bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
First Detection of Canine Parvovirus Type 2c in Pups with Haemorrhagic Enteritis in Spain
Authors: Decaro N. , Martella V. , Desario C. , Bellacicco A. L. , Camero M. , Manna L. , D'Aloja D. , Buonavoglia C.
Published: November 2006

Canine parvovirus type 2 (CPV‐2), the aetiological agent of haemorrhagic enteritis in dogs, includes three antigenic variants, types 2a, 2b and 2c. CPV‐2c has been detected initially in Italy and subsequently in Vietnam. We report the first identification of this novel antigenic variant in Spain, where it caused an outbreak of fatal enteritis in basset hound pups in association with canine coronavirus type I and type II. We suggest that this new antigenic variant of CPV‐2 could spread throughout Europe and that there is a subsequent need to update current CPV vaccines.
Protection of Gruntlings against Classical Swine Fever Virus‐Infection after Oral Vaccination of Sows with C‐strain Vaccine
Authors: Kaden V. , Lange E. , Müller T. , Teuffert J. , Teifke J. P. , Riebe R.
Published: November 2006

The objective of this study was to investigate the maternal protection of gruntlings derived from wild sows vaccinated orally against classical swine fever (CSF) using C‐strain vaccine. Three vaccinated sows and one unvaccinated control sow were included. Challenge infection of the progeny was carried out either intranasally or by contact at the beginning of the third month of life (61–65 days post‐natum). Whereas, two of three litters had maternal antibodies, the progeny of one vaccinated sow was seronegative at challenge. The progeny of the control sow, which was challenged by contact infection, developed moderate clinical signs except for one animal which became ill and died. Two gruntlings derived from the vaccinated sows also died of CSF, although one of them had a relatively high maternal antibody titre (128 ND50). The transient infection and partial virus shedding observed in a small number of gruntlings with maternal antibodies and the fact that one animal with maternal antibodies became ill and died confirm the incomplete maternal protection at this age. The reason for this incomplete protection is discussed. As none of the surviving gruntlings could be shown to carry CSFV or viral RNA at the end of the experiment (36 or 70 d.p.i.), it may be concluded that these animals do not represent a potential CSFV reservoir.
A Simple Statistical Approach for Assessing Inter‐laboratory Comparison Tests for Classical Swine Fever Diagnosis
Authors: Depner K. R. , Ziller M. , Staubach C.
Published: November 2006

The aim of this study was to compare on an objective basis the results obtained during five classical swine fever (CSF) ring tests conducted in Germany between 1999 and 2003. A novel and simple statistical approach used in behavioural sciences was used. For each ring test, the regional laboratories received a panel of five lyophilized pig sera. The panel contained CSF virus positive and negative samples. The final task of the laboratory was to ascertain if a serum sample was positive for CSF or not. Some sera were very easy to diagnose as CSF positive while some sera had border line values and proved to be challenging. Depending on the degree of difficulty the sera were divided into five categories. The evaluation of the ring test results was performed using a scoring system based on a score from −3 to +3 which takes into consideration the degree of difficulty to produce a correct diagnosis. To compare the results between different laboratories and/or between different ring tests more easily the total score of one laboratory was expressed in percentage. The final analysis of the data showed that the CSF diagnostic quality improved continuously.
Porcine Acute Phase Protein Concentrations in Different Diseases in Field Conditions
Authors: Parra M. D. , Fuentes P. , Tecles F. , Martínez‐Subiela S. , Martínez J. S. , Muñoz A. , Cerón J. J.
Published: November 2006

Five acute phase proteins (APPs) [C‐reactive protein (CRP), serum amyloid A (SAA), haptoglobin (Hp), pig‐MAP and albumin] were measured in pigs with naturally occurring infections by porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV), Aujeszky's disease virus (ADV), porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) andMycoplasma hyopneumoniae, and in animals with tail and ear bites, arthritis and other acute inflammatory processes. Healthy specific pathogen‐free (SPF) pigs were used as controls. In PRRSV‐infected pigs, all APPs with the exception of pig‐MAP exhibited significant changes compared with controls. In animals affected with ADV only Hp presented changes of statistical significance, whereas pigs with PCV2 showed marked modifications in all APPs tested. Animals affected with Mycoplasmosis showed concentrations of all positive APPs significantly above levels obtained in SPF pigs, though albumin concentrations did not differ from controls. Finally, all APPs studied showed substantial changes in pigs with acute inflammation. The results indicated that an acute phase response was developed in the different diseases studied, this response being higher in animals with clinical signs and concurrent bacterial processes. Haptoglobin would be the APP that better reflects pathological states; however, to get more complete and valuable information it might be advisable to perform APPs profiles including another APP, such as CRP or SAA.
Spatio‐temporal variation in the structure of a deep water Posidonia oceanica meadow assessed using non‐destructive techniques
Authors: Borg Joseph Anthony , Micallef Mark Alan , Schembri Patrick Joseph
Published: November 2006

