bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Danish national cohort study on neonatal outcome in singleton pregnancies with placenta previa
Authors: NØRGAARD LONE N. , PINBORG ANJA , LIDEGAARD ØJVIND , BERGHOLT THOMAS
Published: February 2012

Objective. To describe the incidence of placenta previa and to assess neonatal morbidity and mortality in pregnancies with placenta previa after adjustment for previous cesarean section, smoking, multiparity, maternal age and in vitro fertilization. Design. National cohort study. Setting. Danish national IVF‐, birth‐ and patient registers. Population. All pregnancies in Denmark from 1978–2006 and a subpopulation of all singleton pregnancies during the years 2001–2006 with placenta previa (n=1721) compared to pregnancies without this diagnosis. Methods. Incidence rates and multivariate analysis. Main outcome measures. Gestational age, birthweight, Apgar score after five minutes, stillbirth, neonatal mortality and admittance to neonatal intensive care unit. Results. The incidence of placenta previa in Denmark was 0.54% in 2006. Neonates born after pregnancies with placenta previa had a higher risk of being born at a gestational age below 37 weeks (OR 8.6; 95%CI 7.5–9.9), having an Apgar score of ≤7 at five minutes (OR 2.7; 95%CI 2.0–3.7), being transferred to a neonatal intensive care unit (OR 4.3; 95%CI 3.8–4.9) and for stillbirth and neonatal mortality combined (OR 1.8; 95%CI 1.1–3.0), compared with neonates born in pregnancies without placenta previa. No increased risk of being small‐for‐gestational age was found (OR 1.0; 95%CI 1.0–1.2). Conclusion. When adjusting for confounders, neonates born after pregnancies with placenta previa had a significantly higher risk of being born preterm, having a low Apgar score, being transferred to neonatal intensive care, and death.
How to catch a parasite: Parasite Niche Modeler (PaNic) meets Fishbase
Authors: Strona Giovanni , Lafferty Kevin D.
Published: February 2012

Parasite Niche Modeler (PaNic) is a free online software tool that suggests potential hosts for fish parasites. For a particular parasite species from the major helminth groups (Acanthocephala, Cestoda, Monogenea, Nematoda, Trematoda), PaNic takes data from known hosts (maximum body length, growth rate, life span, age at first maturity, trophic level, phylogeny, and biogeography) and hypothesizes similar fish species that might serve as hosts to that parasite. Users can give varying weights to host attributes and create custom models. In addition to suggesting plausible hosts (with varying degrees of confidence), the models indicate known host species that appear to be outliers in comparison to other known hosts. These unique features make PaNic an innovative tool for addressing both theoretical and applied questions in fish parasitology. PaNic can be accessed at .
Adiponectin regulates functions of gingival fibroblasts and periodontal ligament cells
Authors: Iwayama T. , Yanagita M. , Mori K. , Sawada K. , Ozasa M. , Kubota M. , Miki K. , Kojima Y. , Takedachi M. , Kitamura M. , Shimabukuro Y. , Hashikawa T. , Murakami S.
Published: February 2012

Iwayama T, Yanagita M, Mori K, Sawada K, Ozasa M, Kubota M, Miki K, Kojima Y, Takedachi M, Kitamura M, Shimabukuro Y, Hashikawa T, Murakami S. Adiponectin regulates functions of gingival fibroblasts and periodontal ligament cells. J Periodont Res 2012; 47: 563–571. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons A/S

Background and Objective:  Adiponectin is a cytokine constitutively produced by adipocytes and exhibits multiple biological functions by targeting various cell types. However, the effects of adiponectin on primary gingival fibroblasts and periodontal ligament cells are still unexplored. Therefore, we investigated the effects of adiponectin on gingival fibroblasts and periodontal ligament cells.

Material and Methods:  The expression of adiponectin receptors (AdipoR1 and AdipoR2) on human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs), mouse gingival fibroblasts (MGFs) and human periodontal ligament (HPDL) cells was examined using RT‐PCR and western blotting. HGFs and MGFs were stimulated with interleukin (IL)‐1β in the presence or absence of adiponectin, and the expression of IL‐6 and IL‐8 at both mRNA and protein levels was measured by real‐time PCR and ELISA, respectively. Furthermore, small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) in MGFs were used to knock down the expression of mouse AdipoR1 and AdipoR2. The effects of adiponectin on the expression of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and runt‐related transcription factor 2 (Runx2) genes were evaluated by real‐time PCR. Mineralized nodule formation of adiponectin‐treated HPDL cells was revealed by Alizarin Red staining.

Results:  AdipoR1 and AdipoR2 were expressed constitutively in HGFs, MGFs and HPDL cells. Adiponectin decreased the expression of IL‐6 and IL‐8 in IL‐1β‐stimulated HGFs and MGFs. AdipoR1 siRNA in MGFs revealed that the effect of adiponectin on reduction of IL‐6 expression was potentially mediated via AdipoR1. Adiponectin‐treated HPDL cells promoted the expression of ALP and Runx2 mRNAs and up‐regulated ALP activity. Furthermore, adiponectin enhanced mineralized nodule formation of HPDL cells.

