bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing e‐commerce systems success: a respecification and validation of the DeLone and McLean model of IS success
Authors: Wang Yi‐Shun
Published: September 2008

Abstract.  DeLone & McLean (2003) propose an updated information systems (IS) success model and suggest that it can be extended to investigating e‐commerce systems success. However, the updated IS success model has not been empirically validated in the context of e‐commerce. Further, the existing IS/e‐commerce success models have been subject to considerable debate on the ‘IS Use’ and ‘Perceived Usefulness’ constructs, and the nomological structure of the updated DeLone and McLean model is somewhat inconsistent with the IS acceptance and marketing literature. Based on the IS and marketing literature, this paper respecifies and validates a multidimensional model for assessing e‐commerce systems success. The validated model consists of six dimensions: Information Quality, System Quality, Service Quality, Perceived Value, User Satisfaction and Intention to Reuse. Structural equation modelling techniques were applied to data collected by questionnaire from 240 users of e‐commerce systems in Taiwan. The empirical evidence suggests that Intention to Reuse is affected by Perceived Value and User Satisfaction, which, in turn, are influenced by Information Quality, System Quality and Service Quality. The nomological structure of the respecified e‐commerce systems success model is concurred with that of the technology acceptance model (TAM) in the IS field and the consumer behaviour models in the traditional business‐to‐business and retail contexts. The findings of this study provide several important implications for research and practice. This paper concludes by discussing the contributions of this study and the limitations that could be addressed in future studies.
Motor abilities of children diagnosed with fragile X syndrome with and without autism
Authors: Zingerevich C. , Greiss‐Hess L. , Lemons‐Chitwood K. , Harris S. W. , Hessl D. , Cook K. , Hagerman R. J.
Published: September 2008

Background  Previous studies suggested that children diagnosed with fragile X syndrome (FXS) often meet criteria for autism or PDD. This study describes the fine motor abilities of children diagnosed with FXS with and without autism spectrum disorder, and compares the motor scores of those groups controlling for cognitive level.

Method  Forty‐eight children, ages 12–76 months (SD = 16) diagnosed with FXS were assessed with the Mullen Scales of Early Learning, and the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule. Their parents were interviewed with the Autism Diagnostic Interview‐Revised. We used a one‐way analysis of variance to determine if the fine motor scale of the Mullen would show group differences based on autism classifications for the sample. In addition, we used Pearson correlation coefficient to examine the relationship between the cognitive level, the autism severity and the motor abilities. Lastly, we conducted a one‐way analysis of covariance to determine the difference between the motor abilities of the Autism Spectrum Disorder groups controlling for cognitive level.

Results  We found that 60% of the children with FXS met criteria for autism or Pervasive Developmental Disorder – Not otherwise specified (PDD‐NOS). Children with FXS with autism and PDD‐NOS had lower fine motor scores than those without. However, there was no significant association between degree of motor impairment and communication and social impairments after controlling for cognitive level, indicating that cognitive level contributes to impaired motor abilities of children diagnosed with FXS and autism, more than the severity of autism symptoms.

Conclusion  children with FXS and autism are at risk for impaired motor abilities. Implications for development and intervention are discussed.
Does visual impairment lead to additional disability in adults with intellectual disabilities?
Authors: Evenhuis H. M. , Sjoukes L. , Koot H. M. , Kooijman A. C.
Published: September 2008

Background  This study addresses the question to what extent visual impairment leads to additional disability in adults with intellectual disabilities (ID).

Method  In a multi‐centre cross‐sectional study of 269 adults with mild to profound ID, social and behavioural functioning was assessed with observant‐based questionnaires, prior to expert assessment of visual function. With linear regression analysis the percentage of variance, explained by levels of visual function, was calculated for the total population and per ID level.

Results  A total of 107/269 participants were visually impaired or blind (WHO criteria). On top of the decrease by ID visual impairment significantly decreased daily living skills, communication & language, recognition/communication. Visual impairment did not cause more self‐absorbed and withdrawn behaviour or anxiety. Peculiar looking habits correlated with visual impairment and not with ID. In the groups with moderate and severe ID this effect seems stronger than in the group with profound ID.

Conclusion  Although ID alone impairs daily functioning, visual impairment diminishes the daily functioning even more. Timely detection and treatment or rehabilitation of visual impairment may positively influence daily functioning, language development, initiative and persistence, social skills, communication skills and insecure movement.
Associations between repetitive questioning, resistance to change, temper outbursts and anxiety in Prader–Willi and Fragile‐X syndromes
Authors: Woodcock K. , Oliver C. , Humphreys G.
Published: September 2008

Background  The behavioural phenotypes of Prader–Willi (PWS) and Fragile‐X (FraX) syndromes both comprise repetitive behaviours with differences between the profiles. In this study we investigated the context and antecedents to the repetitive behaviours and the association with other behavioural phenotypic characteristics in order to generate testable hypotheses regarding the cause of the behaviours.

Method  The parents or carers of 46 children with PWS (mean age 14.1 years; 20 girls), and 33 boys with FraX (mean age 13.11 years) were interviewed about their children's repetitive behaviour in a semi‐structured format.

