bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mitochondria: are they the seat of senescence?
Authors: Fridovich Irwin 
Published: December 2004

SummaryThe frequently quoted figure for the fractional univalent reduction of oxygen to superoxide in mitochondria is certainly too high by at least one order of magnitude. This is so because the higher number (2%) was derived from mitochondria whose cytochrome c oxidase was blocked with cyanide. Nevertheless, even the more correct number (0.1%) means that the production of and H2O2 in mitochondria is large and apt to result in damage to macromolecules in spite of such defensive enzymes as superoxide dismutases and glutathione peroxidase. The data available for nematodes and flies provide a compelling case for the view that the accumulation of oxidative damage to specific mitochondrial proteins leads to the progressive dysfunction that we see as senescence. The data available from work with mammals are much weaker and do not yet allow a strong position to be taken.
Transpupillary thermotherapy for idiopathic subfoveal choroidal neovascularization
Authors: Kumar Atul , Prakash Gunjan , Singh Rajindra P. 
Published: December 2004

Abstract.Purpose: To assess the efficacy of transpupillary thermotherapy (TTT) for the management of idiopathic subfoveal choroidal neovascularization (CNV).Methods: This was a prospective, non‐controlled, clinical case trial involving 21 eyes of 21 patients with a mean age of 36 years. All 21 eyes had idiopathic subfoveal CNV and were subjected to diode laser TTT. Laser beam size ranged from 1.2 mm to 3.0 mm and power settings ranged between 300 mW and 600 mW. The end‐point was an area of no visible colour change. Pre‐ and post‐laser evaluations of ETDRS visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, slit‐lamp biomicroscopy and fluorescein angiography were carried out.Results: The nine predominantly occult and 12 predominantly classic subfoveal membranes were followed‐up for a mean of 5.1 months after TTT. Overall, 17 eyes (81%) showed improvement or stabilization in ETDRS visual acuity. Contrast sensitivity improved in 17 eyes (81%). Reading speed improved in 15 eyes (71%). Retreatment was needed in three eyes (14%).Conclusion: Transpupillary thermotherapy treatment is a potential strategy for treating idiopathic subfoveal CNV in both its classic and occult forms.
A prospective longterm study of primary chronic angle closure glaucoma
Authors: Sihota Ramanjit , Sood Aman , Gupta Viney , Gupta Vishal , Dada Tanuj , Agarwal Harish C. 
Published: December 2004

Abstract.Purpose:  To prospectively evaluate the longterm outcome of therapy for chronic primary angle closure glaucoma (PACG) and to assess the efficacy of medical and surgical treatment in terms of intraocular pressure (IOP) and visual field stabilization.Methods:  Seventy consecutive patients with chronic PACG, whose IOP remained > 21 mmHg despite a patent iridotomy, had their IOP controlled by medications or trabeculectomy performed without antimetabolites. They were followed over a 6‐year period. Best corrected visual acuity, IOP (mean of annual diurnal variation readings), cup : disc ratio and visual fields were recorded. A trabeculectomy was performed if the IOP was not adequately controlled on maximal tolerable medical therapy or if there was a progression of the glaucomatous defect. Data from one eye of each patient were analysed; if both eyes met the inclusion criteria, one was randomly selected for the analysis. The baseline parameters were compared with those at the end of 6 years.Results:  A total of 46 eyes (65%) were controlled medically throughout the 6‐year follow‐up period, while 24 eyes (35%) required surgery. The mean IOP was 25.4 ± 4.9 mmHg at baseline and 15.6 ± 4.6 mmHg at 6 years follow‐up (p < 0.001). Stereoscopic evaluation of the cup : disc ratio did not show a significant change from a mean of 0.6 ± 0.18 at baseline to a mean of 0.64 ± 0.2 at 6 years (p = 0.12). Progression of visual field defects was seen in seven eyes (10%), which had statistically larger cup : disc ratios (p = 0.04) and more extensive visual field deficits at the initial assessment (p = 0.04), and which also maintained higher levels of IOP (p = 0.03) over the 6 years of follow‐up.Conclusions:  Stable visual fields and good longterm IOP control were seen in 90% of chronic primary angle closure glaucoma eyes on medical/surgical therapy over 6 years.
Lycanthropy – psychopathological and psychodynamical aspects
Authors: Garlipp P. , Gödecke‐Koch T. , Dietrich D. E. , Haltenhof H. 
Published: December 2004