The Malta‐Comino Channel (Maltese islands, central Mediterranean), supports extensive meadows of the seagrass Posidonia oceanica that in some places extend to a depth of around 43 m, which is rare for this seagrass. To assess spatial and temporal variation in the state of the deeper parts of the P. oceanica meadow with time, data on the structural characteristics of the seagrass meadow at its lower bathymetric limit were collected during the summers of 2001, 2003 and 2004 from four stations (two stations within each of two sites) located at a similar depth, over a spatial extent of 500 m. Shoot density was estimated in situ, while data on plant architecture (number of leaves, mean leaf length, and epiphyte load) were successfully obtained using an underwater photographic technique that was specifically designed to avoid destructive sampling of the seagrass. Results indicated that P. oceanica shoot density was lower than that recorded from the same meadow during a study undertaken in 1995; the observed decrease was attributed to the activities of an offshore aquaculture farm that operated during the period 1995–2000 in the vicinity of the meadow. ANOVA indicated significant spatial and temporal variations in meadow structural attributes at both sites during the 3‐year study; for example, shoot density values increased overall with time at site A; a indication of potential recovery of the meadow following cessation of the aquaculture operations. Lower shoot density values recorded from site B (compared with site A) were attributed to higher epiphyte loads on the seagrass, relative to those at site A. The findings, which include new data on the structural characteristics of P. oceanica occurring at depths >40 m, are discussed with reference to the use of the non‐destructive photographic technique to monitor the state of health of deep water seagrass meadows.
Spatial variability ofPosidonia oceanica(L.) Delile epiphytes around the mainland and the islands of Sicily (Mediterranean Sea)
Authors: Pardi Giuseppina , Piazzi Luigi , Balata David , Papi Ilaria , Cinelli Francesco , Benedetti‐Cecchi Lisandro
Published: November 2006

This paper investigates patterns of variability in epiphytes ofPosidonia oceanicaleaves at various spatial scales around Sicily, including geographical differences among the Mediterranean basins, differences between the small islands and mainland, and the variability among and within replicated meadows in each of the previous conditions. Data on percentage cover of the most common epiphytic organisms were analysed by univariate techniques. Encrusting red algae, encrusting brown algae, filamentous algae, encrusting bryozoans, erect bryozoans, hydroids and Foraminifera were the most abundant taxa. Significant differences in the abundance of taxa were detected among geographical regions, while no significant differences were found between the islands and mainland. At smaller scales, variability was concentrated mostly among leaves 100s of centimetres apart and among meadows a few kilometres apart. These results suggest that both geographical and local processes are important in structuring the epiphytes ofP. oceanicaleaves in this area of the Mediterranean.
Mats of Beggiatoa bacteria reveal that organic pollution from lumber mills inhibits growth of Zostera marina
Authors: Elliott Joel K. , Spear Erin , Wyllie‐Echeverria Sandy
Published: November 2006

The objectives of this study were to determine the distribution and abundance of Zostera marina (eelgrass) in relation to the distribution of the mat forming bacteria Beggiatoa spp., and the levels of sulfide and organic material (wood waste) in the sediment. Underwater videography and intertidal surveys were used to map the distribution and abundance of Z. marina beds and Beggiatoa in the nearshore area of Commencement Bay, WA (USA), a location that has a long history of sawmill activity. Zostera marina occurred from the intertidal to −6 m mean lower low water (MLLW) on sandy substrates in areas with low levels of sulfide (<50 μm) and organic material (<5 % total volatile solids). Areas with high sulfide levels (>200 μm) occurred where there were significant amounts of organic material in the sediments, which was found to be wood waste that had been discarded from sawmills. Zostera marina was absent from the intertidal and occurred at lower densities in areas with high sulfide levels. In contrast, mats of Beggiatoa were only found in areas where the sulfide levels were >1000 μm and there were significant deposits of wood. Thus, the negative correlation between the distribution and abundance of Z. marina and Beggiatoa suggests that the presence of Beggiatoa mats could be used as a biological indicator of inhibiting levels of hydrogen sulfide in the marine environment.
The use of surface alkaline phosphatase activity in the seagrass Posidonia oceanica as a biomarker of eutrophication
Authors: Martínez‐Crego Begoña , Romero Javier , Alcoverro Teresa
Published: November 2006

Eutrophication is one of the most relevant man‐induced changes occurring in coastal waters. The identification and assessment of specific responses to eutrophication in seagrasses can provide a useful tool for the detection of changes in the water quality in coastal zones, given the wide range of distribution of these organisms. In this study, we combine a correlational (across‐sites comparison) and a manipulative (fertilization experiment) approach to evaluate the usefulness and potential of alkaline phosphatase activity (APA) in the endemic Mediterranean seagrass Posidonia oceanica as an eutrophication biomarker. Our results showed that APA decreases promptly following nutrient additions, the response being maintained except during the winter period. APA also varies across natural meadows under different levels of nutrient discharges at scales relevant for monitoring purposes. AP activity seems to be an optimal ‘physiological biomarker’ that responds promptly and reliably to a pulse of eutrophication exposure. However, other considerations, such as the seasonality (the response disappears in winter), suggest its use with some caution and, as far as possible, as a complement of other bio‐indicators.
Temporal changes of mollusc populations from a Zostera marina bed in southern Spain (Alboran Sea), with biogeographic considerations
Authors: Arroyo María del Carmen , Salas Carmen , Rueda José Luis , Gofas Serge
Published: November 2006

