bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Proteomic analysis of endodontic infections by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Nandakumar R. , Madayiputhiya N. , Fouad A. F.
Published: June 2009

Introduction:  Endodontic infections are very prevalent and have a polymicrobial etiology characterized by complex interrelationships between endodontic microorganisms and the host defenses. Proteomic analysis of endodontic infections can provide global insights into the invasion, pathogenicity mechanisms, and multifactorial interactions existing between root canal bacteria and the host in the initiation and progression of apical periodontitis. The purpose of this study was to apply proteomic techniques such as liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) for the identification of proteins of bacterial origin present in endodontic infections.

Methods:  Endodontic specimens were aseptically obtained from seven patients with root canal infections. Protein mixtures were subjected to tryptic in‐solution digestion and analysed by reverse‐phase nano‐LC–MS/MS followed by a database search.

Results:  Proteins, mainly of cell wall or membrane origin, from endodontic bacteria especially Enterococcus faecalis, Enterococcus faecium, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Fusobacterium nucleatum, and Treponema denticola were identified from all the samples tested. Identified proteins included adhesins, autolysins, proteases, virulence factors, and antibiotic‐resistance proteins.

Conclusions:  LC–MS/MS offers a sensitive analytical platform to study the disease processes in the root canal environment. The array of proteins expressed in endodontic infections reflects the complex microbial presence and highlights the bacterial species involved in the inflammatory process.
Dysfunctional innate immune responsiveness to Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharide in diabetes
Authors: Morran M. P. , Alexander L. A. , Slotterbeck B. D. , McInerney M. F.
Published: June 2009

Introduction:  Type 1 diabetes is a major risk factor for the development of severe periodontal disease. As diabetes increases in severity, so does the susceptibility to and severity of periodontitis. People with diabetes who have periodontal disease have a harder time maintaining healthy blood glucose levels. Macrophages play an important role in both diabetes and periodontitis. Previous research comparing bone‐marrow‐derived macrophages (BM‐Mϕ) from diabetic non‐obese diabetic (NOD) mice and control mice illustrates that a dysregulation in cytokine, Toll‐like receptor (TLR) expression, and cell signaling occurs in the diabetic state.

Methods:  This study examines the effect of chronic hyperglycemia on BM‐Mϕ TLR expression and activation, cell signaling, cytokine production, and phagocytic function in the diabetic state, when challenged with the periodontal stimulus Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to further understand how diabetes and associated hyperglycemia may contribute to the increased susceptibility of people with diabetes to periodontitis.

Results:  When BM‐Mϕ, obtained from diabetic NOD mice, are stimulated with P. gingivalis LPS under hyperglycemic conditions the following changes occur: reduced messenger RNA expression and cell surface expression of TLR2, reduced messenger RNA expression and protein production of tumor necrosis factor‐α, reduced signal transduction, and a reduction in phagocytic function. All the activity of BM‐Mϕ from diabetic NOD mice was restored when differentiation and stimulation occurred under normoglycemic conditions.

Discussion:  Diabetic patients in a hyperglycemic state may be generating macrophages that are inherently immunocompromised, contributing to an environment allowing periodontal infections to flourish. As a consequence, people with diabetes who maintain proper control of blood sugar levels may experience an increased immunological benefit when challenged with a periodontal infection.
Periodontitis lesions are the main source of salivary cytomegalovirus
Authors: Şahin S. , Saygun I. , Kubar A. , Slots J.
Published: June 2009

Background:  Herpesviruses play causal or cooperative roles in childhood infections, tumorigenesis, ulcerogenesis, and periodontitis. Saliva is a common vehicle of herpesvirus horizontal transmission, but the source of salivary herpesviruses remains obscure. To evaluate the significance of periodontal disease in shedding of oral herpesviruses, this study determined the genome‐copy counts of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) and Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) in whole saliva of subjects with periodontitis, gingivitis, or no natural teeth.

Methods:  Whole saliva was collected from 14 periodontitis patients, 15 gingivitis patients and 13 complete denture wearers. The study subjects were systemically healthy and had not received periodontal treatment in the past 3 months. Real‐time TaqMan polymerase chain reaction was used to determine the salivary load of HCMV and EBV.

