bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Produtividade e qualidade da flor-de-seda em diferentes densidades e sistemas de plantio
Authors: Andrade Maria Verônica Meira de , Silva Divan Soares da , Andrade Albericio Pereira de , Medeiros Ariosvaldo Nunes de , Pimenta Filho Edgard Cavalcanti , Cândido Magno José Duarte , Caldas Pinto Maria do Socorro de
Published: January 2008

Avaliou-se o efeito de dois sistemas de plantio (sem camalhão e com camalhão) e de três espaçamentos (1,0 × 1,5 m; 1,5 × 2,0 m; e 2,0 × 2,0 m) sobre a qualidade e a produtividade de flor-de-seda aos 60 dias de rebrotação. Utilizou-se o delineamento experimental com blocos casualizados em esquema fatorial 2 × 3 (dois sistemas de manejo do solo e três densidades de plantio) com cinco repetições, em parcelas subdivididas no espaço e no tempo. Plantas escolhidas aleatoriamente foram cortadas, separadas por tratamento e analisadas quanto aos teores de matéria seca (MS), matéria orgânica (MO), cinzas, extrato etéreo (EE), proteína bruta (PB), fibra em detergente neutro (FDN), fibra em detergente ácido (FDA), celulose, hemicelulose, lignina, carboidratos não-fibrosos (CNF) e carboidratos totais (CT) e quanto à produtividade (kg MS/ha). Os sistemas de manejo do solo e as densidades de plantio não influenciaram a composição em MO, cinzas, FDN, EE, lignina, celulose, CNF e CT. As densidades de plantio influenciaram o teor de hemicelulose e FDA. O sistema de manejo do solo com camalhão teve efeito linear decrescente sobre o teor de PB. A maior produtividade de MS (699,72 kg/ha) da flor-de-seda foi verificada no sistema de plantio mais adensado (1,0 m × 1,5 m) e correspondeu a 6.666 plantas/ha.
Influência da espermatogênese e dos níveis de testosterona no aspecto reprodutivo de codornas
Authors: Amoroso Lizandra , Artoni Silvana Martinez Baraldi , Moraes Vera Maria Barbosa de , Perecin Dilermano , Franzo Vanessa Sobue , Amoroso Patrícia
Published: January 2008

Analisaram-se os níveis de testosterona, o peso corporal, os pesos testiculares relativos e absolutos, a espessura da túnica albugínea, a altura do epitélio germinativo, o diâmetro e o número de figuras de meiose dos túbulos seminíferos dos testículos de 65 codornas machos no período de junho a outubro. As aves foram agrupadas em gaiolas (6 aves/gaiola) e alojadas em um galpão durante todo o período experimental. A análise morfométrica dos testículos foi realizada no período dos 60 aos 180 dias de idade. Os níveis de testosterona plasmática total foram dosados pelo método de radioimunoensaio com anticorpo marcado radiativamente. Conforme resultados da análise morfométrica, a concentração de testosterona circulante influenciou o comportamento do epitélio germinativo do testículo e teve atividade espermatogênica máxima durante o período de 110 a 130 dias de idade, evidenciando que a fase de maior atividade reprodutiva coincide com o início do fotoperíodo crescente, ou seja, no final de agosto ao início de setembro. O pico de testosterona foi anterior à espermatogênese máxima, evidenciando a preparação do sistema reprodutor para a fase proliferativa. Aos 180 dias de idade, ainda que submetidas aos dias longos no mês de outubro, as aves apresentaram baixos níveis de testosterona circulante e regressão de parâmetros testiculares.
Níveis de lisina digestível para leitões dos 6 aos 15 kg
Authors: Nunes Christiane Garcia Vilela , Oliveira Rita Flávia Miranda de , Donzele Juarez Lopes , Siqueira Jefferson Costa de , Pereira Adriana Aparecida , Silva Bruno Alexander Nunes
Published: January 2008

Este estudo foi realizado para avaliar o efeito de diferentes níveis de lisina digestível na ração sobre o desempenho de leitões dos 6 aos 15 kg. Foram utilizados 120 leitões (80 machos castrados e 40 fêmeas), distribuídos em um delineamento experimental de blocos ao acaso, com cinco tratamentos (1,06; 1,16; 1,26; 1,36 e 1,46% de lisina digestível na ração), oito repetições e três animais por unidade experimental, mantidos em ambiente termoneutro. Os níveis de lisina digestível na ração não influenciaram o consumo diário de ração. Entretanto, o consumo de lisina digestível, o ganho de peso e a deposição de proteína corporal aumentaram de forma linear de acordo com os níveis de lisina digestível na ração. Os níveis de lisina digestível na ração influenciaram a conversão alimentar, que variou de forma quadrática, reduzindo até o nível estimado de 1,41% de lisina digestível. O nível estimado de no mínimo de 1,46% proporcionou melhores resultados de ganho de peso e deposição de proteína na carcaça de leitões dos 6 aos 15 kg mantidos em ambiente termoneutro.
Coeficientes de metabolizabilidade da energia bruta de diferentes ingredientes para frangos de corte
Authors: Nunes Ricardo Vianna , Rostagno Horacio Santiago , Gomes Paulo Cezar , Nunes Christiane Garcia Vilela , Pozza Paulo Cesar , Araujo Marcelle Santana de
Published: January 2008

