bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Absorption, Tissue Distribution and Elimination of 4-[3H]-Epigallocatechin Gallate in Beagle Dogs
Authors: Swezey Robert R. , Aldridge Daphne E. , Le Valley Susanna E. , Crowell James A. , Hara Yukihiko , Green Carol E.
Published: September 2003

Polyphenols found in tea are potent antioxidants and have inhibitory activity against tumorigenicity. The purpose of the described study was to assess the absorption, tissue distribution, and elimination of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), the principal catechin found in green tea, in a nonrodent species. 4-[3H]-EGCG was administered to beagle dogs by intravenous (IV) and oral routes. Following IV administration of 25 mg/kg, radioactivity in the bloodstream resided predominantly in the plasma. Distribution occurred during the first hour, and the plasma levels of total radioactivity declined with a mean half-life of approximately 7 hours. The apparent volume of distribution (0.65 l/kg) indicated wide distribution, and the total body clearance (1.01 ml/min-kg) was low. A subsequent single oral dose (250 mg/kg) was rapidly absorbed, with peak plasma levels at about 1 hour after administration, followed by elimination with a mean half-life of 8.61 hours. The mean area under the curve (AUC) for total radioactivity was approximately 20% of the value following IV administration (corrected for dose administered). Excretion of radioactivity in the feces predominated over urinary excretion following both IV and oral administration of [3H]-EGCG. Tissue distribution was determined 1 hour after an IV dose (25 mg/kg) administered after 27 days of oral treatment with EGCG (250 mg/kg/day) to mimic chronic consumption of tea. Radioactivity was distributed to a variety of epithelial tissues; the highest concentrations were observed in the liver and gastrointestinal tract tissues. Repeat dose oral administration of EGCG resulted in significantly lower blood radioactivity compared to the concentration following a single dose. These results are generally in accord with previous studies in rodents and indicate that, after oral administration, EGCG (as parent compound and metabolites) is widely distributed to tissues where it can exert a chemopreventive effect.
A 24-Hour Continuous Infusion Study of Bivalirudin in the Rat
Authors: Gleason Teresa G. , Chengelis Christopher P. , Jackson Carney B. , Lindstrom Pia
Published: September 2003

The potential toxic effects of bivalirudin (an anticoagulant) were evaluated in this intravenous infusion study in Sprague-Dawley rats. Bivalirudin was administered over a 24-hour period by continuous intravenous infusion to six groups of rats. Dose levels of 100, 500, and 2000 mg/kg/24 h were selected for the low-, mid-, and high-dose groups. Three bivalirudin-treated groups of 12 males and 12 females each were designated for toxicology assessment. Six animals/sex/group were euthanized at the completion of 24-hour infusion, and the remaining animals were assigned to a 14-day recovery period. Three additional groups of 10 rats/sex/group were designated for toxicokinetic assessment. This study included a saline control group and a vehicle control group. No bivalirudinrelated toxicity was noted. There were no treatment-related effects on clinical pathology parameters. No definitive test article-related macroscopic, organ weight, or microscopic changes were identified. Three animals in the 500-mg/kg/24 h group, and 7 animals in the 2000-mg/kg/24 h group in the toxicokinetic assessment phase of the study were found dead or euthanized in extremis (following blood sampling). The concurrent clinical signs suggest that the animals hemorrhaged, which is consistent with the pharmacological action of bivalirudin. The extent of systemic exposure was similar in male and female rats, indicating a lack of a sex-related difference. Plasma concentrations of bivalirudin appeared to be linear and dose independent. Based on the results of this study, the no-observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) for bivalirudin, administered to rats via intravenous infusion over a 24-hour period, was 2000 mg/kg/24 h. However, the known pharmacological properties of bivalirudin could result in hemorrhage in the presence of an appropriate challenge (e.g., blood collection).
Effects of Oral Administration of Manganese on the Kidneys and Urinary Bladder of Sprague-Dawley Rats
Authors: Ponnapakkam Tulasi , Iszard Marcus , Henry-Sam Gerelyn
Published: September 2003

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of oral administration of manganese acetate on the kidneys and urinary bladder of Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. Male and female SD rats (150 to 175 g), 6 weeks old, were administered varying doses of manganese acetate for 63 days by oral gavage. At the end of 63 days, 50% of the animals were sacrificed and kidney tissue was isolated and fixed for histopathological studies (study A). The remaining 50% were cross-mated and dosing ceased. Animals were sacrificed after 2 weeks (study B). Male treated animals were noted to have viscous, gritty urine in the urinary bladder, and the high-dose groups had urinary bladder stones (uroliths). Histopathologically, the most striking lesions were observed in the kidneys and prostate glands of male animals. Mild-to-moderate tubulointerstitial nephritis with tubular proteineous and glomerulosclerosis was observed in animals of all treatment groups. Urolithiasis in the urinary bladder was confirmed in 33% to 66% of treated animals. Female animals did not show a significant difference above controls in renal tissues. Results of this study suggest that male rats are more sensitive to the effects of high levels of manganese given orally than female rats and that the genitourinary structures represent target organs of toxicity.
Subchronic and Developmental Toxicity Studies in Rats with Ac-Di-Sol Croscarmellose Sodium
Authors: Freeman Christine , Weiner Myra L. , Kotkoskie Lois A. , Borzelleca Joseph , Butt Mark
Published: September 2003

