bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characteristics of Adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Plus Substance Use Disorder: The Role of Psychiatric Comorbidity
Authors: Wilens Timothy E. , Kwon Anne , Tanguay Sarah , Chase Rhea , Moore Hadley , Faraone Stephen V. , Biederman Joseph
Published: October 2005

The objective of the study was to investigate the characteristics of adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or substance use disorder (SUD), especially in the context of comorbid psychiatric disorders. Subjects were adults (n = 78) participating in a controlled family study of ADHD and SUD. Four groups were identified based on a diagnosis of ADHD or SUD: ADHD, SUD, ADHD + SUD, and neither ADHD nor SUD. All diagnoses were determined by structured clinical interview for DSM IV. Rates of psychiatric comorbidity were lowest in the controls, intermediate in the ADHD and SUD groups, and highest in the ADHD + SUD group. Relative to controls, the ADHD, SUD, and ADHD + SUD groups had higher rates of major depression (z = 1.98, p = 0.05), conduct disorder (z = 2.0, p = 0.04), antisocial personality disorder (z = 2.6, p = 0.009), agoraphobia (z = 2.5, p = 0.01) and social phobia (z = 2.7, p = 0.007). Higher rates of psychiatric comorbidity, especially mood and anxiety disorders, exist in subjects with SUD + ADHD relative to subjects with SUD, ADHD, or controls. Clinicians need to be attentive to other psychiatric disorders that may occur in the large group of adults with ADHD + SUD.
Utilization of Drug Treatment Programs by Methamphetamine Users: The Role of Social Stigma
Authors: Semple Shirley J. , Grant Igor , Patterson Thomas L.
Published: October 2005

We examined the link between drug use stigma and use of drug treatment services in a sample of 292 heterosexually identified, methamphetamine (meth) users. Participants who had ever been in treatment for their meth use (N = 82) were compared with those who had never been in treatment (N = 210). Three dimensions of stigma proposed by Link et al.1 were examined. In univariate analyses, participants who had never been in treatment for meth use reported significantly more expectations of rejection and endorsed more stigma coping strategies as compared to those who had ever been in treatment. Regression analysis revealed that all three dimensions of stigma distinguished between participants who did and did not receive treatment for their meth use. Stigma is discussed as a potential barrier to drug use treatment.
Burnout among employees in human service work: design and baseline findings of the PUMA study
Authors: Borritz Marianne , Rugulies Reiner , Bjorner Jakob B. , Villadsen Ebbe , Mikkelsen Ole A. , Kristensen Tage S.
Published: October 2005

Aim: To present the theoretical framework, design, methods, and baseline findings of the first Danish study on determinants and consequences of burnout, and the impact of workplace interventions in human service work organizations. Method: A 5-year prospective intervention study comprising 2,391 employees from different organizations in the human service sector: social security offices, psychiatric prison, institutions for severely disabled, hospitals, and homecare services. Data were collected at baseline and at two follow-ups. The authors developed a new burnout tool (the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory) covering work-related, client-related, and personal burnout. The study includes potential determinants of burnout (e.g. the psychosocial work environment, social relations outside work, lifestyle factors, and personality aspects) and consequences of burnout (e.g. poor health, low job satisfaction, turnover, and absenteeism). Here, the focus is on the description of the study population at baseline, including associations of work burnout with psychosocial work environment scales and absence. Results: Response rate at baseline was 80.1%. Midwives and homecare workers had high levels on both work- and client-related burnout. Prison officers had the highest level on client-related burnout. Supervisors and office assistants had low levels on both scales. Work burnout showed the highest correlations with job satisfaction (r=-0.51), quantitative demands (r=0.48), role-conflicts (r=0.44), and emotional demands (r=0.42). Sickness absence was 13.9 vs 6.0 days among participants in the highest and lowest work burnout quartile, respectively. Conclusion: The findings indicate that study design and methods are adequate for the upcoming prospective analyses of aetiology and consequences of burnout and of the impact of workplace interventions.
Representativity of a postal public health questionnaire survey in Sweden, with special reference to ethnic differences in participation
Authors: Carlsson Frida , Merlo Juan , Lindström Martin , Östergren Per-Olof , Lithman Thor
Published: October 2005

Aim: Non-participation in health surveys is a common phenomenon. When differences between participants and non-participants are considerable, the external validity of the sample survey may decrease and false conclusions might be drawn about the health status of the population. For this reason, the authors aimed to investigate the representativity of a postal questionnaire survey performed in the county of Scania, Sweden, in 1999—2000. The survey, which was based on an 18- to 80-year-old population sample, had a 58% response rate (n = 13 604). Methods: For some variables, the information obtained using the questionnaire was compared with information obtained from a population register that covers all the population in the county (for the 18- to 80-year-old group, n = 850 476). The population register includes, among other data, information on age, gender, educational level, country of birth, and healthcare expenditure. Results: Men, individuals with a low level of education, and immigrants were under-represented in the survey. However, except for immigrants, the under-representation was not large. Among immigrants, particularly those born in former Yugoslavia, the Arabic-speaking countries, and Poland were very significantly under-represented in the study. By contrast, immigrants born in other Nordic countries had responded to almost the same extent as respondents born in Sweden. The survey sample had about the same healthcare utilization costs as did the general population. Conclusions: In summary, the ``Health Survey for Scania, 2000'' seems largely representative of the total Scanian population. A major concern, however, is the under-representation of the immigrant population.
Predictiveness of body mass index for fatal coronary heart disease in men according to length of follow-up: A 21-year prospective cohort study
Authors: Håheim Lise Lund , Tonstad Serena , Hjermann Ingvar , Leren Paul , Holme Ingar
Published: October 2005

