bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Habitat loss and the limits to endangered species recovery
Authors: Kerr Jeremy T. , Deguise Isabelle
Published: November 2004

Canada is one of the last places on earth with extensive wilderness areas, yet the number of Canadian species threatened with extinction continues to rise every year. Using satellite‐derived land use data, we find that habitat loss explains most of the variation in numbers of endangered species across Canada. Habitat loss within species ranges is, therefore, likely to be the leading factor inhibiting their recovery. We measured habitat loss individually within the known ranges of 243 terrestrial species at risk of extinction across Canada. Recovery potential, as measured by extent of natural habitat within each species’ range, is bimodally distributed, but less than 50% of the range of the majority of Canada's species at risk is natural habitat and there is no detectable habitat remaining for 16 of the 243 species at risk. There were no differences in the recovery potential of species categorized either by threat level (special concern, threatened, or endangered) or taxon. Despite having extensive wilderness areas, Canada has similar rates of endangerment to other countries in the Americas, underlining the effect of severe habitat loss to intensive agriculture that has occurred in Canada's most biologically diverse regions. Improvements to protected areas networks and especially cooperative conservation activities with private landowners will do the most to improve the recovery prospects of species at risk in Canada.
Conceptual issues in local adaptation
Authors: Kawecki Tadeusz J. , Ebert Dieter
Published: November 2004

Studies of local adaptation provide important insights into the power of natural selection relative to gene flow and other evolutionary forces. They are a paradigm for testing evolutionary hypotheses about traits favoured by particular environmental factors. This paper is an attempt to summarize the conceptual framework for local adaptation studies. We first review theoretical work relevant for local adaptation. Then we discuss reciprocal transplant and common garden experiments designed to detect local adaptation in the pattern of deme × habitat interaction for fitness. Finally, we review research questions and approaches to studying the processes of local adaptation – divergent natural selection, dispersal and gene flow, and other processes affecting adaptive differentiation of local demes. We advocate multifaceted approaches to the study of local adaptation, and stress the need for experiments explicitly addressing hypotheses about the role of particular ecological and genetic factors that promote or hinder local adaptation. Experimental evolution of replicated populations in controlled spatially heterogeneous environments allow direct tests of such hypotheses, and thus would be a valuable way to complement research on natural populations.
Determinants of long‐term quality of life and voiding function of patients treated with radical prostatectomy or permanent brachytherapy for prostate cancer
Authors: Bradley Emily B. , Bissonette Eric A. , Theodorescu Dan
Published: November 2004

OBJECTIVE

To assess the long‐term quality of life (QoL) outcomes of three treatments for localized prostate cancer: radical prostatectomy (RP); brachytherapy monotherapy (BTM); and BT combined with external beam radiotherapy (BTC).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In August 2000, questionnaires were mailed to men with T1c‐T3 adenocarcinoma of the prostate treated with either RP, BTM (103Pd monotherapy) or BTC. Questionnaires included validated outcome measures, i.e. the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy − General (FACT‐G), American Urological Association Symptom Score (AUA‐SS), Urinary Function Questionnaire for men after RP, and the Brief Sexual Function Inventory. Returned questionnaires were assessed using cross‐sectional analysis.

RESULTS

Data from 214 patients were included in the analysis (60 RP, 102 BTM and 52 BTC); the median follow‐up was 18.8, 25.5 and 29.9 months, respectively. There were differences between both BT groups and the RP group in total AUA‐SS and obstructive subscale symptom scores, with the former having worse symptom scores at a longer follow‐up. Differences in overall QoL were not detected between groups using the total FACT‐G but the BTC group generally had worse scores in the physical well‐being subscale. The BT groups had higher continence rates with time after treatment. Sexual function was better with BT initially, but these differences did not persist at a longer follow‐up. There were significant correlations between the FACT‐G and the urinary symptom scores, and the degree of sexual function.

CONCLUSIONS

Although patients treated with BTM and RP have a different spectrum of side‐effects, their overall long‐term QoL is similar, with urinary and sexual function being the primary determinants of this outcome. Men treated with BTC have a worse QoL.
Bleeding after transrectal ultrasonography‐guided prostate biopsy: a study of 7‐day morbidity after a six‐, eight‐ and 12‐core biopsy protocol
Authors: Ghani Khurshid R. , Dundas Derek , Patel Uday
Published: November 2004

OBJECTIVE

To compare, in a prospective study, bleeding (in three categories, i.e. haematuria, haematospermia and rectal) and consultations with the general practitioner (GP), after a six‐, eight‐ or 12‐core prostate biopsy, as data on whether taking more prostate core biopsies increases bleeding complications are not conclusive.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Over a 5‐year period, patients undergoing outpatient transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS)‐guided prostate biopsy (six, eight or 12‐core biopsy) completed a self‐administered questionnaire. The prevalence and duration of the three bleeding complications and GP or hospital visits for a biopsy‐related complication were assessed and compared for the 7 days after biopsy. The contribution of local anaesthetic (LA) injection to bleeding rates was also assessed.

