bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ENCOUNTERS WITH STATISTICAL INFERENCE – AN INTERVIEW WITH EVAN WILLIAMS
Authors: Laslett G.M. , Lloyd C.J. , Robinson G.K.
Published: August 2010

Emeritus Professor Evan J. Williams was interviewed at the CSIRO Division of Mathematics and Statistics in Melbourne on 13 February 1991. Three major phases of his working life were discussed: time at CSIRO; time in the United States of America; time at The University of Melbourne. This article is based on an edited recording of the interview.
VARIABLE SELECTION ALONG CANONICAL VECTORS
Authors: Campbell N.A. , Furby S.L.
Published: August 2010

When describing and displaying inter‐group relationships using canonical variate analysis, the question often arises: which variables contribute most to the group separation along particular canonical vectors? This problem is discussed in the context of an example which uses remotely sensed data to discriminate between cover classes. The appropriate between‐groups matrix to be input into subset selection procedures is identified. When combined with subsequent simplification of the vectors, the approach leads to a simpler interpretation of the canonical variate display.
THREE‐WAY STRATIFICATION SAMPLING DESIGN WHEN ONE OF THE STRATIFYING VARIABLES IS TIME
Authors: Ali Ghazali Syed Shakir , Skinner Chris J. , Tahir M. H.
Published: August 2010

Bryant, Hartley & Jessen (1960)presented a two‐way stratification sampling design when the sample sizenis less than the number of strata. Their design was extended to a three‐way stratification case byChaudhary & Kumar (1988), but this design does not take into account serial correlation, which might be present as a result of the presence of a time variable. In this paper, a new sampling procedure is presented for three‐way stratification when one of the stratifying variables is time. The purpose of such a design is to take into account serial correlation. The variance of the unweighted estimator of the population mean with respect to a super population model is used as the basis for comparison. Simulation results show that the suggested design is more efficient than theChaudhary & Kumar (1988)design.
ARGUMENTS AGAINST PROMOTING ORGAN TRANSPLANTS FROM BRAIN‐DEAD DONORS, AND VIEWS OF CONTEMPORARY JAPANESE ON LIFE AND DEATH
Authors: ASAI ATSUSHI , KADOOKA YASUHIRO , AIZAWA KUNIKO
Published: August 2010

As of 2009, the number of donors in Japan is the lowest among developed countries. On July 13, 2009, Japan's Organ Transplant Law was revised for the first time in 12 years. The revised and old laws differ greatly on four primary points: the definition of death, age requirements for donors, requirements for brain‐death determination and organ extraction, and the appropriateness of priority transplants for relatives.

In the four months of deliberations in the National Diet before the new law was established, various arguments regarding brain death and organ transplantation were offered. An amazing variety of opinions continue to be offered, even after more than 40 years have elapsed since the first heart organ transplant in Japan. Some are of the opinion that with the passage of the revised law, Japan will finally become capable of performing transplants according to global standards. Contrarily, there are assertions that organ transplants from brain‐dead donors are unacceptable because they result in organs being taken from living human beings.

Considering the current conditions, we will organize and introduce the arguments for and against organ transplants from brain‐dead donors in contemporary Japan. Subsequently, we will discuss the primary arguments against organ transplants from brain‐dead donors from the perspective of contemporary Japanese views on life and death. After introducing the recent view that brain death should not be regarded as equivalent to the death of a human being, we would like to probe the deeply‐rooted views on life and death upon which it is based.
Effects of chronic maltreatment and maltreatment timing on children’s behavior and cognitive abilities
Authors: Jaffee Sara R. , Maikovich‐Fong Andrea Kohn
Published: August 2010

Background:  Chronic maltreatment has been associated with the poorest developmental outcomes, but its effects may depend on the age when the maltreatment began, or be confounded by co‐occurring psychosocial risk factors.

Method:  We used data from the National Survey of Child and Adolescent Well‐Being (NSCAW) to identify four groups of children who varied in the timing, extent, and continuity of their maltreatment from birth to 9 years. Internalizing and externalizing problems, prosocial behavior, and IQ were assessed 21 months, on average, following the most recent maltreatment report.

Results:  Children maltreated in multiple developmental periods had more externalizing and internalizing problems and lower IQ scores than children maltreated in only one developmental period. Chronically maltreated children had significantly more family risk factors than children maltreated in one developmental period and these accounted for maltreatment chronicity effects on externalizing and internalizing problems, but not IQ. The timing of maltreatment did not have a unique effect on cognitive or behavioral outcomes, although it did moderate the effect of maltreatment chronicity on prosocial behavior.

