bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Seasonal Changes Occurring in the Pectinesterase Activity and Pectic Constituents of the Component Parts of Citrus Fruits.
Authors: ROUSE A. H. , ATKINS C. D. , MOORE E. L.
Published: August 2006

Pectinesterase activity, 3 pectic fractions, and other characteristics were determined periodically on 5 component parts of Valencia oranges during a 7‐month maturation cycle for 2 seasons. Usually, PE activity for peel, membrane, and juice sacs was least in December, when the Brix/acid ratio was low, and highest in June, when this ratio was greatest. The order of component parts for PE in most cases, from highest to lowest activity, was juice sacs, membrane, peel, seeds, and juice. Water‐soluble pectin generally remained constant in peel and juice sacs, increased slightly and then remained constant in the membrane, and was irregular throughout the cycle in the seeds. The trend of ammonium‐oxalate‐soluble pectin in the components was to increase during maturation. Protopectin in the component parts usually increased to a peak and then gradually decreased for the remainder of the season, except that protopectin in the juice sacs decreased throughout the sampling period. In this component, protopectin evidently was at its maximum by the first picking in December. Total pectin remained constant in the juice and seeds, and slowly declined in the other 3 components with maturation. Membrane contained the highest source of protopectin and total pectin throughout the season.
The Flavor Spectrum of Apple Wine Volatiles.
Authors: SUGISAWA H. , MATTHEWS J. S. , MacGREGOR D. R.
Published: August 2006

This paper describes the separation and partial identification of 10 volatile fatty acids present in apple wine. The acidic fraction was prepared by “stripping” the wine in a rising film evaporator and separating the volatile acids from the strippings by appropriate pH adjustment, steam distillation and extraction. When the volatile acids of apple wine were examined by gas chromatography, using Ucon 50‐HB‐2000 and Uconnonpolar, ten distinct peaks were revealed. In addition the volatile acids were methylated with diazomethane, and the composition of the methyl ester fractions was studied by gas chromatography using diethylene glycol succinate and Carbowax‐400.
Phenolic Compounds of Commercial Wheat Germ
Authors: KING H. G. C.
Published: August 2006

Two related glycoflavones (flavonoids A and B) have been isolated from commercial wheat germ samples, where they occur to the extent of some Q.2–0.3%. Each consists of an apigenin nucleus to which is attached a highly hydroxylated glycosyl‐type side chain. Evidence from ultraviolet spectrophotometric studies and from similarities with known glycoflavones suggests that the side chain is in the & position. Short hydrolysis of flavonoid A splits off a molecule of sinapic acid, leaving flavonoid B, while more prolonged mineral acid treatment of both flavonoids leads to partial formation of a third glycoflavoue. In addition to the glycoflavones, ferulic acid and vanillic acid have been found in wheat germ in the free form. The presence of a methoxy hydroquinone glycoside has also been indicated.
Taste Interrelationships.
Authors: PANGBORN ROSE MARIE
Published: August 2006

The taste interaction of suprathreshold solutions of sucrose and sodium chloride was determined by highly trained subjects using single‐ and paired‐sample presentations. With both methods, the apparent saltiness of 0.12–3.240 sodium chloride was reduced by sucrose. In general, the sweetness of 0.75, 2.25, and 6.75% sucrose was enhanced by lower, and depressed by higher, salt additions. All levels of salt depressed the sweetness of 20.25% sucrose. Response to sweetness and saltiness varied with method of presentation. There was a large amount of variation in scoring attributable to differences between judges, hut reproducibility of judgment was much greater in the paired‐ than in the single‐stimulus method.
New Factors Involved in the Denaturation of Frozen Cod Muscle Proteina
Authors: LOVE R. MALCOLM
Published: August 2006

Earlier work has shown that when the concentration of tissue salts in liquid solution in frozen cod is increased by freezing at a certain rate, the rate of denaturation of the proteins of the flesh is enhanced during subsequent cold storage. The present work is concerned with conditions under which the proportion of ice and concentration of tissue salts decreases, and with the subsequent behavior of the muscle in cold storage.

Cod were frozen before the onset of rigor mortis, vacuum‐dried at –29°, embedded in paraffin and histologically sectioned. The ice crystals showed up as holes. Measurements of the areas of muscle and ice in photographic enlargements of the sections showed that the pre‐rigòr frozen fish formed relatively less ice than post‐rigor frozen fish under the same conditions. It was further shown that the pre‐rigor fish then underwent less denaturation after cold storage than did the controls.

Storage time/denaturation curves at narrowly‐spaced temperatures near the melting point showed that the rate of denaturation did not continue to increase as the melting point was approached. Above a certain temperature the rate began to decrease, and this again appeared to be due to the decrease in the proportion of ice, increase in free water, and consequent dilution of tissue salts.