RESULTS

Of 1384 patients biopsied, 1000 were given questionnaires and 884 (88%) forms were returned. Of these, 760 were suitable for analysis (307 after six‐core, 325 eight‐core and 128 12‐core biopsies); 351 patients were given LA before biopsy. The prevalence of bleeding complications (six‐, eight‐ and 12‐core, respectively) was: haematuria 44%, 41% and 39%; haematospermia 13%, 16% and 12%; and rectal bleeding 17%, 26% and 27%. Rectal bleeding was significantly more prevalent in the eight‐ and 12‐core groups (P = 0.0037 and 0.019). The duration of bleeding was not significantly greater in any biopsy group. Subgroup analysis showed no significant difference in the prevalence and duration of rectal bleeding after LA. About 5% of patients in each group consulted their GP because of a complication and 2.4% consulted because of bleeding. Three men with major complications required hospitalization, of which only one was caused by bleeding.

CONCLUSIONS

Only rectal bleeding was more prevalent after taking more than six cores, but the duration was no greater. Giving LA did not affect the rectal bleeding rate. With all strategies the major complication and hospitalization rate was very low.
Drivers and barriers to seeking treatment for erectile dysfunction: a comparison of six countries
Authors: Shabsigh Ridwan , Perelman Michael A. , Laumann Edward O. , Lockhart Daniel C.
Published: November 2004

Associate Editor

Michael G. Wyllie

Editorial Board

Ian Eardley, UK

Jean Fourcroy, USA

Sidney Glina, Brazil

Julia Heiman, USA

Chris McMahon, Australia

Bob Millar, UK

Alvaro Morales, Canada

Michael Perelman, USA

OBJECTIVE

To identify predictors of treatment‐seeking behaviour in men with erectile dysfunction (ED) and the predictors (correlates) of individual drivers and barriers to seeking treatment. Although the prevalence and epidemiology of ED have been reviewed, there is little information about the treatment‐seeking behaviour of men with this disorder.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Data from the Cross‐National Survey on Male Health Issues conducted between March and September 2000 were assessed by multivariate analysis. A cohort of 32 644 men aged 20–75 years was recruited during visits to their physicians. The men completed a short screening questionnaire, covering their overall health, and prostate, urinary and erectile problems. Men identified as having ED completed a detailed follow‐up questionnaire. Logistic regression methods were used to identify predictors of treatment‐seeking behaviour, and individual drivers and barriers to seeking treatment.

RESULTS

Most men with ED had not sought treatment. The analyses suggested that ED, in conjunction with a desire to have sex, was necessary for men to seek treatment. Men seeking treatment commonly identified themselves as self‐motivated or that they were influenced by a spouse or sex partner. The youngest group (20–39 years) was least likely to seek treatment. Among those who did not seek treatment, younger men were likely to believe that their ED would resolve spontaneously, whereas older men resisted seeking treatment because they felt that ED was a natural part of ageing.

CONCLUSIONS

The data from this survey of men using the healthcare system confirmed other population‐based reports that a minority of men with ED seek treatment. Subset analyses showed that treatment‐seeking behaviour tended to be driven primarily by the man or by his sex partner. Common barriers to seeking treatment included the belief that ED would resolve spontaneously (younger men) and that ED was a normal part of ageing (older men).
The reliability of clinical and biochemical assessment in symptomatic late‐onset hypogonadism: can a case be made for a 3‐month therapeutic trial?
Authors: Black Angela M. , Day Andrew G. , Morales Alvaro
Published: November 2004

OBJECTIVE

To assess whether testosterone (T) supplementation in men considered to have symptomatic late‐onset hypogonadism (SLOH) can be evaluated clinically and biochemically.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

To assess the relevance of the clinical and biochemical diagnosis of hypogonadism we investigated patients referred for the diagnosis and treatment of SLOH. Patients were assessed clinically and completed a screening questionnaire. The pituitary‐adrenal‐gonadal axis was comprehensively assessed biochemically. Those with a clinical diagnosis of hypogonadism and serum levels of T supporting such a diagnosis received exogenous T for ≥ 3 months and were assessed for any clinical and biochemical response. Of an initial group of 45 men (mean age 59.2 years) 38 completed the study.

RESULTS

Most men presented with symptoms of sexual dysfunction, lack of energy and/or depression. There were differences before and after treatment only in bioavailable T (BT), with none in the levels of total T (TT). There was a strong correlation before and after treatment in the levels of luteinizing hormone and follicle‐stimulating hormone, and a weak negative correlation between gonadotrophins and BT. Neither TT nor BT had predictive value for the treatment response. There was a trend to a correlation between BT levels and treatment success. Changes in serum prostate specific antigen were insignificant during the limited period.