Conclusion:  There is a need for early intervention to prevent maltreatment from emerging and to provide more mental health and substance use services to caregivers involved with child welfare services.
Assistant nurses working in care of older people: associations with sustainable work ability
Authors: Hägglund Karin M. , Helsing Christer , Sandmark Hélène
Published: September 2010

Scand J Caring Sci; 2011; 25; 325–332
 
Assistant nurses working in care of older people: associations with sustainable work ability

Indicators of health have shown improvements in the Swedish working population during the past decades, but with the exception of low‐skilled women. Earlier research has shown that assistant nurses belong to an occupational group, which has the lowest share of individuals with long‐term health in the total Swedish workforce. Sick leave research has mostly focused on determining risk factors for the development of diseases and dysfunctions. In the process of acquiring knowledge about mechanisms for sick leave, it has become obvious that there is also a need to focus on what contributes to work ability. The aim in this study was to explore what promotes sustainable work ability in female assistant nurses working in care of older people. Associations between factors related to work, health, lifestyle and sustainable work ability were investigated in a cross‐sectional nested case–control study in a cohort of 366 female assistant nurses. Data were collected in self‐reports in a questionnaire. Odds ratios were calculated, and a multiple logistic regression analysis was performed with sustainable work ability as the dependent variable. Sustainable work ability was associated with good self‐rated health, a BMI <30, ability to sleep well, recuperation, low stress level, support from family and friends, being over 25 years of age at birth of the first child, and control over one’s own life in the ≥50 age group. In the logistic regression analysis, the significant associations were good self‐rated health, being over 25 years of age at the birth of the first child and recuperation. In conclusion, the study showed that self‐rated health and factors in private life are important for assistant nurse’s sustainable work ability over time. The results from this study could be applied in health promotion work for employees in the care sector to strengthen and enhance sustainable work ability.
ON STATISTICAL APPROACHES TO THE STUDY OF CERAMIC ARTEFACTS USING GEOCHEMICAL AND PETROGRAPHIC DATA*
Authors: BAXTER M. J. , BEARDAH C. C. , PAPAGEORGIOU I. , CAU M. A. , DAY P. M. , KILIKOGLOU V.
Published: August 2010

The scientific analysis of ceramics often has the aim of identifying groups of similar artefacts. Much published work focuses on analysis of data derived from geochemical or mineralogical techniques. The former is more likely to be subjected to quantitative statistical analysis. This paper examines some approaches to the statistical analysis of data arising from both kinds of techniques, including ‘mixed‐mode’ methods where both types of data are incorporated into analysis. The approaches are illustrated using data derived from 88 Late Bronze Age transport jars from Kommos, Crete. Results suggest that the mixed‐mode approach can provide additional insight into the data.
EXPERIMENTAL EVIDENCE FOR THE PROCESSING OF MARINE ANIMAL PRODUCTS AND OTHER COMMODITIES CONTAINING POLYUNSATURATED FATTY ACIDS IN POTTERY VESSELS*
Authors: EVERSHED R. P. , COPLEY M. S. , DICKSON L. , HANSEL F. A.
Published: August 2010

ω‐(o‐Alkylphenyl)alkanoic acids are known to form in vitro from triunsaturated fatty acids following protracted heating. These compounds have recently been identified in absorbed lipid extracts obtained from archaeological pottery vessels, providing a potentially valuable new class of indicator for the processing of commodities, such as marine oils, which contain high abundances of polyunsaturated fatty acids. Experiments were conducted to assess whether ω‐(o‐alkylphenyl)alkanoic acids form when pure compounds and complex triacylglycerol mixtures are heated with a fired clay. The results demonstrate that ω‐(o‐alkylphenyl)alkanoic acids are only produced following heating of unsaturated fatty acids (tri‐, di‐ and monounsaturated species) or complex unsaturated fatty acyl lipids at around 270°C. Heating saturated fatty acyl lipids does not yield ω‐(o‐alkylphenyl)alkanoic acids. Thus, when searching for evidence for the processing of marine derived animal fats in archaeological pottery vessels, it is essential that: ω‐(o‐alkylphenyl)alkanoic acids of carbon length C18 and C20 should be present, ideally with C22 also detectable (if only in trace abundances), together with at least one of the three isoprenoid fatty acids (phytanic, pristanic or 4,8,12‐tetramethyltridecanoic acid).
Adenosine and inosine release during hypoxia in the isolated spinal cord of neonatal rats
Authors: Takahashi T , Otsuguro K , Ohta T , Ito S
Published: August 2010

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Adenosine and inosine accumulate extracellularly during hypoxia/ischaemia in the brain and may act as neuroprotectants. In spinal cord, there is pharmacological evidence for increases in extracellular adenosine during hypoxia, but no direct measurements of purine release. Furthermore, the efflux pathways and origin of extracellular purines are not defined. To characterize hypoxia‐evoked purine accumulation, we examined the effect of acute hypoxia on the extracellular levels of adenosine and inosine in isolated spinal cords from rats.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Extracellular adenosine and inosine concentrations were assayed in an in vitro preparation of the isolated spinal cord of the neonatal rat by HPLC.