Objective: The imagination of being transformed into an animal or being an animal is called lycanthropy. The phenomenon is presented and psychodynamical aspects are discussed.Method: A literature review forms the base of this discussion of a psychopathological phenomenon.Results: The lycanthropic symptomatology represents a spectrum of continuity of developmental and culture‐dependent normal behaviour via partial forms to the complete picture of lycanthropy. It is observed in different mental disorders.Conclusion: Lycanthropy is interpreted by the authors as a delusion in the sense of the self‐identity disorder defined by Scharfetter. It is mainly found in affective and schizophrenic disorders but can be a symptom of other psychiatric disorders as well. Psychodynamically this kind of delusion can be interpreted as an attempt to project suppressed affects, especially with aggressive or sexual content, into the figure of an animal. Psychotherapy and/or neuroleptic medication can be effective.
Elderly suicide in Hong Kong – a case‐controlled psychological autopsy study
Authors: Chiu H. F. K. , Yip P. S. F. , Chi I. , Chan S. , Tsoh J. , Kwan C. W. , Li S. F. , Conwell Y. , Caine E. 
Published: December 2004

Objective:  To examine some of the risk factors for late life suicide in Hong Kong Chinese using a case‐controlled psychological autopsy approach.Method:  Informants of 70 subjects aged 60 or above who had committed suicide as well as a community sample of 100 elderly controls were interviewed. Subjects and controls were assessed for the presence of mental illness, history of suicide attempt and data on health care utilization.Results:  Eighty‐six per cent of suicide subjects suffered from a psychiatric problem before committing suicide, compared with 9% of control subjects. Among the psychiatric problems, major depression was the commonest diagnosis. Seventy‐seven per cent of suicide subjects had consulted a doctor within 1 month of suicide. One‐third of suicide subjects had a history of suicide attempt. Rates of current psychiatric diagnosis, rates of medical consultation and history of suicide attempt are all significantly higher in suicide subjects than controls.Conclusion:  Our findings support the view that depressive disorders and a past history of suicide attempt are risk factors of late‐life suicide in the Chinese population of Hong Kong, similar to findings in western studies.
The predictive effect of episodes on the risk of recurrence in depressive and bipolar disorders – a life‐long perspective
Authors: Kessing L. V. , Hansen M. G. , Andersen P. K. , Angst J. 
Published: December 2004

Objective:  It is generally accepted that one of the most important predictors of recurrence in depressive and bipolar disorders is the number of previous episodes. However, very few studies have considered the individual tendency toward recurrence in analyses of the effect of the number of episodes on the risk of subsequent recurrence in affective disorder.Method:  Frailty models were used to estimate the effect of the number of episodes on the rate of recurrence taking into account the individual frailty toward recurrence. The study base consisted of 406 patients, 186 patients with depressive disorder and 220 patients with bipolar disorder, who were admitted between 1959 and 1963 to the Psychiatric Hospital University of Zurich with an affective episode and followed up to 1997.Results:  The individual rate of subsequent recurrence was found to increase with the number of episodes even when the effect was adjusted for the individual frailty toward recurrence. The effect of episodes was the same in depressive and bipolar disorders and for men and women.Conclusion:  It seems increasingly valid that in depressive and bipolar disorders, the risk of subsequent recurrence increases with the number of episodes.
Delineating disability, labour force participation and employment restrictions among persons with psychosis
Authors: Waghorn G. , Chant D. , White P. , Whiteford H. 
Published: December 2004