Molluscs associated with a Zostera marina bed from Cantarriján bay (Southern Spain, Alboran Sea) at 14–16 m depth were sampled monthly from October 1996 to September 1997. A total of 44,819 individuals belonging to 80 species were identified. In spite of the high species richness, only seven species of gastropods showed a dominance value (D) higher than 1%. Jujubinus striatus was the dominant species of the assemblage with 70.8% of the total abundance. The other dominant species were Rissoa membranacea (9.8%), Nassarius pygmaeus (5.8%), Mitrella minor (4%), Smaragdia viridis (1.9%), Rissoa monodonta (1.4%), Bittium reticulatum (1.3%). The dynamic pattern of the mollusc populations showed a temporal trend with monthly values of species richness and abundance ranging between 10 and 25 species and between 178 and 4412 individuals·222 m−2. The species richness and abundance were higher in the spring and summer months than in the autumn and winter ones. The diversity (Shannon–Wiener, H’) follows a similar trend, with increases from April to September and decreases from October to March. H’ values (ranging from 0.45 to 3.10) are more influenced by the evenness (J) than by the species richness. A multivariate analysis (Cluster, Multi‐dimensional Scaling) based on both presence/absence and quantitative data has also pointed out a temporal trend, with spring–summer samples significantly different from autumn–winter samples. The temporal changes in abundance seem related with the species’ biology, such as recruitment events, as well as to the canopy features and shoot density variation in the Zostera meadow. From the biogeographical point of view, most of the molluscs (65%) found in the Cantarriján bed, have a Lusitanian–Mediterranean distribution (sensuEkman 1953). The proximity to Africa is shown by the presence of four species with a mainly West African distribution. Only R. membranacea has a typical Atlantic distribution, driven by that of Z. marina in NW Europe.
Farm‐related injury event, social consequences and injury reporting in the Land Lantbruk newspaper in Sweden: A retrospective study of farm‐related injury reporting during 2000–2005
Authors: Lundälv Jörgen
Published: November 2006

Objective:  The aim of the present study was to detect how a leading news paper, the Land Lantbruk in Stockholm, Sweden, informs the public and specifically the rural sector in Sweden and the Scandinavian countries concerning injury events (farm‐related injury event) and the use of injury prevention and control. Injury reporting in the Land Lantbruk has been studied from the point of injury prevention and control. A study of injury prevention and rural health and safety in Australia shows that the newspaper The Land that serves Australia’s rural community should ‘be an under‐utilised vehicle for news and commentary on rural health and safety issues’.

Design:  The study period was from January 2000 to February 2005. A total of 178 articles were reviewed and analysed. The articles were available on a newspaper database in the Land Lantbruk newspaper. Articles that addressed farm‐related injury event and rural health and safety were chosen and organised into subgroups.

Results:  Tractor and motor vehicle safety (35%) was most common among the injury reporting. Although the newspaper Land Lantbruk provided excellent coverage of the causes of these events, the reports tended to focus on circumstances and did not provide information on injury prevention or the advantages of also coverage of the social and psychosocial long‐term consequences of accidents.

Conclusion:  In the prevention work of reducing farm‐related injuries in the rural sector in the Scandinavian countries and decreasing the human suffering represented by this health problem, rural politicians, insurance companies, rural authorities and also handicap organisations should listen more to the injured individuals and their own experiences relative to the difficulty of life after an accident. The reaction of family and relatives, and experiences of the long‐term social consequences, have not been included in the media coverage. Journalists at the Land Lantbruk could also share experiences of the Swedish coverage of rural health and safety from Australian journalists from The Land.
Total joint replacement surgery in a rural centre
Authors: Stewart Grant D. , Stewart Pamela C. , Nott Matthew L. , Long Gareth
Published: November 2006

Objective:  To demonstrate that total joint replacement surgery can be safely and effectively performed in rural hospitals with acceptable outcomes.

Design:  Case series.

Setting:  A rural district hospital.

Participants:  Participants were 64 patients, 30 men and 34 women, who underwent total knee replacements (TKR); and 63 patients, 41 men and 22 women, who had total hip replacements (THR).

Main outcome measures:  Level of patient satisfaction following total joint replacement surgery, obtained by patient interview. Incidence of postoperative joint specific complications, for example infection, THR dislocation and manipulation under anaesthetic (MUA) of a TKR.