Results  Children showed negative emotional behaviour (PWS: 87.0%; FraX: 79.4%) and repetitive questions (PWS: 78.3%; FraX: 73.5%) following changes in routine or expectations. Significantly more temper outbursts were reported to follow changes in children with PWS (89.1%) compared with boys with FraX (41.2%) (χ2 = 20.93; P < 0.001). Anxiety that was frequently associated with repetitive and self‐injurious behaviours in boys with FraX, followed changes in significantly more boys with FraX (76.5%) compared with children with PWS (6.5%) (χ2 = 43.19, P < 0.001).

Discussion  On the basis of these reports and existing literature, we hypothesise that decreases in predictability are aversive to children with PWS and FraX. We also hypothesise that these children have a propensity to show a syndrome‐related pattern of behaviour (temper outbursts in PWS and displays of anxiety in FraX) when an event in the environment has this aversive property. We hypothesise that questions may be reinforcing to children in their own right by increasing the predictability of the environment. We outline how a specific cognitive deficit in the endophenotypes associated with both PWS and FraX could be investigated as a potential explanation for the hypothesised aversive properties of decreased predictability.
Anti‐asthmatic drug prescriptions to an Italian paedriatic population
Authors: Bianchi Marina , Clavenna Antonio , Labate Lorena , Bortolotti Angela , Fortino Ida , Merlino Luca , Locatelli G. Walter , Giuliani Gianemilio , Bonati Maurizio
Published: September 2008

To estimate the prevalence and evaluate the appropriateness of anti‐asthmatic drug prescriptions in an Italian paediatric population, drug prescriptions involving 24,407 children <18 years old, dispensed during 2003 by the retail pharmacies of the local health unit in Lecco, Italy, were analysed. Children ≥6 years old receiving anti‐asthmatics were categorized into three subgroups based on the number of boxes prescribed: occasional (one box), low (two and three boxes) and high (≥four boxes) users. A logistic regression analysis was performed to estimate the relationship between the drug use patterns and formulations, antibiotic co‐prescriptions, systemic steroid prescriptions and rate of hospitalization. Anti‐asthmatic drugs were prescribed to 6594 (12%) children and adolescents; 58% of whom received only one box of the drug. Prevalence varied according to age, with the highest values at 1 and 4 years (24% and 21% respectively), and decreased to 6% in 17‐year‐old adolescents. Inhaled steroids were the most prescribed drugs (83%). The most common of these was beclomethasone. Occasional, low and high users represented 58%, 29%, and 13%, respectively, of the treated population ≥6 years old. High users were found to be at increased risk of systemic steroid prescriptions (OR 8.6) and hospital admission for asthma (OR 6.8). This study confirms that in Italy the prevalence of anti‐asthmatic prescription is much higher than prevalence of disease, indicating that anti‐asthmatics are over‐prescribed. Moreover, steroids, especially nebulized, are mainly prescribed only once in a year, supporting the idea that are prescribed not for asthma, which as chronic disease requires a chronic therapy. The approach to create subgroups on the basis of number of boxes prescribed seems to be effective in estimating asthma severity and appropriateness of the therapies.
Physical activity of young people in the Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula Region: An exploratory study
Authors: Abbott Rebecca , Jenkins David , Haswell‐Elkins Melissa , Fell Karla , MacDonald Doune , Cerin Ester
Published: September 2008

Objective:  The present study explored the practices of, and perceived barriers to, physical activity of young people living in remote communities in the Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula Area of Far North Queensland.

Design and setting:  A cross‐sectional survey exploring physical activity practices of children attending primary and secondary schools in two communities in the Torres Strait, Far North Queensland.

Participants:  A total of 367 primary and secondary school‐aged children (aged 9–16 years).

Main outcome measures:  Only 50% of the children reported being active for more than 30 min a day and approximately 25% of both primary and high school children surveyed were ‘pretty much active only at week‐ends’. The major barriers cited to being active were related to the climate, lack of equipment and child‐specific activities and low self‐perception of ability.

Conclusions:  A large proportion of school students in the Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula Area reported low levels of physical activity. The main barriers cited to being active suggest that structural and family‐based strategies are required to help young people, especially girls, to engage in more physical activity. There is also a need for skills and confidence‐building activities delivered in a non‐competitive environment for those who feel that they lack the necessary skills to participate fully.
The oral health status and treatment needs of Indigenous adults in the Kimberley region of Western Australia
Authors: Kruger Estie , Smith Kirrilee , Atkinson David , Tennant Marc
Published: September 2008

Objective:  The oral health of Indigenous Australians, whether urban or rural, is significantly poorer than their non‐Indigenous counterparts, and it would be expected that the oral health of rural and remote Indigenous Australians would be particularly poor, although the extent of this extra disadvantage has not been thoroughly documented. The aim of this study was to assess the oral health status and oral health needs in a sample of adult residents of selected towns and remote communities in the Kimberley region of North‐west Australia.

Design:  A cross‐sectional survey (dental examinations and oral health questionnaires) was carried out.

Setting:  Rural and remote communities in the Kimberley region of Western Australia.

Participants:  Adults in four selected communities.

