bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evidence‐based veterinary dermatology: a systematic review of interventions for treatment ofPseudomonasotitis in dogs
Authors: Nuttall Tim , Cole Lynette K.
Published: March 2007

The efficacy and safety of pharmacological interventions to treat caninePseudomonasotitis externa and media were evaluated based on the systematic review of clinical trials published between 1967 and 2006. Clinical trials were included ifPseudomonasspecies were cultured from the ears of dogs with otitis externa or otitis media prior to treatment, and if the outcome of these interventions was reported at the end of the study. Studies were compared with regard to design characteristics (randomization generation and concealment, masking, intention‐to‐treat analyses), benefit (microbiological and/or clinical resolution of thePseudomonasotitis), and adverse effects. Ten trials reporting data on 162 patients and 13 different pharmacological interventions were identified. Based on the accepted criteria for quality of evidence, there is insufficient evidence for or against recommending the use of any of these treatments forPseudomonasotitis in dogs. This is largely because there is only one trial supporting the use of each treatment option and none were randomized controlled trials. Future studies need to be prospective, randomized, blinded and controlled; designed to evaluate pharmacological interventions for otitis regardless of the infective organism; have appropriate statistical advice on recruitment numbers, the power of the study and appropriate statistical analysis; include details of underlying conditions and concomitant treatments; and be designed such that inclusion criteria include microbial culture and antimicrobial sensitivity, and outcome assessments include clinical examination, cytology and microbial culture.
Canine notoedric mange: a case report
Authors: Leone Federico
Published: March 2007

Notoedric mange is a cutaneous ectoparasitic disease of cats caused by Notoedres cati, a mite belonging to the Sarcoptidae family. The disease occurs in felids, occasionally in other mammals and in humans. The canine form, even if cited by some authors, has never been documented. This report describes for the first time a case of notoedric mange in a dog.
In vitroactivity of an ear rinse containing tromethamine, EDTA, benzyl alcohol and 0.1% ketoconazole onMalasseziaorganisms from dogs with otitis externa
Authors: Cole Lynette K. , Luu Dao H. , Rajala‐Schultz Paivi J. , Meadows Cheyney , Torres Audrey H.
Published: March 2007

The purpose of this study was to evaluate thein vitroactivity of an ear rinse containing tromethamine, EDTA, benzyl alcohol and 0.1% ketoconazole in purified water onMalasseziaorganisms from dogs with otitis externa.Malasseziaorganisms were collected from ear swab samples from the external ear canal of 19 dogs with otitis externa plus one control strain ofMalassezia pachydermatis. Three test solutions were evaluated: ER (EDTA, tromethamine, benzyl alcohol), ER + keto (EDTA, tromethamine, benzyl alcohol, ketoconazole), and H2O (purified water). Ten‐millilitre aliquots of each test solution was transferred into 20 tubes and inoculated with one of the isolates (1 tube per isolate: 19 clinical and 1 control strain). Samples were retrieved from each tube at five time points (0, 15, 30, 45 and 60 min), transferred to Petri dishes, mixed with Sabouraud dextrose agar supplemented with 0.5% Tween 80 and incubated. Following incubation, the plates were examined for growth and colonies counted as colony‐forming units per millilitre. The data were analysed using a repeated measures analysis, with pair‐wise comparisons of solution–time combinations. There was a significant reduction inMalasseziagrowth in ER + keto at all time points (P < 0.0001) compared to time zero. Neither ER nor H2O had any effect on the growth ofMalassezia.ER + keto was significantly more effective in reducingMalasseziagrowth (P < 0.0001) at all time points compared to both ER and H2O. ER + keto may be useful in the treatment ofMalasseziaotitis externa. Future studies should be performed to evaluate thein vivoefficacy of ER + keto as treatment for otic infections caused byMalassezia.
Decision‐making about mode of delivery after previous caesarean section: development and piloting of two computer‐based decision aids
Authors: Emmett Clare L. , Murphy Deirdre J. , Patel Roshni R. , Fahey Tom , Jones Claire , Ricketts Ian W. , Gregor Peter , Macleod Maureen , Montgomery Alan A. ,   On behalf of the DiAMOND Study Group
Published: March 2007

Objective  To develop and pilot two computer‐based decision aids to assist women with decision‐making about mode of delivery after a previous caesarean section (CS), which could then be evaluated in a randomized‐controlled trial.

Background  Women with a previous CS are faced with a decision between repeat elective CS and vaginal birth after caesarean. Research has shown that women may benefit from access to comprehensive information about the risks and benefits of the delivery options.

Design  A qualitative pilot study of two novel decision aids, an information program and a decision analysis program, which were developed by a multidisciplinary research team.

Participants and setting  15 women who had recently given birth and had previously had a CS and 11 pregnant women with a previous CS, recruited from two UK hospitals. Women were interviewed and observed using the decision aids.

Results  Participants found both decision aids useful and informative. Most liked the computer‐based format. Participants found the utility assessment of the decision analysis program acceptable although some had difficulty completing the tasks required. Following the pilot study improvements were made to expand the program content, the decision analysis program was accompanied by a training session and a website version of the information program was developed to allow repeat access.

