bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Active waveguide fabrication in erbium-doped oxyfluoride silicate glass using femtosecond pulses
Authors: Thomson R. R. , Campbell S. , Blewett I. J. , Kar A. K. , Reid D. T. , Shen S. , Jha A.
Published: September 2005

By directly writing waveguides inside bulk erbium-doped oxyfluoride silicate glass using a focused femtosecond pulse train, we demonstrate the potential for the fabrication of especially broadband, compact telecommunications optical amplifiers operating in the c-band (1529–1561nm). Characterization results include coupling losses to single-mode fiber, waveguide losses, and gain measurements. Clear relationships between the fabrication pulse energy and the waveguide losses and coupling losses are also established.
Microwave attenuation of multiwalled carbon nanotube-fused silica composites
Authors: Xiang Changshu , Pan Yubai , Liu Xuejian , Sun Xingwei , Shi Xiaomei , Guo Jingkun
Published: September 2005

Multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were used to convert radome materials to microwave absorbing materials. Dense MWCNT-fused silica composites were prepared by hot-pressing technique. The composites exhibit high complex permittivities at X-band frequencies, depending on the content of MWCNTs. The value of the loss tangent increases three orders over pure fused silica only by incorporating 2.5vol% MWCNTs into the composites. The average magnitude of microwave transmission reaches −33dB at 11–12GHz in the 10vol% MWCNT-fused silica composites, which indicates the composites have excellent microwave attenuation properties. The attenuation properties mainly originate from the electric loss of MWCNTs by the motion of conducting electrons.
Thermal annealing effect on the band gap and dielectric functions of silicon nanocrystals embedded in SiO2 matrix
Authors: Ding L. , Chen T. P. , Liu Y. , Ng C. Y. , Liu Y. C. , Fung S.
Published: September 2005

The thermal annealing effect on band gap and dielectric functions of silicon nanocrystals (nc-Si) embedded in a SiO2 matrix synthesized by Si ion implantation is investigated by spectroscopic ellipsometry. A large band-gap expansion of nc-Si relative to bulk crystalline silicon has been observed. The band gap of the nc-Si for the nonannealing condition (i.e., as implanted) is 1.78eV while it is 1.72eV for the annealing at 1000°C for 100min. The slight decrease in the band gap is attributed to the slight increase in the nc-Si size with annealing. The dielectric functions of nc-Si show a significant suppression, as compared to bulk crystalline silicon, due to the quantum size effect. Annealing results in a small change in the static dielectric constant, which can be explained in terms of the size effect also.
Thermally-induced formation of Si wire array on an ultrathin (111) silicon-on-insulator substrate
Authors: Burhanudin Zainal A. , Nuryadi Ratno , Ishikawa Yasuhiko , Tabe Michiharu , Ono Yukinori
Published: September 2005

We have found that a Si wire array is formed by thermal agglomeration of an ultrathin (111) Si layer in a bonded silicon-on-insulator (SOI) structure, although previous studies for crystalline and amorphous Si layers on SiO2 only showed island formation. As starting material, (111) bonded SOI wafers with the top Si layers thinned to 5–9 nm were used. The samples were then subjected to a thermal treatment at 950 °C in an ultrahigh vacuum. Atomic force microscopy revealed that the (111) top Si layer is deformed into three sets of wire arrays in the three equivalent ⟨112¯⟩ directions. It is also shown that the patterning of a Si layer leads to the wire array selectively formed in one of these three directions.
Reversible electrochromic effect accompanying domain-inversion in LiNbO3:Ru:Fe crystals
Authors: Xi Qingxin , Liu De’an , Zhi Ya’nan , Luan Zhu , Liu Liren
Published: September 2005

A reversible electrochromic effect during the electrical poling process in LiNbO3:Ru:Fe crystals at room temperature is observed. In electrode area, both electrochromism and domain-inversion occur mutually and electrochromism is reversible during back-switch poling, which are experimentally verified, and a microstructure model to explain the mechanism is proposed. In addition, different from the undoped LiNbO3 crystals, the breakdown field (>25.0kV∕mm) is higher than the coercive (21.0kV∕mm) measured in LiNbO3:Ru:Fe, which proves a possible new technique to realize domain-inversion by constant electric field rather than pulsed one.
Pattern preserving deposition: Experimental results and modeling
Authors: Castez Marcos F. , Fonticelli Mariano H. , Azzaroni Omar , Salvarezza Roberto C. , Solari Hernán G.
Published: September 2005

In this work we discuss pattern-preserving growth during metal deposition from the vapor on micro/nano-structured metal substrates. Experimental results for Cu deposition on patterned Cu substrates show pattern preserving growth or pattern destruction depending on the incident angle. We introduce a mesoscopic 1+1 dimensional model including deposition flow (directed and isotropic), surface diffusion and shadowing effects that account for the experimental growth data. Moreover, simulations on post-deposition annealing, for high aspect-ratio patterns show departures from the predictions of the linear theory for surface diffusion.
The kinase inhibitor imatinib mesylate inhibits TNF-α production
in vitro
and prevents TNF-dependent acute hepatic inflammation
Authors: Wolf Anna Maria , Wolf Dominik , Rumpold Holger , Ludwiczek Susanne , Enrich Barbara , Gastl Guenther , Weiss Guenter , Tilg Herbert
Published: September 2005

