bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
What do patients with diabetes know about their tablets?
Authors: Browne D. L. , Avery L. , Turner B. C. , Kerr D. , Cavan D. A
Published: March 2003

SUMMARY

Aims  To assess knowledge about oral hypoglycaemic agents amongst patients with diabetes and non‐specialist healthcare professionals.

Method  An anonymous questionnaire was used in two centres to assess knowledge about oral agents amongst 261 patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (mean age 64 years) and 102 health professionals (including doctors, nurses and pharmacists).

Results  Only 15% of patients knew the correct mechanism of action of their medication and 62% took tablets correctly in relation to food. Only 10% of those taking a sulphonylurea knew it may cause hypoglycaemia and 20% of those taking metformin were aware of its gastrointestinal side‐effects. Twenty per cent forgot to take their tablets at least once a week and 5% omitted tablets because of hyperglycaemia. Only 35% of patients recalled receiving advice about their medication with only 1% receiving written advice. The healthcare professionals showed important gaps in their knowledge on dosage timing and mechanism of action, particularly with respect to metformin and acarbose.

Conclusion  It is concluded that patients' and professionals' knowledge of oral hypoglycaemic agents is poor. More appropriate advice and information to patients from prescribers may improve patient understanding and hence compliance. Community pharmacists are ideally placed to reinforce this information.
Assessment of the non‐HLA‐DR‐DQ contribution to IDDM1 in British Caucasian families: analysis of LMP7 polymorphisms
Authors: McTernan C. L. , Stewart L. C. , Mijovic C. H. , Barnett A. H.
Published: March 2003

SUMMARY

Aims  Whilst HLA‐DRB1 and HLA‐DQ alleles contribute to IDDM1, the major determinant of genetic susceptibility to Type 1 diabetes mellitus, other major histocompatibility complex (MHC)‐encoded genes may also be involved. The LMP7 (large multifunctional proteasome 7) gene is a potential candidate. The aim of this study was to assess whether LMP7 confers susceptibility to Type 1 diabetes independently of linkage disequilibrium with HLA‐DRB1 and HLA‐DQ.

Methods  The diallelic LMP7 polymorphism (LMP7*A or *B) was determined in 142 multiplex families from the British Diabetic Association Warren Repository. At least one parent was heterozygous for LMP7 in 112 families and these were informative for calculation of the statistic Tsp. This gives a valid χ2 test of the null hypothesis of no association or no linkage.

Results  An excess of transmissions of LMP7*A was observed from parents to affected offspring and the Tsp statistic was significant for association in the presence of linkage. LMP7*A was in positive, and LMP7*B in negative, linkage disequilibrium with the HLA‐DRB1*03‐DQ2, DRB1*04‐DQ8 (group of all DRB1*04 subtypes), DRB1*0401‐DQ8 and DRB1*0404‐DQ8 haplotypes, although the linkage disequilibrium coefficient (Δ) value was not statistically significant for DRB1*0404‐DQ8. Analysis of HLA‐DR‐DQ‐LMP7 haplotypes and Tsp analysis of HLA‐matched‐homozygous parents showed no association between LMP7 alleles and Type I diabetes independent of linkage disequilibrium with HLA‐DR‐DQ haplotypes associated with increased risk of disease. A contribution of LMP7 alleles to susceptibility to Type 1 diabetes in subjects with low‐risk HLA‐DR‐DQ haplotypes could not be excluded.

Conclusions  LMP7 alleles do not contribute to genetic susceptibility to Type 1 diabetes in subjects with high‐risk‐associated HLA‐DR‐DQ haplotypes.
HLA‐DQ polymorphism and degree of heteroplasmy of the A3243G mitochondrial DNA mutation in maternally inherited diabetes and deafness
Authors: Van Essen E. H. R. , Roep B. O. , Hart L. M. ′t , Jansen J. J. , Van den Ouweland J. M. W. , Lemkes H. H. P. J. , Maassen J. A.
Published: March 2003

SUMMARY

Aim  Maternally inherited diabetes and deafness (MIDD) associates with a mutation at position 3243 in mitochondrial DNA. Phenotypic expression of MIDD includes Type 1‐like and Type 2‐like diabetes. This study examined whether HLA‐DQ phenotype and the degree of heteroplasmy in leucocyte and oral mucosa DNA influence clinical expression of the 3242 mutation.

Methods  In a group of 20 unrelated probands with MIDD, eight with Type 1‐like diabetes, 12 with Type 2‐like diabetes, HLA‐DQ type and degree of heteroplasmy for the 3243 mutation were determined. HLA‐DQA1/DQB1 phenotypes were categorized as predisposing, neutral or protective for autoimmune‐mediated Type 1 diabetes.

Results  No differences were observed between Type 1 and Type 2‐like MIDD groups with respect to the cumulative frequency of protective and predisposing HLA‐DQ types. Predisposing HLA‐DQ types are more prevalent in MIDD patients than in the control population (P < 0.05). Degrees of heteroplasmy for the 3243 mutation showed large variations in patients, ranging from 1 to 52% in leucocyte DNA. A strong correlation was seen between heteroplasmy in leucocyte DNA and DNA from oral mucosa cells (r = 0.89, P < 0.001). No correlation was observed between the degree of heteroplasmy and diabetic phenotype, even when group size was extended with diabetic relatives of patients with MIDD. The age of diagnosis of diabetes was not correlated with heteroplasmy, but the degree of heteroplasmy tended to decrease with age.