Results:  The mean Decayed, Missing and Filled Teeth (DMFT) score for all participants was 9.8 (SD 8.3). The mean DMFT increased with increasing age. Only 7.3% of people were caries‐free. A total of 13% of participants had periodontal pockets of 6 mm or more, and only 3% had no periodontal disease. More than a third (37%) of all participants had advanced periodontal disease. Only 21% of participants did not need any dental treatment.

Conclusions:  The oral health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are listed as one of the priority areas of Australia's National Oral Health Plan. Based on the above results, oral health is clearly an important priority in the Kimberley.
Subjective well‐being, sociodemographic factors, mental and physical health of rural residents
Authors: Lee Adeline , Browne Mark Oakley
Published: September 2008

Objective:  To ascertain the relationship between subjective well‐being and sociodemographic factors, mental and physical health of a sample of rural residents.

Design:  Cross‐sectional survey with stratified random sampling of persons based on the 2000 State Electoral Role. Questionnaire was forwarded to 23 000 residents throughout a rural area.

Setting:  Households within Gippsland.

Participants:  Five thousand three hundred and ninety‐one adults aged 18 years and above.

Main outcome measures:  Residents completed a self‐reported questionnaire assessing life satisfaction/subjective well‐being, psychological distress, sociodemographic factors, physical and mental health problems.

Results:  Completed survey indicated that participants with lower levels of psychological distress, physical disability and mental disability had higher odds of being satisfied with their life. Participants with severe mental disability had the lowest odds of being satisfied with life. On average, participants were satisfied with their life (mean score of 21, SD = 5.9), are within the normal range of the Kessler‐10 (mean score = 16.31, SD = 5.85), had no mental disability (mean score = 51.8, SD = 7.36) on the mental component of the Short Form‐12 Health Survey, but are mildly physically disabled (mean score = 48.9, SD = 7.74).

Conclusions:  The results of this study indicate that sociodemographic factors, psychological distress, physical health and mental health contribute to subjective well‐being. Compared with other age groups, those aged 66 years and above had the highest level of life satisfaction. Those living with partner/spouse without children, with no mental or physical disability and no psychological distress had highest level of life satisfaction. Women also had higher levels of life satisfaction compared with men.
Profile of occupational therapy practice in rural and remote South Australia
Authors: Boshoff Kobie , Hartshorne Sue
Published: September 2008

Objective:  The aim of this report is to discuss the results of a questionnaire conducted with occupational therapists providing services in rural and remote South Australia. It is envisaged that the results will be of interest to health professionals working in country areas of Australia. The questionnaire aimed at capturing descriptive information from these therapists in regards to the type of services they deliver and the strategies they employ to deliver services, including information on human resources and staff retention.

Design and methods:  A questionnaire sent to occupational therapy managers and yielded a 44% response rate.

Results:  Results provide descriptive information on the services provided, for example, the vast geographical areas covered. Respondents described the challenges they face in service delivery and these include the wide range of services to diverse client groups, high client–therapist ratio and limited human resources. Examples of strategies used are less labour‐intensive service delivery models, multi‐skilling of staff, networking and use of problem‐solving techniques. Most perceived their services to be addressing client needs and they felt supported in their roles by other occupational therapists and their organisations.

Conclusions:  Occupational therapists working in rural and remote South Australia are overcoming the challenges identified in this questionnaire by implementing innovative strategies.
Royal Flying Doctor Service ‘field days’: A move towards more comprehensive primary health care
Authors: Hill Kristy , Harris Neil
Published: September 2008

Objective:  To examine the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) field day program as a means of strengthening community capacity within a primary health care context in remote communities of north Queensland.

Design:  Qualitative explanatory study using in‐depth face‐to‐face and phone interviews with field day participants, field day coordinators and RFDS staff and a focus group with RFDS staff.

Setting:  Rural and remote communities of north Queensland that participate in RFDS field days.

Results:  Field days were found to be contributing to building capacity for health in the remote communities that have been involved in field days. Participants reported increased linkages and partnerships; increased participation; improved problem‐solving capacity and increased knowledge transfer associated with the conduct of RFDS field days.

Conclusion:  RFDS field days represent a viable framework for building community capacity for health in remote communities within a primary health care context.
Increasing community participation in an Aboriginal health service
Authors: Champion Sonia , Franks Christine , Taylor Judy
Published: September 2008

Objective: To increase Aboriginal participation with mainstream health professionals in an Aboriginal health and well‐being centre.

Design: Participatory Action Research using Aboriginal traditional symbolism to depict aspects of the research process, interview surveys and a document review.

Setting: A regional town with 629 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander residents and a newly established Aboriginal health and well‐being centre (Nunyara).

Participants: Thirty Aboriginal community members were interviewed about their involvement with Nunyara and their health issues. Participants were selected through purposive ‘pass‐me‐around’ sampling to ensure that all family groups were included.

Results: The results are presented in two areas: the structure of the Aboriginal community that affects participation and community views about health issues. Aboriginal people living in the town come from 10 or more different language groups and relate almost exclusively within their own groups. Activities at Nunyara were seen as individual family group events and not for everyone. Aboriginal community participants had a broad view of health as they reported problems that included smoking and alcohol use. Almost all would like more involvement in health issues through Nunyara.