KEY RESULTS The extracellular level of inosine was about 10‐fold higher than that of adenosine. Acute hypoxia (10 min) caused a temperature‐dependent increase in these two purines, which were inhibited by an increase in external Ca2+, but not by several inhibitors of efflux pathways or metabolic enzymes of adenine nucleotides. Inhibitors of adenosine deaminase or the equilibrative nucleoside transporter (ENT) abolished the hypoxia‐evoked increase in inosine but not adenosine. The inhibition of glial metabolism abolished the increase of both purines evoked by hypoxia but not by oxygen‐glucose deprivation, hypercapnia or an adenosine kinase inhibitor.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Our data suggest that hypoxia releases adenosine itself from intracellular sources. Inosine formed intracellularly may be released through ENTs. During hypoxia, astrocytes appear to play a key role in purine release from neonatal rat spinal cord.
A case of psoriatic arthritis without the appearance of psoriatic skin or nail lesions for 21 years
Authors: TANIGUCHI Atsuo , KAMATANI Naoyuki
Published: August 2010

In some patients with psoriatic arthritis, arthritis may precede psoriatic skin lesions. In fact, psoriatic skin lesions may not develop for more than 10 years after the onset of arthritis. Making diagnostic and therapeutic decisions in such patients is therefore challenging. We describe a case with classic features of psoriatic arthritis without psoriatic skin or nail lesions for 21 years. We suggest that recognition of psoriatic arthritis sine psoriasis is important for selecting appropriate therapy to prevent joint damage.
Diagnostic utility of nailfold capillaroscopy
Authors: ROBERTS‐THOMSON P. J. , COX S. R. , WALKER J. G. , DUGAR M. , AHERN M. J. , SMITH M. D.
Published: August 2010

Aim:  To determine the diagnostic utility of qualitative nailfold capillaroscopy (NC) in a clinical setting.

Methods:  One hundred and sixty‐seven patients, generally with Raynaud's phenomena of uncertain significance, were referred to an experienced operator for NC. NC was performed using low power wide field microscopy. Nailfold capillary arcades, number, calibre and presence of microbleeds were assessed on the third fourth and fifth nailfolds in each patient. Patients’ final diagnoses were determined by case note review following a mean of 6.6 years post‐initial NC.

Results:  Nailfold capillaroscopy was considered abnormal in 86/167 patients (51%), suspicious in eight, technically unsatisfactory in two and normal in the remainder. In those 86 patients with abnormal findings the follow‐up diagnosis revealed scleroderma in 79, dermatomyositis in four and antisynthetase myositis in three. Three patients with suspicious findings also developed scleroderma. Of those 71 patients with initial normal NC only four were found to have developed scleroderma at follow‐up. For a diagnosis of scleroderma NC demonstrated a sensitivity of 95%, a specificity of 91%, a positive predictive value of 92% and a negative predictive value of 94%. Nailfold capillary microbleeds were also frequently observed in patients with scleroderma, but were less specific than capillary morphological changes.

Conclusion:  Qualitative NC performed by an experienced operator is considered to have high diagnostic utility in the early assessment of patients with Raynaud's phenomena, and when abnormal, is highly suggestive of scleroderma, dermatomyositis or antisynthetase myositis.
Squamous‐cell carcinoma of the skin induced by cyclosporin in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: PIMENTA Emanuela Marques , CARDOZO Juliana Bahia , SANTIAGO Mittermayer B.
Published: August 2010

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or its treatment with methotrexate has been associated with a higher incidence of lymphoma. We describe a 59‐year‐old white female diagnosed with ulcerative rectocolitis associated with deforming RA, refractory to various medications, who developed squamous cell carcinoma of the skin (SCC) after prolonged use of cyclosporin. To our knowledge, this represents the first reported case of SCC induced by the use of cyclosporin in a patient with RA.
The incidence of hip fracture in Malaysians above 50 years of age: variation in different ethnic groups
Authors: LEE Joon‐Kiong , KHIR Amir S. M.
Published: August 2010

Aims:  Hip fracture is frequently studied to reflect osteoporosis related fractures. The aim of this study was to look at ethnic differences in the incidence of hip fractures between the three races in Malaysia.

Methods:  This was a retrospective study performed for the years 1996 and 1997. Data from hospitals treating hip fractures in elderly patients were collected throughout the whole country.

Result:  The overall incidence of hip fractures was 90 per 100 000 individuals. Sixty‐three percent of patients presenting with hip fractures were Chinese. This was followed by Malays at 20% and Indians, 13%. Race‐specific incidence data showed that the fracture rates are highest among the Chinese (160 per 100 000) followed by Indians (150 per 100 000) and Malays (30 per 100 000). Females were twice as commonly affected compared to males. Race and sex‐specific incidence data showed that the incidence was highest among Chinese females (220 per 100 000), followed by Indian females (200 per 100 000). The age‐specific incidence was 500 per 100 000 for patients above 75 years, compared to 10 per 100 000 in those between 50 and 54 years.

Conclusion:  Hip fractures are common in Malaysia. There are differences in hip fracture incidence depending upon ethnicity.
Atypical optic neuropathy: is it etanercept?
Authors: MUNSHI Vineeta , AHLUWALIA Harpeet
Published: August 2010

We report a case of retrobulbar optic neuritis in a patient on etanercept for rheumatoid arthritis.
Excretion of Citrate During the Menstrual Cycle, Pregnancy and Lactation
Authors: Robinson Marion F. , Clemett Helen R. , Grant Maureen D.
Published: August 2010

Summary:The daily urinary excretion of citrate was followed through 10 menstrual cycles in 5 subjects (3 under balance conditions) and in 2 subjects at various times during pregnancy and lactation. There was considerable day‐to‐day variation in excretion of citrate, and a cyclic pattern of citrate excretion could only be made out in 4 menstrual cycles. Statistical analysis revealed few significant correlations of citrate excretion with the pH of the urine, or with the excretion of inorganic phosphate, or of potassium, and no correlation with the excretion of calcium.
The Place of Aspiration Lavage in the Early Diagnosis of Uterine Malignancy
Authors: Barbara Charles
Published: August 2010

