bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ABC3 Part II: a review of the new criteria for evaluating cervical cytology in England
Authors: Blanks R. G.
Published: November 2012

R.G. Blanks  ABC3 Part II: a review of the new criteria for evaluating cervical cytology in England

The new Achievable Standards, Benchmarks for Reporting, and Criteria for Evaluating Cervical Cytopathology, 3rd edn (ABC3) includes radical changes in the criteria for evaluating cervical cytology. First, they include a new mission statement ‘the objective of cervical screening is to reduce cervical cancer incidence and mortality by screening with a high sensitivity for the detection of CIN2 or worse, whilst maintaining a high specificity’.

Second, the original four performance measurement criteria where laboratories were examined further if they were below the 10th or above the 90th percentile has been changed to three and laboratories are only mandatorily examined if they fall below the 5th or above the 95th percentile. The old criteria related to the percentage of samples that were inadequate, the percentage of all adequate samples reported as moderate dyskaryosis or worse (equivalent to high‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesion or cancer), the percentage of adequate samples reported as mild dyskaryosis or borderline (equivalent to low‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesion or atypical squamous/glandular cells) and the positive predictive value. The new criteria are percentage of inadequate samples, positive predictive value and a new measure termed referral value. These changes mean that far fewer laboratories will require mandatory examination.

Third, a raft of optional performance measures have been introduced to help laboratories examine their annual statistical return to the Department of Health in comparison with other laboratories. These measures have been designed to produce a more uniform national programme, and to help laboratories decide whether they are maximizing the benefit of screening while minimizing the harm, which is the goal of all screening programmes. This review examines in detail the new criteria and explains in more detail some of the thinking behind them.
Insulin resistance: a risk marker for disease and disability in the older person
Authors: Krentz A. J. , Viljoen A. , Sinclair A.
Published: November 2012

Clinical metabolic studies have demonstrated that insulin action declines progressively with age in humans. In addition to its close association with Type 2 diabetes, which reduces life expectancy in older people, age‐related insulin resistance is implicated in pathogenesis of several highly prevalent disorders for which ageing is a major risk factor. These include atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, dementia, frailty and cancer. Accordingly, insulin resistance may be viewed as biomarker of age‐related ill health and reduced lifespan. The rapidly rising number of older people, coupled with a high prevalence of insulin resistance resulting from obesity and sedentary lifestyles, presents unprecedented public health and societal challenges. Studies of centenarians have shown that preserved whole‐body sensitivity to insulin is associated with longevity. The mechanisms through which insulin action is associated with age‐related diseases remain unclear. Changes in body composition, i.e. sarcopenia and excess adiposity, may be more potent than age per se. Moreover, the impact of insulin resistance has been difficult to disentangle from the clustering of vascular risk factors that co‐segregate with the insulin resistance–hyperinsulinaemia complex. Potentially modifiable mediators of age‐related changes in insulin sensitivity include alterations in adipocytokines, impaired skeletal myocyte mitochondrial function and brown fat activity. The hypothesis that improving or maintaining insulin sensitivity preserves health and extends lifespan merits further evaluation. Practical non‐pharmacological interventions directed against age‐related insulin resistance remain underdeveloped. Novel metabolically active pharmacological agents with theoretical implications for some age‐related disorders are entering clinical trials. However, recent adverse experiences with the thiazolidinediones suggest the need for a cautious approach to the use of insulin sensitizing drugs in older people. This could be particularly important in the absence of diabetes where the risk to benefit analysis may be less favourable.
VEGF‐dependent continuous angiogenesis in the median eminence of adult mice
Authors: Morita S. , Ukai S. , Miyata S.
Published: November 2012

Brain vasculature forms the blood–brain barrier (BBB) that restricts the movement of molecules between the brain and blood, but the capillary of the median eminence (ME) lacks the BBB for secretion of adenohypophysial hormone‐releasing peptides. In the present study, we aimed to elucidate whether continuous angiogenesis occurs in the ME of adult mice. By using a mitotic marker, bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU), we demonstrated that new endothelial cells were born continuously in the ME of adults. Prominent expression of NG2, platelet‐derived growth factor receptor B (PDGFRB), and delta‐like ligand 4 was observed at pericytes of adults, although the expression of these angiogenesis‐associated proteins has been shown to be at low or trace levels in adult mature capillary. In addition, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a key regulator of angiogenesis, was expressed highly in the nervous parenchyma of the ME. Expression of VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR2) was observed at endothelial cells in the external zone and at somatodendrites in the internal zone. Finally, a VEGFR‐ and PDGFR‐associated tyrosine kinase inhibitor, SU11248, significantly decreased the number of BrdU‐positive proliferating endothelial cells and parenchyma cells. In conclusion, the present study demonstrates VEGF‐dependent continuous angiogenesis in the ME of adult mouse brains under normal conditions, which provides new insight into our understanding of neurosecretion in the ME.
Adolescent gain in positive valence of a socially relevant stimulus: engagement of the mesocorticolimbic reward circuitry
Authors: Bell Margaret R. , De Lorme Kayla C. , Figueira Rayson J. , Kashy Deborah A. , Sisk Cheryl L.
Published: November 2012