Conclusion: Aboriginal community members are willing to get involved in health issues in collaboration with Nunyara. However, fundamental to increasing participation is to bring people together from different family groups and increase social cohesion. This can be done through developing relationships with groups enabling different points of view to be heard and valued.
Health knowledge acquisition by rural women with chronic health conditions: A tale of two Web approaches
Authors: Weinert Clarann , Cudney Shirley , Hill Wade
Published: September 2008

Objectives:  To determine the differences in health knowledge acquisition and the perceived impact on self‐management of chronic illness provided by two approaches to providing Web‐based information.

Design:  Repeated‐measure questionnaire administered at four time points: baseline, 11, 23 and 53 weeks; a post‐computer intervention survey.

Setting and participants:  One hundred and seventy‐six chronically ill women (aged 32–68 years) living in rural areas.

Main outcome measures:  Scores on knowledge questions within repeated measures; participant ratings on perceptions of abilities to self‐manage.

Intervention:  The 22‐week computer‐based intervention provided online support and health information. Women were randomly assigned to an intense intervention (n = 54), less‐intense intervention (n = 58) or control group (n = 64).

Results:  Both computer intervention groups gained significantly in health knowledge with little differential effect at intervention conclusion or after 6 months, when there was a drop‐off in health knowledge retention of about one‐third (intense – baseline mean = 0.54, week 23 = 0.69, week 53 = 0.65; less intense – 0.58, 0.68, 0.65). Control remained about the same (0.51, 0.51, 0.53). Using an anova analysis, there was no appreciable difference between intervention groups in perceptions of ability to self‐manage illness (intense – mean = 4.02 (on a scale of 1–6), standard deviation = 0.99); less intense – (mean = 3.85, standard deviation = 1.00), t(107) = 0.90, P = 0.37).

Conclusions:  A less‐intense intervention can be as effective as a more complex, labour‐intensive and costly intervention in assisting chronically ill rural women to acquire health knowledge they consider to be moderately helpful in managing their chronic conditions.
Improving mental health capacity in rural communities: Mental health first aid delivery in drought‐affected rural New South Wales
Authors: Sartore Gina‐Maree , Kelly Brian , Stain Helen J. , Fuller Jeffrey , Fragar Lyn , Tonna Anne
Published: September 2008

Objective:  To assess the effectiveness of mental health first aid (MHFA) training in drought‐affected rural and remote Australia, as part of a strategy to improve capacity among farming communities to provide early intervention for mental health problems.

Methods:  Data were obtained from 99 participants recruited across 12 New South Wales towns, before and after delivery of MHFA seminars emphasising the role of front‐line workers from agricultural‐related services. Surveys assessed knowledge of, confidence in dealing with, and attitude towards people experiencing mental illness, along with the impact of training on response to mental health problems among target population of farmers and farming families.

Results:  Rural support workers and community volunteers attended MHFA seminars because of perceived mental health needs in the workplace. A majority of responses reflect a concern with giving appropriate advice and support well outside narrow job definitions. Participants' ability to identify high prevalence disorders and endorse evidence‐based interventions for both high and low prevalence disorders increased following MHFA training, as did their confidence in their ability to provide appropriate help.

Conclusions:  MHFA training can form an effective part of a strategy to improve systems of care and pathways to early intervention in rural communities by using local networks to provide mental health support.
Effects of mycophenolate mofetil for patients with crescentic lupus nephritis
Authors: TANG ZHENG , YANG GUANG , YU CHEN , YU YUSHENG , WANG JINQUAN , HU WEIXIN , ZENG CAIHONG , CHEN HUIPING , LIU ZHIHONG , LI LEISHI
Published: September 2008

Objective:  To compare the effects, relapse ratio and outcomes between mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) and pulse intravenous cyclophosphamide (CTX) for the induction therapy in patients with crescentic lupus nephritis.

Methodology:  This is a retrospective, controlled study. Twenty‐seven MMF therapeutic and twenty‐five CTX therapeutic lupus patients with ≥50% crescent formation were enrolled in this study. The general conditions, clinicopathological findings, remission and relapse ratio, and outcomes of them were compared.

Results:  There was no significant difference of general condition and clinicopathological findings between MMF and CTX group. At 12 months, the total remission ratio in MMF and CTX group were 73.1% and 69.6%, while the complete remission ratio in MMF group (53.8%) was significantly higher than that in CTX group (26.1%). The relapse ratio in MMF group (10.5%) was significantly lower than in CTX group (43.8%). Forty per cent of PR patients in CTX group suffered from relapse. Until June 2005, the patients in CTX group received a follow time with 38.5 ± 21.2 (range 10∼80) months, and in MMF group the follow time was 41.1 ± 27.0 (range 12∼90) months. Two patients in MMF group and two in CTX group entered into end stage renal failure. The side effect of infection was more significant in CTX group.