CONCLUSION

The lack of accurate methods for diagnosing SLOH suggests that a therapeutic trial of T supplementation is warranted in men in whom there are no contraindications. The 3‐month period largely circumvents the placebo effect and has minimal risks for serious adverse effects (mostly in relation to prostate safety). This controversial position needs further evaluation with a larger cohort and other biochemical measurements.
A prospective study of the predictive power of spiral computed tomographic angiography for defining renal vascular anatomy before live‐donor nephrectomy
Authors: Lewis Gareth R. , Mulcahy Kevin , Brook Nicolas R. , Veitch Peter S. , Nicholson Michael L.
Published: November 2004

The advent of laparoscopic donor nephrectomy for renal transplantation has focused minds to an even greater degree on the vascular anatomy of the donor kidney. The authors from Leicester determined the accuracy of spiral CT imaging for donor venous anatomy and comparing it to the operative findings, either at open or laparoscopic donor nephrectomy. They found the technique to be an excellent way of assessing potential renal donors in terms of the gonadal and adrenal veins, but less so for predicting lumbar veins.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the accuracy of spiral computed tomography (CT) imaging of donor venous anatomy by comparing CT angiography (CTA) and operative findings, for both laparoscopic (LDN) and open donor nephrectomy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

LDN presents unique surgical challenges, particularly with complex venous or arterial anatomy. The limitations of surgical access, poor visibility of the superior and posterior borders of the renal vein during LDN, and the variability of venous anatomy in this region, contribute to the difficulty of LDN, underlining the importance of imaging beforehand. Forty live donors (mean age 46 years, sd 11; 65% female) were assessed by CTA before donation. Scans were reported by the same radiologist. The number and diameter of ‘predicted’ renal arteries, veins and renal vein tributaries were documented. The donor kidney was removed by two consultant surgeons, and after back‐table perfusion the same details were recorded and taken as the ‘reference’ findings. Tributaries of <1 mm diameter were not recorded. The right kidney was retrieved in seven patients; 25 of the 40 kidneys were retrieved by LDN and the other 15 by open surgery.

RESULTS

In all, 48 actual renal arteries were identified at nephrectomy; of these, 47 were predicted by CTA. Likewise, 41 actual renal veins were found at nephrectomy, 40 of which were predicted. The overall accuracy of spiral CTA in predicting the presence or absence of renal vein tributaries was 83% for gonadal and adrenal veins, and 75% for lumbar veins. There were seven false‐negative lumbar veins found at nephrectomy; in these cases the CTA films were retrospectively examined, and five of these seven veins were identified. The predicted renal vein tributary diameter correlated poorly with the measured diameter at nephrectomy.

CONCLUSIONS

Assessing potential renal donors before surgery with spiral CTA provides an accurate prediction of the presence or absence of the gonadal and adrenal vein, but is less accurate for predicting lumbar veins. This is especially pertinent as the posterior lumbar tributaries have the most intra‐individual variation, and are the most difficult to display and control at LDN. This highlights the need for meticulous dissection of the renal vein, particularly along its posterior wall.
Urethral replacement: a comparison between small intestinal submucosa grafts and spontaneous regeneration
Authors: El‐Assmy Ahmed , El‐Hamid Mohamed Abd , Hafez Ashraf T.
Published: November 2004

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the use of commercially available single‐layer small intestinal submucosa (SIS) for urethral replacement, both as an onlay and as a tube, in a rabbit model.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty‐six male rabbits were assigned to four experimental groups. Group 1 had the ventral wall of the penile urethra excised for 15 mm; in group 2 this created defect was patched with a SIS onlay graft; group 3 had complete excision of a 15 mm segment of the penile urethra; and in group 4, this created defect was replaced with a SIS tube graft. In all rabbits the urethra was stented for 2 weeks. A retrograde urethrogram was taken in all rabbits before death at 3, 6 and 12 weeks after surgery. The urethra was then exposed, examined carefully and excised for histopathological examination.

RESULTS

In groups 1 and 2 the retrograde urethrograms were normal in 13 rabbits and there was relative narrowing in two rabbits in group 1 and three in group 2. In groups 3 and 4 all rabbits developed urethral fistulae or strictures. Histological examination of the urethra showed epithelial regeneration supported by smooth muscle backing in all rabbits in group 1, while rabbits in group 2 showed no regeneration of smooth muscle. By contrast, rabbits in groups 3 and 4 showed incomplete regeneration and progressive fibrosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Single‐layer SIS is not a suitable urethral substitute in this animal model. When used as an onlay, healing is inferior to spontaneous urethral regeneration, as SIS impedes smooth muscle cell regeneration. When used as a tube, there is complete scarring and urethral luminal occlusion.
Urethral diverticula: a diagnostic dilemma
Authors: Rufford Jane , Cardozo Linda
Published: November 2004

OBJECTIVE

To review the urethral diverticula encountered in a tertiary‐referral urogynaecology unit.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The case‐notes of all women who had a diverticulectomy between March 1996 and May 2001 were reviewed. Demographic details, symptoms at presentation, duration of symptoms before diagnosis, investigations, operative details, postoperative complications and symptoms at follow‐up were considered.

RESULTS

In all, 18 women had had a urethral diverticulectomy. The median (range) time from presentation to diagnosis was 9.5  (2–96) months. The symptoms before surgery were variable; after surgery there were significant improvements in the symptoms of frequency, terminal dribbling and recurrent urinary tract infections (P < 0.05). There was no improvement in urgency, urge incontinence, nocturia and stress incontinence. Eleven of the 18 diverticula were palpable on vaginal examination. Video cysto‐urethrography was used in 15 women and the diverticulum was seen in 14. In addition, seven women had additional lower urinary tract pathology.