The effect of decreasing the amount of ice in the tissue by the use of glycerol, and of the abolition of ice altogether by ultra‐rapid freezing, is described.
Inhibition and Promotion of Post‐Mortem Lipid Hydrolysis. in the Flesh of Fish
Authors: LOVERN J. A. , OLLEY JUNE
Published: August 2006

In the flesh of certain species of fish, autolytic hydrolysis of some lipids may he totally inhibited. Examples are the hydrolysis of triglycerides in herring and of phospholipids in dogfish. In other cases an initially slow rate of hydrolysis of phospholipids may be followed by a faster rate. Such initial partial inhibition is exhibited, for example, in cod flesh maintained at 0°C. This initial “lag” may be abolished by freezing at either a very fast or a very slow rate, followed by thawing, but not by freezing at an intermediate rate. No comparable lag has been observed in fish maintained in the frozen state at any temperature, regardless of freezing rate. In unfrozen cod, or in cod maintained at −7°C and below, a terminal inhibition to the “rapid” phase becomes evident at about 75% hydrolysis of the total phospholipids, and this is followed by extremely slow further breakdown. At −2.5 to −4.7°, however, the “rapid” phase appears to proceed to completion. Hydrolysis of phospholipids is promoted by the frozen state in two ways: a) abolition of any initial lag, b) increase of reaction rate. The reaction rate passes through a maximum at about −4°C and even at −7°C is faster than at 0°C.
Factors Affecting Heat Inactivation and Partial Reactivation of Peroxidase Purified by Ion‐Exchange Chromatographya,b
Authors: WILDER C. J.
Published: August 2006

Diethylaminoethyl‐cellulose (DEAE) was used in an ion‐exchange chromatographic fractionation of commercially prepared horse‐radish peroxidase. One major fraction was separated from other minor fractions and used for heat inactivation and reactivation work. Heat inactivation was carried out at 250–300° F, with most of the inactivation work at 280° F. Peroxidase activity was assayed in measuring the rate of utilization of hydrogen peroxide in the formation of tetraguaiacol from guaiacol. The concentration of tetraguaiacol was measured with a recording spectrophotometer. The ionic strength of the buffer solution in which the peroxidase was heated had an effect on its inactivation. Within limits, the higher the ionic strength the greater the heat inactivation of the enzyme. Activity was maximum at pH 7. Purified peroxidase heated 30 set at 280° F and stored 24 hr at 72° F, with the heat treatment and storage time repeated three times, decreased in activity as a first‐order reaction. The storage temperature of heat‐inactivated peroxidase affected the rate and degree of reactivation.
Monoterpene Hydrocarbon Composition of Citrus Oilsa
Authors: IKEDA RORERT M. , STANLEY WILLIAM L. , ROLLE LAURENCE A. , VANNIER SADIE H.
Published: August 2006

A method for estimating the total monoterpene hydrocarbon content of citrus oils is described. The procedure consists of adding an internal standard (n‐butylbenzene) to the oils, spotting the mixture on a chromatostrip, eluting the hydrocarbons, and analyzing the eluate by gas chromatography. The total monoterpene hydrocarbon content is calculated from the weights of n‐butyl‐benzene and citrus oil used and from the areas under the peaks of the monoterpene hydrocarbons and n‐butylbenzene on the chromatogram. The average percent total monoterpene hydrocarbon content and the standard deviation are given for a selected number of citrus oils. Data also show the relative monoterpene hydrocarbon composition of these oils.
A Short‐Term Effect of Weather on Malic Acid in Pineapple Fruita
Authors: GORTNER WILLIS A.
Published: August 2006

The malic acid content of pineapple fruit is quite sensitive to changes in sunlight or conditions favoring water evaporation. By contrast, citric acid is unresponsive to these factors. The inverse relation of malic acid in the fruit and evaporative forces may be related to Crassulacean acid metabolism.
Clinical responders to antiviral therapy of chronic HCV infection show elevated antiviral CD4+ and CD8+ T‐cell responses
Authors: Pillai Vinodh , Lee William M. , Thiele Dwain L. , Karandikar Nitin J.
Published: August 2006

Summary.  Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is characterized by attenuated antiviral T‐cell responses, making their detection and characterization a technological challenge. The role and the dynamics of antiviral T‐cell responses during antiviral therapy are incompletely understood. To assess HCV‐specific T‐cell responses during antiviral therapy of genotype‐1‐infected patients, we adopted a flow cytometric approach to comprehensively evaluate virus‐specific CD4+ and CD8+ T‐cell proliferative responses against pools of genotype‐ and subtype‐specific serial, overlapping peptides spanning the entire virus. Studies in cross‐sectional cohorts of treatment‐naïve (TN) patients , early and sustained clinical virological responders (EVRs and SVRs) or clinical nonresponders (NRs) showed that this proliferative assay had significantly greater sensitivity in detecting HCV‐specific responses, compared with ex vivo cytokine flow cytometry. At the same time, it could be used to detect and quantify both CD4+ and CD8+ responses simultaneously. EVRs and SVRs showed significantly more HCV‐specific CD4+ and CD8+ responses, compared with either TN patients or NRs. This corresponded to a higher magnitude of responses as well as a greater breadth of reactivity with higher responses against the core/E1, NS3, NS4 and NS5b regions of the virus. Interestingly, both clinical responders and NRs showed higher cytomegalovirus‐specific CD4+ responses, compared with TN patients. These results demonstrate an association between clinically successful antiviral therapy and enhanced magnitude and breadth of antiviral responses. Moreover, the study demonstrates the clinical relevance of this flow cytometric proliferation assay system, in combination with an unbiased library of viral peptides, in evaluating the biology of antiviral T‐cell responses during infection and therapy.
Association of interleukin‐1 receptor antagonist gene polymorphism and susceptibility to human brucellosis
Authors: Hajilooi M. , Rafiei A. , Reza Zadeh M. , Tajik N.
Published: August 2006

