bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The impact of HIV/AIDS on labour productivity in Kenya
Authors: Fox Matthew P. , Rosen Sydney , MacLeod William B. , Wasunna Monique , Bii Margaret , Foglia Ginamarie , Simon Jonathon L. 
Published: November 2004

SummaryObjectives  To estimate the impact of HIV/AIDS on individual labour productivity during disease progression.Methods  We used a retrospective cohort design to study the productivity and attendance of tea estate workers who died or were medically retired because of AIDS‐related causes between 1997 and 2002 in western Kenya. We compared daily output in kilograms of tea leaves plucked, use of paid and unpaid leave and assignment to less strenuous tasks by 54 workers who died or were medically retired because of AIDS to those of comparison workers, matched on time and tea field using longitudinal regression.Results  HIV‐positive workers plucked less tea in the 18 months preceding AIDS‐related termination and used more leave in the 3 years before termination. After adjusting for age and environmental factors, cases plucked between 4.11 and 7.93 kg/day less in the last year and a half before termination. Cases used between 9.2 and 11.0 more sick leave days, between 6.4 and 8.3 more annual leave days, between 19.9 and 11.8 more casual leave days, and spent between 19.2 and 21.8 more days doing less strenuous tasks in the 2 years before termination than did comparison pluckers. Tea pluckers who terminated because of AIDS‐related causes earned 16.0% less in their second year before termination and 17.7% less in the year before termination.Conclusion  These results provide empirical estimates of the impact of HIV/AIDS on labour productivity. As workers often bring unrecorded ‘helpers’, actual differences may be greater. Decreased attendance and output may put sick workers in jeopardy of losing their jobs and impose financial burdens on employers.
Direct observation of treatment for tuberculosis: a randomized controlled trial of community health workers versus family members
Authors: Wright John , Walley John , Philip Aby , Pushpananthan Suresh , Dlamini Elijah , Newell James , Dlamini Sweetness 
Published: November 2004

SummaryWe implemented community‐based direct observation of treatment, short course (DOTS), including a randomized controlled trial of direct observation either by community health workers (CHWs) or family members, under operational conditions in a region of Swaziland. There was a high death rate of 15%, due to the high HIV rates in the region. There was no significant difference in the cure and completion rate between direct observation of treatment by CHWs and family members [2% difference (95% CI −3% to 7%), exact P = 0.52]. A before‐and‐after comparison of outcomes demonstrated that the cure and treatment completion rate improved from a baseline of 27–67% following implementation of community‐based DOTS. We conclude that community‐based tuberculosis DOTS can improve successful outcomes of treatment. However, direct observation can be undertaken effectively using either daily family or CHW supervision. The choice of treatment supporter should be based on access, patient preference and availability of CHW resource.
Self‐reported use of shared decision‐making among breast cancer specialists and perceived barriers and facilitators to implementing this approach
Authors: Charles Cathy , Gafni Amiram , Whelan Tim 
Published: November 2004

AbstractBackground  Physicians are increasingly urged to practice shared decision‐making with their patients. Using a cross‐sectional survey, we explored the extent to which Ontario breast cancer specialists report practising shared decision‐making with their patients, their comfort level with this approach, and perceived barriers and facilitators to implementation.Participants and methods  All Ontario surgeons and oncologists (radiation and medical) treating women with early‐stage breast cancer were eligible for this study. Likert scales were used to measure physicians’ comfort level with and self‐reported use of different treatment decision‐making approaches as well as perceived barriers and facilitators to treatment decision‐making with patients.Results  The response rate was 79% for oncologists and 72% for surgeons. More physicians from each specialty (87% of oncologists and 89% of surgeons) expressed high levels of comfort with clinical example 4 (designed to illustrate a shared approach) than with any of the other examples presented (e.g. the informed and paternalistic approach). Similarly, more oncologists and surgeons reported that their usual approach to treatment decision‐making was like example 4 than like any other approach presented (56% of oncologists and 69% of surgeons, respectively). Comfort levels with example 4 for oncologists and surgeons were 31% and 20% higher, respectively, than the reported use of this approach. Lack of time and patient anxiety, patient lack of information and/or misinformation, and patient unwillingness or inability to participate were perceived by a substantial minority of both oncologists and surgeons as barriers to patient involvement in treatment decision‐making. Key facilitators identified included patients’ emotional readiness, support, information and trust in the physician. More research is needed to identify contextual, physician, patient, and interaction factors that will facilitate shared decision‐making in the medical encounter and help both parties create an environment conducive to implementing this approach to the extent desired.
Changes in neuronal activation in patients with bipolar disorder during performance of a working memory task
Authors: Adler Caleb M , Holland Scott K , Schmithorst Vince , Tuchfarber Michael J , M Strakowski Stephen 
Published: November 2004