Aims: To test the association between body mass index (BMI) and other coronary risk factors and the risk of a fatal coronary heart disease (CHD) event in different time periods during follow-up. Methods: Prospective cohort study with a 21 year follow-up period. A screened sample of 14,403 men aged 40—49 years initially free of CHD. Risk of fatal CHD was calculated for 21 years' cumulative follow-up and for four consecutive 5-year periods. Results: After adjustment for age and the other risk factors, total cholesterol and systolic blood pressure retained their predictive strength for CHD mortality throughout follow-up. Though cigarette smoking remained a significant predictor, the relative risk decreased with time (test of trend: p=0.01). Intermediate to vigorous physical activity at leisure was protective for 10 years of follow-up and a question on mental stress for 5 years. The test of trend indicated that the risk associated with BMI increased with the duration of follow-up (p=0.002). Conclusions: Our data show that coronary risk factors predicted CHD mortality differently according to the length of follow-up, and suggest that the harm associated with obesity may take more than a decade to become evident, in contrast to the classical CHD risk factors.
Fertility in Norwegian women: Results from a population-based health survey
Authors: Rostad Berit , Schei Berit , Sundby Johanne
Published: October 2005

Aims: Reproductive behaviour has changed during the most recent decades, with increased infertility and subfertility. This study evaluated fertility, estimated the prevalence of fertility problems, and assessed possible predictors for impaired fertility. Methods: Eligible subjects were 9,983 menopausal women participating in two health surveys. Data were collected by comprehensive questionnaires. Results: Of all women 89.3% were fertile, 4.8% were subfertile, 4.1% were voluntarily childless, and 1.8% were involuntaruly childless. Impaired fertility was associated with a higher level of education and excessive alcohol intake. There were significant differences in subfertility among the parous women, with increased subfertility with decreasing age. Among the nullipara, involuntary childlessness was more prevalent in the youngest age group, while voluntary childlessness increased with advancing age. Conclusions: Fertility problems were quite common, and have increased in younger age groups, though seemingly fewer women remained childless past their reproductive age in the youngest age group.
Mental health functioning (SF-36) and intentions to retire early among ageing municipal employees: The Helsinki Health Study
Authors: Harkonmäki Karolna , Lahelma Eero , Martikainen Pekka , Rahkonen Ossi , Silventoinen Karri
Published: October 2005

Aims: To examine the associations of mental health functioning with intentions to retire early among ageing municipal employees. Methods: Cross-sectional survey data (n=7,765) from the Helsinki Health Study in 2000, 2001, and 2002 were used. Intentions to retire early were sought with a question: ``Have you considered retiring before normal retirement age?'' The dependent variable was divided into three categories: 1=no intentions to retire early; 2=weak intentions; 3=strong intentions. Mental health functioning was measured by the Short Form 36 (SF-36) mental component summary (MCS). Other variables included age, sex, physical health functioning (SF-36), limiting longstanding illness, socioeconomic status, and spouse's employment status. Multinomial regression analysis was used to examine the association of mental health functioning with intentions to retire early. Results: Employees with the poorest mental health functioning were much more likely to report strong intentions to retire early (OR 6.09, 95% CI 4.97—7.47) than those with the best mental health functioning. Adjustments for physical health, socioeconomic status, and spouse's employment status did not substantially affect this association. Conclusions: The findings highlight the importance of mental health for intentions to retire early. Strategies aimed at keeping people at work for longer should emphasize the importance of mental well-being and the prevention of poor mental health. More evidence is needed on why mental problems among ageing baby-boomer employees are giving rise to increasing social consequences, although the overall prevalence of mental problems has not increased.
``It's heavenly to be alone!'': A room of one's own as a health-promoting resource for women. Results from a qualitative study
Authors: Forssén Annika S.K. , Carlstedt Gunilla
Published: October 2005