The aim of this study was to determine the influence of the polymorphism within the intron 2 of the interleukin‐1 receptor antagonist gene (IL‐1Ra) on the susceptibility to or development of brucellosis. A total of 255 patients with brucellosis and 162 healthy volunteers were genotyped for polymorphisms in intron 2 of the IL‐1Ra gene. The frequency of allele 2 of the IL‐1Ra gene was significantly higher in patients with brucellosis compared with the controls (24.5% vs 18.5%, P= 0.03). Although the heterozygosity was more prevalent in patients than in control individuals, it did not have any statistical significance (P= 0.1). Alleles 3, 4, and 5 were absent in our study population. This work is the first that verifies a significant association between genetic polymorphism of IL‐1Ra and susceptibility to brucellosis.
Rapid progression of metastatic osteosarcoma after initiation of a reduced‐intensity conditioning regimen with immunosuppressive fludarabine
Authors: Shinkoda Yuichi , Ijichi Osamu , Tanabe Takayuki , Nishikawa Takuro , Manago Kunihiro , Ishikawa Shuji , Kodama Yuichi , Okamoto Yasuhiro , Ikarimoto Naoaki , Kawano Yoshifumi
Published: August 2006

Abstract:  Indications for RIST have not been established in patients with solid tumors. In this study, we performed RIST as immunotherapy in a 13‐yr‐old girl with intractable but not progressive osteosarcoma, which originated from the inter‐costal region. Carcinomatous pleurisy suddenly developed after the start of a conditioning regimen that included Flu and BUS. She died of respiratory failure on day +19 without signs of engraftment. This case suggests that unexpected acceleration of tumor growth may occur following RIST with immunosuppressive drugs before the development of a beneficial GVT effect.
Obstructive jaundice caused by biliary stone formation around the stent after liver transplantation
Authors: Kawagishi Naoki , Matsuo Chikashi , Takeda Ikuo , Miyagi Shigehito , Satoh Kazushige , Akamatsu Yorihiro , Sekiguchi Satoshi , Fujimori Keisei , Satomi Susumu
Published: August 2006

Abstract:  We report an unusual case of obstructive jaundice caused by a biliary stone, which developed in the stump of a Roux‐en‐Y hepaticojejunostomy after undergoing LT. The patient was a 13‐yr‐old male. At 74 days after birth, a hepaticojejunostomy (Kasai's procedure) was performed for the treatment of biliary atresia. He underwent a reduced size deceased donor LT in the left subphrenic space twice at the age of one and three years in Australia. Eleven years after his second LT, he developed liver dysfunction and jaundice with a low grade fever. Computed tomography showed a marked jejunal loop enlargement by a rugby ball‐shaped stone and the bile duct in the graft was thus dilated. A surgical exploration revealed the jejunal loop to be bent sharply while its stump side was dilated by stagnated bile including a biliary stone. The stone included a stent that had been previously used for the hepaticojejunostomy. This case suggests that a retained stent used for hepaticojejunostomy had thus caused biliary stone formation because of a combination of various conditions in the jejunal loop.
‘Do not ask me to remain the same’: Foucault and the professional identities of occupational therapists
Authors: Mackey Hazel
Published: August 2006

The roles and frontiers of occupational therapy practitioners in the United Kingdom are being challenged by new ways of organising and regulating the workforce. Professional ways of working are challenged as structures and systems of authority, accountability and autonomy are reviewed and revised. The intention is to create a healthy environment in which jobs, career pathways and work roles are redesigned in order to use staff skills more flexibly. Support workers are taking on tasks previously only performed by state registered occupational therapists. Professionals are delegating tasks to other disciplinary groups, working within inter‐professional teams and sharing skills so that one worker can carry out a number of interventions. These new ways of working call for a revision of what it means to be an occupational therapist, a new kind of identity, a new conception of self. Considerations of identity are important because they prompt people to act in certain ways.

 This article aims to ‘excavat(e) our own culture in order to open a free space for innovation and creativity’ (Foucault, 1988, p. 163), by discussing the theoretical constructs of social theorist and historian Michel Foucault as they relate to the dynamics of the professional identity of occupational therapy.

It is argued that applying Foucault's ideas to the creation of a history of the present occupational therapy profession will illustrate the narrowness of the professional discourse and enable a move into a broader, interdisciplinary and critical practice.
Living with Parkinson's disease: Elderly patients’ and relatives’ perspective on daily living
Authors: Wressle Ewa , Engstrand Christina , Granérus Ann‐Kathrine
Published: August 2006

Background/aim:  Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder resulting in significant disability. We examined how Parkinson's disease affects daily living from the perspective of both patients and relatives.

Methods:  Qualitative interviews were performed with seven patients with Parkinson's disease and nine relatives from families other than those of the interviewed patients. Patients and relatives were recruited from an outpatient geriatric unit at a university hospital in Sweden. The interviews were transcribed and analysed qualitatively.

Results:  A conceptual framework encompassing aggravating factors, consequences in daily living and facilitating factors is presented. Patients perceived activity restrictions, changed habits, decreased socialisation and anxiety. Relatives reported changed roles and habits, decreased socialisation, strain and anxiety about the future. Facilitating factors included accessibility, strategies and psychological support for both patients and relatives.