Summary: The results of aspiration lavage for endometrial cytology in 500 patients is presented. The accuracy in detecting premalignant and malignant endometrial or endocervical lesions is discussed with illustrative case reports.
The Treatment of Metastatic Chorioncarcinoma
Authors: Dewar Marion J.
Published: August 2010

Summary:Chorioncarcinoma, a rare disease in New Zealand, occurred once in every 7,770 deliveries in the National Women's Hospital in the period 1957–68. Six cases with metastatic disease are presented and treatment by chemotherapy, with or without hysterectomy, is discussed. From a review of the literature and the cases presented it seems that chemotherapy alone, using Methotrexate and occasionally Actinomycin D, is the treatment of choice.
Sarah Bernhardt's ‘Doctor God’: Jean‐Samuel Pozzi (1846–1918)
Authors: DE COSTA Caroline , MILLER Francesca
Published: August 2010

Samuel Pozzi was a major figure in the early development of modern gynaecological surgery. His textbook, A Treatise on Gynaecology, published in French in 1890 and rapidly translated into five other languages, was the first internationally acclaimed text integrating modern principles of anaesthesia, antisepsis, diagnosis, surgical technique and postoperative care, and in later editions remained a standard reference up to the 1930s. He was the author of more than 400 papers on gynaecological and general abdominal surgery and his technical expertise drew surgeons from all over the world to his theatre in the Hospital Broca, in one of the poorer parts of Paris. He was equally successful in several professional fields apart from medicine. However, his name is now little known in the English‐speaking world. This short biography aims to re‐introduce Pozzi to readers of English.
Pre‐induction sonographic assessment of the cervix in the prediction of successful induction of labour in nulliparous women
Authors: KEEPANASSERIL Anish , SURI Vanita , BAGGA Rashmi , AGGARWAL Neelam
Published: August 2010

Objective:  To compare the efficacy of ultrasonographic cervical assessment with Bishop score before induction of labour in predicting the success of labour induction in nulliparous women.

Methods:  This is a prospective study conducted in 138 women who underwent cervical assessment with transvaginal sonography followed by digital cervical assessment using Bishop score before induction of labour. Ultrasonographic parameters evaluated were cervical length, posterior cervical angle and funnelling were blinded to the managing physicians. Statistical analysis was carried out using Mann–Whitney test, χ2 test, receiver operating characteristics curves and logistic regression analysis.

Results:  Induction of labour was successful in 106 (76.8%) of the women. Multiple logistic regression analysis demonstrated cervical length and posterior cervical angle assessed by transvaginal sonography as independent predictors of successful outcome after induction of labour. Neither Bishop score nor its individual parameters were found to be significant in the regression analysis. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for cervical length and posterior cervical angle was greater than that of the Bishop score in predicting a successful labour induction. The best cut‐off point for the parameters in receiver operating characteristics curve was 3.0 cm for cervical length and 100° for posterior cervical angle. Cervical length of 3.0 cm had a sensitivity of 84.9%, and a specificity of 90.6% and a posterior cervical angle of 100° with 65% and 72%, respectively.

Conclusions:  Transvaginal sonographic assessment of cervical length and posterior cervical angle is better than conventional Bishop score in predicting successful labour induction in nulliparous women.
Maternal weight characteristics influence recurrence of fetal macrosomia in women with normal glucose tolerance
Authors: MAHONY Rhona , FOLEY Michael , MCAULIFFE Fionnuala , O’HERLIHY Colm
Published: August 2010

This study examines the relationship between maternal weight characteristics and recurrence of macrosomia in 111 non‐diabetic women who delivered a second baby following primiparous delivery of a macrosomic infant (> 4500 g). Recurrence of fetal macrosomia was associated with greater maternal body mass index (P = 0.032), greater initial pregnancy weight (P < 0.05) and total weight gain during second pregnancy (P < 0.01). Women delivering a first macrosomic infant should avoid excessive weight gain before and during a subsequent pregnancy.
Does postoperative misoprostol use induce intestinal motility? A prospective randomised double‐blind trial
Authors: DEMIRCI Fuat , SOMUNKIRAN Asli , GUL Ozlem Kemik , DEMIRARAN Yavuz , OZDEMIR Ismail , GUL Ozgur Baris
Published: August 2010

Background: Misoprostol has been shown to increase colonic activity and decrease colonic transit time in chronic constipation patients.

Aims: The aim of this prospective, randomised, double‐blind study was to examine the effectiveness of rectally administered misoprostol on inducing intestinal motility after gynaecological surgery.

Methods: Eighty women who underwent hysterectomy were divided randomly into three groups. Group A received misoprostol 200µg rectally while group B received 400µg rectal misoprostol after surgery before leaving the operating room. Patients in group C received no drugs. Bowel sounds in four quadrants were checked every hour and possible side‐effects of misoprostol like nausea, vomiting, and distension were evaluated. The time interval between surgery and flatus pass and the need of analgesics were noted. Statistical analyses were done with Mann–WhitneyU‐test and χ2tests where available.

