bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lymphangioma Circumscriptum of the Vulva Mimicking Genital Wart: A Case Report and Review of Literature
Authors: Sah Shatrughan Prasad , Yadav Rachna , Rani Sudha
Published: May 2010

Lymphangioma circumscriptum (LC) is an uncommon dermatologic problem that rarely affects the vulva and it is considered to be a localised developmental defect of lymphatic tissue in the dermis. We report a case of vulval LC, clinically diagnosed as genital wart, in a 48‐year‐old woman without evidence of secondary lymphatic damage. The patient required extensive vulval surgery and there was no recurrence after 16 months.
Relationship between Height and Arm Span in Women of Different Age Groups
Authors: Manonai Jittima , Khanacharoen Adchara , Theppisai Urusa , Chittacharoen Apichart
Published: May 2010

Objectives: (1) To study the correlation between height and arm span in young, perimenopausal, and postmenopausal age groups, (2) To compare the height and arm span difference in each age group.

Methods: Four hundred and eighty‐five women from menopause and gynaecologic clinics were included in the study. All subjects were measured for height and arm span. Correlations of height and arm span were obtained for each age group independently and the difference between the two measurements was examined.

Results: Correlation coefficients (r = 0.9899) indicated a clear association between height and arm span measurements in young women. This correlation, however, decreased in perimenopausal and postmenopausal age groups. The mean differences between height and arm span were 0.263 + 0.445, 2.105 + 1.885, and 2.568 + 2.443 cm in the 3 groups, respectively. In comparison with the young age group, the mean difference between height and arm span in the perimenopausal and postmenopausal age groups were significantly different (p < 0.05) and it was the highest in the postmenopausal age group.

Conclusion: The height and arm span were well correlated and could be used interchangeably in young women. The correlation decreased with advancing age. Since arm span does not change with age, we can therefore conclude that there was a decrease in height among women of increasing age using arm span as the reference of the previous height.
Ruptured Uterus: A Study of 100 Consecutive Cases in Ilorin, Nigeria
Authors: Aboyeji Abiodun P. , Ijaiya Munir‐Deen A. , Yahaya Usman R.
Published: May 2010

Objectives: To determine the incidence, aetiology, trend, management maternal and fetal outcome of uterine rupture at University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, Nigeria. To compare the results with previous reports from this centre.

Materials and Methods: A prospective study of patients with ruptured uterus at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, Nigeria between February, 1992 and December, 1999 was undertaken. The patients were initially assessed in the labour ward where the clinical presentation, relevant socio‐demographic data, previous medical and surgical histories were noted. Necessary investigations and resuscitation were carried out before the operation. A structured questionnaire was also administered either before or after the operation. Two consecutive spontaneous vaginal deliveries following each case of uterine rupture served as control. Statistical analysis was done using the Genstat 32 package.

Results: Of the 20,960 deliveries during the study period, there were 100 ruptured uteri giving a hospital incidence of 1 in 210 deliveries. Oxytocin use (39%), uterine scar (23%) and obstructed labour (16%) were the common associated factors. When compared with the controls, uterine rupture in the study group was significantly associated with low socio‐economic status p < 0.001, lack of antenatal care p < 0.001, and high parity p < 0.012. A maternal age 40 years and above was also a risk factor. The anterior wall of the uterus was the commonest site affected and repair with tubal ligation was the surgical procedure in 36% of cases. Maternal mortality was 13%, while fetal mortality was 92%. When compared with the previous incidence of 1 in 298 deliveries, a slight increase is noted.

Conclusion: Ruptured uterus is still a common obstetric hazard in our environment and its incidence appears to be on the increase. The condition is significantly associated with advanced maternal age, grandmultiparity, lack of antenatal care and the low socio‐economic status of the patients.
PATENT DAMAGES AND SPATIAL COMPETITION*
Authors: HENRY MATTHEW D. , TURNER JOHN L.
Published: May 2010

We analyze price competition between a spatially differentiated product patentee and an imitator anticipating probabilistic future patent damages. We compare the performance of three damage regimes. The ‘reasonable royalty’ regime, which yields symmetric equilibrium pricing, maximizes static welfare and yields the highest innovation incentives when patent enforcement is nearly certain. The ‘lost profits’ regime, which may deter infringement, yields the highest innovation incentives when patent enforcement is less‐than‐certain and products are sufficiently valuable. The ‘unjust enrichment’ regime yields low static efficiency and low innovation incentives. We offer new insights into the ‘hypothetical negotiation’ that courts use to construct reasonable royalties.
STRATEGIC INFORMATION DISCLOSURE AND COMPETITION FOR AN IMPERFECTLY PROTECTED INNOVATION*
Authors: JANSEN JOS
Published: May 2010

The imperfect appropriability of revenues from innovation affects the incentives of firms to invest, and to disclose information about their innovative productivity. It creates a free‐rider effect in the competition for the innovation that countervails the familiar business‐stealing effect. Moreover, it affects the disclosure incentives such that full disclosure emerges for extreme revenue spillovers (e.g., full protection and no protection of intellectual property), but either partial disclosure or full concealment emerges for intermediate spillovers. I analyze the implications of imperfect appropriability and strategic disclosure for the firms' profits and the probability of innovation.
DOES COPYRIGHT ENFORCEMENT ENCOURAGE PIRACY?*
Authors: HARBAUGH RICK , KHEMKA RAHUL
Published: May 2010