Objectives:  Several lines of evidence suggest that deficits in cognition persist in bipolar patients during periods of euthymia. Working memory impairment has been observed in euthymic bipolar patients and noted to be a significant source of functional deficits in psychiatric disorders. Functional changes associated with these cognitive deficits however, remain poorly understood. We hypothesized that patients with bipolar disorder would demonstrate changes in neuronal activation in specific regions forming part of the working memory network.Methods:  Fifteen euthymic bipolar patients and fifteen age‐ and gender‐matched healthy controls were recruited. Subjects participated in fMRI scans during which a two‐back working memory task alternated with a zero‐back control/attention task using a block‐design paradigm. Groups were analyzed separately, and intergroup comparisons were made using an exploratory, voxel‐by‐voxel analysis.Results:  Bipolar patients performed more poorly on the cognitive tasks than did healthy controls (F = 3.77, p = 0.04). After covarying for task performance and reaction time, bipolar patients demonstrated significantly greater activation than healthy subjects in several regions including the fronto‐polar prefrontal cortex, temporal cortex, basal ganglia, thalamus, and posterior parietal cortex. No areas showed a significant decrease in activation, compared with healthy controls.Conclusions:  Our findings suggest that decreased working memory performance in bipolar patients reflects specific neurofunctional deficits. These deficits may represent primary areas of neuropathology or be secondary to neuropathology elsewhere in the working memory network. Continued research utilizing other imaging modalities may further clarify the underlying neuropathology involved in these cognitive deficits.
Bipolar depression: phenomenological overview and clinical characteristics
Authors: Mitchell Philip B , Malhi Gin S 
Published: November 2004

Objectives:  There has been increasing interest in the depressed phase of bipolar disorder (bipolar depression). This paper aims to review the clinical characteristics of bipolar depression, focusing upon its prevalence and phenomenology, related neuropsychological dysfunction, suicidal behaviour, disability and treatment responsiveness.Methods:  Studies on the prevalence of depression in bipolar disorder, the comparative phenomenology of bipolar and unipolar depression, as well as neuropsychology and brain imaging studies, are reviewed. To identify relevant papers, a literature search using MEDLINE and PubMed was undertaken.Results:  Depression is the predominant mood disturbance in bipolar disorder, and most frequently presents as subsyndromal, minor or dysthymic depression. Compared with major depressive disorder (unipolar depression), bipolar depression is more likely to manifest with psychosis, melancholic symptoms, psychomotor retardation (in bipolar I disorder) and ‘atypical’ symptoms. The few neuropsychological studies undertaken indicate greater impairment in bipolar depression. Suicide rates are high in bipolar disorder, with suicidal ideation, suicide attempts and completed suicides all occurring predominantly in the depressed phase of this condition. Furthermore, the depressed phase (even subsyndromal) appears to be the major contributant to the disability related to this condition.Conclusions:  The significance of the depressed phase of bipolar disorder has been markedly underestimated. Bipolar depression accounts for most of the morbidity and mortality due to this illness. Current treatments have significant limitations.
GAMIAN‐Europe/BEAM survey II: cross‐national analysis of unemployment, family history, treatment satisfaction and impact of the bipolar disorder on life style
Authors: Morselli PL , Elgie R , Cesana BM 
Published: November 2004