Imatinib exerts potent antileukemic effects
in vitro
and
in vivo
. Despite its well known antitumor activity, the potential of imatinib for the treatment of inflammatory diseases remains elusive so far. Our current report provides strong evidence that imatinib has potent antiinflammatory effects. It potently inhibits LPS- and Con A-induced TNF-α production by human myeloid cells
in vitro
(peripheral blood mononuclear cells, CD14-selected monocytes, and monocyte-derived macrophages). Of note, the production of the antiinflammatory cytokine IL-10 was not significantly regulated by imatinib. In line with this observation, phosphorylation of IκB and subsequent DNA binding of NF-κB, which is critically involved in TNF-α, but not IL-10 expression, was reduced by imatinib. Using several murine models of acute hepatitis, we could corroborate our
in vitro
findings, as imatinib prevented macrophage- and TNF-α-dependent inflammatory damage of the liver induced by injection of either Con A or
d
-galactosamine/LPS by inhibition of hepatic TNF-α production. Of note,
d
-galactosamine/TNF-induced hepatitis was not affected, showing that imatinib does not directly inhibit TNF-α-induced hepatocellular cell death. These findings suggest a potent antiinflammatory role of imatinib by modulation of TNF-α production in monocytes/macrophages. This observation might be of therapeutic value for the treatment of TNF-mediated diseases.
A requirement for sustained ERK signaling during thymocyte positive selectionin vivo
Authors: McNeil Lisa K. , Starr Timothy K. , Hogquist Kristin A.
Published: September 2005

It is unknown how the contrasting events of positive and negative selection can lead to the distinct biological outcomes of life or death. An increasing body of evidence suggests that the duration of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling plays a role in thymocyte selection. However, it remains unclear what the kinetics of ERK activation are during positive selectionin vivo. In this study, we examined the magnitude and duration of ERK signaling in intact murine thymic tissues cultured under conditions of negative or positive selection. We found that negative selection induced a rapid and robust ERK activation that is associated with death, whereas positive selection stimulated a lower intensity and brief ERK activation that quickly declined and then gradually increased and was sustained over several days. The expression pattern of Egr-1 (early growth response-1), a downstream ERK effector, correlates with the biphasic kinetics of ERK during positive selection. Id3 (inhibitor of differentiation/DNA binding 3) also exhibits biphasic kinetics but appeared to be independent of ERK signaling. Furthermore, inhibitors of T cell receptor ligation and ERK activation block maturation of CD8 single-positive thymocytes even when added after 24 h. These results demonstrate that thein vivoduration of ERK signaling must be sustained to support positive selection.
Agriculture in the developing world: Connecting innovations in plant research to downstream applications
Authors: Delmer Deborah P.
Published: September 2005

Enhancing agricultural productivity in those areas of the world bypassed by the Green Revolution will require new approaches that provide incentives and funding mechanisms that promote the translation of new innovations in plant science into concrete benefits for poor farmers. Through better dialogue, plant breeders and laboratory scientists from both the public and private-sectors need to find solutions for the key constraints to crop production, many of which center around abiotic and biotic stresses. The revolution in plant genomics has opened up new perspectives and opportunities for plant breeders who can now apply molecular markers to assess and enhance diversity in their germplasm collections, to introgress valuable traits from new sources, and to identify genes that control key traits. Functional genomics is also providing another powerful route to the identification of such genes. The ability to introgress beneficial genes under the control of specific promoters through transgenic approaches is yet one more stepping stone in the path to targeted approaches to crop improvement, and the new sciences have identified a vast array of genes that have exciting potential for crop improvement. For a few crops with viable markets, such as maize and cotton, some of the traits developed by the private sector are already showing benefits for farmers of the developing world, but the public sector will need to develop new skills and overcome a number of hurdles to carry out similar efforts for other crops and traits useful to very poor farmers.
Discovering statistically significant pathways in expression profiling studies
Authors: Tian Lu , Greenberg Steven A. , Kong Sek Won , Altschuler Josiah , Kohane Isaac S. , Park Peter J.
Published: September 2005

