bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Triticum (Aegilops) tauschii in the natural and artificial synthesis of hexaploid wheat
Authors: Halloran G. M. , Ogbonnaya F. C. , Lagudah E. S.
Published: May 2008

An account is given of the possible time(s) and place(s) of the origin of hexaploid wheat from natural hybridisation between Triticum tauschii (Ae. tauschii) and both wild and cultivated forms of tetraploid wheat. A recapitulation is presented of the likely genotypic and phenotypic status of the newly arisen natural hexaploid and the likely path of hybridisation from whence it arose. Recent substantial contributions of T. tauschii to wheat improvement indicate the likelihood that introgession en masse from T. tauschii has not occurred throughout its natural and agricultural associations with wheat. This has been substantiated in comparative studies revealing higher levels of genetic variation in T. tauschii compared with the D genome of hexaploid wheat. A case is made for a widening of the concept of the gene pool of T. tauschii for wheat improvement and the notion of a secondary gene pool is proposed to include variation in T. tauschii as it occurs in several polyploid forms of ‘grass Triticum’. The likely differentiation of growth habit forms, conditioned by vernalisation (i.e. vrn) genes, in hexaploid wheat synthesis, including the interaction of these genes in hexaploid wheat, is discussed. It is speculated that growth habit differentiation was of significance to the hexaploid’s yield contribution and survival in tetraploid-hexaploid mixtures (likely to be a common constitution of wheat crops of early agriculture), and in the Neolithic spread of agriculture to the higher latitude, and colder environments of NW Europe and central Asia. The significance of the contribution of T. tauschii to the unique milling and bread-making properties of hexaploid wheat is discussed in the light of Roman discernment of its closer fulfilment of the requirements of leavened bread-making compared with tetraploid wheat. The significance of the contribution of T. tauschii to the evolution of wheat appears to have been much delayed (by ~6500 years) in that hexaploid wheat did not receive singular attention and cultivation until during the Roman era, from whence it gradually rose in popularity to eventually achieve its current pre-eminent status. Continuing systematic evaluation of genetic variation in both the primary and secondary gene pools of T. tauschii for wheat improvement, using both conventional and genetic analysis and contemporary genomic tools, is advocated. The latter approach is particularly important for quantitative traits in the light of wide divergence in plant phenotype of their representatives from that of hexaploid wheat.
Combining the perspectives of midwives and doctors improves risk assessment in early pregnancy
Authors: BERGLUND ANNA , LINDBERG MARIANNE , BERGLUND ANNA , LINDBERG MARIANNE , NYSTRÖM LENNARTH , LINDMARK GUNILLA
Published: May 2008

Background. Traditionally, risk identification in early pregnancy in Swedish antenatal care [ANC] is performed by the midwife at booking, and confirmed by the doctor at a routine visit in early pregnancy, but this extra visit has been questioned. This study compared the risk assessment by the two professions. Methods. In a cluster randomised trial, a planning conference, where midwives reported new mothers to a doctor, replaced the routine consultation with the doctor. Ten ANC‐clinics with the new program (942 mothers) were compared to 10 clinics with standard care (758 mothers). Risk factors were registered independently by midwives and doctors. Degree of agreement in risk identification between midwives and doctors was estimated by the kappa coefficient. Results. The degree of agreement in risk registration was good for previous pregnancy complications (κ = 0.62; CI: 0.55–0.68), and recommendations for doctor's consultation (κ = 0.67; CI: 0.62–0.72); fair for social problems (κ = 0.29; CI: 0.03–0.55), and poor for registration of symptoms and problems in index pregnancy (κ = 0.09; CI: 0.03–0.21) and psychosocial aspects, such as anxiety (κ = 0.09; CI: 0.03–0.21). Significantly more risk factors were registered in the study group. Conclusions: Replacing the routine consultation with the doctor early in pregnancy with a planning conference had no negative impact on risk identification. The results support that the different perspectives of the two professions in combination are important for the safety of surveillance and the psychosocial support expected from antenatal care.
Spontaneous preterm birth, a clinical dilemma: Etiologic, pathophysiologic and genetic heterogeneities and racial disparity
Authors: MENON RAMKUMAR
Published: May 2008

