bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Predictors of response to short-term proton pump inhibitor treatment in laryngopharyngeal reflux patients
Authors: Siupsinskiene N , Adamonis K , Toohill R J , Sereika R 
Published: March 2008

AbstractObjectives:To assess benefit from one and three months' empirical proton pump inhibitor treatment in patients with suspected laryngopharyngeal reflux, and to define pre-therapy factors which may predict success with short-term proton pump inhibitor treatment.Study design:Prospective, open clinical study.Materials and methods:One hundred adult out-patients with suspected laryngopharyngeal reflux were enrolled in the study. Laryngopharyngeal reflux patients underwent endoscopy and received omeprazole for three months. Efficacy of treatment was assessed at one and three months. Patients were classified as responders if their total symptom score had improved at least 50 per cent, their videolaryngoscopic score had improved by at least two points, and they were satisfied with the results. Pre-therapy factors assessed for an effect on omeprazole outcomes included: patient demographics, reflux symptoms, videolaryngoscopic scores, endoscopic findings, overall vocal dysfunction degree, self-rated voice handicap index, hospital anxiety and depression scale scores, and general well-being score.Results:Fifty-six per cent of patients were classified as responders at one month of treatment; this proportion rose to 92 per cent at three months. Those patients entering the study with a higher heartburn score showed a significant response after one month of omeprazole treatment. Non-responders were found to have significantly more anxiety than responders. Logistic regression analysis revealed these factors, plus the medication dose, as being relevant for faster response prediction. No significant association was found between pre-therapy factors and three-month response to proton pump inhibitor treatment.Conclusion:Three months of proton pump inhibitor treatment twice daily is warranted for confirming suspicion of laryngopharyngeal reflux. Baseline anxiety levels and heartburn scores, and the medication dose, may be relevant factors when predicting faster response to proton pump inhibitor treatment in carefully selected patients.
Superior semicircular canal dehiscence syndrome: a new aetiology
Authors: Puwanarajah P , Pretorius P , Bottrill I 
Published: March 2008

AbstractObjective:We report what we believe to be a unique aetiology of the superior semicircular canal dehiscence syndrome, a recently described condition in which vestibular imbalance and/or hearing loss results from the loss of continuity of the bone overlying the superior semicircular canals.Case report:A 58-year-old woman presented with autophony in the right ear and momentary imbalance when shouting (Tullio phenomenon). Temporal bone computed tomography revealed a defect of the right superior semicircular canal caused by an enlarged superior petrosal sinus receiving drainage from a large cerebellar developmental venous anomaly.Conclusions:We review superior semicircular canal dehiscence syndrome and its management, and we discuss common aetiologies, contrasting these with the unusual aetiology presented here. We conclude that superior semicircular canal dehiscence syndrome may present with a solely developmental aetiology, despite presenting late in life.
Implications of deforestation for the abundance of restricted-range bird species in a Costa Rican cloud-forest
Authors: Oostra Vicencio , Gomes Laurens G. L. , Nijman Vincent 
Published: March 2008

AbstractCentral America is a region of great avian diversity, and the highlands of Costa Rica and Panama are particularly rich in endemic bird species. Continuing deforestation has destroyed large parts of the birds' natural habitats in this region. The ability of birds to use non-forest habitats will ultimately determine their vulnerability to further deforestation, and knowledge of their habitat use is therefore essential in planning conservation strategies. We examined the effects of deforestation on the abundance of restricted-range bird species in the southern Costa Rican part of the Talamanca mountain range. We used line-transect distance sampling to obtain densities in forest and non-forest habitats. Most (22/28) restricted-range species were recorded in forest and non-forest. Of 28 restricted-range species, 13 species showed a clear preference for forest and 8 for non-forest, and total numbers were one-and-a-half times higher as high in forest compared with non-forest. Of the 10 most common species, one was more abundant in non-forest and seven were more abundant in forest. We conclude that forest is the primary habitat for the majority of the restricted-range avifauna, and their dependence on forest makes them particularly vulnerable to deforestation. Adequate protection of the forests in these mountains is therefore the best assurance of the long-term survival of these birds.
Camera trapping rare and threatened avifauna in west-central Sumatra
Authors: Dinata Yoan , Nugroho Agung , Achmad Haidir Iding , Linkie Matthew 
Published: March 2008