Conclusions  The phenotype of diabetes in MIDD appears to be independent of HLA‐DQ phenotype and degree of heteroplasmy in leucocyte and oral mucosa DNA indicating that other, as yet unknown, factors modulate clinical expression of the 3243 mutation.
Catecholamine levels and receptor expression in low protein rat offspring
Authors: Petry C. J. , Dorling M. W. , Wang C. L. , Pawlak D. B. , Ozanne S. E.
Published: March 2003

SUMMARY

Aims  Low birthweight in humans has been shown to lead to increased resting pulse rate in adult life, suggesting possible increased sympathoadrenal activity. The hypothesis that early growth restriction is associated with permanent alterations in catecholamine metabolism was tested.

Methods  Circulating catecholamine concentrations (by radioimmunoassay) and adipocyte adrenoceptor expression from different fat depots (by Western blot) were estimated in 12‐week‐old male offspring of rat dams fed a reduced protein diet during pregnancy and lactation.

Results  In the fed state, median (interquartile range) plasma adrenaline concentrations for male control and low protein offspring rats were: 0.65 (0.48–0.86) vs. 1.42 (0.89–1.87) nmol/l (P < 0.005), respectively. Equivalent noradrenaline concentrations were: 2.71 (2.16–3.46) vs. 3.45 (3.00–4.28) nmol/l (P < 0.05). After 24 h starvation, plasma adrenaline concentrations of controls rose to become similar to those of low protein offspring: 1.03 (0.95–1.31) vs. 1.41 (0.69–1.62) nmol/l (P = 0.3), respectively. Noradrenaline concentrations rose in both groups to become similar: 3.84 (3.33–4.54) vs. 4.32 (3.70–6.54) nmol/l (P = 0.3). In epididymal adipocytes adrenoceptor expression (relative to that of controls) was: α2A 0.79 (0.66–0.94) (P = 0.08), β1 2.60 (2.27–3.07) (P = 0.04), β3 1.37 (1.27–1.46) (P = 0.02). Similar‐pattern differences in adrenoceptor expression were observed in subcutaneous and intra‐abdominal adipocytes.

Conclusions  These results are consistent with the suggestion that long‐term alterations in catecholamine metabolism are present in adult offspring of rats fed a reduced protein diet during pregnancy and lactation.
Microalbuminuria in patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus from general practice: course and predictive value
Authors: De Grauw W. J. C. , Van De Lisdonk E. H. , Van Gerwen W. H. E. M. , Verstappen M. , Van Den Hoogen H. J. M. , Willems J. L. , Van Weel C.
Published: March 2003

SUMMARY

Aims  To assess the course of microalbuminuria in patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus in general practice and the predictive value of urinary albumin concentration on all‐cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality and cardiovascular morbidity.

Methods  Cohort study in Type 2 diabetic patients tested for microalbuminuria in 1992, and re‐tested in 1998. During follow‐up all cardiovascular morbidity and mortality were recorded.

Results  Of the original sample of 317 patients, 163 patients were re‐tested. The mean change in urinary albumin concentration was +16.2 mg/l (range −122.0 to +602 mg/l). Seventy‐five per cent of the patients without microalbuminuria in 1992 still had no microalbuminuria in 1998 and 40% of those with microalbuminuria in 1992 reverted to normoalbuminuria in 1998. Cox survival analysis, stratified for age, showed that microalbuminuria at baseline resulted in a risk ratio of all‐cause mortality of 1.4 (95% confidence interval 0.8–2.7), of cardiovascular mortality of 1.2 (0.5–2.8) and of new cardiovascular events (including cardiovascular mortality) of 1.4 (0.8–2.3).

Conclusions  In the majority of patients the change of urinary albumin excretion was small, but the range was wide. A weak non‐significant relationship between microalbuminuria and all‐cause mortality and cardiovascular morbidity was observed.
Impact of pregnancy on the progression of diabetic retinopathy in Type 1 diabetes
Authors: Temple R. C. , Aldridge V. A. , Sampson M. J. , Greenwood R. H. , Heyburn P. J. , Glenn A.
Published: March 2003

Aims  To evaluate the impact of pregnancy on the progression of diabetic retinopathy in women with Type 1 diabetes mellitus and to identify risk factors for the progression of retinopathy during pregnancy.

Methods  One hundred and seventy‐nine pregnancies in 139 women with pregestational Type 1 diabetes were studied prospectively between January 1990 and December 1998. Dilated fundal examination was performed at booking, 24 weeks and 34 weeks or 4–6 weekly if retinopathy present at booking. Data were collected on glycaemic control (HbA1c) throughout pregnancy.

Results  Progression to proliferative retinopathy was seen in four (2.2%) pregnancies while moderate progression was seen in a further five (2.8%) pregnancies. Progression of retinopathy was significantly increased in women with duration of diabetes 10–19 years compared with duration < 10 years (10% vs. 0%; P = 0.007) and in women with moderate to severe background retinopathy at booking (30% vs. 3.7%; P = 0.01). Although HbA1c at booking was higher (7.5% vs. 6.6%; P = 0.08) and the fall in HbA1c between booking and 24 weeks was greater (1.6% vs. 1.2%; P = 0.2) in those women showing progression of retinopathy, these changes were not significant.

