bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Changes in the flux of sediment in the Upper Murrumbidgee catchment, Southeastern Australia, since European settlement
Authors: Olley Jon M. , Wasson Robert J. 
Published: November 2003

AbstractSince European settlement began 180 years ago, the sediment flux in the upper Murrumbidgee River, NSW, Australia, has changed as a result of grazing, historical climate variations, and dam closures. Of these, the introduction of grazing stock, which triggered widespread gully erosion, has had the largest effect, increasing the sediment flux by a factor of more than 150. In comparison, multi‐decadal variations in rainfall cause less than a twofold increase in the sediment transport capacity of the river, and the effects of dam closures are significant only in some reaches. At the time of settlement, vegetated shallow valley floor depressions were common and many of the creeks, and streams consisted of deep pools linked by shallow vegetated zones. Much of the main channel of the river was cobble and gravel bedded. The sediment flux out of this 10 500 km2 catchment prior to settlement is estimated to have been very low, ∼2400 t year−1. Degradation of the vegetated valley bottoms by introduced stock in the 1840s and 1850s triggered a massive phase of gully erosion. Over the next 40 to 50 years the erosion rates in the headwater areas increased by a factor of nearly 245, and ∼43 000 000 t of sediment was generated. We estimate that, during this period, gully erosion increased the sediment flux out of the catchment by a factor of about 200 to ∼480 000 t year−1. As the gully networks reached maximum extension, sediment yield from the headwater areas declined by a factor of ∼40 and are now estimated to be about six times the pre‐European rates. Interestingly, sediment yield from the whole catchment declined only by a factor of two to ∼100 times the pre‐European rates (250 000 t year−1). We attribute this difference to an increase in the efficiency of sediment delivery through the stream network. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Changes in sediment flux and storage within a fluvial system: some examples from the Rhine catchment
Authors: Lang Andreas , Bork Hans‐Rudolf , Mäckel Rüdiger , Preston Nicholas , Wunderlich Jürgen , Dikau Richard 
Published: November 2003

AbstractThe Rhine river system can look back on a long history of human impact. Whereas significant anthropogenic changes to the river channel started only 200 years ago, the impacts of land use have been felt for more than 7500 years. Here, we review results from several case studies and show how land‐use change and climate impacts have transformed the fluvial system. We focus on changes in sediment delivery pathways and slope–channel coupling, and show that these vary in time and depend on the magnitude of a rainfall event. These changes must be accounted for when trying to use sediments as archives of land‐use change and climatic impacts on fluvial systems. For example, human impact is recorded in slope deposits only as long as rainfall intensity and runoff generation do not exceed the threshold for gullying. Similarly, climatic impacts are only recorded in alluvium when both the landscape is rendered sensitive by human activities (e.g. deforestation) and rainfall thresholds for gullying are exceeded. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Erosion and sedimentation on the Russian Plain, part 1: contemporary processes
Authors: Litvin L. F. , Zorina Ye. F. , Sidorchuk A. Yu. , Chernov A. V. , Golosov V. N. 
Published: November 2003

AbstractDuring the 1970s and 1980s the techniques of tillage and the area of cultivation on the Russian Plain remained virtually unchanged. Therefore, it is possible to assess both the rate and forms of erosion and sedimentation over almost all of the plain for this period of several decades. Using the SHI model and USLE, with coefficients derived for Russian conditions, observed gully density, area and volume, and a morphogenetic classification of streams, it has been possible to produce an assessment of the current state of erosion and sedimentation. The geographic patterns of both the rates and types of erosion and sedimentation are presented and partially explained. This assessment will be of considerable value as a ‘baseline’ against which to assess future changes as the area of cultivation and the methods of farming change, as well as to assess historical erosion and deposition. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A challenging intervention with maternal anxiety: Babies requiring surgical correction of a congenital anomaly after missed prenatal diagnosis
Authors: Aite Lucia , Trucchi Alessandro , Nahom Antonella , Zaccara Antonio , Casaccia Germana , Bagolan Pietro 
Published: November 2003