When copyright enforcement is targeted at high‐value buyers such as corporate and government users, the copyright holder charges super‐monopoly prices, thereby encouraging low‐value buyers to switch to inferior pirated copies. We show that enlarging the copyright holder's captive market through more extensive copyright enforcement reduces prices toward the monopoly level, increases sales of legitimate copies and can increase consumer surplus. Therefore, in contrast with the case of more intensive copyright enforcement, more extensive copyright enforcement over some range can increase the incentive to generate intellectual property while also reducing the loss to consumers from monopoly power.
CONTRACTING FOR AN INNOVATION UNDER BILATERAL ASYMMETRIC INFORMATION*
Authors: MARTIMORT DAVID , POUDOU JEAN‐CHRISTOPHE , SAND‐ZANTMAN WILFRIED
Published: May 2010

We analyze licensing contracts between informed innovators and developers exerting profit‐increasing effort. Those contracts must simultaneously induce innovators to convey information on the value of their ideas, while inducing developers to exert effort and protecting the innovators' intellectual property rights. We show that the best innovators signal themselves by taking more royalties even if it reduces the developers' share of returns and their incentives. Moreover, royalties are more likely to be used when property rights are easy to enforce and pre‐contractual evidence on innovation quality is hard to produce.
From Washington Consensus to BeST Consensus for world development
Authors: Lee Keun , Mathews John A.
Published: May 2010

While the set of liberalising and fiscally conservative development precepts dubbed the ‘Washington Consensus’ are now discredited as a tool for development, there is as yet no widely adopted or accepted alternative other than references to the ‘East Asian model’. In this paper, we distil the essence of the experience of East Asia—of Japan initially, then of Korea and Taiwan, and now of China—in a set of flexible precepts that we suggest underpin the policies and strategies pursued with success by these East Asian economies. In the spirit of proposing an alternative to the Washington Consensus, we suggest that these precepts—pragmatic and known to work—be dubbed the Beijing–Seoul–Tokyo Consensus (or BeST Consensus for development). The essence of this consensus is its focus on capability building, on dynamic transitions from one stage to the next, and on building an institutional platform to capture latecomer effects. We outline what this BeST Consensus might be and discuss why it is that its elements appear to work so well; and whether they can still be applied in the world of 21st‐century conditions.
A COMPARISON OF ANALYSIS METHODS FOR LATE‐STAGE VARIETY EVALUATION TRIALS
Authors: Welham Sue J. , Gogel Beverley J. , Smith Alison B. , Thompson Robin , Cullis Brian R.
Published: May 2010

The statistical analysis of late‐stage variety evaluation trials using a mixed model is described, with one‐ or two‐stage approaches to the analysis. Two sets of trials, from Australia and the UK, were used to provide realistic scenarios for a simulation study to evaluate the different methods of analysis. This study showed that a one‐stage approach gave the most accurate predictions of variety performance overall or within each environment, across a range of models, as measured by mean squared error of prediction or realized genetic gain. A weighted two‐stage approach performed adequately for variety predictions both overall and within environments, but a two‐stage unweighted approach performed poorly in both cases. A generalized heritability measure was developed to compare methods.
Austria's Report Card on Neutrality during the Hungarian Crisis of 1956
Authors: Granville Johanna
Published: May 2010

The Hungarian revolution of 1956 tested the Austrians' ability to exercise neutrality for the first time, while simultaneously rendering humanitarian aid to Hungarian refugees. Needing to justify the invasion of a Warsaw Pact ally, communist authorities exploited issues like border incidents, espionage, repatriation of refugees, and favouritism toward organisations to “prove” Austria's breech of neutrality. The Raab government — which signed the State Treaty only one year earlier — prudently weighed every move, passing the test admirably.
Voting Attitudes and Behaviour Among Aboriginal Peoples: Reports from Anangu Women*
Authors: Hill Lisa , Alport Kate
Published: May 2010

At state and particularly in federal (or national) elections, Aboriginal Peoples in remote regions turn out to vote in low numbers. A number of hypotheses have been offered to explain the low voting participation of such constituencies. Some have asserted that Aboriginal Peoples do not wish to vote; others have suggested that “first order” elections have low salience for Aboriginal Peoples, thereby depressing turnout. The low political efficacy thesis has also been proposed, as well as cultural and mechanical factors. We consider whether any of these hypotheses are plausible using data obtained in group interviews with twenty‐nine Anangu Women in remote South Australia. On the basis of this fieldwork we consider means for stimulating turnout within this, and in similar, constituencies.
Dreams and Conversions: A Comparative Analysis of Catholic and Buddhist Dreams in Ming and Qing China. Part Two
Authors: HSIA R. PO‐CHIA
Published: May 2010

A database of holy dreams, assembled from Jesuit reports of the 17th century, forms the basis for qualitative and quantitative analyses, the results of which are compared with a second database of holy dreams drawn from Buddhist sources of the 17th and 18th centuries. The comparative analysis of religious images, doctrines, and the social history of dreams allows for some tentative observations on the psychology of Christian conversion and the sociology of Christian community formation in late Ming and early Qing China.
Defining Dispensationalism: A Cultural Studies Perspective
Authors: SWEETNAM MARK S.
Published: May 2010