Results:  None of the TKR or THR patients developed a deep wound infection. In this study 8.8% TKR patients had an MUA but all during a period of limited physiotherapy services; 5.8% THR patients suffered a dislocated prosthesis. Following TKR 95.3% patients reported to be ‘happy’ with the outcome of their surgery. Of the THR patients 97.0% declared they were ‘happy’ with their surgical outcome.

Conclusions:  There was a high level of patient satisfaction, low infection rate, acceptable levels of MUA for TKR and dislocation for THR following total joint replacement in our rural district hospital. The surgeons performed a medium volume of total joint replacements and an appropriate multidisciplinary team was in place. In such settings joint replacement surgery can be safely and successfully performed in rural centres to the benefit of rural patients, surgeons and GPs.
Suturing as an advanced skill for Registered Nurses in the emergency department
Authors: Middleton Rebekkah
Published: November 2006

Objective:  Many patients present to emergency departments (EDs) for wounds that require repair by suturing. This study looked at ascertaining the efficacy of Advanced Clinical Nurses’ (ACN) suturing dermal lacerations in tertiary, regional and rural ED settings.

Design:  Convenience sample; prospective questionnaire.

Setting:  Three mixed adult and paediatric EDs. These departments were tertiary, regional and rural regional EDs.

Participants:  Eighty patients requiring sutures for dermal lacerations that were repaired by an ACN. Of them 24 were men and seven were women. Mean age was 40.5 years, with a range of 21–58 years. Ten results from rural ED; six from regional ED; 15 from tertiary ED.

Main outcome measure(s):  Any differences between suturing standards in rural, regional and tertiary EDs; clinical results of suturing performed by ACNs; local medical officers’ satisfaction with wound repair.

Results:  A total of 31 responses were received. The lacerations were located on the face in 13 patients (42%), the scalp in 10 (32%), an extremity in 2 (6%), and on the trunk in 6 (20%). A total of 196 sutures were required. Local medical officers graded wound repair as ‘good’ in 24 cases (77%) and adequate in seven cases (23%). There were no wound healing complications reported.

Conclusions:  Nurses who complete a standardised training program in wound management and repair are capable of providing high‐quality, definitive care for patients who present to EDs with dermal lacerations. This is true irrespective of whether the Registered Nurse is working in a rural, regional or tertiary ED.
Patient outcomes following an intervention involving community pharmacists in the management of depression
Authors: Crockett Judith , Taylor Susan , Grabham Anita , Stanford Pamela
Published: November 2006

Objective:  Documentation and evaluation of patient outcomes in a pilot study into the role of rural community pharmacists in the management of depression.

Design:  Parallel groups design with a control and intervention group.

Setting:  Thirty‐two community pharmacies in rural and remote New South Wales, Australia.

Participants:  One hundred and six patient participants, mean age of 46 years, predominantly female, not currently employed, recruited by participating pharmacists.

Interventions:  Intervention pharmacists were given video‐conference training on the nature and management of depression by a psychiatrist, psychologist and general practitioner and asked to dispense medication with extra advice and support. Control pharmacists were asked to provide usual care.

Main outcome measures:  Adherence by self‐report, K10, Drug Attitude Index.

Results:  The results indicated that adherence to medications was high in both groups (95% versus 96%) and that both groups had improved significantly in wellbeing (a reduction K10 score of 4 (control) versus 4.7 (intervention)). No significant change was found in attitude to drug treatment once baseline scores were controlled for.

Conclusions:  Because both groups improved in wellbeing it is not possible to claim that the training provided to the intervention pharmacists was responsible for the success. However, the improvements gained in such a short time (two months) suggest that the involvement of pharmacists has had a beneficial rather than negative effect. Further research into the most appropriate ways in which to integrate the skills of pharmacists into a model of mental health care delivery in rural communities is recommended.
A technically simple method for staining of acid‐fast bacilli in cytology smears: An evaluation
Authors: Chaturvedi Sujata , Raheja Preety , Thakur Rajeev , Singh Navjeevan , Arora Vinod K. , Suri Vaishali , Bhatia Arati
Published: November 2006

Objective:  To study the effects of modifications in the Ziehl‐Neelsen staining procedure on predictive accuracy for acid fast bacilli in comparison to the conventional technique. Simplicity of procedure and reagent economy were the factors taken into consideration.

Design:  Comparative evaluation between thick and thin air‐dried smears stained conventionally and thick ethanol‐fixed smears stained by the modified technique was done.

Results:  Positive predictive accuracy of all the three smears, that is, thick air‐dried, thin air‐dried and thick ethanol‐fixed, was 100%. Negative predictive accuracy for thick air‐dried, thin air‐dried and thick ethanol‐fixed smears was 36.36%, 32.33% and 34.78%, respectively. Overall predictive accuracy was 66.67% for thick air‐dried, 61.90% for thin air‐dried and 64.29% for thick ethanol‐fixed. These differences were found to be statistically insignificant.

