bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Meta‐analysis using individual patient data from randomised trials to assess the effectiveness of laparoscopic uterosacral nerve ablation in the treatment of chronic pelvic pain: a proposed protocol
Authors: Xiong T , Daniels J , Middleton L , Champaneria R , Khan KS , Gray R , Johnson N , Lichten EM , Sutton C , Jones KD , Chen F‐P , Vercellini P , Aimi G , Lui W‐M ,   International LUNA IPD Meta‐analysis Collaborative Group
Published: November 2007

Background  Currently, there are a number of clinical trials, but no international collaboration for collating research on effectiveness of laparoscopic uterosacral nerve ablation (LUNA) for alleviating chronic pelvic pain.

Objective  Meta‐analysis was used by collecting individual patient data (IPD) from the existing trials, to provide a comprehensive assessment of the effectiveness of LUNA that will be generalisable in various clinical contexts.

Methods  IPD will be sought and collected from all relevant (both already finished and continuing) randomised trials identified through previous systematic reviews. After obtaining raw data and cleaning the database, analysis will be of all patients ever randomised based on the intention‐to‐treat principle using endpoints measured at 12 months following randomisation.

Proposal  We will update searches, contact all authors, obtain data in whatever form it can be provided, build a single database, produce results for individual studies, have them verified by original authors, explore of any heterogeneity and reasons behind it and finally pool all raw data in to a meta‐analysis using appropriate statistical methods. The project will test the effectiveness of LUNA for women with chronic pelvic pain. It will also motivate collaborating primary investigators to undertake new primary studies to corroborate or improve upon the conclusions derived from the retrospective analysis.
Short communication: Post‐hysterectomy pelvic fluid collection: is it associated with febrile morbidity?
Authors: Hasson J , Maslovich S , Har‐Toov J , Lessing JB , Grisaru D
Published: November 2007

We evaluated the clinical significance and possible association of febrile morbidity with sonographically detected post‐hysterectomy fluid collections. Transvaginal ultrasound examinations were performed to assess the presence of fluid collections and correlated to clinical data. Fluid collection was detected in 27 (64%) women at postoperative day 2, in 15 (35%) at postoperative day 7 and in 5 (12%) at the fourth to fifth postoperative week. Febrile morbidity was not related to the presence, location or size of fluid collection. Postoperative pelvic fluid collections are common sonographic findings after hysterectomy and are not associated with postoperative febrile morbidity.
A randomised controlled trial of prophylactic levonorgestrel intrauterine system in tamoxifen‐treated women
Authors: Chan SSC , Tam WH , Yeo W , Yu MMY , Ng DPS , Wong AWY , Kwan WH , Yuen PM
Published: November 2007

Objective  To study the prophylactic use of levonorgestrel intrauterine system (LNG‐IUS) in the prevention of endometrial pathology in women having breast cancer treated with tamoxifen.

Design  Randomised controlled trial.

Setting  A tertiary teaching hospital.

Population  One hundred and thirteen women (66 premenopausal/47 postmenopausal) who required adjuvant tamoxifen for breast cancer after the completion of postoperative radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

Methods  Women were randomised to treatment group (prophylactic LNG‐IUS insertion before the commencement of tamoxifen) or control group. Uterine cavity was examined by outpatient hysteroscopy and endometrial biopsy before and at 12 months after commencement of tamoxifen.

Main outcome measures  De novo endometrial pathology at 1 year of tamoxifen.

Results  Women in the treatment group had a much lower incidence of endometrial polyp (1.8 versus 15.5%, P= 0.017) (relative risk: 0.12; 95% CI: 0.02–0.91) at 12 months. There was no significant difference in the incidence of submucosal fibroid between the two groups (1.8 versus 3.4%, P= 1.0). LNG‐IUS was retained in 95% women in the treatment group at 1 year.

Conclusion  LNG‐IUS reduces the occurrence of de novo endometrial polyp in women treated with tamoxifen for breast cancer.
Extracting DNA from museum bird eggs, and whole genome amplification of archive DNA
Authors: LEE PATRICIA L. M. , PRYS‐JONES ROBERT P.
Published: November 2007

We present a comprehensive protocol for extracting DNA from egg membranes and other internal debris recovered from the interior of blown museum bird eggs. A variety of commercially available DNA extraction methods were found to be applicable. DNA sequencing of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products for a 176‐bp fragment of mitochondrial DNA was successful for most egg samples (> 78%) even though the amount of DNA extracted (mean = 14.71 ± 4.55 ng/µL) was significantly less than that obtained for bird skin samples (mean = 67.88 ± 4.77 ng/µL). For PCR and sequencing of snipe (Gallinago) DNA, we provide eight new primers for the ‘DNA barcode’ region of COI mtDNA. In various combinations, the primers target a range of PCR products sized from 72 bp to the full ‘barcode’ of 751 bp. Not all possible combinations were tested with archive snipe DNA, but we found a significantly better success rate of PCR amplification for a shorter 176‐bp target compared with a larger 288‐bp fragment (67% vs. 39%). Finally, we explored the feasibility of whole genome amplification (WGA) for extending the use of archive DNA in PCR and sequencing applications. Of two WGA approaches, a PCR‐based method was found to be able to amplify whole genomic DNA from archive skins and eggs from museum bird collections. After WGA, significantly more archive egg samples produced visible PCR products on agarose (56.9% before WGA vs. 79.0% after WGA). However, overall sequencing success did not improve significantly (78.8% compared with 83.0%).
Isolation, characterization, and cross‐amplification of polymorphic microsatellite loci in Guaiacum coulteri (Zygophyllaceae)
Authors: MCCAULEY ROSS A. , CORTÉS‐PALOMEC AUREA C. , OYAMA KEN
Published: November 2007

