bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pulp handling by vertebrate seed dispersers increases palm seed predation by bruchid beetles in the northern Amazon
Authors: Silvius Kirsten M. , Fragoso José M. V. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThe simultaneous use of fruits and seeds by invertebrate seed predators and vertebrate seed dispersers produces complex ecological interactions that reduce the predictability of seed fate.Cocosoid palm seeds in the Neotropics are subject to high mortality by bruchid beetle infestation and such attack is the major cause of mortality for seeds of the palmAttalea maripaat our study site in the northern Brazilian Amazon.The exocarp and mesocarp of 1400 fruits were manipulated in different ways to simulate handling by vertebrates. No eggs of the bruchid beetle,Pachymerus cardo, were laid on intact control fruits, while the highest numbers of eggs were received by fruits whose exocarp and mesocarp had been partially removed, as if by primates and rodents (mean of 15.9 and 18.9 eggs fruit−1, respectively, during the peak fruiting season). Fruits with intact mesocarp but no exocarp, and fruits with all mesocarp and exocarp removed, received low numbers of eggs (mean of 4.6 and 6.6 eggs per fruit, respectively, during the peak fruiting season). Thus both exocarp and mesocarp deter oviposition, and removal of these fruit structures increases fruit susceptibility to infestation.Oviposition rates declined as the fruiting season progressed, but oviposition preferences remained the same. Seed mortality was high for any fruit on which eggs were laid.Large rodents and primates, which have been considered among the most effective seed dispersers for large‐seeded Neotropical trees such as palms, actually increased the susceptibility of seeds to bruchid beetle attack. Removal of (intact) seeds by other dispersers may be necessary to ensure seed survival.These results indicate that the reliability of seed dispersers cannot be gauged without a complete understanding of variables that affect seed viability.
Training physicians to increase patient trust
Authors: H. Thom David 
Published: March 2003

AbstractPatient trust in the physician is an important aspect of the patient–physician relationship that has recently become a focus of interest, in part due to the rise of managed care in the US healthcare system. In a previous study, we identified physician behaviours reported by patients as important to establishing their trust in the physician. The current study attempted to modify these behaviours via a short training programme and thereby to increase patient trust and improve associated outcomes. After baseline measurements, 10 physicians were randomized to the intervention group and 10 remained as a control group. While intervention physicians showed a net improvement in 16 of 19 specific patient‐reported behaviours when compared to control physicians, these differences were not statistically significant. There was also no significant difference in patient trust, patient satisfaction, continuity, self‐reported adherence, number of referrals or number of diagnostic tests ordered. This short training course in a group of self‐selected physicians was not a sufficiently strong intervention to achieve the desired effect. Suggestions are given for designing a stronger training intervention.
Induction of infectious pancreatic necrosis (IPN) in covertly infected Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., post‐smolts by stress exposure, by injection of IPN virus (IPNV) and by cohabitation
Authors: Taksdal T , Ramstad A , Stangeland K , Dannevig B H 
Published: March 2003

AbstractAtlantic salmon post‐smolts were given an intraperitoneal (ip) injection of tissue homogenate of Atlantic salmon fry from an outbreak of infectious pancreatic necrosis (IPN), and cohabitants were given an ip injection of Earle's balanced salt solution (EBSS). Parallel treatment groups were exposed to recurrent episodes of environmental stress by water drainage twice a week. Fish injected with EBSS and non‐injected fish were exposed to water drainage. The control fish were left untreated. Mortality due to IPN started 3 weeks after challenge in non‐injected and EBSS‐injected fish that had been exposed to water drainage. This showed that the fish used in the experiment were covertly infected with IPN virus (IPNV) prior to challenge, although no virus was detected in the fish sampled before the experiment. In fish that received an injection of IPNV, mortality started 5–6 days after challenge, regardless of the presence or absence of stress exposure. The EBSS‐injected cohabitants started to die after an additional 5–6 days, also regardless of the presence or absence of stress exposure. The final cumulative mortality in the IPNV‐injected fish was significantly lower than in the EBSS‐injected cohabitants, thus suggesting that the secondary immune response after injection of IPNV provided more protection than the response after a water‐borne infection. No disease outbreak was observed in the control fish.
A multivariate study on the effects of dietary vitamin K, vitamin D3 and calcium, and dissolved carbon dioxide on growth, bone minerals, vitamin status and health performance in smolting Atlantic salmon Salmo salar L.
Authors: Graff I E , Waagbø R , Fivelstad S , Vermeer C , Lie Ø , Lundebye A K 
Published: March 2003