Conclusion:  The modified method offers an accuracy comparable to the conventional technique, is simpler and with improved reagent economy. It is of special importance to diagnostic facilities in rural set‐ups.
Low‐cycle fatigue in silicon: comparison with fcc metals
Authors: GEORGE A. , JACQUES A. , LEGROS M.
Published: November 2006

Undoped FZ silicon single crystals were cyclically loaded in tension‐compression under plastic strain amplitude control in a temperature and strain rate domain where the glide of dislocations is still controlled by the lattice friction: 1073–1173 K and (1.5–6) × 10−4s−1; the plastic strain amplitude being varied from 6 × 10−4 to 10−2. Cyclic hardening curves display logarithmic then linear hardening and pass through a maximum before the peak stress per cycle stabilizes. The maximum and stabilized stresses decrease when temperature increases. Microscopical observations suggest that strain localization takes place near the maximum cyclic stress and beyond. But, contrary to what is observed in fcc metals, the maximum or saturation stress decreases when the strain amplitude per cycle increases. Several types of dislocation arrangements, rather different from those found in copper, but looking more similar to Ni fatigued at low temperatures, were revealed by transmission electron microscopy. Before mechanical saturation, edge dislocation dipoles gather in thick stripes forming more or less corrugated walls, depending on the amplitude per cycle, when viewed normal to the primary slip plane. Once the maximum stress is reached, it seems that parts of the microstructure cease to participate in the imposed plastic strain, while others concentrate it. In active areas, thick walls condense into much thinner ones, forming chevrons when viewed normal to the slip plane. In areas which seem to be inactive, dipolar walls anneal out leaving a rather homogeneous distribution of prismatic loops. Thin PSBs with a well‐characterized ‘ladder‐structure’ are very rare. Characteristic lengths of the observed patterns are given and briefly discussed using current theories of cyclic deformation.
A fracture mechanics approach to estimate the fatigue endurance of welded t‐joints including residual stress effects
Authors: SCHINDLER H. J. , MARTENS H. J. , SÖNNICHSEN S.
Published: November 2006

Residual stresses and weld defects play a major role in the fatigue behaviour of welded structures, so these effects need to be accounted for in a theoretical analysis. A simplified engineering procedure based on linear‐elastic fracture mechanics is applied to estimate the fatigue behaviour, particularly the limit of endurance. Local geometrical irregularities and pre‐existing flaws, which are typical for this kind of weld, are covered by an overall notch intensity factor instead of a specific stress intensity factor, so the initial flaw size is not needed explicitly in the analysis. The effect of residual stresses can be easily included. The cut‐compliance method was applied to measure the residual stress distribution on the cross‐section of the weld. A welded T‐joint was used as a benchmark. Unexpectedly, compressive residual stresses were found to prevail in the root region. According to the analysis, they contribute to the endurance limit of the considered joint by about 50%. This result was confirmed by fatigue tests where a significant decrease in the fatigue strength after a post‐weld stress relieving heat treatment was observed.
Significance of the elastic peak stress evaluated by FE analyses at the point of singularity of sharp V‐notched components
Authors: MENEGHETTI G. , LAZZARIN P.
Published: November 2006

The paper presents an expression useful to estimate the notch stress intensity factor (NSIF) from finite element analyses carried out by using a mesh pattern with a constant element size. The evaluation of the NSIF from a numerical analysis of the local stress field usually requires very refined meshes and then large computational effort. The usefulness of the presented expression is that (i) only the elastic peak stress numerically evaluated at the V‐notch tip is needed and no longer the whole stress–distance set of data; (ii) the adopted meshes are rather coarse if compared to those necessary for the evaluation of the whole local stress field. The proposed expression needs the evaluation of a virtual V‐notch tip radius, i.e. the radius which would produce the same elastic peak stress than that calculated by FEM at the sharp V‐notch tip by means of a given mesh pattern. Once such a radius has been theoretically determined for a given geometry, the expression can be applied in a wide range of notch depths and opening angles.
Strictureplasty vs resection in small bowel Crohn's disease: an evaluation of short‐term outcomes and recurrence
Authors: Reese G. E. , Purkayastha S. , Tilney H. S. , Von Roon A. , Yamamoto T. , Tekkis P. P.
Published: November 2006

Aim  To compare postoperative adverse events and recurrence following strictureplasty or bowel resection in patients with small bowel Crohn's disease (CD).

Method  A literature search was performed to identify studies published between 1980 and 2006 comparing outcomes of CD patients undergoing either strictureplasty or bowel resection. Hazard ratios were calculated from Kaplan–Meier plots of cumulative recurrence data. Quality assessment of the included studies was performed. Random‐effect meta‐analytical techniques were employed. Sensitivity analysis and assessment of heterogeneity were performed.