Guaiacum coulteri is a dry forest hardwood species of conservation concern endemic to the Pacific coast of Mexico. Fifteen microsatellite markers were developed which show high levels of polymorphism across two populations with the number of alleles ranging from four to 21. Most loci additionally exhibited consistent multiple banding patterns, indicating the likely polyploidy of this species. All loci were tested for cross‐amplification with most found to amplify well across the genus Guaiacum, although amplification in other related genera of the Zygophyllaceae was limited.
Group‐specific primers for DNA‐based detection of springtails (Hexapoda: Collembola) within predator gut contents
Authors: KUUSK A. K. , AGUSTÍ N.
Published: November 2007

Group‐specific, degenerate polymerase chain reaction primers for DNA‐based detection of springtails (Hexapoda: Collembola) within predator gut contents have been developed for the first time. Primers were designed from 18S rDNA and amplified fragments of 272 bp and 177 bp from 17 springtail species collected in agricultural habitats. Specificity tests against 41 nontarget species revealed no cross‐reactivity. Group‐specific polymerase chain reaction is advantageous when working in species‐rich habitats and these primers could facilitate studies of trophic links between springtails and generalist arthropod predators worldwide.
Development of polymorphic microsatellite markers for the sorghum plant bug, Stenotus rubrovittatus (Heteroptera: Miridae)
Authors: KOBAYASHI TETSUYA
Published: November 2007

Nine polymorphic microsatellite DNA markers from the sorghum plant bug, Stenotus rubrovittatus, were isolated and characterized. These markers were used to analyse 22 individuals from a single field population. The number of alleles at these nine loci ranged from two to 28 (mean = 11.4) and heterozygosity ranged from 0.27 to 0.86 (mean = 0.58). Stenotus rubrovittatus has shown rapid population growth in the decades since the first report in the 1980s of serious damage to a rice crop. These microsatellite markers will be of value for studying both the population genetics and population dynamics of S. rubrovittatus.
Historic Distribution and Challenges to Bison Recovery in the Northern Chihuahuan Desert
Authors: LIST RURIK , CEBALLOS GERARDO , CURTIN CHARLES , GOGAN PETER J. P. , PACHECO JESÚS , TRUETT JOE
Published: November 2007

Abstract:  Ecologists and conservationists have long assumed that large grazers, including bison (Bison bison), did not occur in post‐Pleistocene southwestern North America. This perception has been influential in framing the debate over conservation and land use in the northern Chihuahuan Desert. The lack of an evolutionary history of large grazers is being used to challenge the validity of ranching as a conservation strategy and to limit the protection and reintroduction of bison as a significant component of desert grassland ecosystems. Archeological records and historical accounts from Mexican archives from AD 700 to the 19th century document that the historic range of the bison included northern Mexico and adjoining areas in the United States. The Janos‐Hidalgo bison herd, one of the few free‐ranging bison herds in North America, has moved between Chihuahua, Mexico, and New Mexico, United States, since at least the 1920s. The persistence of this cross‐border bison herd in Chihuahuan Desert grasslands and shrublands demonstrates that the species can persist in desert landscapes. Additional lines of evidence include the existence of grazing‐adapted grasslands and the results of experimental studies that document declines in vegetation density and diversity following the removal of large grazers. The Janos‐Hidalgo herd was formed with animals from various sources at the turn of the 19th century. Yet the future of the herd is compromised by differing perceptions of the ecological and evolutionary role of bison in the Desert Grasslands of North America. In Mexico they are considered native and are protected by federal law, whereas in New Mexico, they are considered non‐native livestock and therefore lack conservation status or federal protection. Evidence written in Spanish of the presence of bison south of the accepted range and evidence from the disciplines of archaeology and history illustrate how differences in language and academic disciplines, in addition to international boundaries, have acted as barriers in shaping comprehensive approaches to conservation. Bison recovery in the region depends on binational cooperation.
Conserving Biodiversity and Ecosystem Function through Limited Development: an Empirical Evaluation
Authors: MILDER JEFFREY C. , LASSOIE JAMES P. , BEDFORD BARBARA L.
Published: November 2007

Abstract:  Suburban, exurban, and rural development in the United States consumes nearly 1 million hectares of land per year and is a leading threat to biodiversity. In response to this threat, conservation development has been advanced as a way to combine land development and land conservation while providing functional protection for natural resources. Yet, although conservation development techniques have been in use for decades, there have been few critical evaluations of their conservation effectiveness. We addressed this deficiency by assessing the conservation outcomes of one type of conservation development project: conservation and limited development projects (CLDPs). Conducted by land trusts, landowners, and developers, CLDPs use revenue from limited development to finance the protection of land and natural resources. We compared a sample of 10 CLDPs from the eastern United States with their respective baseline scenarios (conventional development) and with a sample of conservation subdivisions—a different conservation development technique characterized by higher‐density development. To measure conservation success, we created an evaluation method containing eight indicators that quantify project impacts to terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems at the site and in the surrounding landscape. The CLDPs protected and managed threatened natural resources including rare species and ecological communities. In terms of conservation benefits, the CLDPs significantly outperformed their respective baseline scenarios and the conservation subdivisions. These results imply that CLDPs can offer a low‐impact alternative to conventional development and a low‐cost method for protecting land when conventional conservation techniques are too expensive. In addition, our evaluation method demonstrates how planners and developers can incorporate appropriate ecological considerations when designing, reviewing, and evaluating conservation development projects.
Intravitreal bevacizumab (Avastin®) in proliferative diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Minnella Angelo M. , Savastano Cristina M. , Ziccardi Lucia , Scupola Andrea , Sasso Paola , Falsini Benedetto , Balestrazzi Emilio
Published: November 2007

Purpose:  To evaluate the efficacy and safety of intravitreal bevacizumab in proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) patients.