Conclusions  Progression of retinopathy in pregnancy was uncommon (5.0% pregnancies) but was significantly more common in women with duration of diabetes > 10 years and in women with moderate to severe retinopathy at baseline. Laser therapy was needed in 2.2% pregnancies, which is much lower than that reported in earlier studies.

Diabet. Med. 18, 573–577 (2001)
Glucose‐induced release of tumour necrosis factor‐alpha from human placental and adipose tissues in gestational diabetes mellitus
Authors: Coughlan M. T. , Oliva K. , Georgiou H. M. , Permezel J. M. H. , Rice G. E.
Published: March 2003

Aims  The cytokine tumour necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance in Type 2 diabetes mellitus, but limited data are available in relation to gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), a disease in which similar biochemical abnormalities exist. We investigated the effect of exogenous glucose on the release of TNF‐α from placental and adipose (omental and subcutaneous) tissue obtained from normal pregnant women, and women with GDM.

Methods  Human tissue explants were incubated for up to 24 h and TNF‐α concentration in the incubation medium quantified by ELISA. The effect of normal (5 mmol/l) and high (15 and 25 mmol/l) glucose concentrations on the release of TNF‐α was assessed.

Results  In placental and subcutaneous adipose tissues obtained from women with GDM (n = 6), TNF‐α release was significantly greater under conditions of high glucose compared with normal glucose (placenta, 25 mmol/l 5915.7 ± 2579.6 and 15 mmol/l 4547.1 ± 2039.1 vs. 5 mmol/l 1897.1 ± 545.5; subcutaneous adipose tissue, 25 mmol/l 423.5 ± 207.0 and 15 mmol/l 278.5 ± 138.7 vs. 5 mmol/l 65.3 ± 28.5 pg/mg protein; P < 0.05). In contrast, there was no stimulatory effect of high glucose on TNF‐α release by tissues obtained from normal pregnant women (n = 6) (placenta, 25 mmol/l 1542.1 ± 486.2 and 15 mmol/l 4263.3 ± 2737.7 vs. 5 mmol/l 5422.4 ± 1599.0; subcutaneous adipose tissue, 25 mmol/l 189.8 ± 120.4 and 15 mmol/l 124.5 ± 32.3 vs. 5 mmol/l 217.9 ± 103.5 pg/mg protein).

Conclusions  These observations suggest that tissues from patients with GDM release greater amounts of TNF‐α in response to high glucose. As TNF‐α has been previously implicated in the regulation of glucose and lipid metabolism, and of insulin resistance, these data are consistent with the hypothesis that TNF‐α may be involved in the pathogenesis and/or progression of GDM.

Diabet. Med. 18, 921–927 (2001)
Symptoms of hypoglycaemia in people with diabetes
Authors: McAulay V. , Deary I. J. , Frier B. M.
Published: March 2003

The symptoms of hypoglycaemia are fundamental to the early detection and treatment of this side‐effect of insulin and oral hypoglycaemic therapy in people with diabetes. The physiology of normal responses to hypoglycaemia is described and the importance of symptoms of hypoglycaemia is discussed in relation to the treatment of diabetes. The symptoms of hypoglycaemia are described in detail. The classification of symptoms is considered and the usefulness of autonomic and neuroglycopenic symptoms for detecting hypoglycaemia is discussed. The many external and internal factors involved in the perception of symptoms are reviewed, and symptoms of hypoglycaemia experienced by people with Type 2 diabetes are addressed. Age‐specific differences in the symptoms of hypoglycaemia have been identified, and are important for clinical and research practice, particularly with respect to the development of acquired hypoglycaemia syndromes in people with Type 1 diabetes that can result in impaired awareness of hypoglycaemia. In addition, the routine assessment of hypoglycaemia symptoms in the diabetic clinic is emphasized as an important part of the regular review of people with diabetes who are treated with insulin.

Diabet. Med. 18, 690–705 (2001)
Genetic variants of insulin receptor substrate‐1 (IRS‐1) in syndromes of severe insulin resistance. Functional analysis of Ala513Pro and Gly1158Glu IRS‐1
Authors: Berger D. , Barroso I. , Soos M. , Yeo G. , Schafer A. J. , O'Rahilly S. , Whitehead J. P.
Published: March 2003

Aims To define further the role of IRS‐1 mutations in human syndromes of severe insulin resistance.

Methods The IRS‐1 gene was scanned for mutations in 83 unrelated affected subjects and 47 unaffected individuals using fluorescent single‐strand conformation polymorphism (fSSCP) analysis. A novel heterozygous mutation, Gly1158Glu, was found in one affected subject. Four and two subjects were heterozygous for the previously reported variants Gly972Arg and Ala513Pro, respectively. The previously identified variant Gly819Arg was found in one affected and one unaffected subject. While Gly972Arg has been described to alter the signalling properties of IRS‐1, no functional studies of Ala513Pro or Gly1158Glu have been reported.

Results Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells stably over‐expressing the insulin receptor were transiently transfected with vectors expressing either wild‐type, Glu1158 or Pro513 IRS‐1. A modest increase in insulin‐stimulated tyrosine phosphorylation of Glu1158 IRS‐1 was observed. However, this did not result in any significant change in the association of Grb2 or the p85α subunit of PI3‐kinase or of PI3‐kinase activity. In parallel studies, the Pro513 IRS‐1 variant was indistinguishable from wild‐type IRS‐1.

