bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Promoting research use in speech and language therapy: a cluster randomized controlled trial to compare the clinical effectiveness and costs of two training strategies
Authors: Pennington Lindsay , Roddam Hazel , Burton Christopher , Russell Ian , Russell Daphne
Published: April 2005

Objective: To evaluate the clinical and cost effectiveness of two training strategies to promote the use of research evidence in speech and language therapy (SLT) management of poststroke dysphagia.

Design: Pragmatic, cluster randomized trial.

Setting: Seventeen SLT departments in north-west England.

Participants: Two SLTs from each department received training and cascaded information across their department. Process of care was measured from the notes of 708 patients with acute poststroke dysphagia across eight departments allocated to training strategy A, and 762 patients across nine departments in strategy B. Interventions: Strategy A: training on the critical appraisal of published research papers and practice guidelines. Strategy B: strategy A plus training on management of change in clinical practice.

Main outcome measures: Pre-and post-training adherence to practice guidelines in poststroke dysphagia management, based on a review of case notes. Incremental cost of increased adherence to clinical guidelines.

Results: Departments' practice differed in adherence to guidelines. Departments changed following training ( F=2.22, df 16, 1436, p=0.004). The effect of training strategy on clinical practice was not significant. Strategy B departments engaged in more activities relating to research use following training than strategy A. Total costs of training averaged £2001, t2892, $3886 (SD £502, t726, $975) for strategy A and £3366, t4866, $6537 (SD £2121, t3066, $4119) for strategy B.

Conclusions: Training in research implementation in addition to critical appraisal and guideline introduction is associated with increased dissemination activities and awareness of research information, but not with changes in clinical practice within six months of training. The department in which SLTs work influences their use of research. The process of poststroke dysphagia management can be measured using a tool developed from practice guidelines.
Experience of Dealing with Moral Responsibility as a Mother with Cancer
Authors: Elmberger Eva , Bolund Christina , Lützén Kim
Published: April 2005

This study explored how women with a diagnosis of cancer (lymphoma) deal with moral concerns related to their responsibility as parents. Ten women with cancer and who had children living at home were interviewed. The interviews were analysed according to the constant comparative method used in grounded theory. In order to provide a focus for the analysis, the ethics of care and the concept of mothering were used as sensitizing concepts. The core concept ‘experience of dealing with moral responsibility of being a parent with cancer by redefining oneself as a mother’ was identified. The processes involved were: interrupted mothering; facing the life-threatening illness and children’s reactions; striving to be a good mother; attempting to deal with moral responsibility; and coming to terms with being a mother.
Anaesthesia Care of Older Patients as Experienced by Nurse Anaesthetists
Authors: Mauleon Annika Larsson , Palo-Bengtsson Liisa , Ekman Sirkka-Liisa
Published: April 2005

This article analyses problem situations in the context of anaesthesia care. It considers what it means for nurse anaesthetists to be in problematic situations in the anaesthesia care of older patients. Benner’s interpretive phenomenological approach proved useful for this purpose. Paradigm cases are used to aid the analysis of individual nurses’ experiences.

Thirty narrated problematic anaesthesia care situations derived from seven interviews were studied. These show that experienced nurse anaesthetists perceive anaesthesia care as problematic and highly demanding when involving older patients. To be in problematic anaesthesia care situations means becoming morally distressed, which arises from the experience or from being prevented from acting according to one’s legal and moral duty of care. An important issue that emerged from this study was the need for an ethical forum to discuss and articulate moral issues, so that moral stress of the kind experienced by these nurse anaesthetists can be dealt with and hopefully reduced.
Patient Advocacy and Professional Associations: individual and collective responsibilities
Authors: Welchman Jennifer , Griener Glenn G
Published: April 2005

Professions have traditionally treated advocacy as a collective duty, best assigned to professional associations to perform. In North American nursing, advocacy for issues affecting identifiable patients is assigned instead to their nurses. We argue that nursing associations’ withdrawal from advocacy for patient care issues is detrimental to nurses and patients alike. Most nurses work in large institutions whose internal policies they cannot influence. When these create obstacles to good care, the inability of nurses to affect change can result in avoidable distress for them and for their patients. We illustrate this point with a case study: the circumstances of the death of Michael Joseph LeBlanc, an inmate at Kingston Penitentiary Regional Hospital (Ontario). We conclude that patients and their nurses will suffer unnecessarily unless or until nursing associations cease to burden individual nurses with the responsibility for patient advocacy.
A Path Analytic Model of Ethical Conflict in Practice and Autonomy in a Sample of Nurse Practitioners
Authors: Ulrich Connie M , Soeken Karen L
Published: April 2005