AbstractThe objective of this study is to assess the impact on maternal anxiety of a short‐term intervention in a particularly stressful situation, such as a surgical anomaly diagnosed only at birth after repeated negative prenatal ultrasounds. The patients were 30 mothers of babies requiring surgical correction of a congenital anomaly who were randomly assigned to an intervention (N = 16) or control (N = 14) group. The intervention group received standard care plus short‐term intervention that included weekly meetings with the psychologist and weekly team meetings. The control group received only standard care available on the Neonatal Surgery Unit. The main outcome measure was maternal anxiety levels, assessed at birth and on discharge with the Spielberger State–Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI–S). Statistical comparisons were made, and no significant differences were found at birth in the STAI–S scores of the two groups. At discharge, the intervention group exhibited a much lower STAI–S score than the group without short‐term intervention. The authors concluded that psychological counseling for parents of newborn babies has been shown to be helpful. However, the impact of such assistance was shown to be particularly beneficial for parents facing the emotional stress of their children requiring unexpected surgical corrections of congenital anomalies at birth. Therefore, the presence of a psychologist, as part of the standard care of newborns requiring surgical correction, is recommended. ©2003 Michigan Association for Infant Mental Health.
Alterations of liver function test in patients treated with antipsychotics
Authors: Garcia‐Unzueta M. Teresa , Herran Andres , Sierra‐Biddle Deirdre , Amado J. Antonio , Vázquez‐Barquero J. Luis , Álvarez Concepción 
Published: November 2003

AbstractThe prevalence of alterations of liver function tests in patients treated with a wide range of antypsychotics is unknown. The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of antipsychotics on liver function tests in a population of schizophrenic outpatients. Concentrations of AST, ALT, GGT, alkaline phosphatase, albumin, and bilirubin were determined in 54 patients fitting DSM‐IV criteria of schizophrenia, and the same number of sex‐ and age‐matched healthy subjects. Assessments included the Clinical Global Impression (CGI) and the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) in addition to treatment related variables. Transaminases concentrations were slightly elevated in study patients compared to healthy controls, but without statistical significance. Alkaline phosphatase showed higher values in schizophrenic patients. Albumin and bilirubin were lower in study patients. Liver function tests abnormalities were found in about 10% of schizophrenic patients treated with antipsychotics. Treatment with depot phenotiazines induces alteration in these tests more frequently than treatment with other antipsychotics. PANSS negative subscale scores directly correlated with alkaline phosphatase and inversely correlated with albumin. A substantial number of patients in treatment with antipsychotic drugs present alterations of liver function tests. Both pharmacological and clinical factors could be related with these alterations. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 17:216–218, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Development of a dipstick dye immunoassay for diagnosing hydatidosis
Authors: Sbihi Younes , Gil José R. , Alvarez Pedro A. , Orduña Antonio , Rodríguez‐Torres Antonio , Osuna Antonio 
Published: November 2003

AbstractWe have developed a kit to diagnose hydatidosis, based on the detection of specific antibodies. This disease, caused by larvae of the cestode Echinococcus granulosus, is a zoonosis commonly found throughout the world. The diagnostic kit discriminates between positive and negative cases in a way that is easily interpreted, i.e., positive cases form a colored band on an inert substrate. The results show test sensitivity to be some 94.87% and specificity 85.71%, which is comparable to those of the ELISA technique. The high sensitivity and specificity of this test affords the great advantage of speed in diagnosing this parasitosis. No other equipment or procedure is required. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 17:219–222, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
New homogeneous HDL‐cholesterol assay without the influence of high TG sample using the selective detergent to lipoproteins
Authors: Ueda Yasuki , Matsui Masahiko , Hayashi Sadao , Yamaguchi Yoshihisa , Kanakura Yuzuru 
Published: November 2003