CONCLUSIONS

Urethral diverticula have no classical presentation; they often present with many symptoms and it is important that the diagnosis is not overlooked. Video cysto‐urethrography is a good diagnostic test and allows the simultaneous evaluation of function of the whole of the lower urinary tract.
A new autologous keratinocyte dressing treatment for non‐healing diabetic neuropathic foot ulcers
Authors: Moustafa M. , Simpson C. , Glover M. , Dawson R. A. , Tesfaye S. , Creagh F. M. , Haddow D. , Short R. , Heller S. , MacNeil S.
Published: November 2004

Aims   To evaluate the use of a new cell‐tailored carrier surface (TranCell) for delivery of autologous keratinocytes to promote wound healing in patients with chronic neuropathic foot ulcers.

Methods   TranCell is a sterile medical grade polymer coated with a plasma‐polymerized functional surface containing 20% carboxylic acid which enables keratinocytes to attach and proliferate. Six diabetic patients with neuropathic ulcers resistant to conventional therapy were treated with weekly applications of autologous keratinocytes delivered on TranCell. A split‐thickness skin biopsy was taken from each patient followed by isolation, expansion and freezing down of keratinocytes. Keratinocytes were thawed and seeded on TranCell 48 h prior to application. This procedure was repeated weekly in addition to conventional therapy until wound healing was achieved.

Results   Complete healing was achieved in six out of nine ulcers in six patients, a reduction in ulcer size was achieved in one ulcer and no response was seen in one ulcer. Treatment was discontinued in one patient due to development of Methicillin‐Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) after only three applications of TranCell. Wound healing took 6–17 applications over 6–20 weeks. There were no recurrences in the healed ulcers after a follow‐up of 6 months.

Conclusions   TranCell delivery of autologous cells is a promising treatment for chronic diabetic foot ulcers with no side‐effects and no recurrence in the healed ulcers.
Functional status before and after diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes
Authors: Nichols G. A. , Brown J. B.
Published: November 2004

Aims  We examined functional health status prior to the diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes, and measured the effect on functional health status of receiving the diagnosis.

Methods  After the ADA reduced its fasting plasma glucose level for diagnosing diabetes from > 7.8 to > 7.0 mmol/l, we identified 1014 members of a large HMO who met the new criteria, and an age‐ and gender‐matched comparison group who did not. We mailed questionnaires to these subjects in 1998, and again in 1999 to 623 who met the new criteria, after some had been notified of their diabetes, while others had not. We used the SF‐12® Health Survey to measure physical and mental subjective health status.

Results  Mean age of respondents meeting new diagnostic criteria (n = 498) was 67.3 + 10.4 years, 43.6% were women. Comparison group respondents (n = 589) were 66.7 + 10.6 years, 45.2% women. The groups were not statistically different on either characteristic. Prior to the diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes, physical functioning was already lower in subjects who met the new criteria than in the comparison group (39.5 vs. 42.1, P < 0.001), mental functioning was similar (51.4 vs. 51.9, P = 0.406). Among those who newly met diagnostic criteria for diabetes, there was no difference in the change in health status (mental or physical) in those who reported receiving a diagnosis (n = 105) compared with those who did not (n = 168).

Conclusions  Physical health status is already reduced prior to diabetes diagnosis, perhaps because of obesity or other aspects of the insulin resistance syndrome. Receiving a diabetes diagnosis after adjusting the diagnostic criteria does not adversely affect either mental or physical health status.
The adiponectin gene SNP+45 is associated with coronary artery disease in Type 2 (non‐insulin‐dependent) diabetes mellitus
Authors: Lacquemant C. , Froguel P. , Lobbens S. , Izzo P. , Dina C. , Ruiz J.
Published: November 2004

Background  The ACRP30/adiponectin gene on chromosome 3q27, a region linked to the metabolic syndrome, encodes for the abundant adipocyte‐specific secreted protein. Consistent rodent and human studies suggested that this adipokine may be a molecular link between metabolic and cardiovascular diseases.

Aims  In order to investigate the role of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the APM1 gene in the susceptibility to coronary artery disease (CAD), we performed a case‐control study on Caucasian Type 2 (non‐insulin‐dependent) diabetic patients, a population at high‐risk for CAD.

Methods  Five APM1 SNPs were genotyped in 162 Type 2 diabetic French and Swiss subjects with CAD and in 315 Type 2 diabetic French and Swiss subjects without CAD.

Results  In univariate analysis, SNP+45 T>G was associated with CAD (OR 1.9 95% CI 1.2–2.9 P = 0.0036). In multivariate analysis, SNP+45 T>G remained associated with CAD (OR 1.2 95% CI 0.8–1.9 P = 0.017), independently of classical cardiovascular risk factors including components of the metabolic syndrome. SNP haplotype analyses revealed a CAD protective combination of all SNP wild‐type alleles (OR 0.5 95% CI 0.3–0.7 P = 0.0006).

