bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Brain reserve and dementia: a systematic review
Authors: VALENZUELA MICHAEL J. , SACHDEV PERMINDER 
Published: October 2005

Background. Behavioural brain reserve is a property of the central nervous system related to sustained and complex mental activity which can lead to differential expression of brain injury. Behavioural brain reserve has been assessed using autobiographical data such as education levels, occupational complexity and mentally stimulating lifestyle pursuits. So far there have been several epidemiological reports but no systematic review to put conflicting results into context. Our aim was to quantitatively review evidence for the effect of brain reserve on incident dementia.Method. Cohort studies of the effects of education, occupation, premorbid IQ and mental activities on dementia risk were of interest. Abstracts were identified in MEDLINE (1966–September 2004), CURRENT CONTENTS (to September, 2004), PsychINFO (1984–September 2004), Cochrane Library Databases and reference lists from relevant articles. Twenty-two studies met inclusion criteria. Key information was extracted by both reviewers onto a standard template with a high level of agreement. Studies were combined through a quantitative random-effects meta-analysis.Results. Higher brain reserve was associated with a lowered risk for incident dementia (summary odds ratio, 0·54; 95% confidence interval, 0·49–0·59). This effect was found over a median of 7·1 years follow-up and resulted from integrating data across more than 29000 individuals. Notably, increased complex mental activity in late life was associated with lower dementia rates independent of other predictors; a dose–response relationship was also evident between extent of complex mental activities in late life and dementia risk.Conclusions. This study demonstrates robust evidence that complex patterns of mental activity in the early, mid- and late-life stages is associated with a significant reduction in dementia incidence. Randomized control trials based on brain-reserve principles are now required.
Impact of digital imaging on radiation doses to the patient during X-ray examination of the urinary tract
Authors: Sjöholm B. , Geijer H. , Persliden J. 
Published: October 2005

Purpose: To compare radiation doses given to patients undergoing IVU (intravenous urography) before and after digitalization of our X-ray department. Material and Methods: IVU examinations were monitored with dose area product meters before and after the X-ray department changed to digital techniques. The first step was a change from film-screen to storage phosphor plates, while the second step involved changing to a flat panel detector. Forty-two patients were included for the film-screen situation, 69 when using the storage phosphor plates, and 70 using the flat panel detector. Results: A dose reduction from 41.8 Gycm2 to 31.5 Gycm2 was achieved with the first step when the film-screen system was replaced with storage phosphor plates. A further reduction to 12.1 Gycm2 was achieved using the flat panel detector. Conclusion: The introduction of the flat panel detectors made a considerable dose reduction possible.
Fetal biometry: size and configuration of the third ventricle
Authors: Sari A. , Ahmetoglu A. , Dinc H. , Saglam A. , Kurtoglu U. , Kandemir S. , Reşit Gümele H. 
Published: October 2005

Purpose: To evaluate the normal configuration and size of the third ventricle in second and third trimester fetuses in a normal population, and to compare our values with those of previously published studies. Material and Methods: Evaluation of fetal third ventricular width and configuration was obtained by antenatal ultrasonography in 474 fetuses with gestational age between 12 weeks and term (mean 28 weeks). Percentiles for third ventricle width were estimated by combining separate fractional polynominal regression models fitted to the mean and standard deviation, assuming that the measurements had a normal distribution at each gestational age. Appearance of the third ventricle was correlated with each gestational age. Results: The third ventricle could be visualized in 471 (99%) of 474 fetuses. The 97th percentile of the third ventricle in preterm fetuses was measured as 3.6 mm in size. The third ventricle was seen as a single echogenic line in 153 (32.4%) of 474 fetuses. Two-hundred-and-ninety-nine (61.5%) of all fetuses had parallel echogenic lines outlining a fluid-filled lumen. V-shaped third ventricular configuration was seen in only 28 (5.9%) of the fetuses. From 24 weeks to term, parallel echogenic lines were the most commonly (83.7% to 79.6%) encountered configuration for the third ventricle. Conclusion: The 97th percentile of the third ventricle in preterm fetuses was measured as 3.6 mm in size. In the early second trimester, 77% of the fetuses had a single echogenic line appearance on ultrasonography. As the brain and ventricular structures mature, a parallel echogenic line becomes the prominent ultrasonography appearance (>80% of fetuses) in third trimester healthy fetuses.
Women and alcohol: Current Australian research
Authors: Hands Melanie A. , Banwell Cathy L. , Hamilton Margaret A. 
Published: October 2005