AbstractHomogeneous HDL‐cholesterol assays have been developed and used widely in routine analysis, but they have been reported to give inaccurate results in patients with hypertriglyceridemia. Recently, a new assay based on a new principle without the influence of triglycerides has also been developed and commercialized. We evaluated the basic performance of this new homogeneous HDL‐cholesterol assay and compared it with the conventional polyethylene glycol/cyclodextrin‐modified enzyme (PEGME) method using high‐triglyceride (TG) samples (TG>8,000 mg/L). For samples showing a discrepancy with the conventional method, other precipitation and ultracentrifugation (UC) methods were also used to confirm the values. This new homogeneous assay is based on the selective solubilizing effect of detergent on the different lipoproteins. First, non‐HDL free cholesterol is consumed by enzyme and is cleared as a colorless reactant. Then. HDL‐cholesterol is selectively solubilized by lipoprotein‐specific detergent and reacted with the enzyme. As a result, the precision of this new homogeneous assay was good (CV<2%) over the wide range, and the measurement range was 0 to 2,000 mg/L. This method correlated well with the PEGME method, which is a conventional method for normolipidemic samples (y=0.97x‐3.1, r=0.994, n=424). It also correlated well with the UC method (y=0.99x+0.3, r=0.989, n=53). Fourteen high‐TG samples showed different results from those obtained by the PEGME method. Among these samples, one contained abnormal lipoproteins (probably due to the influence of drug therapy) and gave a significantly different result from that obtained by the PEGME method. However, the values obtained by other methods (precipitation and ultracentrifugation) agreed well with those obtained by this new method. In conclusion, this method shows a good basic performance and is useful for high‐TG samples without any interference. Therefore, it is considered to be very practical for a routine test. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 17:201–208, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Prediction of survival in surgical unresectable lung cancer by artificial neural networks including genetic polymorphisms and clinical parameters
Authors: Hsia Te‐Chun , Chiang Hung‐Chih , Chiang David , Hang Liang‐Wen , Tsai Fuu‐Jen , Chen Wen‐Chi 
Published: November 2003

AbstractLung cancer, a common malignancy in Taiwan, involves multiple factors, including genetics and environmental factors. The survival time is very short once cancer is diagnosed as being in advanced stage and surgically unresectable. Therefore, a good model of prediction of disease outcome is important for a treatment plan. We investigated the survival time in advanced lung cancer by using computer science from the genetic polymorphism of the p21 and p53 genes in conjunction with patients' general data. We studied 75 advanced and surgical unresectable lung cancer patients. The prediction of survival time was made by comparing real data obtained from follow‐up periods with data generated by an artificial neural network (ANN). The most important input variable was the clinical staging of lung cancer patients. The second and third most important variables were pathological type and responsiveness to treatment, respectively. There were 25 neurons in the input layer, four neurons in the hidden layer‐1, and one neuron in the output layer. The predicted accuracy was 86.2%. The average survival time was 12.44 ± 7.95 months according to real data and 13.16 ± 1.77 months based on the ANN results. ANN provides good prediction results when clinical parameters and genetic polymorphisms are considered in the model. It is possible to use computer science to integrate the genetic polymorphisms and clinical parameters in the prediction of disease outcome. Data mining provides a promising approach to the study of genetic markers for advanced lung cancer. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 17:229–234, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Patterns of co‐morbidity between alcohol use and other substance use in the Australian population
Authors: DEGENHARDT LOUISA , HALL WAYNE 
Published: November 2003