Accurate and rapid identification of perturbed pathways through the analysis of genome-wide expression profiles facilitates the generation of biological hypotheses. We propose a statistical framework for determining whether a specified group of genes for a pathway has a coordinated association with a phenotype of interest. Several issues on proper hypothesis-testing procedures are clarified. In particular, it is shown that the differences in the correlation structure of each set of genes can lead to a biased comparison among gene sets unless a normalization procedure is applied. We propose statistical tests for two important but different aspects of association for each group of genes. This approach has more statistical power than currently available methods and can result in the discovery of statistically significant pathways that are not detected by other methods. This method is applied to data sets involving diabetes, inflammatory myopathies, and Alzheimer's disease, using gene sets we compiled from various public databases. In the case of inflammatory myopathies, we have correctly identified the known cytotoxic T lymphocyte-mediated autoimmunity in inclusion body myositis. Furthermore, we predicted the presence of dendritic cells in inclusion body myositis and of an IFN-α/β response in dermatomyositis, neither of which was previously described. These predictions have been subsequently corroborated by immunohistochemistry.
Distinct functional units of the Golgi complex in
Drosophila
cells
Authors: Yano Hiroyuki , Yamamoto-Hino Miki , Abe Masato , Kuwahara Reiko , Haraguchi Shuka , Kusaka Isamu , Awano Wakae , Kinoshita-Toyoda Akiko , Toyoda Hidenao , Goto Satoshi
Published: September 2005

A striking variety of glycosylation occur in the Golgi complex in a protein-specific manner, but how this diversity and specificity are achieved remains unclear. Here we show that stacked fragments (units) of the Golgi complex dispersed in
Drosophila
imaginal disk cells are functionally diverse. The UDP-sugar transporter FRINGE-CONNECTION (FRC) is localized to a subset of the Golgi units distinct from those harboring SULFATELESS (SFL), which modifies glucosaminoglycans (GAGs), and from those harboring the protease RHOMBOID (RHO), which processes the glycoprotein SPITZ (SPI). Whereas the glycosylation and function of NOTCH are affected in imaginal disks of
frc
mutants, those of SPI and of GAG core proteins are not, even though FRC transports a broad range of glycosylation substrates, suggesting that Golgi units containing FRC and those containing SFL or RHO are functionally separable. Distinct Golgi units containing FRC and RHO in embryos could also be separated biochemically by immunoisolation techniques. We also show that Tn-antigen glycan is localized only in a subset of the Golgi units distributed basally in a polarized cell. We propose that the different localizations among distinct Golgi units of molecules involved in glycosylation underlie the diversity of glycan modification.
The effects of self‐administered alcohol‐induced ‘hangover’ in a naturalistic setting on psychomotor and cognitive performance and subjective state
Authors: Finnigan Frances , Schulze Daniela , Smallwood Jonathan , Helander Anders
Published: September 2005

Aims  To examine in as naturalistic a setting as possible whether having an alcohol‐induced ‘hangover’ impairs psychomotor and cognitive performance.

Participants and design  The sample consisted of 71 male and female social drinkers who were tested twice, once at baseline and once after exposure to the study condition. They were randomized into a control group who returned for testing on a prearranged date (n = 33), and a group who were instructed to make arrangements to return the day after a self‐determined heavy drinking session (n = 38). Of the ‘hangover’ group, 13 participants still had a blood alcohol concentration of >1 mg/100 ml at the time of testing and these were analysed separately. All participants were students.

Measurements  Psychomotor performance was assessed by means of a battery of psychomotor tasks, rate of information processing was tested by the Speed and Capacity of Language Processing Test (SCOLP) and subjective state was assessed by questionnaire measures.

Findings  All participants in the ‘hangover’ group reported subjective and physical symptoms of hangover on the second testing session. Performance was significantly impaired on the hits‐key components of the vigilance task, was less accurate on the primary and secondary reaction time tasks and showed greater dispersion in range of ability for participants in the ‘acute and hangover’ compared to ‘control’. Probe memory revealed no significant group effect. Ratings of subjective state revealed significant group differences for the variables ‘ability to drive’, ‘concentrate’ and ‘react quickly’ as well as ‘tiredness’. There were no group differences for performance on the SCOLP.

Conclusion  Hangover had negative effects on self‐reported subjective and physical state and subtle effects on performance.
Is there a case for extended interventions for alcohol and drug use disorders?
Authors: McKay James R.
Published: September 2005

Aims  To determine whether there is evidence to support the implementation of extended interventions (i.e. longer than 6 months) for individuals with alcohol or other drug use disorders.

Methods  Literature on extended behavioral and pharmacotherapy interventions was reviewed, along with findings from studies of extended monitoring and monitoring paired with adjunctive counseling. Studies were identified through database searches, citations in prior reviews and examinations of recent volumes of relevant journals. Key terms were defined, and a theoretical rationale was presented for extended treatment. Several adaptive treatment studies that made use of stepped care or continuation protocols were also described.

Measurements  The primary outcomes that were considered were alcohol and drug use during the intervention and post‐intervention follow‐ups. Other outcomes were examined when they were included in the articles reviewed.

Findings  Most of the studies in the review provided support for the effectiveness of extended interventions for alcohol and drug abusers, whether the extended care was delivered through face‐to‐face contact or via the telephone. These findings held across all types of interventions that were examined (e.g. behavioral treatment, pharmacotherapy and monitoring). However, only a few studies directly compared extended and standard length version of the same intervention. New developments in addiction treatment with implications for extended care models were also described and discussed.