Conclusions  This pilot study was an essential step in the design of the decision aids and in establishing their acceptability and feasibility. In general, participating women viewed the decision aids as a welcome addition to routine antenatal care. A randomized trial has been conducted to establish the effectiveness and cost‐effectiveness of the decision aids.
Significance of microvascular thrombosis in renal allografts: role of ex vivo thrombolytic therapy
Authors: Nghiem Dai D , Olson Peter R. , Sureshkumar Kalathil K.
Published: March 2007

Abstract:  Background:  Microvascular thrombosis is an uncommon pathologic finding in cadaveric kidneys. It is associated with disseminated intravascular coagulation most frequently associated with head injuries and massive blood transfusions. The high rate of non‐function published in the literature portends an ominous significance for transplanted organs, which have been discarded by many transplant centers.

Methods:  In this report, we document the effectiveness of ex vivo thrombolytic therapy with activase®, a plasminogen activator, injected intra‐arterially in 12 kidneys with extensive histologic intraglomerular microvascular thrombosis prior to transplantation. All cold stored cadaveric kidneys were flushed for 50 min with 50 mg of activase® diluted in University of Wisconsin solution. Pre‐flush and post‐flush wedge biopsies were performed on the allografts.

Results:  All biopsies showed complete resolution of the intraglomerular microthrombi following activase® flush. One kidney clotted in the third week. Three patients developed delayed graft function (25%) of which one experienced allograft thrombosis following one month after transplantation. All remaining grafts are still functioning at a mean follow up of 55.1 months (range: 23–71) with a mean serum creatinine of 1.8 mg/dL (range: 0.8–2.5).

Conclusions:  Back table flush with activase® rapidly lyses severe intraglomerular microthrombi making them successfully transplantable. Pre‐treatment with activase seems to be an effective therapeutic intervention for kidneys with massive intraglomerular thrombosis.
RANTES/CCL5 polymorphisms as a risk factor for recurrent acute rejection
Authors: Krüger Bernd , Böger Carsten A. , Obed Aiman , Farkas Stefan , Hoffmann Ute , Banas Bernhard , Fischereder Michael , Krämer Bernhard K.
Published: March 2007

Abstract:  Background:  The chemokine system plays an important role in the pathogenesis of acute rejection or atherosclerosis. Three polymorphisms in the promoter region of the chemokine RANTES (−403G/A, −28G/C, In1.1T/C) are associated with a different expression of this chemokine as well as the occurrence of cardiovascular disease. Therefore, we investigated the impact of these three polymorphisms on the outcome after renal transplantation.

Methods:  In 261 patients receiving their first kidney transplant, we genotyped the RANTES promoter polymorphisms (−403G/A, −28G/C, In1.1T/C) by real‐time PCR.

Results:  For the RANTES −403G/A and for the intronic polymorphism In1.1T/C, we found a significantly higher rate of recurrent acute rejection episodes (−403G/A: 11.1 vs. 31.0%, In1.1T/C: 11.8 vs. 33.0%). For the overall rate of acute rejection, we observed no significant differences according to the RANTES promoter polymorphisms. The other tested variables (DGF, graft survival, renal function) were not associated with one of the three polymorphisms.

Conclusion:  Our data indicate a relevant role of RANTES in kidney transplantation, particularly for the occurrence of recurrent acute rejection. To clarify the role of the analysed polymorphisms for long‐term survival, especially for the occurrence of cardiovascular events, larger studies in the future are needed.
Serum globulin levels in predicting the extent of hepatic fibrosis in patients with recurrent post‐transplant hepatitis C infection
Authors: Schmilovitz‐Weiss Hemda , Cohen Michal , Pappo Orit , Sulkes Jaqueline , Braun Marius , Tur‐Kaspa Ran , Ben‐Ari Ziv
Published: March 2007

Abstract:  The progression of HCV‐related disease is particularly aggressive in the post‐transplantation setting. Recipients with recurrent HCV infection undergo repeated liver biopsies in order to estimate disease progression. A strong association was found between serum immunoglobulins levels and hepatic fibrosis in non‐transplanted patients with chronic HCV infection. The aim of this study was to determine if serum globulin and immunoglobulins levels can predict the extent of fibrosis in patients with recurrent HCV infection. The records of 45 patients (mean age 51.6 ± 10.5 yr; 53.3% men) with biochemical, serologic, virologic, and histological evidence of recurrent HCV infection were reviewed. Recurrence developed after a median interval of 11.7 months (range: 3–106); in 14 patients (31.1%), the recurrent infection was severe. The mean duration of follow‐up was 51.4 ± 35.4 months. A total of 96 liver biopsies were performed. The mean fibrosis score increased significantly with an increase in the number of biopsies (p < 0.0001, r = 0.44). On multivariate analysis, the only predictors of severe fibrosis were serum levels of globulin (OR: 5.97, 95% CI: 1.82–19.53; p = 0.0004) and IgG (OR: 1.003, 95% CI: 1.001–1.006; p = 0.018). On linear regression analysis, for each 0.5‐g/dL increase in serum globulin level, there was a 0.22‐point increase in fibrosis stage. In conclusion, serum levels of globulin and IgG can serve as a noninvasive marker of the extent of hepatic fibrosis in patients with post‐transplant recurrent HCV infection, thus avoiding the need for repeated liver biopsies. These findings, if confirmed, have important implications for the prevention and treatment of fibrosis in this patient group.
Asthma attributable to atopy: does it depend on the allergen supply?
Authors: Garcia‐Marcos Luis , Garcia‐Hernández Gloria , Suarez‐Varela Maria Morales , Garrido Jose Batlles , Castro‐Rodriguez Jose A.
Published: March 2007