This article begins by noting the recent development of scholarly interest in the cultural importance of Dispensationalism. It suggests that this work has been complicated and hindered by our lack of a suitable definition of Dispensationalism. After tracing the difficulties of definition, and considering and rejecting Charles Ryrie's attempt to define Dispensationalism by appeal to three “sine qua non,” an alternative strategy is suggested by considering David Bebbington's very influential definition of Evangelicalism. Following this model, the article posits a five‐point definition of Dispensationalism, highlighting its Evangelicalism, its insistence on the literal interpretation of Scripture, its recognition of stages in God's dealings with humanity, its expectation of the imminent return of Christ to rapture His saints, and its focus on both apocalypticism and millennialism.
Metabolic syndrome and cerebral vasomotor reactivity
Authors: Giannopoulos S. , Boden‐Albala B. , Choi J. H. , Carrera E. , Doyle M. , Perez T. , Marshall R. S.
Published: May 2010

Background and purpose:  Metabolic syndrome has been proposed as a risk factor for stroke and transient ischaemic attack. One pathophysiological mechanism could be impairment of endothelial function. Thus, we hypothesized that cerebral vasomotor reactivity would be decreased in patients with metabolic syndrome, compared to patients without metabolic syndrome.

Methods:  In this retrospective analysis, 83 consecutive patients (aged 59.19 ± 15.98; 33 women) underwent Doppler examination for carotid artery disease including bi‐hemispherical vasomotor reactivity assessment using transcranial Doppler monitoring. Vasomotor reactivity data were analyzed from the hemisphere with no or low‐grade carotid stenosis (<40%). Cerebral vasomotor reactivity was calculated as percent increase in mean flow velocity per mmHg pCO2 during 2 min of 5% CO2 inhalation delivered by anesthesia mask (normal if ≥2%/mmHg). Univariate and multivariable linear regression models were used to determine factors, including metabolic syndrome, that were independently associated with pathologic vasomotor reactivity.

Results:  After adjusting for the presence of contralateral carotid stenosis and ipsilateral stroke in the multivariable model, metabolic syndrome was independently associated with lower vasomotor reactivity values (2.27 ± 1.24% vs. 2.68 ± 1.37; ß = −0.258, P = 0.033). In this model, there was no association of cerebral vasomotor reactivity with age, gender, race, cardiac disease, current statin therapy, or small vessel disease.

Conclusions:  Our findings suggest that impaired cerebral vasomotor reactivity may be a mediator of stroke in patients with metabolic syndrome, a syndrome affecting a significant and growing proportion of the population. A prospective longitudinal study is warranted to study the cerebral haemodynamic effect of metabolic syndrome.
Best Practices in Twenty‐First‐Century Rural Development and Policy
Authors: OLFERT M. ROSE , PARTRIDGE MARK D.
Published: May 2010

The combination of less than perfectly mobile resources (human and other), pervasive urbanization trends with potentially significant (positive and negative) externalities, and an environment of fiscal restraint suggests the need for more effective rural development and policy. In contrast to historical sectoral or fad‐based policies, place‐based rural development programs and policies focus on rural populations in the context of a realistic assessment of the opportunities and constraints they face. Among the most promising opportunities are 1) improving integration (possibly through connective infrastructure) with urban economies in order to access agglomeration economies, 2) enhancing rural amenities, and 3) increasing entrepreneurial capacity.
Lung aeration during sleep in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea
Authors: Appelberg Jonas , Janson Christer , Lindberg Eva , Pavlenko Tatjana , Hedenstierna Göran
Published: May 2010

Background:  Previous studies have indicated that patients with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) have altered ventilation and lung volumes awake and the results suggest that this may be a determinant of severity of desaturations during sleep. However, little is known about regional lung aeration during sleep in patients with OSA.

Methods:  Twelve patients with OSA were included in the study. Computed tomography was used to study regional lung aeration during wakefulness and sleep. Lung aeration was calculated in ml gas/g lung tissue in four different regions of interest (ROI1–4), along the border of the lung from ventral to dorsal.

Results:  Lung aeration in the dorsal (dependent) lung region (ROI4) was lower during sleep compared to wakefulness 0·78 ± 0·19 versus 0·88 ± 0·19 (mean ± SD) ml gas/g lung tissue (P = 0·005). Associations were found between awake expiratory reserve volume and change in lung aeration from wakefulness to sleep in ROI4 (r = −0·69; P = 0·012). In addition, the change in lung aeration in the dorsal region correlated to sleep time (r = 0·69; P = 0·014) but not to time in supine position. The difference in lung aeration between inspiration and expiration (i.e. ventilation), was larger in the ventral lung region when expressed as ml gas per g lung tissue. In two patients it was noted that, during on‐going obstructive apnoea, lung aeration tended to be increased rather than decreased.