The purpose of this study was to test a causal model of ethical conflict in practice and autonomy in a sample of 254 nurse practitioners working in the primary care areas of family health, pediatrics, adult health and obstetrics/gynecology in the state of Maryland. A test of the model was conducted using a path analytic approach with LISREL 8.30 hypothesizing individual, organizational and societal/market factors influencing ethical conflict in practice and autonomy. Maximum likelihood estimation was used to estimate the parameters most likely to have generated the data. Forty-five percent of the total variance in ethical conflict was explained by the variables of ethical environment and ethical concern. Ethical concern, idealistic philosophy, ethics education in continuing education, percentage of client population enrolled in managed care, and market penetration explained 15% of the total variance in autonomy. The findings of this study indicate that the causal model of ethical conflict in practice and autonomy is consistent with the data and contributed to a fuller understanding of clinical decision making associated with practicing in a managed care environment. The final model supported a conceptual framework that is inclusive of three domains: individual, organizational and societal/market variables.
Newer v. older antidepressants in long-term pharmacotherapy: Revisiting… Prevention of relapse and recurrence of depression
Authors: Edwards J. Guy
Published: April 2005

There is much evidence from clinical trials that antidepressants help prevent relapse and recurrence of major depression. However, this is unlikely to hold true for all patients with depression, particularly those treated in primary care. Individual antidepressants are equally efficacious, so choice (as first-line treatment in general or for individual patients) is largely determined by differences in side-effects, even though many of these disappear during long-term treatment, owing to adaptation. Specific effects that are considered in choosing a drug include those on cognition, psychomotor performance and sexual function; drug interactions, lethality in overdose and the potential for teratogenicity are also considered. There are insufficient entirely objective and generally accepted data on pharmaco-economics to allow for confident recommendations on drug choice for long-term treatment. Drug acquisition costs must be considered by those with restricted budgets, and especially patients in developing countries where difference in cost between newer and older drugs can be translated into more food for a hungry family.
Why aren't depot antipsychotics prescribed more often and what can be done about it?
Authors: Patel Maxine X. , David Anthony S.
Published: April 2005

Long-acting depot antipsychotics were developed specifically to promote treatment adherence (compliance) and they are a valuable option for patients requiring maintenance medication for schizophrenia. Depot use has fallen in recent years, perhaps owing to the introduction of oral atypical antipsychotics. Psychiatrist and patient acceptance of depot medication is variable. The depot formulation and the traditional ‘depot clinic’ seem to have an image problem, although many patients already receiving depot medication like it. Some psychiatrists may not adequately consider the risks and benefits when contemplating prescribing depot medication. Further, public opinion and planning forces in psychiatric health services may have a negative influence on the use of long-acting treatments. This review considers possible reasons for underutilisation of depot antipsychotics in maintenance treatment of schizophrenia and highlights the potential benefits and future role of depot drugs.
Regional volume deviations of brain structure in schizophrenia and psychotic bipolar disorder
Authors: McDonald Colm , Bullmore Ed , Sham Pak , Chitnis Xavier , Suckling John , Maccabe James , Walshe Muriel , Murray Robin M.
Published: April 2005

Background

It is unclear whether schizophrenia and psychotic bipolar disorder are associated with similar deviations of brain morphometry.

Aims

To assess volumetric abnormalities of grey and white matter throughout the entire brain in individuals with schizophrenia or with bipolar disorder compared with the same control group.

Method

Brain scans were obtained by magnetic resonance imaging from 25 people with schizophrenia, 37 with bipolar disorder who had experienced psychotic symptoms and 52 healthy volunteers. Regional deviation in grey and white matter volume was assessed using computational morphometry.

Results

Individuals with schizophrenia had distributed grey matter deficit predominantly involving the fronto-temporal neocortex, medial temporal lobe, insula, thalamus and cerebellum, whereas those with bipolar disorder had no significant regions of grey matter abnormality. Both groups had anatomically overlapping white matter deficits in regions normally occupied by major longitudinal and interhemispheric tracts.

Conclusions

Schizophrenia and psychotic bipolar disorder are associated with distinct grey matter deficits but anatomically coincident white matter abnormalities.
Pathogenesis of schizophrenia: a psychopathological perspective
Authors: Owens D. G. Cunningham , Miller Patrick , Lawrie Stephen M. , Johnstone Eve C.
Published: April 2005

Background

Despite interest in early treatment of schizophrenia, premorbid and prodromal symptomatology remain poorly delineated.

Aims

To compare pre-illness symptomatology in patients at high risk of schizophrenia who progress to illness with that of high-risk subjects who remain well and with normal controls.

Method

Using Present State Examination (PSE) data, symptomatic scales were devised from participants of the Northwick Park Study of first-episode schizophrenia and scores were compared on the first and last PSEs of participants of the Edinburgh High Risk Study.

Results

At entry, when still well, high-risk individuals who subsequently became ill (mean time to diagnosis 929 days; s.e.=138 days) scored significantly higher on ‘situational anxiety’, ‘nervous tension’, ‘depression’, ‘changed perception’ and ‘hallucinations' than those remaining well and normal controls, who did not differ. With illness onset, affective symptomatology remained high but essentially stable.

Conclusions

In genetically predisposed individuals, affective and perceptual disorders are prominent before any behavioural or subjective change that usually characterises the shift to schizophrenic prodrome or active illness.
Care staff training in detection of depression in residential homes for the elderly
Authors: Eisses A. M. H. , Kluiter H. , Jongenelis K. , Pot A. M. , Beekman A. T. F. , Ormel J.
Published: April 2005

Background

Many people with depression in residential care homes for the elderly do not receive treatment because their depression remains undetected.