AbstractBone deformities represent an increasing, unsolved problem for intensive farming of Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L. To increase insight into nutritional and environmental impacts on bone mineralization, 16 groups of Atlantic salmon parr were fed diets with different levels of menadione sodium bisulphite (MSB), vitamin D3, and calcium (Ca), and exposed to different levels of dissolved carbon dioxide (CO2) based on a multivariate factorial design (24). The composition of the experimental diets was either a high or low level of each of the design variables. In addition, four groups (centre points) were fed a diet with intermediate levels of all dietary parameters and exposed to an intermediate level of dissolved CO2 to record the variation among tanks. After 6 weeks in fresh water, fish were marked according to group, transferred to a common net pen in sea water and fed commercial feed for another 11 weeks. High levels of CO2 decreased fish growth both in fresh water and sea water. No visible bone deformities were recorded at any time. Dry matter, protein and ash compositions of bone and concentrations of Ca, phosphorus (P) and magnesium (Mg) in bone were not significantly affected by any of the design variables. Minor effects were observed in clinical parameters recording health performance, stress and plasma Ca homeostasis. The mean level of vitamin D3 measured as cholecalciferol in fish organs increased significantly during the freshwater period and reflected dietary vitamin D3, whereas the level decreased when fish were fed commercial feed in sea water. The level of menaquinone in liver increased significantly in response to high dietary levels of MSB, indicating that dietary MSB was converted to menaquinone in salmon.
Evaluation of a multimodality treatment programme for weight management at the Luton and Dunstable Hospital NHS Trust
Authors: Barrett  , Finer  , Fisher  , Boyle  
Published: March 2003

Background: The evaluation concerns a 12‐week group treatment programme providing formalized behaviour and cognitive modification combined with an initial low calorie liquid diet offered through a specialist NHS Obesity Clinic. Aims: The aims of this evaluation were to: (1) determine the success of the programme in terms of: (a) producing medically significant weight loss for up to 18 months after the programme; (b) psychological and social benefits for patients; (2) identify factors predictive of weight loss and the likelihood of completing the programme. Methods: A retrospective evaluation was undertaken of 12 groups of patients (115 patients), referred by their General Practitioners to the Obesity Clinic for advice and treatment of obesity. Data were obtained from initial assessment questionnaires, clinical notes and a follow‐up questionnaire. Results: The evaluation showed that the programme was successful in helping patients achieve medically significant weight loss (on average 12% of initial body weight) and to partially maintain some weight loss for up to 18 months after. In addition, there were measurable psychological and social benefits from their adherence to the programme. Only the mental state of the patients at the start of the programme was predictive of the likelihood of their managing to complete it. Conclusion: The progamme can be effective in achieving and maintaining weight loss. Patients may benefit psychologically. Patients may have an improved likelihood of completing the programme if depression is treated first.
Study to evaluate the effect of dietary advice and the role of exercise in obese women who are trying to lose weight
Authors: Reed  , Jackson  , Harborne  , Roberts  
Published: March 2003

Background: Exercise should play an important part in any weight control programme and swimming/exercise in water has particular advantages for the obese individual. Since 1996 aquafit sessions for the obese have been available in Coventry as an optional adjunct to dietary intervention. Aim: The study aimed to compare outcomes in two groups; one group had received individual dietary advice (GpDO) and the other group had received individual dietary advice and also attended aquafit sessions regularly (GpDAq). Characteristics of groups members were compared and perceived barriers to successful weight loss were considered. Method: The study looked retrospectively at a sample of obese women, aged 18–70 years, with a BMI (kg/m2) of over 35, referred by their general practitioners or consultants, for dietary advice for weight reduction. Participants were interviewed by a dietitian and researcher to gain data on long‐term changes in weight, activity, and factors they felt had affected their weight changes. 76 women (54 in GpDO and 22 in GpDAq) were invited to participate in the study. Thirty attended for interview (25 in GpDO and five in GpDAq). The average time since first contact with dietitian to the review for this study (the study period) was 19 months (range 7–39 months). Results: The mean weight loss was 3.8 kg, SD = 5.5 (GpDO mean = 3.3 kg, SD = 4.9, and GpDAq mean = 6.2 kg, SD = 8.2). Two (7%) women (one in GpDO and one in GpDAq) reduced their weight by > 10% over the study period. Twenty‐one (70%) participants (68% of GpDO and 80% of GpDAq) did not gain weight over the study period (initial weight > study weight). Nine (30%) participants increased their physical activity by one episode of 30 min per week and maintained this over the study period. Conclusions: The desire of many clients for long‐term support and continuity of care from a dietitian was highlighted, as were the perceived difficulties in increasing physical activity. This study demonstrates that weight management interventions that provide dietary advice with and without exercise can help some women to achieve moderate weight loss and maintain this, highlighting areas for further consideration.
Estimating food and nutrient intake from food frequency questionnaire data by reference to a standard weighed diet survey
Authors: Tefft M. E. , Boniface D. R. 
Published: March 2003