Conclusions While subtle effects of these variants cannot be excluded in this system, it is unlikely that these variants are responsible for the extreme insulin resistance seen in the subjects harbouring them. Although IRS proteins play a central role in insulin signalling, functionally significant mutations in the IRS‐1 gene are a rare cause of human syndromes of severe insulin resistance.
Subclinical pain and thermal sensory dysfunction in children and adolescents with Type 1 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Abad F. , Díaz‐Gómez N. M. , Rodríguez I. , Pérez R. , Delgado J. A.
Published: March 2003

Aims To assess cutaneous thermal and pain thresholds in upper and lower limbs in neurologically asymptomatic children and adolescents, and to study the relationships of clinical parameters and these sensory thresholds in subclinical diabetic neuropathy.

Methods Thirty‐five neurologically asymptomatic patients, aged 8–16 years, diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM), and a control group of 35 healthy age‐matched subjects participated in the study. Warmth, cold, and heat‐induced pain thresholds were measured in the dorsum of the right arm and foot, using quantitative sensory testing (QST). Relevant clinical parameters, retrieved from medical records or measured at the QST session, were obtained for each patient.

Results Compared with controls, diabetic patients had increased thresholds for warmth in the hand (P
 
=
 0.002), and cold and warmth in the foot (P
 
=
 0.015 and P
 
=
 0.004, respectively). Of the diabetic patients, 43% showed abnormality of at least one sensory threshold. A significant correlation was observed for duration of diabetes and heat‐induced pain threshold in the hand (P   =  0.045), but no correlation was found for age, height, weight, pre‐test blood glucose, age of onset, current insulin dose, and mean of glycosylated haemoglobin determinations of the previous 18 months. No significant correlation was found for other sensory thresholds.

Conclusions Using QST, abnormal cutaneous thermal perception is a common finding, in both upper and lower limbs, in neurologically asymptomatic young diabetic patients. Heat‐induced pain threshold in the hand was correlated with the duration of the diabetes.
Clinical characteristics and outcome of pregnancy in women with gestational hyperglycaemia with and without antibodies to β‐cell antigens
Authors: Bo S. , Menato G. , Pinach S. , Signorile A. , Bardelli C. , Lezo A. , Marchisio B. , Gentile L. , Cassader M. , Massobrio M. , Pagano G.
Published: March 2003

Aims To evaluate the prevalence of β‐cell autoantibodies in women with gestational diabetes and impaired glucose tolerance, and identify clinical characteristics differentiating hyperglycaemic patients with and without autoantibodies.

Methods One hundred and twenty‐three pregnant patients with gestational diabetes, 84 with impaired glucose tolerance and 290 with normoglycaemia were evaluated for anti‐islet cell antibodies, glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) autoantibodies, and the components of the metabolic syndrome.

Results Autoantibody positivity was 8.9%, 17.9% and 0.3% in patients with diabetes, impaired tolerance and normoglycaemia, respectively. Hyperglycaemic patients with autoantibodies had lower body mass index, waist, weight gain at the time of the screening test and a lower percentage of previous pregnancies than those without autoantibodies. In addition, their fasting insulin values were significantly lower and inversely related to the presence of autoantibodies (odds ratio (OR) = 0.64; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.42–0.96), the lowest values being found in anti‐GAD+ patients. Autoantibody‐positive women with diabetes were more frequently treated with insulin than negative patients (OR = 7.21; 95% CI 1.85–28.08).

Conclusions Autoantibody‐positive women with gestational hyperglycaemia displayed fewer features of insulin resistance and required more frequent insulin therapy than negative women and presumably had presymptomatic Type 1 diabetes. If this conclusion is corroborated by the follow‐up of larger series, clinical and immunological distinction of types of gestational hyperglycaemia would be useful.
Elevational diversity patterns of small mammals on Mount Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
Authors: Nor Shukor MD.
Published: March 2003

1 Diversity patterns of small mammals were studied along an elevational transect on Mount Kinabalu, the highest mountain in South‐east Asia, utilizing data from previously existing sources and a new field study. A mark‐and‐release study (conducted during wet and dry seasons between November 1994 and April 1995) resulted in captures of 12 small mammal species, including two species of squirrels, two tree shrews, seven murid rodents and one gymnure.

2 Based on data compiled from this survey, museum specimens, and published and unpublished literature (analysed by locally weighted sums of squares and quadratic polynomial regressions), species richness of small mammals formed a middle elevation bulge, highest at about 1200–1400 m and declining at lower and higher elevations. Trapping during two seasons did not change the assessment of the pattern.

3 A cluster analysis of these data indicated that there are two elevationally associated faunas, one in the highlands and another in the lowlands. The transition between these two assemblages is at 1700–1800 m elevation. The lowland faunal assemblage has the highest number of species, with maximum species richness at about 1300 m for total small mammal species, about 1200 m for arboreal species and about 1400 m for terrestrial species.

4 The areas where much overlapping of species occurs are the elevations where climate and vegetation change rapidly from lowland to montane types. Tree species, gymnosperms, orchids and ferns showed a similar curvilinear pattern along the same elevational gradient, with maximum species richness at about 1400–1500 m. Temperature declined progressively with increasing elevation, but rainfall and humidity reached their highest levels at about 1700 m.