Methods:  This interventional case series study included 15 eyes of 10 patients with bilateral PDR: 13 eyes with severe PDR and active new vessels (NV) and two eyes with recurrent vitreous haemorrhages. Study eyes received a single intravitreal injection of 1.25 mg (0.05 ml) bevacizumab. All eyes were followed up for 3 months, and eight of them for 9 months. Reinjection was performed in three eyes 4–6 months after the first injection. Study eyes were evaluated by fluorescein angiography at baseline, 1, 3 and 9 months. Quantitative planimetric analysis (QPA) of NV area was measured before and after treatment. All eyes received or completed panretinal photocoagulation (PRP) 1 month after the first injection.

Results:  As early as at 1 month, all study eyes had a regression (paired t‐test, P = 0.01) of QPA‐estimated NV area. The eyes with recurrent vitreous haemorrhages had clearing of bleeding. These early effects were maintained at 3 months for all eyes and tended to be stable at 9 months. The fast and measurable efficacy of bevacizumab allowed a subsequent complete and safe PRP.

Conclusion:  Intravitreal bevacizumab did not reveal any side‐effects and was effective in the regression of NV areas and the resolution of vitreous haemorrhages. This approach is potentially useful in allowing (within a planned temporal window) a safe and efficient PRP to be performed while minimizing the risk of its complications.
Comparison of adapted Vryghem macular function test and Lotmar‐light interferometer in predicting visual acuity after cataract surgery
Authors: Bertschinger Dimiter R. , Janin Yves A. , Dosso André
Published: November 2007

Purpose:  To assess the accuracy of a newly described macular function test (Vryghem macular function test) adapted to our examination equipment and to compare it to the Lotmar‐light interferometer for the preoperative evaluation of cataract patients at the University Eye Clinic, Geneva, Switzerland.

Methods:  This prospective study included 71 consecutive patients (72 eyes) who were undergoing uneventful cataract surgery. Testing with the Lotmar‐light interferometer and an adapted form of Vryghem macular function test (AVMFT) using a Birkhauser reading chart, a hyperaddition of +8 D and halogen illumination were performed to assess macular function and to predict postoperative visual acuity (VA). The duration of each test and the density and location of lens opacities were also noted. Best‐corrected postoperative VA was compared to the predicted values of each test.

Results:  The positive predictive value was 94.2% for AVMFT compared to 92.2% for the Lotmar‐light interferometer. The negative predictive value was 50% for AVMFT compared to 42.9% for the Lotmar‐light interferometer. The sensitivity was 83.1% for AVMFT and 79.7% for the Lotmar‐light interferometer. The specificity was 76.9% for AVMFT and 69.2% for the Lotmar‐light interferometer. The correlation coefficient for AVMFT and preoperative Lotmar results (both in LogMAR) with postoperative best‐corrected VA (poBCVA; LogMAR) were similar (0.74 and 0.77 respectively).

Conclusion:  The results of this study suggest that AVMFT is as reliable as the Lotmar‐light interferometer in predicting postoperative VA after uneventful cataract surgery. The correlation coefficients with postoperative VA were 0.74 and 0.77, respectively. Both tests showed a high positive (94.2% and 92.2%, respectively) but a low negative (50.0% and 42.9%, respectively) predictive value.
Complement factor H Y402H polymorphism and characteristics of exudative age‐related macular degeneration lesions
Authors: Seitsonen Sanna , Järvelä Irma , Meri Seppo , Tommila Petri , Ranta Päivi , Immonen Ilkka
Published: November 2007

Purpose:  The Y402H polymorphism of the complement factor H (CFH) gene is associated with age‐related macular degeneration (AMD) in many populations. The reported genotype−phenotype correlations in the CFH Y402H polymorphism have not been pronounced and no studies on the effect of the polymorphism on the subgroups within wet AMD have been performed. In this study, we wanted to evaluate whether the CFH Y402H polymorphism has an effect on clinical variables in recent exudative AMD lesions.

Methods:  The study included 172 patients with exudative AMD. The size of AMD lesions and the presence and area of other AMD lesion variables were recorded in fluorescein angiography (FA) and analysed in relation to the Y402H genotypes.

Results:  The median lesion size (classic + occult choroidal neovascularization [CNV] + serous pigment epithelium detachment [PED] + haemorrhage, if present) was 8.15 mm2 in patients homozygous for the CFH risk allele (CC), 7.50 mm2 in heterozygous patients (CT), and 7.05 mm2 in those with the normal genotype (TT) (p = 0.599). Areas of classic and occult CNV, combined, without serous PED or haemorrhage were 6.37 mm2, 5.00 mm2 and 5.18 mm2, respectively (p = 0.407). There was a trend for CC patients to have more frequently minimally classic and less frequently predominantly classic lesion composition than CT or TT subjects.

