed following transplantation. We believe this is the first case report of pericardial effusion secondary to cirrhotic ascites and a communication between the peritoneal and pericardial cavities.
Evaluation of the hepatic reduction of a nitroxide radical in rats receiving ascorbic acid, glutathione or ascorbic acid oxidase by in vivo electron spin resonance study
Authors: TADA MIKA , YOKOYAMA HIDEKATSU , ITO OSAMU , OHYA HIROAKI , OGATA TATEAKI
Published: December 2003

Background:  A nitroxide radical, 4‐hydroxyl‐2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidin‐1‐oxyl (TEMPOL), is directly reduced to hydroxylamine by ascorbic acid (AsA). Ascorbic acid is oxidized to dehydroascorbic acid (DHA) by ascorbic acid oxidase (AAOx), and DHA is reduced to AsA by glutathione (GSH). In the present study, in vivo and ex vivo reduction of  TEMPOL in the rat liver under various conditions of AsA supply was investigated using an electron spin resonance (ESR) spectrometer equipped with a surface coil‐type resonator.

Methods:  To investigate in vivo hepatic reduction of  TEMPOL, an ESR study of the liver of living rats which orally received AsA or intravenously received GSH or AAOx was made. To investigate direct interactions between TEMPOL and GSH or AAOx, an in vitro ESR study was conducted. To investigate TEMPOL reduction in the hepatic homogenate, an ex vivo ESR study was performed.

Results:  Ascorbic acid and GSH administration increased the in vivo hepatic reducing ability of TEMPOL. In contrast, AAOx administration decreased the reducing ability. In vitro TEMPOL was not reduced by GSH and hydroxylamine was not oxidized by AAOx. Reducing ability in the hepatic homogenate of AAOx‐treated rats decreased, but that for GSH‐treated rats was unchanged.

Conclusion:  Ascorbic acid administration directly increases hepatic reducing ability. Ascorbic acid, which increased in the plasma due to GSH administration, entered the liver and enhanced the hepatic reducing ability. Administration of AAOx impaired the hepatic reducing ability by oxidizing AsA in the plasma and/or the liver.
Systemic, portal and renal effects of terlipressin in patients with cirrhotic ascites: Pilot study
Authors: THERAPONDOS GEORGE , STANLEY ADRIAN J , HAYES PETER C
Published: December 2003

Background and Aim:  Terlipressin is a vasopressin analog that may improve renal function in hepatorenal syndrome by mechanisms as yet unknown. The authors investigated the effect of the drug on systemic, hepatic and renal hemodynamics in cirrhosis.

Methods:  Six patients with cirrhosis and ascites were studied (five Child's B and one Child's C). Heart rate (HR), mean arterial pressure (MAP), cardiac output (CO), systemic vascular resistance (SVR), hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG), reverse thermodilution unilateral real‐time renal blood flow (RBF), urinary flow, and sodium concentrations were measured before and 1 h after an intravenous bolus of 2 mg of terlipressin.

Results:  Following terlipressin administration, HR fell significantly (84.2 ± 6 to 70.8 ± 4.9, P = 0.013), MAP increased (72.7 ± 3.6 to 87 ± 5.3 mmHg, P = 0.027), CO fell (7.4 ± 0.8 to 6.4 ± 0.8 L/min, P = 0.02) and SVR increased (1368.5 ± 236 to 2079.7 ± 458, P = 0.04). There were no significant differences in HVPG (12.3 ± 1.6 to 14 ± 0.9 mmHg, P‐value not significant [NS]), RBF (255 ± 0.02 compared with 249 ± 0.02 mL/min, P‐value NS), urinary volume (49.1 ± 8.9 compared with 49.6 ± 16.7 mL/ h, P‐value NS) and urinary sodium excretion (4 ± 1.1 compared with 5.9 ± 3.5 mmol/ h).

Conclusion:  In the present small study, the authors were able to demonstrate that a bolus injection of terlipressin produced an increase in MAP and SVR, along with a reduction in cardiac output without a reduction in renal blood flow. Further studies are necessary to define the effects of terlipressin on renal hemodynamics and sodium excretion.