Conclusions  Our study, performed in diabetic subjects, revealed an association between individual SNP+45 in the APM1 gene and CAD. Furthermore, the susceptibility for CAD due to SNP+45 was independent of classic cardiovascular risk factors. Further studies will be necessary to confirm the role of SNP+45 in the development of CAD. However, ACRP30/adiponectin may contribute to atherosclerosis susceptibility in high‐risk populations such as Type 2 diabetic subjects.
Impaired fasting glucose vs. glucose intolerance in pre‐menopausal women: distinct metabolic entities and cardiovascular disease risk?
Authors: Piché M. E. , Després J. P. , Pascot A. , Nadeau A. , Tremblay A. , Weisnagel S. J. , Bergeron J. , Lemieux S.
Published: November 2004

Background  Impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) is associated with an increased cardiovascular disease risk. Less is known about cardiovascular disease risk among subjects with impaired fasting glucose (IFG) or with combined IFG and IGT.

Aims  To compare body composition, body fat distribution, plasma glucose‐insulin homeostasis and plasma lipid‐lipoprotein profile between pre‐menopausal women having either a normal glucose tolerance (NGT), isolated IFG, isolated IGT or combined IFG and IGT.

Methods Three hundred and thirty‐four women with NGT, 11 women with IFG, 35 women with IGT and 10 women with both IFG and IGT were studied.

Results  Women with IFG were characterized by a higher visceral adipose tissue (AT) accumulation than women with NGT (P < 0.05). Also, they were characterized by a higher subcutaneous AT area and by higher body fat mass than NGT and IGT women (P < 0.05). However, their lipid‐lipoprotein profile was comparable with that of NGT women, except for reduced HDL‐cholesterol concentrations (P < 0.05). After adjustment for visceral AT, women with IFG had lower total cholesterol, LDL‐cholesterol and apolipoprotein B (apoB) levels than the three other groups. They also had lower HDL2‐cholesterol than NGT women and lower total cholesterol/HDL‐cholesterol ratio than IGT women. Women with IGT showed higher triglyceride and apoB concentrations and a higher total cholesterol/HDL‐cholesterol ratio than women with NGT (P < 0.05). Overall, women with combined IFG and IGT showed body fatness characteristics and alterations in their metabolic risk profile which were essentially similar to women with isolated IGT.

Conclusions  These results indicate that there are significant differences in anthropometric and metabolic variables between pre‐menopausal women with IFG vs. IGT and that the association between body fatness‐body fat distribution indices and the metabolic profile may differ between IFG and IGT women.
Diabetic foot ulcer and multidrug‐resistant organisms: risk factors and impact
Authors: Hartemann‐Heurtier A. , Robert J. , Jacqueminet S. , Ha Van G. , Golmard J. L. , Jarlier V. , Grimaldi A.
Published: November 2004

Aims  The primary objective was to characterize factors allowing the colonization of diabetic foot wounds by multidrug‐resistant organisms (MDRO), and the secondary objective was to evaluate the influence of MDRO colonization/infection on wound healing.

Methods  In 180 patients admitted to a specialized diabetic foot unit, microbiological specimens were taken on admission. Potential risk factors for MDRO‐positive specimens were examined using univariate and multivariate analyses. Prospective follow‐up data from 75 patients were used to evaluate the influence of MDRO colonization/infection on time to healing.

Results  Eighteen per cent of admission specimens were positive for MDRO. MDRO‐positive status was not associated with patient characteristics (age, sex, type of diabetes, complications of diabetes), wound duration, or wound type (neuropathic or ischaemic). In the multivariate analysis, the only factors significantly associated with positive MDRO status on admission were a history of previous hospitalization for the same wound (21/32 compared with 48/148; P = 0.0008) or the presence of osteomyelitis (22/32 compared with 71/148; P = 0.025). In the longitudinal study of 75 wounds, MDRO‐positive status on admission or during follow‐up (6 months at least or until healing, mean 9 ± 7 months) was not associated with time to healing (P = 0.71).

Conclusion  MDROs are often present in severe diabetic foot wounds. About one‐third of patients with a history of previous hospitalization for the same wound, and 25% of patients with osteomyelitis, had MDRO‐positive specimens. This suggests that hygiene measures, or isolation precautions in the case of admission of patients presenting with these characteristics, should be aggressively implemented to prevent cross‐transmission. Positive MDRO status is not associated with a longer time to healing.
Variations in glucose self‐monitoring during oral hypoglycaemic therapy in primary care
Authors: Gulliford M. , Latinovic R.
Published: November 2004

Objective  To describe the prescription of glucose self‐monitoring materials in the first 12 months after initiation of oral hypoglycaemic therapy.

Methods  Cohort study of subjects registered with UK general practices and prescribed oral hypoglycaemic drugs for the first time between January 1993 and December 1998. Analyses were adjusted for age, sex, year, prevalent coronary heart disease and clustering by practice.

Results  Data were analysed for 11 688 subjects registered with 262 practices. The proportion who received no prescriptions for monitoring increased from 24% in 1993 to 30% in 1998; urine glucose monitoring only decreased from 45 to 27%; while blood glucose monitoring only increased from 19 to 32%. In those under 45 years, 25% were not prescribed monitoring, increasing to 53% in those aged 85 years and over. In the same age groups, the proportion prescribed blood glucose monitoring only declined from 37 to 16%. At different general practices, the proportion of patients prescribed monitoring strips ranged from 12 to 100%. Practices with more registered diabetic patients were more likely to prescribe urine glucose monitoring only. Monitoring prescriptions varied widely between England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Among eight English regions, the proportion prescribed blood glucose monitoring only ranged from 18 to 37%.