Preterm labor leading to preterm delivery (<37 weeks’ gestation) affects approximately 5–7% of live births in developed countries, but significantly higher in developing countries. Prematurity due to preterm birth (PTB) accounts for around 28% of neonatal mortality worldwide. Approximately 45–50% of PTBs are idiopathic or spontaneous, 30% are related to preterm rupture of membranes, and another 15–20% are attributed to medically indicated or elective preterm deliveries. The rate of spontaneous PTB is also increasing and the exact cause is still unclear. Generalized approaches in screening for high risk status of preterm labor and interventions have failed to reduce PTB rates. PTB presents a clinical dilemma due to etiologic, pathophysiologic and genetic heterogeneities. Racial disparity in PTB rates observed in the US further complicates its understanding. PTB is a complex phenotype and is not initiated by a single etiologic agent. Etiologic factors operate through multiple pathophysiologic pathways, and these pathways include highly overlapping biomarkers and molecular factors creating pathophysiologic heterogeneities. In this article, the current understanding of PTB pathophysiology is reviewed and the need for a much broader approach in research, analysis and interpretation of data is explained, where environmental and race/ethnicity specific risk factors may dictate specific pathways leading to PTB. Recent data on amniotic fluid biomarkers and maternal and fetal genetic variants, which indicate huge disparity between races in the US, are also reviewed. These data suggest that gene–gene interactions and gene–environmental interactions produce distinct pathophysiologic pathways with respect to an individual's genetic make‐up and environmental risk exposure. Current strategies of high risk screening and intervention measures may not be generalized, and a more individualized approach may be required to understand PTB and its prevention.
Three‐dimensional endoanal ultrasound assessment of the anal sphincters: Reproducibility
Authors: OLSEN INGRID P. , AUGENSEN KÅRE , WILSGAARD TOM , KISERUD TORVID
Published: May 2008

Objective. Volume measurement of the anal sphincter can be a future method for assessing volume loss, muscle atrophy or laceration. Three‐dimensional (3D) endoanal ultrasound is a technique for assessing the volume of the anal sphincters, but the reproducibility of the method is scarcely known. Design. Cross‐sectional, repeated measurements. Sample. Twenty women were recruited for the study after written consent according to an ethically approved protocol, nine 0‐gravida and 11 with traumatic vaginal deliveries. Method. Endoanal 3D‐ultrasound volume was obtained during rest and squeeze. The length of the anal canal and the volume of the external and internal sphincters were determined by two observers. Observer 1 repeated the measurements three times for all 20 women, and observer 2 for the nine 0‐gravida, and intra‐ and inter‐observer variation was assessed. Results. During rest, the anal length measurement had intra‐class correlation coefficients of 0.91 for observer 1 and 0.85 for observer 2. The limits of agreement for inter‐observer measurement were (−0.81 to 1.61) measured in centimeters. For the external anal sphincter volume, the intra‐class correlation coefficients and the limits of agreement were correspondingly: 0.89, 0.78 and (−7.29 to 6.03) measured in cm3, and for the internal anal sphincter volume: 0.85, 0.69 and (−1.72 to 2.95). The variation in identifying the external anal sphincter could rise to a corresponding 30% error in volume measurement. Conclusion. Although intra‐class correlation coefficients showed good reproducibility for endoanal ultrasound measurements, the limits of agreement were less reassuring with sizeable variation in the volume assessment, probably due to uncertainty in landmark identification.
Relationship of perceived stress with depression: Complete mediation by perceived control and anxiety in Iran and the United States
Authors: Ghorbani Nima , Krauss Stephen W. , Watson P. J. , LeBreton Daniel
Published: May 2008

This study sought to clarify the importance and cross‐cultural relevance of associations between generalized perceived stress and depression. Also tested was the hypothesis that perceived stress would correlate more strongly with anxiety than with depression, whereas control would be more predictive of depression than of anxiety. Relationships between perceived stress, anxiety, depression, and perceived control were examined in samples of Iranian (n = 191) and American (n = 197) undergraduates. Correlations among these variables were generally similar across the two societies. Perceived stress did predict anxiety better than depression, but perceptions of control predicted depression significantly better than anxiety only in the United States. Best fitting structural equation models revealed that anxiety and perceived control completely accounted for the linkage between perceived stress and depression in both societies. An equally acceptable and more parsimonious model described perceived stress as a consequence rather than as an antecedent of anxiety and perceived control. Structural equation models were essentially identical across the two cultures except that internal control displayed a significant negative relationship with anxiety only in Iran. This result seemed to disconfirm any possible suggestion that a supposedly individualistic process like internal control could have no noteworthy role within a presumably more collectivistic Muslim society like Iran. Overall, these data documented the importance of anxiety and perceived control in explaining the perceived stress–depression relationship cross‐culturally and therefore questioned the usefulness of perceived stress in predicting depression. Whether this understanding of the stress–depression relationship deserves general acceptance will require additional studies that measure the frequency of stressful life events and that utilize a longitudinal design.
The choice between allocation principles: Amplifying when equality dominates
Authors: Eek Daniel , Selart Marcus
Published: May 2008