Results  Seven studies comprising 688 CD patients (strictureplasty n = 311, 45%; resection with or without strictureplasty n = 377, 55%) were included. Patients undergoing strictureplasty alone had a lower risk of developing postoperative complications than those who underwent resection (OR = 0.60, 95% CI: 0.31–1.16) although this was not statistically significant (P = 0.13). Surgical recurrence after strictureplasty was more likely than after resection (OR = 1.36, 95% CI: 0.96–1.93, P = 0.09). Patients who had a resection had a significantly longer recurrence‐free survival than those undergoing strictureplasty alone (HR = 1.08, 95% CI: 1.02–1.15, P = 0.01).

Conclusion  Patients with small bowel CD undergoing strictureplasty alone may have fewer postoperative complications than those undergoing a concomitant bowel resection. However, surgical recurrence maybe higher following strictureplasty alone than with a concomitant small bowel resection. Patients may require appropriate preoperative counselling regarding the pros and cons of each operative technique.
Recto‐urethral fistula following brachytherapy for localized prostate cancer
Authors: Shakespeare D. , Mitchell D. M. , Carey B. M. , Finan P. , Henry A. M. , Ash D. , Bottomley D. M. , Al‐Qaisieh B.
Published: November 2006

Objective  The use of prostate brachytherapy (BT) in the management of prostate cancer is increasing. BT is often chosen because of its perceived lower toxicity when compared with other radical therapy options. Rarely however serious complications can occur. One such complication is recto‐urethral fistula (RUF). We report the incidence of RUF following BT at our centre and review the potential factors in fistula development.

Method  A prospectively collected database was used to identify cases of RUF among 1455 patients treated with prostate BT at a single UK centre with at least 2 years of follow up. This included patients treated with BT monotherapy, as well as those treated with BT combined with external beam radiotherapy and BT used as salvage as all these groups have a higher incidence of RUF. Implant dose and volume characteristics for those patients, their co‐morbidities and history of endoscopic procedures were recorded.

Results  Recto‐urethral fistula was identified in three (0.2%) patients, occurring at 19–27 months following BT. All these patients had BT monotherapy. All three patients had rectal symptoms after their BT and had been investigated with endoscopy and low rectal biopsy. Subsequent surgical management with faecal and/or urinary diversion was required. On review of patients’ BT details, radiation dose and volume parameters were higher on the postprocedure CT calculations than had been suggested by the preimplant plan. No other predisposing risk factors for RUF were identified.

Conclusion  The incidence of RUF in our population is low. RUF following BT has been associated with rectal biopsy in previous series and this is confirmed in our report. Gastrointestinal specialists should not perform biopsy of the anterior rectum in patients who have had BT unless there is a very high clinical suspicion of malignancy.
Early results of immediate repair of obstetric third‐degree tears: 65% are completely asymptomatic despite persistent sphincter defects in 61%
Authors: Hayes J. , Shatari T. , Toozs‐Hobson P. , Busby K. , Pretlove S. , Radley S. , Keighley M.
Published: November 2006

Objective  The outcome of immediate repair of obstetric third‐degree tears is poorly documented. Immediate repair may give better functional results than delayed repair because scarring is reduced. This aim of this prospective study was to examine the early outcome of immediate repair of third‐degree tears.

Method  A total of 121 women who had immediate repair of obstetric third‐degree tears underwent interview, anal ultrasonography and anorectal physiology.

Results  At review, 79 (65%) were completely asymptomatic (score = 0), 23 (19%), had minor flatus incontinence or mild urgency causing no compromise to their quality of life (score 1–4), and 19 (16%) had clinically embarrassing faecal incontinence (score 5–24). Thirty‐nine (32%) had an intact internal anal sphincter (IAS) and external anal sphincter (EAS) (i.e. a successful repair), eight (7%) had a defect in the IAS alone but the EAS was intact (i.e. a successful repair but a residual IAS defect), 43 (35%) had a residual defect in the EAS alone (IAS intact) and 31 (26%) had a persistent defect in the IAS and EAS. Residual defects in either or both of the sphincters were associated with a significantly higher incidence of abnormal resting and squeeze anal pressures. Anal manometry had no correlation with symptoms. The highest proportion of severe incontinence was in those with an IAS defect alone (37%) and when there was a residual IAS and EAS defect (24%). Only 2 of 39 (5%) with an intact IAS and EAS had severe incontinence and only 8 of 43 (18%) with a residual EAS defect alone had severe faecal incontinence.

Conclusion  These results indicate a good outcome following immediate repair of third‐degree obstetric tears and emphasize the role of the IAS in providing continence.
Evaluating the accuracy of data entry in a regional colorectal cancer database: implications for national audit
Authors: Kelly M. , Lamah M.
Published: November 2006

Objective  To determine the accuracy and completeness of data entry in a regional colorectal cancer database.

Method  Records were obtained for 50 patients selected at random from the database. A sample of 18 key data points (preoperative and operative) were selected from the Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland colorectal cancer minimum dataset. Data were extracted from the case notes by a clinician and compared with database entries.

Results  Overall 83% of data elements were present in the patient records. There was agreement between patient records and the database for 61% of data points overall, and for 70% of preoperative data and 47% of operative data.