Aims

To determine the effects of staff training on the detection, treatment and outcome of depression in residents often homes.

Method

We conducted a randomised controlled trial in ten residential homes. The intervention consisted of a training programme for staff and collaborative evaluation by staff and a mental health specialist of residents with possible depression.

Results

Recognition of depression increased more in homes where staff received the training than in the control homes. Treatment rates also increased compared with control homes, but the increase was not significant. Residents with depressive symptoms had a more favourable course when staff had received training. Moreover, the prevalence of depressive symptoms decreased, but the decrease was not significant.

Conclusions

Training of care staff results in the increased detection of depression in the elderly, a trend towards more treatment and better outcomes.
Distinctive neurocognitive effects of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation and electroconvulsive therapy in major depression
Authors: Schulze-Rauschenbach Svenja C. , Harms Uta , Schlaepfer Thomas E. , Maier Wolfgang , Falkai Peter , Wagner Michael
Published: April 2005

Background

Studies have compared electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) with regard to clinical efficacy in the treatment of depression, but no study has yet addressed the differential impact on cognition.

Aims

To compare the neurocognitive effects of unilateral ECT and rTMS.

Method

Thirty patients with treatment-refractory non-psychotic major depression received an average of ten treatments with either unilateral ECT or left prefrontal rTMS and were assessed for objective and subjective cognitive impairments before and about a week after treatment.

Results

Treatment response was comparable (46% of the ECT group and 44% of the rTMS group showed a reduction of 50% or more in Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression scores). In patients treated with rTMS, cognitive performance remained constant or improved and memory complaints alleviated, whereas in the ECT group memory recall deficits emerged and memory complaints remained.

Conclusions

In contrastto unilateral ECT, rTMS has no adverse memory effects.
Misdiagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder following severe traumatic brain injury
Authors: Sumpter Ruth E. , McMillan Tom M.
Published: April 2005

Background

The incidence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after traumatic brain injury is unclear. One issue involves the validity of diagnosis using self-report questionnaires.

Aims

To compare PTSD ‘caseness' arising from questionnaire self-report and structured interview.

Method

Participants (n=34) with traumatic brain injury were recruited. Screening measures and self-report questionnaires were administered, followed by the structured interview.

Results

Using questionnaires, 59% fulfilled criteria for PTSD on the Post-traumatic Diagnostic Scale and 44% on the Impact of Events Scale, whereas using structured interview (Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale) only 3% were ‘cases'. This discrepancy may arise from confusions between effects of PTSD and traumatic brain injury.

Conclusions

After traumatic brain injury, PTSD self-report measures might be used for screening but not diagnosis.
Psychological investigation of the structure of paranoia in a non-clinical population
Authors: Freeman Daniel , Garety Philippa A. , Bebbington Paul E. , Smith Benjamin , Rollinson Rebecca , Fowler David , Kuipers Elizabeth , Ray Katarzyna , Dunn Graham
Published: April 2005

Background

Previous studies of paranoia have assessed only limited numbers of paranoid thoughts, and have not considered the experience from a multidimensional perspective or examined the relationship between different suspicious thoughts.

Aims

To assess a wide range of paranoid thoughts multidimensionally and examine their distribution, to identify the associated coping strategies and to examine social–cognitive processes and paranoia.

Method

Six questionnaire assessments were completed by 1202 individuals using the internet.

Results

Paranoid thoughts occurred regularly in approximately a third of the group. Increasing endorsement of paranoid thoughts was characterised by the recruitment of rarer and odder ideas. Higher levels of paranoia were associated with emotional and avoidant coping, less use of rational and detached coping, negative attitudes to emotional expression, submissive behaviours and lower social rank.

Conclusions

Suspiciousness is common and there may be a hierarchical arrangement of such thoughts that builds on common emotional concerns.
A survey of ward round practice
Authors: Hodgson Richard , Jamal A. , Gayathri B.
Published: April 2005

Aims and Method

A postal questionnaire was sent to consultant psychiatrists in the West Midlands to establish their current ward round practice. This questionnaire addressed ward round etiquette, practical issues and educational function. Consultants received only one mailing.

Results

A total of 96 (out of 139) consultants replied (69% response rate). The majority of consultants saw patients on the ward round (97%) and all consultants introduced both themselves and team members to the patient; 72% explained the purpose of the ward round. A median of seven professionals attended the ward round with psychology (6.5%) and pharmacy services (0%) being underrepresented. When consultants added comments, the recurrent themes were that ward rounds were an effective use of professional time but were often daunting for patients.

Clinical Implications

Our results indicate some uniformity in the conduct of ward rounds. The lack of representation at ward rounds for certain professional groups may adversely affect the range of opinions and therapies for patients. Changes could be made to incorporate the views of users, which would make ward rounds more productive for users and professionals.
Shadowing consultant psychiatrists: the need for change
Authors: Egerton Judi , Swann Alan , Foley Barry
Published: April 2005

Aims and Method

To explore the role of the consultant psychiatrist using an observational approach. Five consultant psychiatrists were shadowed by a trained observer. Observations were subjected to a qualitative analysis based on a grounded theory approach.