Results:  Salivary HCMV was detected in seven (50%) periodontitis patients, but not in any gingivitis or edentulous subjects (P < 0.001). Salivary EBV was detected in 11 (79%) periodontitis patients, in five (33%) gingivitis patients, and in seven (54%) edentulous subjects (P = 0.076). Salivary samples showed copy counts of HCMV in the range of 3.3 × 103–4.2 × 104/ml and of EBV in the range of 3.6 × 102–1.6 × 109/ml.

Conclusions:  HCMV and EBV are commonly present in the saliva of periodontitis patients. Periodontitis lesions of systemically healthy subjects seem to constitute the main origin of salivary HCMV, but do not comprise the sole source of salivary EBV.
Clinical effects of a Long‐term Educational Program for Children with Asthma – Aironet®. A 1‐yr randomized controlled trial
Authors: Indinnimeo Luciana , Bonci Enea , Capra Lucetta , La Grutta Stefania , Monaco Francesca , Paravati Francesco , Passalacqua Giovanni , Silvestre Gaetano , Duse Marzia
Published: June 2009

Educational self‐management programs for children with asthma have now become a routine feature in the management of the disease, as international guidelines underline. We designed this trial to find out whether Aironet®, an educational program developed for children with asthma, influenced asthma severity and improved parents’ knowledge of the disease. In a multicenter, prospective, randomized controlled trial we enrolled 123 children, 72 boys, mean age 8.78 yr (±2.33 s.d.), with intermittent or mild persistent asthma. Participants were randomly assigned to an education group, who received Aironet® at baseline and 2 months later (60 children), or to a control group who did not (63 children). Follow‐up lasted 12 months and included out‐patient clinic visits and spirometry at 2, 4 and 12 months. At baseline and at 12 months follow‐up, parents were questioned about their knowledge of asthma, and their children’s asthmatic attacks, use of systemic corticosteroids, family physician or hospital emergency room visits, hospitalizations and asthma‐related school absences. Questionnaire replies at 12‐month follow‐up reported significantly fewer asthma attacks in patients who received the program than in those who did not (1.65 ± 1.21 vs. 2.34 ± 1.73; p < 0.05). For the subgroup of children who had ≥3 asthma attacks at baseline, parents’ knowledge improved significantly more in the educational group than in the control group. The out‐patient educational program Aironet® reduces the number of asthma attacks in children with intermittent or mild persistent asthma and improves knowledge of the disease.
Unravelling and managing fusiform rust disease: a model approach for coevolved forest tree pathosystems
Authors: Nelson C. D. , Kubisiak T. L. , Amerson H. V.
Published: June 2009

Fusiform rust disease remains the most destructive disease in pine plantations in the southern United States. Our ongoing research is designed to identify, map, and clone the interacting genes of the host and pathogen. Several resistance (R) genes have been identified and genetically mapped using informative pine families and single‐spore isolate inoculations. In addition, we are mapping the first of many expected corresponding avirulence (Avr) genes in the fungal pathogen. The Avr genes condition avirulence/virulence and avirulence is required for an incompatible reaction (i.e., no‐gall development) to take place within an inoculated tree that carries resistance at the corresponding R gene. We provide an overview of our methodology for identifying and mapping R and Avr genes, an update of our current progress, and a brief discussion of two approaches for predicting R gene genotypes of uncharacterized parental trees and for estimating the efficacy of specific pine genotypes at various planting locations. This paper emphasizes the critical importance of controlled genetic materials of both the host and pathogen for elucidating the genetic nature of resistance and virulence in coevolved forest pathosystems.
Frontal and cingulate gray matter volume reduction in heroin dependence: Optimized voxel‐based morphometry
Authors: Liu Haihong , Hao Yihui , Kaneko Yoshio , Ouyang Xuan , Zhang Yan , Xu Lin , Xue Zhimin , Liu Zhening
Published: June 2009

Aims:  Repeated exposure to heroin, a typical opiate, causes neuronal adaptation and may result in anatomical changes in specific brain regions, particularly the frontal and limbic cortices. The volume changes of gray matter (GM) of these brain regions, however, have not been identified in heroin addiction.

Methods:  Using structural magnetic resonance imaging and an optimized voxel‐based morphometry approach, the GM volume difference between 15 Chinese heroin‐dependent and 15 healthy subjects was tested.

Results:  Compared to healthy subjects, the heroin‐dependent subjects had reduced GM volume in the right prefrontal cortex, left supplementary motor cortex and bilateral cingulate cortices.