Conclusion:  Our observations demonstrate that adiponectin exerts anti‐inflammatory effects on HGFs and MGFs, and promotes the activities of osteoblastogenesis of HPDL cells. We conclude that adiponectin has potent beneficial functions to maintain the homeostasis of periodontal health, improve periodontal lesions, and contribute to wound healing and tissue regeneration.
Detection of vertical root fractures using digitally enhanced images: reverse‐contrast and colorization
Authors: Tofangchiha Maryam , Bakhshi Mahin , Shariati Mahsa , Valizadeh Solmaz , Adel Mamak , Sobouti Farhad
Published: February 2012

Abstract –  Root fracture diagnosis is a clinical difficulty that in most cases can only be detected through radiography. The objective of this study was to compare the diagnostic accuracy of two types of digitally enhanced images (reverse‐contrast and colorization) with original digital radiographies in detecting experimental root fractures. Two hundred extracted single‐rooted human teeth were endodontically instrumented and then divided in two groups, one control group and one test group, including fractured teeth. Vertical root fractures were experimentally made in the fractured group. The digital image of each tooth was taken, using the paralleling technique. There were three groups of images: (i) original, (ii) reverse contrast, and (iii) colorized. Three experienced dental specialists examined the images with no prior knowledge of the distribution of the root fractures. Two‐way analysis of variance was used to assess the differences in accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of each technique in detecting root fractures. Cohen’s kappa coefficients were calculated to investigate the degree of interobserver agreement. The accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of original images were 67.4%, 66.7%, and 68%, respectively; these amounts were 61.5%, 61%, and 65.5% in reverse contrast images and 66.4%, 70.7%, and 62% in colorized digital radiography. The original images had the best inter observer kappa coefficients (between 0.45 and 0.55). The results showed that the accuracy of original images is better than reverse contrast and colorized images. Use of reverse‐contrast and colorization digital images in root fracture detection should be regarded as an adjunct to other diagnostic methods not as a highly critical diagnostic aid.
Impaired social memories in 129P2 inbred mice are rescued by reduced Csk expression
Authors: Sinai L. , Mathew R. , Roder J. C.
Published: February 2012

The C‐terminal Src kinase (Csk) is an essential signaling factor guiding central nervous system (CNS) development. In the adult brain, Csk‐mediated control of Src may also modulate glutamatergic synaptic transmission and N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptor (NMDAR)‐dependent synaptic plasticity. The regulation of N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate (NMDA)‐dependent plasticity by a myriad of kinase cascades has been investigated intensively during spatial and fear learning, while little is known about the regulatory kinases and role of NMDA‐dependent plasticity during equally critical forms of social learning. We assessed social memory in Csk(+/+) and Csk(+/−) mice backcrossed onto 129P2, an inbred strain with wild‐type impairments in social memory. Reduced Csk expression in Csk(+/−) mice was associated with increased NMDAR subunit 2B (NR2B) phosphorylation in the amygdala (AM) and olfactory bulb (OB), and with markedly improved social recognition memory and social transmission of food preference (STFP). In contrast, phosphorylation of NR2B was only slightly increased in the hippocampus of 129P2/Csk(+/−) mice, and the poor spatial object recognition memory of wild‐type 129P2/Csk(+/+) mice was not rescued by reduced Csk expression. The Csk pathway appears to be a critical signaling cascade regulating social learning and memory, and presents a possible therapeutic target in diseases such as autism that are characterized by aberrant social behaviors.
Interleukin‐8 gene regulation in epithelial cells by Vibrio cholerae: role of multiple promoter elements, adherence and motility of bacteria and host MAPKs
Authors: Sarkar Madhubanti , Bhowmick Swati , Casola Antonella , Chaudhuri Keya
Published: February 2012

Interleukin (IL)‐8 is an important mediator in neutrophil‐mediated acute inflammation. We previously demonstrated that incubation of intestinal epithelial cells with Vibrio cholerae O395 resulted in increased IL‐8 mRNA expression and IL‐8 secretion, which was associated with the adherence and motility of bacteria. However, the mechanisms responsible for transcriptional regulation of the IL‐8 gene in epithelial cells during V. cholerae infections were not explored. Transient transfection analysis of 5′ deletions and mutations of the IL‐8 promoter driving expression of the luciferase reporter gene indicates that multiple binding sites contribute to IL‐8 promoter induction in response to V. cholerae and that cooperation among these different sites is required for full activation of the promoter. Stimulation with V. cholerae O395 insertional mutants, defective in adherence and motility, significantly reduced IL‐8 promoter activity compared with the wild‐type strain. We further demonstrate maximal involvement of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 1/2/mitogen‐activated protein kinase pathways to regulate IL‐8 gene transcription. This study will help to design agents which could reduce the V. cholerae‐induced inflammatory response and in the generation of safe vaccines.
Orientation of the amino‐terminal domain of ClpB affects the disaggregation of the protein
Authors: Mizuno Sayaka , Nakazaki Yosuke , Yoshida Masasuke , Watanabe Yo‐hei
Published: February 2012