Results

Six themes emerged as being significant; these were administration and secretarial support; training aspects of the role; clinical activity; the referral process; supervision, support and continuing professional development; and organisational systems.

Clinical Implications

The results indicated significant difficulties in the role of the consultant psychiatrist and the need for change. Any change in this role would have an effect on the roles of other professionals and on the whole system in which they work.
Neuroimaging: a new training issue in psychiatry?
Authors: Bhriain S. Ni , Clare A. W. , Lawlor B. A.
Published: April 2005

Many studies recently have highlighted the role of neuroimaging in the diagnosis and management of patients with psychiatric disorders (Lewis, 1996; Costaet al, 1999; Longworthet al, 1999). In old age psychiatry, a diagnosis of dementia is facilitated by structural and functional imaging, both of which have been shown to increase the accuracy with which a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease can be made (Zakzaniset al, 2003). There is also a role for neuroimaging in the differential diagnosis of organic brain syndromes, which are often referred to the old age and liaison psychiatric services. The usefulness of neuroimaging has extended further into the area of the major functional psychiatric disorders by contributing to our understanding of the aetiology and pathophysiology of these illnesses. Despite this, image interpretation has not yet been incorporated into the training of psychiatrists, at junior or senior level. In this, we differ from other specialist areas of medicine where the ability to interpret images is an integral part of training. At present, the Royal College of Psychiatrists is developing a competency-based curriculum for senior trainees that will lead to the certificate of completion of training (CCT). This will replace the existing CCST (certificate of completion of specialist training;http://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/traindev/postgrad/ccst.htm). In order to obtain the CCT, a series of ‘general competencies' will be recommended for all senior trainees, which will involve the trainee developing expertise in a number of roles identified by the College. These include the roles of clinician, researcher and educator, among others. Specific key competencies will be further recommended in the development of these general competencies, with variations in some key competencies according to the sub-specialty.
Minimum Vehicle Fleet Size Under Time-Window Constraints at a Container Terminal
Authors: Vis Iris F. A. , de Koster René (M.) B. M. , Savelsbergh Martin W. P.
Published: April 2005

Products can be transported in containers from one port to another. At a container terminal these containers are transshipped from one mode of transportation to another. Cranes remove containers from a ship and put them at a certain time (i.e., release time) into a buffer area with limited capacity. A vehicle lifts a container from the buffer area before the buffer area is full (i.e., in due time) and transports the container from the buffer area to the storage area. At the storage area the container is placed in another buffer area. The advantage of using these buffer areas is the resultant decoupling of the unloading and transportation processes. We study the case in which each container has a time window [release time, due time] in which the transportation should start.

The objective is to minimize the vehicle fleet size such that the transportation of each container starts within its time window. No literature has been found studying this relevant problem. We have developed an integer linear programming model to solve the problem of determining vehicle requirements under time-window constraints. We use simulation to validate the estimates of the vehicle fleet size by the analytical model. We test the ability of the model under various conditions. From these numerical experiments we conclude that the results of the analytical model are close to the results of the simulation model. Furthermore, we conclude that the analytical model performs well in the context of a container terminal.
Hybrid Column Generation Approaches for Urban Transit Crew Management Problems
Authors: Yunes Tallys H. , Moura Arnaldo V. , de Souza Cid C.
Published: April 2005

This article considers the overall crew management problem arising from the daily operation of an urban transit bus company that serves the metropolitan area of the city of Belo Horizonte, Brazil. Due to its intrinsic complexity, the problem is divided in two distinct subproblems: crew scheduling and crew rostering. We have investigated each of these problems using mathematical programming (MP) and constraint logic programming (CLP) approaches. In addition, we developed hybrid column generation algorithms for solving these problems, combining MP and CLP. The hybrid algorithms always performed better, when obtaining optimal solutions, than the two previous isolated approaches. In particular, they proved to be much faster for the scheduling problem. All the proposed algorithms have been implemented and tested over real-world data obtained from the aforementioned company. The coefficient matrix of the linear program associated with some instances of the scheduling problem contains tens of millions of columns; this number is even larger for the rostering problem. The analysis of our experiments indicates that it was possible to find high-quality, and many times optimal, solutions that were suitable for the company’s needs. These solutions were obtained within reasonable computational times on a desktop PC.
Complexity and Reducibility of the Skip Delivery Problem
Authors: Archetti C. , Mansini R. , Speranza M. G.
Published: April 2005

In the skip delivery problem (SDP), a fleet of vehicles must deliver skips to a set of customers. Each vehicle has a maximum capacity of two skips, and has to start and end its tour at a central depot. The demand of each customer can be greater than the capacity of the vehicles. The objective is to minimize the cost of the total distance traveled by the vehicles to serve all the customers. We show that the SDP is solvable in polynomial time, while its generalization to the case where all vehicles have a capacity greater than two, known as the split delivery vehicle routing problem (SDVRP), is shown to be NP-hard, even under restricted conditions on the costs. We also show that, if the costs are symmetrical and satisfy the triangle inequality, the SDP is reducible in polynomial time to a problem of possibly smaller size, where each customer has unitary demand. This property allows a remarkable simplification of the problem.
Effective Local Search Algorithms for Routing and Scheduling Problems with General Time-Window Constraints
Authors: Ibaraki T. , Imahori S. , Kubo M. , Masuda T. , Uno T. , Yagiura M.
Published: April 2005