Conclusions  The findings of the review indicate that maintaining therapeutic contact for extended periods of time with individuals with alcohol and other drug disorders appears to promote better long‐term outcomes than ‘treatment as usual’, although more studies are needed that compare extended and standard versions of interventions. Achieving good compliance and successful disease management with extended interventions will probably require adaptive protocols in which the intensity of treatment can be adjusted up or down in response to changes in symptoms and functioning over time. Future directions in research on extended interventions were discussed.
The transcriptional regulator SsuR activates expression of theCorynebacterium glutamicumsulphonate utilization genes in the absence of sulphate
Authors: Koch Daniel J. , Rückert Christian , Albersmeier Andreas , Hüser Andrea T. , Tauch Andreas , Pühler Alfred , Kalinowski Jörn
Published: September 2005

In a recent study, the putative regulatory genecg0012was shown to belong to the regulon of McbR, a global transcriptional regulator of sulphur metabolism inCorynebacterium glutamicumATCC 13032. A deletion ofcg0012, now designatedssuR(sulphonate sulphur utilization regulator), led to the mutant strainC. glutamicumDK100, which was shown to be blocked in the utilization of sulphonates as sulphur sources. According to DNA microarray hybridizations, transcription of thessuandseugenes, encoding the sulphonate utilization system ofC. glutamicum, was considerably decreased inC. glutamicumDK100 when compared with the wild‐type strain. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays with purified SsuR protein demonstrated that the upstream regions ofssuI,seuABC,ssuD2andssuD1CBAcontain SsuR binding sites. A nucleotide sequence alignment of the four DNA fragments containing the SsuR binding sites revealed a common 21 bp motif consisting of T‐, GC‐ and A‐rich domains. Mapping of the transcriptional start sites in front ofssuI,seuABC,ssuD2andssuD1CBAindicated that the SsuR binding sites are located directly upstream of identified promoter sequences and that thessugenes are expressed by leaderless transcripts. Binding of the SsuR protein to its operator was shown to be diminishedin vitroby the effector substance sulphate and its direct assimilation products adenosine 5′‐phosphosulphate, sulphite and sulphide. Real‐time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction experiments verified that the expression of thessuandseugenes was also repressedin vivoby the presence of sulphate or sulphite. Therefore, the regulatory protein SsuR activates the expression of thessuandseugenes inC. glutamicumin the absence of the preferred sulphur source sulphate.
The structural view of bacterial translocation‐specific chaperone SecB: implications for function
Authors: Zhou Jiahai , Xu Zhaohui
Published: September 2005

SecB is a molecular chaperone that functions in bacterial post‐translational protein translocation pathway. It maintains newly synthesized precursor polypeptide chains in a translocation‐competent state and guides them to the translocon via its high‐affinity binding to the ligand as well as to the membrane‐embedded ATPase SecA. Recent advances in elucidating the structures of SecB have enabled the examination of protein function in the structural context. Structures of SecB from both Haemophilus influenzae and Escherichia coli support the early two‐subsite polypeptide‐binding model. In addition, the detailed molecular interaction between SecB and SecA was revealed by a structure of SecB in complex with the C‐terminal zinc‐containing domain of SecA. These observations explain the dual role of SecB plays in the translocation pathway, as a molecular chaperone and a specific targeting factor. A model of SecB–SecA complex suggests that the binding of SecA to SecB changes the conformation of the polypeptide binding sites in the chaperone, enabling transfer of precursor polypeptides from SecB to SecA. Recent studies also show the presence of a second zinc‐independent SecB binding site in SecA and the new interaction might contribute to the function of SecB.
Credit Unions and the Supply of Insurance to Low Income Households
Authors: McGregor Pat
Published: September 2005

Abstract**:  Credit unions are typically viewed as financial intermediaries that differ from commercial banks only in terms of their institutional structure. This ignores their historical development as mutual self‐help societies. The distinctive feature of a credit union is taken in this paper to be the provision of insurance – membership gives access to credit in the event of a negative income shock. Banks do not provide such loans because of the low credit worthiness of such borrowers. The application of the model to those credit unions designated as low‐income in the US allows them to be broken up into distinct types.
Rating Cooperative and Commercial Bank Bonds:  a comparative approach
Authors: Flageole Marc‐André , Roy Jean
Published: September 2005

Abstract**: The primary objective of this article is to find whether bonds issued by commercial and cooperative banks are rated similarly or not. We then compare the performance of two quantitative methods, namely seemingly unrelated regressions (SURE) and recursive partitioning algorithm (RPA), at explaining bond ratings based on the same set of quantitative indicators. Using the regression model, cooperative banks’ credit risk is more sensitive to the quality and size of assets. For commercial banks, elements relative to debt more clearly stand out. In the RPA model, a subtree for the financial cooperatives is created which provides evidence of some differentiation in the rating process. Also, the RPA model outperforms the parametric method whether performance is measured by the percentage of correct classification or the size of the average rating prediction error.
Ultrastructural Characteristics of Spermiogenesis in the Domestic Duck (Anas platyrhynchos)
Authors: Simões K. , Orsi A. M. , Viegas K. A. S.
Published: September 2005