ClpB/Hsp104 efficiently reactivates protein aggregates in cooperation with the DnaK/Hsp70 system. As a member of the AAA+ protein family (i.e. an expanded superfamily of ATPases associated with diverse cellular activities), ClpB forms a ring‐shaped hexamer in an ATP‐dependent manner. A protomer of ClpB consists of an N‐terminal domain (NTD), an AAA+ module, a middle domain and another AAA+ module. In the crystal structures, the NTDs point to two different directions relative to other domains and are not visible in the single‐particle cryo‐electron microscopy reconstruction, suggesting that the NTD is highly mobile. In the present study, we generated mutants in which the NTD was anchored to other domain by disulfide cross‐linking and compared several aspects of ClpB function between the reduced and oxidized mutants, using the wild‐type and NTD‐truncated ClpB (ClpBΔN) as references. In their oxidized form, the mutants and wild‐type bind casein with a similar affinity, although the affinity of ClpBΔN for casein was significantly low. However, the extent of casein‐induced stimulation of ATPase, the rate of substrate threading and the efficiency of protein disaggregation of these mutants were all lower than those of the wild‐type but similar to those of ClpBΔN. These results indicate that the NTD supports the substrate binding of ClpB and that its conformational shift assists the threading and disaggregation of substrate proteins.

Structured digital abstract

 K‐casein and TClpB bind by fluorescencetechnology (View Interaction: 1, 2, 3)

 TClpB and TClpB bind by molecular sieving (Viewinteraction)
Association between HLA and Stevens–Johnson Syndrome Induced by Carbamazepine in Southern Han Chinese: Genetic Markers besides B*1502?
Authors: Shi Yi‐Wu , Min Fu‐Li , Qin Bin , Zou Xin , Liu Xiao‐Rong , Gao Mei‐Mei , Wang Qian , Zhou Jue‐Qian , Liao Wei‐Ping
Published: February 2012

Previous studies have demonstrated a strong association between carbamazepine‐induced Stevens–Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis (CBZ‐induced SJS/TEN) and HLA‐B*1502 in Chinese, and HLA‐A*3101 but not HLA‐B*1502 in Caucasians and Japanese. Cases with CBZ‐induced SJS/TEN negative for HLA‐B*1502 were reported recently in Southeast Asia. Negative correlations between CBZ‐induced SJS/TEN and B*0702 or B*4001 have also been reported, suggesting a possible protective role. Here, we genotyped HLA‐B and HLA‐A in 18 cases with CBZ‐induced SJS/TEN, in comparison with CBZ‐tolerant and normal controls in Southern Han Chinese. A strong association between HLA‐B*1502 and CBZ‐induced SJS/TEN was found, with 72.2% sensitivity and 87.1% specificity. However, we also found five patients with SJS (5/18, 27.78%) who were negative for HLA‐B*1502. HLA‐A*2402 was present in nine of 16 cases with SJS (56.25%, including three of five cases negative for HLA‐B*1502), which was significantly more frequent than that of CBZ‐tolerant controls or the general southern population. Only one case with SJS carried HLA‐A*3101. No statistical difference in the mean age, sex ratio and CBZ usage was found between the CBZ‐induced SJS/TEN group and the CBZ‐tolerant group. In search for possible protective genetic markers in HLA‐B*1502‐positive but CBZ‐tolerant patients, we failed to find any significant factors in the HLA alleles observed. Given the association between HLA‐B*1502 and CBZ‐induced SJS/TEN, genetic testing before initiating CBZ therapy is suggested in Han Chinese population. However, physicians should also be vigilant about SJS/TEN in those negative for HLA‐B*1502. Other factors for the development of CBZ‐induced SJS/TEN in HLA‐B*1502‐negative patients and protective factors in CBZ‐tolerant patients should be investigated further.
Dose optimization of tyrosine kinase inhibitors to improve outcomes in GIST
Authors: ZALCBERG John R. , DESAI Jayesh
Published: February 2012

Tyrosine kinase inhibitors such as imatinib and sunitinib have greatly improved clinical outcomes for patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST). Dose optimization of these agents is critical and involves multiple considerations, including ensuring a durable response, monitoring drug blood levels to confirm adequate dosing, deciding whether to use high‐dose imatinib or switch to second‐line sunitinib in the event of disease progression and appropriately managing treatment‐associated side effects. Imatinib is the standard first‐line therapy for unresectable or metastatic GIST and is also an option for the adjuvant treatment of resected disease. Despite the efficacy and safety of imatinib in patients with advanced GIST, some individuals develop primary or secondary resistance or intolerance to the drug. For patients with advanced disease, imatinib dose escalation to 800 mg/day is warranted in cases of disease progression on imatinib 400 mg/day. In addition, patients with documented KIT exon 9 mutations are likely to derive benefit from initial treatment with high‐dose imatinib to improve clinical outcomes. For patients who fail imatinib, sunitinib is an effective treatment option. However, the decision to use either high‐dose imatinib or sunitinib should be based on the underlying cause of failure on imatinib, KIT mutational status and on whether the patient is intolerant of or has developed a resistance to imatinib. In this article we review the existing literature supporting the use of imatinib and sunitinib in GIST to provide a current clinical perspective on how best to use these agents in the management of GIST to optimize patient outcomes.
ZmcrtRB3 Encodes a Carotenoid Hydroxylase that Affects the Accumulation of α‐carotene in Maize KernelF
Authors: Zhou Yi , Han Yingjia , Li Zhigang , Fu Yang , Fu Zhiyuan , Xu Shutu , Li Jiansheng , Yan Jianbing , Yang Xiaohong
Published: February 2012