Conclusions:  Aeration in the dorsal lung region is reduced during sleep in patients with OSA. The decrease is related to lung volume awake and to sleep time.
Influence of ferric iron on the stability of mineral assemblages
Authors: DIENER J. F. A. , POWELL R.
Published: May 2010

Ferric iron is present in all metamorphic rocks and has the ability to significantly affect their phase relations. However, the influence of ferric iron has commonly been ignored, or at least not been considered quantitatively, mainly because its abundance in rocks and minerals is not determined by routine analytical techniques. Mineral equilibria calculations that explicitly account for ferric iron can be used to examine its effect on the phase relations in rocks and, in principle, allow the estimation of the oxidation state of rocks. This is illustrated with calculated pseudosections in NCKFMASHTO for mafic and pelitic rock compositions. In addition, it is shown that ferric iron has the capacity to significantly increase the stability of the corundum + quartz assemblage, making it possible for this assemblage to exist at crustal P–T conditions in oxidized rocks of appropriate composition.
The stability of sapphirine + quartz: calculated phase equilibria in FeO–MgO–Al2O3–SiO2–TiO2–O
Authors: TAYLOR‐JONES K. , POWELL R.
Published: May 2010

The presence in rocks of coexisting sapphirine + quartz has been widely used to diagnose conditions of ultra‐high‐temperature (UHT) metamorphism (>900 °C), an inference based on the restriction of this assemblage to temperatures >980 °C in the conventionally considered FeO–MgO–Al2O3–SiO2 (FMAS) chemical system. With a new thermodynamic model for sapphirine that includes Fe2O3, phase equilibra modelling using thermocalc software has been undertaken in the FeO–MgO–Al2O3–SiO2–O (FMASO) and FeO–MgO–Al2O3–SiO2– TiO2–O (FMASTO) chemical systems. Using a variety of calculated phase diagrams for quartz‐saturated systems, the effects of Fe2O3 and TiO2 on FMAS phase relations are shown to be considerable. Importantly, the stability field of sapphirine + quartz assemblages extends down temperature to 850 °C in oxidized systems and thus out of the UHT range.
Supply Chain Conflict Due to Store Brands: The Value of Wholesale Price Commitment in a Retail Supply Chain*
Authors: Groznik Ana , Heese H. Sebastian
Published: May 2010

Store brands are of increasing importance in retail supply chains, often causing channel conflict, as the retailer's product directly competes with the manufacturer's national brand. Extant research on the resulting channel interactions either assumes the national brand manufacturer can credibly commit to maintaining a wholesale price or that he lacks such ability. However, these two scenarios imply very different supply chain interactions, as only a national brand manufacturer with commitment ability can strategically adjust a national brand wholesale price to prevent a store brand introduction by the retailer. We specifically analyze the impact of this assumption on the manufacturer, the retailer, and the customers. We determine when long‐term contracts that provide the manufacturer with such commitment ability can improve supply chain profitability.
Strategies for Addressing the Nursing Shortage: Coordinated Decision Making and Workforce Flexibility
Authors: Wright P. Daniel , Bretthauer Kurt M.
Published: May 2010

In this article, we present strategies to help combat the U.S. nursing shortage. Key considerations include providing an attractive work schedule and work environment—critical issues for retaining existing nurses and attracting new nurses to the profession—while at the same time using the set of available nurses as effectively as possible. Based on these ideas, we develop a model that takes advantage of coordinated decision making when managing a flexible workforce. The model coordinates scheduling, schedule adjustment, and agency nurse decisions across various nurse labor pools, each of differing flexibility levels, capabilities, and costs, allowing a much more desirable schedule to be constructed. Our primary findings regarding coordinated decision making and how it can be used to help address the nursing shortage include (i) labor costs can be reduced substantially because, without coordination, labor costs on average are 16.3% higher based on an actual hospital setting, leading to the availability of additional funds for retaining and attracting nurses, (ii) simultaneous to this reduction in costs, more attractive schedules can be provided to the nurses in terms of less overtime and fewer undesirable shifts, and (iii) the use of agency nurses can help avoid overtime for permanent staff with only a 0.7% increase in staffing costs. In addition, we estimate the cost of the shortage for a typical U.S. hospital from a labor cost perspective and show how that cost can be reduced when managers coordinate.
Live/Real Time Three‐Dimensional Transthoracic Echocardiographic Assessment of Inferior Vena Cava and Hepatic Vein Thrombosis in Sickle Cell Disease
Authors: Singh Balwinder , Kuruba Mahesh , Singh Preeti , Hernandez Carlos Martinez , Waseemuddin Mohammed , Nanda Navin C.
Published: May 2010

We describe the value of live/real time three‐dimensional transthoracic echocardiography (3DTTE) over two‐dimensional transthoracic echocardiography (2DTTE) in the assessment of inferior vena cava (IVC) and hepatic vein (HV) obstruction in a patient with sickle cell disease. 3DTTE provided additional information when compared to 2DTTE by (1) identifying the obstructing lesion as a likely thrombus, (2) by providing assessment of anatomical severity of IVC lumen obstruction since the thrombus could be visualized en face also, and (3) identifying an area of increased mobility of a portion of the thrombus suggesting greater risk of embolization. (Echocardiography 2010;27:594‐596)
Naturalization of Competence and the Neoliberal Subject: Success Stories of English Language Learning in the Korean Conservative Press
Authors: Park Joseph Sung‐Yul
Published: May 2010