5 Maximum diversity of small mammals thus occurred at the elevation where a highland and a lowland assemblage overlapped, where several types of plants reached their maximum diversity, and where rainfall and humidity reached their maxima. Similar patterns have been documented for small mammals, plants, and climate at sites scattered in Indo‐Australia from Taiwan to New Guinea.
Estimating mixtures of leaf functional types using continental‐scale satellite and climatic data
Authors: Berry Sandra L. , Roderick Michael L.
Published: March 2003

Aim Recent research has shown that much of the variability in leaf gas exchange and leaf longevity can be related to variations in the surface : volume ratio of leaves. The aim of this paper was to develop a theoretical framework and a practical method to extend that result to the vegetation at the continental scale.

Location The study was conducted in Australia.

Methods We propose that vegetation is composed of a mixture of three basic leaf types, ‘turgor’ (T), ‘mesic’ (M) and ‘sclerophyll’ (S) leaves. Changes in the relative proportions of T, M and S leaves within a vegetation type are visualized using a ternary diagram and differences in vegetation structure are shown to be easily mapped onto the ternary diagram. We estimate the proportions of T, M and S leaves using readily available data. The total amount of PAR absorbed by the vegetation (fPAR) is estimated using continental‐scale satellite observations. The total fPAR is then decomposed into that absorbed by T, M and S leaves. The relative absorption of PAR by T leaves is estimated from the temporal dynamics in the satellite signal, while the relative proportions of M and S leaves are estimated using climatic (solar radiation, rainfall) data.

Results When the availability of light, nutrients and water were near‐optimal, the vegetation was composed of predominantly M leaves. In low nutrient environments S leaves predominated. T leaves were dominant in disturbed environments.

Conclusions The theoretical framework is used to predict that elevated atmospheric CO2 would tend to increase the proportion of M and S leaves in an ecosystem and the resulting change means that the proportion of T leaves would decrease. In terms of the TMS scheme, this implies that elevated CO2 has the same net effect on the vegetation as a decrease in disturbance.
Does body size predict dates of species description among North American and Australian reptiles and amphibians?
Authors: Reed Robert N. , Boback Scott M.
Published: March 2003

Which factors determine whether a species is obvious to collectors? For some taxa, species of small body size tend to be described later than large‐bodied species, perhaps because large animals are more obvious or easily captured. Thus it has been proposed that current estimates of species numbers within taxa may be biased, as they may not include small species. However, the trend for recently described species to be small‐bodied has only been observed in a few higher taxa, and may not be general. Herein, we examine the relationships between body size and date of description for the entire herpetofaunas of North America and Australia (snakes, lizards, turtles, frogs and salamanders). We found that body size is generally a poor predictor of description date in herpetofaunal taxa. Even for most taxa that did exhibit a negative relationship between these variables, recently described species could not be distinguished from a random draw from overall species pools. We interpret our results in the light of the history of exploration of these continents and the biology of reptiles and amphibians.
The endemic headwater stream amphibians of the American Northwest: associations with environmental gradients in a large forested preserve
Authors: Adams Michael J. , Bury R. Bruce
Published: March 2003

We used a large forested preserve (Olympic National Park, USA) to examine the habitat associations of a unique and environmentally sensitive stream amphibian fauna: Ascaphus truei Stegneger, Rhyacotriton olympicus (Gaige) and Dicamptodon copei Nussbaum. We quantified the relative abundance of stream amphibians and compared them to physical, topographic, climatic and landscape variables. All three species were associated with the south‐west to north‐east climate gradient, tending to be most abundant in the south‐west. Although a habitat generalist relative to the other two species, Dicamptodon copei was absent from the north‐eastern portion of the park. Ascaphus truei and Rhyacotriton olympicus were both associated with coarse substrates and steep gradients. Unlike studies in harvested forests, all stream amphibians were common in waters with unconsolidated surface geology (e.g. marine sediments that erode easily). Studies of ecological preserves can provide an important baseline for evaluating species associations with environmental gradients and can reveal patterns not evident in more disturbed landscapes.
Modelling the species richness distribution of French dung beetles (Coleoptera, Scarabaeidae) and delimiting the predictive capacity of different groups of explanatory variables
Authors: Jorge M. Lobo  , Lumaret Jean‐Pierre , Jay‐Robert Pierre
Published: March 2003

Aim To predict French Scarabaeidae dung beetle species richness distribution, and to determine the possible underlying causal factors.

Location The entire French territory has been studied by dividing it into 301 grid cells of 0.72 × 0.36 degrees.

Method Species richness distribution was predicted using generalized linear models to relate the number of species with spatial, topographic and climate variables in grid squares previously identified as well sampled (n = 66). The predictive function includes the curvilinear relationship between variables, interaction terms and the significant third‐degree polynomial terms of latitude and longitude. The final model was validated by a jack‐knife procedure. The underlying causal factors were investigated by partial regression analysis, decomposing the variation in species richness among spatial, topographic and climate type variables.

Results The final model accounts for 86.2% of total deviance, with a mean jack‐knife predictive error of 17.7%. The species richness map obtained highlights the Mediterranean as the region richest in species, and the less well‐explored south‐western region as also being species‐rich. The largest fraction of variability (38%) in the number of species is accounted for by the combined effect of the three groups of explanatory variables. The spatially structured climate component explains 21% of variation, while the pure climate and pure spatial components explain 14% and 11%, respectively. The effect of topography was negligible.