Objective: To delineate at a population level: activity restrictions, labour market participation, educational attainment, employment restrictions and employment characteristics of persons with psychosis compared with healthy non‐disabled persons.Method: Confidentialized data files were provided by the Australian Bureau of Statistics. The data were collected in a national survey titled ‘Survey of Disability, Ageing and Carers, Australia 1998’. Multi‐stage sampling strategies obtained a probability sample of 42 664 individuals. Trained interviewers using ICD‐10 computer‐assisted interviews identified household residents with psychosis.Results: Among householders with psychosis aged 15–64 years, 75.2% were non‐participants in the labour market, 21.1% were employed and 3.7% were looking for work. Completing school years 10 and 11, and vocational training, appeared to offer an employment advantage.Conclusion: Persons with psychotic disorders have low rates of labour force participation and may benefit from greater participation in educational and vocational services. Implications for policy development are discussed.
Domestic Practice, Comparative International Analyses and Accounting Discretion—Italian Savings Banks’ Pension Cost Accounting
Authors: Capalbo Francesco 
Published: December 2004

In countries where the use of financial statements is minimal and relative accounting debate less intense, domestic practices may gain benefit from being consistently applied. Comparison with foreign experience is crucial. It leads to questioning of the appropriateness of practices that might otherwise never be discussed, particularly where they are developed in such a way as to favour the stakeholders controlling the accounting process. A salient example evidencing the above claims is to be found in the Italian savings banks (hereafter ‘banks’) accounting for the cost of defined benefits pension plans. The Italian financial system is credit‐based. While banks play a predominant role, the financial industry itself enjoys significant autonomy in setting its accounting standards. This is especially so in respect of the accounting for the cost of pensions as savings banks have offered the most significant and almost unique example of employees’ defined benefit pension plans in Italy. The present article compares some aspects of the long debated international and Anglo‐Saxon standards’ recommendations with the infrequently questioned Italian domestic practice. The substantial deviations that emerge in the Italian system favour particularly management and proprietorship by allowing a significant degree of discretion regarding the labour cost figure, thereby enhancing the banks’ salary bargaining strength.
On the Optimality and Limitations of Buehler Bounds
Authors: Lloyd Chris J. , Kabaila Paul 
Published: December 2004

AbstractIn 1957, R.J. Buehler gave a method of constructing honest upper confidence limits for a parameter that are as small as possible subject to a pre‐specified ordering restriction. In reliability theory, these ‘Buehler bounds’ play a central role in setting upper confidence limits for failure probabilities. Despite their stated strong optimality property, Buehler bounds remain virtually unknown to the wider statistical audience. This paper has two purposes. First, it points out that Buehler's construction is not well defined in general. However, a slightly modified version of the Buehler construction is minimal in a slightly weaker, but still compelling, sense. A proof is presented of the optimality of this modified Buehler construction under minimal regularity conditions. Second, the paper demonstrates that Buehler bounds can be expressed as the supremum of Buehler bounds conditional on any nuisance parameters, under very weak assumptions. This result is then used to demonstrate that Buehler bounds reduce to a trivial construction for the location‐scale model. This places important practical limits on the application of Buehler bounds and explains why they are not as well known as they deserve to be.
The Use of Balanced Incomplete Block Designs in Designing Randomized Response Surveys
Authors: Smith Narelle F. , Street Deborah J. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractThis paper investigates the block total response method proposed by Raghavarao and Federer for providing accurate estimates of the base rates of sensitive characteristics during surveys. It determines the best balanced incomplete block design to use to estimate the base rates for three, four, five and six sensitive attributes respectively, given a maximum total number of 13 questions. The estimates obtained from this method have smaller variance than estimates obtained using the similar, but more popular, unmatched count technique.
Prediction Error Property of the Lasso Estimator and its Generalization
Authors: Huang Fuchun 
Published: December 2004

AbstractThe lasso procedure is an estimator‐shrinkage and variable selection method. This paper shows that there always exists an interval of tuning parameter values such that the corresponding mean squared prediction error for the lasso estimator is smaller than for the ordinary least squares estimator. For an estimator satisfying some condition such as unbiasedness, the paper defines the corresponding generalized lasso estimator. Its mean squared prediction error is shown to be smaller than that of the estimator for values of the tuning parameter in some interval. This implies that all unbiased estimators are not admissible. Simulation results for five models support the theoretical results.
Fifteen‐year follow‐up of ICD‐10 schizoaffective disorders compared with schizophrenia and affective disorders
Authors: Jäger M. , Bottlender R. , Strauss A. , Möller H.‐J. 
Published: December 2004