Introduction The food frequency questionnaire is widely regarded as more appropriate for ranking and grouping individuals according to levels of nutrient intake than for estimating absolute nutrient amounts.Aims To develop a method for estimation of amount of nutrient intake from food frequency questionnaires by reference to an independent weighed dietary survey.Method Six stages of the method are described and illustrated in the estimation of total dietary fat from the 1984–85 Health and Lifestyle Survey using the 1986–87 Dietary and Nutritional Survey of British Adults as the reference standard.Results Several points support the validity of the approach although limitations are identified.
The effect of weekly iron supplementation on anaemia and on iron deficiency among female tea pluckers in Bangladesh
Authors: Gilgen D. , Mascie‐Taylor C. G. N. 
Published: March 2003

AimTo investigate the effect of weekly iron supplementation on anaemia and iron deficiency among adult, female tea pluckers.MethodA randomized double‐blind intervention trial was conducted in a tea estate in Bangladesh where a total of 280 women received either weekly iron supplementation (200 mg ferrous fumarate and 200 mg folic acid) for 24 weeks or a matching placebo. Capillary blood samples were drawn at baseline and post‐trial to determine haemoglobin, haematocrit and ferritin concentration. Mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) was calculated using the haemoglobin and haematocrit values.ResultsThe mean haemoglobin concentration in the supplemented group increased by 5.52 g L−1 over the study period, on average, while ferritin values decreased by 0.33 μg L−1. The control group showed a decrease in both mean haemoglobin (−0.24 g L−1) and ferritin (−5.32 μg L−1). Those individuals in the supplemented group with the lowest pretrial haemoglobin and ferritin values experienced the greatest improvements post‐trial, whereas nonanaemic individuals showed a decrease in both haemoglobin and ferritin concentrations. A total of 62.2% of women in the supplemented group reported feeling better and more energetic compared to 51.1% in the placebo group; 14.4% of the supplemented group and 22.7% of the control group complained about side‐effects.ConclusionWeekly iron supplementation was logistically simpler and cheaper than daily supplementation but would have to be continued on a longer term basis in order to combat both anaemia and iron deficiency.
The methodology of nutritional screening and assessment tools
Authors: Jones J. M. 
Published: March 2003

BackgroundThe aim of this paper was to give a critical appraisal of the methodology of nutritional screening and assessment tools.MethodsA literature search identified 44 tools. Each tool was assessed in relation to details of its application, method of derivation and evaluation of its performance.ResultsThe findings indicate that tools were published with insufficient details regarding their intended use and method of derivation, and with an inadequate assessment of their effectiveness. An appraisal of these features judged that no one tool satisfied a set of criteria regarding scientific merit.ConclusionThere is thus a need to ensure that nutritional screening and assessment tools are developed using procedures based on good design and sound statistical practice. This paper suggests that a unified approach using multivariate techniques could make a significant contribution to this process.
An audit of nutritional care delivered to elderly inpatients in community hospitals
Authors: Hamilton K. , Spalding D. , Steele C. , Waldron S. 
Published: March 2003