We propose local search algorithms for the vehicle routing problem with soft time-window constraints. The time-window constraint for each customer is treated as a penalty function, which is very general in the sense that it can be nonconvex and discontinuous as long as it is piecewise linear. In our algorithm, we use local search to assign customers to vehicles and to find orders of customers for vehicles to visit. Our algorithm employs an advanced neighborhood, called the cyclic-exchange neighborhood, in addition to standard neighborhoods for the vehicle routing problem. After fixing the order of customers for a vehicle to visit, we must determine the optimal start times of processing at customers so that the total penalty is minimized. We show that this problem can be efficiently solved by using dynamic programming, which is then incorporated in our algorithm. We report computational results for various benchmark instances of the vehicle routing problem. The generality of time-window constraints allows us to handle a wide variety of scheduling problems. As an example, we mention in this paper an application to a production scheduling problem with inventory cost, and report computational results for real-world instances.
A Dynamic Kernel Logit Model for the Analysis of Longitudinal Discrete Choice Data: Properties and Computational Assessment
Authors: Srinivasan Karthik K. , Mahmassani Hani S.
Published: April 2005

This paper focuses on the application of the kernel logit formulation to model dynamic discrete choice data. A dynamic kernel logit (DKL) formulation with normal errors is presented to model unordered discrete choice panel data. Investigating the theoretical foundations of the kernel logit model, it is demonstrated that the mixed logit error structure converges in distribution asymptotically to a suitable multivariate normal error structure. This result provides support for both cross-sectional kernel logit (CKL) and DKL models with normal errors. The calibration, identification, and specification issues associated with the latter model are also discussed.

The performance of the proposed DKL model is assessed from the perspective of computational efficiency and estimate accuracy relative to the multinomial probit (MNP) model using a series of numerical experiments. Complexity analysis reveals that the DKL has a lower computational complexity than the MNP frequency simulator, which has an exponential complexity. Thus, for choice situations with a large number of alternatives (J) in each time period, and/or large number of time periods (T), the DKL model is faster than the corresponding MNP by more than an order of magnitude. This is also confirmed by computational experiments conducted using 32 synthetic data sets. The computational performance of the DKL relative to MNP appears to be the result of a trade-off between the number of Monte-Carlo draws required, and the computational cost of each draw. With fewer than 25 alternatives (JT), the results suggest that it is more advantageous to use the probit model (MNP) compared to the DKL. There appears to be little advantage in applying the kernel logit formulation relative to the MNP to cross-sectional data with a few alternatives.

Regarding computational accuracy, the numerical results suggest that the parameter estimates of both models (MNP and DKL) are comparable and close to the true values from which the data sets were generated. However, both DKL and MNP formulations may lead to the maximization of a nonconcave objective function, resulting in flat log-likelihood functions, and identification problems.
Genotyping the Hemophilia Inversion Hotspot by Use of Inverse PCR
Authors: Rossetti Liliana Carmen , Radic Claudia Pamela , Larripa Irene Beatriz , De Brasi Carlos Daniel
Published: April 2005

Background: Factor VIII intron 22 inversions (Inv22) cause 40%–45% of severe cases of hemophilia A in all human populations. Currently, Inv22 can be analyzed either by Southern blotting or by rapid long-distance-PCR–based approaches. We describe an alternative method using inverse-PCR (I-PCR).

Methods: I-PCR involved 3 steps: (a) BclI restriction; (b) self-ligation of restriction fragments, providing BclI rings; and (c) standard multiplex-PCR analysis. PCR was achieved by use of a set of 3 primers that yielded a 487-bp amplicon for the nonrearranged intragenic allele and a 559-bp amplicon for the Inv22 allele. Specific primer sites were targeted by masking relevant regions for human repeats and low-complexity DNA. Inv22 I-PCR was applied to samples from 16 individuals (8 women and 8 men) representing 24 X chromosomes previously genotyped by Southern blotting. Additionally, we evaluated the sensitivity and the ability to assess eventual Inv22 carrier mosaicisms by experiments using artificial DNA mixtures (Inv22 + no-Inv22 male samples).

Results: Results for previously genotyped samples agreed with results of Southern blot analyses. As expected, cell composition of the artificial mosaic was linearly reflected by the relative intensities of Inv22 signals. I-PCR was estimated to detect Inv22-positive cells at concentrations as low as ∼5%.