This article analyzes “success stories” of English language learning in the Korean conservative press as tales of neoliberal personhood, locating the stories within South Korea's neoliberal transformation and its concomitant “English frenzy.” In these texts, the semiotic process of leveling—the simultaneous work of erasure and highlighting—naturalizes the successful learner's competence in English by grounding that competence in the subjective, human qualities of the speaker. By obscuring class‐based constraints on access to English that determine the structure of the Korean linguistic market, this process ultimately rationalizes and justifies the neoliberal logic of human capital development. [English, South Korea, language ideology, competence, neoliberalism, media]
Introduction: Performing Disputes
Authors: Pagliai Valentina
Published: May 2010

Imagine a culture where an argument is viewed as a dance, the participants are seen as performers, and the goal is to perform in a balanced and aesthetically pleasing way. (Lakoff and Johnson 1980:5)
Authority and Preschool Disputes: Learning to Behave in the Classroom
Authors: LeMaster Barbara
Published: May 2010

Conflict is commonplace in teacher‐centered preschool classroom activities. It is negotiated both verbally and nonverbally, often fading rather than resolving in the interactive moment. The teacher or aide steps in to define what is right and wrong, thus acting to mediate conflict and taking up the position of moral authority. When she does not step in, children may invoke her authority in this regard. Children have a variety of responses to teachers' judgments. When children disagree with teacher/aide's assessments of the conflict, they tend to continue the conflict nonverbally until their attention is diverted and they are reabsorbed into classroom activities. They may also directly refute the authority as long as they use humor to suspend classroom rules. Ultimately in this study of preschool children's conflict, the highly structured teacher‐directed preschool context directs notions of “right” and “wrong,” of morality, as a core function of classroom conflict talk for American preschool children. [preschool, disputes, classroom, authority, conflict]
Isolation and characterisation of crocosin, an antibacterial compound from crocodile (Crocodylus siamensis) plasma
Authors: PREECHARRAM Sutthidech , JEARRANAIPREPAME Pornpimol , DADUANG Sakda , TEMSIRIPONG Yosapong , SOMDEE Theerasak , FUKAMIZO Tamo , SVASTI Jisnuson , ARAKI Tomohiro , THAMMASIRIRAK Sompong
Published: May 2010

An antibacterial compound from crocodile blood was partially purified and functionally characterised. The freshwater crocodile (Crocodylus siamensis) plasma with antibacterial activity was partially purified by using a centrifugal concentrator and reverse phase high powered liquid chromatography, and designated as crocosin. Crocosin exhibits antibacterial activity toward Salmonella typhi and Staphylococcus aureus. Crocosin is thermostable and resistant to pronase digestion. The structure of crocosin analyzed by mass spectrometry contains repeating units of 94 and 136 m/z. Scanning electron microscopy indicates that crocosin probably penetrates progressively into cytoplasm space, perturbing and damaging bacterial membranes. Crocosin may provide an early defense mechanism toward bacterial infection in freshwater.
Physiological characteristics of the body fluid in lymphedematous patients postbreast cancer surgery, focusing on the intracellular/extracellular fluid ratio of the upper limb
Authors: SAKUDA Hiromi , SATOH Miyuki , SAKAGUCHI Momoko , MIYAKOSHI Yukiko , KATAOKA Tsuyoshi
Published: May 2010

Aim:  The aim of this research was to determine the physiological characteristics of patients with lymphedema following breast cancer surgery, based on differences between the quantity of body water in the right and left fingertips, with a view to establishing whether or not this simple measurement could serve as a predictive index for the onset of lymphedema.

Method:  The research was conducted at a hospital in Hiroshima, Japan (August 2004 to December 2004). Observations were made on 39 female breast cancer patients who had undergone surgery and 45 healthy female participants. Additional information was collected via interviews with the individual participants. The quantity of body water in all the participants was measured by using a bioimpedance spectrum analysis system. Comparisons of the intracellular/extracellular fluid ratios (I/Es) were made between the edema patients and the non‐edema patients, with further testing being done between the affected and unaffected sides of the upper limb in the edema patients.

Results:  In the edema patients, significant differences were recognized between the affected side's upper limb I/E and the unaffected side's upper limb I/E. In relation to the affected side's upper limb I/E of the edema patients, even when the mean value and standard deviation were included, the value did not exceed 1.0 and the mean – 3 SD value of the affected side's upper limb I/E in the non‐edema patients was 1.04.

Conclusions:  The results suggest that measurements of the affected and unaffected sides’ upper limb I/E showed a potential for use as a reliable predictive index for lymphedema.
A qualitative study of New Zealand parents' views on front‐of‐pack nutrition labels
Authors: MAUBACH Ninya , HOEK Janet
Published: May 2010

Aim:  As well as providing mandatory nutrition information, some Australian and New Zealand food manufacturers insert additional nutrient details on the front of product packages. However, the format and content of this optional information has been questioned, as have its effects on consumers. This research explored parents' reactions to industry‐led labels and formats proposed by health advocates.

Methods:  The qualitative study used semi‐structured depth interviews to examine 15 parents' views of four different front‐of‐pack nutrition labels (including ‘Percentage Daily Intake’ and ‘Traffic Light’ formats). An iterative thematic analysis was used to identify themes in the data.