AbstractTropical forests are becoming increasingly degraded and fragmented by logging, which can affect the survival of forest bird species in different ways. In this study, we present avifauna data collected from a monitoring programme in west-central Sumatra that set camera traps in three study areas with different habitat types, levels of degradation and protection status. From 5,990 camera trap-nights, 248 independent bird photographs were recorded, comprising four orders and nine species, including three endemic species. The Great Argus Pheasant (Argusianus argus) was recorded in all study areas and most frequently (n = 202 photographs), followed by the threatened Salvadori's Pheasant (Lophura inornata). The greatest diversity of bird species (five) and abundance index (1.44 bird photographs/100 trap-nights) was recorded from a primary hill-submontane forest site located inside Kerinci Seblat National Park (KSNP) bordering degraded forest in a former logging concession recently repatriated into KSNP. However, inside a primary-selectively logged hill-submontane forest site spread over KSNP and an ex-logging concession, a Sumatran Ground Cuckoo (Carpococcyx viridis) was photographed. This species is noteworthy because prior to this study it had only been documented once since 1916. It is therefore crucial to use the camera trap results to increase the protection status for the ground cuckoo area. This has already happened in the other two study areas, where camera trap data have been used to reclassify the areas as Core Zones, the highest level of protection inside KSNP. This study illustrates how routine monitoring can have wider benefits through recording, and conserving, threatened and endemic non-target species in unexpected habitats that might not otherwise have been surveyed.
The historical and current status of Pink-headed Duck Rhodonessa caryophyllacea in Myanmar
Authors: Tordoff Andrew W. , Appleton Tim , Eames Jonathan C. , Eberhardt Karin , Hla Htin , Ma Ma Thwin Khin , Myo Zaw Sao , Moses Saw , Myo Aung Sein 
Published: March 2008

AbstractPink-headed Duck Rhodonessa caryophyllacea is a Critically Endangered species that has not been confirmed in the wild since 1948–1949. Historical records of the species are concentrated in India, although there are also a few from Myanmar. Between 2003 and 2005, BirdLife International and the Biodiversity and Nature Conservation Association (BANCA) conducted a series of field surveys of wetland habitats in the lowlands of Kachin state, an area with a cluster of historical records of the species. These were the first targeted efforts to assess the status of the species in Myanmar. These surveys were complemented by reviews of museum specimens and literature relating to the species in Myanmar. Two specimen records represent very strong evidence that the species occurred in Myanmar historically, although they shed little light on its seasonal status in the country. The surveys conducted by BirdLife International and BANCA were unable to confirm the continued occurrence of Pink-headed Duck in Myanmar. However, they did generate a limited amount of equivocal direct evidence, most notably two possible but unconfirmed sightings. There are several reasons for believing that the species may still persist in the lowlands of Kachin state and, perhaps, elsewhere in Myanmar. Shyness, combined with rarity, possible nocturnal habits and the impenetrability of its habitats, means that the species tended to be under-recorded historically, and may continue to be so currently. Further surveys are required to confirm this.
AFLP-based molecular characterization of Brassica rapa and diversity in Canadian spring turnip rape cultivars
Authors: Warwick S. I. , James T. , Falk K. C. 
Published: March 2008

