bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Participatory Watershed Development in India: Can it Sustain Rural Livelihoods?
Authors: Ratna Reddy V. , Gopinath Reddy M. , Galab S. , Soussan John , Springate‐Baginski Oliver 
Published: April 2004

AbstractThe purpose of this article is to assess the impact of policy interventions through watershed development (WD) on the livelihoods of the rural communities. This is done by assessing the programme in the context of a sustainable rural livelihoods framework, that is, looking at its impact on the five types of capital assets and strategies required for the means of living. The article also examines the vulnerability and stability of these capital assets, as well as analysing which people participate in the programme and enhance their livelihoods through sharing its benefits. In the light of the analysis, it is argued that watershed development holds the potential for enhanced livelihood security even in geo‐climatic conditions where the watershed cannot bring direct irrigation benefits on a large scale. In such fragile environments, however, watershed development is a necessary but not a sufficient condition for sustaining rural livelihoods. While the focus of watershed development is primarily on strengthening the ecological base such as water bodies (including traditional tanks), grazing lands and wastelands, it should be complemented with other programmes which focus on landless poor households in order to make it pro‐poor. In the context of low rainfall regions where improvement in irrigation facilities is slow, agriculture alone cannot support the communities. Policies and programmes should aim at creating an environment for diverse livelihood activities, which are the choice of the household rather than distress activities.
Difficult but Not Impossible: The ANC's Decentralization Strategy in South Africa
Authors: Niksic George 
Published: April 2004

AbstractAs the neo‐liberal project has spread across the globe, decentralization has been a key component of it. In South Africa, the neo‐liberal macro‐economic strategy of the African National Congress (ANC) involves support for fiscal and administrative decentralization partly as a way to bring the private sector into basic service delivery and supposedly to make local government more efficient and effective. However, the ANC also sees decentralization as a way to empower the historically disadvantaged black population. Community‐based public–private partnerships have been one of the chief initiatives in this regard. In the metropolitan municipality of Port Elizabeth, small black contracting companies have been hired and trained to dispose of waste, construct roads and build houses. While not free of tensions and problems, this approach to decentralization has fostered a form of democratic development. This article uses examples from the Port Elizabeth experience to test and reflect upon a number of issues which are raised in the literature on decentralization.
Evaluating ecosystem responses to rising atmospheric CO2 and global warming in a multi‐factor world
Authors: Norby Richard J. , Luo Yiqi 
Published: April 2004

SummaryAnalyses of ecosystem responses to global change must embrace the reality of multiple, interacting environmental factors. Ecosystem models demonstrate the importance of examining the combined effects of the gradually rising concentration of atmospheric CO2 and the climatic change that attends it. Models to forecast future changes need data support to be useful, and data–model fusion has become essential in global change research. There is a wealth of information on plant responses to CO2 and temperature, but there have been few ecosystem‐scale experiments investigating the combined or interactive effects of CO2 enrichment and warming. Factorial experiments to investigate interactions can be difficult to design, conduct, and interpret, and their results may not support predictions at the ecosystem scale – in the context of global change they will always be case studies. An alternative approach is to gain a thorough understanding of the modes of action of single factors, and rely on our understanding (as represented in models) to inform us of the probable interactions. Multifactor (CO2 × temperature) experiments remain important, however, for testing concepts, demonstrating the reality of multiple‐factor influences, and reminding us that surprises can be expected.
Familial Migraine With Aura: Association Study With 5‐HT1B/1D, 5‐HT2C, and hSERT Polymorphisms
Authors: Racchi Marco , Leone Massimo , Porrello Emanuela , Rigamonti Andrea , Govoni Stefano , Sironi Marita , Montomoli Cristina , Bussone Gennaro 
Published: April 2004