Studies were conducted to evaluate the subchronic and developmental toxicity of Ac-Di-Sol (croscarmellose sodium). In the subchronic study, groups of Sprague-Dawley rats (20/sex/group) received 0 (control), 10,000, or 50,000 ppm Ac-Di-Sol in the diet for 90 consecutive days (equivalent to 757 and 893 mg/kg/day for males and females fed 10,000 ppm, respectively, and to 3922 and 4721 mg/kg/day for males and females fed 50,000 ppm, respectively). No mortality, clinical signs of toxicity, or adverse toxicological effects on hematology or serum chemistry parameters, feed consumption, or ophthalmologic examinations were noted in any treatment group. Body weight gain was depressed in high-dose males during the final 3 weeks. The only treatment-related histological lesion noted was moderate renal mineralization at the corticomedullary junction in one high-dose female. This lesion was not considered a specific effect of Ac-Di-Sol, but rather a secondary effect resulting from a potential increase in urinary p H and renal excretion of sodium due to the high intake of sodium associated with Ac-Di-Sol. In the developmental toxicity study, groups of pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats (25/group) received 0 (control), 10,000, or 50,000 ppm Ac-Di-Sol in the diet on gestational days 6 to 15. No evidence of maternal, fetal, or embryo toxicity was noted. The no-observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) for Ac-Di-Sol in both studies exceeds 50,000 ppm in the diet, which represents doses of 3922 and 4712 mg/kg/day, for males and females, respectively. The results of these studies demonstrate the low subchronic oral toxicity and developmental toxicity of Ac-Di-Sol, and support the safe use of Ac-Di-Sol in oral applications such as pharmaceuticals, dietary supplements, and sweetener tablets.
Human Health Effects of Sodium Azide Exposure: A Literature Review and Analysis
Authors: Chang Soju , Lamm Steven H.
Published: September 2003

Sodium azide, used mainly as a preservative in aqueous laboratory reagents and biologic fluids and as a fuel in automobile airbag gas generants, has caused deaths for decades. Its exposure potential for the general population increases as the use of airbags increase. In order to characterize the known health effects of sodium azide in humans and the circumstances of their exposure, the authors conducted a systematic review of the literature from 1927 to 2002 on human exposure to sodium azide and its health effects. The most commonly reported health effect from azide exposure is hypotension, almost independent of route of exposure. Most industrial exposures are by inhalation. Most laboratory exposures or suicide attempts are byingestion. Most of the reported cases involved persons working in laboratories. The time between exposure and detection of hypotension can predict outcome. Fatal doses occur with exposures of 700 mg (10 mg/kg). Nonlethal doses ranged from 0.3 to 150 mg (0.004 to 2 mg/kg). Onset of hypotension within minutes or in less than an hour is indicative of a pharmacological response and a benign course. Hypotension with late onset (1 hour) constitutes an ominous sign for death. All individuals with hypotension for more than an hour died. Additional health effects included mild complaints of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, dizziness, temporary loss of vision, palpitation, dyspnea, or temporary loss of consciousness or mental status decrease. More severe symptoms and signs included marked decreased mental status, seizure, coma, arrhythmia, tachypnea, pulmonary edema, metabolic acidosis, and cardiorespiratory arrest. The signs and symptoms from lower exposures (<700 mg) are physiological responses at the vascular level and those at or above are toxicological responses at the metabolic level. There is no specific antidote for sodium azide intoxication. Recommended preventive measures for sodium azide exposure consist of education of people at high risk, such as laboratory workers, regarding its chemical properties and toxicity, better labeling of products containing sodium azide, and strict enforcement of laboratory regulations and access control.
An In Vitro Bioassay for Xenobiotics Using the SXR-Driven Human CYP3A4/lac Z Reporter Gene
Authors: Lee Mi R. , Kim Yeon J. , Hwang Dae Y. , Kang Tae S. , Hwang Jin H. , Lim Chae H. , Kang Hyung K. , Goo Jun S. , Lim Hwa J. , Ahn Kwang S. , Cho Jung S. , Chae Kap R. , Kim Yong K.
Published: September 2003