Results: The time between surgery and presence of bowel sounds in four quadrants were similar in all groups (2.7 ± 1.6, 2.9 ± 1.2, 2.8 ± 1.3 h, for groups A, B, and C, respectively). No difference was observed in flatus pass time. The incidence of nausea was significantly increased in group B compared to controls (P < 0.01). Additional analgesic need was significantly higher in groups A and B when compared to controls (P < 0.05 andP < 0.01, for groups A and B, respectively).

Conclusion: Rectally administered misoprostol does not improve intestinal motility in the early postoperative period and thus, it is not effective in providing early oral food intake. On the contrary, it causes distention that requires additional analgesics and vomiting that naturally limits oral diet intake.
Expression and promoter methylation status of mismatch repair gene hMLH1 and hMSH2 in epithelial ovarian cancer
Authors: ZHANG Hui , ZHANG Shiqian , CUI Jing , ZHANG Aifeng , SHEN Liang , YU Hao
Published: August 2010

Objective: The purpose of this study is to determine the relationship between methylation and loss of hMLH1 and hMSH2 expression in ovarian cancer.

Methods: We examined the methylation status of hMLH1 and hMSH2 promoter region by methylation‐specific polymerase chain reaction (MSP) in 56 primary ovarian cancer tissues and 20 normal ovarian tissues, the relationship between the methylation status of these two genes and clinicopathological characteristics were analysed. We then treated SKOV3 and 3AO ovarian cancer cell lines with the demethylating agent 5‐aza‐2′‐deoxycytidine (5‐aza‐dc). The hMLH1 and hMSH2 methylation was further assessed by MSP, and their mRNA expression was compared by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) before and after 5‐aza‐dc treatment in these two cell lines.

Results: The methylation frequency of hMLH1 and hMSH2 was 30.4% (17 of 56) and 51.7% (29 of 56) in ovarian cancers, respectively, while no methylation was detected in normal ovarian tissues (P = 0.015). There is a significant correlation between hMLH1 promoter hypermethylation and histological grade (P = 0.028) as well as lymphatic metastasis (P = 0.003). Methylation of hMSH2 correlated with histological grade (P = 0.035) and lymphatic metastasis (P = 0.015). Besides, the methylation rates of hMSH2 were significantly higher in endometrioid adenocarcinoma tissues than in other pathological types of ovarian cancer. After 5‐aza‐dc treatment, the expression of hMLH1 and hMSH2 was reversed in two cell lines.

Conclusion: Our results indicate that promoter hypermethylation is an important mechanism for loss of hMLH1 and hMSH2 expression in human ovarian cancer and may be a potential prognostic factor in ovarian cancer.
Thyroid function tests and thyroid autoantibodies in an unselected population of women undergoing first trimester screening for aneuploidy
Authors: McELDUFF Aidan , MORRIS Jonathan
Published: August 2010

Context: Thyroid dysfunction in early pregnancy is associated with a number of adverse outcomes. Furthermore, the presence of thyroid autoantibodies has been associated with an increased risk of miscarriage.

Objective: To determine the prevalence of thyroid autoantibodies and their effect on thyroid function tests in an unselected population of women in early pregnancy.

Design and setting: Cross‐sectional study of samples that were collected for aneuploidy screening between 10 and 14 weeks gestation in Northern Sydney Area Health Service. Thyroid function tests (free T3, free T4 and thyroid‐stimulating hormone) and thyroid autoantibodies to thyroperoxidase and thyroglobulin were measured.

Patients and methods: Thyroid function tests were performed on a random sample of 257 blood samples.

Results: The presence of thyroid autoantibodies was common (18.3%) and was associated with subtle changes in thyroid function consistent with impaired thyroidal reserve.

Conclusions: The prevalence of antithyroid Abs in an unselected pregnant population in the late first trimester was about 18%.
Why planned attended homebirth should be more widely supported in Australia
Authors: NEWMAN Lareen A.
Published: August 2010

This article argues that the continuing reluctance on the part of professional and bureaucratic bodies in Australia to provide for and support planned attended homebirth for low‐risk women is unfounded according to the research evidence. It also suggests that such lack of support might be encouraging some planned but intentionally unattended homebirths to occur in Australia, particularly as in recent years there appears to have been an increase in popularity in freebirth (or do‐it‐yourself homebirth). The article calls for RANZCOG and Australian state health departments to support planned attended homebirth for low‐risk women in the face of what is now a considerable amount of evidence showing its safety, when compared with unplanned homebirth and hospital birth. The article raises a number of challenging issues for obstetricians, midwives and managers or planners of maternity services.
Rhabdoid Tumor Mimicking Hemangioma
Authors: Assen Yvette J. , Madern Gerard C. , de Laat Peter C.J. , den Hollander Jan C. , Oranje Arnold P.
Published: September 2010

Abstract:  We report a young boy with a malignant tumor, which remained unrecognized for 8 months because it was assumed to be a hemangioma. The presentation of a rhabdoid tumor mimicking hemangioma is very rare. It was reported only on two earlier occasions. Rhabdoid tumors are one of the most aggressive types of malignancies encountered in pediatric oncology. It is important to recognize that a fast growing vascular lesion in a child will often be a hemangioma, but could also be an aggressive tumor.
Making Math a Definition of the Situation: Families as Sites for Mathematical Practices
Authors: Goldman Shelley , Booker Angela
Published: August 2010