Com o objetivo de determinar os valores de energia metabolizável aparente (EMA), aparente corrigida (EMAn), verdadeira (EMV) e verdadeira corrigida (EMVn) de oito ingredientes e seus respectivos coeficientes de metabolizabilidade, foram utilizados 300 frangos de corte machos Ross, com 21 dias de idade, distribuídos em oito tratamentos (alimentos) e uma ração-referência, em três blocos com duas repetições por bloco e cinco aves por unidade experimental. Os alimentos avaliados foram: duas amostras de grão de trigo (TI), duas de farelo de trigo (FT), duas de grão de milho (MI), uma de grão de sorgo (SO) e uma de farelo de glúten de milho 21% (21% FGM), as quais substituíram 30% da ração-referência. As aves receberam ração à vontade por 12 dias, de modo que os cinco dias finais foram destinados à coleta de excretas. Durante os cinco dias de coleta, 30 aves distribuídas em seis gaiolas foram mantidas em jejum por 72 horas (as 24 horas iniciais para esvaziamento do trato gastrointestinal e as 48 horas restantes para coleta das excretas), que foram quantificadas e extrapoladas para cinco dias. Os valores de EMA e EMAn, em kcal/kg MS, foram em média de 3.391 e 3.275 para o TI, de 2.076 e 1.996 para o FT, de 3.862 e 3.768 para o MI, de 3.551 e 3.464 para o SO e de 1.992 a 1.901 para o 21% FGM. Os valores de EMV e EMV, em nkcal/kg MS, foram em média de 3.495 e 3.496 para o TI, de 2.195 e 2.146 para o FT, de 3.981 e 4.040 para o MI, de 3.652 e 3.680 para o sorgo e de 2.117 a 1.961 para o 21% FGM. Os coeficientes de metabolizabilidade para energia bruta foram em média de 68,94%.
Níveis de energia metabolizável em rações pré-iniciais para frangos de corte
Authors: Xavier Suzany Aparecida Gomes , Stringhini José Henrique , Brito Alexandre Barbosa de , Andrade Maria Auxiliadora , Leandro Nadja Susana Mogyca , Café Marcos Barcellos
Published: January 2008

Um experimento foi conduzido com o objetivo de avaliar níveis de energia metabolizável em rações para frangos de corte na fase pré-inicial de crescimento. Foram alojados 280 pintos de 1 dia de idade, linhagem Avian Cobb em baterias aquecidas e distribuídas em um delineamento inteiramente casualizado com cinco tratamentos (2.850, 2.950, 3.000, 3.050, 3.150 kcal/kg de EM na ração) e quatro repetições de 14 aves por unidade experimental. Foram medidos os pesos das aves e das rações fornecidas e as sobras nos 1, 4, 7, 10, 14, 18 e 21 dias de idade e as características de desempenho determinadas (ganho de peso médio, consumo de ração e conversão alimentar) nos períodos de 1 a 7 e de 1 a 21 dias de idade. Realizou-se um ensaio de digestibilidade durante a primeira semana entre o quarto e o sétimo dias. Os resultados indicaram que os níveis EM testados influenciaram o desempenho das aves no período de 1 a 21 dias de idade, porém, os menores níveis de EM resultaram nos piores valores de digestibilidade da MS. O menor nível, 2.850 kcal EM/kg, permitiu melhor desempenho de frangos de corte, enquanto o de 3.115 kcal EM/kg promoveu melhor digestibilidade da MS em rações à base de milho e farelo de soja.
Desempenho de bezerros holandeses alimentados até o desaleitamento com silagem de grãos úmidos ou grãos secos de milho ou sorgo
Authors: Almeida Júnior Gercílio Alves de , Costa Ciniro , Carvalho Sebastião Marcos Ribeiro de , Panichi Amanda , Persichetti Júnior Pedro
Published: January 2008

Avaliou-se o desempenho de bezerros alimentados até o desaleitamento com silagem de grãos úmidos ou grãos secos de milho ou sorgo para posterior produção de vitelos de carne rosa. Trinta bezerros holandeses foram distribuídos em delineamento em blocos casualizados, com cinco blocos e seis tratamentos, e alimentados com seis rações concentradas com teores similares de proteína (22,5% PB) e de energia (3,2 Mcal EM/kg MS), formuladas com: milho seco moído (MM); silagem de grãos úmidos de milho (SGUM); sorgo seco com tanino moído (SCTM); silagem de grãos úmidos de sorgo com tanino (SGUSCT); sorgo seco sem tanino moído (SSTM); e silagem de grãos úmidos de sorgo sem tanino (SGUSST). Os animais receberam sucedâneo de leite até atingirem o peso pré-estabelecido para desaleitamento (60 ± 5 kg). Não houve efeito das rações concentradas sobre a altura de cernelha, a idade ao desaleitamento, os consumos diários de MS diários e totais das rações concentradas, os ganhos de peso diários e totais e a conversão alimentar. Os custos por kg de ganho de peso das rações concentradas contendo sorgo foram mais baixos que o das rações concentradas formuladas com milho. Todos os alimentos avaliados podem ser usados em rações concentradas para bezerros em fase de aleitamento, pois não comprometem o desempenho e conferem resultados similares.
Composição físico-química de carcaças de bezerros holandeses alimentados após o desaleitamento com silagem de grãos úmidos ou grãos secos de milho ou sorgo
Authors: Almeida Júnior Gercílio Alves de , Costa Ciniro , Carvalho Sebastião Marcos Ribeiro de , Persichetti Júnior Pedro , Panichi Amanda
Published: January 2008