The dose and time effect of nine xenobiotics, including 17β-estradiol, corticosterone, dexamethasone, progesterone, nifedipine, bisphenol A, rifampicin, methamphetamine, and nicotine were investigated, in vitro, using human steroid and xenobiotics receptor (SXR)-binding sites on the human CYP3A4 promoter, which can enhance the linked lac Z reporter gene transcription. To test this, liver-specific SAP (human serum amyloid P component)-SXR (SAP/SXR) and human CYP3A4 promoter-regulated lac Z (h CYP3A4/lac Z) constructs were transiently transfected into Hep G2 and NIH3T3 cells to compare the xenobiotic responsiveness between human and nonhuman cell lines. In the Hep G2 cells, rifampicin, followed by corticosterone, nicotine, methamphetamine, and dexamethasone, exhibited enhanced levels of the lac Z transcript, whereas those of bisphenol A and nifedipine were found to be reduced. No significant responses were observed with 17β-estradiol or progesterone. In addition, 17β-estradiol and progesterone did not change the levels of the lac Z transcripts in the Hep G2 cells, but did induce significant increases in the transcripts of the NIH3T3 cells. Treatment with corticosterone and dexamethasone, which were highly expressed in the Hep G2 cells, did not affect the levels of the lac Z transcript in NIH3T3 cells. These results show that lac Z transcripts can be measured, rapidly and reproducibly, using reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) based on the expression of the h CYP3A4/lac Z reporter gene, and was mediated by the SXR. Thus, this in vitro reporter gene bioassay is useful for measuring xenobiotic activities, and is a means to a better relevant bioassay, using human cells, human genes and human promoters, in order to get a closer look at actual human exposure.
A Review of the Genotoxicity of Triallate
Authors: Healy Charles E. , Kier Larry D. , Broeckaert Fabrice , Martens Mark A.
Published: September 2003

Triallate is a selective herbicidal chemical used for control of wild oats in wheat. It has an extensive genotoxicity database that includes a variety of in vitro and in vivo studies. The chemical has produced mixed results in in vitro assay systems. It was genotoxic in bacterial mutation Ames assays, predominantly in Salmonella typhimurium strains TA100 and TA1535 in the presence of S9. Weaker responses have been observed in TA100 and TA1535 in the absence of S9. Mixed results have been observed in strain TA98, whereas no genotoxicity has been observed in strains TA1537 and TA1538. The presence and absence of S9 and its source seem to play a role in the bacterial response to the chemical. There have also been conflicting results in other test systems using other bacterial genera, yeast, and mammalian cells. Chromosome effects assays (sister-chromatid exchange and cytogenetics assays) have produced mixed results with S9 but no genotoxicity without S9. Triallate has not produced any genotoxicity in in vitro DNA damage or unscheduled DNA synthesis assays using EUE cells, human lymphocytes, and rat and mouse hepatocytes. In a series of in vivo genotoxicity assays (cytogenetics, micronucleus, dominant lethal, and unscheduled DNA synthesis), there has been no indication of any adverse genotoxic effect. Metabolism data indicate that the probable explanation for the differences observed between the in vitro studies with S9 and without S9 and between the in vitro and the in vivo studies is the production of a mutagenic intermediate in vitro at high doses of triallate is expected to be at most only transiently present in in vivo studies. The weight of evidence strongly suggests that triallate is not likely to exert mutagenic activity in vivo due to toxicokinetics and metabolic processes leading to detoxification.
Fluoranthene-Induced Neurobehavioral Toxicity in F-344 Rats
Authors: Saunders Crystal R. , Shockley Dolores C. , Knuckles Maurice E.
Published: September 2003

Fluroanthene (FLA) is a nonalternant representative of poly-cyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) family of toxic chemicals that are widely distributed in the environment. The effects of single acute doses of FLA on locomotor activities and the functional observational battery (FOB) were investigated in 8-week-old male and female F-344 rats. FLA was dissolved in peanut oil and administered by oral gavage as single doses of 0, 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg. Immediately after dosing, animals were placed in activity cages and monitored for nocturnal locomotor activities at 2-hour intervals and for a total of 12 hours for 5 consecutive days post treatment. Significant ( p <.001) reductions in horizontal activity, total distance, stereotypy, and vertical activity were observed. Rats administered acute doses of FLA were also subjected to the functional observational battery (FOB) tests that were conducted at 0, 2, 4, 6, 12, 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours after FLA administration. FLA-exposed animals showed significant ( p <.05) dysfunction, including ataxia, decreased grip strengths, increased landing foot splay, loss of aerial righting, increased urination and defecation, and decreased responses to sensory stimuli in both sexes. Neurological deficits in the FOB peaked at 6 hours and lasted for 48 hours post treatment. Significant ( p <.05) gender-related differences were noted in behavioral end points, with male rats showing greater sensitivity to FLA administration than females, as evidenced by their greater mean severity scores in FOB parameters and lower motor activity counts. These findings suggest that FLA can produce behavioral toxicity in F-344 rats and that motor activity and the FOB may serve as end points for the detection of acute FLA toxicity.
Endotoxin Potentiates Cocaine-Mediated Hepatotoxicity by Nitric Oxide and Reactive Oxygen Species
Authors: Labib Ramez , Turkall Rita , Abdel-Rahman Mohamed S.
Published: September 2003