Conclusion:  Frontal and cingulate atrophy may be involved in the neuropathology of heroin dependence.
Neurochemistry of the hippocampus in patients with obsessive–compulsive disorder
Authors: Atmaca Murad , Yildirim Hanefi , Ozdemir Huseyin , Koc Mustafa , Ozler Sinan , Tezcan Ertan
Published: June 2009

Aim:  To date, despite possible neuroanatomical importance, no magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) study on hippocampus has been performed in obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD). The purpose of the present study was therefore to compare hippocampal chemicals in patients with OCD with those in healthy subjects with no psychopathology.

Methods:  Eighteen patients meeting DSM‐IV criteria for OCD and 18 healthy controls were studied. The patients and controls underwent proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H‐MRS), and measures of N‐acetyl‐l‐aspartate (NAA), choline (CHO), and creatine (CRE) in hippocampal regions were obtained.

Results:  Both NAA/CRE and NAA/CHO ratios in the hippocampus in patients with OCD were reduced relative to healthy controls. The anova showed a near‐significant effect of diagnosis for NAA/CRE and a significant effect for NAA/CHO, but the anova did not show any significant effect even at a trend level for CHO/CRE. No main effect of hemisphere was found for any metabolite ratio.

Conclusions:  The presence of neuronal degeneration is suggested in OCD. Future longitudinal neuroimaging and neuropsychological studies with larger patient samples are warranted in order to confirm these preliminary findings to better characterize the relevance of neurochemical abnormalities in hippocampus in the pathophysiology of OCD.
Subjective assessments of the quality of life, well‐being and self‐efficacy in patients with schizophrenia
Authors: Chino Bun , Nemoto Takahiro , Fujii Chiyo , Mizuno Masafumi
Published: June 2009

Aim:  The present study examined three kinds of subjective assessment scales in the same patient group with schizophrenia to analyze the correlations among scores obtained in relation to the background data.

Method:  Thirty‐six patients with schizophrenia were examined with the 26‐item short form of the World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHO‐QOL 26), Subjective Well‐being under Neuroleptic drug treatment: Short Japanese version (SWNS) and Self‐Efficacy for Community Life scale (SECL) for subjective assessment scales, five kinds of neurocognitive tests, Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) for clinical symptom, Social Functioning Scale (SFS), and Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) scale for social functioning.

Result:  The scores for delusions (components of positive syndrome), anxiety and depression (components of general psychopathology) on the PANSS significantly correlated with QoL and subjective well‐being scores. In contrast, the scores for components of negative syndrome were not correlated with the subjective assessment scores. Furthermore, none of the clinical symptom scores were correlated with the score in self‐efficacy scale. The SFS and GAF scores were significantly correlated with the subjective assessment scores. There were significant correlations among the scores on the three subjective assessment scales.

Conclusion:  Each scale has different features and should be utilized depending upon the expected effect of treatment or the purpose of assessment. The treatments provided to patients must be directed at improving both psychological and social impairments, in order to enhance the social functioning and QoL of patients.
Development of chondrosarcoma animal models for assessment of adjuvant therapy
Authors: Clark J. C. M. , Dass C. R. , Choong P. F. M.
Published: June 2009

Chondrosarcoma is a primary cancer of bone causing significant morbidity due to local recurrence and limited treatment options. Relatively few chondrosarcoma animal models have been developed, and the only orthotopic model is technically demanding and has limited clinical relevance. The aim of this review is to assess the features of current animal chondrosarcoma models for the purpose of developing new models in which to test adjuvant chondrosarcoma therapy. The available literature on this topic was identified using the PubMed database, and then analysed for relevance to the human chondrosarcoma disease and feasibility in testing new therapeutic agents. Animal‐derived chondrosarcoma models comprise predominantly allograft tumour transplanted into the rat (Swarm rat chondrosarcoma) or the hamster. These types of models are less relevant to the human disease and have been more useful for evaluation of chondrosarcoma growth and histology than in developing novel therapeutic agents. The athymic nude mouse has enabled reliable human xenograft transplantation. A number of human chondrosarcoma cell lines have been successfully used to generate tumours in this species, including OUMS‐27 and HCS‐2/A. Although effective in demonstrating anti‐tumour effects of a number of agents, the lack of a representative orthotopic model diminishes overall clinical relevance. More clinically relevant models of human chondrosarcoma progression are required either through transgenic mice or orthotopic human xenograft models.
NOTES: new dimension of minimally invasive surgery
Authors: Yan Song‐Ling , Thompson‐Fawcett Mark
Published: June 2009

Natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) is an emerging experimental alternative to conventional surgery. NOTES eliminates abdominal incisions and incision‐related complications by combining endoscopic and laparoscopic techniques to diagnose and treat abdominal pathology. Since the first NOTES was reported by Kalloo et al. in 2004, significant achievements in the laboratory have occurred. Clinical use in humans has been limited, but several cases and one small clinical trial were published recently. As a further technical revolution in minimally invasive surgery, NOTES has the promising potential to be safer, less invasive, provide better cosmesis and possibly be more cost‐effective. The purpose of the present article was to review the development and current status of NOTES and highlight important advances associated with this innovative approach.
How safe is open abdominal aortic aneurysm surgery for octogenarians in New Zealand?
Authors: Thomson Ian A. , Goh Fern , Livingstone Vicki , Van Rij Andre M.
Published: June 2009

Background:  Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is an important cause of mortality for the aged, a group that has been denied surgery in the past for fear of peri‐operative mortality. Is this attitude still justified?

Methods:  Analysis of prospectively gathered data from a vascular database.

Results:  10.9% of all open AAA operations were in patients older than 79 years with an 8% mortality cate compared to 3% for younger patients. For fit elderly patients with ASA scores less than 3, mortality was just under 4%. Renal failure and wound dehiscence were more common in the elderly.

Conclusion:  When endovascular repair is not possible in a fit elderly patient, open surgery can be performed with acceptable results.
Clinical and radiological outcomes after revision to the low‐contact‐stress mobile‐bearing total knee arthroplasty
Authors: Whitehead David J. , Hooper Gary J. , Bell Virginia
Published: June 2009

Background:  The aim of the present study was to investigate the short–medium‐term clinical and radiological outcomes in revision total knee arthroplasty using a mobile‐bearing implant.

Methods:  Forty patients (42 knees) who had revisions using the New Jersey low‐contact‐stress (LCS) mobile‐bearing total knee arthroplasty between 1996 and 2000 were reviewed.

Results:  The average age at revision was 71 years (range, 38–86 years) and the average follow up was 6 years (range, 5–9 years). Of the 34 patients reviewed clinically, six had excellent results, and 20 had good results, to give a total of 76% excellent or good results. There were five (15%) fair results and three (9%) poor results. Seven patients required revision of the components. There was one case of instability within the first year of revision, which required only exchange of the polyethylene bearing to achieve a satisfactory clinical outcome. Of the 31 knees reviewed radiologically, progressive radiolucent lines were seen at the bone–cement interface in five (16%) of the femoral components and in two (6%) of the tibial components.

Conclusion:  Unconstrained LCS mobile‐bearing total knee arthroplasty can be used in revision surgery with satisfactory results after medium‐term follow up (level of evidence: therapeutic level III).
980‐nm laser therapy versus varicose vein surgery in racially diverse Penang, Malaysia
Authors: Lakhwani Murli N. , Dadlani Navin I. , Wong Yong C.
Published: June 2009

Background: Chronic venous disorders are conditions of increasing prevalence in the developing world, and venous ulceration is the terminal sequel. Currently there are only limited data on all aspects of this from Southeast Asia. The aim of the present study was to assess differences in the demography and outcome between varicose vein surgery (VVS) and the relatively new endovenous laser therapy (EVT) in patients from Penang, Malaysia.

Methods: A retrospective study was performed. Patients who presented to the outpatient clinic of the surgical department with saphenofemoral junction and/or saphenopopliteal junction incompetence associated with reflux of the great saphenous vein or small saphenous vein, respectively, underwent either surgery (1999–2004) or laser therapy (2004–2006). A single surgeon at a single institution performed all procedures.

Results: A total of 350 limbs were treated from 292 patients. Demographics, symptoms, outcomes and complications that arose in both groups were compared. There were significant improvements in pains, swelling, cramps and heaviness postoperatively (P< 0.001) in both groups. Deep venous thrombosis was present as a complication in the VVS group at 3.0%, but was absent altogether in the EVT group.