One hundred and ninety participants (95 undergraduates and 95 employees) responded to a factorial survey in which a number of case‐based organizational allocation tasks were described. Participants were asked to imagine themselves as employees in fictitious organizations and chose among three allocations of employee‐development schemes invested by the manager in different work groups. The allocations regarded how such investments should be allocated between two parties. Participants chose twice, once picking the fairest and once the best allocation. One between‐subjects factor varied whether the parties represented social (i.e., choosing among allocations between two different work groups) or temporal comparisons (i.e., choosing among allocations between the present and the following year). Another between‐subjects factor varied whether participants' in‐group was represented by the parties or not. One allocation maximized the outcome to one party, another maximized the joint outcome received by both parties, and a third provided both parties with equal but lower outcomes. It was predicted that equality, although always deficient to both parties, would be the preferred allocation when parties represented social comparisons and when choices were based on fairness. When parties represented temporal comparisons, and when choices were based on preference, maximizing the joint outcome was hypothesized to be the preferred allocation. Results supported these hypotheses. Against what was predicted, whether the in‐group was represented by the parties or not did not moderate the results, indicating that participants' allocation preferences were not affected by self‐interest. The main message is that people make sensible distinctions between what they prefer and what they regard as fair. The results were the same for participating students who imagined themselves as being employees and participants who were true employees, suggesting that no serious threats to external validity are committed when university students are used as participants.
Managing terror: Differences between Jews and Arabs in Israel
Authors: Somer Eli , Maguen Shira , Or‐Chen Keren , Litz Brett T.
Published: May 2008

Using telephone surveys, we examined exposure to terror, coping, and mental health response in randomly selected Jewish‐Israelis (n = 100) and Arab‐Israelis (n = 100) living in five Israeli cities affected by terrorism. Jewish‐Israelis and Arab‐Israelis were randomly selected for study participation and completed telephone surveys in May 2002, following an extended string of terror attacks and hostilities. Although terrorism is designed to target Jewish‐Israelis, the rates of exposure were similar in the two groups. Arab‐Israelis reported using a wider array of coping strategies, yet also endorsed more frequent PTSD and more severe depression symptoms than Jewish‐Israelis. We examined a variety of demographic, ethnic, and religious predictors of different coping styles and found varying results. For example, acceptance coping was best predicted by Arab‐Israeli ethnicity, being female, greater religiosity, and lower education. Predictors of mental health response to terror were also examined, with Arab‐Israeli ethnicity, being female, adaptation coping and collaborative coping best predicting PTSD and depression symptoms. Arab‐Israelis may not have the same access to overarching sources of patriotic support that are readily available to their Jewish compatriots, and civilian and economic inequity experienced by the Arab minority may add to a sense of diminished resources. Our findings justify outreach efforts to overlooked minorities at risk for posttraumatic distress. Women seem to be at particular risk for the development of mental health symptoms following terrorism, which should also be noted for outreach purposes.
Role of collective self‐esteem on youth violence in a collective culture
Authors: Lim Lena L. , Chang Weining C.
Published: May 2008

Youth violence involvement has always been the focus of significant research attention. However, as most of the studies on youth violence have been conducted in Western cultures, little is known about the antecedents of violence in the Asian context. Researchers have suggested that collectivism might be the reason for the lower violent crime rates in Asia. Nevertheless, the present study proposes an alternative approach to the collectivistic orientation and violence relationship: The possibility that allocentrism (collectivist tendency at the individual difference level) might shape the meaning of and the attitudes towards violence; thus not all aspects of a collectivist culture serve as deterrents for violence. Instead of viewing it as a random individual act, violence in a collective cultural context could be seen, under certain circumstances, as a social obligation to one's in‐group (especially when one's in‐group is supportive of violence) and as an internalization of the norms and values of the culture. Thus, the present study investigates the relationship between allocentrism and its relation to violence in a highly collectivist Asian culture, Singapore. We further hypothesized that collective self‐esteem might serve as the mediator between allocentrism and the values of violence. Using a sample of 149 incarcerated Singaporean male adolescents, results support the proposed theoretical model whereby collective self‐esteem was found to mediate between allocentrism and the culture's norms and attitudes of violence, which eventually lead to physical violence behaviours.
Values, achievement goals, and individual‐oriented and social‐oriented achievement motivations among Chinese and Indonesian secondary school students
Authors: Liem Arief Darmanegara , Nie Youyan
Published: May 2008

This study examined how values related to achievement goals and individual‐oriented and social‐oriented achievement motivations among secondary school students in China (N = 355) and Indonesia (N = 356). Statistical comparisons showed the Chinese students endorsed more strongly than the Indonesian students on self‐direction and hedonism values, individual‐oriented achievement motivation, and mastery‐approach goals. Conversely, the Indonesian students endorsed more strongly than their Chinese counterparts on security, conformity, tradition, universalism and achievement values, social‐oriented achievement motivation, and performance‐approach and mastery‐avoidance goals. Values explained a significant amount of the variance in almost all of the dimensions of motivation. Etic and emic relationships between values and achievement motivations were found.
Is the attribution of cultural differences to minorities an expression of racial prejudice?
Authors: Vala Jorge , Pereira Cícero , Costa‐Lopes Rui
Published: May 2008