Avaliou-se a composição físico-química de carcaças de bezerros após desaleitamento até o abate com silagem de grãos úmidos ou grãos secos de milho ou sorgo para a produção de vitelos de carne rosa. Trinta bezerros holandeses foram distribuídos em delineamento em blocos casualizados, com cinco blocos e seis tratamentos, e alimentados com seis rações com teores similares de proteína (18,5% PB) e de energia (3,2 Mcal EM/kg de MS), formuladas com: milho seco moído (MM); silagem de grãos úmidos de milho (SGUM); sorgo seco com tanino moído (SCTM); silagem de grãos úmidos inteiros de sorgo com tanino (SGUISCT); sorgo seco sem tanino moído; e silagem de grãos úmidos inteiros de sorgo sem tanino (SGUISST). Após o resfriamento, foram tomados nas meias-carcaças esquerdas os cortes da seção H&H para estimativa da composição tecidual da carcaça e os cortes no Longissimus dorsi à altura da 12ª e 13ª costelas para determinação da área de olho-de-lombo (AOL), da espessura de gordura subcutânea (EGS), da força de cisalhamento (FC) e da composição química. Não houve efeito da composição das rações concentradas sobre a composição física e a relação entre tecidos na seção H&H, bem como para AOL, EGS e FC. A ração concentrada SGUM resultou em maiores teores de EE no Longissimus dorsi, mas não diferiu das rações SCTM e SSTM. A ração concentrada SGUM gerou maior deposição de gordura muscular em comparação à MM, no entanto, as rações SGUISCT e SGUISST não aumentaram essa deposição em comparação ao fornecimento dos grãos secos moídos. Todos os alimentos avaliados podem ser usados em rações concentradas para bezerros após o aleitamento, pois não comprometem a composições física e química da carcaça e conferem resultados similares.
Interdisciplinaridade em ensino de Ciências e de Matemática no Ensino Médio
Authors: Lavaqui Vanderlei , Batista Irinéa de Lourdes
Published: January 2008

Este artigo é resultado de uma pesquisa que se destina a apresentar e fundamentar elaborações de propostas para a prática de ensino interdisciplinar no Ensino de Ciências e de Matemática na Escola Média, que busquem gerar uma Educação Científica que considere aspectos complexos e relacionais presentes no conhecimento científico e no cotidiano escolar. Inicialmente, estabelecemos uma compreensão a respeito da interdisciplinaridade como prática educativa. Posteriormente, analisamos formas de entendimento dessa temática no âmbito escolar explicitando os fundamentos educacionais e os aspectos formativos que se destacam em diferentes propostas e fazemos uma ponderação sobre os condicionamentos na implementação dessa prática.
Sobrevida tardia de pacientes submetidos à correção aberta eletiva de aneurisma de aorta abdominal
Authors: Menezes Fábio Hüsemann , Luccas George Carchedi , Matsui Irene Akie
Published: January 2008

CONTEXTO: Os autores fazem uma revisão dos pacientes operados em hospital privado para determinar a causa da mortalidade tardia, a evolução dos demais segmentos da aorta e as complicações relacionadas à prótese. OBJETIVOS: Relatar o seguimento tardio de uma série de 76 casos operados eletivamente para a correção de aneurisma de aorta abdominal, no período de março de 1995 a janeiro de 2007. MÉTODOS: Convocação dos pacientes para uma consulta de retorno e daqueles que não puderam comparecer pessoalmente através de contato telefônico. RESULTADOS: A mortalidade operatória em 30 dias foi de 5,3%. A sobrevida tardia obtida por curva atuarial foi de 95% em 1 ano, 88% em 3 anos e 72% em 8 anos. As doenças cardiovasculares foram a principal causa de mortalidade tardia, seguidas das neoplasias malignas. A dilatação de segmento de aorta proximal à correção cirúrgica ocorreu em 9,7% dos pacientes operados, e as complicações relacionadas à prótese ocorreram em quatro casos (5,3%), sendo uma infecção de prótese, um pseudo-aneurisma proximal, um pseudo-aneurisma em ilíaca e uma oclusão de ramo. CONCLUSÃO: A cirurgia aberta para correção do aneurisma de aorta abdominal apresenta bom resultado em longo prazo, semelhante ao da literatura nacional e internacional, sendo uma boa opção para o paciente que tenha um baixo risco cirúrgico.
Recanalização espontânea tardia de carótida interna: relato de caso
Authors: Saes Glauco Fernandes , Barbosa Tiago Calheiros H. , Lopes Jocefábia Reika , Polimanti Afonso César , Cavalcante Rafael Noronha , Bosch Maria Alice , Corrêa João , Kafejian Ohannes
Published: January 2008

A recanalização espontânea tardia da carótida interna é um evento incomum e pouco estudado. Os autores relatam o caso de paciente de 73 anos, masculino, hipertenso, com antecedente de acidente vascular cerebral há 3 anos, com seqüela motora e sensitiva em membro superior direito, apresentando ao mapeamento dúplex e arteriografia oclusão total da carótida interna. Evoluiu após 2 anos com novos episódios de ataques isquêmicos transitórios de repetição. Submetido a novos exames de imagem para avaliação da circulação cerebral extra e intracraniana, evidenciou-se recanalização do vaso, com estenose severa. Foi realizada endarterectomia de carótida esquerda, sem intercorrências. Paciente evoluiu sem novos episódios após 1 mês de seguimento. Considerando a raridade do caso e a parca literatura sobre recanalização tardia de carótida, passível de reparo cirúrgico, optamos pela apresentação do caso enfocando a importância do acompanhamento de oclusões carotídeas.
The significance of the contact angle in characterising the pore size distribution of geotextiles
Authors: Elton D. J. , Hayes D. W.
Published: January 2008