Conclusions Delimiting the adequately inventoried areas and elaborating forecasting models using simple environmental variables can rapidly produce an estimate of the species richness distribution. Scarabaeidae species richness distribution seems to be mainly influenced by temperature. Minimum mean temperature is the most influential variable on a local scale, while maximum and mean temperature are the most important spatially structured variables. We suggest that species richness variation is mainly conditioned by the failure of many species to go beyond determined temperature range limits.
The mid‐domain effect cannot explain the diversity gradient of Nearctic birds
Authors: Hawkins Bradford A. , Diniz‐Filho José Alexandre Felizola
Published: March 2003

A recent explanation for diversity gradients proposes a ‘null model’ based on how species ranges are constrained by the geometry of bounded domains. We conduct a test of this hypothesis by comparing patterns predicted by two two‐dimensional geometric models against observed diversity patterns for terrestrially feeding Nearctic birds. Consistent with previous tests in two‐dimensional space, we find empirical support for the hypothesis to be very weak. We also point out a fundamental conceptual flaw in the hypothesis with respect to the key assumption that ranges can exist independently of the environment in which they are embedded that undermines its theoretical basis as well. We conclude that the mid‐domain effect has little empirical support and no theoretical support for its existence, and recommend that it be eliminated as a potential explanation for diversity gradients.
Ecological characterization of bat species distributions in Michoacán, México, using a geographic information system
Authors: Wang H. George , Owen Robert D. , Sánchez‐Hernández Cornelio , De Lourdes Romero‐Almaraz María
Published: March 2003

Aim To investigate the relationship between chiropteran species distributions and four fundamental environmental factors — temperature, precipitation, soil and vegetation — and to construct a species richness prediction map based on the environmental factors.

Location The state of Michoacán, México.

Methods Bat specimens collected during a 2‐year project were combined with museum specimens to form a dataset of over 3200 entries pertaining to 71 species of bats. Coordinates of the collection localities were recorded with GPS receivers or determined from maps. ArcView GIS was used to characterize the distribution of the species relative to the four environmental factors by projecting coordinates of the collection sites onto digitized maps of those factors. Correspondence analysis (CA) was used to evaluate the relationship between species distributions and the environmental factors.

Results The CA results indicated that the order of importance of these factors is (from highest to lowest): temperature, vegetation, precipitation and soil. A predicted distribution map was constructed for each species of bat, based on the result of the CA analysis, using correspondences of each species to climate, vegetation and precipitation. Soil types were excluded from the prediction model because soil type does not appear to carry high predictive value for bat species in Michoacán. Distribution maps of the 71 bat species were then overlaid to generate a map of bat species richness for the state of Michoacán.

Main conclusions  Neither family membership nor feeding guild affiliation appear to play important roles in chiropteran species distributions in Michoacán. The bat species richness prediction map will be a useful tool for conservation works in the region.
Some principles for modelling genotype–environment correlations and interactions with quantitative trait loci
Authors: Van Den Oord Edwin J. C. G.
Published: March 2003

Genotype measurements will increasingly be used in scientific disciplines to study genotype–environment correlations and interactions, and strengthen research designs. This report summarizes some principles for using quantitative trait loci in statistical models. Special attention is paid to the importance of choosing a suitable parameterization, the use of parents and/or siblings to control for population stratification, and the modelling of heterogeneous and correlated error variances.
Estimating uncertainty in fish stock assessment and forecasting
Authors: Patterson Kenneth , Cook Robin , Darby Chris , Gavaris Stratis , Kell Laurence , Lewy Peter , Mesnil Benoît , Punt André , Restrepo Victor , Skagen Dankert W. , Stefánsson Gunnar
Published: March 2003

A variety of tools are available to quantify uncertainty in age‐structured fish stock assessments and in management forecasts. These tools are based on particular choices for the underlying population dynamics model, the aspects of the assessment considered uncertain, and the approach for assessing uncertainty (Bayes, frequentist or likelihood). The current state of the art is advancing rapidly as a consequence of the availability of increased computational power, but there remains little consistency in the choices made for assessments and forecasts. This can be explained by several factors including the specifics of the species under consideration, the purpose for which the analysis is conducted and the institutional framework within which the methods are developed and used, including the availability and customary usage of software tools. Little testing of either the methods or their assumptions has yet been done. Thus, it is not possible to argue either that the methods perform well or perform poorly or that any particular conditioning choices are more appropriate in general terms than others. Despite much recent progress, fisheries science has yet to identify a means for identifying appropriate conditioning choices such that the probability distributions which are calculated for management purposes do adequately represent the probabilities of eventual real outcomes. Therefore, we conclude that increased focus should be placed on testing and carefully examining the choices made when conducting these analyses, and that more attention must be given to examining the sensitivity to alternative assumptions and model structures. Provision of advice concerning uncertainty in stock assessments should include consideration of such sensitivities, and should use model‐averaging methods, decision tables or management procedure simulations in cases where advice is strongly sensitive to model assumptions.
Trap mesh selectivity and the management of reef fishes
Authors: Mahon Robin , Hunte Wayne
Published: March 2003