Aim: This paper describes strategies developed by women to handle lack of time for themselves, and lack of freedom, in private life. Methods: The paper reports on one self-assessed health resource identified in a larger qualitative study on women's paid and unpaid work and health/sickness. Twenty strategically selected women were interviewed, elderly women being chosen to obtain a lifetime perspective. The interviews were audio-taped and analysed according to a phenomenological approach. Results: Expectations had been placed on the interviewees as women: to give care, always to be available for other family members, to adjust to their husbands. Many of them recalled seeking privacy (``a room of one's own'') to avoid constant demands and interruptions, and as a refuge from partner domination. This was a conscious health-promoting strategy on their part. A room of one's own did not necessarily mean a physical room, but the right to — and the possibility of — a life of one's own. Forms of privacy included gainful employment, a separate bedroom, own social engagements. Conclusions: Family life still demands more from women than from men, putting many women under constant time pressure and without time for themselves. In heterosexual relationships, women frequently feel controlled. Prevailing norms for married women and mothers, causing blame and feelings of guilt, remain obstacles to women wanting ``a room of their own''. The health resource of having such a room, and strategies for creating one, should be given attention in medical research and practice — not least in primary care.
The importance of personal medicine: A qualitative study of resilience in people with psychiatric disabilities
Authors: Deegan Patricia E.
Published: October 2005

Background: Resilience does not refer to a magical state of invulnerability and the capacity for resilience does not end when one is diagnosed with a prolonged disorder or disease. Despite the enduring legacy of pessimism regarding resilience in the population of people diagnosed with psychiatric disorders, a majority do recover. Aim: The present study seeks to understand how people with psychiatric disorders demonstrate the capacity for resilience in the ways they use or do not use psychiatric medications in their daily lives. Method: A qualitative method and participatory action design was used to analyze interviews with 29 people diagnosed with psychiatric disorders. Results: When discussing their use of psychiatric medications, research participants also talked about non-pharmaceutical, personal medicine. Personal medicine was found to be those activities that gave life meaning and purpose, and that served to raise self-esteem, decrease symptoms, and avoid unwanted outcomes such as hospitalization. When psychiatric medications interfered with non-pharmaceutical personal medicine, non-adherence often occurred. Conclusion: People with psychiatric disorders demonstrate resilience through the use of non-pharmaceutical, personal medicine in the recovery process. This understanding suggests that medication adherence may be improved when clinicians inquire about patients' personal medicine and use pharmaceuticals to support, rather than interfere with, these self-assessed health resources.
From oppression towards empowerment in clinical practice — offering doctors a model for reflection
Authors: Thesen Janecke
Published: October 2005

Objectives: This article aims to present an Oppression Model describing how and explaining why doctors sometimes take up the role of oppressor in clinical practice, and to furthermore create change by proposing alternatives. The model is intended to increase awareness of power issues in medical practitioners, thus creating an urge for empowering practices. Design: The Oppression Model is constructed by theoretical reasoning, inspired by empirical findings of doctor-as-oppressor from a Norwegian research project with users of psychiatric services. The model is composed of the chosen theoretical elements, assembled as a staircase model. The model is intended to give descriptions and explanations and foster change relevant to oppressive processes in clinical practice, and is mainly relevant when meeting patients from vulnerable or stigmatized groups. An Empowerment Track is conceptualized in a similar way by theoretical reasoning. Results: The Oppression Model describes a staircase built on a foundation of objectifying, proceeding by steps of stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination up to the final step of institutionalized oppression. An Empowerment Track is proposed, built on a foundation of acknowledgement, proceeding by steps of diversity, positive regard, and solidarity towards empowerment. It represents, however, only one of several possible ways of proceeding in developing empowering practices. Conclusion: Keeping the Oppression Model in mind during patient encounters may help the busy clinician to counteract oppressive attitudes and actions.
Evaluating methods for assessing sediment quality in a Great Lakes embayment
Authors: Crane Judy L. , Richards Carl , Breneman Dan , Lozano Stephen , Schuldt Jeffrey A.
Published: October 2005

A probability-based, sediment quality assessment was conducted during 1995 in the lower St. Louis River Area of Concern, located in western Lake Superior. A regional application of the intensified sampling grid developed for the United States Environmental Protection Agency's Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Program was used to randomly select 90 sites for measuring the following sediment quality indicators: sediment chemistry, physical parameters, sediment toxicity, and benthic macroinvertebrate community structure. Screening methods were used to assess sediment chemistry and sediment toxicity at all sites, whereas more conventional metrics were used at a subset of sites. In addition, sediment quality data were collected from 20 a priori training sites, 10 in low impact areas and 10 in high impact areas. Mean probable effect concentration quotients were calculated for sediment chemistry variables at each site. As the range of mean probable effect concentration quotients values increased, the incidence of sediment toxicity increased. Benthic data from the training sites were used to establish standard criteria for developing two benthic integrity indices based on multimetric analysis and discriminant function analysis. Based on the training site results, the discriminant function analysis categorized the macroinvertebrate community at all random sites as 45 percent low impact and 55 percent high impact. A multimetric approach categorized 55 percent of the random sites as low impact and 36 percent as high impact. Due to the overlap of 95 percent confidence intervals, the multimetric approach also placed 9 percent of the random sites into an indeterminate category. The incidence of high impact sites appears to be primarily due to physical habitat characteristics. This finding was supported by the sediment quality triad assessment of 52 random sites that indicated alteration of the benthic community at 71 percent of sites was probably not due to chemical contamination.
Dynamic Partitioning into Lipid Rafts Controls the Endo-Exocytic Cycle of the αL/β2Integrin, LFA-1, during Leukocyte Chemotaxis
Authors: Fabbri Monica , Di Meglio Silvia , Gagliani Maria Cristina , Consonni Elisa , Molteni Raffaella , Bender Jeffrey R. , Tacchetti Carlo , Pardi Ruggero
Published: October 2005