The current test method for quantifying geotextile pore structure for filtration design is the AOS test ( ASTM D 4751 ). The AOS test quantifies structure using a single value, the O95or 95% opening size. The bubblepoint test (ASTM D 6767) is a method for calculating the pore size distribution (PSD) of a geotextile. Information on a number of pore sizes more completely describes a geotextile, and may allow for better filtration design criteria. An important step of the bubblepoint test involves saturating a geotextile sample with a wetting fluid and then expelling the fluid using controlled airflow. The data reduction of ASTM D 6767 supposedly accounts for the effect of the wetting fluid, and several different wetting fluids are allowed. Accurate knowledge of the contact angle between the wetting fluid and the geotextile is essential to computing accurate pore size distributions. Even with accurate contact angle measurement, the use of different wetting fluids yields different pore size distributions. This suggests a need to re-examine the data reduction of ASTM D 6767.
Estimating Solute Transport Parameters Using Stochastic Ranking Evolutionary Strategy
Authors: Fan Zhaosheng , Casey Francis X. M.
Published: January 2008

It is a significant challenge to reliably identify fate and transport parameters for solutes that simultaneously undergo multiple and complex processes. Evolutionary optimization techniques allow process parameters to be identified for complicated problems. One evolutionary optimization technique, the stochastic ranking evolutionary strategy (SRES), was used in this study to find the global or near‐global optimal parameters for two solute breakthrough curve experiments. The uncertainties of the estimated parameters were assessed using a nonparametric bootstrap resample method. The two miscible‐displacement cases considered were (i) a simulated experiment of a solute undergoing transformation and (ii) an actual experiment of trichloroethylene undergoing simultaneous nonequilibrium transport and transformation. In both cases, multiple breakthrough curves were produced from a parent solute and its metabolites, and the SRES was used with an appropriate convective–dispersive model to inversely identify the model parameters. The SRES inverse method provided an excellent model fit to the experimental data, and the model parameter estimates had minimal uncertainty even when 5% experimental error was introduced.
Effect of Prandtl number on heat transfer characteristics in an axisymmetric sudden expansion: A numerical study
Authors: Alammar Khalid
Published: January 2008

Using the standard k-e turbulence model, an incompressible, axisymmetric turbulent flow with a sudden expansion was simulated. Effect of Prandtl number on heat transfer characteristics downstream of the expansion was investigated. The simulation revealed circulation downstream of the expansion. A secondary circulation (corner eddy) was also predicted. Reattachment was predicted at approximately 10 step heights. Corresponding to Prandtl number of 7.0, a peak Nusselt number 13 times the fully-developed value was predicted. The ratio of peak to fully-developed Nusselt number was shown to decrease with decreasing Prandtl number. Location of maximum Nusselt number was insensitive to Prandtl number.
Paradox, Persecution and the Double Game: Psychotherapy in Anorexia Nervosa
Authors: Russell Janice , Meares Russell
Published: January 2008

Objective: In anorexia nervosa, the interface between psychotherapy and effective physical management continues to arouse dissent. For this reason, theoretical underpinnings and their practical applications were explored.

Method: A selective review of the literature was based on the authors' clinical experience in hospital treatment settings.

Results: The psychosomatic paradigm, the threat to life, the reward characteristics and the developmental trajectory of anorexia nervosa necessitate a particular form of integrated psychotherapy.

Conclusions: The approach is essentially that of self psychology but with an important departure which must be addressed in the therapeutic process. This is exem-plifed in the paradox of persecution by refeeding and the curious double game that evolves.
Psychosis following Acute Alteration of Thyroid Status
Authors: Irwin Rosie , Ellis Pete M. , Delahunt John
Published: January 2008

Objective: Mania with psychotic features presenting following abrupt normalisation of thyroid function from severe Graves's disease is reported.

Clinical picture: A 33-year-old man with severe, untreated Graves's disease was treated aggressively, with rapid restoration of normal serum thyroid hormone levels. Symptoms of mania and psychosis then developed.

Treatment: Time limited anti psychotic medication and continuing medical treatment.

Outcome: There was resolution of psychiatric symptoms.

Conclusions: The association of mania and psychosis with thyroid disease is rare, but aggressive medical treatment and rapid restoration of normal serum thyroid levels may increase the risk of the emergence of such symptoms.
Erotomania Associated with Temporal Lobe Abnormalities following Radiotherapy
Authors: Wijeratne Chanaka , Hickie Ian , Schwartz Raymond
Published: January 2008

Objective: The aetiology of primary erotomania is usually discussed in terms of psychological disturbance in the patient. A case associated with demonstrable left temporal lobe abnormalities is described.

Clinical picture: An elderly female patient presented with the delusion of being loved by a physician who had treated her previously. She had received radiotherapy to her left periorbital area in childhood. Structural and functional neuroimaging revealed medial temporal lobe damage.

Treatment and outcome: She was treated with haloperidol with moderate improvement in her distress.