The use of the population attributable fraction (PAF) of asthma owing to atopy has not been widely used in epidemiological studies on childhood asthma, especially to compare regions of the same country. The present study includes 1039 children from Cartagena, Spain (Mediterranean coast) and 663 from Madrid (centre of Spanish plateau) using the ISAAC phase II methodology (questionnaire and prick test to the most common allergens). While there were no differences in asthma symptoms between school children (aged 10–11 yr) from Madrid and Cartagena, atopy to any allergen was significantly higher in those from Madrid (40.9% vs. 29.3%, respectively, p < 0.0001). However, children from Madrid were mainly positive to pollen allergy whereas those from Cartagena were positive for mite allergy. PAF of all the different asthma symptoms owing to atopy (any positive skin test) and PAF of current wheezing owing to a more severe atopy (three positive wheals) were higher in children from Cartagena than those from Madrid (45.5% vs. 28.6% and 14.2% vs. 6.2%, respectively). Per cent of previous year wheezing attributable to atopy to specific allergens varied among those cities and was higher for D. pteronissinus, D. farinae, cat, and olive tree in children from Cartagena, and – conversely – higher for mixed grasses, mixed trees and Alternaria in those from Madrid. All of these differences remained significant even after adjusting for risk factors. PAF for asthma owing to atopy could be very different within the same country, probably depending on the allergen supply which may depend on environmental factors such as the climate.
Infant feeding and childhood atopy: does early introduction of non‐milk fluids matter?
Authors: Andreasyan Karen , Ponsonby Anne‐Louise , Dwyer Terence , Dear Keith , Cochrane Jenny
Published: March 2007

Studies on the role of non‐milk fluids in the development of child atopic disease are scarce. We had a unique opportunity to investigate prospective association between the introduction of fruit syrup, orange juice, sterilized water, vitamins and honey at 1 month and the development of child atopic disease. The exposure of interest was measured by parental report of non‐milk fluids introduction to infants aged 1 month at the Tasmanian Infant Health Survey, 1988–89, Tasmania. Data on the outcomes of interest (atopic sensitization, asthma, eczema and hay fever) were collected during the 1997 Childhood Allergy and Respiratory Health Study when children were 8 yr old. Relative risks were derived from generalized linear model with a log link function and binomial error structure. None of the non‐milk fluids appeared to be a significant predictor of atopic sensitization. Only sterilized water was a significant risk factor for asthma (adjusted relative risk = 1.59; 95% confidence intervals: 1.14–2.22), which may be partly because of associated overall better hygienic conditions and decreased exposure to early infections in the household. In summary, we were unable to find evidence for an association between introduction of non‐milk fluids in infancy and childhood atopic disease.
Is neonatal phototherapy associated with an increased risk for hospitalized childhood bronchial asthma?
Authors: Aspberg Sara , Dahlquist Gisela , Kahan Thomas , Källén Bengt
Published: March 2007

This population‐based register study examined if factors during the fetal and neonatal period influence the risk for the child to develop bronchial asthma (asthma). From the Swedish Hospital Discharge Register we identified children, born between 1987 and 1999, who had been hospitalized for asthma up to 2001. Thus, the outcome measure contains only hospitalized cases, not all children with asthma. Children younger than 2 yr at admission were excluded because of the uncertainty about the diagnosis of asthma in younger children. The remaining 14,803 children were compared with all children born the same years, recorded in the Swedish Medical Birth Registry, for information on pre‐ and perinatal characteristics. Odds ratios (ORs) were calculated with Mantel–Haenszel technique and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) with Miettinen's test‐based method. The presence of various maternal and neonatal confounders were identified and adjusted for in the analyses. The association between some known factors and childhood asthma were confirmed: young maternal age, maternal smoking, period of unwanted childlessness, low maternal level of education, maternal diabetes, preterm birth, low birth weight, small‐for‐gestational age, caesarean section, and instrumental vaginal delivery. A number of neonatal characteristics were shown to be independent risk factors: sepsis or pneumonia, neonatal respiratory problems and treatments, neonatal icterus, and/or neonatal phototherapy. The association with icterus and phototherapy remained after exclusion of cases showing other neonatal risk factors and after adjustment for maternal factors (OR 1.27, 95% CI: 1.08–1.50), and increased to 1.5 if the children had been hospitalized for asthma more than once. In conclusion, our results suggest an association between neonatal icterus and/or treatment with neonatal phototherapy and hospitalized childhood asthma. This association needs further exploration.
Dissecting the TOR–S6K signal transduction pathway in maize seedlings: relevance on cell growth regulation
Authors: Dinkova Tzvetanka D. , De La Cruz Homero Reyes , García‐Flores Cristina , Aguilar Raul , Jiménez‐García Luis Felipe , De Jiménez Estela Sánchez
Published: March 2007