We present three cases showing families' competence in mathematical problem solving as a practical aspect of daily life. At home, parents and children engaged creatively in solving math‐relevant problems. They used a combination of everyday practices and school forms, but generally did not recognize mathematics in their problem solving. The findings invite new forms of participation that bring families into discussions of math‐relevant situations and relates them to their children's school math. [families, math, ethnography, daily practices, math in context]
“It's Different Lives”: A Guatemalan American Adolescent's Construction of Ethnic and Gender Identities across Educational Contexts
Authors: Ek Lucila D.
Published: August 2010

Drawing from a multiyear ethnography and a longitudinal case study, this article examines how one Guatemalan American teenager negotiates the multiple socializations to ethnic and gender identities in her home, her Pentecostal church, and her high school. She must face processes of Americanization and Mexicanization. Americanization's thrust is to replace the languages and cultures of Latino/a students with English and mainstream middle‐class European American ways while Mexicanization pushes Central Americans to Mexican and Chicano dialects of Spanish and ways of being. With respect to gender, Amalia confronts a process of sexualization, particularly in school. Tensions between the socializations create spaces where Amalia enacts her agency and constructs her identities. The article is informed by research on multiple socializations, scholarship on identity and agency, and studies of Latino/a language and identities. [Latina, socialization, language, identity, agency]
Explaining Domestic Violence Policy Outcomes in Chile and Argentina
Authors: Franceschet Susan
Published: September 2010

This article explains why Chile has outperformed Argentina in policy responses to the problem of domestic violence. It argues that policy variation is due to both macro-level institutional features (state capacity and centralization) and to more contingent political factors that shape the structure, role, and resources of the women's policy agencies that coordinate and implement domestic violence policies. The initial design of Chile's National Women's Service has allowed it to act as a crucial “insider” ally to advocacy groups. In contrast, Argentina's National Women's Council has suffered repeated downgrading and loss of resources due to ideological conflicts and changes in government, rendering it unable to coordinate policy responses to domestic violence effectively or to act as an ally to advocates inside and outside the state seeking increased resources and more effective policy responses to violence against women.
Sustaining Labor-Environmental Coalitions: Banana Allies in Costa Rica
Authors: Frundt Henry J.
Published: September 2010

What is required for sustaining an alliance between union and environmental activists? Applying grounded theory to a case study in the Costa Rican banana sector, this article reveals five historical phases. First, unions and environmentalists identify common opportunity structures for joint action. Second, a preexisting network becomes a resource for mobilization. Third, the new coalition engages in communicative action that leads to shared identity and cultural framing and a foundation for handling exogenous global forces. Market policy changes in the fourth phase stimulate a transnational activist network and framing linkages. Dramatic supply disruptions in the fifth precipitate autonomous organizational approaches that require reframing, identity extension, and flexibility. This study argues that the Costa Rican case can be generalized to other labor-environmental coalitions if such alliances create simple, open structures that agilely adapt to external opportunity structures and expand frames that encourage collaborative autonomy and dualistic collective definitions.
Regenerative medicine: then and now – an update of recent history into future possibilities
Authors: Polykandriotis E. , Popescu L. M. , Horch R. E.
Published: September 2010

Introduction

Regeneration in the ancient world

Regeneration in early research

Tissue engineering

The era of regenerative medicine

Regenerative medicine today

Conclusion

The fields of tissue engineering (TE) and regenerative medicine (RegMed) are yet to bring about the anticipated therapeutic revolution. After two decades of extremely high expectations and often disappointing returns both in the medical as well as in the financial arena, this scientific field reflects the sense of a new era and suggests the feeling of making a fresh start although many scientists are probably seeking reorientation. Much of research was industry driven, so that especially in the aftermath of the recent financial meltdown in the last 2 years we have witnessed a biotech asset yard sale. Despite any monetary shortcomings, from a technological point of view there have been great leaps that are yet to find their way to the patient. RegMed is definitely bound to play a major role in our life because it embodies one of the primordial dreams of mankind, such as: everlasting youth, flying, remote communication and setting foot on the moon. The Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine has been at the frontier of these developments in TE and RegMed from its beginning and reflects recent scientific advances in both fields. Therefore this review tries to look at RegMed through the keyhole of history which might just be like looking ‘back to the future’.
Energy intake misreporting among children and adolescents: a literature review
Authors: Forrestal Sarah G.
Published: August 2010

While adults' energy intake misreporting is a well‐documented phenomenon, relatively little is known about the nature and extent of misreporting among children and adolescents. Children's and adolescents' dietary reporting patterns are likely to be distinct because of their ongoing cognitive and social development. These developmental differences present unique challenges to aspects of dietary reporting, such as food knowledge, portion size estimation and response editing. This review of 28 articles describes energy intake misreporting among children and adolescents. Like adults, children and adolescents tended to underreport energy, with the largest biases observed with food records. Even when mean reported energy intake was close to its expected value, approximately half of all individuals were classified as misreporters, and overreporting appeared to be more common than it is among adults. Associations between numerous characteristics and misreporting were explored in the literature, with the most consistent findings for age and adiposity. Two predictors for adults, gender and social desirability, were not consistent factors among children and adolescents. The review concludes by highlighting knowledge gaps and recommendations for future research and practice.
Medication Use in Continuing Care Psychogeriatric Wards
Authors: Gray T.N. , Shah A.
Published: August 2010