Conclusions: This case illustrates the contribution of both cerebral injury and psychosocial factors in the eventual development of this unusual psychiatric syndrome.
Charles Bonnet Syndrome with Major Depression in a Chinese Middle-Aged Man
Authors: Fong Samson Yat-Yuk , Wing Yun-Kwok
Published: January 2008

Objective: To describe a middle-aged patient with Charles Bonnet syndrome (CBS) suffering from concurrent major depression.

Clinical picture: A 41-year-old Chinese man with retinitis pigmentosa developed complex and vivid visual hallucinations. This was followed by the onset of major depressive illness. His visual hallucinations were greatly influenced by his cultural background and changed during the course of his depression.

Treatment: The patient was treated with imipramine.

Outcome: The patient had a relapse of depression due to his non-compliance. He recovered after the resumption of imipramine but the visual hallucinations persisted.

Conclusions: Patients suffering from CBS can have another concurrent psychiatric illness. The content and form of this patient's visual hallucinations were modified by his cultural background and depressive illness. Sensory deprivation is suggested to be the pathogenic mechanism of his visual hallucination.
Characteristics of the New Long-Stay Population in an Inner Melbourne Acute Psychiatric Hospital
Authors: Richards Josephine , Smith Deidre J. , Harvey Carol A. , Pantelis Christos
Published: January 2008

Objective: There has been an accumulation of so-called ‘new long-stay’ (NLS) patients in psychiatric hospitals. To date, no Australian studies have characterised this patient group. We aimed to study the demography, and clinical and social functioning of the NLS population at Royal Park Hospital (RPH) together with patients' attitudes to treatment and views on future placement.

Method: All 30 NLS patients at RPH were identified. Twenty-seven consenting patients were assessed using the following standardised instruments: Manchester Scale for psychopathology, Life Skills Profile (LSP), Physical Health Index and Patient Attitude Questionnaire. Information on past psychiatric history, past treatment and current treatment was collected. Insight and compliance were assessed.

Results: The majority of patients were single men with a diagnosis of schizophrenia. Forty-one percent were detained in hospital involuntarily and 56% were considered dangerous to themselves or others. The patients were characterised by high levels of positive and negative symptoms. They were most impaired with respect to ‘social contact’ relative to the other subscales of the LSP. While 10 (48%) patients expressed a desire to leave hospital, only one patient considered that anyone would cohabit with them. Over two-thirds considered they had been unwell and that medication had helped. Staff rated one-third as having major problems with compliance. About two-thirds of patients had disability secondary to comorbid physical illnesses.

Conclusion: Like other NLS patients studied in the United Kingdom and Ireland, this group had significant handicaps secondary to psychiatric illness, concomitant physical illness and disability and behaviour unacceptable in community settings. They were also characterised by significant social isolation. These factors may be important determinants of rehabilitation failure and need to be addressed in the process of de-institutionalisation as well as in longitudinal studies examining these and other factors predicting NLS status.
The Use of Guardianship Legislation for Anorexia Nervosa: A Report of 15 Cases
Authors: Griffiths Rosalyn A. , Beumont Pierre J.V. , Russell Janice , Touyz Stephen W. , Moore Gemma
Published: January 2008

Objective: This paper investigates compulsory treatment under guardianship legislation for 15 anorexia nervosa patients admitted to four eating disorders units in New South Wales (NSW), Australia, between 1991 and 1994.

Method: A retrospective follow-up was conducted. This involved an analysis of sociodemographic, clinical, eating and weight history, and Guardianship Order details obtained from medical records. This small sample was compared to a larger sample of anorexia nervosa patients admitted voluntarily to a specialised eating disorder unit in NSW. Further follow-up included a structured interview using the Morgan-Russell Assessment Outcome Schedule at least 1 year after admission for compulsory treatment.

Results: For those treated involuntarily, a larger number came from metropolitan Sydney and a larger percentage were unemployed, were purgers and required specialist medical consultations. A significantly higher proportion came from higher socioeconomic groups, and the duration of stay in hospital while patients were under guardianship was significantly greater. A high degree of comorbidity was noted. There were similarities between those treated involuntarily and those treated voluntarily for the source of referral, marital status and Body Mass Index on admission and discharge. Only three patients accepted a follow-up interview using the Morgan-Russell Outcome Schedule. Two of them had made a good recovery.

Conclusions: It was noted that the guardianship sample comprised a more severely ill group than anorexic patients treated voluntarily. The nature of guardianship legislation compared to mental health law was discussed and advice offered to clinicians contemplating and implementing compulsory treatment.
Aspects of Psychiatric Admissions of Migrants to Hospitals in Perth, Western Australia
Authors: Bruxner George , Burvill Peter , Fazio Sam , Febbo Sam
Published: January 2008

Objective: Recent Australian Government initiatives have emphasised problems with service provision to the ethnic mentally ill. This study aims to address the paucity of contemporary data describing the disposition of the ethnic mentally ill in hospital settings.

Method: Patterns of admissions for psychiatric disorders to all hospitals in Perth, Western Australia, for the 3 years from 1990 to 1992, of migrants and the Australian born were compared using data from the Western Australian Mental Health Information System.

Results: The overall rates for European migrants showed a ‘normalisation’ towards those of the Australian-born. There were high rates for the schizophrenic spectrum disorders in Polish and Yugoslavian (old terminology) migrants. There were low admission rates for South-East Asian migrants, predominantly those from Vietnam and Malaysia. Rates for alcoholism were low in Italian and all Asian migrants. There were high rates of organic psychosis, especially in those older than 75 years, among the Italian and Dutch migrants. The relative risk of a first admission in the 3 years being an involuntary admission to a mental hospital was almost twice that of the Australian-born for migrants from Poland, Yugoslavia, Malaysia and Vietnam.