In this present study was observed that the spermatids underwent morphological differentiation and modifications, which primarily comprised nuclear elongation, during the process of spermiogenesis in the domestic duck. The acrosome was formed and the flagellum developed concomitantly with nuclear modifications. Thus, various modifications could be observed during this process, especially changes in the distribution of cytoplasmic organelles. Long cisternae of the rough endoplasmic reticulum present in the spermatid cytoplasm dissociated into vesicles and the distal centriole initiated the development of the flagellum in the cellular portion opposite to the acrosome. The ultrastructure of the spermatids of the domestic duck did not show the characteristic development of pre‐acrosomal granules, but the acrosomal granule could be directly visualized in this species.
Respiratory syncytial virus infection and immunoprophylaxis for selected high‐risk children in Central Australia
Authors: Bolisetty Srinivas , Wheaton Gavin , Chang Anne B.
Published: September 2005

Background:  There are limited data on the epidemiology and viral aetiology of bronchiolitis in Central Australia and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) immunoprophylaxis in an Australian population.

Objective:  To (i) determine the incidence and the viral aetiology of bronchiolitis hospitalisations and (ii) report on the usage of RSV immunoprophylaxis in selected high‐risk infants and children in Central Australia.

Methodology:  A retrospective review was performed of all hospital separations for bronchiolitis for a three‐year period, 1998–2000. Respiratory viruses in the nasopharyngeal aspirates were identified from the cases in the year 2000. A combined retrospective chart review and prospective follow up study was undertaken of all the infants and children who received RSV immunoprophylaxis at the Alice Springs Hospital, Central Australia.

Results:  Incidence of bronchiolitis hospitalisation in infants for 1998, 1999 and 2000 were 176, 200 and 180 per 1000, respectively. Nine high‐risk children had RSV immunoprophylaxis on a total of 46 occasions and there were two mild RSV‐related illnesses in them. None had severe lower respiratory tract illness.

Conclusion:  The incidence of bronchiolitis in Central Australia is extremely high. The usage of RSV immunoprophylaxis may be justified in selected high‐risk children living in high endemic areas.
Medical students’ reported barriers to training at a Rural Clinical School
Authors: Jones Graeme I. , DeWitt Dawn E. , Elliott Susan L.
Published: September 2005

Objective:  To understand and address students’ concerns about attending one of the new Commonwealth‐funded Rural Clinical Schools.

Design:  Analysis of students’ reported reasons for clinical school selection from 2003 to 2004.

Setting:  The School of Medicine and the Rural Clinical School, University of Melbourne.

Participants:  Data were obtained from de‐identified preference documents submitted by the medical student cohort assigned to the University of Melbourne clinical schools to begin in July, 2004.

Results:  Thirteen categories of student concerns (social) were identified from written student preference documents.

Conclusions:  Evaluation of the students’ concerns about social dislocation if they were assigned to a rural clinical school has provided important information about perceived barriers to rural training. These issues must be systematically addressed at the school, university and community level.
Interhospital transfers of patients with surgical emergencies: Areas for improvement
Authors: Wong Kenneth , Levy Richard D.
Published: September 2005

Objective:  To review mortality associated with interhospital transfers of patients with surgical emergencies from rural and peripheral metropolitan areas.

Design:  A retrospective case note review.

Setting:  All hospitals within an area health service including metropolitan and rural hospitals.

Subjects:  All patients with a surgical emergency who died in hospital after interhospital transfer within an area health service.

Main outcome measures:  Factors associated with death and interhospital transfer.

Results:  In total, 22 patients were identified. The mean age was 77 years. Thirty‐six per cent of patients were assessed by a surgeon prior to transfer. The mean time taken for transfer was five hours. Ten patients were physiologically unstable prior to transfer. No medical escort accompanied these patients. Four patients deteriorated during the transport process. Seventy‐three per cent of patients arrived out of normal working hours. Fifty per cent of patients required an operation within 24 hours of arrival. All of these patients had significant medical co‐morbidities. Seventy‐two per cent of these operations were performed out of hours as an emergency case. Twenty‐three per cent did not receive any operative intervention or intensive care admission at the tertiary referral centre. Forty‐one per cent of deaths were related to peritonitis and intra‐abdominal soiling.

Conclusions:  Hospital systemic issues associated with mortality included extensive time delays in transfers, an inadequate transport process and frequent out‐of‐hours emergency operations. Patient features related to mortality included advanced age, significant medical co‐morbidity and surgical pathology with a poor prognosis. Improvements concerning interhospital transfers of patients should address both systemic and patient issues.
Evaluation of an ultrasound program (intermediate obstetric and emergency medicine) for Australian rural and remote doctors
Authors: Glazebrook Roz , Manahan Dan , Chater Alan B.
Published: September 2005

Introduction:  This paper describes the evaluation of an intermediate obstetric ultrasound and emergency medicine ultrasound education workshop for rural and remote Australian doctors, which was developed in response to an educational needs assessment that showed an unmet need in this area. The workshop was held in four Australian states. The participants were 61 rural and remote doctors.