A successful transition from childhood to adulthood requires adolescent maturation of social information processing. The neurobiological underpinnings of this maturational process remain elusive. This research employed the male Syrian hamster as a tractable animal model for investigating the neural circuitry involved in this critical transition. In this species, adult and juvenile males display different behavioral and neural responses to vaginal secretions, which contain pheromones essential for expression of sexual behavior in adulthood. These studies tested the hypothesis that vaginal secretions acquire positive valence over adolescent development via remodeling of neural circuits underlying sexual reward. Sexually naïve adult, but not juvenile, hamsters showed a conditioned place preference for vaginal secretions. Differences in behavioral response to vaginal secretions between juveniles and adults correlated with a difference in the vaginal secretion‐induced neural activation pattern in mesocorticolimbic reward circuitry. Fos immunoreactivity increased in response to vaginal secretions in the medial amygdala and ventral tegmental dopaminergic cells of both juvenile and adult males. However, only in adults was there a Fos response to vaginal secretions in non‐dopaminergic cells in interfascicular ventral tegmental area, nucleus accumbens core and infralimbic medial prefrontal cortex. These results demonstrate that a socially relevant chemosensory stimulus acquires the status of an unconditioned reward during adolescence, and that this adolescent gain in social reward is correlated with experience‐independent engagement of specific cell groups in reward circuitry.
Primary human teeth and their root canal systems
Authors: Cleghorn Blaine M. , Boorberg Noriko B. , Christie William H.
Published: November 2012

A thorough knowledge of dental anatomy of both the permanent and primary dentition is essential for all treatment aspects of these teeth. All too often, the study of the anatomy of primary teeth is given secondary importance due to the fact that these teeth will exfoliate eventually. Rather than premature extraction, the retention of primary teeth through restorative or endodontic means is evolving amongst dental practitioners and endodontic and pediatric dental specialists. Thus, knowledge of the normal and abnormal anatomy of primary teeth is required in making diagnosis and treatment decisions in young patients. In rare incidences, as in cases of absent permanent premolars, primary teeth may be retained in the permanent arch and if the pulp becomes diseased, endodontic treatment may be among the treatment options. This article provides a comprehensive review of normal and abnormal morphology of the primary teeth with an emphasis on the roots and root canal systems of each of the teeth in the primary dentition.
Pulp treatment for young first permanent molars: To treat or to extract?
Authors: Chen Jung‐Wei , Leggitt Varner Leroy
Published: November 2012

For the young patient population, the first permanent molar (FPM) has an extremely high caries rate. Pulp treatment for such severely decayed teeth may be required. As of today, there is no thorough literature review or systematic review that can guide the clinician when making decisions about extraction with second permanent molar (SPM) substitution, or endodontic treatment of a carious FPM. The purpose of this article is to consider the various options for treatment and to look at the cost‐benefit picture with respect to their long‐term outcomes. A guideline for comparing options such as orthodontic, endodontic, and restorative procedures is presented. It is further suggested that a large study be conducted to gain information in this important area to more precisely guide practitioners in treatment selection.
Current developments in pulp therapy for primary teeth
Authors: Fuks Anna B. , Guelmann Marcio , Kupietzky Ari
Published: November 2012

Premature loss of primary teeth can lead to malocclusion and/or to esthetic, phonetic, or functional problems. Maintaining the integrity and health of the oral tissues is the primary objective of pulp treatment. It is important to attempt to preserve pulp vitality whenever possible; however, when this is not feasible, the pulp can be entirely eliminated without significantly compromising the function of the tooth. This article provides a concise review of the normal histological characteristics of the primary pulp and briefly describes the dentinogenesis process and the factors affecting the dentin–pulp complex response to stimuli. Finally, the biological basis and rationale for the various modalities of pulpal treatment for the primary dentition are discussed and data on the success rates for the different treatment is presented.
MicroRNA‐15a promotes neuroblastoma migration by targeting reversion‐inducing cysteine‐rich protein with Kazal motifs (RECK) and regulating matrix metalloproteinase‐9 expression
Authors: Xin Chen , Buhe Bao , Hongting Lu , Chuanmin Yang , Xiwei Hao , Hong Zhang , Lulu Han , Qian Dong , Renjie Wang
Published: November 2012