Conclusions:  The results show that Parkinson's disease affects daily living not only for patients but also for relatives. They need to be seen, heard and supported in this burden. Services must be adapted to the needs of both patients and relatives with accessibility to health‐care facilities with deep knowledge about the disease and its consequences. The identified factors are areas of concern in occupational therapy.
Tumour surveillance in Beckwith–Wiedemann syndrome and hemihyperplasia: A critical review of the evidence and suggested guidelines for local practice
Authors: Tan Tiong Y , Amor David J
Published: August 2006

Abstract:  There is strong evidence for an association between overgrowth disorders such as Beckwith–Wiedemann syndrome and the development of neoplasia. An increased cancer risk has also been observed in individuals with isolated hemihyperplasia. We critically review the evidence for tumour surveillance in Beckwith–Wiedemann syndrome and isolated hemihyperplasia and suggest local practice guidelines.
Prior leg massage decreases pain responses to heel stick in preterm babies
Authors: Jain Sunil , Kumar Praveen , McMillan Douglas D
Published: August 2006

Aim:  Leg massage could inhibit the transmission of pain by ‘closing the gate’ or by activating the endogenous opioid pathway to decrease nociceptive transmission of pain associated with heel stick. The aim of this study is to determine the effects of massage therapy prior to heel stick on responses assessed by the Neonatal Infant Pain Scale (NIPS) (primary outcome), heart rate, respiratory rate and oxygen saturation (secondary outcomes) in infants who required a heel stick for blood sampling.

Methods:  This randomised, double‐blind, crossover trial with infants from 1 to 7 days post birth excluded those with prior surgery, septicaemia, current assisted ventilation or an analgesic within 48 h. After informed consent, 13 infants received a 2‐min massage of the ipsilateral leg prior to heel stick on the first study sampling and no massage on the next sampling 2–7 days later and 10 infants had the reverse order. The bedside nurse, blinded to the intervention, measured NIPS, heart rate, respiratory rate, and oxygen saturation prior to massage, after massage, and 5 min after heel stick. Serum cortisol was measured with the blood sampling.

Results:  In 23 infants (birthweight 795–2507 g), there were no adverse physiologic effects of massage. After heel stick, NIPS (P < 0.001) and heart rate (P = 0.03) were increased in the no‐massage group compared with the massage group. Respiratory rate, oxygen saturation and serum cortisol were not significantly different.

Conclusion:  Gentle massage of the leg prior to heel stick is safe and decreases pain responses in preterm infants.
Sleep and adolescence. Do New Zealand teenagers get enough?
Authors: Dorofaeff Tavey F , Denny Simon
Published: August 2006

Aim:  The objective of this study is to describe the sleep patterns of secondary school students in New Zealand.

Methods:  This study uses data from a national secondary school youth health survey conducted in 2001. A total of 9567 students completed the survey with an overall response rate of 64.3%. Students were asked if they felt they got enough sleep and the numbers of sleep hours were estimated from self‐reported bedtimes and awakening times during the week and weekend.

Results:  A significant proportion (21%) of students reported not getting enough sleep. Inadequate sleep was more common among older students and female students of Maori and New Zealand European ethnicity. The average amount of sleep secondary school students report in New Zealand is 8 h and 40 min during the week and 9 h and 23 min during the weekend. There was a shift towards later bedtimes and fewer total sleep hours among older students. Increasing hours of extracurricular activities and employment were generally associated with less sleep, especially among students engaging in more than 5 h a day of these activities.

Conclusion:  Significant numbers of secondary school students report inadequate sleep. Given the importance of adequate sleep on healthy adolescent development, parents and health professionals should be wary of the amount of extracurricular activities that young people engage in, especially part‐time employment and the potential negative impact it may have on the adequacy of their sleep.
Burden of severe rotavirus disease in Australia
Authors: Newall Anthony T , MacIntyre Raina , Wang Han , Hull Brynley , Macartney Kristine
Published: August 2006

Aim:  To analyse the epidemiology of coded rotavirus hospitalisations in Australia from 1993 to 2002, with a view to understanding the pre‐vaccination burden of severe disease in Australia. This study also seeks to determine the burden of rotavirus‐related mortality.

Methods:  Hospitalisation data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare for the period 1993–2002 were analysed. Rotavirus‐related mortality data from the National Mortality Database were also analysed for the period 1990–2002.

Results:  There were an average of 4260 patients hospitalised for rotavirus each year. The majority of rotavirus hospitalisations occurred in those under the age of 5 years, with the highest rate being in those aged 6–12 months (618.4 per 100 000). The Northern Territory was the most distinct region, with exceptionally high rates of admission (148.9 per 100 000 total population), younger age of admission and longer lengths of stay. Mapping of rotavirus hospitalisation in Australia showed well‐defined areas of high hospitalisation rates. Thirteen rotavirus‐related deaths occurred during 1990–2002.