α‐carotene is one of the important components of pro‐vitamin A, which is able to be converted into vitamin A in the human body. One maize (Zea mays L.) ortholog of carotenoid hydroxylases in Arabidopsis thaliana, ZmcrtRB3, was cloned and its role in carotenoid hydrolyzations was addressed. ZmcrtRB3 was mapped in a quantitative trait locus (QTL) cluster for carotenoid‐related traits on chromosome 2 (bin 2.03) in a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population derived from By804 and B73. Candidate‐gene association analysis identified 18 polymorphic sites in ZmcrtRB3 significantly associated with one or more carotenoid‐related traits in 126 diverse yellow maize inbred lines. These results indicate that the enzyme ZmcrtRB3 plays a role in hydrolyzing both α‐ and β‐carotenes, while polymorphisms in ZmcrtRB3 contributed more variation in α‐carotene than that in β‐carotene. Two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), SNP1343 in 5′untranslated region and SNP2172 in the second intron, consistently had effects on α‐carotene content and composition with explained phenotypic variations ranging from 8.7% to 34.8%. There was 1.7‐ to 3.7‐fold change between the inferior and superior haplotype for α‐carotene content and composition. Thus, SNP1343 and SNP2172 are potential polymorphic sites to develop functional markers for applying marker‐assisted selection in the improvement of pro‐vitamin A carotenoids in maize kernels.
Honeydew volatile emission acts as a kairomonal message for the Asian lady beetle Harmonia axyridis (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae)
Authors: Leroy Pascal D. , Heuskin Stéphanie , Sabri Ahmed , Verheggen François J. , Farmakidis Julien , Lognay Georges , Thonart Philippe , Wathelet Jean‐Paul , Brostaux Yves , Haubruge Eric
Published: February 2012

Abstract  The Asian lady beetle Harmonia axyridis Pallas is considered as an invasive species in most territories where it has been introduced. Because aphid honeydew acts as an attractant for many aphid predators and parasitoids, the objectives of this work were to collect and identify the volatile compounds released from the aphid excretory product to evaluate how these semiochemicals could affect the H. axyridis foraging behavior. Twelve volatile chemicals were identified from the Megoura viciae Buckton honeydew including four alcohols, three ketones, three aldehydes, a pyrazine and a monoterpene. The volatiles 3‐methyl‐1‐butanol and 3‐methyl‐butanal were highlighted as the two most abundant semiochemicals released from the M. viciae honeydew. Vicia faba L. plants treated with crude honeydew attracted more than 80% of the tested individuals with 40% of attracted beetles located on the plant. Four volatile compounds (3‐hydroxy‐2‐butanone, 3‐methyl‐butanal, 3‐methyl‐1‐butanol and limonene) were also highlighted to attract more than 75% of the coccinellids toward the odor source and to locate about 35% of them on the plants. Limonene was the most efficient attractant since 89% of the H. axyridis responded to this odor. The use of the identified semiochemicals as well as the composition of an artificial honeydew could certainly be helpful to control the dispersal of the Asian lady beetle H. axyridis.
PROCESSING OF PERNA PERNA MUSSELS USING INTEGRATED PROCESS OF COOKING AND VACUUM COOLING
Authors: CAVALHEIRO D. , SCHMIDT F.C. , RODRIGUES L.G.G. , SIGA C. , LEITEMPERGHER F. , LAURINDO J.B.
Published: February 2012

The objective of this work was to evaluate integrated processes of cooking and vacuum cooling of mussels. Thus, the following alternatives were assessed: vapor cooking followed by vacuum cooling (VCk‐VC) and water immersion cooking followed by vacuum cooling with the samples immersed in the cooking water (ICk‐IVC). Such alternatives were compared with a conventional process of vapor cooking followed by water immersion cooling (VCk‐IC). The time to cool the samples until 10C was similar for the VCk‐VC and VCk‐IC processes, while for the ICk‐IVC process, the cooling time was much higher. However, the samples submitted to the VCk‐VC process presented a cooling weight loss in contrast to the weight gains observed for samples treated using the ICk‐IVC and VCk‐IC processes. On the other hand, the samples submitted to the VCk‐VC process presented lower counts of mesophiles and psychrotrophs during cold storage than samples treated using the conventional process.5, 2011.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Mussels are the most abundant cultivated shellfish in Brazil and are marketed as fresh or as processed product. At the initial steps of industrial processing, mussels are cooked and cooled to manual extraction of the meat from the shell. The cooling is classically accomplished by immersion of the cooked mussels in cold water, which is a critical step because cooling water and ice can cause recontamination of the cooked product. In this way, the present paper reported an alternative to process mussels using the vacuum cooling technique. The obtained results showed that the microbiological quality of vacuum‐cooled mussels was superior to that of conventional cooled ones.
Water, Wind, Wood, and Trees: Interactions, Spatial Variations, Temporal Dynamics, and their Potential Role in River Rehabilitation
Authors: ERSKINE WAYNE D. , SAYNOR MICHAEL J. , CHALMERS ANITA , RILEY STEVEN J.
Published: February 2012