In this study, we found that the expression of miR‐15a was positively correlated with neuroblastoma (NB) clinical pathological stage and was negatively correlated with reversion‐inducing cysteine‐rich protein with Kazal motifs (RECK) expression. Using the enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) reporter construct carrying the 3′‐UTR of RECK, we identified RECK as a direct target of miR‐15a. Suppression of miR‐15a significantly decreased the migration ability of GI‐LA‐N and SK‐N‐SH cell lines, whereas overexpression of miR‐15a increased the migration ability; these effects could be partly reversed by RECK inhibition or ectopic expression. Moreover, inhibition of miR‐15a significantly increased secreted matrix metalloproteinase‐9 expression in culture medium through regulating the expression of RECK. These findings provide new insights into the characteristics of the miR‐15a–RECK–matrix metalloproteinase‐9 axis in NB progression, especially in NB migration and invasion.
A hierarchical coherent‐gene‐group model for brain development
Authors: Tsigelny I. F. , Kouznetsova V. L. , Baitaluk M. , Changeux J.‐P.
Published: November 2012

We have described a strategy to analyze the data available on brain genes expression, using the concept of coherent‐gene groups controlled by transcription factors (TFs). A hierarchical model of gene‐expression patterns during brain development was established that identified the genes assumed to behave as functionally coding. Analysis of the concerned signaling pathways and processes showed distinct temporal gene‐expression patterns in relation with neurogenesis/synaptogenesis. We identified the hierarchical tree of TF networks that determined the patterns of genes expressed during brain development. Some ‘master TFs’ at the top level of the hierarchy regulated the expression of gene groups. Enhanced/decreased activity of a few master TFs may explain paradoxes raised by the genetic determination of autism‐spectrum disorders and schizophrenia. Our analysis showed gene–TF networks, common or related, to these disorders that exhibited two maxima of expression, one in the prenatal and the other at early postnatal period of development, consistent with the view that these disorders originate in the prenatal period, develop in the postnatal period, and reach the ultimate neural and behavioral phenotype with different sets of genes regulating each of these periods. We proposed a strategy for drug design based upon the temporal patterns of expression of the concerned TFs. Ligands targeting specific TFs can be designed to specifically affect the pathological evolution of the mutated gene(s) in genetically predisposed patients when administered at relevant stages of brain development.
Malaysian government dentists' experience, willingness and barriers in providing domiciliary care for elderly people
Authors: Othman Akmal Aida , Yusof Zamros , Saub Roslan
Published: November 2012

Objective

To assess Malaysian government dentists' experience, willingness and barriers in providing domiciliary care for elderly people.

Material and methods

A descriptive cross‐sectional study was conducted using a self‐administered postal questionnaire targeting government dentists working in the Ministry of Health in Peninsular Malaysia.

Results

Seven hundred and eleven out of 962 dentists responded with a response rate of 74.0%. Only 36.1% of the dentists had experience in providing domiciliary care for elderly people in the past 2 years with mean number of visit per year of 1. Younger dentists below the age of 30 and those with confidence in providing the service were the most willing to undertake domiciliary care for elderly patients (OR = 13.5, p < 0.05). The 3 most reported barriers were patient's complex medical history (74.1%), patient's poor attitude towards oral health service (67.5%), and dentist's unfavourable working condition (64.4%).

Conclusion

The majority of Malaysian government dentists had not been involved in providing domiciliary care for elderly patients. Apart from overcoming the barriers, other recommendations include improving undergraduate dental education, education for elderly people and carers, improving dentist's working condition, and introducing domiciliary financial incentive for dentist.
Ideational Theorizing in the Social Sciences since “PolicyParadigms,SocialLearning, and theState”
Authors: Berman Sheri
Published: November 2012

In the years sincePeterHall's seminal 1993 article “PolicyParadigms,SocialLearning and theState” appeared, the ideational research agenda has expanded enormously, to the point where it now includes everyone from constructivists to rational choice theorists. This article assesses what we have learned about the role of ideas in political life since “PolicyParadigms” appeared, analyzes how well social scientists have taken up the challenges and questions “PolicyParadigms” put forward, and discusses the strengths and weaknesses of current ideational scholarship. Based on this, the article concludes that the way forward for ideational scholars must include coming up with clearer, more easily agreed upon definitions of ideational variables, more extensive study of the processes through which ideas become institutionalized and thus able to affect political outcomes over time, and more careful investigations of the ways in which ideas shape or form both actors' motivations and contexts.
Use of pharmacokinetic modelling to individualize FFP dosing in factor V deficiency
Authors: Shakhnovich V. , Daniel J. , Wicklund B. , Kearns G. , Neville K.
Published: November 2012

Therapy with fresh frozen plasma (FFP) confers serious risks, such as contraction of blood‐borne viruses, allergic reaction, volume overload and development of alloantibodies. The aim of this study was to apply principles of pharmacokinetic (PK) modelling to individual factor content of FFP to optimize individualized dosing, while minimizing potential risks of therapy. We used PK modelling to successfully target individual factor replacement in an 8‐month‐old patient receiving FFP for treatment of a severe congenital factor V (FV) deficiency. The model fit for the FV activity vs. time data was excellent (r = 0.98) and the model accurately predicted FV activity during the intraoperative and postoperative period. Accurate PK modelling of individual factor activity in FFP has the potential to provide better targeted therapy, enabling clinicians to more precisely dose patients requiring coagulation products, while avoiding wasteful and expensive product overtreatment, minimizing potentially life‐threatening complications due to undertreatment and limiting harmful product‐associated risks.
Prognostic value of microsatellite instability in sporadic locally advanced rectal cancer following neoadjuvant radiotherapy
Authors: Du Changzheng , Zhao Jun , Xue Weicheng , Dou Fangyuan , Gu Jin
Published: November 2012

Aims

This study was conducted to investigate the clinicopathological significance and prognostic value of microsatellite instability (MSI) in locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) following neoadjuvant radiotherapy.