Conclusions:  We detected no clear impact of the CFH Y402H polymorphism on recent exudative AMD lesion characteristics. Although the complement cascade is implicated in CNV formation and scarring processes in the retina, the Y402H polymorphism appears relatively neutral in these functions.
Quantification and characterization of GABA‐ergic amacrine cells in the retina of GAD67‐GFP knock‐in mice
Authors: May Christian Albrecht , Nakamura Kouichi , Fujiyama Fumino , Yanagawa Yuchio
Published: November 2007

Purpose:  Although the presence of γ‐aminobutyrate acid (GABA) in amacrine cells and its co‐localization with other neuronal substances is well known, there exists only little information about their quantitative distribution in the mouse eye. The aim of the present study was to characterize GABA‐ergic amacrine cells in the retina of the recently introduced glutamate decarboxylase 67‐green fluorescent protein (GAD67‐GFP) knock‐in mouse.

Methods:  Whole mounts of the retina were prepared and the GFP‐positive neurons quantified. Immunofluorescence staining was performed with antibodies against GABA, calbindin (CB), calretinin (CR), parvalbumin (PV), choline acetyl transferase (ChAT), tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), vesicular glutamate transporter (VGluT) 1, VGluT2 and VGluT3.

Results:  Displaced GABA‐ergic amacrine cells in the ganglion cell layer (GCL) showed a density of 1006 ± 170 cells/mm2. In the inner nuclear layer (INL), the density of amacrine cells was 8821 ± 448 cells/mm2 in the central region and 6825 ± 408 cells/mm2 in the peripheral region. GFP‐positive amacrine cells co‐localized with GABA (99%), CR (INL 18%, GCL 71.3%), CB (INL 6.3%), bNOS (INL 1%, GCL 4%), and ChAT (INL 17%, GCL 92.6%). No co‐localization was seen with antibodies against PV, TH, and VGluT 1‐3.

Conclusions:  This study presents the first quantitative data concerning the co‐localization of GABA‐ergic neurons in the mouse retina with various neuronal markers.
Panretinal photocoagulation versus PRP plus intravitreal bevacizumab for high‐risk proliferative diabetic retinopathy (IBeHi study)
Authors: Tonello Matheus , Costa Rogério A. , Almeida Felipe P. P. , Barbosa José C. , Scott Ingrid U. , Jorge Rodrigo
Published: November 2007

Purpose:  To evaluate the effects of panretinal photocoagulation (PRP) compared with PRP plus intravitreal bevacizumab on best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and total area of fluorescein leakage from active new vessels (NVs) in patients with high‐risk proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR).

Methods:  We carried out a prospective study of patients with high‐risk PDR and no prior laser treatment who were randomly assigned to receive PRP (PRP group) or PRP plus intravitreal injection of 1.5 mg of bevacizumab (PRP‐plus group). In all patients, the PRP was administered at two time‐points (weeks 1 and 3), with the intravitreal bevacizumab delivered at the end of the second laser episode in the PRP‐plus group. Standardized ophthalmic evaluation including Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study BCVA as well as stereoscopic fundus photography and fluorescein angiography were performed at baseline and at weeks 4, 9 (± 1) and 16 (± 2). Main outcome measures included changes in BCVA and in total area of fluorescein leakage from active NVs.

Results:  Twenty‐two (n = 30 eyes) consecutive patients completed the 16‐week follow‐up. There was no significant difference between the PRP and PRP‐plus groups with respect to age, gender, type or duration of diabetes, area of fluorescein leakage from active NVs or BCVA. No significant difference in BCVA was observed between the groups throughout the study period. However, the total area of actively leaking NVs was significantly reduced in the PRP‐plus group compared with the PRP group at weeks 4, 9 and 16 (p < 0.001). No major adverse events were identified.

Conclusions:  In the short‐term, the adjunctive use of intravitreal bevacizumab with PRP was associated with a greater reduction in the area of active leaking NVs than PRP alone in patients with high‐risk PDR.
Choosing breakfast: How well does packet information on Australian breakfast cereals, bars and drinks reflect recommendations?
Authors: WOODS Julie , WALKER Karen
Published: November 2007

Aim:  To survey nutrient information and claims appearing on packets of breakfast foods (cereals, bars and drinks) and determine how they conform to dietary guidelines and labelling recommendations.

Methods:  A cross‐sectional study based on data collected in August–September 2004 was conducted in a single large supermarket in metropolitan Melbourne. The main outcome measures are cost, nutrient content, fortification, nutrition and function‐related claims. Nutrient content with current recommendations, stated versus calculated energy content and consistency of claims made with current regulations and guidelines were analysed.

Results:  One hundred and eighty‐two cereals, 27 bars and 10 drinks were analysed. Only two of six breakfast cereal categories exhibited mean nutrient profiles concordant with present recommendations. Breakfast bars provide more total fat, saturated fat and sugar, while breakfast drinks provide more energy, sugar and sodium, than a serve of cereal eaten with full‐cream milk. Bars and drinks were more expensive per gram of protein and per kilojoule than the breakfast cereals. On 15% of cereal labels, stated energy content differed by over 5% from that calculated from the given macronutrients. Fortification with vitamins and minerals was common. Nutrient claims were largely consistent with current regulations.