Conclusions: The results imply the possibility of significant untreated and/or undiagnosed psychiatric morbidity in the South-East Asian-born. They also indicate a need for further exploration of the unexpectedly high levels of psychiatric morbidity among some ethnic elderly groups, specifically the Dutch- and Italian-born. The findings demonstrate the persistence of high rates of presentation for psychotic disorders among Eastern European-born populations, many years post migration.
Survivor Guilt and Chronic Illness
Authors: Vamos Marina
Published: January 2008

Objective: To examine the grief reactions that may result in patients after a death occurs within a treatment setting for chronic illness, and in particular to look at the applicability of the concept of survivor guilt in these situations.

Clinical picture: Two patients with endstage renal disease are described. Both presented states of pathological grief for fellow patients. Vulnerability existed in both patients in terms of previous unresolved mourning and in terms of strong feelings of comradeship with the dead patients. Both demonstrated features reminiscent of what has been termed the ‘survivor syndrome’.

Treatment: The treatment involved supportive psychotherapy allowing exploration of grief and its relationship to current psychosomatic crises.

Outcome: Supportive psychotherapy successfully aided the resolution in one patient and made some difference in the other.

Conclusion: The impact of death within a treatment unit is emphasised. Surviving patients may have significant distress relating to such bereavement and may need appropriate intervention.
The Meaning and Function of Ritual in Psychiatric Disorder, Religion and Everyday Behaviour
Authors: Turbott John
Published: January 2008

Objective: Ritual is a central feature of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and is found in other psychiatric conditions. Defined in a general sense, it is seen in the everyday behaviour of animals and of humans, in secular ceremonies, and in religion. This paper examines the various types of ritual. It considers the common features and differences.

Method: Material from psychiatric, biological, sociological, anthropological and religious studies literature is reviewed and discussed.

Results: The term ‘ritual’ describes a wide variety of phenomena. These include the rituals of OCD and range from relatively simple animal signals to profoundly meaningful human behaviour. A common feature is stereotyped physical activity which conveys information. Some clinical, developmental, evolutionary and religioud historical evidence suggests that stereotyped motor behaviour may be the primary phenomenon.

Conclusions: The study of ritual in all its manifestations provides insight into the basis of important human behaviours. Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a likely paradigm for this study. Psychiatry, with its clinical orientation and biopsychosocial perspective, is a discipline within which the study might occur.
Neuroleptic-Induced Laryngeal Dystonia Can Mimic Anaphylaxis
Authors: Ilchef Ralf
Published: January 2008

Objective: A case report of neuroleptic-induced laryngeal dystonia mimicking acute anaphylaxis is presented with a review of the literature and discussion of common diagnostic difficulties.

Clinical picture: The patient was a 24–year-old man with recently diagnosed schizophrenia who presented twice to a general hospital with difficulty speaking within 72 hours of increasing his dose of haloperidol. On both occasions, he was treated aggressively for presumed anaphylaxis with adrenaline, antihistamines and high dose corticosteroids.

Treatment: The symptoms resolved with supportive medical care, withdrawal of the haloperidol and substitution of risperidone. There was no evidence of hypersensitivity on subsequent skin testing with haloperidol.

Conclusion: This case illustrates one of the many clinical presentations of neuroleptic-induced dystonia. While suspected anaphylaxis needs to be vigorously treated, a history of neuroleptic use and particularly of a recent dosage increase should alert clinicians to the possibility of acute laryngeal dystonia.
Effects of Childhood Sexual Abuse in Adult Female Psychiatric Patients
Authors: Pettigrew Jill , Burcham Joyce
Published: January 2008

Objective: The present case-control study investigated the relationship between a history of childhood sexual abuse and subsequent psychopathology.

Methods: Referrals to a female psychiatrist in private practice in an urban working class area provided 73 adult female study subjects who reported having been sexually abused in childhood, and 73 randomly selected controls.

Results: Subjects had earlier onset of psychiatric disorders and higher incidence of deliberate self-harm, rape in adulthood, and psychiatric hospitalisation. History of childhood sexual abuse had an effect independent of family psychiatric disorder. Although subjects and controls had a similar range of diagnoses, subjects were more likely to suffer anxiety disorders and controls more likely to suffer mood disorders. Controls were more likely to be prescribed antidepressants and subjects were more likely to receive supportive psychotherapy. Despite significantly lower initial Global Assessment of Functioning scores, subjects at completion of treatment had improved to the same scores as controls.

Conclusion: The long-term effect of childhood sexual abuse is increased incidence of deliberate self-harm and is unrelated to any specific diagnosis. Despite more severe initial impairment, psychotherapy was effective for patients with a history of childhood sexual abuse.
The Bereavement Phenomenology Questionnaire: A Single Factor Only
Authors: Kissane David W. , Bloch Sidney , McKenzie Dean P.
Published: January 2008

Objective: To review the psychometric properties and factor structure of the Bereavement Phenomenology Questionnaire (BPQ).

Method: Continuous data were compared using two tailed t-tests and analysis of variance. A confirmatory factor analysis was carried out.

Results: Good internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.93) with a single factor has been found. The BPQ discriminates the intensity of grief between widows and widowers, spouses and offspring, and temporally between acute and later phases of bereavement.