Results:  Key themes included the volume of information, the ease of interpreting this and the ability and time required to assimilate it into decisions. Strengths and weaknesses were identified for all labels; however, participants preferred information they could process easily and quickly. Simplified, graphic information formats appear more likely to inform consumers' food choices than labels dominated by numeric information.

Conclusions:  Because parents are often distracted when purchasing food they may not read on‐pack nutrition information, especially if this is difficult to comprehend. Participants' responses suggest policy‐makers should explore several front‐of‐pack labels, particularly those that use visual heuristics such as Traffic Light labels.
Using food experience, multimedia and role models for promoting fruit and vegetable consumption in Bangkok kindergarten children
Authors: SIRIKULCHAYANONTA Chutima , IEDSEE Kingkarn , SHUAYTONG Poonsook , SRISORRACHATR Suwat
Published: May 2010

Aim:  To evaluate the use of food experience, multimedia and role models for promoting fruit and vegetable consumption in kindergarten children.

Methods:  A quasi‐experimental study was conducted. A Bangkok public primary school was randomly selected and one of the kindergarten levels was purposively chosen. Program implementation consisted of 11 activities over an eight‐week period from July to September, 2003. Data on demographic variables, and types and amounts of fruit and vegetables consumed and frequency of fruit and vegetables served were collected before and after the intervention. Program evaluation consisted of an analysis of the pre‐ and post‐test data.

Results:  After the intervention, fruit and vegetable eating behaviour scores (median ± interquartile range) revealed significant changes from 3 ± 8 to 7 ± 8 for vegetables and 6 ± 8 to 9 ± 8 for fruit (P‐value < 0.001); the different types of consumed vegetables were increased from two to four (P‐value ≤ 0.001); and the fruit and vegetable intake was significantly increased from 53 g to 77 g and from 11 g to 23 g respectively (P‐value < 0.005).

Conclusions:  Results of this pilot study were effective in increasing fruit and vegetable consumption in the kindergarten, however, longer‐term evaluation and assessment of the impact on the home environment are required. The inclusion of nutrition education and instruction on healthy eating habits in the course curriculum combined with social support from teachers and families may improve and sustain fruit and vegetable eating behaviours.
An Objective Structured Clinical Examination to assess preclinical skills
Authors: HAWKER Jillian , WALKER Karen
Published: May 2010

Aim:  To describe the use of a preclinical Objective Structured Clinical Examination for the assessment of clinical skills in undergraduate dietetic students.

Methods:  The Objective Structured Clinical Examination is a well‐established assessment tool in medicine, nursing and some allied health disciplines, but has been rarely used in either formative or summative assessment of dietetic students. This paper describes the development, implementation and evaluation of a preclinical Objective Structured Clinical Examination for dietetic students.

Results:  Students' performance in a preclinical Objective Structured Clinical Examination was assessed over a six‐year period in successive student cohorts. Performance in the Objective Structured Clinical Examination was significantly related to their performance at their first clinical placement.

Conclusions:  A preclinical dietetic Objective Structured Clinical Examination allows problems arising during the teaching of basic clinical skills to be noted and corrected. In addition, a preclinical Objective Structured Clinical Examination identifies students requiring additional support on placement.
IN THIS ISSUE – June 2010
Authors: Jackson AE
Published: May 2010

Surveillance for West Nile virus in Australia: role of the little raven · Fertility in mares after surgical correction of rectovaginal fistula · Development of method for serial blood sampling from conscious dogs · Specificity of a commercial snake venom detection kit in dog and cat urine · Femoral component failure in canine cemented total hip replacement · Hepatic myelolipoma incarcerated in a peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia in a cat · Diclofenac sodium and flunixin meglumine with antibacterial treatment of respiratory disease of calves · Lead‐free petrol reduces risk of acute lead poisoning in Australian cattle
Experimental studies of the role of the little raven (Corvus mellori) in surveillance for West Nile virus in Australia
Authors: Bingham J , Lunt RA , Green DJ , Davies KR , Stevens V , Wong FYK
Published: May 2010

Objective  To study the potential role of an Australian corvid, the little raven (Corvus mellori), in the surveillance for exotic West Nile virus (WNV) in Australia.

Method  In a series of trials, little ravens were infected with WNV (strain 4132 New York 1999) and Kunjin virus (strain K42886) by the intramuscular route. They were observed for 20 days during which blood and swab samples were taken for virus isolation. Tissue samples were taken from ravens humanely killed during the acute infection period, and at the termination of the trials, for virus isolation, histopathology and immunohistochemistry.

Results  Ravens infected with WNV became mildly ill, but all recovered and seroconverted. Blood virus titres peaked around 3 to 4 days after inoculation at levels between 103.0 to 107.5 plaque forming units/mL. Virus or viral antigen was detected in spleen, liver, lung, kidney, intestine, testis and ovary by virus isolation and/or immunohistochemistry. WNV was detected in oral and cloacal swabs from 2 to 7 days post inoculation. The molecular and pathogenic characteristics of the inocula were consistent with them being of high virulence, as expected for this isolate. Ravens infected with Kunjin virus developed viraemia and seroconverted, although they did not develop disease.