Insulin and ‘insulin‐like’ growth factors (IGFs) are known to regulate cell growth in eukaryotes by stimulating a signal transduction pathway that exerts translational control. Intermediate kinases of this pathway, target of rapamycin (TOR) and ribosomal protein S6 kinase (S6K), have been reported in Arabidospsis thaliana and Zea mays. However, upstream signal inducers and downstream targets of the pathway are not well known in plants. The objective of this work is to inquire whether plant growth is regulated by a signal transduction pathway similar to the insulin/IGF‐stimulated pathway in other metazoans. Insulin as well as Zea mays insulin‐related peptide (ZmIGF), which is a maize, 20‐kDa peptide fraction recognized by insulin antibody, were used as effectors to stimulate maize axes growth from germinating seeds. ZmIGF expression was identified in axes from germinating maize seeds and immunolocalized in the meristems of these tissues. Significant enhancement of specific de novo protein synthesis of the translational apparatus components was found in the stimulated axes. Reverse‐transcription‐polymerase chain reaction analysis of total and polysomal RNA pools in ZmIGF‐ or insulin‐stimulated axes confirmed these data by revealing specific mRNA recruitment into polysomes. In addition, the same stimuli induced activation of S6 ribosomal protein kinase (ZmS6K) in germinating maize axes. All the above effects were inhibited by rapamycin, indicating that they depend on TOR activity. We conclude that a TOR–S6K signal transduction pathway is functional in maize germination, as that found for non‐photosynthetic eukaryotes. The evolutionary implications of these findings are discussed.
Growth characteristics of the slow‐growing actinobacterium Frankia sp. strain CcI3 on solid media
Authors: Bassi Carla A. , Benson David R.
Published: March 2007

Frankia sp. strains are slow‐growing Actinobacteria that form N2‐fixing root nodules on certain angiosperm trees and shrubs. These organisms are generally cultured in liquid media as routine growth on solid media is impractical because of lengthy incubation periods. Liquid media is problematic for filamentous organisms because unicellular spores are difficult to isolate, and mutants are difficult to separate. The goal of this study was to optimize Frankia CcI3 growth on solid media. Starting with an appropriate basal medium containing pyruvate as a carbon source, various peptones were individually tested to determine if the time needed for colonies to appear could be reduced. Bacto™ Proteose Peptone #3 at 1.6 mg ml−1 final concentration promoted the best growth with colonies visible after 3 days, compared with the 7‐ to 10‐day incubation required for control unamended media. Gellan gum gave a more rapid growth response as compared with agar. Increased calcium concentrations were required to promote solidification of gellan gum. Sporulation occurred within 2 weeks of plating CcI3 with colonies changing color from cream to reddish‐brown. Scanning and transmission electron micrographs revealed the architecture of colonial development. Colonies developed in a lens‐shaped manner mainly by penetration into the gel. Older colonies had numerous empty hyphae with sporangia developing near or at the surface and with crystalline material, presumably pigment, interspersed among the hyphae. Occasional vesicles were seen mixed within the colonies. Colonial development of Frankia CcI3 is reminiscent of that described for other members of the filamentous Suborder Frankineae.
Protoplast isolation and culture from carob (Ceratonia siliqua) hypocotyls: ability of regenerated protoplasts to produce mannose‐containing polysaccharides
Authors: Sotiriou Penelope , Fry Stephen C. , Spyropoulos Caroline G.
Published: March 2007

The aim of this study was to isolate protoplasts from carob (Ceratonia siliqua L.) embryonic tissues with the ability to regenerate cell walls, divide and synthesize galactomannan, a valuable polysaccharide for industry. Protoplasts isolated from carob hypocotyl hooks regenerated cell walls within 24 h. The first divisions of the regenerated cells were observed after 2 days of culture. The highest percentage that successfully divided was achieved when the seedlings were grown under diffuse light, the hypocotyl hooks were plasmolysed for 1 h before incubation in the protoplast isolation solution and the protoplasts were cultured under diffuse light. After 9 days of culture, cell clusters, consisting of eight cells, had been produced, which underwent further mitotic divisions and which were expected to lead to callus formation. Polysaccharide and oligosaccharide synthesis during protoplast regeneration was studied by radiolabelling with exogenous d‐[U‐14C]glucose, d‐[U‐14C]mannose or d‐[2‐3H]mannose, which gave rise to uniform, moderately specific and highly specific labelling, respectively. As revealed by the radioactivity distribution in cell wall monosaccharides, the regenerants deposited new wall polymers that differed markedly from those being synthesized by the hypocotyls from which the protoplasts had been isolated. The regenerants deposited large amounts of callose and smaller amounts of galactose‐, arabinose‐ and mannose‐containing polymers. The latter included glucuronomannan, as demonstrated by a new method involving partial acid hydrolysis followed by β‐glucuronidase (EC 3.2.1.31) digestion. The regenerating protoplasts also released soluble extracellular carbohydrates: polysaccharides which appeared to be mainly acidic arabinogalactans, and oligosaccharides which were mainly neutral and contained glucose, galactose and mannose. We conclude that regenerating carob protoplasts are a useful system for studying carbohydrate secretion, including mannose‐rich poly‐ and oligosaccharides.
Colorectal cancer prevention: choosing the most effective population strategy using bio‐mathematical approaches
Authors: Renehan A. G. , Luebeck G.
Published: March 2007