Cell migration entails the dynamic redistribution of adhesion receptors from the cell rear toward the cell front, where they form new protrusions and adhesions. This process may involve regulated endo-exocytosis of integrins. Here we show that in primary neutrophils unengaged αL/β2integrin (LFA-1) is internalized and rapidly recycled upon chemoattractant stimulation via a clathrin-independent, cholesterol-sensitive pathway involving dynamic partitioning into detergent-resistant membranes (DRM). Persistent DRM association is required for recycling of the internalized receptor because 1) >90% of endocytosed LFA-1 is associated with DRM, and a large fraction of the internalized receptor colocalizes intracellularly with markers of DRM and the recycling endocytic compartment; 2) a recycling-defective mutant (αL/β2Y735A) dissociates rapidly from DRM upon being endocytosed and is subsequently diverted into a late endosomal pathway; and 3) a dominant negative Rab11 mutant (Rab11S25N) induces intracellular accumulation of endocytosed αL/β2and prevents its enrichment in chemoattractant-induced lamellipodia. Notably, chemokine-induced migration of neutrophils over immobilized ICAM-1 is abrogated by cholesterol-sequestering agents. We propose that DRM-associated endocytosis allows efficient retrieval of integrins, as they detach from their ligands, followed by polarized recycling to areas of the plasma membrane, such as lamellipodia, where they establish new adhesive interactions and promote outside-in signaling events.
Epac Activation Converts cAMP from a Proliferative into a Differentiation Signal in PC12 Cells
Authors: Kiermayer Simone , Biondi Ricardo M. , Imig Jochen , Plotz Guido , Haupenthal Jörg , Zeuzem Stefan , Piiper Albrecht
Published: October 2005

Elevation of the intracellular cAMP concentration ([cAMP]i) regulates metabolism, cell proliferation, and differentiation and plays roles in memory formation and neoplastic growth. cAMP mediates its effects mainly through activation of protein kinase A (PKA) as well as Epac1 and Epac2, exchange factors activating the small GTPases Rap1 and Rap2. However, how cAMP utilizes these effectors to induce distinct biological responses is unknown. We here studied the specific roles of PKA and Epac in neuroendocrine PC12 cells. In these cells, elevation of [cAMP]iactivates extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2 and induces low-degree neurite outgrowth. The present study showed that specific stimulation of PKA triggered ERK1/2 activation that was considerably more transient than that observed upon simultaneous activation of both PKA and Epac. Unexpectedly, the PKA-specific cAMP analog induced cell proliferation rather than neurite outgrowth. The proliferative signaling pathway activated by the PKA-specific cAMP analog involved activation of the epidermal growth factor receptor and ERK1/2. Activation of Epac appeared to extend the duration of PKA-dependent ERK1/2 activation and converted cAMP from a proliferative into an anti-proliferative, neurite outgrowth-promoting signal. Thus, the present study showed that the outcome of cAMP signaling can depend heavily on the set of cAMP effectors activated.
The Inhibitory Effect of ErbB2 on Epidermal Growth Factor-induced Formation of Clathrin-coated Pits Correlates with Retention of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor-ErbB2 Oligomeric Complexes at the Plasma Membrane
Authors: Haslekås Camilla , Breen Kamilla , Pedersen Ketil W. , Johannessen Lene E. , Stang Espen , Madshus Inger Helene
Published: October 2005

By constructing stably transfected cells harboring the same amount of epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor (EGFR), but with increasing overexpression of ErbB2, we have demonstrated that ErbB2 efficiently inhibits internalization of ligand-bound EGFR. Apparently, ErbB2 inhibits internalization of EGF-bound EGFR by constitutively driving EGFR-ErbB2 hetero/oligomerization. We have demonstrated that ErbB2 does not inhibit phosphorylation or ubiquitination of the EGFR. Our data further indicate that the endocytosis deficiency of ErbB2 and of EGFR-ErbB2 heterodimers/oligomers cannot be explained by anchoring of ErbB2 to PDZ-containing proteins such as Erbin. Instead, we demonstrate that in contrast to EGFR homodimers, which are capable of inducing new clathrin-coated pits in serum-starved cells upon incubation with EGF, clathrin-coated pits are not induced upon activation of EGFR-ErbB2 heterodimers/oligomers.
Caenorhabditis elegansDecapping Proteins: Localization and Functional Analysis of Dcp1, Dcp2, and DcpS during Embryogenesis
Authors: Lall Sabbi , Piano Fabio , Davis Richard E.
Published: October 2005