Recent Australian research has quantified the role of large wood (wood of any origin and length with a diameter greater than 0.1 m) in dissipating stream energy, forming pool habitats by local bed scour, protecting river banks from erosion, and damming rivers with long rafts causing avulsions. Large wood in Australian streams is sourced by a range of processes from the nearby riparian zone which has usually been degraded by post‐European settlement vegetation clearing. Large wood loadings within the bankfull channel are dependent not only on the type and quality of the riparian plant community but also on bankfull specific stream power, channel width, and the processes of large wood delivery to the stream. While bank erosion and floodplain stripping by catastrophic floods are obvious and important delivery mechanisms, treefall and trunk and branch breakage by strong winds during tropical cyclones and severe storms are also significant in the tropics. Furthermore, wood decay and downstream transport produce temporally dynamic large wood distributions. The longevity of natural large wood structures in rivers, such as rafts, debris dams, and log steps, requires determination. River rehabilitation programs need to not only include the reintroduction of large wood, but also carefully plan the spatial distribution of that wood, the most appropriate type and range of large wood structures, and, most importantly, the revegetation of the riparian zone to ensure a natural long‐term source of large wood. Exotic species management is an essential part of river rehabilitation.
Agenda for the future: enhancing autonomy for older people in residential care
Authors: Murphy Kathy , Welford Claire
Published: February 2012

murphy k. & welford c. (2012) Agenda for the future: enhancing autonomy for older people in residential care.International Journal of Older People Nursing7, 75–80  doi: 10.1111/j.1748‐3743.2012.00309.x

This is the concluding paper of a three paper publications. Paper 1 focused on specifically understanding what autonomy for older people in residential care means. Paper 2 discussed the various factors that either facilitate or hinder residents autonomy and directed readers to reflect upon their practice. This final paper outlines the findings from the action research phase of a study aimed at enhancing resident autonomy. It describes just one way in which residential care units can work on enhancing residents autonomy and enables the reader to reflect upon nursing practices, which with the right approach can be resident‐centred.
Enhancing autonomy for older people in residential care: what factors affect it?
Authors: Rodgers Vivien , Welford Claire , Murphy Kathy , Frauenlob Theresia
Published: February 2012

rodgers v., welford c., murphy k. & frauenlob t. (2012) Enhancing autonomy for older people in residential care: what factors affect it?International Journal of Older People Nursing7, 70–74  doi: 10.1111/j.1748‐3743.2012.00310.x

As the population ages, the expectations of consumers rise and future care provision for older people will demand that autonomy is operationalised in residential care facilities. This paper looks at international publications related to identifying the factors which facilitate or hinder residents autonomy and directs the reader to reflect on their own custom and practice. There are many factors which both facilitate and hinder the level of autonomy which older people experience in residential care. This paper will discuss the three most pertinent factors that are discussed repeatedly in the literature, and they are as follows: the organisations approach to care, person‐centred care and life planning.
Monitoring cardiovascular health in men with prostate cancer treated with androgen deprivation therapy
Authors: Allan Carolyn A , Collins Veronica R , Frydenberg Mark , McLachlan Robert I , Matthiesson Kati L
Published: February 2012

Earlier diagnosis and improved treatments have resulted in men with prostate cancer living for many years following diagnosis. Long‐term effects of treatments are therefore important. Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is now commonly used to treat prostate cancer. We have estimated that, in Australia, 6500 men used ADT in 1999/2000 with a steady increase to about 21 800 men in 2009/2010 (over 300% increase), a trend similar to those in the USA and UK. ADT has a range of side‐effects that can impact on quality of life such that risks and benefits should be carefully considered before making treatment decisions.

Cross‐sectional and longitudinal studies show that ADT can have cardio‐metabolic effects including increases in fat mass and reduced lean mass, possible adverse effects on lipid levels, increased insulin resistance and increased risk of type 2 diabetes. ADT may also increase the risk of incident cardiovascular events and possibly cardiovascular mortality, although the evidence is not conclusive.

In the absence of high‐quality evidence to guide management, it is prudent to consider men using androgen deprivation are at higher risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Maintenance of normal body weight through diet and exercise, smoking cessation, and control of blood pressure, lipid levels and blood glucose are recommended, based on guidelines for the general population. Men at significant cardiovascular risk should consider aspirin therapy.

All health professionals involved in the care of men undergoing prostate cancer treatment need to be aware of the risks of ADT and ensure appropriate monitoring and management.
Is there any association between obesity and benign prostatic hyperplasia?
Authors: Stamatiou Konstantinos , Copanitsanou Panagiota
Published: February 2012

Certain components of the metabolic syndrome, such as hyperglycaemia, hypertension and dyslipidaemia, have been reported in recent studies to correlate to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Although obesity represents an important parameter of the metabolic syndrome also, its association with BPH remains controversial. The aim of this study is to summarize the existing literature concerning the coexistence of obesity and BPH, and to elucidate whether an association between these conditions exists. We identified studies published from 1980 onwards by searching electronic databases, such as MEDLINE. Initial search terms included ‘benign prostatic hyperplasia’, ‘epidemiology’, ‘risk factor’, combined with ‘metabolic diseases', ‘hypertension’, ‘hyperinsulinemia’, ‘dyslipidemia’ and ‘obesity’. There are several observational and epidemiological studies examining the effects of obesity on BPH, though more studies examine the association between several metabolic or lifestyle factors and BPH. Evidence suggests that an association between BPH and obesity is possible. However, obesity exhibits a stronger positive correlation with BPH when its effects on BPH are examined in combination with other disorders which constitute components of the metabolic syndrome. When the effects of obesity on BPH are examined separately a confounding relation is demonstrated. As the common pathophysiological pathway between metabolic syndrome, obesity and BPH continues to be poorly highlighted, the exact relation of obesity and BPH remains unclear.
Evaluation of health behaviours in patients with kidney stones in Sari/Iran
Authors: Salmeh Fatemeh , Yaghoubi Tahereh , Zakizadeh Manizheh , Yaghoubian Mahboubeh , Shahmohammadi Soheila
Published: February 2012