Conclusion:  This survey provides baseline data against which future changes in nutrient and health claims and patterns of fortification in breakfast foods may be measured.
In search of a method to assess the availability, quality and price of vegetables and fruit
Authors: HERZFELD Miriam , MCMANUS Alexandra
Published: November 2007

The purpose of the study was to develop and trial a survey tool that could be used to gather evidence relating to vegetable and fruit availability, quality and price in urban fringe and rural communities. The study involved three components: a review of the literature to develop an understanding of the potential impact of availability, quality and price of vegetables and fruit on food choice and consumption patterns; development of a survey tool to assess the availability, quantity, variety and price of vegetables and fruit; and piloting of the survey tool in one urban fringe and one rural community in Tasmania. The food supply characteristic with the highest proportion of products rated the same by all raters was availability (94%) and variety (range 62–91%). There were significant variation between raters on quantity (8–66%), quality (18–53%) and price (56–94%). Difficulties encountered when piloting the survey tool included survey layout, details required, assessment of different varieties, interpreting the codes for quality and quantity, determining the price of products and the time taken to conduct the surveys. The study demonstrated the difficulties with measuring availability, quality and price of vegetables and fruit in urban fringe and rural communities in Tasmania. It is recommended that further work be undertaken on the survey tool to strengthen its reliability.
Monitoring consumption of ‘extra’ foods in the Australian diet: Comparing two sets of criteria for classifying foods as ‘extras’
Authors: RANGAN Anna , HECTOR Debra , RANDALL Deborah , GILL Tim , WEBB Karen
Published: November 2007

Aim:  To compare two systems which classify energy‐dense, nutrient‐poor ‘extra’ foods which can be used to monitor the contribution of these foods in the diets of Australian children. The aim is to develop consistent criteria that may be used to monitor trends in the consumption of ‘extra’ foods in dietary surveys and, for research purposes, to examine associations between ‘extra’ food consumption and weight gain.

Methods:  The intake of ‘extra’ foods was investigated among 2‐ to 18‐year‐old children (n = 3007) who participated in the 1995 National Nutrition Survey. Two classification systems were used, both based on the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating: a simple food grouping system, and a more complex system based on specific fat and sugar cut‐points applied to food subgroups.

Results:  Both classification systems resulted in similar lists of commonly consumed ‘extra’ foods, and showed similar estimates for energy contribution from ‘extra’ foods, 41–42%, and similar, relatively low, contributions of micronutrients, 20–25%.

Conclusion:  A relatively simple food grouping classification system may be useful to estimate total energy and nutrient intake from ‘extra’ foods. However, for more detailed food‐specific analyses, a food criteria system based on cut‐points may be preferred. Nationally consistent criteria are needed for classifying ‘extra’ foods for both monitoring and research purposes, to enable comparisons of dietary data from surveys over time, and to investigate associations between ‘extra’ food consumption and nutrition outcomes such as weight gain and body mass index.
Adelaide Healthy Food Basket: A survey on food cost, availability and affordability in five local government areas in metropolitan Adelaide, South Australia
Authors: TSANG Alfonso , NDUNG'U Margaret W. , COVENEY John , O'DWYER Lisel
Published: November 2007

Aim:  There is evidence that some people in Australia do not have access to affordable, healthy foods. Information on food accessibility and affordability is essential in pubic health nutrition to assist in policy making and determining areas of intervention. The aim of the present study assess and compare the cost, availability and affordability of a standardised healthy food basket (HFB) in five local government areas (LGAs) in metropolitan Adelaide.

Methods:  Five LGAs in metropolitan Adelaide were selected based on ranges of socioeconomic status (SES). A reference family was used as the basis for the costing a HFB. Prices of food items were collected in selected suburbs in May, August and September in 2005. Cost of the Adelaide HFB was compared with welfare payment and average weekly earnings (AWE).

Results:  Average weekly cost of Adelaide HFB was $245.63 for the 11 suburbs: lowest in Coolabah, in low SES City of Fordlow ($224.17), and highest in Banksia, in high SES City of Sidehigh ($271.87). The proportion of AWE taken up by the average HFB was 35%, while that of the welfare payments was 31%.

Conclusion:  The study showed that the cost of HFB was lower in low‐SES suburbs. Items in the HFB were found in most supermarkets surveyed; therefore, availability of healthy food at this geographical level is not a concern. However, the study highlighted the proportionately high costs of a healthy diet for families on welfare or on a single income based on AWE, which needs to be considered in programs encouraging healthy food choices.
Health claims for food made in Australian magazine advertisements
Authors: WILLIAMS Peter , TAPSELL Linda , JONES Sandra , MCCONVILLE Kellie
Published: November 2007

Aim:  The aim was to describe the level of health claims being used in magazine advertisements, the categories of foods carrying health claims, and the types of benefits being claimed for particular foods or food ingredients. Data were compared with similar studies of food labels and Internet sites to reflect the impact of rule governance of the different media and highlight implications for the current proposed changes in food standards legislation.

Methods:  From January to June 2005, a survey of all print advertisements for food in Australia's 30 top‐selling magazines was undertaken. The results were compared with those from a 1996 survey of health claims in Australian magazines and more recent surveys of claims for food on product labels and on Internet sites.

Results:  The survey found that 29.5% of 390 advertisements for food carried a health claim. Many of the claims were high‐level claims (29%) or therapeutic claims (8%), which are not permitted by current food standards. The most common benefits being promoted related to cardiovascular disease, energy, cancer and weight control, and most claims referred to the effect of the whole food, rather than specific ingredients. Results were similar to previous studies of food labels and Internet sites.

Conclusion:  Health claims are being used widely in the print advertising of food products in Australia. Moreover, the presence of high‐level and therapeutic claims in this media bears significant implications for the implementation of rules governing health claims on foods across the different media.
Nutrition knowledge and attitudes of New Zealand registered midwives
Authors: ELIAS Sandra , GREEN Tim
Published: November 2007

Aim:  The importance of nutrition for a healthy pregnancy is well established. In New Zealand, the majority of women choose midwives as their maternity provider. Therefore, it is important that midwives have an understanding of nutrition issues related to pregnancy. The purpose of the present study was to determine the nutrition knowledge of New Zealand midwives, and to assess the importance they place on nutrition during pregnancy.