Conclusion: The proposed technique provides a rapid tool for Inv22 genotyping.
Human Health Risks Associated with Formalin Treatments Used in Aquaculture: Initial Study
Authors: Wooster Greg A , Martinez Casandra M , Bowser Paul R , O'Hara Dustin S
Published: April 2005

No studies exist that address the health risks to humans resulting from environmental exposure to formaldehyde used to treat fish diseases. This study monitored formaldehyde exposure during two treatment scenarios to better ascertain the health risk. When a single 110-L tank was treated as an indefinite bath treatment at 250 mg/L formaldehyde, mean short-term exposure limit (STEL) averaged 0.76 ± 0.73 mg/L and permissible exposure limit (PEL) was 0.152 ± 0.10 mg/L, 10 cm from the source. One meter from the source, mean STEL and PEL were 0.45 ± 0.35 mg/L and 0.070 mg/ L ± 0.013 mg/L, respectively. The second scenario involved a 530-L flow-through tank treated at 250 mg/L as a 1-h flow-through treatment. Mean STEL averaged 1.61 ± 0.344 mg/L and mean PEL averaged 0.14 ± 0.012 mg/L, 10 cm from the source. One meter from the source, mean STEL and PEL were 0.97 ± 0.744 mg/L and 0.172 ± 0.0495 mg/L, respectively. For both scenarios, STEL and PEL were below the recommended exposure limits set by the U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). However, factors such as water temperature, room air exchange rates, and the number of tanks treated per area must be considered when evaluating human health risk.
Use of Prepositioned Grid Electrofishers for the Collection of Robust Redhorse Broodstock
Authors: Grabowski Timothy B , Isely J Jeffery
Published: April 2005

We investigated the potential of prepositioned grid electrofishers as a means of collecting broodstock for the rare robust redhorse Moxostoma robustum. We found that combined with visual observation, this technique allowed for the efficient capture of fish in breeding condition. We were able to harvest eggs in the field and bring only fertilized eggs into the hatchery. There was no need to induce spawning hormonally. Although their use is limited by water depth and clarity, prepositioned grid electrofishers used in conjunction with visual observation warrants further consideration as an effective tool for the collection of reproductively active broodstock for conservation purposes.
Inheritance of Predorsal Black Stripe in Black Crappie
Authors: Gomelsky Boris , Mims Steven D , Onders Richard J , Novelo Noel D
Published: April 2005

This study presents data on inheritance of the predorsal black stripe in black crappie Pomoxis nigromaculatus. Four progeny groups, obtained by crossing fish with certain phenotypes and of known origin, were investigated. Presence of the black stripe in all fish in two progeny groups, produced by crossing fish with and without the black stripe, indicated dominance of this trait. In two F2 progeny groups, segregations of fish with: without stripe did not differ significantly from the 3:1 Mendelian ratio. It was concluded from the data that the appearance of predorsal stripe in black crappie is under the control of a dominant mutation of one gene (St/st): fish with genotypes StSt and Stst have a stripe, while fish with genotype stst do not possess this trait. Presence or absence of the black stripe was not connected with sex of the fish. This indicates that gene St/st is located in an autosome but not in a sex chromosome. Distribution of fish with stripe in one F2 progeny group with regard to relative width of stripe did not differ significantly from unimodal normal distribution. This indicates that allele St approaches complete dominance or is, in fact, completely dominant. Black stripe may be used as a genetic marker in experiments on induced gynogenesis and in stocking programs for distinguishing introduced fish from the native stocks.
Quantitative Analysis of Body Silvering during Smoltification in Masu Salmon using Chromameter
Authors: Ando Daisei , Kitamura Takaya , Mizuno Shinya
Published: April 2005

In Japan, the phase distinction of masu salmon Oncorhynchus masou during smoltification is determined based on external appearance such as body silvering and black pigmentation of dorsal and caudal fin margin. This method is subjective, and it is difficult to quantify smoltification because body silvering and fin pigmentation level change continuously. Therefore, innovative and easily used criteria to establish smoltification are necessary. We therefore tested a chromameter (L-value) to measure body silvering in two brood years of hatchery-reared and natural (wild and hatchery-origin fish occurring in the wild) masu salmon and examined its effectiveness in determining the progress of smoltification as it relates to establishing smolt release time. Time required to measure body silvering using a chromameter was approximately 10 s per fish. For both brood years, the L-values of hatchery-reared and natural fish differed. With the progress of smoltification in both hatchery-reared and natural fish, the L-values increased gradually from 48.6 to 81.5. Significant linear correlations between L-value and dorsal fin pigmentation were observed in both hatchery-reared and natural groups, but these regression lines were not significantly different. These results suggest that the L-value can be used as a simple index to quantify body silvering during masu salmon smoltification and may be a useful tool in deciding their release time.
Dietary Phosphorus Modifications in Practical Feeds Do Not Affect Waterborne Phosphorus Concentrations and Phytoplankton Abundance in Channel Catfish Ponds
Authors: Tucker Craig S , Hargreaves John A , Kingsbury Susan K
Published: April 2005