Though posttranscriptional regulation is important for early embryogenesis, little is understood regarding control of mRNA decay during development. Previous work defined two major pathways by which normal transcripts are degraded in eukaryotes. However it is not known which pathways are key in mRNA decay during early patterning or whether developmental transcripts are turned over via specific pathways. Here we show that Caenorhabditis elegans Dcp2 is localized to distinct foci during embryogenesis, reminiscent of P-bodies, the sites of mRNA degradation in yeast and mammals. However the decapping enzyme of the 3′ to 5′ transcript decay system (DcpS) localizes throughout the cytoplasm, suggesting this degradation pathway is not highly organized. In addition we find that Dcp2 is localized to P-granules, showing that Dcp2 is stored and/or active in these structures. However RNAi of these decapping enzymes has no obvious effect on embryogenesis. In contrast we find that nuclear cap binding proteins (CBP-20 and 80), eIF4G, and PAB-1 are absolutely required for development. Together our data provides further evidence that pathways of general mRNA metabolism can be remarkably organized during development, with two different decapping enzymes localized in distinct cytoplasmic domains.
BAG-2 Acts as an Inhibitor of the Chaperone-associated Ubiquitin Ligase CHIP
Authors: Arndt Verena , Daniel Christina , Nastainczyk Wolfgang , Alberti Simon , Höhfeld Jörg
Published: October 2005

Cellular protein quality control involves a close interplay between molecular chaperones and the ubiquitin/proteasome system. We recently identified a degradation pathway, on which the chaperone Hsc70 delivers chaperone clients, such as misfolded forms of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR), to the proteasome. The cochaperone CHIP is of central importance on this pathway, because it acts as a chaperone-associated ubiquitin ligase. CHIP mediates the attachment of a ubiquitin chain to a chaperone-presented client protein and thereby stimulates its proteasomal degradation. To gain further insight into the function of CHIP we isolated CHIP-containing protein complexes from human HeLa cells and analyzed their composition by peptide mass fingerprinting. We identified the Hsc70 cochaperone BAG-2 as a main component of CHIP complexes. BAG-2 inhibits the ubiquitin ligase activity of CHIP by abrogating the CHIP/E2 cooperation and stimulates the chaperone-assisted maturation of CFTR. The activity of BAG-2 resembles that of the previously characterized Hsc70 cochaperone and CHIP inhibitor HspBP1. The presented data therefore establish multiple mechanisms to control the destructive activity of the CHIP ubiquitin ligase in human cells.
WHO BEARS THE BURDEN OF U.S. NONTARIFF MEASURES?
Authors: CLARK DON P. , BRUCE DONALD
Published: October 2005

This article provides evidence on the incidence of U.S. nontariff measures (NTMs) by investigating the relationship between per capita income and various indicators of NTM use. Collectively, NTMs are found to bear heavily on products of export interest to the poorer countries. Antidumping duty actions and voluntary export restraint agreements primarily target newly industrializing and industrial nations in the middle third of the income scale. The overall protection pattern suggests poorer countries will find it difficult to escape NTMs by attaining higher levels of economic development. Results also provide insight into country and industry‐level determinants of NTM use.(JELF0, F1)
Revisiting the Influence of Campaign Tone on Turnout in Senate Elections
Authors: Jackson Robert A. , Sides Jason C.
Published: October 2005

Examining the influence of campaign tone on individual turnout in the 1990 U.S. Senate elections, this note revisits Kahn and Kenney's conclusion that the political profile of citizens (as based on partisanship, level of political interest, and level of political expertise) conditions their responsiveness. Implementing an appropriate modeling strategy for making group comparisons, our analyses do not provide statistical support for the conditional effects that they highlight. More generally, our results do reinforce Kahn and Kenney's finding that negativity in tone of news coverage mobilizes citizens, but they do not reveal significant turnout influence for television advertising tone.
Glucose abnormalities and heart failure predict poor prognosis in the population-based Reykjavik Study
Authors: Thrainsdottir Inga S. , Aspelund Thor , Hardarson Thordur , Malmberg Klas , Sigurdsson Gunnar , Thorgeirsson Gudmundur , Gudnason Vilmundur , Rydén Lars
Published: October 2005

Background

The risk of cardiovascular disease increases progressively with increasing blood glucose from levels well below the diabetic threshold. In the Reykjavik Study the relationship between heart failure and abnormal glucose regulation was already apparent at the level of impaired glucose tolerance. The aim of this study was to determine the prognosis of participants with any glucose abnormality and heart failure and to test whether the combination of these conditions may adversely affect the subsequent prognosis.

Design

A prospective population-based study.

Methods

Data from the first visit of 19 381 participants were used. Participants were divided into groups according to their glycaemic and heart failure level, and comparisons were made between the groups and disease-free participants serving as a reference group. The risk of mortality and morbidity was calculated with adjustments for main cardiovascular risk factors and ischaemic heart disease.

Results

Participants in the reference group were younger, had lower body mass indices and more seldom a history of myocardial infarction compared with diseased groups. Mortality was lowest in the reference group ( P < 0.0001) increasing to a maximum in participants with the combination of glucose abnormality and heart failure. Prognostically, the mortality risk associated with abnormal glucose regulation was increased but was lower than the risk of diabetes. The risk of a new myocardial infarction was highest in participants with diabetes [hazard ratio (HR) 1.6; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.3-2.0] or diabetes in combination with heart failure (HR 1.8; CI 1.1-2.7).