Conclusion:  Rotavirus infection causes considerable morbidity and mortality in Australia. A vaccination programme would need to be completed by 6 months of age to have maximal impact.
Juvenile Huntington disease
Authors: Geevasinga Nimeshan , Richards Fiona H , Jones Kristi J , Ryan Monique M
Published: August 2006

Abstract:  Huntington disease (HD) is a dominantly inherited neurodegenerative disorder related to expansion of a triplet repeat sequence in the huntington gene on chromosome 4. Adult HD usually presents with chorea and personality changes. Juvenile HD is far less common and presents with parkinsonism, dystonia and seizures. We report a case of juvenile HD, showing extreme anticipation, in which diagnosis was delayed because of failure to recognise the significance of the family history and the characteristic clinical and radiologic features of this condition.
Exposure to open tuberculosis on a neonatal unit
Authors: Isaacs David , Jones Cheryl A , Dalton Dianne , Cripps Terri , Vidler Leanne , Rochefort Marilyn , Bide Elizabeth , Banner Pam , Crawford Hamish
Published: August 2006

Abstract:  The mother of a baby on the neonatal intensive care unit was found to have untreated open pulmonary tuberculosis. Tuberculin skin testing and chemoprophylaxis was offered to selected mothers and babies, depending on level of exposure. One of 3 mothers sharing a room with the index mother and 2 of 20 mothers whose babies were on the neonatal unit subsequently converted to tuberculin and were given isoniazid chemoprophylaxis. Isoniazid chemoprophylaxis was given to 13 exposed babies, none of whom tuberculin converted. Two babies were treated empirically for tuberculosis.
National policy on asthma management for schools
Authors: Henry Richard L , Lough Susie , Mellis Craig ,   the Australasian Paediatric Respiratory Group
Published: August 2006

Abstract:  A previous position paper provided a national policy on asthma management for schools. This updated paper takes into account new medications and devices, changes in approaches to management, national guidelines for cleaning of asthma first aid kits in schools and the National Asthma Friendly Schools Program. School teachers and ancillary staff need to be aware both of asthma symptoms and the general principles of asthma management.
Impact of obesity on coronary artery calcification examined by electron beam computed tomographic scan
Authors: Hsu C.‐H. , Chang S. G. N. , Hwang K.‐C. , Chou P.
Published: August 2006

Aim:  Obesity is highly associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD). The early and non‐invasive diagnosis method for asymptomatic obese is desirable. The aim of this study was to examine the impact of obesity on coronary artery calcification (CAC) by electron beam computed tomographic (EBCT) scan.

Methods:  A total of 465 subjects (i) aged between 40 and 65 years, (ii) being Chinese, (iii) without clinical or historical angiographic obstruction or arrhythmia and (iv) without family history of CVD were enrolled in this study. All the subjects were assigned to one of the EBCT CAC score categories according to the quartiles: quartile 1 (<25%), quartile 2 (25–49%), quartile 3 (50–75%) and quartile 4 (>75%), for further assessment and comparison. The main outcome evaluated is the difference in CAC scores between obese [body mass index (BMI): ≥30 kg/m2] and healthy (BMI: 18.5–25.0 g/m2) BMI groups. The trends of the characteristics in CAC quartile groups and the odds ratios (ORs) were also evaluated.

Results:  The mean of CAC scores between the obese and the healthy BMI groups showed significant difference (p = 0.05). The obese subjects had higher ORs (1.0–5.8 times) than those with BMI < 23 kg/m2, and male had higher ORs (1.1–3.6 times) than female, to develop the high CAC score quartile group.

Conclusion:  This study demonstrated that the obese BMI group has a higher mean of CAC scores than the healthy BMI group of middle‐aged, asymptomatic, Chinese adults. The obese males have higher risk of developing high CAC scores, which might induce CVD.
The relationship between body mass index and per cent body fat in the severely obese
Authors: Adams T. D , Heath E. M , LaMonte M. J , Gress R. E , Pendleton R , Strong M , Smith S. C , Hunt S. C
Published: August 2006

Background:  International standards define clinical obesity according to body mass index (BMI) without reference to age and gender. Recent studies among adults in the normal to mildly obese BMI ranges have shown that the relationship between BMI and per cent body fat (% fat) differs by age and gender. The extent to which age and gender affect the relationship between BMI and % fat among more severely obese individuals is less known.

Aim:  The aim was to examine the age–gender association between measured BMI and % fat from a large cohort of adults, including a large number of severely obese subjects (1862 with a BMI ≥ 35 kg/m2).

Methods:  BMI was computed from measured height and weight, and % fat was estimated from bioelectrical impedance in 3068 adults. Two impedance equations, the Sun equation and the Heath equation (specific to severe obesity), were used to calculate % fat.

Results:  Average age for 991 men and 2077 women was 46 ± 15 vs. 44 ± 14 years respectively (p = 0.0003). The average BMI was 36 ± 9 kg/m2 for men and 39 ± 10 kg/m2 for women (p < 0.0001), with a combined gender BMI range of 19–74 kg/m2. Using the Sun equation, average % fat was 31 ± 8 vs. 46 ± 8% (p < 0.0001) for all men and women respectively. With the Sun equation, age‐adjusted Spearman correlations between all BMI and % fat values were r = 0.80 and r = 0.83 for men and women, respectively, but only 0.60 (n = 479) and 0.61 (n = 1383) in severely obese participants (BMI ≥ 35 kg/m2). Using the Heath equation, only for participants with BMI ≥ 35 kg/m2, the age‐adjusted Spearman correlations improved to r = 0.82 (n = 479) and r = 0.70 (n = 1383) for men and women respectively. Finally, by combining the Sun equation for subjects with BMI < 35 kg/m2 and the Heath equation for those with BMI ≥ 35 kg/m2, correlations improved to 0.89 for men and 0.87 for women. Using these combined equations, the relationship between BMI and % fat was best fit as a linear function for men and curvilinear function (both p < 0.001) for women across the range of BMI. The % fat was approximately 10% higher for any BMI value among women vs. men even among the severely obese (p < 0.0001).