Objective: The nosological status of schizoaffective disorders is still unclear. The aim of the present study was to compare ICD‐10 schizoaffective disorders to schizophrenia and affective disorders with respect to the clinical picture and the long‐term outcome.Method: Two hundred and forty‐one first‐admitted inpatients from the years 1980–1982 who fulfilled the ICD‐10 criteria for schizophrenia, schizoaffective or affective disorders were included. Patients were examined at the time of first hospitalization and then followed‐up after 15 years.Results: With respect to the clinical picture at the time of first hospitalization ICD‐10 schizoaffective disorders were distinguishable from both schizophrenia and affective disorders. However, with respect to the long‐term outcome ICD‐10 schizoaffective disorders had a prognosis similar to that of affective disorders.Conclusion: Differing prognosis implies that schizoaffective disorders should be distinguished from schizophrenia and suggests their subcategorization under affective disorders.
Reduced dopamine D4 receptor mRNA expression in lymphocytes of long‐term abstinent alcohol and heroin addicts
Authors: Czermak Christoph , Lehofer Michael , Wagner Elke M. , Prietl Barbara , Lemonis Leonidas , Rohrhofer Alfred , Schauenstein Konrad , Liebmann Peter M. 
Published: December 2004

ABSTRACTAim  It has been repeatedly suggested that dopamine receptor expression in peripheral blood lymphocytes reflects, to some extent, brain status. The aim of the present study was to investigate dopamine receptor expression in peripheral blood lymphocytes of long‐term abstinent alcohol and heroin addicts against the background of the hypothesis, that a persisting dysfunction of the dopaminergic system contributes a biological cause to the chronic character of addiction.Design  Dopamine D3 and D4 receptor mRNA expression in peripheral blood lymphocytes was measured by real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in 19 alcohol addicts, abstinent for 6.2 ± 4.7 months (mean ± SD), and 20 heroin addicts, abstinent for 6.7 ± 3.7 months (mean ± SD), and compared to a control group of 29 age‐ and sex‐matched individuals with no life‐time history of substance abuse.Findings  One‐way anova showed significant differences in D4 mRNA expression between the groups (P = 0.005): both groups of addicts showed an approximately 50% reduction in D4 receptor mRNA expression in peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) compared to controls. No differences were found for D3 mRNA expression between the groups.Conclusion  The results of the present study indicate a withdrawal‐persisting dopaminergic imbalance in abstinent addicts as measured by a suggested peripheral marker.
The effectiveness of personally tailored computer‐generated advice letters for smoking cessation
Authors: Borland Ron , Balmford James , Hunt Deon 
Published: December 2004

ABSTRACTAim  To assess the effectiveness of a new computer‐generated tailored advice programme designed to be used by smokers and recent quitters having problems staying stopped.Design  Randomized trial comparing a series of questionnaire assessments leading to tailored computer‐generated advice letters mailed at strategically relevant times, to a no extra treatment control sent standardized printed self‐help materials.Setting  Victoria, Australia.Participants  A total of 1058 smokers or recent quitters recruited from callers to the Quitline.Measurements  Smoking status and sustained abstinence at 12‐month follow‐up, plus extent of participation in the intervention.Findings  Using a conservative analysis (missing data coded as a treatment failure), 6‐month sustained abstinence was reported by significantly more participants in the computer‐generated tailored advice (20%) than the standard printed materials condition (12%) at 12‐month follow‐up OR 1.82 (1.31–2.55)). Group differences in point prevalence abstinence (28% intervention, 25% control) were not significant. Among participants in the tailored advice condition, 6‐month sustained abstinence was associated with the number of advice letters received.Conclusion  The provision of a series of tailored, computer‐generated advice letters resulted in greater rates of sustained cessation than for controls. A dose–response relationship was found, with increased compliance with the intervention associated with improved cessation outcomes. The programme appears to have much of its effect by preventing relapse.
Heterogeneity in 12‐month outcome among female and male smokers
Authors: Swan Gary E. , Javitz Harold S. , Jack Lisa M. , Curry Susan J. , McAfee Tim 
Published: December 2004