Conclusions  Little ravens do not develop severe disease in response to virulent WNV infection and for this reason may not be important sentinel hosts in the event of an outbreak of WNV, as in North America. However, as they have relatively high viraemias, they may be able to support virus cycles.
Prospective determination of the specificity of a commercial snake venom detection kit in urine samples from dogs and cats
Authors: Ong RKC , Swindells K , Mansfield CS
Published: May 2010

Objective  To determine the specificity of a snake venom detection kit in urine samples from dogs and cats presenting to a referral centre for diseases unrelated to snake envenomation.

Design  Urine was collected from 50 dog and 25 cats presented for investigation and treatment of diseases unrelated to snake envenomation. Urine was collected as a voided sample, by cystocentesis or by catheterisation, and routine urinanalysis was performed. Snake venom testing was performed within 2 h of collection using a commercially available snake venom detection kit, which was observed continuously during the 10‐min colour reaction phase for evidence of a visible colour indicating a positive test.

Results  No false‐positive reactions occurred in any sample analysed.

Conclusion  The snake venom detection kit appears to have 100% specificity for using urine as a test sample.
Social Welfare in Vietnam: A Curse or Blessing for Poor Children?
Authors: Roelen Keetie
Published: May 2010

Despite a rapid increase in economic growth accompanied by the rise of living standards over the last two decades in Vietnam, there is still a considerable proportion of the population that lives in poor and vulnerable conditions. Children in particular are disproportionately affected by poverty. The country employs a broad range of social protection programs that tend to be regressive in effect rather than supportive of the poor. The present paper evaluates the social welfare scheme in Vietnam in terms of child poverty. We use the Vietnam Household Living Standards Survey (VHLSS) 2006 and identify and quantify child poverty in monetary as well as multidimensional terms. We consider the link between social welfare receipt and poverty and evaluate coverage, exclusion, and inclusion errors. Furthermore, we use benefit incidence analysis to evaluate the impact of social welfare on monetary child poverty. Findings suggest that coverage of the social welfare scheme is limited and that the scheme suffers from considerable exclusion and inclusion errors. Furthermore, we find that social welfare only slightly reduces the incidence and depth of monetary poverty.
Explaining local policy choices: A Multiple Streams analysis of municipal emergency management
Authors: Henstra Daniel
Published: May 2010

Abstract: Canadian municipal governments are expected to play a central role in emergency management, which involves developing policies and programs to cope with emergencies and their impacts. But although all communities face potential emergencies, the quality of municipal emergency planning varies considerably from one community to another. This suggests that some municipal decision‐makers have recognized emergencies as a problem and have prioritized this issue relative to others competing for attention and resources. This article examines policy‐making in municipal emergency management through the lens of the Multiple Streams framework, an analytical model that explains how problems are recognized, how and why they are added to the decision agenda, and how they are matched with policy solutions.

Sommaire : Les gouvernements municipaux canadiens sont supposés jouer un rôle essentiel dans la gestion des urgences, ce qui implique l'élaboration de politiques et de programmes pour faire face aux urgences et à leurs répercussions. Mais alors que toutes les collectivités font face à des urgences éventuelles, la qualité de la planification des urgences à l'échelle municipale varie considérablement d'une collectivitéà une autre. Cela laisse entendre que certains décisionnaires municipaux ont reconnu les urgences comme étant un problème et ont accordé la prioritéà cette question par rapport à d'autres rivalisant pour obtenir de l'attention et des ressources. Le présent article examine l'élaboration de politiques dans le domaine de la gestion des urgences dans une municipalité par le biais du cadre Sources multiples, un modèle analytique qui explique comment les problèmes sont reconnus, comment et pourquoi ils sont ajoutés au programme de décisions, et quelles sont les solutions en matière de politiques pour les résoudre.
An analysis of changes in stakeholder accountability among Canadian WCBs: 1998–2008
Authors: Rixon Daphne
Published: May 2010

Abstract:Many essential public services in Canada have been delegated to agencies. The semi‐autonomous nature of these agencies, often operating at arm's‐length from government, leads to difficulties in holding them sufficiently accountable. Of the many public‐sector agencies in Canada, workers' compensation boards (WCBs) are arguably the most autonomous in comparison to other government agencies such as health care and social services. In their article, derived from an earlier background paper written in 1998,Therese Jennissen, Michael Prince and Saul Schwartz (2000)called for increased WCB accountability to elected officials. The aim of the current article is, first, to conduct a document review to determine the extent to which the recommendations made by Jennissen and her colleagues have been adopted at the national level and, secondly, through a case study, to examine the implications of these changes at the Newfoundland Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Commission, where many of the recommendations have been implemented.
Effects of Disinfectants on Toxocara canis Embryogenesis and Larval Establishment in Mice Tissues
Authors: Verocai G. G. , Tavares P. V. , De A. Ribeiro F. , Correia T. R. , Scott F. B.
Published: May 2010