Conclusions  Prescription of glucose monitoring varies according to patient and practice characteristics and geographical location. Monitoring patterns are changing over time. These variations may reflect uncertainty concerning the effectiveness of monitoring, and diversity of patient and professional preferences with respect to monitoring.
Dynamic Costs of the Draft
Authors: Lau Morten I. , Poutvaara Panu , Wagener Andreas
Published: November 2004

We propose a dynamic general-equilibrium model with human capital accumulation to evaluate the economic consequences of compulsory services (such as military draft or social work). Our analysis identifies a so far ignored dynamic cost arising from distortions in time allocation over the life cycle.We provide conservative estimates for the excess burden that arises when the government relies on forced labor rather than on income taxation to finance public expenditures. Our results suggest that eliminating the draft could produce considerable dynamic gains, both in terms of GDP and lifetime utility.
Business Cycle Volatility in Germany
Authors: Buch Claudia M. , Pierdzioch Christian , Doepke Joerg
Published: November 2004

Stylized facts suggest that output volatility in OECD countries has declined in recent years. The causes and the nature of this decline have so far been analyzed mainly for the United States. In this paper, we analyze whether structural changes in output volatility in Germany can be detected. We report evidence that output volatility has declined in Germany. It is difficult to answer the question whether this decline in output volatility reflects good economic and monetary policy or merely ‘good luck’.
Fetal origins of adult disease: tracing and recruitment of offspring whose mothers participated in a trial of nutritional supplementation during pregnancy – the Sorrento experience
Authors: Tang L. P. , Macleod J. A. , Hobbs F. D. R. , Wharton B. A. , Smith G. Davey , Stewart P. M.
Published: November 2004

Summary  It has been proposed that fetal nutrition is an important determinant of adult health and of inequalities in health between different social groups. Evidence for the ‘fetal origins’ hypothesis, currently, comes almost exclusively from observational studies relating indices of birth size (which in part reflects fetal nutrition) to adult disease or disease risk markers. Observational associations may not be causal and may have arisen through confounding by factors associated with both smaller size at birth and later disease risk. An experimental study conducted in Birmingham 25 years ago showed that protein‐energy supplementation amongst nutritionally at risk mothers increased offspring birth size. The experimental design means that this association is unlikely to have arisen through confounding. Adult offspring of mothers participating in this study are now being assessed to determine effects of supplementation on their current health. This will provide important evidence of the potential to improve public health through improving the nutrition of pregnant women.
Legal Disciplinary Practices – Who Needs Them?
Authors: McVea Harry
Published: November 2004

The recent publication of the government's Review of the Regulatory Framework for Legal Services in England and Walesin March 2004 heralds a new era regarding the way in which legal services are to be delivered to the public. In the wake of the Enron‐Arthur Andersen debacle, and growing disenchantment amongst policy‐makers and market players with the involvement of ‘elite’ accountancy firms in the provision of legal services, interest and attention has now shifted away from the formation of Multi‐Disciplinary Practices towards a new model of legal services provider– Legal Disciplinary Practices (LDPs), where the focus is at all times on the provision of legal services, albeit widely defined. The purpose of this article is to explore, and subsequently critique, the rationales behind the formation of LDPs and to outline the dangers which the provision of legal services through such business structures is likely to pose not only for the legal profession, but also for society more generally.
The Firm Subtleties of a Philosopher in ‘Everlasting Doubt’: Remembering Norberto Bobbio
Authors: Ferrari Vincenzo
Published: November 2004

This is the first paper in a new series which focuses on European scholars whose work, because of language issues, may not be widely known within the English‐speaking world.
Privatization Policy and Enterprise Performance: the case of Ireland
Authors: Reeves Eoin , Palcic Dónal
Published: November 2004

AbstractCompared to other industrialized economies Ireland has been slow to privatize state‐owed enterprises. The first divestitures in 1991 failed to trigger a systematic programme of sell‐offs due to fears of job losses in an economy characterized by low rates of growth and high levels of unemployment. Where subsequent sales occurred they took place on a pragmatic and case‐by‐case basis with the reasons for privatization varying across companies. Some of the earlier sales took place because the enterprises were financially unviable whereas more recent sales can be attributed to the influence of EU policy on competition and restrictions on state aids. Since the privatization of the state telecommunications company in 1999 there has been a significant increase in privatization activity and most of the remaining public enterprises are candidates for divestiture. By 2001 total revenues amounted to €8.1 bn (9 per cent of GNP for 2001). A consistent justification for privatization has been that a change in ownership will lead to improved performance. The analysis in this paper fails to support this argument. At this early stage of the programe the experience has been for cost‐cutting measures to lead to improved performance prior to privatization with little evidence of continued improvements after divestiture.
Formes institutionnelles, rationalité axiologique et conventions
Authors: Enjolras Bernard
Published: November 2004