Psychogeriatric patients from a large metropolitan psychiatric hospital were surveyed for medication use. The demographic characteristics, medication use and case note diagnosis were documented Fifty‐nine percent had a diagnosis of dementia and 32% had a diagnosis of schizophrenia. Twenty percent of the patients received no psychotropic drugs. Fewer dementia patients were on psychotropic drugs than patients with other diagnoses. Younger patients tended to be on more prescribed psychotropic drugs. Patients on hypnotics/sedatives were younger than those without. More men tended to be on chlormethiazole than women.
Quality of Life in the Elderly: a Contribution to its Understanding
Authors: Ferris C. , Bramston P.
Published: August 2010

A review of the research literature reveals that there is extensive interest in the meaning of quality of life of elderly people, particularly those in residential facilities. Determining how best to uphold the quality of life of elderly people is a challenge for practictioner and researcher alike. This study attempts to clarify some of the important quality of life issues by asking a range of elderly people to look closely at aspects of their routines. The responses of those people living in nursing homes, hostels, retirement villages and in the family home were compared and the results indicated that satisfaction with perceived quality of life differed according to where people lived. Where one lives appears to influence not what one regards at most important in life, but rather how satisfied one is with it. Implications are drawn from the data for professionals and researchers working in the field.
“I Would if I Could”: The Effect of Mobility Problems On The Activities of Older People
Authors: Mott S. , Riggs A.
Published: August 2010

This study sought to determine the extent to which people aged 65 years and over reduce their levels of social interactions as they age. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with forty people from each of three distinct communities: a coastal community, an inner suburb and a retirement village. Participants were asked about their past activities, present pursuits and the activities, if any, in which they would like to be involved Problems with mobility were found to have the greatest impact on the abilify of the participants to do the activities of choice. This was not limited to the people who generally felt in poor health; those who perceived themselves to be very healthy also experienced a lack of mobility as a barrier to desired pursuits. In this study, it was apparent that those people with mobility problems off‐set the threat of isolation by spending more time in contact with their families and friends than participants whose mobility was not problemoric. As a result of this extra contact, satisfaction with leisure was not decreased, nor were feelings of loneliness increased, by their lack of mobility.
A case for examining the social context of frailty in later life
Authors: Barrett Patrick
Published: August 2010

This paper makes a case for examining late life frailty as a dynamic social phenomenon. There is increasing interest in the issue of late life frailty from biomedical researchers, but less so from researchers using the perspectives and methods of social gerontology given a concern that to focus on aspects of functional decline tacitly endorses negative views of ageing. This paper begins by introducing an example of the way frailty in older people is referred to in regional health policy initiatives in New Zealand, before discussing issues around the definition of frailty and its significance. It concludes by noting that, while the term frailty is problematic, social gerontology has a contribution to make in understanding processes of loss of capacity in later life and the social and institutional context within which that occurs, and thus has a contribution to make in policy planning and service delivery.
Understanding baby boomers’ expectations and plans for their retirement: findings from a qualitative study
Authors: Quine Susan , Bernard Diana , Kendig Hal
Published: August 2010

Objective:  To explore the range of expectations and plans for retirement of Australian baby boomers in order to inform policy.

Methods:  A qualitative study of participants recruited to 12 focus groups in NSW in 2004, grouped by socioeconomic status, gender and geographical location. Topics raised included work, retirement and financial and other planning. Transcriptions of the sessions were analysed manually to identify the range of views on each topic and any variation by the selected study variables.

Results:  Although some baby boomers had planned for their retirement many had not. Socioeconomic status was the most important variable associated with planning.

Conclusions:  The findings increase our understanding of how baby boomers from different backgrounds are thinking and planning for their retirement. Baby boomers from low socioeconomic backgrounds consider that responsibility for retirement funding should rest either solely, or partially, with the government as they have not had time to accumulate sufficient superannuation.
Hepatocyte nuclear factor‐4α interacts with other hepatocyte nuclear factors in regulating transthyretin gene expression
Authors: Wang Zhongyan , Burke Peter A.
Published: August 2010

Transthyretin is a negative acute phase protein whose serum level decreases during the acute phase response. Transthyretin gene expression in the liver is regulated at the transcriptional level, and is controlled by hepatocyte nuclear factor (HNF)‐4α and other HNFs. The site‐directed mutagenesis of HNF‐4, HNF‐1, HNF‐3 and HNF‐6 binding sites in the transthyretin proximal promoter dramatically decreases transthyretin promoter activity. Interestingly, the mutation of the HNF‐4 binding site not only abolishes the response to HNF‐4α, but also reduces significantly the response to other HNFs. However, mutation of the HNF‐4 binding site merely affects the specific binding of HNF‐4α, but not other HNFs, suggesting that an intact HNF‐4 binding site not only provides a platform for specific interaction with HNF‐4α, but also facilitates the interaction of HNF‐4α with other HNFs. In a cytokine‐induced acute phase response cell culture model, we observed a significant reduction in the binding of HNF‐4α, HNF‐1α, HNF‐3β and HNF‐6α to the transthyretin promoter, which correlates with a decrease in transthyretin expression after injury. These findings provide new insights into the mechanism of the negative transcriptional regulation of the transthyretin gene after injury caused by a decrease in the binding of HNFs and a modulation in their coordinated interactions.
Australian patterns of practice survey in the adjuvant systemic treatment of early breast cancer
Authors: DAVIS Alison J , CRAFT Paul , YIP Desmond
Published: August 2010