Methods and results

A total of 316 consecutive patients with LARC who underwent neoadjuvant radiotherapy and curative surgery were included retrospectively. Microsatellite instability in pretreatment biopsy tissue was assessed using the pentaplex panel of mononucleotides. Twenty‐five tumours (7.9%) were assessed as high‐frequency MSI (MSI‐H) and 291 were low‐frequency MSI (MSI‐L; n = 42) or microsatellite stable (MSS; n = 249). There were no significant differences in terms of gender, age, tumour location or pretreatment serum carcinoembryonic antigen between the MSI‐H and MSI‐L + MSS groups. Microsatellite instability was not associated statistically with pathological stage, radiation‐induced tumour regression or downstaging. No significant difference was found in disease‐free survival (DFS) between the two groups but, within the subgroup of ypN0 stage, patients with MSI‐H tumours presented a significantly improved DFS compared with those with MSI‐L or MSS tumours (100% versus 79.8%, P < 0.05), whereas no DFS improvement was observed for patients with MSI‐H tumours in the ypN + subgroup.

Conclusions

Microsatellite instability could not predict a histopathological response to neoadjuvant radiotherapy, but was a good prognostic marker for patients without lymph node metastasis after neoadjuvant radiotherapy.
In vitro digestibility of flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) protein: effect of seed mucilage, oil and thermal processing
Authors: Marambe Harsha K. , Shand Phyllis J. , Wanasundara Janitha P. D.
Published: November 2012

Flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) protein is reported to release physiologically important amino acids and bioactive peptides during gastrointestinal (GI) digestion. The effect of seed mucilage and oil and thermal processing on the in vitro protein digestibility (IPD) of flaxseed protein was assessed under simulated GI digestion. Protein in ground whole flaxseed that contained both mucilage and oil had the lowest digestibility (12.61%). Baking and boiling before size reduction significantly (P < 0.05) improved the IPD (31.77% and 28.04%, respectively). Further increase in IPD occurred when mucilage (51.00%) and both mucilage and oil (66.79%) were removed. Isolated flax protein had a similar IPD value (68.00%) as the mucilage and oil–removed flaxseed. The polypeptide of approximately 13 kDa showed resistance to GI digestion compared with other polypeptides of all these treated seeds. Removal of oil and mucilage as well as thermal treatment enhanced protein digestibility of flaxseed.
Manipulation of volatile compound transformation in durian wine by nitrogen supplementation
Authors: Lee Pin‐Rou , Toh Mingzhan , Yu Bin , Curran Philip , Liu Shao‐Quan
Published: November 2012

This study evaluated the impact of added diammonium phosphate (DAP) and a L‐leucine‐L‐phenylalanine mixture (Leu+Phe) on durian wine fermentation by Saccharomyces cerevisiae var. bayanus EC‐1118. Changes in yeast cell population, oBrix, sugars, organic acids and pH were similar in all fermentations, regardless of nitrogen supplementation at a concentration of 150 mg N L−1. The supplementation of Leu+Phe accelerated the utilisation and reduced the formation of volatile sulphur compounds such as diethyl disulphide, ethyl thioacetate and 2‐(ethylthio)ethanol, which were 64.3%, 26.0% and 48.4% lower than the control, respectively. Nevertheless, the supplementation of Leu+Phe heightened the production of isoamyl alcohol, 2‐phenylethyl alcohol and their corresponding esters, especially isoamyl acetate was 1.6 times and 2‐phenylethyl acetate was 26.5 times higher than the control. The supplementation with DAP exerted negligible effects on the volatile composition. The results of this study suggest that the addition of specific amino acids may be a novel approach to manipulating durian wine flavour by suppressing or accentuating the formation of certain aroma compounds.
Rheological and sensory attributes of cream caramel desserts containing fructooligosaccharides as substitute sweeteners
Authors: Protonotariou Styliani V. , Karali Euagelia , Evageliou Vasiliki , Yanniotis Stavros , Mandala Ioanna
Published: November 2012