Exposure to small, noninjurious doses of the inflammagen, bacterial endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide, LPS) augments the toxicity of certain hepatotoxicants, including cocaine. The mechanism of this interaction has not been clearly elucidated, but it seems that aspects of the inflammatory response initiated by exposure to LPS may be responsible. In particular, this study examined the role of Kupffer cells and the modulating effects of nitric oxide (NO) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) on the LPS potentiation of cocaine-mediated hepatotoxicity (CMH). Mice were administered oral cocaine hy-drochloride for 5 consecutive days at a dose of 20 mg/kg with and without 12 times 106 EU LPS/kg given intraperitoneally (IP) 4 hours after the last cocaine injection. Pretreatment regimens consisted of administration of 300 mg/kg, IP, of aminoguanidine (AM) or 1,3-dimethylthiourea (DMU) at 1 hour or 15 minutes, respectively, before each cocaine administration. In another group, mice were pretreated with saline using the same cocaine and LPS treatment protocol, but received a single pretreatment of 7 mg gadolinium chloride (Gd Cl3)/kg intravenously (IV), or sterile saline 24 hours prior to the LPS administration. The Gd Cl3 (Kupffer cell inhibitor) pretreatment inhibited the LPS potentiation of CMH, but did not reverse the effects of cocaine alone. On the other hand, AM (NO synthase inhibitor), decreased the synthesis of NO as observed by the decrease in the plasma nitrate/nitrite level and completely reversed the hepatotoxic effects of cocaine and LPS alone and in combination. Moreover, DMU (hydroxyl free radical scavenger) ameliorated the effects of cocaine and significantly reduced the hepatotoxicity observed with the cocaine and LPS administration. These data suggest that cocaine sensitizes the liver and subsequent activation of Kupffer cells by LPS leads to the formation of increased levels of NO, which can promote oxidant stress and thus provide an environment favoring the generation of more reactive species such as the hydroxyl free radical.
Mineralocorticoid Hormones Exert Dramatic Effects on Pluripotent Human Stem Cell Progeny
Authors: Mirshahi M. , Valamanesh F. , Golestaneh N. , Mirshahi P. , Vincent L. , Tang R. , Agarwal M. K.
Published: September 2003

The authors studied mineralocorticoid receptor (MCR)-mediated effects of steroids on CD34+ progenitor cells. Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis showed the presence of m RNA for both the MCR and the alpha subunit of the epithelial sodium channel, a member of the amiloride-sensitive sodium channel (ASSC) superfamily, in human CD41+ megacaryoblastic cells derived from cultured bone marrow CD34+ isolates, as well as in the human erythromegakaryoblastic leukemia (HEL) cell line. Immunofluorescence also revealed the presence of both the MCR and ASSC in circulating CD34+ and medullar CD41+ megacaryoblastic cells, the former as a nucleocy-toplasmic protein and the latter as a membrane-bound protein, as expected from earlier studies using MCR-specific targets. In a selective medium, the formation of erythrocyte burst-forming units, and of the granulocyte-macrophage colony-forming units, by circulating CD34+ cells was influenced by the agonists deoxycorti-costerone and aldosterone, as well as by the antagonists RU 26752 and ZK 91587, targeted for the MCR. The multiplication of the leukemic HEL progeny, derived from CD41+ cells, was similarly altered by these steroids targeted for the MCR. In contrast, in the optimal growth medium, the multiplication, and colony formation by bone marrow CD34+ progenitor cells were not altered by either aldosterone or ZK 91587. These and other studies reveal that the receptor-mediated action of mineralocorticoids may influence the functional maturation of the hematopoietic progenitor lineage, contrary to the classical notion where the mineralotropic effect would be a unique feature of the epithelial cell.
Reduced Levels of Mercury in First Baby Haircuts of Autistic Children
Authors: Holmes Amy S. , Blaxill Mark F. , Haley Boyd E.
Published: September 2003

Reported rates of autism have increased sharply in the United States and the United Kingdom. One possible factor underlying these increases is increased exposure to mercury through thimerosal-containing vaccines, but vaccine exposures need to be evaluated in the context of cumulative exposures during gestation and early infancy. Differential rates of postnatal mercury elimination may explain why similar gestational and infant exposures produce variable neurological effects. First baby haircut samples were obtained from 94 children diagnosed with autism using Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition (DSM IV) criteria and 45 age- and gender-matched controls. Information on diet, dental amalgam fillings, vaccine history, Rho D immunoglob-ulin administration, and autism symptom severity was collected through a maternal survey questionnaire and clinical observation. Hair mercury levels in the autistic group were 0.47 ppm versus 3.63 ppm in controls, a significant difference. The mothers in the autistic group had significantly higher levels of mercury exposure through Rho D immunoglobulin injections and amalgam fillings than control mothers. Within the autistic group, hair mercury levels varied significantly across mildly, moderately, and severely autistic children, with mean group levels of 0.79, 0.46, and 0.21 ppm, respectively. Hair mercury levels among controls were significantly correlated with the number of the mothers' amalgam fillings and their fish consumption as well as exposure to mercury through childhood vaccines, correlations that were absent in the autistic group. Hair excretion patterns among autistic infants were significantly reduced relative to control. These data cast doubt on the efficacy of traditional hair analysis as a measure of total mercury exposure in a subset of the population. In light of the biological plausibility of mercury's role in neurodevelopmental disorders, the present study provides further insight into one possible mechanism by which early mercury exposures could increase the risk of autism.
The Herbicide Metolachlor Induces Liver Cytochrome P450s 2B1/2 and 3A1/2, but Not Thyroxine-Uridine Dinucleotide Phosphate Glucuronosyltransferase and Associated Thyroid Gland Activity
Authors: Dalton Shana R. , Miller Richard T. , Meyer Sharon A.
Published: September 2003