The social psychological literature considers two main perspectives on the study of perceived cultural differences between majorities and minorities: one proposes that perception of cultural differences is an antecedent of prejudice and another states that the attribution of cultural differences to minorities is already a hidden expression of racial prejudice. This paper offers further support to this latter perspective. One hundred and ninety‐four participants answered a questionnaire measuring (1) general racist belief; (2) cultural differences attributed to Black people (hetero‐ethnicization); (3) the asymmetric attribution of secondary and primary emotions to the in‐group and to Black people (infra‐humanization); (4) the asymmetric attribution of natural and cultural traits to in‐group members and to Black people (ontologization); and (5) negative evaluation of this social category. The general racist belief scale was not anchored in a specific group and measured the belief in the inferiority of certain social groups or peoples based on biological or cultural factors. Relationships between the scales were analysed through a set of Structural Equation Models. According to the predictions, results showed that the attribution of cultural differences is a dimension of prejudice. Results also showed that attribution of cultural differences, negative evaluation of Black people, ontologization, and infra‐humanization were different dimensions of a common latent factor that can be identified as racial prejudice; and that prejudice was predicted by general racist belief. Results are discussed in the light of the study of the impact of perceived cultural differences on intergroup relations and in the light of the “new racism” approaches.
Assessing reading at Key Stage 2: SATs as measures of children's inferential abilities
Authors: Tennent Wayne , Stainthorp Rhona , Stuart Morag
Published: May 2008

This article describes two studies. The first study was designed to investigate the ways in which the statutory assessments of reading for 11‐year‐old children in England assess inferential abilities. The second study was designed to investigate the levels of performance achieved in these tests in 2001 and 2002 by 11‐year‐old children attending state‐funded local authority schools in one London borough. In the first study, content and questions used in the reading papers for the Standard Assessment Tasks (SATs) in the years 2001 and 2002 were analysed to see what types of inference were being assessed. This analysis suggested that the complexity involved in inference making and the variety of inference types that are made during the reading process are not adequately sampled in the SATs. Similar inadequacies are evident in the ways in which the programmes of study for literacy recommended by central government deal with inference. In the second study, scripts of completed SATs Reading papers for 2001 and 2002 were analysed to investigate the levels of inferential ability evident in scripts of children achieving different SATs levels. The analysis in this article suggests that children who only just achieve the ‘target’ Level 4 do so with minimal use of inference skills. They are particularly weak in making inferences that require the application of background knowledge. Thus, many children who achieve the reading level (Level 4) expected of 11‐year‐olds are entering secondary education with insecure inference‐making skills that have not been recognised.
The impact of early reading interventions delivered by classroom assistants on attainment at the end of Year 2
Authors: Savage Robert , Carless Sue
Published: May 2008

Previous research has shown that training teaching assistants to deliver early phonic reading interventions can have measurable effects at immediate post‐test. This study explored whether the effects of interventions delivered by classroom assistants (CAs) were still evident at the end of the first phase of schooling, 16 months after the early intervention finished. Children were divided into ‘treatment responder’ and ‘treatment non‐responder’ groups based upon post‐test decoding skills. The treatment responder group was significantly more likely to achieve average results in nationally administered tests (end of Key Stage 1 tests) and teacher ratings of attainment than the treatment non‐responders. Treatment responders were indistinguishable from national averages on the mathematics test, writing test and reading task performance, but differed on reading comprehension test and on teacher‐assessed attainment. Gains in reading delivered following early phonic reading interventions delivered by CAs are maintained for many children. Non‐responders and treatment responders with only modest decoding skill may require additional support to achieve national targets in literacy.
Multidetector computed tomography arthrography of the shoulder: diagnostic accuracy and indications
Authors: De Filippo M. , Bertellini A. , Sverzellati N. , Pogliacomi F. , Costantino C. , Vitale M. , Zappia M. , Corradi D. , Garlaschi G. , Zompatori M.
Published: May 2008

Background: The presence of subcutaneous implants, such as permanent defibrillators, is an absolute contraindication to the use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Moreover, MRI is unadvisable in subjects with metallic hardware near the area of study, as artifacts generated by such materials distort image quality.

Purpose: To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy and indications of arthrography with multidetector computed tomography arthrography (arthro-MDCT) of the shoulder in patients with absolute or relative contraindications to MRI and in patients with periarticular metal implants using diagnostic arthroscopy as the gold standard.

Material and Methods: After intraarticular injection of iodixanol and volumetric acquisition, 70 shoulders in 70 patients (30 females, 40 males, age range 32–60 years) were examined with a 16-detector-row CT scanner. The patients had arthralgia but no radiologically detected fractures. They could not be studied by MRI because of absolute contraindications (subcutaneous electronic implants), surgical metal implants, or claustrophobia. In 28 of the 70 patients who had had previous shoulder surgery, the arthro-CT examination was preceded by an MRI on the same day. All examinations were interpreted by two experienced musculoskeletal radiologists. The findings were compared with arthroscopic findings carried out within 28 days of the CT study.