Conclusion  The regional colorectal cancer database is inaccurate, particularly regarding operative data. Insufficient information in patient records accounts for a proportion of missing data, and lack of agreement between records and the database may be due to misinterpretation of records by nonclinical staff. The accuracy of regional data may be improved by weekly review of database entries and/or entry of clinical data by a clinician.
Laparoscopic colonic resection in fast‐track patients does not enhance short‐term recovery after elective surgery
Authors: MacKay G. , Ihedioha U. , McConnachie A. , Serpell M. , Molloy R. G. , O'Dwyer P. J.
Published: November 2006

Background  Laparoscopic colorectal surgery has been claimed to enhance recovery when compared with open surgery. The aim of our study was to investigate whether laparoscopic colorectal resection improved recovery with the use of a multimodal rehabilitation programme.

Method  We carried out a prospective audit of 80 patients undergoing elective colorectal resection between November 2003 and March 2005. All patients underwent a fast‐track protocol with early feeding, mobilization and a fluid and sodium restriction regime. Recovery was measured in terms of return of gastrointestinal function, hospital stay, complications and quality of life measures.

Results  Of the 80 patients in the study 22 underwent laparoscopic resection and 58 had open surgery. Patients were well matched for all baseline characteristics. The groups were not significantly different in terms of opioid or antiemetic use. They were also similar in median time to first flatus (69 h vs 69 h, P = 0.36) and median time to first bowel motion (127 h vs 101 h, P = 0.07). There was no difference in median hospital stay (5.8 days vs 5.9 days, P = 0.87) or complications (P = 0.46) between the laparoscopic and open group. There were no significant differences in Short Form 36 scores between the two groups for any of the components measured.

Conclusion  Laparoscopic colorectal resection does not appear to reduce the duration of ileus or hospital stay with the use of a multimodal rehabilitation regime. Further large randomized trials are required to confirm these findings.
Traits, States, and Encoding Speed: Support for a Top‐Down View of Neuroticism/State Relations
Authors: Robinson Michael D. , Clore Gerald L.
Published: November 2006

ABSTRACT
Recent theories suggest that trait neuroticism gains its pernicious power particularly among individuals less capable of making distinctions concerning present reality. Four studies, involving 272 undergraduates, sought to provide some basic, assessment‐related support for such theories in the context of individual differences in choice reaction time, which reflect abilities to make distinctions at encoding. Studies 1–3 focused on somatic symptoms, whereas Study 4 focused on neurotic behaviors and negative affect. As predicted, neuroticism consistently interacted with categorization speed in predicting these dependent measures. Specifically, neuroticism/outcome relations were robust among individuals slow to make distinctions at encoding; by contrast, neuroticism did not predict the dependent measures among individuals fast to make distinctions. Such data reinforce suggestions that neuroticism is particularly pernicious among individuals less capable of making distinctions at encoding.
Trade Sanctions and the Incidence of Child Labor
Authors: Grossmann Harald , Michaelis Jochen
Published: November 2006

The purpose of this paper is to develop an imperfect competition model of a small open developing country to analyze the effects of trade sanctions on the incidence of child labor. We show that a uniform tariff levied by the developed countries on imports produced with the help of child labor is a failure in terms of reducing child labor. A more effective course of action would be a firm‐specific tariff where the tariff rate varies with the amount of child labor incorporated in a single good. While such an instrument reduces child labor, however, it worsens the children’s well‐being due to lower income and consumption. Contrary to expectations, the entrepreneurs in the developing countries, supposedly the main beneficiaries of child labor, are better off under trade sanctions as they realize higher profits.
A Note on Production Efficiency in Oligopolistic Trade Models
Authors: Ghosh Arghya
Published: November 2006

In a two‐country segmented markets model with homogeneous product Cournot oligopoly we show that production efficiency improves in the free‐trade regime compared to autarky, if autarky price in each country is lower than both the post‐trade prices—which holds, for example, when preferences are identical. The result holds irrespective of the demand structure, number, and cost distribution of firms in the two countries. The improvement in production efficiency lowers average cost of production which, for some parameterizations, gives rise to higher aggregate profits for all countries in the free‐trade regime (compared to autarky). Though free trade (zero tariffs) improves production efficiency from autarky (prohibitive tariffs), freer trade is not always associated with greater production efficiency.
Does Productivity Growth Appreciate the Real Exchange Rate?*
Authors: Lee Jaewoo , Tang Man‐Keung
Published: November 2006

Revisiting the time‐honored link between productivity growth and the real exchange rate, we find that higher labor productivity tends to appreciate the real exchange rate, consistent with the traditional view. Contrary to the traditional view, however, we find that the positive productivity effect is transmitted through the relative price between tradable goods, rather than through the relative price between tradables and nontradables. Moreover, higher total factor productivity is found to often depreciate the real exchange rate. These latter two pieces of evidence, combined with the conceptual strength of total factor productivity over labor productivity as a productivity measure, call for further refinement of the conventional view regarding the effect of productivity on the real exchange rate.
Simultaneous Reform of Tariffs and Quotas
Authors: Neary J. Peter
Published: November 2006