Conclusions:  These data that include a large cohort of severely obese individuals demonstrated a linear association between BMI and % fat for men and a curvilinear association between BMI and % fat for women when Sun and Heath equations were combined. Assuming disease risk is driven by adiposity, this study suggests a need to further explore the appropriateness of gender‐specific BMI cutpoints for clinical risk assessment due to the marked difference in the BMI–per cent fat relation observed in men and women across the entire range of BMI.
Prediction of fat‐free body mass from bioelectrical impedance among 9‐ to 11‐year‐old Swedish children
Authors: Nielsen B. M , Dencker M , Ward L , Linden C , Thorsson O , Karlsson M. K , Heitmann B. L
Published: August 2006

Aim:  Predictive equations for estimating body composition from bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) among Scandinavian children are lacking. In the present study, equations for estimation of fat‐free body mass (FFM) and lean tissue mass (LTM) were developed and cross‐validated from BIA using dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) as the reference measurement of body composition.

Methods:  The study population consisted of 49 girls and 52 boys aged 9–11 years from Malmö, Sweden. Bioelectrical impedance was measured between hand and foot at 50 kHz. Predictive equations were developed by multiple linear regression and cross‐validated against DXA measurements of body composition.

Results:  FFM was predicted from BIA and anthropometric variables with an adjusted R2= 0.95 and root mean square error (RMSE) = 0.84 kg, and LTM was predicted with an adjusted R2= 0.95 and RMSE = 0.87 kg. Cross‐validation revealed a mean RMSE = 0.95 kg FFM and a mean RMSE = 0.96 kg LTM. Prediction of body composition from equations developed in previous literature was mixed when applied to the present cohort of children.

Conclusions:  FFM and LTM are predicted with sufficient accuracy at the population level. We recommend that the predictive equations developed in the present study are used in prepubescent European children aged 9–11 years only in order to minimize confounding of results because of possible differences in population samples.
A comparison of insulin aspart and regular insulin in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Meneilly G. S.
Published: August 2006

Aim:  To evaluate the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of insulin aspart in elderly patients with diabetes.

Methods:  Studies were conducted in elderly patients with diabetes (n = 19, M/F 10/9, age 72 ± 1 years, BMI 27 ± 1 kg/m2, HbA1c 6.4 ± 0.1%, diabetes duration < 5 years). Nine patients were treated with metformin, and ten with diet. Subjects underwent 2 studies in random order. In one study, 0.1 u/kg of novolin R (Novo Nordisk, Copenhagen, Denmark) was administered at 7:30 am. Thirty minutes later, at time 0, subjects were given 235 ml of ensure with fibre. The other study was identical to the first except that insulin aspart (Novorapid, Novo Nordisk, Copenhagen, Denmark) 0.1 u/kg was given at time zero. Insulin and glucose valuves were measured as at regular intervals.

Results:  Insulin and glucose profiles were nearly identical with insulin aspart and regular human insulin. The AUC for glucose (aspart: 6.9 ± 0.1 mM; regular: 7.1 ± 0.1 mM, p = ns) and insulin (aspart: 335 ± 30 pM; regular: 330 ± 25 pM, p = ns) did not differ between groups.

Conclusions:  Insulin aspart appears to act similarly to regular human insulin in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes.
Young adults with Type 1 diabetes in tertiary education: do students receive adequate specialist care?
Authors: Geddes J. , McGeough E. , Frier B. M.
Published: August 2006

Aims  To examine the clinical characteristics of, and diabetes management provided for, young people with Type 1 diabetes in tertiary education.

Methods  The medical case records of a group of 55 students aged 18–24 years, all of whom had Type 1 diabetes and had been referred to a hospital diabetes clinic, were examined.

Results  A mean (SD) attendance of 80% (28%) was observed for all clinic appointments. Despite greater use of intensified insulin therapy (increasing from 37% to 83%) of students neither mean HbA1c nor mean body mass index changed significantly. Microvascular complications were infrequent. Documentation in the case notes of the frequency of home blood glucose monitoring was inadequate in 25% of patients as was the recorded frequency of mild (self‐treated) hypoglycaemia in (20%) of patients.

Conclusions  Despite a satisfactory frequency of clinic attendance and organisation of insulin regimens by medical staff, glycaemic control remained unchanged throughout University attendance. The inadequate documentation of dietary habits, frequency of home blood glucose monitoring, hypoglycaemia, social habits and activities in both groups may provide a partial explanation, as other variables were not addressed. Young adults with Type 1 diabetes may benefit from receiving specialist care in a clinic dedicated to their particular needs.
Use of vascular risk‐modifying medications for diabetic patients differs between physician specialties
Authors: Shah B. R. , Hux J. E. , Laupacis A. , Zinman B. , Booth G. L.
Published: August 2006

Aims  Although heart disease and stroke are the underlying causes of death in most people with diabetes, vascular risk modification targets are frequently not met. This study examined whether vascular risk‐modifying medication utilization for diabetic patients differed among physician specialties.

Methods  A population‐based study using administrative data from 105 715 people aged ≥ 65 years with newly diagnosed diabetes in Ontario between 1994 and 2001. The receipt of antihypertensive and lipid‐lowering drugs was compared between patients who had regular care from endocrinologists, internists/geriatricians and family physicians. Hierarchical logistic regression adjusted for patient‐level differences, physician‐level differences and patient clustering within physicians.