Conclusion:  Higher complete remission ratio and lower relapse ratio were observed in MMF group than in CTX group. The side effect of infection was more infrequent in MMF group, which showed preferable security of MMF.
Purple urine bag syndrome: A community‐based study and literature review
Authors: SHIAO CHIH‐CHUNG , WENG CHING‐YI , CHUANG JUI‐CHU , HUANG MAO‐SHENG , CHEN ZEN‐YONG
Published: September 2008

Aim:  Purple urine bag syndrome (PUBS) is considered as an uncommon phenomenon. This cohort study aimed to figure out the causative factors and the potential risks of PUBS.

Methods:  We recruited 84 patients with long‐term urinary catheterization from seven nursing institutions and home care centre, then compared the differences of demographic, clinical, urine test and bacteriological data between the patients with and without PUBS.

Results:  The 2‐month period prevalence of PUBS in chronic catheterized patients was 16.7%. PUBS‐affecting patients had significantly higher proportion of female gender (P = 0.034), self oral intake (P = 0.036) and eating self‐prepared food (P = 0.007). Otherwise, no statistical associations were found. Five different bacterial species were isolated from the urine of PUBS‐affecting patients. No sequelae were found after forward follow‐up for 6 months. We further discuss the associations between certain factors and PUBS according to literature review and the results of our study.

Conclusion:  PUBS is not as rare as we thought before. The causative factors of PUBS have not been clearly characterized. It may be the combination of several factors that cause the PUBS. Female gender and food content were found to be associated factors of PUBS in our study. Asymptomatic PUBS is unnecessary to be treated by antibiotics.
Elevation of serum von Willebrand factor and anti‐endothelial cell antibodies in patients with immunoglobulin A nephropathy are associated with intrarenal arterial lesions
Authors: ZHANG JUN‐JUN , JIANG LEI , LIU GANG , WANG SU‐XIA , ZOU WAN‐ZHONG , ZHANG HONG , ZHAO MING‐HUI
Published: September 2008

Aim:  Recent studies suggest that intrarenal arterial lesions are frequently observed in patients with immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN). However, the mechanisms of the injury have not been elucidated. The level of serum von Willebrand factor (vWF) and the prevalence of anti‐endothelial cell antibodies (AECA) were investigated in patients with IgAN with different intrarenal arterial lesions.

Methods:  Sera from 28 patients with mild intrarenal arterial lesions (group 1) and 36 patients with severe intrarenal arterial lesions (group 2) were collected. Sera from 20 patients with idiopathic membranous nephropathy (group 3) and 50 healthy volunteers were also obtained as disease and normal controls, respectively. Serum vWF and AECA of both IgG and IgA isotype were detected.

Results:  In comparison with normal controls, serum vWF was significantly higher in group 2 and group 3. Serum vWF was also significantly higher in group 2 than in group 1. Both IgG‐AECA and IgA‐AECA could be detected in three groups of patients. The prevalence of anti‐87 kD IgG‐AECA was greatest in patients in group 2. IgAN patients, especially those in group 2 with IgG‐AECA or anti‐87 kD IgG‐AECA, had significantly higher serum creatinine and lower creatinine clearance than those without. No significant difference could be found for IgA‐AECA. The level of serum vWF was higher in IgAN patients with IgG‐AECA than that in patients without.

Conclusion:  Intrarenal arterial lesions are associated with endothelial cell damage in IgAN, and vWF is a useful serological biomarker of severe intrarenal arterial lesions. AECA, especially IgG‐AECA, may play an important role in the pathogenesis of intrarenal arterial damage in IgAN.
Polymorphism of the aldosterone synthase gene is not associated with progression of diabetic nephropathy, but associated with hypertension in type 2 diabetic patients
Authors: KO GANG JEE , KANG YOUNG SUN , LEE MI HWA , SONG HYE KYOUNG , KIM HYOUNG KYU , CHA DAE RYONG
Published: September 2008

Aim:  Inhibition of aldosterone system is beneficial in diabetic nephropathy, and aldosterone synthesis is regulated at the gene‐encoding aldosterone synthase (CYP11B2). Considering the role of aldosterone in diabetic nephropathy, genetic polymorphism of this gene may contribute to the development and progression of diabetic nephropathy. In this study, we investigated whether it is associated with diabetic nephropathy in type 2 diabetic patients.

Methods:  197 type 2 diabetic patients and 71 healthy controls were enrolled. The study subjects were divided into four groups: healthy controls with normoalbuminuria (n = 71), normoalbuminuric diabetic group (n = 71), microalbuminuric diabetic group (n = 51) and overt proteinuria group (n = 51). Polymorphism of aldosterone synthase gene was determined using standard PCR technique.

Results:  Higher frequency of TT genotype and T allele in steroidogenic factor‐1 (SF‐1) binding site and wild type (WT) in intronic conversion (IC) in CYP11B2 was observed in diabetic patients than controls. However, there was no significant difference in SF‐1 and IC genotype among diabetic patients according to the state of diabetic nephropathy. Subgroup analysis based on SF‐1 polymorphism demonstrated that TT genotype is associated with higher systolic and diastolic blood pressure and higher plasma aldosterone level. In addition, WT in IC genotype showed a significantly higher urinary albumin excretion rate. Plasma aldosterone level was significantly related with systolic blood pressure.