Conclusions: Although both are highly effective procedures, laser therapy has become popular as an elective procedure with its minimally invasive nature, cosmesis, rapid recovery and other advantages. Surgery remains an important and very cost‐effective procedure, especially in a developing society such as Penang.
Resection of liver metastases from colorectal cancer: does preoperative chemotherapy affect the accuracy of PET in preoperative planning?
Authors: Adie Sam , Yip Carmen , Chu Francis , Morris David L.
Published: June 2009

Background:  Preoperative scanning for hepatic colorectal metastases surgery remains a challenge, especially in the age of preoperative chemotherapy, which has marked biochemical and physical effects on the liver. Integrated fluoro‐deoxyglucose positron emission tomography and computed tomography (FDG‐PET/CT) has applications for detecting extrahepatic disease. The aim of the present study was to investigate FDG‐PET/CT as a preoperative planning tool for detecting liver lesions in patients with and without preoperative chemotherapy.

Methods:  Patients who had resection of hepatic colorectal metastases between January 2004 and June 2006 were included. Patients were divided into those who received preoperative chemotherapy and those who did not. Malignant hepatic lesions found on each scan were compared with those found on histopathology, intraoperative examination and/or intraoperative ultrasound. Accurate scans (scan lesions corresponded to true lesions), false positives (scan lesions detected at least one non‐lesion) and false negatives (scan lesions missed at least one true lesions) were recorded. Results were also compared on a per lesion basis.

Results:  A total of 21 patients had preoperative FDG‐PET/CT scans with preoperative chemotherapy and 53 without. Accurate tests were six (29%) for the chemotherapy group versus 28 (53%) for the non‐chemotherapy group (P= 0.06). Notably, there were 11 (52%) underestimations in the chemotherapy group versus 18 (34%) in the non‐chemotherapy group. A total of 1.7 lesions were missed per patient in the chemotherapy group versus 0.7 in those who did not receive chemotherapy.

Conclusion:  Preoperative assessment with FDG‐PET/CT is not useful for hepatic colorectal metastases, particularly when preoperative chemotherapy is used, with a trend towards underestimation of lesions.
Skin grafts: a rural general surgical perspective*
Authors: Henderson Nigel J. , Fancourt Michael , Gilkison William , Kyle Stephen , Mosquera Damien
Published: June 2009

Background:  Skin grafts are a common method of closing skin defects. The literature comparing methods of graft application and subsequent outcomes is poor, but reports indicate a graft failure rate between 2 and 30%. The aim of this study was to audit our current skin graft practice.

Methods:  Data were collected prospectively on all skin grafts performed by the general surgical department between 1st December 2005 and 1st December 2006. A standardized proforma on each patient included data on age, gender, graft indication, application method, comorbidities, length of stay, and graft outcomes including graft take at 1, 2 and 6 weeks post‐operatively.

Results:  There were 85 grafts performed on 74 patients, median age 72 years (9–102 years), with 10 (12%) acute admissions. Prophylactic antibiotics were given to 50% (38 of 74) of patients.

Successful grafts (>80% take) were performed in 68 (80%) patients.

The overall graft complication rate was 24.7% (22 of 85 grafts). Infection occurred in 13 of 17 graft failures. No patients underwent re‐operation for graft failure.

Patients who received prophylactic antibiotics had a reduced risk of graft failure (Fisher's exact test, P = 0.016).

Conclusion:  Skin grafts were performed successfully in the majority of patients. Graft complication and failure rates compare well with the world literature. The use of prophylactic antibiotics was the only predictor of successful graft take.
Outcomes of minimally invasive surgery for phaeochromocytoma
Authors: Meyer‐Rochow Goswin Y. , Soon Patsy S. H. , Delbridge Leigh W. , Sywak Mark S. , Bambach Chris P. , Clifton‐Bligh Roderick J. , Robinson Bruce G. , Sidhu Stan B.
Published: June 2009

Laparoscopic adrenalectomy is now accepted as the procedure of choice for the resection of benign adrenocortical tumours, but few studies have assessed whether the outcomes of laparoscopic adrenalectomy for adrenal phaeochromocytoma are similar to that of other adrenal tumour types. This is a retrospective cohort study. Clinical and operative data were obtained from an adrenal tumour database and hospital records. A total of 191 patients had laparoscopic adrenalectomy, of which 36 were for phaeochromocytoma, over a 12‐year period. Length of hospital stay (4.8 vs 3.6 days, P= 0.03) and total operating times (183 vs 157 min, P= 0.01) were greater in the laparoscopic phaeochromocytoma resection group. Despite the greater size of the phaeochromocytomas compared to the remaining adrenal tumour types (44 mm vs 30 mm, P < 0.01), however, rate of conversion and morbidity were no different. Laparoscopic adrenalectomy for phaeochromocytoma is a safe procedure with similar outcomes to laparoscopic adrenalectomy for other adrenal tumour types.
Reoperative adrenal surgery: lessons learnt
Authors: Tan Charles T. , Meyer‐Rochow Goswin Y. , Sywak Mark S. , Delbridge Leigh W. , Sidhu Stan B.
Published: June 2009