The objectives of this study were (i) to evaluate the effects of several different disinfectant solutions on embryonic development of Toxocara canis eggs and (ii) to investigate the potential infectivity of exposed eggs by assessing larval establishment in various tissues in a murine model. All the disinfectants tested were products routinely used in veterinary clinics, kennels, animal shelters and laboratories. Ova were obtained from gravid female T. canis uteri. Thirty samples containing 10 000 eggs were divided into five groups of six identical sample tubes per group. The treatments for the groups were as follows: Group H benzalconium chloride, Group A 70% ethanol, Group B 2–2.5% sodium hypochlorite solution, Group L 7.99% formaldehyde‐based disinfectant and Group C tap water (controls). Samples were incubated at 27 ± 1°C and 80 ± 10% relative humidity. Embryonic development was evaluated on days +6, +9, +12, +15, +18, +21, +25, +28 and +36 of exposure by visual observation under light microscopy. Seventy percent ethanol degenerated all eggs within a few days and thus inhibited larval development. Sodium hypochlorite removed the external layer of the ova, but eggs harboured infective larvae for up to 2 weeks. Benzalconium chloride and formaldehyde‐based disinfectants had no effect on T. canis embryogenesis according to comparison with control eggs (P > 0.05). Embryonated eggs from each of the six samples from Groups C, H and L were administered to mice as only these ova were considered viable based on in vitro trial. On day 30pi, those were euthanized and had their tissues were submitted to organ compression (brains) or acid‐isolation technique (kidneys, lungs, livers and carcasses) for larval counting. The mean number of recovered larvae for Groups C, H and L were: 512.8, 393.7 and 477 respectively (P > 0.05). Larvae derived from Groups H and L eggs maintained their ability to migrate. However, larval establishment pattern differed from control. While certain disinfectants do negatively affect embryogenesis (70% ethanol) and reduce the integrity and durability (sodium hypochlorite) of infective T. canis eggs, others have no effect upon embryogenesis. Those eggs can still be a threat to human and animal health even after over a month of disinfectant exposure.
Genetic analysis of expression profile involved in retinoid metabolism in non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Ashla An Afida , Hoshikawa Yoshiko , Tsuchiya Hiroyuki , Hashiguchi Koich , Enjoji Munechika , Nakamuta Makoto , Taketomi Akinobu , Maehara Yoshihiko , Shomori Kohei , Kurimasa Akihiro , Hisatome Ichiro , Ito Hisao , Shiota Goshi
Published: May 2010

Aim:  The patients with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) have been reported to be at greater risk for progression to chronic liver disease including liver cirrhosis (LC). To examine the mechanisms for the progression of NAFLD, a genetic analysis of hepatic expression profile in retinoid metabolism in NAFLD was performed since the loss of retinoid signaling is associated with the progression of liver disease via reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation.

Methods:  Fifty‐one genes, which are associated with retinoid metabolism and action, were examined in thirty six subjects including 17 patients with simple steatosis, 11 with non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and eight controls were examined by real‐time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. Immunohistochemical study was also done by 3 kinds of antibodies.

Results:  Higher expression of CRBP1 LRAT, DGT1/2 and CES1 in NAFLD suggests that mutual conversion between retinyl ester and retinal occurs actively. Expression of ADH1/2/3, RDH5/10/11, DHRS3 and RALDH1/3 was increased in NAFLD, suggesting that oxidation process from retinol to all‐trans retinoic acid (ATRA) was enhanced. Importantly, greater expression of CYP26A1 indicated that degradation of ATRA was enhanced in NAFLD. Further, expression of SOD1/2, catalase, thioredoxin and uncoupling protein 2 was also enhanced.

Conclusion:  Hyperdynamic state of retinoid metabolism is present in the liver tissues with NAFLD, which may be a putative mechanism by which NAFLD progresses to chronic liver disease including LC.
Characteristics of hepatocellular carcinoma in a murine model of alpha‐1‐antitrypsin deficiency
Authors: Marcus Nancy Y. , Brunt Elizabeth M. , Blomenkamp Keith , Ali Faiza , Rudnick David A. , Ahmad Muneeb , Teckman Jeffrey H.
Published: May 2010

Aim:  Individuals with homozygous (ZZ) alpha‐1‐antitrypsin (α1AT) deficiency are at an increased risk for liver damage, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The transgenic PiZ mouse, expressing the human α1AT mutant Z gene, is a valuable model for this disease. We studied PiZ mice in order to identify and characterize mechanisms involved in the development of HCC.

Methods:  Tumor incidence and histology were studied, gene expression levels were surveyed with microarrays, RNA quantified with quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction and protein levels determined with immunoblots and immunohistochemistry.

Results:  By 16–19 months of age, approximately 69% of the PiZ mice had developed tumors. HCC was present with no evidence of benign adenomas as pre‐cancerous lesions. Tumors showed abnormal mitochondria, variable levels of steatosis, globular inclusions of α1AT mutant Z protein and metastases. PiZ mice that subsequently developed liver tumors had higher serum levels of α1AT mutant Z protein than those that did not develop tumors. Cyclin D1, a cell cycle protein, was upregulated in PiZ livers without tumors compared to Wt. cFOS, a component of AP‐1 that may be involved in transforming cells and MCAM, an adhesion molecule likely involved in tumorigenesis and metastases, were elevated in tumors compared with livers without tumors.

Conclusion:  In the PiZ model, many of the histological characteristics of HCC recapitulated features seen in human HCC, whether from individuals with homozygous ZZ liver disease or from unrelated causes in individuals that were not homozygous ZZ. The accumulation of mutant Z protein altered the regulation of several genes driving proliferation and tumorigenesis.