AbstractOver the past decade research on women and alcohol has been gaining momentum with evidence of an accumulating data base and a growing section of the drug and alcohol literature specifically addressing this area of interest. Despite the gains made in gender sensitive research on substance use, a review of the literature reveals that many of the articulated concerns are similar to those identified over the preceding 20 years.This paper reports on the findings of an Australian wide survey investigating the current level of research on women and alcohol. The survey was used in conjunction with a critical analysis of the literature to identify gaps in research activity in the area of women and alcohol. Identified research gaps result, in part, from the disproportionate focus on women with severe alcohol problems within treatment facilities. There is a lack of qualitative and quantitative research on women's drinking, whether it be usual use or problematic use, within the general population as a way of bridging the gap between population surveys and clinical studies. In addition, there is a need for longitudinal research to provide information on the context of women's drinking over a several year period, giving insight into the many factors which could be influencing women's drinking behaviour. Finally, the relative lack of commitment to prevention as a research agenda for women needs to be addressed.
Changes in the characteristics of clients admitted to an Australian therapeutic community, “The Buttery”, 1980‐92
Authors: Hall Wayne , Chen Rosemarie , Evans Barry 
Published: October 2005

AbstractData are presented on the characteristics of clients admitted to an Australian therapeutic community, The Buttery, between 1980 and 1992. The typical client was a 28‐year‐old male with a primary opioid drug problem complicated by polydrug use, particularly of alcohol and stimulants. Prior treatment experience was common, with one in three having been enrolled in methadone maintenance treatment. The average age of clients increased by about 7 months per year, and there was an increase in the prevalence of alcohol, stimulant and polydrug problems over the period of study. There was also an increase in the exposure of clients to methadone maintenance treatment prior to admission to the Buttery. Overall, the characteristics of patients in this drug‐free treatment programme were strikingly similar to those observed among patients in methadone maintenance treatment over the same period.
Recent drug use and suicidal behaviour among young offenders
Authors: PUTNINŠ ALDIS L. 
Published: October 2005

AbstractPatterns of psychoactive substance use were examined among 216 young offenders in South Australian secure care facilities. Compared to four student samples (n = 1525), young offenders reported recent use of most substances considerably more often than did student peers. Almost one‐half used a substance at the time of committing their last offence. A subgroup of offenders (n = 126) was questioned about suicide attempts, mood, recent suicidal ideation and deliberate self‐injury. Past suicide attempts and deliberate self‐injury were found to be associated with increased substance use. Drawing on evidence from other studies it is argued that impulsiveness often underlies these behaviours and contributes to their covariation. Substance use can further increase impulsiveness and thereby exacerbate offending and suicide risk. Not only should substance use be considered in all assessments of antisocial and self‐destructive behaviour but innovative approaches to developing effective interventions for the reduction of substance misuse need to be encouraged. [PutniŅŠ A. Recent drug use and suicidal behaviour among young offenders. Drug Alcohol Rev 1995; 14:151–158]
Changes in drug use and HIV/AIDS risk‐taking 1989‐90
Authors: MARSH ALISON , LOXLEY WENDY , HAWKS DAVID , QUIGLEY ALLAN 
Published: October 2005

AbstractThe Australian National AIDS and Injecting Drug Use Study was designed to monitor the risk behaviour of Australian injecting drug users (IDUs) in a number of major cities, and to estimate the seroprevalence of those interviewed. Differences in risk behaviour found across 2 years in Perth are reported. One hundred and ninety‐six Perth IDUs were interviewed in 1989, and 150 in 1990 using the same survey questionnaire, with a small cohort of 38 respondents being followed up across the 2 years.Significant injecting differences between 1989 and 1990 in both the cohort and independent samples were found. In general, these amounted to a greater likelihood that a new needle and syringe would be used on each injecting occasion, and a greater use of bleach in 1990 than in 1989. The most common response of respondents who said they had changed their drug use behaviour in 1990 was to report ceasing to share needles, while the most common response in 1989 was reduced sharing. There was an increased use of condoms for vaginal intercourse with all partners in both studies across the 2 years. Seropositivity for all new cases across the 2 years was 1.75%.It is apparent that there has been a significant shift in risky behaviour in the direction of greater safety across the 2 years. There is also objective corroborative evidence in increased demand for sterile injecting equipment sold through pharmacists, although there is no evidence that drug use increased significantly during the same period. It is concluded that the availability of sterile needles and syringes should be maintained and improved and that emphasis should be placed on encouraging safer sexual behaviour among IDUs. [Marsh A, Loxley W, Hawks D, Quigley A. Changes in drug use and HIV/AIDS risk‐taking 1989‐90. Drug Alcohol Rev 1995;14:201–212]
The Canberra Christmas overdoses mystery
Authors: BAMMER GABRIELE , SENGOZ AYSE 
Published: October 2005