Results: In the 42 non-operated patients, the comparison between arthro-MDCT and arthroscopy showed sensitivity and specificity ranging between 87% and 100%. In the 28 operated shoulders, arthro-MDCT had an accuracy of 94% compared with 25% with MRI.

Interobserver agreement was almost perfect (κ=0.95) in the evaluation of all types of lesions, both on MDCT and MRI. When arthro-MDCT was compared with MRI in the postoperative patients by a McNemar test, a significant difference ( P<0.05) was found between these two techniques.

Conclusion: Arthro-MDCT of the shoulder is a safe technique that provides accurate diagnosis in identifying chondral, fibrocartilaginous, and intraarticular ligamentous lesions in patients who cannot be evaluated by MRI, and in patients after surgery.
Coil embolization of an anastomotic leak after ascending aorta replacement
Authors: Nørgaard A. , Andersen L. I. , Haahr P. E. , Justesen P.
Published: May 2008

Surgical treatment of diseases of the thoracic aorta (aneurysms, dissections, and ruptures) may be associated with serious postoperative complications. Endovascular repair of thoracic aorta pathology is less invasive and offers a therapeutic alternative in high-surgical-risk patients, particularly in the presence of previous surgical repair of the thoracic aorta. The endovascular procedure, however, is almost only possible in the descending thoracic aorta, although advances have also been made in the aortic arch as well as in the ascending aorta with branched stent grafts. We report a case of a surgically treated aneurysm in the ascending thoracic aorta complicated with an anastomotic leak. If a short prosthesis (6 cm) had been available, the anastomotic leak would have been treated with endovascular repair. In lack of this prosthesis, we were forced to treat the patient with a method not generally accepted—embolization with endovascular coils—successfully resulting in occlusion of the leakage.
Contrast-induced nephropathy: the wheel has turned 360 degrees
Authors: Thomsen H. S. , Morcos S. K. , Barrett B. J.
Published: May 2008

Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) has been a hot topic during the last 5 years due its association with increased morbidity and mortality. CIN is an important complication, particularly in patients with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) associated with diabetes mellitus. Methods to diminish the incidence of CIN have been highly contentious. They include choice of contrast, pharmacologic manipulation, and volume expansion. The pathophysiology of this complication remains uncertain, but reduction in renal blood flow and direct toxicity of tubular cells has been implicated. More than 900 publications under the heading CIN have been published during the last 5 years. Fewer than 5% of these publications are randomized prospective controlled studies. In spite of the large number of reports on CIN, very little has been changed. The use of the smallest possible dose of low- or iso-osmolar contrast media, volume expansion, stopping nephrotoxic drugs, and avoiding repeat contrast injections within 48 hours remain the most effective approach to reduce the risk of CIN.
A comparison of esophagography and esophageal transit scintigraphy in the evaluation of usefulness of endoscopic pneumatic dilatation in achalasia
Authors: Chung J-J. , Park H. J. , Yu J. S. , Hong Y. J. , Kim J. H. , Kim M.-J. , Lee S. I.
Published: May 2008

Background: Esophageal transit scintigraphy and barium esophagography have been used for evaluation of therapeutic results in patients with achalasia. It remains to be determined which method is most useful, and whether both studies are necessary before and after treatment for achalasia.

Purpose: To evaluate the usefulness of both esophagography and esophageal transit scintigraphy (ETS) to determine the efficacy of endoscopic pneumatic dilatation (EPD) in patients with achalasia.

Material and Methods: Seventeen patients (6 M, 11 F) with achalasia underwent both esophagography and ETS before and after EPD. Esophagographic findings were reviewed to determine the length and caliber of stenosis in the esophagogastric channel. Dynamic images of ETS were evaluated on time–activity curves. Changes in the clinical symptom score were evaluated. Statistical analyses of esophagography and ETS before and after EPD were performed.

Results: After EPD, the mean symptom score improved ( P<0.05). The mean residue of radioisotope in ETS also improved after EPD, with a statistically significant correlation ( P<0.05). There was a statistically significant correlation between the improved symptom scores and the change in ETS after EPD ( P<0.05). There was no statistical correlation between clinical symptom scores and esophageal caliber, regardless of EPD ( P>0.05). With an 8-mm diameter of the esophagogastric channel as a benchmark for successful treatment, there was no statistical correlation between esophagography and ETS at 15 s after EPD ( P>0.05).

Conclusion: Esophagography was useful for the evaluation of morphology and caliber of the esophagogastric channel, while ETS was useful for the functional evaluation of esophageal emptying. Both studies may therefore be considered necessary to evaluate the efficacy of EPD in patients with achalasia.
Improvement in respiratory function by percutaneous vertebroplasty
Authors: Tanigawa N. , Kariya S. , Kojima H. , Komemushi A. , Shomura Y. , Tokuda T. , Ueno Y. , Kuwata S. , Fujita A. , Terada J. , Sawada S.
Published: May 2008

Background: Percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) improves back pain and corrects spinal misalignment to some extent, and thus may improve respiratory function.