Objectives:  In a previous report, we described the global analysis of the ‘GAMIAN‐Europe/BEAM survey’ carried out in order to gain a better understanding of what is like to live with a bipolar disorder (BD). We report here on a cross‐national analysis of unemployment, family history, side effects, treatment satisfaction and the impact the disorder had and has on patients’ perception of life style and quality of life.Methods:  The methodology has been described in the previous report [Morselli PL and Elgie R, J Bipolar Disord (2003) 5, 265]. The analysis was carried out on the data derived from eight countries (France, Italy, Holland, Portugal, Russia, Scotland, Spain and Sweden) on a total of 968 respondents. Data from three other countries were not evaluated because of the low number of respondents.Results:  The data suggest that the problems and difficulties encountered by bipolar patients are similar throughout the various European countries, regardless of the political, social or cultural settings. The disease leads to a very high rate of unemployment and has a significant negative impact on the perception of the quality of life, both within and outside the family. Data also indicate a high level of family history. Considering the many variables analysed in the different nations, trans‐national differences are often present for a given specific issue. However, with regard to the core issues, no significantly different patterns appear to emerge for any given nation. The current attitude towards the disorder displays an increased insight about the condition on the part of patients. There is also a definite trend towards an improvement in their perception of the disease with an evident minor or reduced impact of the disorder on the life‐style of patients.Conclusions:  Globally, the data indicate that in all participating countries there has been, in recent years, a consistent improvement in the ‘perceived quality of life’ of the ‘informed patient’ with an increased insight into the condition and an enhanced rate of compliance. Nevertheless, a lot still needs to be done to markedly improve the ‘social functioning’ and the ‘social integration’ of those who suffer from BD. The data reported underline some of the issues that still represent a truly onerous burden for BD patients in whichever European country they may live.
Inonotus dryadeus in North America: new records, hosts, distribution and incidence
Authors: Krug J. C. , Setliff E. C. , Dmytrasz P. 
Published: November 2004

Summary Inonotus dryadeus is newly reported in eastern Canada (Ontario) on Acer platanoides and Acer saccharinum, both new hosts, and Ulmus americana. The host range, incidence, and available distributional data in continental North America are summarized in a table. The fungus occurs primarily on Quercus, Abies, and Tsuga. Occasionally, it is found on Picea and Pinus as well as many other hardwood trees. Colder climates and host differences in the boreal forests may be limiting distributional factors. Inonotus dryadeus appears to favour very old trees. The maximum known width of the fruiting body is revised upward to 74.9 cm.
Genetic diversity of the hyperparasite Sphaerellopsis filum on Melampsora willow rusts
Authors: Liesebach M. , Zaspel I. 
Published: November 2004

SummaryThe non‐specific rust hyperparasite Sphaerellopsis filum occurs naturally on Melampsora rusts of many species of the genus Salix as well as on a large range of other rust genera worldwide. To study the genetic diversity of the hyperparasitic fungus 77 S. filum isolates collected from rusts on willow clones from plantations, clone collections and natural habitats of different sites were investigated using polymerase chain reaction ‐ restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR‐RFLP) analysis of the rDNA internal transcribed spacer regions including 5.8S rDNA and sequence analysis. Additionally, strains from Melampsora poplar rusts (4) and strains of Puccinia abrupta from Parthenium hysterophorus (5) and of P. obscura from Bellis perennis (1) were used for comparisons. Results of genetic analysis demonstrated distinct variation within the S. filum isolates. Two main groups with more than 32% difference between their nucleotide sequences were distinguished, indicating two taxa within S. filum. Within the first main group three profiles (I, II, III) were detected. The differences between these profiles were about 12%. The variation within each profile was very low (less than 2%). The second main group comprised two profiles (IV, V), which differed in 12 to 16% of their nucleotide positions. The isolates of group IV possessed a higher variation (up to 5%) within the group than those of the first main group (I, II, III). Group V was only represented by a single isolate. Neither interrelations between the S. filum profiles and the Melampsora genotypes nor a spatial distribution could be detected. It is remarkable that the six strains of S. filum from Puccinia rusts belong to one subgroup.
Witches’ broom disease of reed bamboos in Kerala, India
Authors: Mohanan C. 
Published: November 2004