The objectives of this research were to substitute (10–50%) sucrose with fructooligosaccharides (FOS) in cream caramel dessert and to study the rheological and sensory characteristics of the gels produced. Small deformation experiments showed that the substitution of sucrose with FOS led to a decrease in the solid character of the gels. Moreover, samples in which sucrose was substituted with 20% and 30% FOS exhibited lower gel strength, and sample containing 30% FOS showed more than three times lower gel strength than that with 100% sucrose. However, all samples, albeit fluids, already had a substantial gel‐like character at high temperature. According to large deformation experiments, the strength and rigidity of all samples increased with storage time. The values for both parameters were greater for the samples containing 100% and 90% sucrose. Triangle tests were performed for sensory evaluation. Panellists did not find significant differences in terms of sweetness when sucrose was substituted up to 30%. Storage was significant only for the sample with 100% sucrose, as the sensory characteristics of the sample with 10% FOS were not affected.
Evaluation of NFKB1A variants in patients with knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Hulin‐Curtis S. L. , Sharif M. , Bidwell J. L. , Perry M. J.
Published: November 2012

A key feature of osteoarthritis (OA) is articular cartilage loss mediated by numerous catabolic factors including pro‐inflammatory cytokines. Cytokine expression is modulated by the nuclear factor κB (NF‐κB) family of transcription factors that are in turn, regulated by the inhibitor of NF‐κB IκBα encoded by NFKB1A. We examined eight, previously reported common germline polymorphisms to determine whether NFKB1A variants are associated with knee OA. Eight common single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) across the NFKB1A gene were genotyped in 189 cases with knee OA and 197 healthy controls. Allele, genotype and haplotype frequencies were compared between case and control groups and stratified according to gender due to the increased prevalence of female OA. Serum concentrations of four biochemical markers elevated in OA were compared with genotype for each knee OA case. None of the SNPs showed an association with knee OA; however, stratification of the data for gender showed an increased frequency of the rs8904 variant allele in the female knee OA case group (P = 0.02). Six common haplotypes were identified (H1–H6). H6 was marginally more prevalent in the knee OA group (P = 0.05). The rs8904 variant was associated with increased levels of hyaluronan (HA), a marker of synovial inflammation at 12 and 24 months compared to baseline levels. The nearby rs696 variant demonstrated increased levels of C‐reactive protein (CRP) at 12 months and HA at 12 and 24 months. A reduction in CRP levels at 12 months was observed for the rs2233419 variant. These findings provide evidence for the association of NFKB1A variants and knee OA.
Venous thromboembolism prophylaxis audit in two Queensland hospitals
Authors: Phillips N. M. , Heazlewood V. J.
Published: November 2012

Background

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) represents a major public health problem in Australia and worldwide, contributing to hundreds of thousands of deaths each year.

Aim

To assess adherence to recommended guidelines in a range of clinical settings.

Methods

Retrospective, observational study of 955 medical (M), surgical (S) and orthopaedic (O) patient charts of all M, S and O patients admitted during March 2011. Patients on warfarin were excluded from the analysis. Appropriate or inappropriate prophylaxis was assessed according to high, medium and low risk stratification. Patient risk stratification for VTE, suitability of prophylaxis given, adverse events and length of stay were recorded.

Results

Nine hundred and thirteen eligible patients were assessed, 54% male, mean age 57 ± 21 years. Regarding the 372 M patients, 235 (63%) were on appropriate prophylaxis, compared with 84% (273/326) S and 78% (168/215) O patients (M to S, P < 0.0001; M to O, P = 0.0002; S to O, P = 0.113). High risk prevalence was 56% in M, 9% in S and 12% in O patients (P < 0.0001). Nine confirmed or possible VTE events occurred (seven M, with five of these on inappropriate prophylaxis). All three bleeding events (one fatal) were in M patients, two of whom had appropriate prophylaxis. Average length of stay was 4.1 ± 5.0, 2.1 ± 3.3 and 2.1 ± 3.8 days (P < 0.001) for M, S and O patients respectively.

Conclusion

Better adherence to prophylaxis guidelines is required, especially in M patients where the prevalence of high‐risk VTE is greater.
Cardiologists are more willing to prescribe β‐blockers than respiratory physicians: an Australasian clinical scenario survey
Authors: Jones T. E. , Ruffin R. E. , Arstall M.
Published: November 2012

Background/Aims

Recent data show great benefit from beta adrenergic blocking drug (β‐blocker) use in heart failure and has resulted in increased use of these established agents. Older data caution against their use in patients with reversible airways disease because of risks of bronchoconstriction. Anecdotally, we noted a difference in willingness to prescribe β‐blockers by cardiologists and respiratory physicians, especially for patients with coexisting airways disease. We sought to test this difference.

Methods

Nine clinical scenarios were created, tested and emailed to all members of the Cardiac and Thoracic societies of Australasia. Scenarios combined varying degrees of benefit and risk (bronchoconstriction). An inducement to return questionnaires was applied.

Results

Cardiologists and respiratory physicians were similarly willing to prescribe β‐blockers for patients at little risk of bronchoconstriction, irrespective of potential benefit. Cardiologists were more willing to prescribe β‐blockers than respiratory physicians for patients at greater risk of bronchoconstriction, particularly when the potential therapeutic benefit was greater.