Conclusion:  Our study suggests that aldosterone synthase gene polymorphism is not associated with progression of diabetic nephropathy, but it may contribute to the development of hypertension associated with increased aldosterone secretion in type 2 diabetic patients.
Clinical or radiologic measurements and 3‐D gait analysis in children with pes planus
Authors: Lee Jung H. , Sung In Y. , Yoo Jong Y.
Published: September 2008

Background:  Static measurement in clinical and radiologic evaluation is often used in assessment of pes planus, but it is important to know whether pes planus leads to abnormal gait pattern. The purpose of the present study was to assess the clinical and radiologic findings of children with pes planus and the relationship between clinical, radiologic findings and parameters obtained in 3‐D gait analysis.

Methods:  Thirteen children with pes planus were selected. Physical measurements included femoral anteversion, internal and external rotation, thigh–foot angle (TFA), and resting calcaneal stance position (RCSP). Radiologic measurements included talo‐calcaneal angle (TCA), talometatarsal angle (TMA), calcaneal pitch, and forefoot adduction on simple X‐ray, and femoral anteversion, tibial torsion and rotation on computed tomography (CT). 3‐D gait analysis was also performed and kinetic and kinematic data were obtained in sagittal, frontal, and transverse plane. The correlation between clinical, radiologic, and gait analysis data was investigated.

Results:  RCSP was found to be significantly correlated with TMA. TMA was also correlated with TCA. TCA on simple X‐ray was correlated with maximal internal and external rotation angle of the knee joint on gait analysis.

Conclusion:  TMA was the factor most related to degree of calcaneal valgus measured on physical exam. Larger TCA contributed to decreased maximal external rotation and increased maximal internal rotation in gait cycle. Clinical or radiological methods, however, had very limited ability to predict gait deviance of pes planus.
Escherichia coli O‐157‐induced hemolytic uremic syndrome: Usefulness of SCWP score for the prediction of neurological complication
Authors: Teramoto Takahide , Fukao Toshiyuki , Hirayama Kouichiro , Asano Tsutomu , Aoki Yusuke , Kondo Naomi
Published: September 2008

Background:  Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) is commonly caused by hemorrhagic colitis with Shiga toxin‐producing Escherichia coli O‐157. Central nervous system (CNS) involvements, including seizures, encephalopathy and brain infarction, are serious complications, but there are no useful scores for the prediction of CNS complications.

Methods:  Routine laboratory data at onset of HUS were re‐evaluated in 14 patients to find useful parameters for the prediction of CNS complication.

Results:  Serum sodium and total protein were significantly lower and C‐reactive protein (CRP) and white blood cell counts were significantly higher in patients with CNS complications than in patients without. A cumulated score, SCWP score (sodium, CRP, white blood cell count, and total protein) discriminated better between patients with/without CNS complications than individual values.

Conclusions:  SCWP score would be useful for prediction of CNS complications
Informed consent and medical ordeal: a qualitative study
Authors: Little M. , Jordens C. F. C. , McGrath C. , Montgomery K. , Lipworth W. , Kerridge I.
Published: September 2008

Background:  Informed consent is a mainstay of clinical practice, with both moral and legal forces. Material disclosure about extreme treatments, however, is unlikely to convey the full impact of the experience of treatment. Informed consent may be flawed under such circumstances. The aims of this study were to compare expressed satisfaction with pretreatment information to satisfaction after experiencing autologous stem cell transplantation for recurrent lymphoma.

Methods:  A qualitative, narrative‐based cohort study was conducted in a bone‐marrow transplant unit of a teaching hospital at Westmead Hospital, Sydney, Australia. The cohort consisted of 10 transplant recipients and 9 of their nominated lay carers. The outcome measure was satisfaction expressed in narrative interviews at the time of transplantation and 3 months later. We used discourse‐analytic techniques to examine the narratives.

Results:  Both patients and carers expressed high satisfaction with the information given by individual clinicians and by speakers at a formal Information Day held before transplantation. At the first interview, neither patients nor carers commented much on the forthcoming ordeal of chemotherapy and bone marrow ablation, although all patients had undergone previous chemotherapy. At the second interview, the ordeal dominated the narratives and retrospective dissatisfaction with information was common.

Conclusion:  This study suggests that information about treatment theories and protocols can be satisfactorily communicated, but personal experience of suffering defies communication. This finding has serious implications for the practices involved in obtaining informed consent and for the very notion of informed consent.
Kimura disease: review of the literature
Authors: Sun Q.‐F. , Xu D.‐Z. , Pan S.‐H. , Ding J.‐G. , Xue Z.‐Q. , Miao C.‐S. , Cao G.‐J. , Jin D.‐J.
Published: September 2008