We measured concentrations of soluble reactive phosphorus, total phosphorus, and chlorophyll a in 0.04-ha ponds containing channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus during three feeding trials to evaluate the effect of dietary phosphorus modifications on water quality and the potential discharge of phosphorus and organic matter in pond effluents. In experiment 1, a basal diet with 0.20% available phosphorus was compared with diets supplemented with 0.5% or 1.0% dicalcium phosphate to provide 0.27% or 0.35% available phosphorus. In experiment 2, fish were fed diets supplemented with either dicalcium phosphate or defluorinated rock phosphate to contain 0.40% available phosphorus. In experiment 3, fish were fed one of three diets containing 250 or 500 phytase units of phytase per kilogram (0.27% available phosphorus) or 0.75% dicalcium phosphate (0.39% available phosphorus). Husbandry practices in all three experiments were typical of commercial culture conditions. Quantitative and qualitative modifications of dietary phosphorus did not affect waterborne phosphorus concentrations or phytoplankton abundance and, therefore, will not reduce phosphorus or organic matter mass loading in pond effluents. Lack of effectiveness results from high baseline nutrient loading from phosphorus contained in practical feed ingredients combined with high internal phosphorus loading (recycling) within ponds. These factors overwhelm any effect of small changes in external phosphorus loading associated with diet modification. Therefore, the source and level of dietary phosphorus in channel catfish feeds should be based on nutritional and economic considerations rather than potential environmental impact.
Optimum Dietary Protein Level for Growth and Protein Efficiency without Hepatocyte Changes in Juvenile African Cichlids Pseudotropheus socolofi
Authors: Royes Juli-Anne B , Murie Debra J , Francis-Floyd Ruth
Published: April 2005

Six diets were formulated with protein levels ranging from 32.5% to 58.8% to determine the dietary protein level that would provide adequate growth and enhanced protein efficiency without pathological changes in the hepatocytes of juvenile ornamental African cichlids Pseudotropheus socolofi. Fish (0.11 g; 1.8 cm) were fed three times daily at 12% body weight per day for 10 weeks. Survival was greater than 95% for all treatments. At the end of the trial, fish on all diets had similar final lengths (P = 0.21). Final weight and final weight gain were significantly different among treatments (P = 0.04 and 0.03, respectively), and both variables exhibited a graded response. Final weight and weight gain increased as the protein level increased to 42.5% and then leveled off at protein levels greater than 42.5%. For fish on all diets, the final carcass protein composition was similar (P > 0.05) to the initial composition. Protein efficiency ratio and protein conversion efficiency decreased with an increase in dietary protein. The hepatosomatic index was not significantly different among diets (P > 0.05). There was a moderate amount of lipid storage in the liver irrespective of diet (40–59% lipid droplet area). Despite this, none of the diets produced liver pathologies. Based on broken-line analysis, the minimum level of dietary protein for optimum growth of P. socolofi to market size, under these experimental conditions and without significant pathological changes in the liver, was 40%.
Effects of Maintenance Feeding Regimens on Weight Gain, Feed Efficiency, and Body Condition of Pond-Raised Channel Catfish
Authors: Li Menghe H , Manning Bruce B , Oberle Daniel F , Robinson Edwin H
Published: April 2005

This study evaluated the effects of initial fish size and weekly feeding frequency during the growing season on production characteristics and body condition of pond-raised channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus. Two sizes of channel catfish (averaging 39 or 249 g/fish) were stocked into eighteen 0.04-ha ponds at a density of 14,820 fish/ha. On days fed fish were fed to apparent satiation with a commercial 28% protein diet for 15 weeks. Fish fed once weekly to satiation gained 92% or 39% of initial weight for small and large fish, respectively. Maintenance feeding frequency (satiation) for these sizes of fish stocked at 14,820 fish/ha would be less frequent than once weekly. The condition factor improved as weekly feeding frequency increased. Larger fish had a better survival than smaller fish. However, fish survival was not affected by weekly feeding frequency. Based on results from the present study, it appears that feeding once weekly to satiation can maintain the body weight of advanced fingerling and larger sized channel catfish stocked at the density used in the present study. However, if economic conditions permit, fish should be fed more frequently to maintain a better body condition. This is especially true for smaller fish raised using a multiple-batch cropping system.
Management of Musty Off-Flavor in Channel Catfish from Commercial Ponds with Weekly Applications of Copper Sulfate
Authors: Schrader Kevin K , Tucker Craig S , Hanson Terrill R , Gerard Patrick D , Kingsbury Susan K , Rimando Agnes M
Published: April 2005

We evaluated the effectiveness of weekly low-dose applications of copper sulfate (0.12 mg of Cu/L of water) for reducing the prevalence of off-flavor in channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus on commercial farms. The study was conducted over 3 years in ponds (3.2–8.4 ha) on two catfish farms in western Mississippi. Farm managers applied copper sulfate (0.5 mg of copper sulfate pentahydrate/L of water) weekly beginning in the late spring or early summer and continued until the water temperature dropped below 20°C. Water samples were collected from treated and untreated ponds approximately every 3 weeks during the application period and were monitored for levels of the musty compound 2-methylisoborneol (MIB), chlorophyll a, and phytoplankton community structure and abundance. In addition, channel catfish were caught from each study pond during the third year of the study and were checked for flavor. Levels of MIB and the abundance of the MIB-producing cyanobacterium Oscillatoria perornata were significantly lower in treated ponds than in control ponds at one farm, while numbers of green algae and diatoms at both farms were significantly higher in treated ponds than in control ponds. Also, fish flavor analysis indicated that the overall prevalence of all types of off-flavor was 50% lower in treated ponds than in control ponds. Based upon our results, weekly low-dose applications of copper sulfate appear to be beneficial in mitigating musty off-flavor problems in commercially produced channel catfish. Copper sulfate treatment reduced potential harvest delays by nearly half and reduced costs associated with off-flavor by 35%. However, the economic benefit of treatment was not statistically significant, although this result is probably attributable to the small data set used for economic analyses rather than ineffectiveness of treatment.
Efficacy of Hydrogen Peroxide versus Formalin Treatments to Control Mortality Associated with Saprolegniasis on Lake Trout Eggs
Authors: Rach Jeff J , Redman Steven , Bast Dale , Gaikowski Mark P
Published: April 2005