ABSTRACTAims  To examine heterogeneity in outcome following treatment for smoking cessation with combined bupropion SR and behavioral counseling in women and men.Design, setting, participants  This study included 875 women and 649 men recruited from a large health‐care system and randomized to one of four combinations of treatment [two dosage levels of bupropion SR (Zyban®, 150 mg and 300 mg) were crossed with two counseling programs of lower and higher intensity to create a four‐cell design].Measurements and findings  A comprehensive set of relevant individual characteristics prior to treatment and treatment characteristics was included in the analysis. Smoking outcome at 12 months was defined as point‐prevalence of any regular smoking within the 7 days prior to follow‐up contact. Classification and regression tree analysis identified six subgroups in women that ranged in proportion of non‐smokers from 9.8% to 42.9% and six subgroups in men that ranged in proportion of non‐smokers from 17.3% to 50.0%.Conclusions  These results indicate the presence of a substantial amount of variation in treatment outcome among women and men receiving combined bupropion SR and counseling. Variation in outcome could be reduced by providing treatments tailored to subgroups of individuals who are at exceptionally high risk for smoking following cessation.
Drinking pattern and risk of non‐fatal myocardial infarction: a population‐based case–control study
Authors: Trevisan Maurizio , Dorn Joan , Falkner Karen , Russell Marcia , Ram Malathi , Muti Paola , Freudenheim Jo L. , Nochajaski Thomas , Hovey Kathy 
Published: December 2004

ABSTRACTAims  Alcohol consumption has been associated with a reduced risk of heart disease incidence and mortality. However, most studies have focused on an average volume per specific time period and have paid little attention to the pattern of drinking. The aim of this study was to examine the association between various drinking patterns and myocardial infarction (MI).Design  A population‐based case–control study.Methods  Participants were 427 white males with incident MI and 905 healthy white male controls (age 35–69 years) selected randomly from two Western New York counties. During computer‐assisted interviews detailed information was collected regarding patterns of alcohol consumption during the 12–24 months prior to interview (controls) or MI (cases).Findings  Compared to life‐time abstainers, adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for non‐current and current drinkers were 0.66 (0.31–1.39) and 0.50 (0.24–1.02), respectively. Daily drinkers exhibited a significantly lower OR (0.41) compared to life‐time abstainers. Participants who drank mainly without food had an OR of 1.49 (0.96–2.31) compared to those who drank mainly with food and 0.62 (0.28–1.37) compared to life‐time abstainers. Men who reported drinking only at weekends had a significantly greater MI risk [1.91; (1.21–3.01)] compared to men who drank less than once/week, but not compared to life‐time abstainers [0.91 (0.40–2.07)].Conclusions  Our results indicate that patterns of alcohol use have important cardiovascular health implications.
The utility of drug testing in epidemiological research: results from a general population survey
Authors: Fendrich Michael , Johnson Timothy P. , Wislar Joseph S. , Hubbell Amy , Spiehler Vina 
Published: December 2004

ABSTRACTAims  To assess the utility of biological testing in a general population survey for estimating prevalence and evaluating self‐report data quality.Design  An audio computer‐assisted interview was administered to subjects from June 2001 to January 2002. Immediately following the interview, subjects were requested to participate in hair, oral fluid and urine testing.Setting  Subjects were from randomly selected households in the City of Chicago using multi‐stage sampling methods. Interviews were conducted in subjects’ homes.Participants  The data represent 627 randomly selected adult participants, ages 18–40 years.Measurements  Prevalance, kappa, conditioned kappa, sensitivity, specificity, under‐reporting, ‘mixed model’ and logistic regression.Findings  Higher rates of marijuana use were generated from survey reports than from drug testing. Drug testing generated higher prevalence rates than survey reports for recent use of cocaine and heroin. Under‐reporting of recent drug use was apparent for all three substances. Sensitivity was particularly low for cocaine and heroin. Race was related to under‐reporting, with African Americans less likely to report marijuana use despite a positive test result.Conclusions  The utility of drug testing for surveys depends on the type of substance examined as well as on the type of test employed. Multiple tests have more utility than a single test. Drug testing is useful for identifying the levels and sources of under‐reporting in a survey and provides a basis for adjusting prevalence estimates based on self‐reports.