Conclusions

Our perception that cardiologists were more willing to prescribe β‐blockers than respiratory physicians was confirmed. This probably results from a difference in focus (namely focus on benefit by cardiologists vs focus on risk by respiratory physicians), although other factors including awareness of limitations of pulmonary function testing by respiratory physicians may have been involved. Until better tests are available (that discriminate between patients who are likely to suffer bronchoconstriction from those who are not), it is likely that this difference between the specialties will remain.
Primary angiitis of the central nervous system: experience of a Victorian tertiary‐referral hospital
Authors: Oon S. , Roberts C. , Gorelik A. , Wicks I. , Brand C.
Published: November 2012

Background

Primary angiitis of the central nervous system is a rare condition, which is often difficult to diagnose and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. There is no standardised treatment protocol or randomised clinical trial evidence to guide management.

Aim

To describe the clinical features, diagnostic modalities, treatment and outcomes in an Australian hospital population‐based series of primary cerebral angiitis.

Methods

Data were collected via retrospective medical record review of patients with primary angiitis of the central nervous system for the period 1 July 1998 to 30 June 2009, using previously published diagnostic criteria. Eligible patient records were identified in two ways; from routinely collected hospital episode data, coded using the ICD‐10‐AM coding standard and by review of cerebral biopsy data.

Results

Ten of 12 included patients had a positive cerebral biopsy, with two patients diagnosed by angiography. Mean age at diagnosis was 47.2 years (range 18–73 years), with a female predominance of 5:1. Headache was the most common symptom experienced. Seventy per cent of the biopsy specimens showed a lymphocytic vasculitis. All patients received treatment with either steroids alone or a combination of steroids and cyclophosphamide, the latter treatment being initiated for those with a higher modified Rankin score of disability. Nine (75%) responded to treatment. There was one in‐hospital death, and two patients had no documented response to treatment.

Conclusion

This study presents the first Australian case series data of primary cerebral angiitis. Better understanding of management and outcomes of this rare condition would be gained through multicentre studies.
Hip fractures among Indigenous Western Australians from 1999 to 2009
Authors: Wong Y. Y. E. , Flicker L. , Draper G. , Lai M. M. Y. , Waldron N.
Published: November 2012

Background

Minimal trauma hip fractures are prevalent in Australia. The incidence rate and trend of hip fractures in Indigenous Western Australians have not been formally reported.

Aims

To evaluate incidence rates and trend of minimal trauma hip fractures in Indigenous and other Western Australians aged 40 years and over in 1999–2009

Methods

Hip fracture data were obtained from an administrative database for all hospitalisations in Western Australia. Age‐standardised incidence rates were calculated using direct standardisation, and standardised rate ratios were calculated using the indirect method. Trend in incidence rates were calculated using Poisson regression.

Results

In 1999–2009, 11 844 admissions for minimal trauma hip fractures were reported among Western Australians aged 40 years and over, of which 201 were recorded as indigenous. The age‐standardised hip fracture rate was 273.0 (95% confidence interval (CI) 230.7–315.4) per 100 000 person‐years for indigenous adults and 148.8 (95% CI 146.1–151.5) per 100 000 person‐years for non‐indigenous adults. The standardised morbidity ratio was 2.2 (95% CI 1.9–2.5). Over this period, age‐standardised rates increased by an average of 7.2% per year among indigenous adults (P = 0.006), whereas non‐indigenous rates fell by an average of 3.4% per year (P < 0.001). The relatively higher rates among indigenous adults were more evident in the younger age groups.

Conclusion

There is a widening gap in minimal trauma hip fracture rates between indigenous and other Western Australians. This study demonstrates a need for public health review and management strategies to reduce falls and hip fracture in the indigenous community.
Clinical audit: recent practice in caring for patients with acute severe colitis compared with published guidelines – is there a problem?
Authors: Lim A. H. , Grafton R. , Hetzel D. J. , Andrews J. M.
Published: November 2012

Background

Acute severe colitis (ASC) is a serious condition with possible outcomes of emergency colectomy and mortality. Validated guidelines exist to help avoid these.

Aims

To examine local adherence to guidelines and identify (a) opportunities to improve care and (b) possible barriers to adherence.

Methods

Retrospective, hospital‐wide audit of all patients with ASC during a 2‐year period (2009–2010) at a major metropolitan hospital. Cases were identified by an electronic search of all discharges with International Classification of Diseases‐10 codes for colitis, colectomy, ulcerative colitis or Crohn disease.

Results

Twenty‐six patients had 30 ASC admissions (14 female). Most admissions were under gastroenterology (25), 4 (13%) were under general medicine and 1 was under general surgery. Only 8 patients' (26%) management (all under gastroenterology) included all major details: blood investigations, Clostridium difficile test, abdominal X‐ray, colonic examination and venous thromboembolism prophylaxis. Only one patient had formal severity scoring on admission, and seven patients (24%) had descriptive severity recorded. On day 3, nine patients (30%) had some recorded severity assessment; however, no formal criteria were used. Four had colectomy, three during first admission and one on re‐admission. Of these patients, three received cyclosporine prior to colectomy. The mean duration of admission was 10 days (standard deviation 10.54, range 1–61).