Methods:  An 18‐question postal survey was sent to all members of the New Zealand College of Midwives (n = 1340).

Results:  A total of 370 questionnaires were returned (response rate of 27.6%). Less than 40% of midwives reported that they had formal nutrition education; however, nearly 75% of respondents indicated that they had received nutrition information through their midwifery education. Most midwives indicated that nutrition was important or very important during pregnancy (98.4%), and that they had a significant or very significant role in educating pregnant women (94.9%) about nutrition. Midwives generally reported a high level of confidence in dealing with nutrition‐related issues. Midwives answered most of the nutrition knowledge questions correctly. However, 64.6% of midwives (n = 369) incorrectly identified spirulina as a good source of iron for vegetarians, 28.1% (n = 104) incorrectly answered that maternal intake of cabbage and beans are often responsible for colic in breastfed infants, and 40.0% (n = 128) incorrectly answered that to reduce food allergies all lactating women should avoid peanuts and shellfish.

Conclusion:  Overall, midwives were knowledgeable on nutrition issues related to pregnancy and reported a high level of confidence on educating women about nutrition.
Lack of nutritional equivalence in the ‘meats and alternatives’ group of the Australian guide to healthy eating
Authors: SHRAPNEL Bill , BAGHURST Katrine
Published: November 2007

Aim:  To assess the effects of different amounts and choices within the meats and alternatives food group of the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating (AGHE) on the content of iron, zinc, vitamin B‐12 and long‐chain n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids.

Methods:  Two sets of diets ranging in energy level were modelled, with constant or varying numbers of serves from meats and alternatives. Exchanges within the meats group were then conducted and the diets analysed. The main outcome measures are changes in iron, zinc, vitamin B‐12 and long‐chain n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acid content, relative to estimated average requirements (EAR) or adequate intake in diets based on the AGHE.

Results:  Diets with a single serve of food of animal origin provided substantially more iron, zinc, vitamin B‐12 and n‐3 fats than diets with a single serve of plant origin (e.g. 125–175% vs 63–111% EAR iron for women and 50–73% vs 29–48% EAR iron for pregnant women; 85–120% vs 57–63% EAR zinc for men and 101–157% vs 68–90% EAR zinc for pregnant women; 95–160% vs 75% EAR for vitamin B‐12; and 26–166% vs 0% EAR n‐3 for men). These differences were accentuated in diets with multiple serves from this food group.

Conclusion:  There is a marked lack of nutritional equivalence between the foods of animal and vegetable origin that comprise the meats and alternatives food group of the AGHE. If nutritional similarity is to determine food group composition, the placement of legumes, nuts and seeds in future food guides may need to be reviewed.
Shifts in purchasing patterns of non‐alcoholic, water‐based beverages in Australia, 1997–2006
Authors: LEVY Gina , TAPSELL Linda
Published: November 2007

Aim:  To describe trends in purchasing patterns of non‐alcoholic, water‐based beverages (WBBs) in Australia, 1997–2006.

Methods:  Trends in volume sales of WBBs were determined from data supplied by the Australian beverage industry, not including fruit juice or milk‐based drinks. Change was calculated as per cent difference between 1997 and 2006, volume share by proportion of total sales in the category and per capita consumption by dividing total volume sales by population estimate for that year. Sugar supply from WBBs was calculated by multiplying sales by sugar content. Demographic trends from AC Nielsen surveys were shown as per cent households purchasing beverages and as volume share by age and sex.

Results:  Total volume sales of WBBs increased by 13% from 1997 to 2006, largely accounted for by increases in sales of plain still water and non‐sugar carbonated soft drink (CSD). Sales in the CSD category saw a shift away from sugar‐sweetened to non‐sugar. There was a concomitant increase in sales of sugar‐sweetened sports and energy drinks, and iced tea. Younger people and high‐income households were the major purchasers of CSDs, and for sports and energy drinks, it was young males.

Conclusion:  The increased sales of beverages by 2006 appear to reflect a greater trend towards purchasing fluids, particularly increases in bottled water and non‐sugar CSDs. Sugar supply from beverages has declined, mostly because of decreasing sales of sugar‐sweetened CSDs since 2002. Industry‐generated data proved useful in forming a picture of apparent non‐alcoholic, WBB consumption patterns in Australia.
¿ Seguridad sanitaria para los pobres de las zonas rurales? Estudio de caso de un régimen de seguro de salud para los labradores y campesinos de la India
Authors: Kuruvilla Sarosh , Liu Mingwei
Published: November 2007

Es éste un estudio de caso de una importante innovación en lo que respecta al suministro de atención de salud a los pobres de las zonas rurales: el Régimen Yeshasvini de Seguro de Salud destinado a los labradores y campesinos de Karnataka, India. Este régimen se inició en 2003 y el razonamiento lleva a argüir que se trata del plan de seguro de salud más amplio del mundo. En su segundo año, este régimen diseñado en formas tales que vencen varios obstáculos para la provisión de seguridad sanitaria a las poblaciones rurales, ha cubierto la asistencia quirúrgica y ambulatoria de aproximadamente 2,2 millones de agricultores muy dispersos, a cambio de una baja prima anual de aproximadamente 2 dólares estadounidenses. En el presente artículo describimos y evaluamos dicho régimen en su primer año de funcionamiento y exploramos sus posibilidades de convertirse en un modelo general para el mundo en desarrollo.
Impacto del VIH/SIDA en las cotizaciones a la seguridad social: el caso de Zimbabwe
Authors: Chikova Henry N. , Chinamasa Camillo F.
Published: November 2007