Renal stone formation is a common and important problem in urinary tract and the prevalence of the disease is especially rising in recent years due to changing the lifestyle and diet. The aim of this study was to evaluate the health behaviours of patients with kidney stones.

This cross‐sectional study was performed on 190 patients with kidney stones who referred to the outpatient department of Hospitals or extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy clinics in Sari/Iran, during 6 months period in 2009. The people were divided into two safe health behaviours and unsafe health behaviours groups, based on the obtained scores from their health behaviours. Data were analysed using SPSS software and descriptive statistics tests.

The mean age of the patients with kidney stones was 39 years. A 51·3% of subjects had positive family history of the disease. A 49·5% of subjects did not have exercise and 38·9% had less than half an hour physical activity per day. There was a significant relationship between the type of kidney stone and type of consumed water, tea, raw vegetables, milk and meat (P < 0·005). There was a significant relationship between family history of disease and exercise and daily activity level as well as the type and amount of water consumption (P < 0·005).

Health behaviours can control and prevent the disease progression and influence on recurrence of the disease. Evaluation of health behaviours leading to formation of urinary tract stones in different geographical areas of our country seems to be necessary.
Catch shares, fisheries, and ecological stewardship: a comparative analysis of resource responses to a rights‐based policy instrument
Authors: Essington Timothy E. , Melnychuk Michael C. , Branch Trevor A. , Heppell Selina S. , Jensen Olaf P. , Link Jason S. , Martell Steven J. D. , Parma Ana M. , Pope John G. , Smith Anthony D. M.
Published: February 2012

Rights‐based approaches are potentially promising tools to meet conservation objectives in natural resource management. Here, we evaluated how population status and fishery production respond to catch shares, a rights‐based policy instrument in fisheries whereby participants are granted a right to harvest a fraction of the allowable catch. By analyzing time series of landings, exploitation rate, and population biomass for >150 fisheries, we find that catch shares tended to dampen variance in fishery landings and exploitation rate, that they had no effect on population biomass, and that the responses were unrelated to population status prior to catch shares. Variance dampening was strongest when harvesting rights were durable and secure but was absent otherwise. Reductions in exploitation rate were strongest in multispecies fisheries with high levels of at‐sea observers. Although benefits are not guaranteed, successful catch share programs share common elements that can be incorporated in the design of future programs.
Prioritizing threat management for biodiversity conservation
Authors: Carwardine Josie , O’Connor Trudy , Legge Sarah , Mackey Brendan , Possingham Hugh P. , Martin Tara G.
Published: February 2012

Calls for threat management actions to protect biodiversity and restore ecosystem function are rarely coupled with costed and prioritized sets of management actions for use in decision making. We present a cost‐effectiveness approach for prioritizing threat management to maximize the in situ protection of biodiversity per dollar spent. The approach draws on empirical data and expert knowledge of major threats to biodiversity, feasible threat management actions, and likely responses of biodiversity to a set of costed management scenarios. An application assessing 637 vertebrate wildlife species in the Kimberley region of north‐western Australia suggests that the likely functional loss of 45 mammals, birds, and reptiles over the next 20 years can be averted by effectively managing fire, grazing, and invasive species for approximately AU$40 million per year. Our approach is flexible and may be useful for delivering transparent guidance for conserving species and ecosystems in other regions, including those where data is limited.
Harnessing Private Funds to Alleviate the Australian Local Government Infrastructure Backlog
Authors: Dollery Brian , Kortt Michael A. , Grant Bligh
Published: February 2012

A series of national and state public inquiries into the financial sustainability of local government have demonstrated that all Australian local government jurisdictions face a daunting local infrastructure maintenance and renewal backlog. Various solutions to the problem have been advanced in the literature, including the establishment of an Australian municipal bond market to facilitate the use of private sector finance to fund the remediation of the infrastructure shortfall (Byrnes et al., 2008). However, despite the conceptual attraction of this particular policy proposal, as a majority of Australian local authorities are small, with limited administrative and technical capacity, they would have great difficulty in securing access to a municipal bond market. In this paper, we consider municipal banks and bond banks as alternative institutional solutions to the Australian local government infrastructure backlog.
Aboriginal Economic and Human Development in the Northern Territory of Australia: To Work or Not to Work. A Clash of Non‐Indigenous Beliefs
Authors: Bandias Susan , Fuller Don , Holmes Scott
Published: February 2012