Colorectal cancer is a leading cause of cancer‐related death globally, though in theory at least, it is eminently preventable in many cases. Preventive strategies are either primary or secondary, but for population strategists, choosing the ‘best’ approach is not straightforward. Here, we summarize the potential role of bio‐mathematical modelling, specifically focusing on a model that combines known details of crypt cell kinetics with stochastic models of cell birth and death processes. Examples are discussed of the potential population effects of an agent that modulates cell kinetics, such as aspirin, vs one that merely reduces mutational rates.
The association between referral source and stage of disease in patients with colorectal cancer
Authors: Bevis P. M. , Donaldson O. W. , Card M. , Durdey P. , Thomas M. G. , Sylvester P. A. , Longman R. J.
Published: March 2007

Objective  The colorectal fast track (FT) referral system was set up to ensure patients with suspected cases of colorectal cancer (CRC) received prompt access to specialized services. The aim of this study was to ascertain the association between referral source and the time it took to be seen by a colorectal surgeon to establish whether referral source had any association with the stage of disease at presentation in patients with CRC.

Method  Consecutive patients with newly diagnosed CRC presenting between October 2002 and September 2004 were identified retrospectively. Mode of presentation, symptoms, treatment and histopathology data were analysed.

Results  Data for 193 patients were analysed. Ninety seven patients (50%) presented via the FT system, 43 (22.5%) from nonfast track outpatient sources (NFT) and 53 (27.5%) as emergencies. NFT patients took significantly longer to be seen by a colorectal specialist than FT patients (median 69 vs 31 days; P < 0.001) and to initiation of treatment (median 57.5 vs 42.5 days; P = 0.001). Overall 152 patients (79%) presented with symptoms that met the FT criteria. A significantly lower number of NFT (P = 0.001) and emergency patients (P < 0.001) presented with FT symptoms compared with patients referred through the FT system. There was no significant difference between referral groups in patients undergoing surgery with potentially curative intent or stage of disease.

Conclusion  Nonfast track referral leads to a significant delay in being seen by a specialist and in initiation of treatment but no association with more advanced stage of disease or a reduction in potentially curative surgery was found.
Extending the horizons of restorative rectal surgery: intersphincteric resection for low rectal cancer
Authors: Tilney H. S. , Tekkis P. P.
Published: March 2007

Objective  Radical resection of tumours of the distal rectum has generally entailed an abdominoperineal excision, but the recognition of shorter safe distal resection margins, neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy and the application of the technique of intersphincteric resection (ISR) have led to the prospect of restorative surgery for patients with distally situated tumours. The present study examines the indications, techniques and outcomes following ISR.

Method  A literature search was performed to identify studies reporting outcomes following ISR for low rectal cancer. The outcomes of interest included short‐term adverse events, functional and manometric results, postoperative quality of life and oncologic outcomes.

Results  Twenty‐one studies reflecting the experience of 13 units and 612 patients were included. Operative mortality following ISR was 1.6% (inter‐unit range 0–5%) and anastomotic leak rate 10.5% (inter‐unit range 0–48.4%). The pooled rate of local recurrence was 9.5% (range 0–31% between units) with an average 5‐year survival of 81.5%. Most studies recorded a significant reduction in resting anal pressure but not squeeze pressure following surgery, but urgency was reported in up to 58.8% of patients. Functional outcomes and quality of life may be improved using colonic j‐pouch reconstruction. The use of chemoradiotherapy can offer benefits in terms of oncologic result, but at the cost of worse functional outcomes.

Conclusion  Careful case selection and counselling is required if satisfactory results are to be achieved following ISR for low rectal cancers. In selected patients, however, the technique offers sphincter preserving surgery with acceptable oncologic and functional results.
Individual differences in the drive to overeat
Authors: Hetherington M. M.
Published: March 2007

Summary  Obesity is considered a public health crisis. In order to tackle this, an enhanced appreciation of what drives some consumers to overeat is required. It is clear that several features of the modern environment encourage over‐consumption in many people, at least some of the time. However, there is variation in the extent to which this translates into weight gain. Understanding whether susceptibility is dispositional or learned will shape prevention and treatment programmes. This review identifies situational cues that promote overeating and dispositional traits, such as impulsivity and sensitivity to reward, which make some individuals specifically vulnerable to overeating. These traits are likely to contribute to the development of the obese state, but also present barriers to weight management. Personalised nutrition and behavioural strategies may provide a novel and innovative approach, as these take account of individual differences in vulnerability to overeating.
The role of diet in the prevention and management of adolescent depression
Authors: Bamber D. J. , Stokes C. S. , Stephen A. M.
Published: March 2007

Summary Depression in adolescence is associated with a range of negative outcomes and substantial risk for morbidity and mortality across the lifespan. Dietary improvement and supplementation may offer an inexpensive and acceptable adjunct to standard treatment; yet this has, to date, been largely overlooked, owing to lack of evidence and knowledge. This is important, as improving understanding of the role of diet in mental health and promotion of appropriate dietary practices could significantly reduce the personal and social impact of depression in young people. This article sets out to review the existing research literature on associations between diet and mental health in adolescence, in particular, the role of diet in the prevention and management of adolescent depression. A closer examination of associations between obesity and depression is also included, as these two conditions often co‐occur. Research into diet and mental health tends to fall into two main categories: population‐based observational studies and intervention studies; however, there is very little research evidence specific to adolescents. Potential implications for mental healthcare policy and practice are discussed.
Craving for sweet carbohydrate and fat‐rich foods – possible triggers and impact on nutritional intake
Authors: Christensen L.
Published: March 2007