Un número significativo de jubilaciones anticipadas en razón de las enfermedades relacionadas con el VIH/SIDA, viene reduciendo el número de personas asalariadas y amenaza la viabilidad de los regímenes obligatorios de seguridad social administrados por la Oficina Nacional de Seguridad Social de Zimbabwe. La economía se encuentra en recesión desde hace una década, con una elevada inflación y una importante pérdida de puestos de trabajo, lo que repercute negativamente en las cotizaciones al Régimen Nacional de Pensiones y de otras Prestaciones (NPOBS), y el Gobierno impone topes a los ingresos sujetos a seguro de los que se deducen las cotizaciones. En la actualidad, no se cuenta con estrategias coherentes para paliar los efectos desgastantes de estos factores en los regímenes de seguridad social. El objetivo de este estudio es el de proyectar prospectivamente el impacto potencial del VIH/SIDA, habiéndose impuesto topes a los ingresos del NPOBS en presencia de una elevada inflación. Se ha encontrado que el VIH/SIDA, determinará, en 2030, una una reducción de las cotizaciones proyectadas en el sistema en más del 30 por ciento. Podrían adoptarse unas estrategias en materia de políticas para ajustar y revisar con frecuencia los niveles de crecimiento de los topes impuestos en los ingresos sujetos a seguro, en línea con el aumento de la inflación, y para invertir en la prevención del VIH/SIDA, a efectos de mejorar en Zimbabwe el impacto negativo del VIH/SIDA y/o los límites de los topes en las cotizaciones a la seguridad social.
Protección social y pobreza en Azerbaiyán, un país de ingresos bajos en transición: secuelas de una encuesta de hogares
Authors: Habibov Nazim , Fan Lida
Published: November 2007

Mediante la utilización de una encuesta que representa a la nación, este estudio examina el desempeño de la protección social en Azerbaiyán desde el punto de vista de reducción de la pobreza. La evidencia empírica presentada sugiere que los programas de protección social han ejercido un impacto importante sobre la mitigación de ese flagelo. No obstante, este último aún registra considerables dimensiones. Los resultados demuestran que el actual sistema de protección social adolece de varias limitaciones importantes. Primero, una proporción significativa de la población pobre no está cubierta por el sistema de protección social. Segundo, los pobres reciben comunmente del total de beneficios una parte más pequeña que los no pobres. Por último, la mayoría de las transferencias sociales son demasiado escasas para sustraer a las familias de la pobreza. El actual sistema de protección social de Azerbaiyán requiere más fortalecimiento. En particular, el gobierno tendría que desarrollar e implementar nuevos programas de asistencia social destinados específicamente a reducir la pobreza.
La tasa de seguridad desmercantilizada: una herramienta de evaluación de los sistemas de protección social europeos
Authors: Menahem Georges
Published: November 2007

A efectos de evaluar mejor el papel de la seguridad social y de las políticas sociales en la determinación del bienestar, el presente artículo introduce la «tasa de seguridad desmercantilizada» (TSD), un instrumento de evaluación de una función importante del Estado social, el mantenimiento y el desarrollo de la seguridad económica de las poblaciones. Para ello, describe las convenciones para su utilización, analiza los principales componentes de las mismas en 20 países europeos en 2002 y simula las variaciones implicadas mediante una decena de modulaciones de sus componentes. El análisis de las sensibilidades de la seguridad económica desemboca en la puesta en evidencia de tres lógicas diferentes.
Cuentas nocionales de aportación definida (NDC): solvencia y riesgo, aplicación al caso español
Authors: Boado‐Penas María del Carmen , Domínguez‐Fabián Inmaculada , Vidal‐Meliá Carlos
Published: November 2007

El objetivo de este trabajo es doble: por un lado, mostrar el desequilibrio actuarial del sistema de pensiones español de acuerdo con su configuración actual; por otro, medir cuál es el riesgo económico agregado al que estaría expuesto el pensionista si se decidiesen aplicar diez fórmulas de cálculo de la pensión de jubilación basadas en cuentas nocionales. Se utiliza un modelo de generación de escenarios multi‐periódico, que proporciona hasta 10.000 trayectorias de los índices macroeconómicos necesarios para calcular parámetros tales como la pensión inicial, la tasa de sustitución (TS) o el tanto interno de rendimiento (TIR) y el valor en riesgo (VaR) del pensionista. Los resultados obtenidos se analizan tanto en términos objetivos como subjetivos. Las principales conclusiones son que si las proyecciones de los índices macroeconó‐micos utilizados fueran mínimamente verosímiles, el sistema de pensiones acumularía un desequilibrio financiero adicional futuro tal que requeriría o bien una disminución considerable de la pensión inicial o una severa combinación de ajustes paramétricos. Desde la perspectiva del riesgo, para el beneficiario más adverso las fórmulas preferidas serían las que se basan en la variación futura de los salarios con pensión constante en términos reales; por el contrario aquellos beneficiarios menos adversos al riesgo preferirían fórmulas que proporcionen una pensión inicial menor pero que crece en términos reales al ritmo de la variación futura de los salarios.
Flirting in Little Space: The ER/Mitochondria Ca
2+
Liaison
Authors: Rizzuto Rosario , Duchen Michael R. , Pozzan Tullio
Published: November 2007