Background.—The serotonergic system has a significant role in the pathophysiology and pharmacology of migraine.Objective.—To study the association between the occurrence of migraine with aura and 5‐HT1B/1D and 5‐HT2C receptor gene and the human serotonin transporter (hSERT) gene polymorphisms in 18 unrelated families with multiple affected members.Method.—Two polymorphisms in the 5‐HT1B/1D receptor gene and one polymorphism in the 5‐HT2C receptor gene were studied by restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis. Allelic variation of the hSERT, with 9, 10, and 12 copies of a “repetitive element,” was studied by polymerase chain reaction amplification of the variable number tandem repeat region.Results.—Allelic distribution of 5‐HT1B/1D and 5‐HT2C receptor gene polymorphisms in affected patients did not differ in either of the control groups (unaffected relatives or unrelated healthy individuals). A trend toward a significant effect of the 12‐repeat hSERT allele as a risk factor for migraine with aura versus unrelated controls was observed.Conclusion.—Our data do not support the involvement of 5‐HT1B/1D and 5‐HT2C receptor gene polymorphisms in migraine with aura, yet do suggest a possible role for a locus at or near the hSERT gene in the susceptibility to migraine with aura.
Electroacupuncture for Tension‐type Headache on Distal Acupoints Only: A Randomized, Controlled, Crossover Trial
Authors: Xue C. C. L. , MApplSc L. Dong , Polus B. , English R. A. , Zheng Z. , Costa C. Da , Li C. G. , Story D. F. 
Published: April 2004

Objective.—To investigate the efficacy of electroacupuncture, applied to distal acupoints only, for tension‐type headache.Background.—Electroacupuncture is commonly used for tension‐type headache, but when applied to distal acupoints only, evidence of its efficacy is lacking.Design.—A randomized, single‐blinded, sham‐controlled, crossover clinical trial.Methods.—The trial had 5 stages: baseline (2 weeks), phases I and II (each 4 weeks), washout period (2 weeks), and follow‐up (3 months after phase II). Forty patients were randomly assigned to either group A or group B. Group A received real electroacupuncture during phase I, then sham electroacupuncture in phase II. Group B received the treatments in reverse order. Outcome measures were headache frequency and duration, pain intensity using a visual analog scale, mechanical pain threshold, headache disability, and sickness impact. Data were analyzed by univariate 2‐way analysis of variance.Results.—Thirty‐seven patients completed the trial. There were no significant differences between the 2 groups at baseline. At the end of phase I, group A, but not group B, demonstrated significant improvement in mean (standard error of the mean [SEM]) headache frequency (3.0 per month [0.3] versus 12.0 per month [1.7]), duration (13.3 hours [3.5] versus 32.0 hours [6.2]), pain intensity (32.8 mm [4.1] versus 47.5 mm [2.7]), pain threshold (right side, 2.9 kg/second [0.1] versus 0.9 kg/second [0.1]; left side, 2.4 kg/second [0.1] versus 1.1 kg/second [0.1]), headache disability score (6.0 [1.0] versus 16.3 [1.6]), and sickness impact score (288.7 [48.0] versus 687.1 [77.2]). For each parameter, significant differences also were demonstrated for both groups between baseline and phase II, and baseline and follow‐up. There were no significant differences between the groups at the end of follow‐up (P > .05).Conclusion.—Electroacupuncture to distal points alone is effective for short‐term symptomatic relief of tension‐type headache.
Sympathetic Skin Response in Migraineurs and Patients With Medication Overuse Headache
Authors: Atasoy Huseyin T. , Atasoy Nuray , Unal Aysun E. , Sumer Murat 
Published: April 2004

Background.—Autonomic dysfunction has been reported in patients with migraine, and it may play a role in promoting attacks.Objective.—To investigate changes in the autonomic function of migraineurs and patients with medication overuse headache via sympathetic skin response, and to determine whether psychiatric comorbidity is related to any changes recorded.Methods.—A consecutive series of patients with migraine (n = 45) and medication overuse headache (n = 53) were studied. Patients with other chronic diseases requiring medication were excluded. Sympathetic skin response latencies and amplitudes from the patients with headache (N = 98) and 40 healthy controls were compared statistically.Results.—Sympathetic skin response latencies in patients with medication overuse headache and in migraineurs were significantly longer than in controls. To analyze the effect of psychiatric comorbidity, patients with medication overuse headache and migraineurs were each divided into 2 groups: those with psychiatric comorbidity and those without comorbidity. When the sympathetic skin response results of these 4 groups were compared with controls, the only statistically significant difference was between the sympathetic skin response latencies of controls and the latencies of patients with psychiatric comorbidity. We could not find any difference between the results from patients without psychiatric comorbidity and those of controls.Conclusion.—Psychiatric disease may affect the results of autonomic function testing in migraineurs and patients with medication overuse headache. Consideration should be given to excluding patients with psychiatric comorbidity from studies investigating autonomic dysfunction in patients with headache.
Inpatient Treatment of Headache: An Evidence‐Based Assessment
Authors: Freitag Frederick G. , Lake Al , Lipton Richard , Cady Roger ,   US Headache Guidelines Consortium, Section on Inpatient Treatment Chairpersons, Diamond Seymour , Silberstein Stephen 
Published: April 2004