Conclusion: Although on the BPQ items are highly correlated and only a single factor has emerged, it remains nonetheless a valid and reliable scale for the measurement of grief.
The Stigma of Mental Illness in Asian Cultures
Authors: Ng Chee Hong
Published: January 2008

Objective: This article reviews the attitudes towards mental illness and psychiatric stigma in Asian cultures.

Method: Relevant literature published in English was reviewed.

Results: Psychiatric stigmas in Asian cultures share some common features. However, response to mental illness has many variations across cultures. Psychiatric stigma is prevalent and severe in some but not all Asian cultures.

Conclusions: The stigma of mental illness needs to be studied within its sociocultural context in order to understand its origins, meanings and consequences. It may be relevant to examine the indigenous concepts, experience and implications of psychological problems to address problems in mental health care relating to stigma.
Pivotal Issues in Forensic Psychiatry
Authors: O'brien Kenneth P.
Published: January 2008

Objective and Method: This review examines the scope of forensic psychiatry with particular emphasis on its ethical and social implications. Some comparisons are made between the development of the subspecialty in Australasia and similar developments in the United Kingdom and North America, and the reasons for differences.

Results: There has been inadequate debate in Australasia about some of the ethical issues relating to the practice of forensic psychiatry. Furthermore, Australian forensic psychiatry in particular has been slow to develop comprehensive and integrated services compared to other jurisdictions, and remains predominantly an assessment-based activity with primacy of the expert witness.

Conclusions: Australasian psychiatry faces significant problems with respect to maldistribution of services. Governments are becoming more radical in their attempts to address this maldistribution and this has ethical implications for the profession itself and the practice of forensic psychiatry. Greater emphasis on the development of integrated and community-based forensic services, with leadership being provided by the profession itself, may deflect some of the present criticism, thereby allowing the subspecialty to more fully mature and develop with the approach of the new millennium.
Access to Methods of Suicide: What Impact?
Authors: Cantor Christopher H. , Baume Pierre J.M.
Published: January 2008

Objective: The aim of this paper is to explore the conceptual basis of limiting access to potential methods of suicide as a public health measure.

Method: A review of the literature was conducted.

Results: Both physical availability and sociocultural acceptability are important determinants of choice. There is considerable evidence of an association between method availability and method specific suicide rates. There is also evidence that restriction of method availability is often associated with a reduction in method specific suicide rates. There is some evidence that restrictions on method availability under certain conditions may reduce overall suicide rates.

Conclusions: Suicide methods employed by young Australians are changing, with a disturbing rise in frequency of hanging and car exhaust suicides slightly offset by a decline in firearm suicides. Opportunities exist for further reducing firearm suicides and addressing exhaust suicides by practical measures. There are also obvious options for changing prescribing practices with respect to more lethal medications (e.g. tricyclic antidepressants). However, the rise in hanging seems problematic from this perspective and in need of ecological study.
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Comorbidity in Australian Vietnam Veterans: Risk Factors, Chronicity and Combat
Authors: O'toole Brian I. , Marshall Richard P. , Schureck Ralph J. , Dobson Matthew
Published: January 2008

Objective: The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between combat-related posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and comorbid DSM-III-R psychiatric diagnoses to determine commonalities in risk factors, relative onsets and the role of combat exposure.

Method: An epidemiological cohort study using standardised psychiatric, social and health interviews was undertaken with a national random sample of male Australian Army Vietnam veterans. Interviews and searches of military records yielded risk factors for PTSD, which were examined for association with each psychiatric diagnosis. Relative onsets of PTSD and each Diagnostic Interview Schedule diagnosis were compared. Comorbidity odds ratios were adjusted for combat exposure effects using logistic regression, and the relation between each diagnosis and combat was assessed after controlling for PTSD.

Results: Commonality of risk factor profile was evident for several diagnoses, and for many their onset preceded PTSD onset. Combat was independently related to only a few diagnoses after controlling for PTSD, and PTSD remained strongly associated with several conditions after controlling for combat exposure.

Conclusions: The analysis suggests that the disorders that may constitute risk factors or vulnerabilities for PTSD comprise depression and dysthymia, antisocial personality disorder, agoraphobia and simple phobia, while those that may be consequent on PTSD are panic and generalised anxiety disorder, drug use disorders and somatoform pain disorder. Alcohol and drug use disorders and social phobia may have a mixed aetiology, while obsessive-compulsive disorder may be serendip-itously related to PTSD through an association with risk of combat. Gambling disorder is unrelated.
How Effective is Lithium in the Prevention of Relapse in Bipolar Disorder? A Prospective Naturalistic Follow-Up Study
Authors: Silverstone Trevor , McPherson Heather , Romans Sarah , Hunt Neil
Published: January 2008

Objective: The effectiveness of lithium in preventing recurrences of bipolar disorder was examined prospectively for 2 years in two representative samples of bipolar I patients being treated in a comprehensive program following recommended guidelines.

Method: One hundred and twenty patients were recruited from consecutive admissions to two catchment area psychiatric services (one in the United Kingdom, the other in New Zealand). They were seen at 3–monthly intervals by a member of the research team. Treatment was adjusted according to clinical needs.

Results: Overall, two-thirds of the patients had a recurrence. Of the 57 on lithium as sole treatment, 39 (68%) had a further episode; 17 after stopping lithium. The 42 on other mood stabilisers and/or an antipsychotic, with or without lithium, did no better. By contrast, only eight (38%) of the 21 who were taking no prophylactic medication had a recurrence.