SummaryA witches’ broom disease caused byBalansia linearis(Ascomycota,Clavicipitaceae) affecting reed bamboos was recorded during a disease survey in natural stands and plantations in Kerala State, India. Depending on site and host species, the pathogen infected up to 24% of the clumps of the commercially exploited reed bamboos,Ochlandra travancoricavar.hirsuta, Ochlandra travancorica, Ochlandra scriptoria, andOchlandra ebracteataand poses a threat to the reed bamboo industry.
First hybrid plane trees to show resistance against canker stain (Ceratocystis fimbriata f. sp. platani)
Authors: Vigouroux A. , Olivier R. 
Published: November 2004

SummaryCanker stain, caused by the ascomycete Ceratocystis fimbriata f. sp. platani, is a major threat to plane trees in Europe. The American plane tree (Platanus occidentalis) carries some genetic resistance, but this species is not adapted to the climatic conditions in Europe. Therefore, hybrids between susceptible oriental plane trees (Platanus orientalis) and resistant P. occidendalis were screened for disease resistance in France. Among 960 hybrids, we found 18 individuals which survived two successive inoculations. These putatively resistant trees were cut back and, after 18 months, on each tree 12 of the newly produced shoots as well as two roots, were inoculated again. From these trees, only one showed complete and another one partial resistance. This selection process resulting in the resistant clone ‘Vallis clausa’ is described in detail.
Is the Companion Crop Harmless to Alfalfa Establishment in the Highlands of East Anatolia?
Authors: Tan M. , Serin Y. 
Published: November 2004

AbstractThis study documented the effects of barley companion crop seeding rate and cutting stage on alfalfa establishment in a highland area. Alfalfa was established with barley at seeding rates of 0, 60, 120 and 180 kg ha−1 and cut at the milk‐dough and ripe grain stages. In most cases, hay yield and composition of herbage were affected by companion crop seeding rate and cutting stage. Total hay yield increased from 3294 to 5131 kg ha−1 when the companion crop seeding rate was increased from 0 to 180 kg ha−1 at the milk‐dough stage. Legume and weed growth was suppressed by the companion crop during establishment, but using a barley companion crop decreased alfalfa plant losses in the seeding year. Few residual effects of barley were seen on hay yield in the subsequent year, but residual effects of companion crop treatments on weed suppression continued in all clippings of the second year. The results suggest that alfalfa should be sown with a barley companion crop in highland areas with adequate moisture. The seeding rate for barley is about the same as that for barley grown alone, and the companion crop could be harvested for hay or grain in the establishment year.
Herbicidal Potential and Quantification of Suspected Allelochemicals from Four Grass Crop Extracts
Authors: Chon S.‐U. , Kim Y.‐M. 
Published: November 2004

AbstractUnknown compounds in crop plants are inhibitory to seed germination and early seedling growth of weed plants. A Petri dish assay showed that barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), oats (Avena sativa L.), rice (Oryza sativa L.) and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) extracts significantly reduced root growth of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), barnyard grass (Echinochloa crus‐galli, Beauv. var. oryzicola Ohwi.) and eclipta (Eclipta prostrata L.). As the concentration of crop extracts increased, root growth of the test plants were significantly reduced. A high‐performance liquid chromatography analysis with nine standard phenolic compounds showed that the concentrations and compositions of allelopathic compounds depend on the extracted plant extracts. Caffeic acid, hydro‐cinnamic acid, ferulic acid, m‐coumaric acid, p‐coumaric acid and coumarin were present in all the crop plant species, and hydro‐cinnamic acid were detected as the highest amount. Coumarin at 10−3 m significantly inhibited root growth of alfalfa and barnyard grass more than that of eclipta. The research suggests that extracts of barley, oats, rice and wheat have an allelopathic effect on alfalfa, barnyard grass and eclipta and that the findings of bioassay were considerably correlated with the type and amount of causative allelochemicals, indicating that the allelopathic effects on three test plants were ranked in order of wheat (highest), barley, rice and oats (lowest). The results may have value in enabling weed control based on natural plant extracts or crop residues in the fields.
Genotypic Variability in Drought Performance and Recovery in Cowpea under Controlled Environment
Authors: Anyia A. O. , Herzog H. 
Published: November 2004