Information on genetic diversity and genetic relationships among taxa of Brassica rapa (n = 10, AA genome) is currently limited. Grown for oil, vegetable and fodder use in Europe and Asia, previous studies have indicated western and eastern groups corresponding to independent centres of origin. This study evaluated patterns and levels of genetic diversity in 93 accessions [includes 25 Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) breeding lines (BL)] of B. rapa based on 307 amplified fragment length polymorphisms (AFLP), testing subspecific separateness and the affiliation of four previously unassigned AA genome species (B. perviridis, B. purpuraria, B. ruvo and B. septiceps). AFLP data revealed three main clusters (I, II, III) corresponding to European (I), Indian (III), and a mixed Asian/European/Indian (II) purported origins of the taxa, with several subclusters observed in I and II. Mean AFLP polymorphism levels for Asian, European, Indian and AAFC-BL accessions were 79, 74, 66 and 62%, respectively. Few of the subspecies formed unique clusters and some, particularly subspecies chinensis and pekinensis, were assigned to several clusters. AFLP-based genetic distance information can be used by breeders to select diverse genotypes for cultivar development and fingerprinting of genotypes/cultivars. For example, a single AFLP primer pair was sufficient to uniquely identify all breeding lines in the AAFC B. rapa breeding programme.
Sub‐lethal Levels of Electric Current Elicit the Biosynthesis of Plant Secondary Metabolites
Authors: Kaimoyo Evans , Farag Mohamed A. , Sumner Lloyd W. , Wasmann Catherine , Cuello Joel L. , VanEtten Hans 
Published: March 2008

AbstractMany secondary metabolites that are normally undetectable or in low amounts in healthy plant tissue are synthesized in high amounts in response to microbial infection. Various abiotic and biotic agents have been shown to mimic microorganisms and act as elicitors of the synthesis of these plant compounds. In the present study, sub‐lethal levels of electric current are shown to elicit the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites in transgenic and non‐transgenic plant tissue. The production of the phytoalexin (+)‐pisatin by pea was used as the main model system. Non‐transgenic pea hairy roots treated with 30–100 mA of electric current produced 13 times higher amounts of (+)‐pisatin than did the non‐elicited controls. Electrically elicited transgenic pea hairy root cultures blocked at various enzymatic steps in the (+)‐pisatin biosynthetic pathway also accumulated intermediates preceding the blocked enzymatic step. Secondary metabolites not usually produced by pea accumulated in some of the transgenic root cultures after electric elicitation due to the diversion of the intermediates into new pathways. The amount of pisatin in the medium bathing the roots of electro‐elicited roots of hydroponically cultivated pea plants was 10 times higher 24 h after elicitation than in the medium surrounding the roots of non‐elicited control plants, showing not only that the electric current elicited (+)‐pisatin biosynthesis but also that the (+)‐pisatin was released from the roots. Seedlings, intact roots or cell suspension cultures of fenugreek ( Trigonella foenum‐graecum), barrel medic, ( Medicago truncatula), Arabidopsis thaliana, red clover ( Trifolium pratense) and chickpea ( Cicer arietinum) also produced increased levels of secondary metabolites in response to electro‐elicitation. On the basis of our results, electric current would appear to be a general elicitor of plant secondary metabolites and to have potential for application in both basic and commercial research.
Thymol and related alkyl phenols activate the hTRPA1 channel
Authors: Lee S P , Buber M T , Yang Q , Cerne R , Cortés R Y , Sprous D G , Bryant R W 
Published: March 2008

Background and purpose: Thymol, a major component of thyme and oregano, has medical uses in oral care products as an astringent and antibiotic. Its distinctive sharp odour and pungent flavour are considered aversive properties. The molecular basis of these aversive properties is not well understood.Experimental approach: The ability of thymol to activate human transient receptor potential channel A1 (hTRPA1) expressed in stably transfected human embryonic kidney 293 (HEK293) cells was measured by membrane potential and calcium‐sensitive dyes in a fluorescence‐imaging plate reader (FLIPR) assay. Direct activation of hTRPA1 currents was measured by whole‐cell voltage clamp recording. Intracellular calcium changes were measured using fura‐2 dye. The FLIPR assay was also used to measure membrane potential changes elicited by thymol after pretreatment with camphor, a known TRPA1 inhibitor. The ability of related alkyl phenols to activate hTRPA1 was also determined.Key results: Thymol potently activated a membrane potential response and intracellular calcium increase in hTRPA1‐expressing HEK293 cells in a concentration‐dependent manner. Activation by thymol desensitized hTRPA1 to further exposure to thymol or the known ligand allyl isothiocyanate (AITC). The related phenols 2‐tert‐butyl‐5‐methylphenol, 2,6‐diisopropylphenol (propofol) and carvacrol also activated hTRPA1. Phenols with less bulky carbon substitutions and lower logP values were less potent in general. The response to thymol was blocked by camphor.Conclusions and implications: These results suggest a role for hTRPA1 activation in the reported pungent and aversive properties of some of these pharmaceutically important phenols.British Journal of Pharmacology (2008) 153, 1739–1749; doi:10.1038/bjp.2008.85; published online 10 March 2008
A Cross-Sectional Survey of the Frequency and Characteristics of Delusions in Acute Psychiatric Wards
Authors: Brakoulias Vlasios , Starcevic Vladan 
Published: March 2008