ResumePour la théorie des coûts de transaction la firme est préférée au marché lorsque les coûts de transaction sont élevés. Si de ce point de vue le marché et la hiérarchie constituent deux formes institutionnelles alternatives de coordination des activités, il reste à expliquer pourquoi certaines organisations prennent la forme lucrative tandis que d’autres prennent la forme non lucrative ou publique. Les explications en termes de coûts de transaction et d’échecs du marché ont en commun de reposer sur une hypothèse de comportement, celle de l’acteur rationnel et égoïste. Or le comportement des acteurs ne peut se réduire à la rationalité instrumentale. L’objectif de cet article n’est pas de dénier la pertinence des approches traditionnelles en termes d’échecs du marché mais d’en limiter le champ d’application. La thèse qui est développée ici est qu’il existe un certain nombre d’activités qui n’ont pas une finalité instrumentale ou économique mais axiologique, bien que comportant une dimension économique, dont la mise en oeuvre requiert des formes institutionnelles et des structures de gouvernance qui sont adaptées à leurs finalités. Pour ces activités, le marché est en échec parce que la rationalité de ces activités lui est étrangère. Les formes non lucratives et publiques offrent une structure de gouvernance adaptée à l’exercice de la rationalité axiologique.
Regulation under Financial Constraints
Authors: Gautier Axel
Published: November 2004

Abstract This article studies a simple procurement problem (Laffont and Tirole,1993) where the regulator faces a cash‐in‐advance constraint. The introduction of such a constraint not only reduces the amount of public good provided but also limits the instruments available to the regulator. The wealth constraint could change the optimal regulatory contract from a two‐part tariff, where the quantities produced depend on the firm’s cost, to a less efficient fixed fee where the firm produces the same quantity whatever its cost.
Flourishing branches, wilting core: research in modern Indian economic history
Authors: Roy Tirthankar
Published: November 2004

The core theme in modern Indian economic history until recently was economic growth in colonial India and models explaining stylised facts about growth or stagnation. From the 1980s, research moved away from the general toward more specific and local issues, a trend that has allowed new questions to be asked, has approached other fields and introduced a healthy scepticism for overarching models. But it also made macro‐questions somewhat outdated, thereby weakening the link between history and models of economic growth and development. This essay reviews scholarship on new themes and asks how problems of economic growth can be motivated anew.
Facts and myths about Korea’s economic past
Authors: Soo Cha Myung
Published: November 2004

The orthodoxy in South and North Korean historiography states that Japan’s annexation of Korea in 1910 wrought havoc on indigenous economic development and started an era of exploitation lasting until 1945. Recent studies show the claim to be based less upon facts than upon Marxist dogma and nationalist sentiment. During the nineteenth century, Korea was not on the verge of modern economic growth, but in demographic and economic decline. Living standards improved and industrialisation occurred in the context of rapid population growth during the colonial period due to transfer of capital and advanced technology from Japan.
Social Identity, System Justification, and Social Dominance: Commentary on Reicher, Jost et al., and Sidanius et al.
Authors: Rubin Mark , Hewstone Miles
Published: November 2004

The articles by Reicher (2004), Jost, Banaji, and Nosek (2004), and Sidanius, Pratto, van Laar, and Levin (2004) discuss the strengths and weaknesses of social identity theory (Tajfel & Turner, 1979), system justification theory (Jost & Banaji, 1994), and social dominance theory (Sidanius, 1993). The latter two theories grew out of a critique of social identity theory, but this critique relates more to deficiencies in social identity research than to deficiencies in the theory itself. More balanced and comprehensive social identity research is required in order to allow a fair assessment of the theory’s limitations. In addition, Reicher (2004) and Huddy (2004) are correct that only social identity theory offers the potential for explaining social change and social stability.
Social Dominance Theory: Its Agenda and Method
Authors: Sidanius Jim , Pratto Felicia , Van Laar Colette , Levin Shana
Published: November 2004

The theory has been misconstrued in four primary ways, which are often expressed as the claims of psychological reductionism, conceptual redundancy, biological reductionism, and hierarchy justification. This paper addresses these claims and suggests how social dominance theory builds on and moves beyond social identity theory and system justification theory.
A Decade of System Justification Theory: Accumulated Evidence of Conscious and Unconscious Bolstering of the Status Quo
Authors: Jost John T. , Banaji Mahzarin R. , Nosek Brian A.
Published: November 2004

Most theories in social and political psychology stress self‐interest, intergroup conflict, ethnocentrism, homophily, ingroup bias, outgroup antipathy, dominance, and resistance. System justification theory is influenced by these perspectives—including social identity and social dominance theories—but it departs from them in several respects. Advocates of system justification theory argue that (a) there is a general ideological motive to justify the existing social order, (b) this motive is at least partially responsible for the internalization of inferiority among members of disadvantaged groups, (c) it is observed most readily at an implicit, nonconscious level of awareness and (d) paradoxically, it is sometimes strongest among those who are most harmed by the status quo. This article reviews and integrates 10 years of research on 20 hypotheses derived from a system justification perspective, focusing on the phenomenon of implicit outgroup favoritism among members of disadvantaged groups (including African Americans, the elderly, and gays/lesbians) and its relation to political ideology (especially liberalism‐conservatism).
INFORMAL SECTOR, NETWORKS AND INTRA‐CITY VARIATIONS IN ACTIVITIES: FINDINGS FROM DELHI SLUMS
Authors: Mitra Arup
Published: November 2004