AbstractThe present study describes patterns of co‐morbidity between alcohol use and other substance use problems in the Australian population using data from the 1997 National Survey of Mental Health and Well‐Being. Multiple regression analyses examined whether the observed associations between alcohol and other drug use disorders were explained by other variables, including demographic characteristics and neuroticism. We also assessed whether the presence of co‐morbid substance use disorders affected treatment seeking for a mental health problem. Alcohol use was related strongly to the use of other substances. Those who did not report alcohol use within the past 12 months were less likely to report using tobacco, cannabis, sedatives, stimulants or opiates. Higher rates again were observed among those with alcohol use disorders: half (51%) of those who were alcohol‐dependent were regular tobacco smokers, one‐third had used cannabis (32%); 15% reported other drug use; 15% met criteria for a cannabis use disorder and 7% met criteria for another drug use disorder. These associations were not accounted for by the demographic and other variables considered here. Co‐morbid substance use disorders (sedatives, stimulants or opioids) predicted a high likelihood of seeking treatment for a mental health problem among alcohol‐dependent people.
The relationship of conduct disorder to attempted suicide and drug use history among methadone maintenance patients
Authors: DARKE SHANE , ROSS JOANNE , LYNSKEY MICHAEL 
Published: November 2003

AbstractIn order to examine the effects of a diagnosis of childhood conduct disorder (CD) on history of attempted suicide and drug use, unconfounded by early onset heroin use, 181 methadone maintenance patients who commenced heroin use after the age of 15 were interviewed. CD was diagnosed in 54% of patients. Compared to other patients, CD patients were younger and less educated. The onset of drug use, injecting drug use and heroin use occurred, on average, 2 years earlier than in other patients, and they had broader histories of injecting polydrug use. CD patients were more likely to have attempted suicide and to have been hospitalized after an attempt, and to have attempted suicide while enrolled in their current treatment. The current study indicates that a history of CD increases the risk of attempted suicide over and above the higher risks associated with injecting drug use per se.
The monitoring of drug trends in Australia
Authors: SHAND FIONA , TOPP LIBBY , DARKE SHANE , MAKKAI TONI , GRIFFITHS PAUL 
Published: November 2003

AbstractRecently, there has been increased recognition of the importance of drug information systems (DIS), highlighting the need for an internationally coordinated approach to data collection and advocating the regular assessment of a range of areas. Accurate information provides policy makers with the evidence to evaluate current strategies and to plan future strategies. An effective drug information system (DIS) must collect comprehensive, detailed and in‐depth data, while also being sensitive to emergent trends and placing these changes into the context of longer‐term trends. An integrated and comprehensive system combines both sensitive (or lead) and slower but more reliable lag indicators. This article reviews conceptual frameworks for DIS and developments in international systems. It then considers the range of DIS in Australia and then describes two integrated monitoring systems with an early warning function: the Illicit Drug Reporting System (IDRS) and the Drug Use Monitoring Australia (DUMA) Programme. Both systems collate sensitive lead indicators, and provide timely information about emerging drug trends in Australia. Together, these two systems are best‐placed to provide effective early warning of new trends in illicit drug markets, and constitute an important component of the overall approach to the monitoring of drug use and associated harms in Australia.
From scrubland to vintage wine: Australia's response to substance‐related problems in the last 40 years*
Authors: RANKIN JAMES G. 
Published: November 2003

AbstractOver the last 40 years Australia's response to substance‐related problems compared with most western nations has been outstandingly good. Since the 1960s concerns about problems of substance use have expanded from a focus on alcohol to include tobacco and a wide range of other licit as well as illicit psychoactive substances. During this period there have been major advances in our knowledge and understanding of substance‐related problems and effective methods of prevention, intervention and treatment. In parallel has been the development of a large number of non‐government, government and professional organizations concerned with problems of substance use. These groups, individually and collectively, have contributed to the development of policies, plans, resources and programmes to prevent and minimize substance‐related harm. Although significant progress in these endeavours took place between 1960 and 1986, there has been accelerated growth since and largely as a result of the establishment of the National Campaign Against Drug Abuse in 1986 and the ensuing National Drug Strategy and the Illicit Drug Strategy. However, much of this more recent success was possible because of the existence of the organizations, networks and infrastructures established in the earlier period and the Nation's general health, social and educational programmes. These initiatives have been associated with reductions in alcohol and tobacco use and related problems and evidence of reductions in some problem areas associated with illicit drug use. Despite these gains, there have been areas of failure and missed opportunities. Finally, it is critical to ensure that past achievements and opportunities for continued successful initiatives are not undermined by identifiable impediments and risks that could imperil the philosophy, goals, infrastructure and programmes that form the basis for Australia's success to date.
Early unsupervised drinking—reducing the risks. The School Health and Alcohol Harm Reduction Project
Authors: MCBRIDE NYANDA , FARRINGDON FIONA , MIDFORD RICHARD , MEULENERS LYNN , PHILLIPS MIKE 
Published: November 2003