AbstractMid‐season drought is a factor frequently limiting crop production in the moist to dry savannah zones of the tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Ten cowpea genotypes were subjected to a cycle of drought at flowering followed by re‐watering to study variation in drought performance and recovery. Drought caused a reduction in leaf assimilation rate, transpiration rate and stomatal conductance with genotypic variances of 75.4, 57.9, and 83.3 %, respectively. Only genotypic variance in stomatal conductance increased appreciably under drought. Reductions in leaf water potential as a consequence of drought positively correlated with a decline in assimilation rate, which was associated with stomatal closure. One week after re‐watering, the three gas exchange parameters of stressed plants recovered fully and attained values 10–30 % higher than the well‐watered plants with increased genotypic variability. Reductions in the total dry matter during the drought interval varied from 11 to 50 % among genotypes, but were of minor importance for the total dry matter at maturity. After stress, the gain in dry matter varied considerably among the stressed genotypes, with stressed plants showing higher gain than the unstressed plants during this interval. This was associated with increased availability of assimilates due to enhanced green leaf area duration after stress release. Variability in drought recovery among genotypes was found, and appears to be more important for final yield than responses during drought.
Ad libitumfeeding following ovariectomy in female Beagle dogs: effect on maintenance energy requirement and on blood metabolites
Authors: Jeusette I. , Detilleux J. , Cuvelier C. , Istasse L. , Diez M. 
Published: November 2004

SummaryThe aim of this study was (i) to evaluate the effect of ovariectomy on daily energy requirement in Beagle dogs, and (ii) to evaluate the effects ofad libitumfeeding with a high energy diet on energy consumption, body weight gain and blood metabolites in these spayed dogs. Four young adult female Beagle dogs were used. Ovariectomy induced a significant decrease of daily energy requirement in dogs.Ad libitumfeeding, initiated 6 months after spaying, induced a significant increase in consumption in spayed dogs. This overconsumption was greatest during the first month ofad libitumfeeding but continued for the entire 4 months of this period. When fedad libitum, dogs gained excess body weight without significant effect on plasma cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose and insulin, at short term. These data suggest that energy intake should be strictly controlled to avoid excess weight gain in spayed dogs.
Relationship between dietary unsaturation and vitamin E in poultry
Authors: Villaverde C. , Cortinas L. , Barroeta A. C. , Martín‐Orúe S. M. , Baucells M. D. 
Published: November 2004

SummaryVitamin E requirements are linked to dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) content as a result of the protective effect of vitamin E from lipid peroxidation. On the other hand, it has been suggested that dietary PUFA interfere with vitamin E absorption. A 4 × 4 factorial study was planned to assess the effect of dietary vitamin E inclusion level (0, 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg) and degree of unsaturation (15, 34, 45 and 61 g PUFA/kg) on vitamin E apparent absorption and tissue deposition in poultry. A total of 192 female broiler chickens were used. A digestibility balance was carried out between 19 and 23 days of age to calculate apparent absorption of fat and vitamin E. The livers of 96 animals were obtained at 44 days of age for vitamin E determination. Increasing dietary levels of vitamin E reduced its apparent absorption. The more saturated diet reduced fat and vitamin E apparent absorption while PUFA levels from 34 to 61 g/kg did not modify this parameter but reduced the hepatic vitamin E concentration, suggesting a greater systemic use of this vitamin. These results suggest that PUFA do not limit vitamin E absorption, although they may increase its degradation in the gastrointestinal tract.