Metolachlor (2-chloro- N-(2-ethyl-6-methylphenyl)- N-(2-methoxy-1-methylethyl) acetamide) is widely used internationally as a corn and cotton herbicide. The metolachlor effects noted in rats during testing for U.S. pesticide registration include increased liver weight and hepatocarcinogenicity associated with eosinophilic foci. These properties, plus nongenotoxicity, are also characteristic of the prototypical rat liver tumor promoter, phenobarbital. Phenobarbital induces hepatic cytochrome P450s CYP2B1/2 and CYP3A1/2 and thyroxine (T4)-UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (T4-UGT), which enhances thyroxine clearance and thus indirectly increases thyroid gland activity. Because other chloroacetanilide herbicides are known to similarly affect rat thyroid gland, this study tested the hypothesis that metolachlor would have these additional phenobarbital-like effects on liver, especially that of T4-UGT induction with consequential stimulation of thyroid gland. Effects of metolachlor, fed to male Sprague-Dawley rats for 14 days at the carcinogenic dose of 3000 ppm, were compared to those of equimolar phenobarbital. Liver microsomal CYP2B1/2 and CYP3A1/2 were probed by immunoblotting and T4-UGT was measured enzymat-ically. Serum T4, triiodothyronine (T3), and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and thyroid follicular epithelial cell morphology and proliferation were used to assess thyroid gland activity. Metolachlor induced CYP2B1/2 and CYP3A1/2 proteins, but unlike phenobarbital, did not affect T4-UGT activity. In agreement, serum T4, T3, or TSH were unaffected by metolachlor. Also, no significant effects of metolachlor on thyroid gland morphology or follicular epithelial cell height or proliferation were observed. These data demonstrate that metolachlor is an inducer of hepatic CYP2B1/2 activity. But unlike the prototypical CYP2B1/2 inducer phenobarbital, metolachlor does not cause an increase in T4-glucuronidation and thyroid gland activation.
Acute Toxicity of Synthetic Pyrethroid Cypermethrin to Freshwater Catfish Heteropneustes fossilis (Bloch)
Authors: Saha Suchismita , Kaviraj Anilava
Published: September 2003

Lethal concentrations of cypermethrin, dissolved either in water or acetone, were determined for freshwater catfish Heteropneustes fossilis at different hours of exposure by static bioassays. Up to 48 hours, there was no difference between LC50 values of aqueous and acetone solublized cypermethrin. Seventy-two-hour LC50 values of aqueous cypermethrin and acetone solublized cypermethrin to H. fossilis were 0.67 and 1.27 μg/L, respectively. Lethal values remained unchanged beyond 72 hours. The fish exposed to even lower concentration of cypermethrin (0.5 μg/L) showed hyperactivity.
Use of the Domestic Swine as an Alternative Animal Model for Conducting Dermal Irritation/Corrosion Studies on Fatty Amine Ethoxylates
Authors: Rausch L. , Bisinger E. C. , Sharma A. , Rose R.
Published: September 2003

The dermal irritation/corrosion potential of four fatty amine ethoxylates was evaluated using domestic swine as an alternative animal model. The weanling pig was chosen for this study due to the similarity of its skin to human skin with respect to structure and physiology. The four products, Armostat® 310 (tallow bis (2-hydroxyethyl) amine), Armostat® 410 (coco bis (2-hydroxyethyl) amine), Armostat® 710 (oleyl bis (2-hydroxyethyl) amine), and Armostat® 1800 (stearyl bis (2-hydroxyethyl) amine) were applied to the skin of three domestic swine for 4 hours in accordance with internationally accepted guidelines. Dermal reactions were scored up to 168 hours post application. Armostat® 310, Armostat® 410, and Armostat® 710 were all classified as moderately irritating, whereas Armostat® 1800 was nonirritating. None of the additives were corrosive to the skin of domestic swine. These products had been previously classified as corrosive based on studies conducted with rabbits using Armostat® 310. This study demonstrates that the use of a more appropriate animal model will generate data that are relevant to humans for the classification of the potential dermal irritation and/or corrosive properties of chemicals.
A review of Clinical Terms Version 3 (Read Codes) for speech and language record keeping
Authors: M. Cowie J. , Wanger K. M. , Cartwright A. , Bailey H. , Millar J. A. , Price S. , Henry M.
Published: September 2003