AbstractOur investigation of a cluster of three fatal overdoses casts doubt on the conventional wisdom that overdoses result from unregulated changes in the purity of street heroin. Use of alcohol or other sedatives can make an otherwise safe dose of heroin (or other opioids) lethal. In addition users can knowingly increase their dose, usually as an indulgence. Some media reporting of this cluster of deaths was accurate, but there was also sensationalization, perpetuating stereotypes about the drug market that may be untrue. Information flow within the using community was relatively accurate, but slow, possibly because it was the holiday season. Larger studies to substantiate our findings are needed. In addition, introduction of a user‐organization‐based epidemiological monitoring system for overdoses would be a valuable public health measure. [Bammer G, Sengoz A. The Canberra Christmas overdoses mystery. Drug Alcohol Rev 1995; 14:235–237]
Harm reduction in Australia: has it worked? A review
Authors: HAWKS DAVID , LENTON SIMON 
Published: October 2005

AbstractThe literature is reviewed with a view to determining what evidence exists for the success of Australia's policy of harm minimization in relation to drug use. While there are relatively few examples of strategies which can unequivocally be said to have succeeded, there are many more for which the evidence is suggestive. While there has been a considerable mushrooming of research since the advent of the National Campaign on Drag Abuse, it would appear that little of this has measured the extent to which harm has been reduced. The National Drug Strategy would benefit from more policy‐orientated research which measures drug‐related harm if it is to be, as claimed, research driven.
Squeezing the balloon: international drugs policy*
Authors: SECCOMBE RALPH 
Published: October 2005

AbstractRecent experience of supply reduction activities in a major opium‐producing country, Pakistan, is reviewed. It is concluded that international efforts to reduce the supply of illicit drugs are ineffective, inadvertently promote use of more dangerous forms of drugs and exacerbate health problems in supplier countries. In addition, source country supply reduction activities are associated with serious unintended negative consequences, including corruption and poor governance in supplier countries. This leads to a vicious circle as these adverse social consequences make it harder to restrict drug production.
The role of law enforcement in minimizing the harm resulting from illicit drugs
Authors: HELLAWELL KEITH 
Published: October 2005

AbstractIllicit drugs have become a major global problem in recent decades following considerable recent political change, including the collapse of communism and the formation of international super‐states to increase trade. Despite increasing collaboration between law enforcement authorities in different countries, illicit drug problems appear likely to increase in the future because of the vast profits available, continuing (and increasing) demand and more permissive attitudes concerning drugs among young people. While rejecting legalization or decriminalization, the search for more effective responses by law enforcement authorities and the community generally must be stepped up. Police services continue to play an important role restricting the availability of illicit drugs but increasing emphasis needs to be given to reducing demand, including more available and more effective preventive drug education in schools. Police also need to work with harm reduction approaches devised to reduce the negative consequences of drug use for those who continue to use illicit drugs. New measures proposed in Britain are outlined. These stress the importance of a multi‐sectoral approach operating at both national and local levels with the objective of reducing drug‐related crime, reducing the acceptability and availability of illicit drugs and reducing the harmful consequences of illicit drug use. Harm reduction requires a commitment for close collaboration between police and drug treatment services to maximize the effectiveness of needle‐exchange schemes and other harm reduction approaches. Cautioning, now commonly used in Britain for selected minor drug offences, has a number of benefits including reducing criminal justice costs. Greater emphasis must be placed on diversion schemes involving close links between police and drug treatment services. Future progress requires firm commitments to providing adequate and effective drug treatment services, conducting research to develop and evaluate more effective diversion schemes, improving collaboration between sectors and effective leadership. In addition to the major costs of illicit drug use to the community, the huge cost to individuals must remain a major focus driving the search for more effective responses to the problems resulting from illicit drugs.
Groundwork for a research programme on harm reduction in alcohol and drug treatment
Authors: HEATHER NICK 
Published: October 2005

AbstractThe aim of this article is to set out the groundwork for a research programme for harm reduction in alcohol and drug treatment. First, attitudes to science of those who work in the harm reduction field are discussed and it is argued that hostility to the introduction of conventional scientific methods to this field is seriously misguided. Harm reduction activity is then defined as an attempt to ameliorate the adverse health, social or economic consequences of mood‐altering substances without necessarily requiring a reduction in the consumption of these substances, and this definition is amplified. Finally, issues relevant to the measurement of outcome from harm reduction interventions are discussed by comparing Newcombe's classification of drug‐related harms with an existing instrument designed to measure outcomes from interventions in the drugs field (the Opiate Treatment Index).
Perceptions of alcohol by student drinkers at university
Authors: CRUNDALL IAN A. 
Published: October 2005