Kimura disease (KD) is a rare, chronic inflammatory disease of unknown cause and is characterized by painless s.c. swellings and lymphadenopathy commonly affecting the head and neck region. Much therapeutics has been used to treat KD, but is not satisfactory because of frequent relapse. Imatinib has been reported previously to be useful for treatment of hypereosinophilic syndrome and may work by selectively blocking protein‐tyrosine kinases, such as platelet‐derived growth factor receptor, and c‐Kit. We carried out immunohistochemical examination of platelet‐derived growth factor receptor‐α and c‐Kit in tissues from patients with KD. The results were positive and suggested that Imatinib might be an effective drug for the treatment of the disease. We have also briefly reviewed the epidemiology, aetiology, clinical manifestations, laboratory and pathological examinations, differential diagnoses, treatment and prognosis of KD in this manuscript.
Persistent dystonia induced by fluoxetine
Authors: Bilen Ş. , Saka M. , Ak F. , Öztekin N.
Published: September 2008

Serotonin‐selective re‐uptake inhibitors are prescribed widely because they are regarded as having less severe side‐effects compared with tricyclics and monoamine oxidase inhibitors. With this popularity, increasing attention has been drawn to their adverse effects. Development of extrapyramidal symptoms has been reported in some patients while taking fluoxetine, a commonly used serotonin‐selective re‐uptake inhibitor. Here, we report a case of persistent dystonia, thought to be associated with short‐term fluoxetine use, which required treatment with botulinum toxin type A.
Widespread occurrence and genetic diversity of marine parasitoids belonging to Syndiniales (Alveolata)
Authors: Guillou L. , Viprey M. , Chambouvet A. , Welsh R. M. , Kirkham A. R. , Massana R. , Scanlan D. J. , Worden A. Z.
Published: September 2008

Syndiniales are a parasitic order within the eukaryotic lineage Dinophyceae (Alveolata). Here, we analysed the taxonomy of this group using 43655 18S rRNA gene sequences obtained either from environmental data sets or cultures, including 6874 environmental sequences from this study derived from Atlantic and Mediterranean waters. A total of 5571 out of the 43655 sequences analysed fell within the Dinophyceae. Both bayesian and maximum likelihood phylogenies placed Syndiniales in five main groups (I–V), as a monophyletic lineage at the base of ‘core’ dinoflagellates (all Dinophyceae except Syndiniales), although the latter placement was not bootstrap supported. Thus, the two uncultured novel marine alveolate groups I and II, which have been highlighted previously, are confirmed to belong to the Syndiniales. These groups were the most diverse and highly represented in environmental studies. Within each, 8 and 44 clades were identified respectively. Co‐evolutionary trends between parasitic Syndiniales and their putative hosts were not clear, suggesting they may be relatively ‘general’ parasitoids. Based on the overall distribution patterns of the Syndiniales‐affiliated sequences, we propose that Syndiniales are exclusively marine. Interestingly, sequences belonging to groups II, III and V were largely retrieved from the photic zone, while Group I dominated samples from anoxic and suboxic ecosystems. Nevertheless, both groups I and II contained specific clades preferentially, or exclusively, retrieved from these latter ecosystems. Given the broad distribution of Syndiniales, our work indicates that parasitism may be a major force in ocean food webs, a force that is neglected in current conceptualizations of the marine carbon cycle.
Characterizing microbial diversity in production water from an Alaskan mesothermic petroleum reservoir with two independent molecular methods
Authors: Pham Vinh D. , Hnatow Linda L. , Zhang Shiping , Fallon Robert D. , Jackson Scott C. , Tomb Jean‐Francois , DeLong Edward F. , Keeler Sharon J.
Published: September 2008

The phylogenetic diversity of Bacteria and Archaea within a biodegraded, mesothermic petroleum reservoir in the Schrader Bluff Formation of Alaska was examined by two culture‐independent methods based on fosmid and small‐subunit rRNA gene PCR clone libraries. Despite the exclusion of certain groups by each method, there was overall no significant qualitative difference in the diversity of phylotypes recovered by the two methods. The resident Bacteria belonged to at least 14 phylum‐level lineages, including the polyphyletic Firmicutes, which accounted for 36.2% of all small‐subunit rRNA gene‐containing (SSU+) fosmid clones identified. Members of uncultured divisions were also numerous and made up 35.2% of the SSU+ fosmid clones. Clones from domain Archaea accounted for about half of all SSU+ fosmids, suggesting that their cell numbers were comparable to those of the Bacteria in this microbial community. In contrast to the Bacteria, however, nearly all archaeal clones recovered by both methods were related to methanogens, especially acetoclastic methanogens, while the plurality of bacterial fosmid clones was affiliated with Synergistes‐like acetogenic Firmicutes that possibly degrade longer‐chain carboxylic acid components in the crude oil to acetate. These data suggest that acetate may be a key intermediary metabolite in this subsurface anaerobic food chain, which leads to methane production as the primary terminal electron sink.
The chondrocrania of North American Rana larvae (Anura: Ranidae): a morphological comparison
Authors: Larson Peter M.
Published: September 2008