Summary  This paper presents a review of the literature pertaining to the measurement and prevalence of, and triggers for, cravings for sweet carbohydrate and fat‐rich foods, and considers the impact of such cravings on nutrient intake. Difficulties in defining the construct and measurement of food cravings are discussed, and recent progress highlighted in the measurement arena by the development of two psychometric instruments that appear to have good validity and reliability. With regards to triggers for cravings for sweet carbohydrate and fat‐rich foods, most studies have focused on negative mood state. While it is likely that a variety of food‐related cues may influence cravings (e.g. the smell, sight, taste, and mouth‐feel or texture of food, as well as thoughts of and images of food), this is an area that has received relatively little attention in the scientific literature. Similarly, there is a lack of information about the impact of cravings on nutrient intake. Preliminary data indicate that, at least for older people, cravers’ nutrient intake meets or exceeds the recommended daily amounts for most nutrients. However, energy intake is higher among cravers compared with non‐cravers, and a greater proportion of their energy comes from carbohydrates, especially sugars. This may have an adverse effect on subsequent weight gain. Indeed, these preliminary data found cravers to have a higher body mass index than non‐cravers.
SYSTEMATIC INFLUENCES ON TEACHING EVALUATIONS: THE CASE FOR CAUTION*
Authors: DAVIES MARTIN , HIRSCHBERG JOE , LYE JENNY , JOHNSTON CAROL , MCDONALD IAN
Published: March 2007

In this paper, we examine eight years of Quality of Teaching (QOT) responses from an Economics Department in an Australian University. This is done to determine what factors, besides the instructor, have an impact on the raw average student evaluation scores. Most of the previous research on student ratings has been conducted in the US. One significant difference between US and Australian tertiary education is that, on average, the number of foreign undergraduate students in Australia is ten times the number in US institutions. We find that cultural background significantly affects student evaluations. Other factors that have an influence on the average QOT score include: year level; enrolment size; the quantitative nature of the subject; the gender of the student; fee‐paying status by gender; course of study; the differences between the course mark and previous marks; the quality of workbooks; the quality of textbooks; and the QOT score relative to those in other subjects taught at the same time. In addition, average QOT scores for instructors who have taught in a mix of subjects are similar to those based on scores adjusted to account for subject and student characteristics.
The Expression of Wonderment
Authors: Vasalou Sophia
Published: March 2007

In this paper, I consider certain remarks raised by Wittgenstein in his Lecture on Ethics in connection with the effability of absolute value. My focus is on the expressions we use to talk about the experience of wonderment at the existence of the world, which he dismisses as nonsensical owing to the way they deviate from the conditions of ordinary usage (specifically, to wonder at something, one must be able to imagine its contrary). I suggest that the concept of imagination that Wittgenstein invokes cannot carry great weight as a ground for judging utterances of wonderment to be nonsense. Yet this does not seem to give one a wholly adequate defence of their sense, and I explore whether or not an invocation of the religious form of life can provide a solution, considering some of the special difficulties that this range of utterances presents within the context of questions about how the identity of separate language‐games (especially the religious) affects the sense of words.
Kripke's Second Paragraph of Philosophical Investigations 201
Authors: Weir Samuel
Published: March 2007

The received view of Kripke's Wittgenstein on Rules and Private Language is that it fails as an interpretation because, inter alia, it ignores or overlooks what Wittgenstein has to say in the second paragraph of Philosophical Investigations (PI) 201. In this paper, I demonstrate that the paragraph in question is in fact fully accommodated within Kripke's reading, and cannot therefore be reasonably utilised to object to it.

In part one I characterise the objection; in part two I explain why it fails; in part three I suggest why commentators might have been motivated to offer it; and in part four I claim that two commentators who have offered it also imply otherwise.
PUBLIC MANAGEMENT REFORM IN THE UK AND ITS CONSEQUENCES FOR PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATION: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS
Authors: ACKROYD STEPHEN , KIRKPATRICK IAN , WALKER RICHARD M.
Published: March 2007

It is often assumed in the literature on public management reforms that radical changes in values, work and organization have occurred or are under way. In this paper our aim is to raise questions about this account. Focusing on three services in the UK, each dominated by organized professions – health care, housing, and social services – significant variations in the effectiveness of reforms are noted. The available research also suggests that these outcomes have been inversely proportional to the efforts expended on introducing new management practices. The most radical changes have been in housing, where, paradoxically, successive UK governments focused least attention. By contrast, in health and social services, management restructuring has been less effective, despite the greater resources devoted to it. This variation is attributed to professional values and institutions, against which reforms were directed, and the extent to which different groups became locked either into strategies of resistance or accommodation.
NEW MODES OF GOVERNANCE IN ITALY AND THE NETHERLANDS: THE CASE OF ACTIVATION POLICIES
Authors: BORGHI VANDO , VAN BERKEL RIK
Published: March 2007