There may be bugs, there may be viruses, but computers are here to stay. Access to computers may vary greatly from ‘seen one once’ to daily usage. However, with an increasing dependence on electronic records, even the most remote therapist will ultimately be faced with computerization. To make this process as painless as possible some commonality in approach is logical. A common vocabulary, for instance, would ensure that dysphasia in Cape Town is the same as dysphasia in Dundee. This is great in theory but is Clinical Terms Version 3 (Read Codes) (CTV3) sufficient to encode records in clinical practice? It is to this end that the Speech and Language Therapy Department at Burton Hospital took part in a multidisciplinary project with the NHS Centre for Coding and Classification (NHS CCC). (NHS CCC became the NHS Information Authority, Coding and Classification on 1 April 1999.) Their CTV3 offers a standardized clinical terminology. An audit of patient case‐notes found that 78% of the terms used by therapists were available in CTV3. Although there are many issues raised concerning electronic patient records, CTV3 presented as a potential vocabulary for recording patient information in this acute setting.
A preliminary account of phonological and morphophonological perception in young children with and without otitis media
Authors: C. Petinou Kakia , Schwartz Richard G. , Gravel Judith S. , Raphael Lawrence J.
Published: September 2003

This investigation examined the effects of otitis media with effusion (OME) and its associated fluctuating conductive hearing loss on the perception of phonological and morphophonological /s/ and /z/ in young children. We predicted that children free of OME (OME) would perform better than children with histories of OME (OME+). We also predicted that for the OME+ group morphological perception would be harder than phonological perception, because the former category carries an additional linguistic load (i.e., plurality). Sixteen children, ages 26 to 28 months (M =26.5, SD=0.6) were divided into two groups, the OME (n =8) and OME + (n =8) based on OME history during the first year of life. Subjects in the OME group were free of the disease for 4/5 visits and pure tone average (PTA) was 12.6 dB HL (SD=4.8). Subjects in the OME+ group had the disease on 3/5 visits and PTA was 23dB HL (SD=2.7). Experimental stimuli were six monosyllabic novel word‐pairs. Members of each word‐pair differed only in the presence of final voiced or voiceless fricative, marking the targets phonologically (e.g., [g6]/[g6 s] as in ‘law’, ‘loss’) or morphophonologically (e.g., [dæp]/[dæps] as in ‘map’ ‘maps’). Subjects were taught the unfamiliar word pairs using a fast mapping procedure. Perception was tested with the bimodal preferential looking paradigm. Children in the OME group performed significantly better than their OME+ counterparts. Individual word‐pair analyses showed that OME+ group performed more poorly than the OME group on one phonological and on two morphological targets, all ending with [s]. For the OME+ group, targets with final [s] posed greater difficulty than those with final [z], especially on morphophonological plural‐{s) targets. The results suggested that the fluctuating hearing loss associated with OME might have a negative impact on speech perception.
Direct and indirect therapy for word sound deafness
Authors: Maneta Athanasia , Marshall Jane , Lindsay Jayne
Published: September 2003

This paper evaluates two therapy programmes conducted with PK, an aphasic individual with word sound deafness. The first aimed directly to improve discrimination skills, using minimal pair tasks supported with lip reading. Disappointingly, there were no changes on discrimination tests after this therapy, even when PK could benefit from lip reading information. The second, indirect, programme of therapy aimed to change the communication behaviours of PK's wife. Strategies such as writing and simplifying information were modelled and practised. A detailed information booklet, outlining the target strategies and explaining PK's main strengths and weaknesses supported the programme. Evaluation of this therapy involved pre‐ and post‐therapy analysis of interactions between PK and his wife, with biographical questions forming the basis of the interactions. There were several changes after therapy on this measure. The number and length of communication breakdowns were reduced, and more questions were answered accurately. This study suggests that, in some cases of severe word sound deafness, indirect therapies may be most effective.
Relationship between parenting behaviours and specific language impairment in children
Authors: Scheffner Hammer Carol , Bruce Tomblin J. , Zhang Xuyang , Weiss Amy L.
Published: September 2003

This study investigated the relationship between parenting behaviours and specific language impairment (SLI) in children. Using a case‐control design, data on 177 kindergarten children with SLI and 925 kindergarten children who were typically developing were collected using a parental questionnaire. Parents were interviewed about parenting practices classified into the following categories: conversing with children, teaching behaviours, the child's daily routine and discipline. The results revealed that parents of children who were normally developing had engaged their children in particular conversational activities more frequently than had parents with children with SLI. Parents of children diagnosed with SLI tended to teach their children school readiness skills (the alphabet and colours) and discipline their children more frequently. These relationships continued to hold after controlling for maternal education and family economic need with the exception of teaching children colour names. The results suggested that additional investigations that examine the association between these parental behaviours and children's language status through direct observation are warranted.
Use of cognitive state predicates by language‐impaired children
Authors: Johnston Judith R. , Miller Jon , Tallal Paula
Published: September 2003

Two studies of the use of cognitive state predicates by children with specific language impairment (SLI) were conducted. Study I analysed longitudinal language samples collected from 26 children with SLI and 25 children with normal language (NL) development, aged 4;4 and 2;11, respectively, at Time I. Study II analysed samples from SLI children with more severe delays at an earlier language stage. There were 10 SLI children and 10 NL children, aged 4;11 and 2;8, respectively, matched by MLU. All cognitive state predicates were identified using both broad and narrow definitions. In Study I, the SLI children used cognitive state predicates less frequently than their mental age peers, and with no greater frequency or variety than their younger, language peers. In Study II, children with SLI used more predicates referring to communication events, but there were no further group differences. These findings are discussed as they relate to two current psycholinguistic issues: the possible dissociation of grammar and the lexicon, and the role of language in the development of children's theory of mind.
High‐frequency verbs and verb diversity in the spontaneous speech of school‐age children with specific language impairment
Authors: T. Thordardottir Elin , Weismer Susan Ellis
Published: September 2003