A detailed morphological description of the chondrocranium is provided for the larvae of six species of North American Rana. Results indicated that although qualitative variation in chondrocranial morphology was limited among the larval Rana examined here, R. sylvatica is clearly distinguishable from other species based on the presence of a shorter articular process of the palatoquadrate, a wider muscular process of the palatoquadrate, and a more posterior position of attachment of the larval otic process to the palatoquadrate. These conditions are similar to those found in the Eurasian R. temporaria. Rana clamitans and R. catesbeiana are distinguished by a considerably narrower palatoquadrate in the region posterior to the anterior quadratocranial commissure, a more anterior position of attachment of the larval otic process to the palatoquadrate, and the presence of a lateral trabecular process in some specimens. These characters may represent larval synapomorphies for the traditional R. catesbeiana group (=Aquarana).
Effects of hind limb denervation on the development of appendicular ossicles in the Dwarf African Clawed Frog, Hymenochirus boettgeri (Anura: Pipidae)
Authors: Kim Hyoung Tae , Olson Wendy M. , Hall Brian K.
Published: September 2008

Sesamoids and other appendicular ossicles are common in other classes of vertebrates but comparatively rare in amphibians. The pipid frog Hymenochirus boettgeri (Boulenger, G. A. 1899. On Hymenochirus, a new type of aglossal batrachians. – Annals of the Magazine of Natural History Series 7: 122–125) is unusual among anurans in having seven (or more) appendicular ossicles in each hind limb. Sesamoids are often associated with muscles and tendons, and their development is usually regarded as mediated by or correlated with function. This study investigated the effects of paralysis (loss of function) on development of ossicles in the hind limb of Hymenochirus. Complete denervation of the right sciatic nerve was performed at developmental stages 63 and 66, and the animals maintained for a further 6–7 or 12–13 weeks. Specimens were cleared and double stained for cartilage and bone. There were no gross morphological differences between control and sham operated groups. The lunulae were not affected by paralysis, whereas the fabella arose later and/or regressed in some specimens. The distal os sesamoides tarsalia (OST) was shorter in paralysed individuals, and both the distal OST and cartilagines plantares showed delayed maturation. Denervation of the hind limb thus affected the timing of appearance, maintenance and rate of maturation of some sesamoid bones in Hymenochirus, but had no effect on others.
Ecological repercussions of historical fish extraction from the Southern Ocean
Authors: Ainley David G , Blight Louise K
Published: September 2008

A major mid‐1980s shift in ecological structure of significant portions of the Southern Ocean was partially due to the serial depletion of fish by intensive industrial fishing, rather than solely to climate factors as previously hypothesized. Over a brief period (1969–1973), several finfish stocks were on average reduced to <50%, and finally (mid‐1980s) to <20%, of original size. Despite management actions, few stocks have recovered and some are still declining. Most affected species exhibit K‐selected life‐history patterns, and before exploitation presumably fluctuated in accordance with infrequent strong year classes, as is true of such fish elsewhere. A climate regime, the Southern Annular Mode, once oscillated between two states, but has remained in its ‘positive mode’ since the time of the fish extraction. This may have increased finfish vulnerability to exploitation. As breeding stocks decreased, we hypothesize that availability of annually produced juvenile fish fed upon by upper‐level predators remained low. Correlations between predator populations and fish biomass in predator foraging areas indicate that southern elephant seal Mirounga leonina, Antarctic fur seal Arctocephalus gazella, gentoo penguin Pygoscelis papua, macaroni penguin Eudyptes chrysolphus and ‘imperial’ shag Phalacrocorax spp. – all feeding extensively on these fish, and monitored at Marion, Crozet, Kerguelen, Heard, South Georgia, South Orkney and South Shetland Islands, where fishing was concentrated – declined simultaneously during the two periods of heavy fishing. These patterns indicate the past importance of demersal fish as prey in Antarctic marine systems, but determining these interactions’ ecological mechanisms may now be impossible.
Contextual Sources of Ambivalence
Authors: Keele Luke , Wolak Jennifer
Published: September 2008

When will people become ambivalent about politics? One possibility is that the roots of ambivalence lie within the individual, with differences in political knowledge and attitude strength predicting whether a person internalizes the conflicts of politics. Alternately, attitudinal ambivalence could result from structural differences in the way political choices are presented in the wider political environment. We explore the degree to which different environments promote or limit ambivalence using a matching approach in conjunction with a set of multilevel models. We find that campaign environments can induce candidate ambivalence. In presidential elections, campaign efforts promote ambivalence most when competition between partisan campaign efforts is high. In House elections, campaign spending has a direct effect on levels of candidate ambivalence, where a candidate's spending decreases ambivalence about that candidate and increases ambivalence about opponents.
Procedural Perceptions and Support for the U.S. Supreme Court
Authors: Ramirez Mark D.
Published: September 2008

This paper examines public support toward the U.S. Supreme Court. Although previous scholars have rightly focused on policy outcomes in explaining public attitudes toward the Court, outcome‐based theories are unable to explain why support for the Court remains high despite public disagreement with Court decisions. Some scholars argue the low visibility of the Court shields it from public scrutiny. The exposure explanation, however, is inconsistent with the empirical finding that to know the Court is to love it. This paper reconciles these differences by showing how media coverage of the Court can influence procedural perceptions and subsequent support for the Court. Expanding on recent studies examining media coverage of the Court and perceptions of fairness, this study examines how procedural perceptions mediate support for the Court. An experimental design shows that the media's portrayal of procedural information as either fair or unfair influences public evaluations of procedural fairness and subsequently support for the Court as an institution and the individual justices serving on the Court's bench.