Purpose: To retrospectively investigate changes in respiratory function after PVP.

Material and Methods: 41 patients (mean age 72.0 years, range 59–86 years; 39 women, two men) who had undergone PVP for vertebral compression fractures (37 thoracic vertebral bodies [Th6–Th12] and 50 lumbar vertebral bodies [L1–L5]) caused by osteoporosis visited our hospital for follow-up consultation between January and June 2005. At this follow-up consultation, respiratory function testing, including percent forced vital capacity (FVC%) and percent forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1%), was performed. We retrospectively compared these values with those taken before PVP using a Wilcoxon signed-rank test.

Results: FVC% was 85.2±30.3% before PVP and 91.5±16.8% at follow-up (mean 10 months after PVP), which represented a significant difference ( P<0.003). No significant difference in FEV1% was detected. Regarding the number of treatment levels, that is, single vertebroplasty versus multiple vertebroplasty, no significant difference in improvement of FVC% was confirmed ( P=0.1). FVC% was abnormally low (≤79%) before PVP in 16 patients and improved to within normal range postoperatively in six of these patients (38%).

Conclusion: PVP improves preoperatively decreased lung function, but this improvement takes time.
Comparison of diagnostic accuracy of breast masses using digitized images versus screen-film mammography
Authors: Liang Zhigang , Du Xiangying , Liu Jiabin , Yao Xinyu , Yang Yanhui , Li Kuncheng
Published: May 2008

Background: Medical film digitizers play an important transitory role as digital–analogue bridges in radiology. Digitized mammograms require evaluation of performance to assure medical image quality.

Purpose: To compare the diagnostic accuracy in the interpretation of breast masses using original screen-film mammograms versus digitized images.

Material and Methods: A total of 72 female patients between 55 and 81 years of age suspected of having breast cancer were selected by two non-observing radiologists. Of these, 31 cases were benign lesions and 41 cases were cancer. The mammography films were digitized using a laser film digitizer. Three radiologists, each with more than 10 years of experience in mammography, interpreted the screen-film mammograms and digitized images respectively. The time interval was 4 weeks. A four-point malignancy scale was used, with 1 defined as definitely not malignant, 2 as probably not malignant, 3 as probably malignant, and 4 as definitely malignant. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, sensitivity, and specificity were compared.

Results: The average area-under-the-curve (Az) value of the original screen-film mammograms was 0.921, and the average Az value of the digitized images was 0.859. This difference was not statistically significant ( P=0.131). The detection specificity of extremely dense breasts was lower than that for other breast compositions for both digitized images and screen-film mammograms. No statistical significance in sensitivity and specificity was observed between digitized images and mammograms for each breast composition. Original screen-film mammograms were observed to perform better than digitized images.

Conclusion: Digitized images with a spatial resolution of 175 µm can be used instead of screen-film mammograms in the diagnosis of breast cancer.
Impact of fdg-pet/ct fused imaging on tumor volume assessment of head-and-neck squamous cell carcinoma: intermethod and interobserver variations
Authors: Murakami R. , Uozumi H. , Hirai T. , Nishimura R. , Katsuragawa S. , Shiraishi S. , Toya R. , Tashiro K. , Kawanaka K. , Oya N. , Tomiguchi S. , Yamashita Y.
Published: May 2008

Background: Although gross tumor volume (GTV) at the primary site can predict local control of head-and-neck squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in patients who are treated with organ-preservation therapy, GTV assessment does not eliminate substantial interobserver variation.

Purpose: To evaluate whether F-18-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET)/computed tomography (CT) fused imaging provides additional information for GTV assessment.

Material and Methods: We obtained FDG-PET/CT fused images on 20 patients with head-and-neck SCC. All had undergone preoperative conventional workup, including contrast-enhanced CT and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The GTV of the primary tumors was designed by two independent observers who used routine clinical data. Observer A was a radiologist and observer B a radiation oncologist. GTV1 and GTV2 were designed without and with FDG-PET/CT, respectively. For geometric interobserver comparison, we calculated the concordance rate as the ratio of the intersection (A⋂B) of the GTVs to their union (A⋃B). Intermethod (GTV1 vs. GTV2) and interobserver (A vs. B) differences in the GTVs were assessed by Bland-Altman analysis and the Spearman rank-correlation test. The interobserver concordance rates for GTV1 and GTV2 were compared using a two-tailed paired-samples t test.

Results: On FDG-PET/CT, all primary tumors were visualized. There was no systemic trend for a volume difference between GTV1 and GTV2. Although the 95% limits of agreement were wider for interobserver than intermethod differences, the 95% limits of interobserver agreement were narrower for GTV2 than GTV1. The mean interobserver concordance rate for GTV2 was higher than for GTV1 (54.5% vs. 39.1%, P=0.0002).