Conclusions

Heart failure or glucose abnormalities are related to increased morbidity and mortality. The combination of glucose abnormality and heart failure did, however, not add further to the unfavourable prognosis in the presence of ischaemic heart disease.
Predictive accuracy of the SCORE risk function for cardiovascular disease in clinical practice: a prospective evaluation of 44 649 Austrian men and women
Authors: Ulmer Hanno , Kollerits Barbara , Kelleher Cecily , Diem Günter , Concin Hans
Published: October 2005

Background

In 2003, a new risk function for cardiovascular risk in clinical practice was developed by the SCORE project group. The aim of this paper was to evaluate the predictive accuracy of the SCORE in a large Austrian population.

Design

A prospective, multicentre, longitudinal linkage project.

Methods

Using the ‘SCORE risk function for low-risk regions', we calculated the risk of death from cardiovascular and coronary heart disease events over a 10-year period for 44 649 participants aged 40-65 years in the Vorarlberg Health Monitoring and Promotion Programme (VHM&PP). The predicted risks were compared with the 95% confidence intervals (CI) of the observed events.

Results

We observed a total of 487 deaths (1.1%; 95% CI 1.0-1.2) for all cardiovascular disease within 10 years, 371 (1.8%; 95% CI 1.6-2.0) in men and 116 (0.5%; 95% CI 0.4-0.6) in women. The SCORE function overestimated cardiovascular mortality and predicted 666 (1.5%) events, 444 (2.2%) in men and 222 (0.9%) in women. Receiver operating characteristics analyses revealed area under the curve values of 0.76 (95% CI 0.74-0.79) for men and 0.78 (95% CI 0.74-0.82) for women. Multivariable analyses showed that obesity (in men only) increased levels of glucose, gamma-glutamyl transferase, triglycerides (in women only), and blue-collar job status (in women only) significantly contributed to the SCORE as additional independent risk factors.

Conclusion

Although the SCORE overpredicted the mortality pattern in the cohort as a whole, its predictive ability at the individual level still demonstrates a potentially widespread utility in clinical practice.
The validity of the Finnish Diabetes Risk Score for the prediction of the incidence of coronary heart disease and stroke, and total mortality
Authors: Silventoinen Karri , Pankow James , Lindström Jaana , Jousilahti Pekka , Hu Gang , Tuomilehto Jaakko
Published: October 2005

Background

Cardiovascular disease shares several risk factors with type 2 diabetes. We tested whether the Finnish Diabetes Risk Score (FINDRISC), recently developed in a Finnish population to estimate the future risk of diabetes, would also identify individuals at high risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) and stroke, and total mortality in this same population.

Design

Independent risk factor surveys were conducted in 1987, 1992, and 1997 in Finland, comprising 8268 men and 9457 women aged 25-64 years and free of CHD and stroke at baseline. During the follow-up until the end of 2001, 699 incident acute CHD events, 324 acute stroke events, and 765 deaths occurred.

Methods

The data were analysed by using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and the Cox-regression model.

Results

The areas under the ROC curves (AUC) were 71% for CHD, 73% for stroke, and 68% for total mortality in men and 78, 68, and 72% in women, respectively. The addition of systolic and diastolic blood pressures, total and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and smoking increased the AUC values modestly (the change of the absolute values from 2.6 to 6.5%), but the additional use of plasma glucose had only a slight effect on the AUC values for CHD and stroke.

Conclusions

The FINDRISC is a reasonably good predictor of CHD, stroke and total mortality.
Physical performance and physical activity in grown-up congenital heart disease
Authors: Reybrouck Tony , Mertens Luc
Published: October 2005

Aim

To review exercise performance and exercise habits in patients with congenital heart disease (CHD).

Background and methods

Physical exercise and physical activity has shown beneficial effects on the physical, psychological and social level in adult patients with cardiovascular disease. Favourable effects have also been documented in children with CHD. Exercise testing is preferentially performed on a treadmill in children, with the measurement of gas exchange.

Results

An overview of the literature showed that formal exercise testing has frequently documented reduced or suboptimal values for aerobic exercise performance in children with left-to-right shunts (atrial septal defect, ventricular septal defect), valvular heart disease and obstructive anomalies (aortic stenosis, pulmonary stenosis, coarctation of the aorta). Subnormal values for exercise tolerance have also been observed in patients with successfully repaired cyanotic heart disease (tetraology of Fallot, transposition of the great arteries, Fontan operation). An important contributing factor to the impaired exercise performance is the hypoactive lifestyle, as often observed in patients with CHD. This frequently results from parental or environmental overprotection.

Conclusion

These patients should be stimulated to be physically active, unless medical restriction is imposed. Fortunately, this represents only a small fraction of the total number of congenital heart defects for which sports participation is allowed.
A comparison of Framingham and SCORE-based cardiovascular risk estimates in participants of the German National Health Interview and Examination Survey 1998
Authors: Neuhauser Hannelore K. , Ellert Ute , Kurth Bärbel-Maria
Published: October 2005

Background

Overestimation of risk by Framingham risk functions not only in southern but also in northern European populations including Germany, has led to the development of the SCORE risk estimation model.