Although Indigenous people in the poorest developing countries of the world confront the most severe hardships, nevertheless even in the most developed countries such as Australia, Indigenous standards of living in terms of economic, educational and basic human standards are far inferior to other groups within society. It has been argued that Indigenous affairs in Australia is divided into “two ideological tribes” both vigorously opposed with respect to the preferred manner in which the substantial disadvantage of Indigenous Australians can be overcome. Although more complex categorisations of ideological positions are possible, both maintain considerable influence within the field of Indigenous policy formulation in Australia and in the Northern Territory in particular, where nearly 30 per cent of the total population is Indigenous. The main purpose of this paper is to examine the central arguments advanced by these two sides of the debate and the implications for public policy decision making and Indigenous people, within the context of the Northern Territory of Australia.
Marginal Intra‐Industry Trade and Adjustment Costs: The Australian Experience*
Authors: Thorpe Michael , Leitão Nuno Carlos
Published: February 2012

The objective of this research is to investigate labour market adjustment in Australian manufacturing industry over the period 1992–2000, a time of significant adjustment in the country’s trade pattern. Specifically, the focus is on the so‐called smooth adjustment hypothesis, which posits that, compared with inter‐industry trade, intra‐industry trade (IIT) expansion is associated with relatively lower factor adjustment costs. A dynamic panel data approach (GMM‐System) is employed. We find that there is a negative correlation between changes in employment and increased IIT. This result provides support for the smooth adjustment hypothesis. Given the rise in IIT as a proportion of Australia’s overall trade during the period under review, the resulting trade‐related adjustment in labour markets is likely to have been less than otherwise expected.
Evidence of Multiple Life Stage Disadvantage for Small Areas in Australia*
Authors: Tanton Robert , Gong Cathy Honge , Harding Ann
Published: February 2012

Intergenerational disadvantage has been defined as “disadvantage induced by the attitudes, social circumstances or economic limitations of a person’s parents (Vinson, 2009, p. 1). This disadvantage could be in terms of poverty, labour force or lack of access to opportunities that other children may have. One of the limitations of this concept is that it only takes into account direct family, so it is only how a person’s parents affect their disadvantage. However, evidence suggests that the local community also affects disadvantage, and that disadvantage tends to cluster. The obvious question that this paper tries to answer is do areas with high levels of disadvantage have high levels of disadvantage for all age groups in the area? Or are there areas where a high proportion of disadvantaged elderly people and a low proportion of disadvantage children live? And where are these areas (e.g. rural/regional areas, capital cities, inner urban areas). Answering this question will give some idea of which areas have entrenched disadvantage, so disadvantage that covers a number of life stages. It is these areas where broad policies to reduce disadvantage for everyone are important, rather than targeted policies to reduce disadvantage for children or the elderly. This paper finds that remote areas suffer the greatest proportion of people in areas where there are four life stages disadvantaged, and urban areas have the most people in areas where no life stages are in disadvantage. This does suggest that the Government should be concentrating on efforts to reduce multiple life stage disadvantage in remote areas.
The Economic Impact of Increased Water Demand in Australia: A Computable General Equilibrium Analysis
Authors: Ejaz Qureshi Muhammad , Proctor Wendy , Young Mike D. , Wittwer Glyn
Published: February 2012

This paper explores the impact of increased population and water demand and reduced water supply on sectoral and regional output and employment in Australia utilising a multi‐regional computable general equilibrium model. The results indicate that the increase in water demand will significantly increase the shadow price (or opportunity cost) of water use in major urban centres. For cities predicted to have high growth rates such as Sydney, Brisbane and Perth, if rising water scarcity had not been supplemented by new water supplies, and if the price of water had reflected rising scarcity, the price of water would have risen by fivefold, sevenfold and eightfold per kilolitre respectively. However, allowing rural–urban water trading and developing new water sources would reduce water scarcity and the opportunity cost of water use and the economic impacts on the Australian economy.
States Ponder Own‐Tax Reform Options Post‐Forum
Authors: Warren Neil
Published: February 2012

Australian States raise through taxes less than half what they spend. In response to States’ calls for access to income and consumption taxes, the Commonwealth at the recent Tax Forum responded with a demand that States first make maximum use of their available tax bases. In response, New South Wales and Queensland agreed at the Forum to work with the other States to develop a State tax reform plan by the end of 2012. This article examines the own‐tax reform options available to States and which of these options are likely to be included in any plan brought by States to COAG.
Personal Income Taxation
Authors: Freebairn John
Published: February 2012

The efficiency, equity and simplicity effects of reform proposals for lower taxation of capital income relative to labour income, for a comprehensive labour income tax base, for a more neutral system of taxation of different forms of capital income, and for a simpler and more transparent personal income tax rate schedule are explained and evaluated. Recommendations of Australia’s Future Tax System provide many positive ideas, but there are additional worthy options to consider.
Social Security Reform: The Tax Forum and Beyond
Authors: Whiteford Peter
Published: February 2012

This paper identifies the main issues relating to the Australian transfer system discussed at the Tax Forum held in October 2011. The paper focuses on the discussion of the adequacy of current payments for the unemployed and the issue of assistance with housing costs, the sustainability of transfers and taxes in the medium to longer term, and the high effective marginal tax rates associated with Australia's income‐tested system.
Tax Governance Issues: Managing System Complexity*
Authors: Evans Chris
Published: February 2012

The session on tax system governance at the October 2011 Tax Forum represented an opportunity to build on the strong foundations, laid down by the Henry Review, for a citizen‐centric approach to the management of the interactions between individuals and firms and the agencies charged with responsibility for the administration of the tax and transfer system. This article suggests that despite the goodwill brought to the discussions by all concerned, little consensus emerged at the Forum on the key issues of how best to manage the complexity of modern tax and transfer systems or on what form of external scrutiny might be most appropriate for the tax administration in the Australian context.
Two‐dimensional speckle tracking for quantification of left ventricular circumferential and radial wall motion in horses
Authors: DECLOEDT A. , VERHEYEN T. , SYS S. , De CLERCQ D. , van LOON G.
Published: February 2012

Reasons for performing study:The use of two‐dimensional speckle tracking (2DST) for quantification of left ventricular (LV) function has recently been described in horses using long‐axis images and short‐axis images at chordal but not at papillary muscle level.