Conclusion: FDG-PET/CT is a useful modality for consistent GTV assessment, which should not be used as a single modality but rather to obtain supplemental information in patients with head-and-neck SCC.
Unusual manifestations of renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Bin Park Sung , Cho Kyoung-Sik , Hwa Lee Jong , Ki Jeong Yoong , Hoon Choi Seong , Seong Kang Byeong , Kon Kim Jeong
Published: May 2008

The imaging characteristics of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) vary widely, with masses ranging from cystic to solid, from homogeneous to heterogeneous and necrotic, from small to large, and from localized to extensive. Although the usual imaging features of RCC are well known to radiologists, various unusual imaging features can be particularly misleading; therefore, both usual and unusual imaging features should always be carefully assessed. In this pictorial review, we describe the following unusual imaging features: unusual subtypes, unusual tumor growth, unusual underlying disease, multiple and bilateral presentations, hemorrhage and arteriovenous fistula (AVF)-related presentations, and mimicking of benign tumors. Familiarity with the imaging features of both usual and unusual RCCs will facilitate prompt and accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Gender equality in university sportspeople's drinking
Authors: O'BRIEN KERRY S. , HUNTER JACKIE , KYPRI KYPROS , ALI AJMOL
Published: May 2008

Introduction and Aims. In large population‐based alcohol studies males are shown consistently to drink more, and more hazardously, than females. However, research from some countries suggests that gender differences in drinking are converging, with females drinking more than in the past. Large population‐based research may miss gender‐based changes in drinking behaviours that occur in sub‐populations most at risk of hazardous drinking. We examine gender differences in a sub‐population where hazardous drinking is common and endorsed, namely university sportspeople. Design and Methods. The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) and a drinking motives measure were used to assess hazardous drinking behaviours and drinking motives in 631 university sportspeople (females = 331, 52%). Results. There were no gender differences in AUDIT scores. However, drinking motives differed between genders, with coping motives being a significant predictor of hazardous drinking in females but not males. Hazardous drinking, including binge drinking (46.3%) and frequent binge drinking (35%), in New Zealand university sportspeople is high for both males and females. Discussion and Conclusions. New Zealand university sportspeople are one population where gender differences in drinking are not apparent and run counter to European population based research and research in US sporting populations. Gender role equality in the university systems, and endorsement of drinking in sporting culture, may account for the lack of gender differences in this New Zealand sporting population. Future research on gender differences in drinking should examine sub‐populations where gender role differentiation is low, and socio‐cultural/structural factors supporting gender equality are high.
Ethics and The Pharmaceutical Industry
Authors: Green Stephen
Published: May 2008

Objective: Relationships between the pharmaceutical industry and the medical profession enhance the potential for physicians to become involved in conflicts of interest. Whether or not these rise to a level that violates standards of medical ethics depends on the degree to which they detract from the quality of health care and its cost, the objectivity of research, and the profession's integrity. This paper explores those issues from two perspectives – the micro-level of the medical profession and the macro-level of society.

Conclusions: Practices and policies that affect varied aspects of the interaction between the pharmaceutical industry and the medical profession – such as education, research and marketing – are discussed. The reader is asked to reflect on the ethics of issues raised; the author offers suggestions for mitigating conflicts of interest and, in turn, the potential for unethical medical care.
Ko Wai Ahau? (Who am I?) How Cultural Identity Issues are Experienced by Mäori Psychiatrists and Registrars Working with Children and Adolescents
Authors: Elder Hinemoa
Published: May 2008

Objective: This paper aimed to investigate narratives regarding the experience of Mäori cultural identity of Mäori psychiatrists and registrars who have worked with tamariki (children), taiohi (adolescents) and whänau (families).

Method: This was a Kaupapa Maori (Maori-centred) qualitative study where a total of five Mäori psychiatrists and registrars were interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire informed by Tikanga Mäori (Mäori custom and protocol).

Results: This paper presents one significant theme, that of “doing the work differently”. Within this theme, the perceived ‘mismatch’ between psychiatric training, seeming to value opacity in clinical sessions, compared to Tikanga Mäori aspects of the doctor's identity which values whakawhänaungatanga (connectivity and relationships) was consistently described.

Conclusions: This paper has implications for registrar training needs, workforce development, service development and cultural competency.
Can Music Preference Indicate Mental Health Status in Young People?
Authors: Baker Felicity , Bor William
Published: May 2008

Objective: In the aftermath of the double suicide of two teenage girls in 2007, the media linked the themes of ‘emo’ music and the girls’ mental state. But it is not just emo music that has been the subject of scrutiny by the media. Rap music, country, and heavy metal have also been blamed for antisocial behaviours including violence, theft, promiscuity and drug use. It remains an important research and clinical question as to whether music contributes to the acting out of behaviours described in the music lyrics or whether the preferred music represents the already existing behavioural tendencies in the subject. This paper surveys and discusses the relevant literature on music preference and adolescent music listening behaviours, and their links with adolescent mental health.