Conclusion

Opportunities to optimise care exist including formal severity assessments on days 1 and 3, better deep vein thrombosis/pulmonary embolism prophylaxis and prompt colonic examination. Admission under teams other than gastroenterology appeared to be a barrier to better care. Despite the low rate of ideal management, the colectomy rate was acceptably low at 20%.
Polyphenols content and antioxidant activity of Ghure (unripe grape) marc extract: influence of extraction time, temperature and solvent type
Authors: Shojaee‐Aliabadi Saeedeh , Hosseini Seyede M. , Tiwari Brijesh , Hashemi Maryam , Fadavi Ghasem , Khaksar Ramin
Published: November 2012

The objective of this study was to optimise the temperature (25–50 °C), time (1–24 h) and the solvent ratio (ethanol/water, 0–100%) for the phenolic compounds extraction of Ghure marc (unripe grape) using response surface methodology. The central composite design (CCD) generated satisfactory models for the optimisation of process variables. The results revealed that the ratio (X3) was the most significant parameter on total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activity [% 2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH)], and there was a significant correlation between TPC and antioxidant activity. The optimal conditions for temperature and time were 44.93 °C and 19.34 h, respectively, and the ratio of ethanol to water was 70.08, which verified with carrying out confirmatory experiments. Under this condition, TPC and %DPPH were 388.79 mg GAE per 100 g and 91.01, respectively. The results of this study revealed that the Ghure marc can be used as a low‐cost source of natural antioxidant in food.
Morphological markers for the detection of introgression from cultivated into wild carrot (Daucus carotaL.) reveal dominant domestication traits
Authors: Grebenstein C. , Kos S. P. , de Jong T. J. , Tamis W. L. M. , de Snoo G. R.
Published: November 2012

Hybridisation and subsequent introgression have recently received much attention in the context of genetically modified crops. But crop–wild hybrid detection in the field can be difficult, as most domestication traits seem to be recessive, and the hybrid phenotype may also depend on the direction of the cross or environmental factors. Our aim was to develop a reliable set of morphological markers that differ between two wild and 13 cultivated carrots (Daucus carotaL.) and to evaluate their inheritance in hybrid lines. We then examined these morphological markers in four F1 hybrids obtained by fertilising plants from the two wild accessions with pollen from two common carrot cultivars. Of the 16 traits that differed between the two carrot subspecies, three took intermediate values in the hybrids, eight resembled the cultivar parent (dominant domestication traits), two resembled the wild parent (domestication traits recessive), and three were not significant or growth condition‐dependent. Root:shoot ratio was seven times higher for cultivars than for wild plants, while still attaining equivalent total dry weight, which shows that dry matter production by the shoot is much higher in cultivars than in wild plants. High root:shoot ratios were also present in the hybrids. While we found no maternal effects, the type of cultivar used for pollination had an impact on hybrid characteristics. The morphological markers developed here provide insights into the mode of inheritance of ecologically relevant traits and can be useful for pre‐screening wild populations for hybrid detection prior to genetic analysis.
Nectar regulation in Euphorbia tithymaloides L., a hummingbird‐pollinated Euphorbiaceae
Authors: Veiga Blanco T. , Galetto L. , Machado I. C.
Published: November 2012

Floral sexual phases can differ in nectar production and might be under selective pressure by pollinators. We studied Euphorbia tithymaloides, which has inflorescences that are initially female and then hermaphroditic. Volume and concentration of nectar were measured in both stages. Nectar production and the effect of extractions were determined using sets of bagged inflorescences; inflorescences in the hermaphroditic phase had higher values of nectar concentration, volume and sugar mass than inflorescences in the female phase. Nectar resorption was detected in senescent inflorescences. To test for homeostatic nectar regulation, artificial nectar was added and the response assessed after 24 h. The experiments showed that concentration and sugar mass are regulated within a narrow range, and the homeostatic points differ between the two sexual phases. These differences in nectar can be detected by hummingbirds, which prefer the female stage. Resorption and secretion seem to be part of a homeostatic mechanism by which nectar attributes are maintained to optimise sugar recovery.
Generalised pollination systems for three invasive milkweeds in Australia
Authors: Ward M. , Johnson S. D.
Published: November 2012