This paper presents a general result for simultaneous reform of tariffs and quotas in a small open economy, where some of the quota rents do not accrue to domestic residents. Absent highly perverse income effects, welfare must rise following a uniform proportionate reduction in tariffs and a uniform proportionate relaxation of quotas, weighted by their rent‐retention parameters. Previous results are shown to be special cases of this one, and its implications for practical policy advice and its relationship with the policy of “tariffication” of quotas are discussed.
Trademark Protection or Protectionism?*
Authors: Baroncelli Eugenia , Krivonos Ekaterina , Olarreaga Marcelo
Published: November 2006

This paper explores the extent to which discrimination against foreign applicants in the trademark registration process can be used as a “behind‐the‐border” barrier to imports. Prima‐facie evidence shows that in some developing countries the ratio of trademark registrations to applications is much higher for national than for foreign applicants, which is consistent with the notion of discrimination against foreign firms. A simple model is developed that suggests that incentives to discriminate are stronger when foreign firms manufacture products that are close in quality to the goods produced by domestic firms. This hypothesis is then tested and empirically confirmed in three of the four countries in our sample, suggesting that discretion and discrimination in the trademark registration process can sometimes be used as a protectionist tool.
International Surveys of Educational Achievement: How Robust are the Findings?
Authors: Brown Giorgina , Micklewright John , Schnepf Sylke V. , Waldmann Robert
Published: November 2006

International surveys of educational achievement and functional literacy are increasingly common. We consider two aspects of the robustness of their results. First, we compare results from four surveys: the Trends in International Maths and Science Study, the Programme for International Student Assessment, the Progress in International Reading Literacy Study and the International Adult Literacy Survey. This contrasts with the standard approach which is to analyse just one survey in isolation. Second, we investigate whether results are sensitive to the choice of item response model that is used by survey organizers to aggregate respondents’ answers into a single score. In both cases we focus on countries’ average scores, the within-country differences in scores and on the association between the two.
The effects of severe growth hormone deficiency on the skin of patients with Sheehan's syndrome
Authors: Borlu M , Tanriverdi F , Koc CA , Unluhizarci K , Utas S , Kelestimur F
Published: November 2006

Background  Growth hormone (GH) may play an important role in the content and appearance of the skin. Dry, thin and pale skin has been described in hypopituitarism. Sheehan's syndrome is characterized by anterior pituitary dysfunction due to postpartum pituitary necrosis and GH is one of the hormones lost first.

Objective  The aim of this study was to examine the hydration of the skin of patients with Sheehan's syndrome using measurements of capacitance, sebum content, transepidermal water loss, pH and temperature. The data were compared with those of control subjects.

Methods  A total of 21 patients with Sheehan's syndrome and 20 women as control subjects were included in this blinded prospective study. Hormone deficiencies other than GH had been adequately replaced. The diagnosis of GH deficiency (GHD) was established by the insulin tolerance test (ITT). Skin properties were measured by non‐invasive and well‐established methods.

Results  The skin capacitance had decreased on the forehead and forearm and sebum content had decreased on the forehead of patients with Sheehan's syndrome when compared with control subjects. The pH, temperature and average transepidermal water loss (TEWL) of the skin of the patients were not statistically different from the controls.

Conclusion  GHD results in a decrease in skin capacitance and sebum content indicating that GH and/or insulin‐like growth factor‐I (IGF‐I) have an important role in skin function.
To cope with uncertainty: stroke patients’ use of temporal models in narratives
Authors: Hjelmblink Finn , Holmstrom Inger
Published: November 2006

Stroke victims have to cope with a disrupted autobiography and anxiety because of an uncertain future. Professionals share this uncertainty. The patients reveal their experiences in narratives, and when they try to regain coherence and confidence in life, they use narratives in the reconstructions. Because they have a temporal problem, time might be an important issue in these narratives. The aim of this study was to elucidate the use of time models in stroke patients’ narratives. Nineteen stroke patients, who had recently been discharged to their homes after the stroke, accepted to participate in the study. Their age span was between 56 and 89 years. They had lived active urban lives before the stroke, and poststroke only three had more serious physical impairment, and none was demented. They were asked to talk about their present life and their conceptions of future life. The interviews were audio‐taped and transcribed verbatim and narratives that referred to temporal aspects were thematically analysed with reference to narrative time models. The stroke accident had caused an autobiographical disruption and a temporal split because of a new awareness of human temporality and an uncertainty of the future. Confronted with these problems of time, the stroke victims constructed narratives based on the time models: time cycles and dissolution of time limits, exchange of time and exclusion from time. Hence, the time models worked as tools when the stroke victims re‐established coherence in their present and future life. Stroke patients handled an uncertain future by using temporal models in their narratives. Professionals can support stroke patients by reinforcing these models.