We compared the efficacy of hydrogen peroxide versus formalin treatments to control fungal infections on eggs of lake trout Salvelinus namaycush incubated at a hatchery in Wisconsin. Four strains of lake trout eggs were incubated in six vertical-flow Heath incubators; three replicate incubators for each chemical. Each incubator had 13 trays containing approximately 25,000–30,000 eggs/tray. Formalin (1,667 mg/L) or hydrogen peroxide (1,000 mg/L) treatments were administered once daily for 15 min up to the development of visible eye spots in the eggs (eyed egg stage). Eyed and dead eggs were separated using a photoelectric egg sorter, and the number of live and dead eggs was determined volumetrically. In the hydrogen peroxide test group, the bottom trays of each incubator had fungus present on the eggs, whereas no fungus was observed on eggs treated with formalin. The mean percentage of eyed eggs for an incubator treated with formalin (75%) was significantly greater than an incubator treated with hydrogen peroxide (70%). Formalin was the most efficacious therapeutant; however, both therapeutants were effective in increasing lake trout egg survival up to the eyed egg stage.
Bibliotecas virtuais: (r)evolução?
Authors: Levacov Marília
Published: April 2005

As novas tecnologias da Informação estão criando "bibliotecas sem paredes para livros sem páginas". Mais conhecidas como bibliotecas virtuais, estas novas formas e suportes estão redefinindo os paradigmas atuais sobre informação, comunicação e o próprio âmbito de trabalho dos profissionais da área. Interdisciplinaridade e interatividade tornam-se as novas palavras de ordem. À medida que avançamos na chamada Era da Informação, esta transição faz surgir a necessidade de repensar os modelos éticos, legais, estéticos, culturais, profissionais e outros, estabelecidos pelo suporte impresso. Ocorrendo paralelamente off e on-line, a também chamada Revolução da Informação utiliza ampla gama de aplicativos e equipamentos para tornar-se operativa. Coleção versus acesso, usuário local versus remoto, indexação hierárquica ou hipertextual, imprimir e distribuir ou distribuir e imprimir, navegar no oceano da informação ou afogar-se? Este artigo pretende discutir essas questões dentro de um enfoque diacrônico e interdisciplinar, contribuindo para o debate e a reflexão que a convergência de mídias para o suporte digital faz surgir.
Uso do Protocolo Z39.50 para recuperação de informação em redes eletrônicas
Authors: Rosetto Márcia
Published: April 2005

A tecnologia vem subsidiando grandes avanços das redes de comunicação de dados, ampliando significativamente os canais de acesso às informações mundialmente disponibilizadas. Em função da existência de diversos modelos e arquiteturas de redes, o desenvolvimento de normas e padrões permite a interoperacionalização de diferentes sistemas de computação. A norma ANSI/NISO Z39.50 habilita uma interface única para conexão com múltiplos sistemas de informação nas redes eletrônicas.
Direito de autor, direito de cópia e direito à informação: o ponto de vista e a ação das associações de profissionais da informação e da documentação
Authors: Michel Jean
Published: April 2005

As novas tecnologias de produção, processamento, difusão e exploração da informação digital modificaram profundamente as tradicionais práticas sobre o uso e a indústria da informação, das redes eletrônicas, das ferramentas e dos produtos de multimídia. O presidente da Association de Professionnels de l'Information et de la Documentation (ADBS) apresenta a posição atual de sua associação e de outros parceiros nacionais e internacionais, diante desse novo contexto. Além do direito do autor e do editor, deve-se considerar o direito do usuário ou consumidor (direito à informação, ao conhecimento, acesso a textos de lei, etc.). Fala-se em distinguir entre obra do autor e obra de informação. O novo direito sui generis protege produtos e serviços de informação (e. g., bases de dados) e busca construir um direito que protege o investimento econômico sem se apoiar no direito do autor. O uso legal (fair-use) das obras protegidas deve ser preservado, bem como o uso privado do copista, no novo ambiente eletrônico, e deverá também desempenhar um papel importante no futuro para garantir o desenvolvimento da democracia e do conhecimento. Diante de uma rápida mudança das tecnologias de produção, editoração e veiculação da informação, deve-se buscar um equilíbrio entre os direitos dos atores e dos espectadores da informação para o desenvolvimento do conhecimento e da democracia.