Conclusions: Lithium is much less effective in clinical practice than would be expected from clinical trial results. A major reason for this is poor compliance. Alternative treatment strategies are needed to improve the outcome for bipolar disorder patients
Anthropometry and Adiposity in a Group of People with Chronic Mental Illness
Authors: Sharpe Jenny-Kay , Hills Andrew P.
Published: January 2008

Objective: The prevalence of excess body weight has been reported as two to four times greater in the chronic mentally ill than in the general population. However, there has been a paucity of body composition research with this population. The purpose of this study was to compare with population data the prevalence and distribution of body fat in a group of chronic mentally ill individuals.

Method: An anthropometric profile consisting of height, weight, waist and hip girths was completed on 29 males and 23 females.

Results: Consistent with other groups with excess adiposity, measures of skinfold thickness were generally unreliable. The biceps was the only site where a reliable skinfold measure was possible in all subjects. More than half of the males and three-quarters of the females had a waist circumference in excess of 100 cm.

Conclusions: There were significantly higher levels of relative body weight and excess abdominal adiposity in the study group compared with the wider population. A brief anthropometric protocol of waist and hip girths and biceps skinfold in addition to height and weight, rather than the use of weight alone as an indicator of adiposity, is recommended.
Neuroplasticity and Psychiatry
Authors: Gynther Bruce D. , Calford Mike B. , Sah Pankaj
Published: January 2008

Objective: There is increasing concern that the course of psychiatric disorders may be affected by parameters such as the duration and intensity of symptoms of initial episodes of illness. As this indicates that abnormal function produces long-term changes within the brain, a review of the neuroscience literature regarding neuroplasticity is warranted.

Method: This article is a selective review, focusing in particular on results obtained from physiological experiments assessing plasticity within the mammalian neocortex. The possible relevance of results to psychiatry is discussed.

Results: While the most dramatic examples of neuroplasticity occur during a critical period of neural development, neuroplasticity can also occur in adult neocortex. Neuroplasticity appears to be activity-dependent: synaptic pathways that are intensively used may become strengthened, and conversely, there may be depression of transmission in infrequently used pathways.

Conclusions: Results from neurophysiological experiments lend support to the clinical observation that the intensity and duration of a psychiatric disorder may adversely alter its long-term course. Rapid aggressive treatment may prevent this from occurring. While pharmacotherapy may reduce the duration and severity of symptoms, it may also have an independent, as yet unknown, effect on neuroplasticity.
Coroners' Records of Rural and Non-Rural Cases of Youth Suicide in New South Wales
Authors: Dudley Michael , Kelk Norman , Florio Tony , Waters Brent , Howard John , Taylor Darryl
Published: January 2008

Objective: The aim of this study is to compare the frequency of certain putative risk factors for youth suicide in New South Wales (especially use of alcohol, social class, unemployment, and internal migration) in metropolitan and rural settings.

Method: A review of 137 files for 10–19-year-old subjects judged by the Coroner to have committed suicide in 1988–1990 was carried out.

Results: One hundred and fifteen males and 21 females were identified (one subject's sex was unavailable). The male-female ratio was higher in rural (13.0) areas than non-rural (4.9; χ2 = 12.14, p<0.01). Of 27 subjects migrating within Australia, most migrated in a rural direction, and most to rural shires. Unemployment was somewhat more common among rural (38.5%) than non-rural (28.9%) subjects (χ2 = 0.75, p = 0.39). Eleven of 50 non-rural parents of the deceased, but none of the 11 rural parents, were ranked as being in social classes 2 or 3. Alcohol consumption appeared more common in rural shires (44%) than metropolitan areas (32.9%), but this was not statistically significant. Medical services were less utilised prior to death in rural (15%) than non-rural (25%) areas (χ2 = 1.69, p = 0.19), and a psychiatric diagnosis was recorded more commonly in non-rural areas.

Conclusions: Incomplete coronial file data and relatively small numbers limit this study's conclusions. Male suicides, principally by firearms, predominated in rural areas. Youth firearm access remains highly relevant to rural communities. Possible trends among rural subjects toward rural migration, higher unemployment, lower social class and lower medical attendance may point to resource deprivation among this group; these matters require further investigation.
Comparison of Treatments of Persistent Conduct Problems in Primary School Children: A Preliminary Evaluation of a Modified Cognitive-Behavioural Approach
Authors: Luk Ernest S.L. , Staiger Petra , Mathai John , Field David , Adler Robert
Published: January 2008

Objective: Treatment for persistent conduct problems in primary school children was developed using a modification of cognitive-behavioural therapy (MCBT). Its effectiveness was evaluated by comparing it with conjoint family therapy (FT) and eclectic therapy (ET).

Method: Children with persistent conduct problems were randomly assigned to one of three treatment groups. They were assessed prior to treatment and then 6 months after. Measures included symptoms of the child; parents' mental health; stress of parenting; family functioning; and parental relationship. In addition, parents' and children's perception of the therapy were assessed and a treatment record was developed to track the treatment process.

Results: Thirty-two children were recruited for the study. No statistically significant differences were found in terms of effectiveness between the three groups. In terms of parents' perception of the therapy, there was no difference on the perception of the qualities of the therapists, but on the perception of therapy MCBT was considered to be higher in cognitive-behavioural orientation.

Conclusion: Further research using a larger sample is required to evaluate MCBT. The study supports the idea that controlled treatment studies can be carried out within busy mental health services.