Methods:  Data from pre‐ and post‐workshop knowledge tests and general workshop evaluation were analysed.

Results:  Sixty‐one doctors attended an ultrasound workshop and self‐reported increases in knowledge, confidence and expertise in ultrasound. The mean pretest score for 56 doctors who completed both the pre‐ and post‐workshop knowledge tests was 31.6 and the post‐test score mean was 33.3 out of a possible score of 44, which demonstrated a statistically significant increase in knowledge (P = 0.003).

Discussion and implications for practice:  The evaluation of the workshop demonstrated that it was an effective way of increasing knowledge and confidence in intermediate obstetric ultrasound and emergency medicine ultrasound. The workshop was popular and received very positive feedback from the attendees.
Drowning deaths of zero‐ to five‐year‐old children in Victorian dams, 1989–2001
Authors: Bugeja Lyndal , Franklin Richard
Published: September 2005

Objective:  To examine drowning deaths of young children in Victorian dams to identify common contributing factors in order to develop strategies for future prevention.

Design:  Case records of children aged zero to five years from the State Coroner's Office Victoria were reviewed for the 13‐year period 1989–2001. Cases where the child drowned in a dam were extracted for analysis.

Results:  During the 13‐year period there were 27 deaths; 11 occurred on farms, five on hobby farms and 11 on properties where it was not specified whether the property was a farm. Almost three quarters of the children were male and the majority were aged between one year and three years. Half of the incidents occurred on the weekend and nearly half occurred during the summer months. Five major factors were common among incidents: stage of the child's development; absence of carer supervision; child playing outside the house; dam within 300 metres of where the child was playing; and lack of effective barriers between the dam and the child.

Conclusion:  The coronial information examined identified patterns of behaviour by both carers and young children that contributed to these deaths. The results support the implementation of strategies such as the promotion of child safe play areas and targeted public awareness campaigns for rural and regional aquatic environments.
Gascoyne Growers Market: A sustainable health promotion activity developed in partnership with the community
Authors: Payet Jennifer , Gilles Marisa , Howat Peter
Published: September 2005

Objective:  To explore the social, health and economic impact of a farmers’ market on a small rural community in the north of Western Australia.

Design:  Qualitative and quantitative research using a random structured intercept survey, and focus group interviews around four domains of social capital: economic impact, governance and capacity building, healthy public places and social and civic participation.

Setting:  The Gascoyne Growers Markets in Carnarvon.

Subjects:  One hundred consumers and 28 market stallholders.

Results:  Consumers demonstrated community pride and an increase in fruit and vegetable consumption since they commenced shopping at the markets. The stallholders appear to have gained economically, professionally and socially from the market experience.

Conclusions:  The Gascoyne Growers Markets demonstrate a sustainable health promotion activity developed in partnership with the community. It has contributed to the local economy, providing local quality fruit and vegetables directly to the community while also increasing social capital and creating a healthy public space.
Wisdom from the drought: Recommendations from a consultative conference
Authors: Sartore Gina , Hoolahan Bryan , Tonna Anne , Kelly Brian , Stain Helen
Published: September 2005

Objective:  Drought is a serious and recurring problem for rural and remote Australia. This paper reports the proceedings of a consultative conference concerning the mental health effects of drought held at the Centre for Rural and Remote Mental Health, Orange, in December 2003. The conference objective was to record the collective experience of government and non‐government agencies dealing with the effects of drought in rural areas and to collate information for the development of a mental health strategy for future drought.

Design:  Participants were recruited in consultation with rural mental health organisations. Questions about mental health service strategies to minimise and respond to the mental health impact of the drought were posed to participants. Qualitative data were collected using a Nominal Group Technique.

Setting:  The Centre for Rural and Remote Mental Health, Bloomfield Hospital, Orange, New South Wales.

Participants:  Twenty‐three professionals participated, including representatives from New South Wales Health, Mental Health, and Agriculture; the Department of Community Services, and Rural Financial Counsellors.

Main outcome measure:  Qualitative analysis of participant responses.

Results:  Three general strategies emerged as the most beneficial in minimising adverse mental health outcomes in times of drought: community‐building and education about the physical, financial and mental health effects of drought; co‐operation between and co‐ordination of agencies in delivering mental health and other drought support; and continuity and planning of improved mental health services.

Conclusions:  Drought has a serious effect on the mental health of communities. It is important to plan a response beyond the end of the drought, bringing together different government and non‐government agencies to build community capacity to address common mental health needs.
5‐aminolaevulinic acid‐induced fluorescence cystoscopy during transurethral resection reduces the risk of recurrence in stage Ta/T1 bladder cancer
Authors: Babjuk Marko , Soukup Viktor , Petrík Radko , Jirsa Milan , Dvorácek Jan
Published: September 2005

OBJECTIVE

To assess the influence of 5‐aminolaevulinic acid‐induced fluorescence cystoscopy (FC) during transurethral resection (TUR) on the recurrence rate and the length of tumour‐free interval in stage Ta/T1 transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of the urinary bladder.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In all, 122 patients with primary or recurrent stage Ta/T1 bladder TCC treated with TUR were enrolled in a prospective randomized study. In group A the TUR was performed with standard white‐light endoscopy, and in group B with FC. The patients were followed using standard cystoscopy and urinary cytology. The recurrence‐free interval was evaluated in whole groups, for single and multiple, and for primary and recurrent tumours separately.