Objective.—To evaluate inpatient treatment of headache in the United States.Participants.—Evidence.—Conclusions.—
Prednisolone‐Responsive Headache in Patients With Solitary Cysticercus Granuloma and Seizures
Authors: Garg Ravindra Kumar , Kar Alok Mohan , Singh Maneesh Kumar 
Published: April 2004

Background.—Solitary cysticercus granuloma is the commonest imaging abnormality in Indian patients with new‐onset seizures. Few patients, in addition, complain of disabling headache.Objective.—To report our experience of 16 patients with new‐onset headache, seizures, and solitary cysticercus granuloma.Methods.—Sixteen consecutive patients, who had moderate to severe new‐onset headache and fulfilled the diagnostic criteria of solitary cysticercus granuloma, were included in the study. The inclusion criteria were: occurrence of seizures, minimal or no neurologic deficit, absence of papilledema, no evidence of any systemic disorder, and computed tomography showing a single ring/disk‐enhancing lesion of <20 mm in diameter. Patients received antiepileptic monotherapy, oral analgesics, and prednisolone (1.5 mg/kg/day for 7 days). Prednisolone was then tapered over the next 7 days. Patients were followed for 6 months. Follow‐up computed tomography was performed after 2 months; in all 16 patients, the scans showed complete disappearance of the lesion.Results.—After 14 days (at first follow‐up), all patients reported significant improvement in headache. Follow‐up after 2 months revealed that all patients were headache‐free. None of the patients reported any recurrence of headache.Conclusion.—This open‐label study suggests the effectiveness of prednisolone for disabling headache in Indian patients with solitary cysticercus granuloma and seizures. There is a need, however, for more scientifically rigorous studies for further confirmation of our results.
Menstrual Cycle and ST Height
Authors: Endres Susanne , Mayuga Kenneth A. , Cristofaro Alessandro de , Taneja Taresh , Goldberger Jeffrey J. , Kadish Alan H. 
Published: April 2004

Background: Sex hormones and menstrual cycle effects on ST height have not yet been clearly identified. Methods: Twenty‐two young, healthy women (aged 22–32 years) were included in this study. Twelve‐lead ECGs were registered during menses, follicular and luteal phase of the menstrual cycle at baseline, and after double autonomic blockade (DAB). Chest leads V2–V4 and limb leads I and II were chosen for analysis. ST height was measured manually at J‐Point and 40 ms after the J‐Point, and values were corrected for QRS amplitude (J‐Point/QRS, 40 ms/QRS). Repeated measure ANOVA was used to analyze differences in ST height among the three phases of the menstrual cycle. A P‐value < 0.05 was considered as significant. Results: At baseline, ST height, QTc, and T wave amplitude were not significantly different among the three phases of the menstrual cycle. After double autonomic blockade, ST height at 40 ms, J‐Point/QRS, and 40 ms/QRS was significantly higher during follicular versus luteal phase (0.152 ± 0.413 mm versus −0.007 ± 0.427 mm, P = 0.0059 at 40 ms; −0.001 ± 0.030 versus −0.015 ± 0.032, P = 0.0039 at J‐Point/QRS; 0.013 ± 0.031 versus −0.004 ± 0.032, P = 0.0005 at 40 ms/QRS) as was the QTc. ST height differences at J‐Point were not significantly different (−0.046 ± 0.395 mm follicular, −0.167 ± 0.448 mm luteal, and −0.083 ± 0.492 mm menses, P = 0.1014). Conclusion: ST height and QTc varied among the three phases of the menstrual cycle, predominantly after double autonomic blockade. Female sex hormones that vary throughout the menstrual cycle may modulate measures of repolarization.
T Wave Alternans Does not Assess Arrhythmic Risk in Patients with Brugada Syndrome
Authors: Kirchhof Paulus , Eckardt Lars , Rolf Sascha , Esperer Hans‐D. , Paul Matthias , Wichter Thomas , Klein Helmut U. , Breithardt Günter , Böcker Dirk 
Published: April 2004