This article discusses the growing importance of operational reforms in the context of welfare state transformation processes, and the role that principles of new governance play in shaping these reforms. It focuses specifically on one social policy area considered crucial in reforming welfare states: the provision of activation services that aim at increasing the employability and labour‐market participation of people dependent on benefits or social assistance. The article argues that besides the reforms of the programmatic aspects of social policies and social services (formal policy reforms), reforms of the way in which policies and services are organized, administered and delivered (operational policy reforms) have received increasing attention as a ’second strand’ of welfare state reforms. It illustrates this by analysing and comparing reforms of the provision of activation services in two European countries: Italy and The Netherlands. The article not only reveals the growing emphasis in both countries on operational policy reforms which are to an important degree inspired by principles of new governance, but also shows significant similarities and differences in their concrete manifestations, which could be interpreted as pointing out processes of ‘path‐dependent convergence’.
IMPORTANCE‐PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS OF CITIZEN SATISFACTION SURVEYS
Authors: VAN RYZIN GREGG G. , IMMERWAHR STEPHEN
Published: March 2007

This paper introduces the method of importance‐performance analysis of citizen surveys, a useful approach to understanding citizen satisfaction with local government services. Using data from a US national online panel, we directly compare two approaches to importance‐performance analysis: one employing an explicitly stated measure of importance, the other using a measure of importance derived from regression analysis. The different results that the two approaches give suggest that local government administrators and policy analysts arrive at distinctly different conclusions depending on which importance measure they use. These differences are illustrated by simulating the change in citizen satisfaction that would result from improvement in the top‐rated services according to each measure. Research and policy implications are discussed.
FIGHTING FINANCIAL CRIME: A UK PERSPECTIVE
Authors: Bowron Mike , Shaw Oliver
Published: March 2007

Financial crime has a devastating impact on individuals, companies and governments. Traditional methods of control, predominantly investigation and prosecution, have failed to abate the rise of both fraud and money laundering offences. Tackling financial crime is best approached from the perspective of prevention, an activity that requires co‐operation between all those affected by this widespread and corrosive social problem.
FINANCIAL CRIME TRENDS IN CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPE
Authors: Ridley Nick
Published: March 2007

Central and Eastern Europe, as political and military strategists found to their frustration during the Cold War, is an extremely large and diffuse area. It contains the blocs of Central Europe, Eastern Europe, the Russian Federation and the Balkans. For the purposes of this paper, there is a general section and then a focus on two countries. These are the Russian Federation, arguably one of the main areas of organised crime impacting upon a global scale, and Romania, one of the latest Candidate Countries for joining the EU.
THE PREVENTION OF FINANCIAL CRIME WITHIN AN ISLAMIC LEGAL FRAMEWORK1
Authors: Atbani Faisal
Published: March 2007

The risks associated with financial crime threaten to undermine the stability of the international financial system. This paper explores the Islamic legal approach to the prevention of financial crime and how this can be integrated into international regulatory frameworks.
THE RECENT REGULATORY RESPONSE TO CORPORATE ECONOMIC CRIME IN THE UNITED STATES: OBSERVATIONS AND COMMENTS
Authors: Millar James A. , Yeager Fred C.
Published: March 2007

Corporate economic crime, including accounting and auditing fraud and inappropriate behaviour by directors on the boards of US corporations, has resulted in stockholder financial losses and the loss of confidence in investing in the US stock market. We observe the modern corporation with its absentee ownership and professional management team and discuss its inherent incentives to commit management crime. In spite of financial reporting, audits and the use of boards of directors to represent stockholders, management misbehaviour persists. We conclude that the failure of these potential remedies is due to a lack of independence from management in their execution. We comment on some of the provisions of the Sarbanes–Oxley Act, enacted in 2002, and their potential to mitigate some of these conflict of interest conditions.
THE FUTURE OF MARKET CAPITALISM
Authors: Porket J. L.
Published: March 2007

Although market capitalism is currently the dominant type of modern economic system worldwide, it is neither universal, nor uniform, nor unchallenged. Moreover, it could be intentionally or unintentionally undermined.
IS THERE AN ALTERNATIVE TO SCHOOL VOUCHERS?
Authors: Carswell Douglas
Published: March 2007

This article demonstrates that the arguments for education vouchers have not achieved political acceptance and that, in any case, there is a better way to liberate education.
DEIRDRE McCLOSKEY'S THE BOURGEOIS VIRTUES: ETHICS FOR AN AGE OF COMMERCE
Authors: Boettke Peter J.
Published: March 2007

In the Economic Viewpoints section we welcome extended reviews of important works on economics and political economy. Deirdre McCloskey's The Bourgeois Virtues is one of the most ambitious and important works published in classical liberal political economy for at least half a century.
Quality of life and depression among HIV‐infected patients receiving efavirenz‐ or protease inhibitor‐based therapy in Senegal
Authors: Poupard M , Ngom Gueye NF , Thiam D , Ndiaye B , Girard PM , Delaporte E , Sow PS , Landman R
Published: March 2007

Background

Efavirenz has been associated with neuropsychiatric disorders, but little is known about depression and quality of life in sub‐Saharan Africa, where nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI)‐based regimens are still the first‐line treatment recommended by the World Heath Organization (WHO) and are widely prescribed.