BackgroundThere is continuing concern over the lack of attention to the nutritional needs of older people in hospitals. A 2‐year audit project was undertaken to examine the nutritional care of inpatients in Leicestershire Community Hospitals.MethodThe methods used included analysis of menu cycles; observation of meal and drink provision, wastage, supplement usage and portion sizes; and patient satisfaction questionnaire examination.ResultsPatient menus were nutritionally inadequate for energy, fibre and vitamin D, and protein levels were variable. The percentage of meal wastage and inadequate portion sizes were of concern. Patient satisfaction results were overall positive.ConclusionPatient energy intakes are a major concern with low calorie provision from menus exacerbated by a deficit in recommended portion sizes and a high percentage of meal wastage. Routine audits need to be implemented to monitor both portion size and meal wastage, and to address patient satisfaction issues to improve the overall intakes of patients. Multidisciplinary team input is required to address the above issues and additional recommendations to promote nutrition as a key component in clinical care.
Infant feeding practices of Pakistani mothers in England and Pakistan
Authors: Sarwar T. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractObjectives  To investigate infant feeding practices followed by Pakistani mothers in Pakistan and in England. To establish if practices conform to current guidelines and to investigate reasons for adherence and nonadherence.Methods  Ninety mothers of weaning age children were interviewed; 45 were in England and 45 in Pakistan. A questionnaire available in English and Urdu sought to find out about the methods of milk feeding and weaning used and the advice received, together with general beliefs about weaning.Results  Characteristics of the infants in terms of current age, gender distribution, birth order of baby and age of weaning showed no significant differences between the two groups. Thus, differences between the two groups could be attributed to cultural differences rather than any of these factors. Chi‐square analysis showed that the initial method of feeding chosen was significantly different (P < 0.001, d.f. = 2) with 73% of mothers in Pakistan breast‐feeding compared with 24% in England. Similar proportions of mothers in both groups commenced weaning between 3 and 4 months. Common weaning foods included rice, cereals and eggs with progression to fruit and vegetables and family food in Pakistan, and fruit, vegetables, meat and convenience foods (especially sweet options) in England. Both groups of mothers wanted more information about infant feeding practices.Conclusion  Mothers in Pakistan demonstrated more confidence in weaning practices than in England because of experiences with other siblings and advice from relatives. More advice from health professionals was requested and is needed by all mothers in order to improve weaning practices of the infants.
Results of barbiturate antiepileptic drug discontinuation on antipsychotic medication dose in individuals with intellectual disability
Authors: Hanzel T. E. , Bauernfeind J. D. , Kalachnik J. E. , Harder S. R. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractFive individuals with intellectual disability prescribed both a barbiturate antiepileptic drug (AED) and an antipsychotic medication were identified in a public residential facility. It was hypothesized that antipsychotic medication was prescribed at doses higher than necessary as a result of inadvertent barbiturate AED behavioural side‐effects thought to be part of the underlying psychiatric or behavioural condition. To test this hypothesis, barbiturate AEDs were gradually reduced, and replaced with either carbamazepine or valproic acid, and antipsychotic medication was gradually reduced as well. Challenging behaviours, such as physical aggression, self‐injurious behaviour and property destruction, were measured with a frequency count or partial interval recording, and retrospectively analysed for time periods of ≈60 days before phenobarbital reduction, after phenobarbital discontinuation and after the lowest antipsychotic medication dose. Challenging behaviour collectively decreased by 81.5% after barbiturate discontinuation, mean antipsychotic medication dose significantly decreased from 146 mg day–1 (SD = 98) to 106 mg day–1 (SD = 88) chlorpromazine equivalence, and antipsychotic medication was discontinued in the cases of two individuals. Compared to the prebarbiturate AED reduction period, challenging behaviour collectively decreased by 96.3% after the lowest antipsychotic medication dose, which confirmed that reduced antipsychotic medication was not achieved at the expense of behaviour deterioration. The data supported the hypothesis that discontinuation of barbiturate AEDs results in decreased challenging behaviour and less antipsychotic medication.
Working memory structure and intellectual disability
Authors: Numminen H. , Service E. , Ahonen T. , Korhonen T. , Tolvanen A. , Patja K. , Ruoppila I. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThe working memory of people with intellectual disability has been found to generally lag behind their mental age. However, studies concerning the structure of working memory or its connections to other cognitive functions are rare. The present study employs a versatile battery of tests for the evaluation of working memory structure in adults with intellectual disability of unknown aetiology. In addition, connections between working memory and cognitive skills valid for everyday functioning are evaluated. Working memory performance in the study participants was found to stem from two distinct components which could be regarded to represent phonological and general working memory. General working memory was closely related to intelligence, whereas phonological working memory was not. The subjects in the study group differed in their working memory profiles. These distinct profiles were significantly related to academic skills (e.g. reading, writing and mathematics) and sentence comprehension because the profile of the working memory predicted these abilities even when the intelligence and educational background of the participants was taken into consideration.
Sensory impairments, intellectual disability and psychiatry
Authors: Carvill S. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThe present review looks at: (1) prevalence studies of sensory impairments in people with intellectual disability (ID); (2) studies looking at psychological and psychiatric disorders in people with sensory impairments; and (3) studies that have examined the association of sensory impairments with autism. Research has indicated that sensory impairments are more common in people with ID. Psychiatric disorders are believed to be more common in children with visual impairment (VI) when associated with other handicaps. Some authors believe that hearing impairment (HI) can result in personality disorders. Studies have also shown a higher prevalence of psychiatric disorders in children with HI and a higher incidence of deaf people in psychiatric hospitals than in the general population. Psychiatric disorders in children with HI are particularly associated with low IQ and low communication ability, especially in those with multiple handicaps. There is little evidence for a higher incidence of schizophrenia in people with HI. Blind people demonstrate many autistic‐like features and there has been discussion in the literature as to their cause. Deaf people also demonstrate some similar features to those in autism, but an association with autism has not been conclusively made. Deaf‐blind people commonly demonstrate problem behaviour (e.g. self‐injury). Usher syndrome, which is the most common cause of deaf‐blindness, is associated with psychiatric disorders, particularly psychosis. The need for assessment of sensory functioning in people with ID, the difficulties inherent in this and the need for specialist services is stressed.