Results  Only two‐thirds of patients received antihypertensive drugs and about one‐quarter received lipid‐lowering drugs. Compared with patients of family physicians, the adjusted odds ratios for antihypertensive drug use were 1.27 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.16, 1.38] for patients of internists/geriatricians and 1.03 (95% CI 0.94, 1.12) for patients of endocrinologists. For lipid‐lowering drugs, the odds ratios were 1.20 (95% CI 1.11, 1.30) for patients of internists/geriatricians and 1.58 (95% CI 1.42, 1.76) for patients of endocrinologists.

Conclusions  Despite recommendations to use vascular risk‐modifying medication for most older people with diabetes, many patients were not receiving these medications. Medication utilization differed between physician specialties, with family physicians having the lowest rates of use. Notably, although blood pressure control has the greatest evidence of benefit and is cost‐saving, endocrinologists did not use antihypertensive drugs more often than family physicians after adjustment for other differences.
Comprehension monitoring and reading comprehension in bilingual students
Authors: Kolić‐Vehovec Svjetlana , Bajšanski Igor
Published: August 2006

This study explored comprehension monitoring, use of reading strategies and reading comprehension of bilingual students at different levels of perceived proficiency in Italian. The participants were bilingual fifth to eighth‐grade elementary school students from four Italian schools in Rijeka, Croatia. Students' reading comprehension was assessed. Their comprehension monitoring skill was measured on the Metacomprehension test and through use of a cloze task. The Strategic Reading Questionnaire (SRQ) was used as a self‐report measure of strategic reading. A questionnaire investigating Italian language use and perceived proficiency in the Italian language was also administered. Perceived proficiency in Italian was not clearly determined by early or late preschool age of second language acquisition. Bilingual students with high perceived proficiency in Italian (high PP group) had better meta‐cognitive reading skills than those with low perceived proficiency in Italian (low PP group). Comprehension monitoring was the most important predictor of reading comprehension in all students.
THE LONG‐TERM ECONOMIC GAIN FROM NEW MODELS OF HEALTHCARE PROVISION: THE OPPORTUNITIES FOR PHARMACEUTICAL COMPANIES
Authors: Bosanquet Nick
Published: August 2006

The case for competition in healthcare has become much stronqer. Health economists have failed to notice the erosion of the old arguments for state monopoly.
SIX ISSUES IN PHARMACEUTICALS
Authors: Lilico Andrew
Published: August 2006

This article examines six key issues facing the pharmaceuticals industry that concern the appropriateness and effectiveness of markets, quasi‐markets and regulatory intervention in the sector. The article shows the prevalence of confused thinking in this area, both on the part of lobbyists for the industry and their opponents. It is contended that allowing market forces to operate within a legal or regulatory framework that protects intellectual property rights, promotes innovation and facilitates price competition will produce more socially beneficial outcomes than direct state intervention in the market.
THE STATE GIVETH AND THE STATE TAKETH AWAY: SUPPORTING THE RESEARCH‐BASED PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRY IN EUROPE AND THE UK
Authors: Sedgley Mike
Published: August 2006

The European research‐based pharmaceutical industry has been declining relative to its US counterpart for more than a decade. It remains a substantial and successful industry, and the UK continues to be a particular success story, but many challenges lie ahead in an increasingly competitive global environment. Recent attempts to reinvigorate and support pharmaceutical and biotech research and development have been numerous, and in the UK now include the R&D tax credit. But it is the operating environment and the structure of the market for pharmaceuticals that represent the biggest challenges for the industry and policy‐makers.
SUBNATIONAL GOVERNMENT ORGANISATION AND PUBLIC DEBT CRISES
Authors: Blankart Charles B. , Klaiber Achim
Published: August 2006

Multilevel governments can be organised according to two basic principles: the principle of autonomy and the principle of vertical public administration. In between, there are a number of mixed systems which are questionable from the point of view of distribution of responsibilities. Subnational public debt crises typically occur in mixed federal systems. Preferable to such systems are pure systems with clear responsibilities. Nevertheless, courts can establish clear liability rules and hence contribute to a stabilisation of federal systems. However, court decisions do not supersede a political choice between either of the two pure systems. Two case studies on local governments illustrate under what circumstances a system of autonomy is preferable and how this result can be applied to the European Union.
THE EUROPEAN UNION AND ECONOMIC DECLINE: WHY WE NEED ANOTHER LUDWIG ERHARD
Authors: Stuart Gisela
Published: August 2006

In the context of the election of a woman Chancellor of Germany, it is often suggested that Angela Merkel could prove to be ‘Germany's Thatcher’. But the example of the sort of leadership that is required in Germany comes not from the UK but from Germany itself. Germany needs another Ludwig Erhard. His message that free and open markets allow outsiders to come into the market economy and prosper, and his claim that markets did not need to be made ‘social’ because they are inherently ‘social’, should be understood and applied by politicians throughout the EU – including in the UK.
A study to identify the training needs of life insurance sales representatives in Taiwan using the Delphi approach
Authors: Fan Chiang Ku , Cheng Chen‐Liang
Published: August 2006