RESULTS

At the time of the first cystoscopy (10–15 weeks after TUR) tumour recurrence was detected in 23 of 62 patients (37%) in group A, but only in five of 60 patients (8%) in group B. The recurrence‐free survival rates in group A were 39% and 28% after 12 and 24 months, compared to 66% and 40% respectively in group B (P = 0.008, log‐rank test). In separate analyses, the recurrence‐free survival rates were significantly higher using FC in multiple (P = 0.001) and in recurrent (P = 0.02) tumours. In solitary and primary tumours the median time to recurrence was also longer in group B, but the difference was not statistically significant.

CONCLUSION

5‐aminolaevulinic acid‐induced FC during TUR reduces the recurrence rate in stage Ta/T1 bladder TCC. The most significant benefit is in patients with multiple and recurrent tumours.
Plasma osteopontin levels are predictive of disease stage in patients with transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder
Authors: Ang Celina , Chambers Ann F. , Tuck Alan B. , Winquist Eric , Izawa Jonathan I.
Published: September 2005

OBJECTIVE

To measure plasma levels of osteopontin in patients with transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of the bladder, and to determine if osteopontin levels relate to disease stage.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Blood samples were collected from 72 consecutive patients with TCC. Clinical data were obtained from medical record reviews. Patients were divided into subgroups based on disease status (active vs inactive) and clinical and pathological stage of TCC (tumour, nodes and metastases staging system). Osteopontin levels were measured using an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.

RESULTS

Plasma osteopontin levels were higher in patients with active TCC than in controls (P = 0.035). Plasma osteopontin levels were not significantly different between patients with active and inactive TCC, but were higher in patients with metastases than in patients with active, clinically organ‐confined TCC (P = 0.021).

CONCLUSIONS

Plasma osteopontin levels increase with tumour stage in TCC of the bladder. These findings suggest that larger, more extended studies on plasma osteopontin levels in patients with TCC are warranted.
Laparoscopic vs open partial nephrectomy in consecutive patients: the Cornell experience
Authors: Schiff Jonathan D. , Palese Michael , Vaughan E. Darracott , Sosa R. Ernest , Coll Diedre , Del Pizzo Joseph J.
Published: September 2005

OBJECTIVE

To compare a contemporary series of laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN) and open partial nephrectomy (OPN) at one institution, to evaluate the size and types of tumour in each group and the early outcome after each procedure, as LPN is replacing open radical nephrectomy as the standard of care for uncomplicated renal tumours but partial nephrectomy remains significantly more difficult laparoscopically, especially if the goal is to duplicate the open surgical technique.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We retrospectively analysed the records of all patients who underwent partial nephrectomy at our institution from January 2000 to April 2004, identifying 66 who had LPN and compared them with 59 who had OPN (mean age at LPN and OPN, 62.1 and 64.2 years, respectively; 70% men in each group). Variables analysed included operative time, blood loss, creatinine levels before and after partial nephrectomy, time to resuming clear liquids and regular diet, length of stay, tumour size, tumour pathological type and complications. Groups were compared using Student's t‐test, with P < 0.05 taken to indicate significance.

RESULTS

Of those having LPN, 59% had right‐sided tumours, vs 53% in the OPN group; the respective mean tumour size was 2.2 and 3.4 cm, the mean operative duration 144 and 239 min (both P < 0.001), and the mean estimated blood loss 236 and 363 mL (P = 0.09). Seven patients in the OPN group had obligatory partial nephrectomy for either a solitary kidney (two) or azotaemia (five). No patient in the LPN group required an obligatory partial nephrectomy. Serum creatinine levels were measured before and 1 and 2 days after surgery, and were 88, 88 and 97 µmol/L for the LPN group, and 97, 106 and 106 µmol/L for the OPN group. Clear fluids were started a mean of 41 h after surgery, a regular diet resumed 76 h after and discharge was 129 h after surgery in the OPN group; the respective values for the LPN group were 24 h (P = 0.01), 49 h (P = 0.2) and 82 h (P < 0.001). Complications were similar in both groups but the pathological subtypes differed.