Low verb diversity and heavy reliance on a small set of high‐frequency ‘general all purpose (GAP)’ verbs have been reported to characterize specific language impairment (SLI) in preschool children. However, discrepancies exist about the severity of this deficit, particularly in whether these children's verb diversity is commensurate with their MLU level and whether verb diversity is more severely affected than general lexical diversity. Conflicting findings have been reported regarding the use of GAP verbs. This relatively large (n =100) study extended the investigation of lexical diversity and high‐frequency verb use to school‐age children with SLI and NL peers and examined a particular hypothesis concerning the role of high‐frequency verbs in language development. No differences were found between groups in general lexical diversity or verb diversity in samples of a set number of tokens. The results did not suggest that verb diversity constitutes an area of specific deficit in spontaneous production for children with SLI. SLI and NL groups were indistinguishable in high‐frequency verb use. Extensive use of high‐frequency verbs by both groups indicates that their use is part of normal development. Results are reported that support the hypothesis that high‐frequency verbs act as prototypes for major meaning categories, permitting semantic and syntactic simplification with minimal losses in information value.
Learning an invented inflectional morpheme in Spanish by children with typical language skills and with specific language impairment (SLI)
Authors: Anderson Raquel T.
Published: September 2003

Cross‐linguistic research on SLI has suggested that how the disorder is manifested depends on the ambient language. For example, research on Italian indicates that SLI children do not present difficulties with verb inflection, when compared with MLUmatched peers. This pattern contrasts with what has been reported for Englishspeaking children. The present investigation sought to examine SLI children's use of inflectional morphology through a language teaching task similar to that used by Connell (1987) and Connell and Stone (1992). To address cross‐linguistic differences, children were speakers of a language similar to Italian in its verb agreement paradigm. Sixteen Puerto Rican Spanish‐speaking with SLI and 16 age‐matched controls were taught a subject‐verb agreement suffix that established the subject's gender. Half the children in each group were taught the new form via imitation. The rest of the participants were trained via a modeling procedure. Both comprehension and production of the target form were assessed. Results indicated significant differences across the SLI and typical groups for both comprehension and production of the inflectional morpheme, regardless of instructional strategy. These findings contradict what has been observed in previous studies on teaching an invented rule to children with SLI. They also suggest that inflectional morphology may be problematic even for children who are learning a morphologically rich language. The explanatory power of the process account and the linguistic account of SLI are explored as these pertain to the present findings, and suggestions for further research are discussed.
Nature of phonological delay in children with specific language impairment
Authors: Orsolini Margherita , Sechi Enzo , Maronato Cristina , Bonvino Elisabetta , Corcelli Alessandra
Published: September 2003

This study investigated the nature of phonological delay in a group of children with specific language impairment. It was asked whether phonological errors in this group of children were generated by a slow but normal language learning process or whether they reflected a selective impairment in some representations that enhance normal acquisition and use of a language phonology. A group of 10 children with SLI (mean age=5,1) was compared with three groups of normal children who were matched in age (age control group, mean age=5,1), in sentence comprehension and recalling (grammar control group, mean age= 3,7), or who exhibited a phonological performance lower than the age average (group with low phonological performance, mean age=4,4). The four groups of children were assessed in terms of: (1) responses to a mispronunciation detection task; and (2) error profiles with complex and simple syllabic structures. Performance on the mispronunciation detection task showed that the group with SLI could distinguish a target lexical item from acoustic non‐word stimuli that were highly similar to it in terms of phonetic characteristics. An analysis of overall error rate at this task showed, however, that four children with SLI had a much lower performance than normal children of the same age, even when the auditory stimuli were tokens of the target word, or non‐words that were phonetically different from the target. A difficulty in coordinating vocal actions in an articulatory plan accounted for error profiles with simple syllabic structures both for some children with SLI and normal children with phonological performance lower than the age average. A severe difficulty with representing complex syllabic structures was a homogeneous characteristic of the group with SLI and worked as the main indicator of impaired, rather than simply slow, phonological development.
Educational attainments of school leavers with a preschool history of speech‐language impairments
Authors: J. Snowling Margaret , Adams John W. , Bishop D. V. M. , Stothard Susan E.
Published: September 2003