Objectives:To compare the feasibility and reliability of 2DST for quantification of circumferential and radial LV function in short‐axis images at papillary muscle and chordal level.

Methods:Repeated echocardiographic examinations were performed on 10 healthy trotter horses by 2 observers from a right parasternal short‐axis view at papillary muscle and chordal level. Segmental and averaged peak values and timing of circumferential and radial strain and strain rate, radial displacement and rotation were measured in 6 LV wall segments in each imaging plane. Global peak values were calculated for circumferential strain and strain rate. The inter‐ and intraobserver within‐ and between‐day variability was assessed by calculating coefficients of variation for repeated measurements.

Results:2DST analysis was feasible in each cardiac cycle, although tracking was often inadequate during early diastole. Measurements of averaged systolic circumferential and radial strain and strain rate and radial displacement as well as global circumferential strain and strain rate could be determined with low variability. Early and late diastolic strain rate and systolic rotation showed a moderate variability. Radial segmental measurements were more reliable than circumferential measurements. The interventricular septum showed a higher circumferential and lower radial strain compared with the LV free wall. Peak timing was earlier at papillary muscle compared with chordal level.

Conclusions:2DST measurements of global and regional circumferential and radial LV wall motion are feasible both at papillary muscle and chordal level.

Potential relevance:Several measurements had good reliability and should be used for evaluation of the technique in a clinical setting.
An improved Hochberg procedure for multiple tests of significance
Authors: Rom Dror M.
Published: February 2012

We propose a simple modification of Hochberg's step‐up Bonferroni procedure for multiple tests of significance. The proposed procedure is always more powerful than Hochberg's procedure for more than two tests, and is more powerful than Hommel's procedure for three and four tests. A numerical analysis of the new procedure indicates that its Type I error is controlled under independence of the test statistics, at a level equal to or just below the nominal Type I error. Examination of various non‐null configurations of hypotheses shows that the modified procedure has a power advantage over Hochberg's procedure which increases in relationship to the number of false hypotheses.
Three‐week inpatient Cognitive Evolutionary Therapy (CET) for patients with personality disorders: Evidence of effectiveness in symptoms reduction and improved treatment adherence
Authors: Prunetti Elena , Bosio Valentina , Bateni Marco , Liotti Giovanni
Published: February 2012

Objectives. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of Cognitive Evolutionary Therapy (CET) in an intensive short residential treatment of a wide range of severe personality disorders (PDs) that resulted in a reduction of social functioning and significant personal distress.

Design. Each patient was assessed at admission, discharge, and 3 months later in order to determine if there was a reduction in symptoms and an improved adherence to former outpatient programs and to check if patients were undergoing new treatment after discharge.

Method. Fifty‐one patients participated in this study. The 20‐hr weekly program consisted of two individual sessions and various group modules. Outcome measures included: self‐reported measures of depression, anxiety, general symptoms, number and duration of inpatient admissions after the programme, and continuation in an outpatient treatment programme.

Results. The results show an overall improvement in general psychopathology after the release and in follow‐up sessions, a decrease in the number of further hospital admissions, and an increased level of attendance of outpatient therapy.

Conclusions. This study shows that intensive short residential treatment is an effective treatment for patients with a wide range of PDs.
Standardized Nursing Diagnoses in an Electronic Health Record: Nursing Survey Results
Authors: Estrada Nicolette A. , Dunn Candice R.
Published: February 2012

PURPOSE.  A survey was conducted to obtain feedback from registered nurses as end‐users of standardized nursing terminology for care planning in an electronic health record. Revisions to the care plan terminology were completed as part of an evidence‐based project by nurses at one facility.

METHODS.  The survey was conducted pre‐, post‐, and 2‐year post‐implementation to obtain feedback from the acute care registered nurses (RNs).

FINDINGS.  Nurses reported a more positive agreement with the changes at 6 months compared with baseline, which generally was found to be sustained in the 2‐year survey. Overall, the standardized terminology provided the nurses greater ease in their selection of nursing diagnoses and interventions in planning patient care, yet their reported satisfaction did not change. The survey identified several problematic areas related to nurses and care planning. Nurses reported less agreement with the statement about the care plans offering them the ability to determine the status of their patient's nursing care needs. They noted less agreement with statements of the care plan offering information on assessment of patient outcomes of nursing care.

CONCLUSIONS.  The patient plan of care in the electronic record is expected to offer nurses the ability to communicate the needs of the patient and assess outcomes of care. The survey findings indicate weaknesses warranting further exploration to identify changes needed to improve care planning documentation.