Because most plants require pollinator visits for seed production, the ability of an introduced plant species to establish pollinator relationships in a new ecosystem may have a central role in determining its success or failure as an invader. We investigated the pollination ecology of three milkweed species – Asclepias curassavica, Gomphocarpus fruticosus and G. physocarpus – in their invaded range in southeast Queensland, Australia. The complex floral morphology of milkweeds has often been interpreted as a general trend towards specialised pollination requirements. Based on this interpretation, invasion by milkweeds contradicts the expectation than plant species with specialised pollination systems are less likely to become invasive that those with more generalised pollination requirements. However, observations of flower visitors in natural populations of the three study species revealed that their pollination systems are essentially specialised at the taxonomic level of the order, but generalised at the species level. Specifically, pollinators of the two Gomphocarpus species included various species of Hymenoptera (particularly vespid wasps), while pollinators of A. curassavica were primarily Lepidoptera (particularly nymphalid butterflies). Pollinators of all three species are rewarded with copious amounts of highly concentrated nectar. It is likely that successful invasion by these three milkweed species is attributable, at least in part, to their generalised pollinator requirements. The results of this study are discussed in terms of how data from the native range may be useful in predicting pollination success of species in a new environment.
Contrasting seasonal overlaps between primary and secondary growth are linked to wood anatomy in Mediterranean sub‐shrubs
Authors: Camarero J. J. , Palacio S. , Montserrat‐Martí G.
Published: November 2012

Whole‐plant approaches allow quantification of the temporal overlap between primary and secondary growth. If the amount of time available to grow is short, there may be a high temporal overlap between shoot growth and wood formation. We hypothesise that such overlap depends on the duration of the growing season and relates to wood anatomy. We evaluated wood anatomy, shoot longitudinal and radial growth rates, fine root production and the concentrations of non‐structural carbohydrates (NSC) in the wood of six sub‐shrub species growing in sites with contrasting climatic conditions (Lepidium subulatum, Linum suffruticosum, Salvia lavandulifolia, Satureja montana, Ononis fruticosa, Echinospartum horridum). Sub‐shrub species living in sites with a short growing season displayed a high overlap between aboveground primary and secondary growth and formed wide vessels, whereas species from the warmest and driest sites presented the reverse characteristics. The highest overlap was linked to a rapid shoot extension and thickening through the enhanced hydraulic conductivity provided by wide vessels. The reductions in NSC concentrations when growth peaked were low or moderate, indicating that sub‐shrubs accumulate NSC in excess, as do trees. The temporal overlap among primary and secondary growth in woody plants may be connected to the duration and rates of shoot and wood growth, which in turn depend on the vessel lumen area.
Foreign Direct Investment in Australia Following the Australia–US Free Trade Agreement
Authors: Kirchner Stephen
Published: November 2012

A model of inward foreign direct investment for Australia is estimated. Foreign direct investment is found to be positively related to economic and productivity growth and negatively related to foreign portfolio investment, trade openness, the exchange rate and the foreign real interest rate. Foreign direct investment is found to be a substitute for both portfolio investment and trade in goods and services. The exchange rate and the US bond rate affect foreign direct investment through the relative attractiveness of domestic assets. Actual foreign direct investment outperforms a model‐derived forecast in recent years, consistent with the liberalisation of foreign investment screening rules following the Australia–US Free Trade Agreement.
Chasing Data: Sources of Data for the Study of Gambling Economics
Authors: Farrell Lisa
Published: November 2012

The last decade has seen significant deregulation in the betting and gaming sector in many developed countries. This deregulation, coupled with technology‐led product innovation, has seen a renewed interest in the drivers of the demand for gambling and the prevalence of excessive gambling. The necessity for governments to track the social impacts of the gambling has led to an increased need for high‐quality data and this article will review the variety of empirical resources available to researchers. I also discuss innovations in measures or scales employed to quantify excessive gambling and addiction.
Petrol Price Cycles
Authors: Byrne David P.
Published: November 2012

This article provides an overview of the burgeoning academic literature on price dynamics and price cycles in retail petrol markets. I first present evidence of petrol price cycles and studies that describe what types of petrol markets tend to exhibit price cycles. I further discuss empirical investigations of firms’ pricing strategies in cycling markets. In light of the empirics, I outline theories of competition and consumer demand in petrol markets that help us understand various facets of petrol price cycles.
The Future of State and Local Economic Development Policy: What Research Is Needed
Authors: Bartik Timothy J.
Published: November 2012

Research will be more relevant to state and local economic development policy if this research focuses on research gaps. One gap is better estimates of how local labor demand policies affect local jobs. A second gap is better understanding of how labor supply policies affect overall local labor market outcomes, adjusting for spillovers and displacement. A third gap is better understanding of how effects of local employment shocks vary with local labor market conditions.
Patterns of Broadband Efficiency in the U.S
Authors: Parajuli Jitendra , Haynes Kingsley E.
Published: November 2012

Data envelopment analysis is used to assess the efficiency of broadband Internet adoption and use in the U.S. Analyses at the state level from 2005 to 2007 suggest that broadband adoption and use is not equally efficient across the U.S. states. Although the instantaneous efficiencies are relatively high for many states, the changes in total factor productivity suggest that the efficiency of broadband adoption and use still increases over time. Moreover, it is observed that efficiency values are often spatially autocorrelated, which suggests spatial dependency from spillovers or interstate competition. This leads to a particular spatial diffusion pattern in broadband adoption. Although states have different strategies in support of broadband expansion they need to identify their shortcomings and use the appropriate mix of inputs (and outputs) to improve their efficiencies.