Conclusion: Studies have found a relationship between various genres of music and antisocial behaviours, vulnerability to suicide, and drug use. However, studies reject that music is a causal factor and suggest that music preference is more indicative of emotional vulnerability. A limited number of studies have found correlations between music preference and mental health status. More research is needed to determine whether music preferences of those with diagnosed mental health issues differ substantially from the general adolescent population.
Side Effects of Second-Generation Antipsychotics: The Experiences, Views and Monitoring Practices of Australian Child Psychiatrists
Authors: Walter Garry , Delaroche Amy , Soh Nerissa , Hunt Glenn , Cleary Michelle , Malhi Gin , Lambert Tim , U. Correll Christoph , Rey Joseph
Published: May 2008

Objective: The aim of this study was to ascertain the experiences, views and monitoring practices of Australian child psychiatrists regarding the metabolic and other side effects of second-generation antipsychotics (SGAs).

Method: A 19-item questionnaire was posted to all members of the RANZCP Faculty of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry living in Australia.

Results: Of the 290 eligible members of the Faculty of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 126 (43%) returned a useable survey. SGAs are commonly prescribed for a range of disorders. The majority of respondents expressed a high level of concern regarding weight gain and other metabolic side effects. Weight gain was the most frequently observed and monitored side effect in clinical practice. Other side effects were observed and monitored to a variable extent. Notably, monitoring practices did not parallel psychiatrists’ reported level of concern or knowledge regarding weight gain and metabolic side effects, nor coincide with published recommendations.

Conclusions: Further research is required into the use, efficacy, side effects and monitoring of SGAs in children and adolescents, and there is a need to ensure that monitoring guidelines are implemented in clinical practice. This need is heightened by the likelihood that our data on clinicians’ practice, which is based on their perceptions, may overestimate what actually occurs.
Prostacyclin Analogs Stimulate Receptor‐Mediated cAMP Synthesis and ATP Release from Rabbit and Human Erythrocytes
Authors: Sprague Randy S. , Bowles Elizabeth A. , Hanson Madelyn S. , Dufaux Eileen A. , Sridharan Meera , Adderley Shaquria , Ellsworth Mary L. , Stephenson Alan H.
Published: May 2008

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to establish that the prostacyclin (PGI2) receptor (IP receptor) is present on rabbit and human erythrocytes and that its activation stimulates cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) synthesis and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) release.

Methods: The effect of incubation of erythrocytes with the active PGI2 analogs, iloprost or UT‐15C, on cAMP levels and ATP release was determined in the absence and presence of the IP receptor antagonist, CAY10441. Western analysis was used to determine the presence of the IP receptor on isolated membranes. To establish that effects of PGI2 analogs were not due to prostaglandin E2(PGE2) receptor activation, the effect of PGE2 on cAMP levels and ATP release was determined.

Results: Rabbit and human erythrocytes possess IP receptors. Iloprost and UT‐15C stimulated increases in cAMP and ATP release that were prevented by the IP receptor antagonist, CAY10441. PGE2 did not stimulate cAMP accumulation or ATP release and did not inhibit iloprost‐induced increases in cAMP.

Conclusions: This study establishes that the IP receptor is present on rabbit and human erythrocytes and that its activation results in increases in cAMP and ATP release. These results suggest a novel mechanism by which PGI2 and its active analogs, when administered pharmacologically, could produce vasodilation.
Basic parameters of spontaneous speech as a sensitive method for measuring change during the course of aphasia
Authors: Grande Marion , Hussmann Katja , Bay Elisabeth , Christoph Swetlana , Piefke Martina , Willmes Klaus , Huber Walter
Published: May 2008

Background: Spontaneous speech of aphasic persons is often scored on rating scales assessing aphasic symptoms. Rating scales have the advantage of an easy and fast scoring system, but might lack sensitivity. Quantitative analysis of either aphasic symptoms or basic parameters provides a useful alternative. Basic parameters are essential units of language like word categories or syntactic completeness and can be identified in both impaired and unimpaired adult and child language.

Aims: To examine whether basic parameters of spontaneous speech are more sensitive to change during the course of recovery from aphasia than conventional spontaneous speech rating scales.

Methods & Procedures: Spontaneous speech samples of 28 aphasic participants were analysed using a quantitative computer‐assisted method as well as conventional spontaneous speech rating scales before and after 7 weeks of intensive language treatment. The analysis focused on the following basic parameters: percentage words, percentage open class words, syntactic completeness, complexity, and mean length of utterances. The participants were also tested with the Aachen Aphasia Test before and after treatment.

Outcome & Results: Significant change in at least one basic parameter was observed in 20 participants, while only four participants showed significant change in one of the spontaneous speech rating scales.

Conclusions: In comparison with conventional spontaneous speech rating scales, the basic parameters proved to be more sensitive to change. For the time being, however, some limitations remain with regard to the specificity of the basic parameters. Thus, additional data are needed to provide further support of the clinical significance of the measured changes.