Objective: The aim of this paper was to ascertain the frequency and characteristics of delusions across several acute psychiatric wards. Method: A survey of the files of all 160 acute psychiatric inpatients aged 18–65 years within Western Sydney was conducted. Patients recorded as currently delusional were compared to non-delusional psychotic patients on demographic data, diagnoses, reason for admission, mode of admission, length of hospital stay, legal status, and treatments. Results: More than one-half of all patients in the acute psychiatric wards were recorded as being delusional. Persecutory delusions were found in 80% of delusional patients, and multiple delusions were common. Most delusions were steady in course, and 40% lasted longer than 6 months. Patients with delusions received a diagnosis of schizophrenia in 67% of the cases, while 72% of patients with schizophrenia were recorded as having delusions. Almost 90% of delusional patients were detained involuntarily. Antipsychotic medications were the mainstay of treatment for delusional patients, and 30% were treated with more than one antipsychotic. Non-pharmacological strategies for managing delusions were not used. Conclusions: Delusions are commonly seen in acute psychiatric wards. There may be a relationship between the presence of delusions, severity of illness and treatment resistance. This highlights the need for a broad and more effective approach to management.
Psychiatry's Problem Child: PTSD in the Forensic Context: (Part 1)
Authors: Gaughwin Peter 
Published: March 2008

Objective: The aim of this paper was to consider some of the recent literature that has raised questions about the prevalence of, and problems with, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in the forensic context and whether it is a failure by experts to consider adequately Criterion A (1), which leads them into error and results in a skewed picture of the prevalence of PTSD in litigation. Method: The nature of the stressor criterion for PTSD from DSM-III to DSM-IV-TR, and recent literature relating to problems with the manner in which that stressor criterion is applied in forensic contexts, are considered. Results: It becomes clear that, notwithstanding that the class of persons who can suffer PTSD after a particularly traumatic event has widened since it was included in the DSM-III, the nature of the stressor required before a diagnosis of PTSD can be made has remained fairly constant. Conclusions: Whether it is because PTSD is commonly associated with receiving a benefit (e.g. through post-war disability benefits, victims of crime compensation or because of a desire to use it as an ideological weapon), PTSD has become a ubiquitous presence in the forensic context, notwithstanding objective (i.e. non-forensic) clinical studies which refer to its rarity. It is clear now that PTSD symptoms can be readily simulated when the simulator is seeking a benefit. It is also becoming clear that some psychiatrists are not being as rigorous in the forensic context as they might be in a clinical context. Thus, with discussion now underway regarding DSM-V, it may be timely to reconsider the utility of PTSD as a clinical condition.
Motivations for Self-Injury in an Adolescent Inpatient Population: Development of a Self-Report Measure
Authors: Swannell Sarah , Martin Graham , Scott James , Gibbons Marion , Gifford Shaune 
Published: March 2008