This article reports a study conducted to identify the needs for continuing professional development for life insurance sales representatives and to examine the competencies needed by those sales representatives. A modified Delphi technique was used. Most life insurance companies in the USA implement an education and training plan advocated by the Life Office Management Association. Insurance companies in Taiwan implement similar education and training plans, but they do not seem to result in the successful performance of their sales representatives. Besides augmenting knowledge of various financial products and marketing approaches, this study also suggests that life insurance companies need to train their sales representatives to an adequate standard in competencies of problem solving, communication, information technology utilization, culture compatibility, emotional intelligence, collective competence and ethics.
A Prospective, Open-Label, Long-Term Study of the Efficacy and Tolerability of Topiramate in the Prophylaxis of Chronic Tension-Type Headache
Authors: Lampl C , Marecek S , May A , Bendtsen L
Published: August 2006

This open study evaluates the effectiveness and safety of topiramate for the prophylaxis of chronic tension-type headache. Fifty-one patients were enrolled, of whom 46 completed 24 weeks of treatment with topiramate. Daily dosing was titrated from 25 mg to 100 mg by treatment week 4. The primary efficacy parameter was headache frequency at weeks 13-24 compared with baseline. Headache frequency declined from 23.50 ± 5.32 days (baseline, mean, SD) to 12.58 ± 6.28 days at weeks 13-24 ( P < 0.0001), with frequency of severe headaches dropping from 8.18 to 3.14 days ( P < 0.0001). The average headache intensity dropped from 6.13 to 2.07 on the visual analogue scale ( P < 0.0001). These parameters were not significantly reduced at weeks 5-12. A 50% reduction in headache frequency was achieved in 73% of patients at weeks 13-24. Also improved were mood, sleep, quality of life (all parameters, P < 0.0001) as well as the Beck Depression Inventory-II ( P < 0.0001). In addition, a highly significant weight loss of 2.14 kg (mean) was observed between baseline (71.64 ± 10.65 kg) and week 24 [69.50 ± 10.04 kg (SD)] ( P < 0.0001). There were only few side-effects, none of these rated severe. The results provide preliminary confirmation of the efficacy and tolerability of topiramate in the prophylaxis of chronic tension-type headache.
Habitat correlates of group size, bodyweight and reproductive performance in a high‐density Eurasian badger (Meles meles) population
Authors: Delahay R. J. , Carter S. P. , Forrester G. J. , Mitchell A. , Cheeseman C. L.
Published: August 2006

The relationship between habitat composition and the condition, productivity and number of residents of 24 badger Meles meles social groups in a high‐density population at Woodchester Park, south‐west England is described for 2 years. The habitat composition of social group territories varied considerably, although agricultural grassland (permanent pasture and ley grass) and cover of some description (i.e. woodland or scrub) predominated. Group size was positively related to the amount of arable and negatively related to the amount of deciduous woodland in the territory. The number of females and the number of cubs in a group were positively related to the amount of ley (rotational) grassland in the territory, while the number of males was not related to the availability of any land‐use category. The bodyweight of badgers in both summer and autumn was positively related to the amount of permanent pasture and ley grassland. However, weight gain was significantly related to the availability of permanent pasture only. Females that were heavier in the autumn were significantly more likely to lactate in the following year and cub bodyweight in summer and autumn was proportionately higher than that of adults and yearlings per unit area increase in agricultural grassland. There were significant age‐ and sex‐related differences in relationships between the habitat composition of territories and the number and condition of resident badgers. Nevertheless, the availability of agricultural grassland was the most important habitat requirement related to bodyweight in adults and cubs of both sexes.
Heritability of P300 amplitude development from adolescence to adulthood
Authors: Carlson Scott R. , Iacono William G.
Published: August 2006

Early adulthood is a period of late brain development corresponding to the age of onset for psychopathology associated with P300 amplitude reductions. Although amplitude from a single occasion is heritable, little is known about genetic influences on change during this period. This is the first study of P300 change to combine latent growth and twin models. P300 at Pz was measured up to three times at approximately ages 17, 20, and 23 in monozygotic and dizygotic male twins using a visual task. P300 decreased with age. Correlations indexing the stability of amplitude over time were high (median r=.72) and almost 90% of the stable variance (i.e., the model intercept) was attributable to genetic influences. The rate of decrease was heritable, and the genes influencing intercept may be the same ones influencing change. Finally, intercept was more heritable than amplitude at any single time point. Intercept may be a more useful aid in the search for genes associated with relevant psychopathology than single measures of P300. Over a broader age range growth indices may be useful “developmental” endophenotypes.
Contraceptive effect of sperm‐agglutinating factor isolated from Staphylococcus aureus in mouse
Authors: Aggarwal J , Prabha V
Published: August 2006

Objective  To investigate the contraceptive effect of sperm‐agglutinating factor (SAF) isolated from Staphylococcus aureus in mouse.

Design  Experimental study performed with LACA mice obtained from the Central Animal House, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India.

Setting  In vivo studies conducted in the Department of Microbiology, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India.

Population  Sixty female and 18 male mice were used for the studies.

Methods  Mice sperm–S. aureus agglutination, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), in vivo studies in mice.

Main outcome measure  Contraceptive efficacy of SAF.

Results  S. aureus readily adhered to and agglutinated mouse spermatozoa. By SEM, S. aureus adherence was observed on sperm head as well as sperm tail. SAF was found to be causing 100% fertility inhibition in mouse with no effect on vaginal epithelium.

Conclusions  Sperm‐agglutinating factor has been found to have a potential as a contraceptive agent.