The regulation of mesh size has frequently been proposed as a management measure for fish traps, the predominant gear used by the reef fish fisheries in the Caribbean. Studies on trap mesh selectivity show that mesh size is a determinant of catch rates and the size at which fish recruit to fish traps. Mesh size also affects the species composition in fish traps, probably through size selectivity. Other factors also affect catch rates, and the fish size and species composition in traps, for example, soak time, trap design, trap size, species body shape. Given the variety of growth rates and maturity schedules of reef fish commonly taken in fish traps in the Caribbean, no single mesh size will optimise the yield or protect against recruitment overfishing for the entire range of exploited species. Preliminary data suggest that the fishing power of traps may decrease with increased mesh size. This would reduce the effective fishing effort and thus mortality on fully recruited size classes. Studies indicate that the mesh sizes currently in use in most Caribbean countries are too small, and that a minimum mesh size of at least 3.8–5.1 cm would be required to optimise yields for local consumption. Comparative fishing experiments indicate that an increase in mesh size in areas of high fishing mortality typically results in a reduction in catch per trap. Thus increasing trap mesh size can be expected to result in short‐term loss in revenue for fishers. However, no studies have examined the times that would be required for catches to return to the levels prevailing before the increase of mesh size, and thereafter, for fishers to recover the losses incurred during the transition period. To provide managers with an estimate of the impacts that mesh‐size regulation could have on fishers, the recovery time of catches and the financial recovery times for fishers should be modelled for a hypothetical assemblage of 10–15 reef fishes using available information. These studies would enable managers to plan for the implementation of mesh‐size increases and to communicate the potential benefits to fishers in quantitative terms.
Is cod lekking or a promiscuous group spawner?
Authors: Nordeide  , Folstad
Published: March 2003

The mating system of cod (Gadus morhua) has been described as promiscuous with few options for exercising mate choice. We, on the other hand, argue that cod fulfil the prerequisites of a conventional lekking mating system. A review of papers on cod mating behaviour suggests that mature males aggregate and possibly defend small territories on the spawning grounds, where male–male interactions are common. Females visit males at the aggregations when ready to spawn and males show an extensive courtship display including dance, fin display, and acoustic calls. This may allow females to discriminate between males and both fin size and mass of drumming muscles, the cod’s acoustic organ, are related to a male’s fertilisation potential. This, together with the presence of sexual dimorphism in drumming muscles, suggests that sexual selection by females is at work. Different courtship display combined with different mate preferences may be important premating mechanisms reducing or preventing interbreeding between groups of cod.
Is there a genetic basis to growth in Atlantic cod?
Authors: Imsland Albert K , Jónsdóttir Ólöf Dóra Bartels
Published: March 2003

There is still much disagreement and debate about whether or not genetically based growth differences occur in Atlantic cod, and there is evidence on both sides. In this review, data on genetically based growth differences in cod will be presented to shed light on this hypothesis.

Motivated by the hypothesis that growth patterns may reflect specific genotype adaptations, we review stock‐specific responses on growth. An example of genetically based differences between the population units at two spawning localities off south Iceland is discussed. Here, significant differences in growth performance of the different Syp‐I genotypes were found. Also, the cod sampled at Loftstaðahraun displayed higher mean weight and length compared to the cod from Kantur indicating that these population units may display different life histories. Other studies have shown conflicting results depending on which side of the Atlantic the problem has been investigated. We propose that a common‐garden meta‐analysis with several cod stocks from both sides of the Atlantic is needed to give any reasonable answer to the question of genetically based growth differences. Until such studies have been conducted, it is premature to conclude one way or the other.

In this review, we have not tried to quantify how large the environmental part of growth regulation versus the genetic part is, as this information is not available in the published literature on cod. Based on recent research on two flatfish species (turbot and Atlantic halibut), approximately 30% of growth variation is caused by genetical factors, but it remains to be seen if this is similar in cod. A fruitful way to continue this research might be to conduct controlled experiments, where performance (growth, food intake, feed conversion efficiency, feeding behaviour, etc.) and environmental factors (e.g. temperature, oxygen, photoperiod, predation risk, food availability) are studied simultaneously for different genotypes and different stocks.
Factors influencing the scope and quality of science and management decisions
Authors: Alverson Dayton L
Published: March 2003

The lecture traces the historical path to overfishing of the world's fish and shellfish stocks, and provides an assessment of marine fish resources in the later half of the 1990s. The basis of overfishing as noted by various fishery scientists is reviewed. Four factors, including institutional paralysis, the rapidity of technological developments, uncertainty of science, and the inability to monitor and enforce regulations are identified as the major problems leading to overfishing. The failure of the world community to deal with extensive overfishing, appears to have motivated managers and scientists to promote a new fishery management paradigm that focuses on a broader set of problems resulting from fishing, and establishes a more conservative decision‐making process founded on precautionary principle and uncertainty. The author feels that the evolving paradigm will result in the rebuilding of a number of stocks in the United States, but is less certain of its adoption on a global scale, and whether or not science will play a more useful role in fisheries management. It is noted that the support for fisheries science and the status of fisheries have followed opposite courses. Over the past half century marine science has boomed, diversified and become intellectually and materially enriched, while the number of overfished stocks and ecological disasters has increased. Looking ahead it is expected that fisheries management will move into a more conservative era. The focus of fisheries has moved from full use of ocean resources to establishing yields that take into account the impacts of fisheries on target and non‐target species and the ecosystem in general. Although there has been wide‐spread abuse in the use of the world's fishery resources and condemnation of the fishing industries, the author feels that the government institutions must bear the primary responsibility for the historical course of fishery management and its failure.
Lamotrigine in the treatment of painful diabetic neuropathy
Authors: Eisenberg E. , Alon N. , Ishay A. , Daoud D. , Yarnitsky D.
Published: March 2003