Objective: The aim of this study was to develop and pilot an instrument for the assessment of self-injury in adolescent inpatients. Methods: The Self-Injury Motivation Scale was modified for use in adolescents. Thirty-eight consenting adolescent inpatients with a history of self-injury completed the Self-Injury Motivation Scale – Adolescent version (SIMS-A) and the Self-Injury Interview (SII) to collect information about a range of factors associated with self-injury, other clinical variables and demographic details. Results: The SIMS-A was acceptable to this adolescent sample and motivations for self-injury were similar to those of adults using the original SIMS scale. Adolescents were, however, more likely to use self-injury for communicating to/influencing others compared to adults. The participants most frequently reported self-injury by hitting, cutting and burning. The clinical diagnosis most frequently associated with self-injury was major depression. Females reported earlier onset, higher frequency and multiple methods of self-injury compared to males. Distraction from emotional pain was the most common motivation for self-injury in both males and females. Conclusions: This pilot study suggests the SIMS-A is a useful self-report measure to assist clinicians and adolescent patients to understand a behaviour that may be associated with shame, guilt or other difficult emotions for the adolescent. Results also support the contention that there are often multiple and conflicting motivations for self-injury. Self-injury in this population was more common and severe in female adolescents compared to males, while clinical depression was a risk factor for self-injury in both males and females. The small sample size of adolescent inpatients is an important limitation of this pilot study, and research using the SIMS-A in larger samples is warranted.
Pre-Pubertal Paediatric Bipolar Disorder: A Controversy from America
Authors: Parry Peter , Allison Stephen 
Published: March 2008

Objective: The aim of this paper was to explore the rapid rise in the diagnosis of bipolar disorder (BD) in the paediatric, particularly pre-pubertal, age group, in the USA over the past decade and to look at associated controversies. Conclusions: There has been a very marked rise in the diagnosis of BD among pre-pubertal children, and to a lesser extent adolescents, in the USA since the mid 1990s. The rise appears to have been driven by a reconceptualizing of clusters of emotional and behavioural symptoms in the paediatric age group by some academic child psychiatry departments, most notably in St Louis, Boston and Cincinnati. There is controversy in both the academic literature and public media centring on diagnostic methods, epidemiological studies, adverse effects of medication including media-reported fatalities, and pharmaceutical company influence. With some exceptions, the traditional view of BD as being very rare prior to puberty and uncommon in adolescence appears accepted beyond the USA, though whether this is changing is as yet uncertain, and thus there are implications for Australian and New Zealand child and adolescent psychiatry.
Implementing Smoke-Free Policies in Mental Health Inpatient Units: Learning from Unsuccessful Experience
Authors: Campion Jonathan , Lawn Sharon , Brownlie Andrew , Hunter Ernest , Gynther Bruce , Pols Rene 
Published: March 2008

Objective: The aim of this paper is to describe the introduction, trial and termination of a smoke-free policy in an acute mental health unit of a regional hospital, and to consider factors that may contribute to the success of such policies in other settings. Methods: This analysis is based on key informant interviews and review of correspondence related to the trial, and examination of the relevant incident-reporting database. Results: Planning for implementation is described. The trial itself was terminated after 6 weeks due to perceived increases in aggression by patients towards staff working in the high dependency unit. Staff perceived that these episodes were directly related to these patients not being allowed to smoke. While there was an increase in events during the trial relating to two seriously ill individuals, examination of formal incident reports over a period of 2 years suggests little change in the overall number of incidents. Conclusions: Despite clear public health benefits, implementation of a smoke-free policy may have untoward behavioural effects in institutional mental health settings. In addition, staff expectations and perceptions are critical. Salient factors appear to be preparation of staff and patients, appropriate training, avoidance of exceptions and inconsistency, considering alternatives to smoking to fill the gap created by the policy, and a culture of critical evaluation in practice. Such processes will facilitate understanding and cooperation so that mental health services are able to participate in important policy processes with implications for the health of patients and staff.
An Outline of the Planned Work of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists' Board of Education
Authors: Boyce Phillip , Burnett Peter , Crawshaw John , Cutbush Jimsie , Handrinos Dennis , Hay Phillippa , Mellsop Graham , Newton Richard , Whyte Sally 
Published: March 2008

Objective: The aim of this paper is to inform College Fellows, trainees and other stakeholders about the structure, principles and functioning of the new Board of Education. Conclusion: The educational activities of the College are likely to evolve and to be developed over the next 5 years by a process taking account of the views of key stakeholders. In the short term, there will be no changes to training or examination processes which would disadvantage trainees.