Background: Brugada syndrome is associated with a risk for sudden death, but the arrhythmic risk in an individual Brugada syndrome patient is difficult to predict. Pathologic changes in the early repolarization phase of the ventricular action potential probably constitute part of the arrhythmogenic substrate in Brugada syndrome. Microvolt T wave alternans (TWA) assesses dynamic beat‐to‐beat changes in repolarization and has been suggested as a marker for repolarization‐related sudden death. We therefore tested whether TWA is an indicator for arrhythmias in Brugada syndrome with a focus on right precordial ECG leads. Methods: We assessed TWA in nine symptomatic, inducible patients with established Brugada syndrome and in seven healthy controls. TWA was assessed at rest and during exercise using both standard methods and an algorithm that assesses TWA in the early ST segment and the right precordial leads. Results: None of the Brugada patients developed TWA in this study irrespective of analysis at rest or during exercise, neither using standard methods nor when the early ST segment was included in the analysis. When the early ST segment was included in the analysis, nonsustained TWA was found in three out of seven, and sustained TWA in one control. Conclusion: T wave alternans is not an appropriate test to detect arrhythmic risk in patients with Brugada syndrome.
Comparing Methods of Measurement for Detecting Drug‐Induced Changes in the QT Interval: Implications for Thoroughly Conducted ECG Studies
Authors: Azie Nkechi E. , Adams Gregory , Darpo Borje , Francom Steven F. , Polasek Emery C. , Wisser Joy M. , Fleishaker Joseph C. 
Published: April 2004

Background: The aim of this study was to compare the reproducibility and sensitivity of four commonly used methods for QT interval assessment when applied to ECG data obtained after infusion of ibutilide. Methods: Four methods were compared: (1) 12‐lead simultaneous ECG (12‐SIM), (2) lead II ECG (LEAD II), both measured on a digitizing board, (3) 3‐LEAD ECG using a manual tangential method, and (4) a computer‐based, proprietary algorithm, 12SL™ ECG Analysis software (AUT). QT intervals were measured in 10 healthy volunteers at multiple time points during 24 hours at baseline and after single intravenous doses of ibutilide 0.25 and 0.5 mg. Changes in QT interval from baseline were calculated and compared across ECG methods, using Bland–Altman plots. Variability was studied using a mixed linear model. Results: Baseline QT values differed between methods (range 376–395 ms), mainly based on the number of leads incorporated into the measurement, with LEAD II and 3‐LEAD providing the shortest intervals. The 3‐LEAD generated the largest QT change from baseline, whereas LEAD II and 12‐SIM generated essentially identical result within narrow limits of agreement (0.4 ms mean difference, 95% confidence interval ± 20.5 ms). Variability with AUT (standard deviation 15.8 ms for within‐subject values) was clearly larger than with 3‐LEAD, LEAD II, and 12‐SIM (9.6, 10.0, and 11.3 ms). Conclusion: This study demonstrated significant differences among four commonly used methods for QT interval measurement after pharmacological prolongation of cardiac repolarization. Observed large differences in variability of measurements will have a substantial impact on the sample size required to detect QT prolongation in the range that is currently advised in regulatory guidance.
Association of gingival crevicular fluid and serum intracytoplasmic enzyme levels in periodontally healthy homozygous (major) β‐thalassemia patients
Authors: Tsalikis Lazaros E. , Kaklamanos Eleftherios G. , Kavadia‐Tsatala Smaragda , Chasapopoulou Eleni , Pidonia‐Manika Ifigenia 
Published: April 2004