Mitochondria have long been known to accumulate Ca
2+
; the apparent inconsistency between the low affinity of mitochondrial Ca
2+
uptake mechanisms, the low concentration of global Ca
2+
signals observed in cytoplasm, and the efficiency in intact cells of mitochondrial Ca
2+
uptake led to the formulation of the "hotspot hypothesis." This hypothesis proposes that mitochondria preferentially accumulate Ca
2+
at microdomains of elevated Ca
2+
concentration ([Ca
2+
]) that exist near endoplasmic reticulum (ER) Ca
2+
release sites and other Ca
2+
channels. Physiological Ca
2+
signals may affect mitochondrial function--both by stimulating key metabolic enzymes and, under some conditions, by promoting apoptosis. Mitochondria in turn may affect both Ca
2+
release from the ER and capacitative Ca
2+
entry across the plasma membrane, thereby shaping the size and duration of the intracellular Ca
2+
signal. Interactions between mitochondria and the ER are critically dependent on the spatial localization of mitochondria within the cell. The molecular mechanisms that define the organization of mitochondria with regard to the ER and other Ca
2+
sources, and the extent to which mitochondrial function varies among different cell types, are open questions whose answers remain to be determined.
Association of
Chlamydia pneumoniae
Infection with HLA-B*35 in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Palikhe Anil , Lokki Marja-Liisa , Saikku Pekka , Leinonen Maija , Paldanius Mika , Seppänen Mikko , Valtonen Ville , Nieminen Markku S. , Sinisalo Juha
Published: November 2007

The immune system may interplay between
Chlamydia pneumoniae
infection and coronary artery disease (CAD). Major histocompatibility complex genes regulate innate and adaptive immunity. Patients with CAD (
n
= 100) and controls (
n
= 74) were enrolled. Human leukocyte antigens (HLA-A, HLA-B, and HLA-DRB1), four lymphotoxin alpha single-nucleotide polymorphisms, and complement C4A and C4B allotypes were typed, and their haplotypes were inferred. The presence of serum
C. pneumoniae
immunoglobulin A (IgA) (titer, ≥40) or IgG (titer, ≥128) antibodies or immune complex (IC)-bound IgG antibodies (titer, ≥2) was considered to be a serological marker suggesting chronic
C. pneumoniae
infection.
C. pneumoniae
IgA antibodies were found more frequently in patients than in controls (
P
= 0.04). Among the patients, multiple logistic regression analysis showed the HLA-B*35 allele to be the strongest-risk gene for
C. pneumoniae
infection (odds ratio, 7.88; 95% confidence interval, 2.44 to 25.43;
P
= 0.0006). Markers of
C. pneumoniae
infection were found more frequently in patients with the HLA-A*03-B*35 haplotype than in those without the haplotype (
P
= 0.007 for IgA;
P
= 0.008 for IgG;
P
= 0.002 for IC). Smokers with HLA-B*35 or HLA-A*03-B*35 had markers of
C. pneumoniae
infection that appeared more often than in smokers without these genes (
P
= 0.003 and
P
= 0.001, respectively). No associations were found in controls. In conclusion, HLA-B*35 may be the link between chronic
C. pneumoniae
infection and CAD.
Utility of Composite Reference Standards and Latent Class Analysis in Evaluating the Clinical Accuracy of Diagnostic Tests for Pertussis
Authors: Baughman Andrew L. , Bisgard Kristine M. , Cortese Margaret M. , Thompson William W. , Sanden Gary N. , Strebel Peter M.
Published: November 2007

Numerous evaluations of the clinical sensitivity and specificity of PCR and serologic assays for
Bordetella pertussis
have been hampered by the low sensitivity of culture, the gold standard test, which leads to biased accuracy estimates. The bias can be reduced by using statistical approaches such as the composite reference standard (CRS) (e.g., positive if culture or serology positive; negative otherwise) or latent class analysis (LCA), an internal reference standard based on a statistical model. We illustrated the benefits of the CRS and LCA approaches by reanalyzing data from a 1995 to 1996 study of cough illness among 212 patients. The accuracy of PCR in this study was evaluated using three reference standards: culture, CRS, and LCA. Using specimens obtained 0 to 34 days after cough onset, estimates of the sensitivity of PCR obtained using CRS (47%) and LCA (34%) were lower than the culture-based estimate (62%). The CRS and LCA approaches, which utilized more than one diagnostic marker of pertussis, likely produced more accurate reference standards than culture alone. In general, the CRS approach is simple, with a well-defined disease status. LCA requires statistical modeling but incorporates more indicators of disease than CRS. When three or more indicators of pertussis are available, these approaches should be used in evaluations of pertussis diagnostic tests.
Detection of Human Papillomavirus Type 31-Neutralizing Antibodies from Naturally Infected Patients by an Assay Based on Intracellular Assembly of Luciferase-Expressing Pseudovirions
Authors: Fleury Maxime J. J. , Touzé Antoine , de Sanjosé Silvia , Bosch F. Xavier , Klaustermeiyer Joellen , Coursaget Pierre
Published: November 2007

The aim of this study was to develop a highly sensitive human papillomavirus type 31 (HPV31) neutralization assay based on the production of pseudovirions carrying luciferase. Neutralizing antibodies against HPV31 were investigated in a set of HPV31 monoclonal antibodies and in women with evidence of HPV31 infection. Neutralizing antibodies were detected in 78% of subjects with a positive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.