Based on a micro‐survey of around 800 slum households in Delhi this paper highlights the role of networks in accessing jobs in the urban labor market. Primarily three types of networks have been identified, which operate through kinship bonds, caste and ethnicity bonds, and formal channels like NGOs and employment exchanges. The type of networks used seems to vary across occupations. Based on a multinomial logit model the paper notes that given the differences in the nature of economic activities performed in different parts of the city, factors like networks and the urge to reside near the contact person and the work place make the urban labor market highly segmented. Hence, certain pockets within the city tend to get crowded by the growth of slums, and secondly inter‐spatial variations in terms of activities/occupations make slum population in the city a heterogeneous set, and thus their problems and need vary substantially. Hence, any uniform policy for clusters located in different zones may not be able to tackle effectively the problems of slum dwellers in the city.
Beyond phonological skills: broader language skills contribute to the development of reading
Authors: Nation Kate , Snowling Margaret J.
Published: November 2004

This paper reports a study that followed the development of reading skills in 72 children from the age of 8.5 to 13 years. Each child was administered tests of reading, oral language, phonological skills and nonverbal ability at time 1 and their performance on tests of reading comprehension, word recognition, nonword decoding and exception word reading was assessed at time 2. In addition to phonological skills, three measures of non‐phonological oral language tapping vocabulary knowledge and listening comprehension were unique concurrent predictors of both reading comprehension and word recognition at time 1. Importantly, all three measures of oral language skill also contributed unique variance to individual differences in reading comprehension, word recognition and exception word reading four and a half years later, even when the autoregressive effects of early reading skill were controlled. Moreover, the extent to which a child's word recognition departed from the level predicted from their decoding ability correlated with their oral language skills. These findings suggest that children's oral language proficiency, as well as their phonological skills, influences the course of reading development.
Attitudes to reading at ages nine and eleven
Authors: Sainsbury Marian , Schagen Ian
Published: November 2004

A survey was conducted with the aim of identifying attitudes towards reading amongst upper primary pupils, and establishing whether these attitudes had changed over the five‐year period from 1998 to 2003. A sample of 5076 pupils in Years 4 and 6 completed questionnaires. Attitudes were generally positive, but declined somewhat between the younger and older of these age groups. A sub‐sample of 2364 of these pupils were in the same schools where the same questionnaire had been completed in 1998. Enjoyment of reading had significantly fallen over the five years, whilst confidence as readers had significantly increased over the same period. The changes may be related to the introduction of the National Literacy Strategy, but other explanations are also possible.
Good readers but at a cost? Attitudes to reading in England
Authors: Twist Liz , Gnaldi Michela , Schagen Ian , Morrison Jo
Published: November 2004

The results of the Progress in International Reading Literacy Study 2001 (PIRLS) were reported in 2003. In addition to data about the reading achievements of 10‐year‐olds in 35 countries, the study also collected questionnaire information from children, their teachers, headteachers and parents. One aspect of the data that attracted comment in the media was the fact that, despite high achievement on the reading tests, children in England were reported as having relatively poor attitudes to reading, compared to children in many other countries. A review of the results of selected surveys over the past 30 years suggests that there may be some evidence of attitudes to reading in primary schools becoming less positive. Preliminary analysis of the attitude and achievement data from PIRLS suggests a more complex picture than that presented in the summary index published in 2003.
The borrowers: library records as unobtrusive measures of children's reading preferences
Authors: Moss Gemma , McDonald John W.
Published: November 2004

This paper explores whether analysis of school library borrowing records can reveal any insights into the reading habits of junior age children. Data in the form of computerised library‐borrowing records were collected from a cohort of 90 Year 6 (age 10–11 years) children over the full course of the academic year. Two‐thirds of the cohort were boys. The paper will consider what light these data can throw on children's reading preferences as they evolve over time in specific social settings. The data stem from a project that combined both qualitative and quantitative research methods in innovative ways.
Testing for a Finite Mixture Model with Two Components
Authors: Chen Hanfeng , Chen Jiahua , Kalbfleisch John D.
Published: November 2004

We consider a finite mixture model with k components and a kernel distribution from a general one-parameter family. The problem of testing the hypothesis k=2 versusk⩾3 is studied. There has been no general statistical testing procedure for this problem. We propose a modified likelihood ratio statistic where under the null and the alternative hypotheses the estimates of the parameters are obtained from a modified likelihood function. It is shown that estimators of the support points are consistent. The asymptotic null distribution of the modified likelihood ratio test proposed is derived and found to be relatively simple and easily applied. Simulation studies for the asymptotic modified likelihood ratio test based on finite mixture models with normal, binomial and Poisson kernels suggest that the test proposed performs well. Simulation studies are also conducted for a bootstrap method with normal kernels. An example involving foetal movement data from a medical study illustrates the testing procedure.
Transforming Qualitative Survey Data: Performance Comparisons for the UK*
Authors: Driver Ciaran , Urga Giovanni
Published: November 2004

This paper assesses different ways of converting qualitative data obtained in surveys into quantitative indices for a number of economic variables. The research reported here focuses on the main UK employers’ business survey for manufacturing – the CBI industrial trends survey. Six response variables are investigated – plant and machinery investment, output, employment, exports, price and cost. We find that the balance statistic is a satisfactory method of transforming three of the variables: investment, output and exports.