AbstractThe School Health and Alcohol Harm Reduction Project (SHAHRP) aimed to reduce alcohol‐related harm by enhancing students' abilities to identify and deal with high‐risk drinking situations and issues. The SHAHRP study involved a quasi‐experimental research design, incorporating intervention and control groups and measuring change over a 32‐month period. The study occurred in metropolitan, government secondary schools (13–17‐year‐olds) in Perth, Western Australia. The 14 intervention and control schools involved in the SHAHRP study represent approximately 23% of government secondary schools in the Perth metropolitan area. The sample was selected using cluster sampling, with stratification by socio‐economic area, and involved over 2300 intervention and control students from junior secondary schools. The retention rate of the study was 75.9% over 32 months. The intervention incorporated evidence‐based approaches to enhance potential for behaviour change in the target population. The intervention was a classroom‐based programme, with an explicit harm minimization goal, and was conducted in two phases over a 2‐year period. The results were analysed by baseline context of alcohol use to assess the impact of the programme on students with varying experience with alcohol. Knowledge and attitudes were modified simultaneously after the first phase of the intervention in all baseline context of use groups. The programme had little behavioural impact on baseline supervised drinkers; however, baseline non‐drinkers and unsupervised drinkers were less likely to consume alcohol in a risky manner, compared to their corresponding control groups. In line with programme goals, early unsupervised drinkers from the intervention group were also significantly less likely to experience harm associated with their own use of alcohol compared to the corresponding control group. Unsupervised drinkers experienced 18.4% less alcohol‐related harm after participating in both phases of the programme and this difference was maintained (19.4% difference) 17 months after the completion of the programme. This study indicates that a school drug education programme needs to be offered in several phases, that programme components may need to be included to cater for the differing baseline context of use groups, and that early unsupervised drinkers experience less alcohol‐related harm after participating in a harm reduction programme.
Hepatitis C‐related discrimination among heroin users in Sydney: drug user or hepatitis C discrimination?
Authors: DAY CAROLYN , ROSS JOANNE , DOLAN KATE 
Published: November 2003

AbstractThe hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a common infection among injecting drug users. There are currently few available data on the extent (or prevalence) of HCV‐related discrimination. This study examined perceived discrimination among a sample of heroin users and sought to determine whether the discrimination was attributed to their drug user or HCV status. Heroin users were recruited through needle and syringe programmes and methadone clinics in Sydney and were asked about discrimination in the preceding 12 months. Four hundred and one heroin users were recruited, of whom 59% reported being HCV‐positive. Discrimination was reported by 22% of the 237 IDUs who reported being HCV‐positive, with 17% reporting that the discrimination occurred in the preceding 12 months. Sixty‐seven incidents were reported, of which half were perceived to be due to their drug user status, 15% of these incidents were due to HCV status and 25% due to a combination of both. Twenty‐five incidents occurred in a health‐care setting, of which 13 resulted in the service being withheld. HCV is a serious public health concern, and if IDU are to be encouraged into drug treatment it is essential that service providers are perceived to be non‐discriminatory. In managing IDU patients, health care workers need to be cognisant of the impact that their attitude has on treatment outcome.