AbstractTo provide a framework in which to design alcohol interventions for university students that would take account of their subjective experiences and perspectives, student drinkers were surveyed about selected alcohol‐related behaviours and attitudes and asked to nominate what they considered to be the primary negative and positive aspects of alcohol use. The results revealed a concentration on short‐term negative outcomes and an emphasis on sociability as the major benefit of consumption. Drinking specifically for intoxication was also a positive outcome for males in particular. The implications of these results for the preparation of meaningful interventions are discussed.
Policing pubs: what happens to crime?
Authors: BURNS LUCINDA , FLAHERTY BRUCE , IRELAND STEVE , FRANCES MAUREEN 
Published: October 2005

AbstractThe aim of this study was to test the effect of heightened police enforcement of the NSW Liquor and Registered Clubs Acts on overall criminal offences and, specifically, the number of assaults. Ten police patrols were included in the study. Five of these patrols were allocated to the experimental condition and five were allocated to the control condition. Beat police in the experimental controls conducted frequent but random visits to predesignated licensed premises over a 2‐month period. Police in the control patrols maintained their normal duties. Numbers of offences in the experimental and control patrols were then compared for 2 months before the intervention, for the 2‐month intervention phase and for 2 months post‐intervention. Results of the study indicated a significant increase in the number of offences in the experimental patrols during the intervention phase. Reasons for this increase are discussed.
SEMINARS IN PRACTICAL MANAGEMENT: “Riding the Tiger”: lessons from a health promotion activity aimed at reducing the use of alcohol by youth
Authors: POLKINGHORNE HELEN , GILL TONY 
Published: October 2005

AbstractThis paper outlines a health promotion activity entitled “Riding the Tiger”. “Riding the Tiger” aims to reduce binge drinking among youth and is an applicable intervention for both rural and urban areas. The paper aims to provide health care workers wishing to reduce the binge drinking of youth with a practical guide.
Rethinking gender and drugs1
Authors: BROOM DOROTHY H. 
Published: October 2005

AbstractThe necessity to ‘do more with less’ poses challenges for policy makers and service providers in the drug and alcohol field. In recent years, some services and research initiatives have been targeted at women in an effort to compensate for their previous neglect. The question now arises that such targeting is no longer appropriate since there are fewer resources, and men constitute the main population suffering drug‐related harm. This review proposes other ways of considering the question that go beyond competition over scarce resources. It shows that the present attention to women is raising new questions with potential significance to men, and suggests that research and services to the whole population can be improved by paying attention to the gender of men as well as women.
An inter‐rater reliability study of the Opiate Treatment Index
Authors: DEERING DARYLE E. A. , SELLMAN J. DOUGLAS 
Published: October 2005

AbstractThe development of standardized instruments to evaluate treatment outcome for opioid dependence is necessary to determine individual patients' progress within a particular treatment programme and to compare treatment outcomes across programmes. This paper reports the results of an inter‐rater reliability study utilizing the Opiate Treatment Index (OTI). The OTI questionnaire is a standardized opiate treatment evaluation tool developed within a research setting. The main aim of this study was to determine within the clinical setting of a Methadone Treatment Programme (MTP), whether information given by patients differed significantly according to whether the OTI questionnaire was administered by clinicians working within the service, or by an unknown research assistant. Results indicated that overall there were few differences between the information given to clinicians compared with that given to the research assistant and that in general, inter‐rater reliability was good. A number of issues related to the development and use of treatment outcome measures in clinical settings are highlighted and it is proposed that for MTPs a shorter questionnaire, based on the OTI, be developed.
Who should collect Opiate Treatment Index data in opiate treatment outcome monitoring: clinic staff or researchers?
Authors: ADELEKAN MORUF , METREBIAN NICKY , TALLACK FENELLA , STIMSON GERRY V. , SHANAHAN WILLIAM 
Published: October 2005

AbstractThe Opiate Treatment Index (OTI), an instrument designed to monitor treatment outcome of opioid users, is becoming increasingly popular among clinicians and researchers in the United Kingdom. This study was designed to examine how the OTI would perform when administered by clinic staff compared to externally contracted researchers in clinical settings. In a confidential setting, the OTI was administered twice to 55 opioid users from two London clinics, in a random fashion, once by trained clinic staff and once by researchers within a 2‐week period. The data generated by both groups were similar with respect to social functioning, physical health and psychological adjustment. Where differences occurred, in almost all the cases they were not statistically significant. Clients reported slightly higher levels of drug use episodes, injecting behaviour and criminal activity to researchers. In both groups, none of the clients admitted to paid sex, and low levels of criminal activity and illicit drug use were reported—findings which are most probably related to the stability of these patients rather than systematic under‐reporting. Although this cross‐sectional study showed that the OTI could be applied equally effectively by clinic staff and researchers in clinical settings, further research is needed to examine whether the situation would hold true in routine outcome monitoring. To ensure that reliable and valid data are generated in routine monitoring of treatment programmes, several issues relating to clinic staff (e.g. motivation, time); clients (e.g. co‐operation, confidentiality) and researchers (e.g. cost) need to be addressed.