An open trial was conducted to study the potential efficacy of lamotrigine, a novel antiepileptic agent that blocks voltage‐sensitive sodium channels and inhibits the release of glutamate, in relieving the pain associated with diabetic neuropathy. Subsequent to a 1 week washout period from previous analgesics, lamotrigine was administered at a dose of 25 mg/day for 1 week. The dose was doubled on a weekly basis up to 400 mg/day over 6 weeks. The McGill pain questionnaire (MPQ), spontaneous pain and a series of mechanical and thermal stimuli‐induced pain were measured with the use of 0–100 visual analogue scale (VAS), on seven office visits. Pain level was also recorded by each patient twice daily, 1 week before, during, and 2 weeks after the treatment period with the use of a 0–10 numerical pain scale (NPS). Quantitative mechanical (Von Frey filaments) and thermal testing (QTT), and routine blood tests were performed at the beginning and at the end of the study. Thirteen patients completed the study. Spontaneous pain measured by VAS and NPS gradually dropped from a baseline of 49 ± 8 and 6.8 ± 0.6, to 20 ± 8.6 (p < 0.001) and 4.3 ± 0.9 (p < 0.001), respectively, at the end of the treatment period. Similarly, cold allodynia dropped from 38 ± 9.2 to 16 ± 15.3 (p= 0.01), and the MPQ score from 13.6 ± 0.8 to 11.0 ± 1.5 (p < 0.01). In contrast, no significant changes were found in the QTT, mechanical pain thresholds and laboratory results. Two patients were withdrawn from the study because of adverse effects. A long‐term follow up showed that most patients were still using lamotrigine 6 months after the end of the study. The results of the study suggest that lamotrigine is potentially effective and safe in treating painful diabetic neuropathy.
Accuracy of the clinical diagnosis of postencephalitic parkinsonism: a clinicopathologic study
Authors: Litvan Irene , Jankovic Joseph , Goetz Christopher G. , Wenning Gregory K. , Sastry Narahary , Jellinger Kurt , McKee Ann , Lai Eugene C. , Brandel Jean‐Philippe , Verny Marc , Ray‐Chaudhuri K. , Pearce Ron K.B. , Bartko John J. , Agid Yves
Published: March 2003

The accuracy of the clinical diagnosis of postencephalitic parkinsonism (PEP) is unknown. We determined the validity of the clinical diagnosis of PEP by presenting 105 records with neuropathologic diagnosis of PEP (n= 7), progressive supranuclear palsy (n= 24), Parkinson's disease (n= 15), dementia with Lewy bodies (n= 14), multiple system atrophy (n= 16), corticobasal degeneration (n= 10), Creutzfeldt—Jakob disease (n= 4), and other dementia disorders (n= 15), as clinical vignettes to six neurologists unaware of the autopsy findings. The neurologists' own clinical diagnoses were compared with neuropathologic diagnoses for measures of diagnostic accuracy, including reliability (k statistics), sensitivity and positive predictive values for the first and last visits. The group reliability for the diagnosis of PEP was almost perfect (k= 0.91, 0.9). The mean sensitivity at the first visit was 86% (range, 71–100%) with minimal change at the last visit (83%; range, 71–100%). Positive predictive values remained unchanged (100%). The high reliability, sensitivity and positive predictive values of the clinical diagnosis of PEP indicate that neurologists identify this disorder even when they report that they have never evaluated a case. In our data set, the best predictors for the diagnosis of PEP included onset below middle age; symptom duration lasting more than 10 years, and the presence of oculogyric crisis. History of encephalitis lethargica, present in most PEP cases, was an important individual diagnostic predictor.
Zolmitriptan, a 5‐HT1B/1D receptor agonist for the acute oral treatment of migraine: a multicentre, dose‐range finding study
Authors: Dahlöf Carl , Diener Hans‐Christoph , Goadsby Peter J. , Massiou Hélène , Olesen Jes , Schoenen Jean , Wilkinson Marcia , Sweet Ruth M. , Klein Ken B.
Published: March 2003

Zolmitriptan is a selective 5‐HT1B/1D receptor agonist for acute oral imgraine theraphy. This randomized, placebo|controlled, parallel‐grup study investigated the efficacy and tolerability of oral zolmitriptan (5, 10, 15 and 20 mg) in the tretment of single acute migraine attacks. Of 1181 patients randomized, 840 were evaluable for the primary efficacy analysis. Headache response rates (a reduction in headache intensity from severe or moderate at baseline to mild or no pain at 2 hours post‐treatment) were similaracross the zolmitriptan dose groups (66%, 71%, 69% and 77% for 5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg and 20 mg, respectively) and were significantly higher than that for placebo (19%; all groups P < 0.001). A headache response was reponse was reposted at 1 hour by 40‐50% of zolmitriptan recipients (16% placebo). At 2 hours post dose,39‐47% of zolmitriptan‐treated patients were pain‐free, compared with 1% of placebo recipients. Headache recurrence occurred in 21‐29% (upper 95% CI 37.1) of zolmitriptan‐treated patients and in 65% (95% CI 38.3, 85.8) of placebo recipients. Zolmitriptan was well tolerated at each dose. The most commonly reported adverse events were asthenia, dizziness, paraesthesia and feelings of heaviness. Mostadverse events were of mildor moderate intensity and were efficacy and tolerability profile, the dose response data suggest that lower doses would also offer significant efficacy.