Methods

In a cross‐sectional study, we evaluated quality of life and depression among Senegalese patients receiving efavirenz‐ or protease inhibitor (PI)‐based regimens. Two hundred consecutive patients who had been taking highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) for more than 6 months were asked to complete a questionnaire.

Results

According to the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES‐D), 18% had depression (19% for patients on a PI‐based regimen and 17% for patients on efavirenz‐based treatment). Fifty‐nine per cent of the patients reported no health problems in the past 4 weeks. A quarter of patients had sleep disorders. Moderate or slight adverse events were reported by 28.5% of patients.

Conclusions

Quality of life and depression scores remained good in both study groups. However, quality of life and depression should be monitored in follow‐up of HIV‐infected patients in sub‐Saharan Africa.
Interruption of combination antiretroviral therapy and risk of clinical disease progression to AIDS or death
Authors: Holkmann Olsen C , Mocroft A , Kirk O , Vella S , Blaxhult A , Clumeck N , Fisher M , Katlama C , Phillips AN , Lundgren JD ,   for the EuroSIDA study group
Published: March 2007

Objectives

The aim of the study was to compare incidence rates (IRs) of AIDS/death in patients with and without treatment interruption (TI) of combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) for periods of 3 months or more for different categories of CD4 cell count and viral load, and to determine risk factors for clinical progression to AIDS/death.

Methods

Patients starting cART with a CD4 cell count and a viral load available within 6 months of starting cART were included in the study. The IR and risk factors of TI were determined. We assessed the incidence rate ratios (IRRs) for TI and AIDS/death events using Poisson regression models.

Results

Of 3811 patients included in the study, 26% were ART‐naïve prior to cART. The median date of starting cART was July 1997, the median CD4 cell count was 226 cells/μL and the median viral load was 4.36 log10 HIV‐1 RNA copies/mL. We observed 1243 interruptions and 403 AIDS‐events/deaths. The IR of AIDS/death was higher in patients with lower CD4 cell counts or higher viral loads, regardless of TI. After adjusting for baseline factors, the IR of AIDS/death was significantly higher in the TI group than in the non‐TI group [IRR 2.63; 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.01–3.44; P<0.0001]; this could be explained by current CD4 cell counts and viral loads, as the CD4 cell count‐ and viral load‐adjusted IRR was 1.14 (95% CI 0.86–1.51; P=0.37). Within the TI group, patients with a current CD4 cell count of <200 cells/μL had a 3‐fold higher risk of AIDS/death than those with a CD4 cell count of 200–350 cells/μL, whereas patients with a current CD4 cell count of >350 cells/μL had a 4‐fold lower risk of disease progression.

Conclusions

TI is common in clinical practice. The risk of AIDS/death increased more than 2‐fold for patients stopping all cART regimen drugs for 3 months or more. Among patients experiencing a TI, those with low CD4 cell counts, high viral loads or prior AIDS had an increased risk of AIDS/death. Hence, TI should be discouraged and closely monitored if it occurs.
Pharmacokinetic interaction between rifampicin and ritonavir‐boosted atazanavir in HIV‐infected patients*
Authors: Mallolas J , Sarasa M , Nomdedeu M , Soriano A , López‐Púa Y , Blanco JL , Martínez E , Gatell JM
Published: March 2007

Background

Tuberculosis (TB) is a common opportunistic infection among HIV‐infected people, and rifampicin is an important drug for the treatment of TB. However, administration of rifampicin in combination with antiretroviral therapy, particularly protease inhibitors, is difficult because of drug–drug interactions.

Methods

We have performed a prospective study in three HIV‐infected patients with TB treated with a rifampicin‐containing regimen (rifampicin 600 mg per day) and antiretroviral therapy including only nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) plus atazanavir 300 mg once a day (qd) and ritonavir 100 mg qd, to evaluate whether the inducing effect of rifampicin on the drug‐metabolizing enzyme cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A4 could be overcome by the inhibitory effect of ritonavir. A complete pharmacokinetic evaluation of the steady‐state concentrations of atazanavir and ritonavir was performed.

Results

In all three cases, more than 50% of the time the atazanavir level was below the minimum recommended trough plasma level (150 ng/mL according to current pharmacokinetic guidelines) to inhibit HIV wild‐type replication.

Conclusion

These results strongly indicate that the administration of rifampicin with a combination of atazanavir 300 mg qd plus ritonavir 100 mg qd must be avoided because subtherapeutic concentrations of atazanavir are produced.
Assessing the Flexibility of Managers: A comparison of methods1
Authors: Kaiser Robert B. , Lindberg Jennifer T. , Craig S. Bartholomew
Published: March 2007

Despite keen interest, questions remain about defining and measuring the behavioral flexibility of managers. This paper reports a conceptual and empirical comparison of three alternative methods of assessing this construct. Results suggest that the way managerial flexibility is typically assessed in practice – as a trait‐like characteristic with coworker ratings that describe a general tendency to vary behavior across situations – is deficient. However, more complex models that represent flexibility as a higher‐order construct reflecting mastery of specific and opposing behaviors in both the social/interpersonal domain and the functional/organizational domain show promise. They demonstrate construct validity evidence, predict as much as 42% of the variance in overall effectiveness, and provide more specific diagnostic information to guide behavior change.