AbstractObjective: To assess tissue necrosis in β‐thalassemia major patients, as in other areas of medicine, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) have been widely used. These markers of tissue degradation have also been studied in the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) in relation to periodontal disease status. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether periodontal diagnostic tests based on these markers of tissue degradation are influenced from the enzymes' levels in serum and, therefore, could be used in the assessment of the patient's periodontal status.Material and Methods: Forty‐four periodontally healthy, homozygous β‐thalassemia patients were enrolled in the study. GCF and serum samples were obtained and the levels of AST, ALT and LDH were determined; the measurements took place in an automated analyzer (Hitachi 777) using the kits of Roche Company.Results: Lack of correlations between serum and GCF enzyme levels was demonstrated. Serum LDH and serum AST, serum AST and serum ALT are significantly positively correlated. Concerning the GCF, AST and ALT were proved to be significantly positively correlated.Conclusions: Elevated values of LDH, ALT and AST in serum do not constitute a confounding factor in GCF measurements of the respective enzymes.
Histopathological observations of human periimplantitis lesions
Authors: Berglundh Tord , Gislason Örn , Lekholm Ulf , Sennerby Lars , Lindhe Jan 
Published: April 2004

AbstractObjective: The aim of the present study was to analyze some characteristics of advanced and progressive periimplantitis lesions in man.Material and methods: Soft tissue biopsies were obtained from 12 implants in six patients. The implants had been in function between 4 and 21 years and were, with one exception, located in the maxilla. The radiographic examination performed prior to biopsy revealed that all sites exhibited advanced bone loss. Further, clinical signs of severe inflammation, such as suppuration, swelling and/or fistula formation were detected in the majority of sites and seven of the 12 implants were found to be mobile at biopsy. Each biopsy was following fixation embedded in epoxy resin and sections were prepared for histometric and morphometric analysis.Results and conclusion: It was demonstrated (i) that all soft tissue units harbored large inflammatory cell infiltrates (ICT) that extended to a position apical of a pocket epithelium and (ii) that about 60% of the lesions were occupied by inflammatory cells, among which plasma cells dominated. Numerous amounts of PMN cells occurred not only in the pocket epithelium and adjacent connective tissue areas, but were also present in peri‐vascular compartments in more central areas of the ICT.
Dentine hypersensitivity: development and evaluation ofamodel in situ to study tubulepatency
Authors: Banfield N. , Addy M. 
Published: April 2004

AbstractBackground and aims: Lesions of dentine hypersensitivity have numerous tubules open at the dentine surface as opposed to non‐sensitive dentine where tubules are mostly covered by a smear layer. The present two studies were designed to model both states in situ and evaluate the effects of agents on the model.Method: Etched (sensitive) and smeared (non‐sensitive) dentine specimens prepared from human third molar teeth were retained in lower buccal acrylic appliances. The results of Study 1 led to the development of a method to ensure tubules were sectioned at right angles. Study 1 was a 5‐day period, seven treatment regimens randomised, part blind cross over design involving five subjects. Treatments were 2× day application of a desensitising (SA) or non‐desensitising toothpastes (F) or chlorhexidine (CHX) mouthwash with or without drinking orange juice (OJ)(1 l/day). A no treatment group (P) allowed plaque to accumulate. The evaluation of effects was observational by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Study 2 involved 1 subject, 4 treatments applied once and studied after 0, 6, and 12 h by SEM with image analysis. The 12 h groups were studied with and without imbibing water or OJ. Treatments were two desensitising (SA & SC) and one non‐desensitising (F) toothpastes and an in office product (DS).Results: Study 1: Treatment SA resulted in occlusion of tubules an outcome little changed by OJ. Treatment P produced a bio‐film, which covered the dentine surface. CHX produced some tubule occlusion in three of the five subjects. F±OJ and CHX+OJ had little effect and tubules remained open. For smeared specimens toothpastes and OJ removed the smear layer but SA±OJ blocked tubules. P and CHX had no effect on the smear layer. Study 2: At 0 h, tubule occlusion was in order of magnitude DSSA>SC>F. After 6 and 12 h with SA, SC and F some loss of occlusion occurred but not DS. Water and OJ by 12 h decreased occlusion for SA, SC and particularly F. Water and OJ removed virtually all of DS.Conclusions: The aims of Study 1 were achieved and effect of treatments was not inconsistent with data in vitro. The need for more standardisation of specimens was appreciated and applied in Study 2 to allow image analysis to quantitatively record data. Further use of the model in randomised controlled clinical trials is envisaged.