Background:  The aim was to examine patterns of practice in the adjuvant systemic treatment of early breast cancer in order to determine consistency of practice, areas of controversy and whether practice is evidence based.

Methods:  A survey was sent to all Medical Oncologists listed with the Medical Oncology Group of Australia (n = 291) in September 2003. Demographics and information on the use of aids to assist clinical decision making were obtained. Seven short case scenarios were provided and oncologists asked what systemic treatment they would recommend (outside a clinical trial), for a woman with no significant comorbidities.

Results/Conclusion:  There were 106 replies (36%); 81 (28%) treating women with early breast cancer. Demographic data was available for 80/81 respondents and treatment details on all 81. The majority treated more than 20 patients/year; 52/80 (65%). Respondents represented a reasonable cross section of Australian oncologists with approximately 25% responding from most states and higher rates from several smaller states. Forty‐nine (61%) used prognostic tables or aids. The responses received suggest that practice patterns in Australia are consistent with current evidence and in general comply with international guidelines. There was a tendency to treat patients at high risk with anthracyclines and with higher doses and longer courses. Younger patients were treated more aggressively. A greater variety of regimens were recommended for very high risk patients suggesting a lack of consensus. Of concern, a small proportion recommended tamoxifen for estrogen receptor‐negative disease and others did not recommend its use for estrogen receptor‐positive disease.
Adjuvant chemotherapy for early breast cancer: Is cyclophosphamide, methotrexate and 5‐fluorouracil still the standard?
Authors: STUART‐HARRIS Robin , ODELL Helen , STURGISS Elizabeth
Published: August 2010

Background:  Oral cyclophosphamide, methotrexate and 5‐fluorouracil (CMF) was one of the first combination chemotherapy regimens used as adjuvant chemotherapy for early breast cancer. The value of CMF in reducing both recurrence and mortality from early breast cancer has been firmly established by the overviews of randomized trials of polychemotherapy, which have used CMF as their standard. The purpose of this review is to review the usage of oral CMF and the variants of CMF and to compare both the activity and side‐effects of CMF with more modern adjuvant chemotherapy regimens.

Results:  There are many variants of CMF but oral (or classical) CMF is probably more effective than intravenous (i.v.) CMF, at least in metastatic disease. When oral CMF is used in early breast cancer it reduces the annual hazard of recurrence by 24% and the annual hazard of mortality by 14% overall, although it appears more effective in younger patients. Anthracycline‐based regimens are more effective for reduction of recurrence and mortality than CMF but are associated with more severe acute toxicities and potentially greater risks of long‐term toxicities. Taxane‐based regimens have not been compared with CMF directly; however, in comparison with anthracycline‐based regimens, the early information suggests that taxane‐based regimens may be even more effective. The acute toxicities of taxane‐based regimens are probably less severe than anthracycline‐based regimens, but their long‐term toxicities are less well defined.

Conclusion:  Oral CMF as adjuvant chemotherapy for early breast cancer is the standard by which newer regimens are compared. Although newer regimens appear more effective than CMF, they may be associated with greater acute and potentially greater long‐term toxicities than CMF. Thus, CMF remains the standard by which future regimens should be judged, either directly or indirectly.
Primary carcinomas of the trachea: Natural history, treatment and results
Authors: WU Kai‐Liang , JIANG Guo‐Liang , FU Xiao‐Long , ZHOU Yuen‐Zhong , LIU Tai‐Fu
Published: August 2010

Primary tracheal tumors are rare. Understanding of the disease is limited and the optimal management has not been determined. To discover its natural history, and to confirm the efficacy of our treatment, we retrospectively analyzed the treatment outcome of 40 patients who were treated in our hospitals. Twenty‐eight patients were male and 12 female, with a median age of 47 years. Fifteen patients had adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC), 14 squamous cell carcinoma, eight adenocarcinoma, two small cell carcinoma, and one mucoepidermoid carcinoma. Thirty‐two of the 40 patients underwent surgical resection and postoperative radiotherapy. Six patients were treated with radiotherapy only and two patients with surgical resection alone. The median survival time was 3.3 years. The survival rates at 1 year, 5 years and 10 years were 86, 59, and 29%, respectively. Four patients were found to develop secondary primary carcinomas in five locations. In conclusion, surgical resection and adjuvant radiotherapy was an effective mode of treatment for locally advanced tracheal carcinoma. Although late local recurrence after the first course of treatment was a feature of this tumor, excellent long‐term palliation was commonly achieved after a 2nd course of treatment.