This paper reports a follow‐up study of a cohort of 16‐ and 17‐year‐olds with a preschool history of speech‐language impairment and whom Bishop and Edmundson (1987) originally studied. Information collected by questionnaire showed that the GCSE grades of those whose language impairments had resolved by 5;06 were below those of age‐matched controls. However, the number of GCSE examinations entered and passed was significantly more than those of the ‘persistent S‐LI’ and ‘general delay’ groups. Overall, IQ was the strongest predictor of educational attainment. However, even when IQ was controlled, literacy skills accounted for independent variance in achievement, especially among those with a history of language difficulty. The survey also noted that the majority of students across all groups remained in full‐time education; however, the adolescents with a background of S‐LI were more likely to follow vocational and employment training courses rather than A‐levels.
Follow‐up of children attending infant language units: outcomes at 11 years of age
Authors: Conti‐Ramsden Gina , Botting Nicola , simkin Zoë , Knox Emma
Published: September 2003

A large cohort of 242 children who had been attending infants language units at 7 years of age was followed up when the children were in their final year of primary school. Two hundred (83%) of the children were reassessed at 11 years of age on a wide battery of language and literacy measures, on a test of nonverbal ability, an autism checklist and a communication checklist. In total, 89% of children still scored <1 SD from the mean on at least one test of language and the majority (63%) scored poorly on three or more assessments demonstrating widespread difficulties. Compared with non‐verbal abilities at 7 years of age, a large proportion of the cohort also performed poorly on performance IQ subtests (28%). A further 10 children scored highly on a checklist for autistic spectrum disorder. Thus, only 115 (58%) children could be said to meet criteria for specific language impairment. A small group of 16 children appeared to have entirely resolved their difficulties. These outcomes and their implications for education and long‐term impact of the disorder are discussed.
Conversation analysis as a technique for exploring the dynamics of a mediated interview
Authors: Friedland Deborah , Penn Claire
Published: September 2003

The study analysed the dynamics of a mediated medico‐legal interview using conversation analysis (CA) as a key methodology. The aim of using CA was to identify both facilitators and inhibitors of a successfully mediated interview, using a detailed microscopic analysis of the dynamics involved. A 45‐minute interview with the client's parents, the speech pathologist and the interpreter was taperecorded and analysed according to CA principles. Results revealed several facilitators, including equal and active roles, use of code switching, familiarity between the interviewer and interpreter, and use of repetition. Inhibitors included different agendas, complicated repair trajectories and interruptions. In addition, aspects such as cultural brokerage were identified that could be considered neither as facilitators nor as inhibitors. Each area is discussed in detail using extracts from the transcription.
Is speech and language therapy meeting the needs of language minorities? The case of Deaf people with neurological impairments
Authors: Marshall Jane , Atkinson Jo , Thacker Alice , Woll Bencie
Published: September 2003

The cultural diversity of the UK poses a challenge for speech and language therapists. Work with children from language minorities has been documented, but less so with adults. This raises the question of whether adults from minority communities are gaining access to services. Deaf people who use British Sign Language (BSL) are one language minority. It is known that sign language is vulnerable to neurological damage. Of interest is whether Deaf people with such damage are referred to speech and language therapy (SLT). The aim was to find out how many deaf people were referred to SLT services in the UK over the last 5 years, and reasons for the referrals. We also explored the service offered to Deaf referrals, and whether SLT teams had access to BSL skills, either internally or via interpreters. A brief questionnaire was sent to the managers of all SLT services in the UK (n =264). There was as 60% response rate. Only 34 services received referrals of Deaf patients, with a total of 39 Deaf people seen. This is substantially below the predicted rates. Most referrals were for dysphagia, or dysphagia with communication impairments. In line with this, dysphagia management was the dominant service, although most referrals also received language assessment. Most teams did not have signing staff members and access to interpreters was variable. The results suggest that many Deaf people are not gaining access to SLT after neurological impairment. Those who are referred are unlikely to receive language therapy. The instigation of a national team specializing in BSL impairments is recommended.
Intergenerational communication: Fundamental but under‐exploited theory for speech and language therapy with older people
Authors: Armstrong Linda , McKechnie Karen
Published: September 2003

There is a body of research literature already applied in speech and language therapy practice that is concerned with communication between children and adults and the adaptations adults make to facilitate the development of language in children. There is much less and more recent literature concerned with intergenerational communication involving older people and older people in institutional care. This has not yet impacted on speech and language therapy practice, especially in the area of training others. The aims of this paper are (1) to describe some of the main theoretical concepts associated with intergenerational communication, (2) to present the results from a study of the opinions about and experiences of intergenerational communication in which children, community‐ based older women and professional carers of older people were included and (3) to discuss the implications for speech and language therapy practice. A hypothesis for the study was that views on and attitudes towards communication and ageing would vary among the age groups. Some of the main concepts and models associated with intergenerational communication with older people are reviewed, including the communication predicament and enhancement models and the concept of patronizing communication. A qualitative study of three different age groups of (mainly) women was undertaken using a variety of methods of data elicitation (including written questionnaire and focus group discussion). Themes arising from the data were illuminated using content analysis. Participants' responses demonstrate some current generally positive views across the life‐span on what it means to be old and the value of communication with older people. The implications for speech and language therapy practice are outlined, with the main emphasis on the potential use of intergenerational communication theory in developing a new focus for training other staff groups who care for older people and for measures of effectiveness of such in‐service training.