Design

Data of the German National Health Interview and Examination Survey 1998 was used to determine whether SCORE leads to lower estimates of the 10-year absolute risk of fatal cardiovascular disease and fatal coronary heart disease than a Framingham model. Predicted numbers of events were compared with approximations based on national mortality statistics.

Methods

Inclusion criteria followed the recommendations for the use of SCORE: age 30 to 69 years, no previous history of cardiovascular disease and no markedly raised levels of single risk factors (leaving 1811 men and 1955 women for analysis).

Results

The SCORE model for high-risk regions (SCORE-HIGH, which is recommended for Germany pending calibration with national data) predicted the highest number of events, followed by the estimations with mortality statistics, the Framingham model and SCORE-LOW (87 fatal cardiovascular disease events versus 77, 62 and 47; fatal coronary heart disease events 62 versus 46, 46 and 30). Agreement on high-risk status, defined as the 10-year risk of fatal cardiovascular disease of 5% or higher now or if extrapolated to age 60, was moderate for both men and women (≤ 0.52 and 0.42 for Framingham and SCORE-HIGH).

Conclusions

Our results suggest that SCORE-HIGH may overestimate absolute risk of fatal coronary heart disease and cardiovascular disease in Germany and may need calibration. Furthermore, the limitations of current risk prediction tools emphasize the ongoing need for comprehensive, high-quality and timely European cohort data.
Estimating the risk for atherothrombosis: are current approaches sufficient?
Authors: Wilson Peter W.F.
Published: October 2005

Atherothrombotic disease is now the leading cause of mortality in the world and there are only a few methods available to estimate risk of vascular disease. Vascular disease risk assessment methods have been developed from a variety of population based studies and the most frequently used approaches include algorithms developed by Framingham (USA), Munster (Germany), and SCORE (Europe). The field of risk estimation is dynamic and inclusion of newer factors and populations is under active consideration and methods such as discrimination and calibration are now available to evaluate the use of risk assessment tools across different world regions.
Emergence of sperm from female storage sites has egg-influenced and egg-independent phases inDrosophila melanogaster
Authors: Bloch Qazi Margaret C , Wolfner Mariana F
Published: October 2005

The coordinated introduction of sperm and eggs is a prerequisite of high fertilization efficiency. InDrosophila melanogaster, as in most internally fertilizing animals, mated females store sperm prior to fertilization. Yet the regulation of sperm exit from these storage sites is poorly understood. To test one likely factor that could coordinate gamete availability, we quantified sperm exit from storage in three types of female: genetically matched females that were normal or eggless, and an additional wild-type control. Long-term depletion of sperm stores in normal females and eggless females occurs at similar rates. However, soon after mating, egg presence appears to accelerate the transition from one storage stage to the next. Since male ejaculate components and female factors contribute to sperm depletion, opportunities exist for both cooperation and conflict between the sexes in sperm storage dynamics.
Hummingbirds rely on both paracellular and carrier-mediated intestinal glucose absorption to fuel high metabolism
Authors: McWhorter Todd J , Bakken Bradley Hartman , Karasov William H , del Rio Carlos Martínez
Published: October 2005

Twenty years ago, the highest active glucose transport rate and lowest passive glucose permeability in vertebrates were reported in Rufous and Anna's hummingbirds (Selasphorus rufus,Calypte anna). These first measurements of intestinal nutrient absorption in nectarivores provided an unprecedented physiological foundation for understanding their foraging ecology. They showed that physiological processes are determinants of feeding behaviour. The conclusion that active, mediated transport accounts for essentially all glucose absorption in hummingbirds influenced two decades of subsequent research on the digestive physiology and nutritional ecology of nectarivores. Here, we report new findings demonstrating that the passive permeability of hummingbird intestines to glucose is much higher than previously reported, suggesting that not all sugar uptake is mediated. Even while possessing the highest active glucose transport rates measured in vertebrates, hummingbirds must rely partially on passive non-mediated intestinal nutrient absorption to meet their high mass-specific metabolic demands.
Simulations of electron elastic diffuse scattering patterns from individual nanometre-sized dislocation loops. I. Kinematical methodology
Authors: Zhou Z , Sutton A.P , Dudarev S.L , Jenkins M.L , Kirk M.A
Published: October 2005