CONCLUSIONS

LPN offers early functional advantages over OPN in terms of earlier resumption of diet and slightly earlier discharge. However, the two groups of patients were clearly not evenly matched for size nor pathological subtypes, with larger, malignant subtypes more predominant in the OPN group. These results suggest that while LPN is a safe, effective treatment for small renal tumours, obligatory partial nephrectomy or large tumours continue to be performed using open techniques with good results.
Resection of the abdominal inferior vena cava for complicated renal cell carcinoma with tumour thrombus
Authors: Ciancio Gaetano , Soloway Mark
Published: September 2005

OBJECTIVE

To describe our experience of excising the inferior vena cava (IVC) without a graft; en bloc resection of a renal cell carcinoma (RCC) with the renal vein and vena cava tumour thrombus and a segment of the entire abdominal IVC is technically feasible, but traditionally, after resection, attempts are made to restore continuity with the use of synthetic or homologous venous grafts.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between May 1997 and September 2004, 60 patients (mean age 62 years) underwent surgical resection of a renal tumour with a thrombus extending into the IVC. To resect the entire evident tumour, excision of the affected portion of the IVC was required in three patients (5%); the IVC was not reconstructed.

RESULTS

The three patients were aged 38, 39 and 74 years; the mean operative duration was 5.88 h, the mean (range) estimated blood loss was 833 (500–1000) mL, the mean number of blood units transfused was 3.3 (0–7) units, and the mean follow‐up was 24 months. The course after surgery was uneventful; specifically, none of the patients had a venous thrombosis or a pulmonary embolus.

CONCLUSIONS

RCC has a propensity to invade the renal vein and IVC. Occasionally the thrombus invades the wall of the IVC and complete removal requires excision of a circumferential portion of the IVC; this can be done safely without a graft.
Low Urinary Tract. Lower urinary tract symptoms in men: self‐perceptions and the concept of bother
Authors: Gannon Kenneth , Glover Lesley , O'Neill Marie , Emberton Mark
Published: September 2005

An interesting study from the UK explores the meaning men attach to their experiences of having LUTS and to understand the meaning of the word bother in this context. Their findings are very helpful to clinicians, and perhaps to people constructing clinical trials in the future. A second report assesses the bothersomeness and impact on quality of life of urinary incontinence in women in France, Germany, Spain and the UK. The author concluded from their study that when determining the most appropriate management strategy doctors should consider the experience of being incontinent as being unique to each individual.

OBJECTIVE

To explore the meaning that men attach to their experiences of having lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and to understand ‘bother’ in the context of those meanings.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Sixteen men with symptoms suggestive of LUTS and/or an enlarged prostate were recruited from the outpatient urology clinic of a London teaching hospital. They were assessed before or shortly after their first appointment, during which demographic information, including age, occupation, marital status and ethnicity, was obtained and an individualized repertory grid was completed. Each man also completed the International Prostate Symptom Score, which included an item measuring overall bother, and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale.

RESULTS

Most participants held very negative views about what it meant to have prostate problems and viewed them as being associated with old age. Nevertheless, they also had reasonably high levels of self‐esteem. However, there was evidence that these had been higher before they had prostate problems, and that self‐esteem might decline over time. Bother was related to symptom scores and to anxiety. Also, a perception that other people, particularly their partner, saw them in a more negative light because of their symptoms was associated with higher levels of bother.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings suggest that men attempt to preserve a sense of a relatively youthful and intact ‘self’ in the face of advancing years and a progressive disease that was viewed as being associated with old age. Overall, these men had a reasonably secure self‐image and they deployed a range of cognitive strategies to maintain this. Bother appears to be a combination of symptom severity, psychological distress, negative evaluations of the condition and beliefs about the reactions of others. Reducing anxiety and challenging negative stereotypes and expectations that others would view them negatively if their problems were known might reduce bother. Attending to these factors could enable watchful waiting to be optimized by reducing bother. Trials to evaluate interventions drawing on these principles would be valuable.
Loupe‐assisted vs microsurgical technique for modified one‐layer vasovasostomy: is the microsurgery really better?
Authors: Hsieh Ming‐Li , Huang Hsin Chieh , Chen Yu , Huang Shih Tsung , Chang Phei Lang
Published: September 2005

OBJECTIVES

To compare the outcome of loupe‐assisted, modified one‐layer vasovasostomy (MOLV) and conventional microsurgical MOLV for vasectomy reversal.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We retrospectively analysed data for 74 patients who had a MOLV between 1993 and 2003; 42 had the standard microsurgical (×10–16) MOLV (group 1, mean age 40.5 years, sd 6.3, range 30–58) and 32 a loupe‐assisted (× 3) MOLV (group 2, mean age 41.3 years, sd 6, range 28–64). With general anaesthesia, each operation was performed as an outpatient procedure or with hospitalization for one night after surgery. The patients’ characteristics, patency rate, paternity rate, and operative duration were compared.

RESULTS

The mean (sd, range) duration of obstruction was 8.1 (5.0, 0.33–25) years in group 1 and 9.2 (4.8, 0.33–27) years in group 2. The postoperative patency and pregnancy rates were 91% and 43% for group 1 and 89% and 39% for group 2. There were no complications during or after surgery in either group, but the surgery was significantly faster for group 2.

CONCLUSIONS

There was no significant difference in the patency and paternity rates between loupe‐assisted and microsurgical MOLV. The surgery was significantly faster with the loupe‐assisted method. Because of the shorter operation duration and less expensive instruments required that should reduce the cost, the loupe‐assisted MOLV should be considered as the best choice for simple vasectomy reversal.