A new experimental technique has recently been developed for characterizing small dislocation loops in the electron microscope by collecting elastic diffuse scattering patterns in the vicinity of Bragg reflections. In this paper we develop the theory and computational approaches for simulating such patterns. We apply the anisotropic elastic theory of displacement fields of planar dislocation loops of arbitrary shape to compute the distortion diffuse scattering amplitudes. To do this we extend methods based on kinematical scattering theory, previously used to simulate X-ray and neutron diffuse scattering patterns. We demonstrate significant differences in the diffuse scattering patterns for the electron scattering case that arise from the small width of the incident electron beam, and under weak-beam conditions. We show that the method may be used to distinguish between individual, very small, vacancy or interstitial loops. We also show that elastic anisotropy may have an influence on elastic diffuse scattering patterns from loops, to an extent that varies with the magnitude of the deviation parameter.
Designs for an adaptive tuned vibration absorber with variable shape stiffness element
Authors: Bonello Philip , Brennan Michael J , Elliott Stephen J , Vincent Julian F.V , Jeronimidis George
Published: October 2005

An adaptive tuned vibration absorber (ATVA) with a smart variable stiffness element is capable of retuning itself in response to a time-varying excitation frequency, enabling effective vibration control over a range of frequencies. This paper discusses novel methods of achieving variable stiffness in an ATVA by changing shape, as inspired by biological paradigms. It is shown that considerable variation in the tuned frequency can be achieved by actuating a shape change, provided that this is within the limits of the actuator. A feasible design for such an ATVA is one in which the device offers low resistance to the required shape change actuation while not being restricted to low values of the effective stiffness of the vibration absorber. Three such original designs are identified: (i) A pinned–pinned arch beam with fixed profile of slight curvature and variable preload through an adjustable natural curvature; (ii) a vibration absorber with a stiffness element formed from parallel curved beams of adjustable curvature vibrating longitudinally; (iii) a vibration absorber with a variable geometry linkage as stiffness element. The experimental results from demonstrators based on two of these designs show good correlation with the theory.
The pathogen causing Dutch elm disease makes host trees attract insect vectors
Authors: McLeod Geoff , Gries Regine , von Reuß Stephan H , Rahe James E , McIntosh Rory , König Wilfried A , Gries Gerhard
Published: October 2005

Dutch elm disease is caused by the fungal pathogen
Ophiostoma novo-ulmi
which is transmitted by the native elm bark beetle,
Hylurgopinus rufipes
. We have found that four semiochemicals (the monoterpene (−)-β-pinene and the sesquiterpenes (−)-α-cubebene, (+)-spiroaxa-5,7-diene and (+)-δ-cadinene) from diseased American elms,
Ulmus americana
, synergistically attract
H. rufipes
, and that sesquiterpene emission is upregulated in elm trees inoculated with
O. novo-ulmi
. The fungus thus manipulates host trees to enhance their apparency to foraging beetles, a strategy that increases the probability of transportation of the pathogen to new hosts.
Strikingly variable divergence times inferred across an Amazonian butterfly ‘suture zone’
Authors: Whinnett Alaine , Zimmermann Marie , Willmott Keith R , Herrera Nimiadina , Mallarino Ricardo , Simpson Fraser , Joron Mathieu , Lamas Gerardo , Mallet James
Published: October 2005

‘Suture zones’ are areas where hybrid and contact zones of multiple taxa are clustered. Such zones have been regarded as strong evidence for allopatric divergence by proponents of the Pleistocene forest refugia theory, a vicariance hypothesis frequently used to explain diversification in the Amazon basin. A central prediction of the refugia and other vicariance theories is that the taxa should have a common history so that divergence times should be coincident among taxa. A suture zone for Ithomiinae butterflies near Tarapoto, NE Peru, was therefore studied to examine divergence times of taxa in contact across the zone. We sequenced 1619 bp of the mitochondrial COI/COII region in 172 individuals of 31 species from across the suture zone. Inferred divergence times differed remarkably, with divergence between some pairs of widespread species (each of which may have two or more subspecies interacting in the zone, as in the genusMelinaea) being considerably less than that between hybridizing subspecies in other genera (for instance inOleria). Our data therefore strongly refute a simple hypothesis of simultaneous vicariance and suggest that ongoing parapatric or other modes of differentiation in continuous forest may be important in driving diversification in Amazonia.
Montane speciation patterns in
Ithomiola
butterflies (Lepidoptera: Riodinidae): are they consistently moving up in the world?
Authors: Hall Jason P.W
Published: October 2005

Tropical lowland areas have often been seen as the centres of terrestrial species proliferation, but recent evidence suggests that young species may be more frequent in montane areas. Several montane speciation modes have been proposed, but their relative frequencies and predominant evolutionary sequence remain unclear because so few biogeographic and phylogenetic studies have tested such questions. I use morphological data to generate a phylogenetic hypothesis for all 11 species of the riodinid butterfly genus
Ithomiola
(Riodininae: Mesosemiini: Napaeina). These species are shown here to be all strictly geographically and elevationally allo- or parapatrically distributed with respect to their closest relatives in lowland and montane regions throughout the Neotropics. The overwhelming pattern in
Ithomiola
is of repeated upward parapatric speciation across an elevational gradient, and the genus appears to provide the clearest example to date of vertical montane speciation. All of the young derived species are montane and all of the old basal species are confined to the lowlands, supporting the hypothesis of montane regions largely as ‘species pumps’ and lowland regions as ‘museums’. Possible reasons for the post-speciation maintenance of parapatric ranges in
Ithomiola
are discussed.