With the widespread use of abdominal imaging, the detection and therefore incidence of adrenal tumours is increasing. The laparoscopic approach to primary surgical resection of adrenal tumours has now become the standard of care. There is scarce published literature regarding the management and outcomes of recurrent adrenal tumours. The aim of the present study was therefore to review the authors' experience with reoperative adrenal surgery. A retrospective review of reoperative adrenalectomy cases identified from the prospectively maintained University of Sydney Endocrine Surgical Unit Database from January 1988 to July 2007 was carried out. There were nine (3.5%) reoperative adrenalectomies in six patients. Two were cases of adrenocortical carcinoma, two involved cases of familial phaeochromocytomas and two cases were due to sporadic phaeochromocytomas. Reoperative adrenal surgery is an uncommon event. During the index surgery for adrenal tumours, all adrenal tissue should be removed and knowledge of the vagaries of adrenal anatomy is essential. Reoperative adrenal surgery is a safe procedure and may confer survival benefit or symptom relief. Lifelong follow up is essential for all patients who have had surgery for functional and malignant adrenal tumours.
Outcome of parathyroidectomy for patients with renal disease and hyperparathyroidism: predictors for recurrent hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Low Tsu‐Hui (Hubert) , Clark Jonathan , Gao Kan , Eris Josette , Shannon Kerwin , O'Brien Christopher
Published: June 2009

Background:  A small group of patients with renal disease‐related secondary or tertiary hyperparathyroidism require surgical parathyroidectomy. Among them, 5–20% require further re‐exploration and excision of parathyroid tissue because of recurrent disease. The aims of the present study were to review the characteristics and outcomes of patients undergoing parathyroidectomy for renal disease related hyperparathyroidism and to identify the risk factors for recurrent hyperparathyroidism.

Methods:  Review of data from a dedicated head and neck database at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital between 1988 and 2004.

Results:  There were 115 patients of whom 68 (59%) patients were treated with subtotal parathyroidectomy (STP), 43 (37%) were treated with total parathyroidectomy (TP) and 4 (3%) were treated with TP with autotransplant. Of those, 11 (9.6%) patients developed recurrent hyperparathyroidism (9 had STP, 1 had TP and 1 had TP with autotransplant). On re‐exploration, persistent hyperplastic parathyroid tissue was located at the site of partially excised parathyroid gland (64%), autotransplanted parathyroid tissue (9%), anterior mediastinum (18%) and intrathyroidal parathyroid (9%). Predictors for recurrent hyperparathyroidism are STP (P= 0.049), preoperative symptom of calciphylaxis or calcinosis (P= 0.024), elevated preoperative calcium level (P= 0.007) and elevated post‐operative PTH levels (P= 0.014). Post‐operative PTH levels less than 10 pmol/L has a positive predictive value of 97.5% for cure (P= 0.02).

Conclusion:  More aggressive surgical approach could be indicated in patients with preoperative hypercalcaemia and calcinosis/calciphylaxis. Post‐operative PTH can be utilized as a marker for cure after parathyroidectomy in hyperparathyroidism of renal disease.
Management of hyperfunctioning single thyroid nodules in the era of minimally invasive thyroid surgery
Authors: Tan Charles , Sidhu Stan , Sywak Mark , Delbridge Leigh
Published: June 2009

Both surgical excision and radioiodine ablation are effective modalities in the management of hyperfunctioning thyroid nodules. Minimally invasive thyroid surgery (MITS) using the lateral mini‐incision approach has previously been demonstrated to be a safe and effective technique for thyroid lobectomy. As such MITS may offer advantages as a surgical approach to hyperfunctioning thyroid nodules without the need for a long cervical incision or extensive dissection associated with formal open hemithyroidectomy. The aim of the present study was to assess the safety and efficacy of MITS for the treatment of hyperfunctioning thyroid nodules. This is a retrospective case study. Data were obtained from the University of Sydney Endocrine Surgical Unit Database from 2002 to 2007. There were 86 cases of hyperfunctioning thyroid nodules surgically removed during the study period, of which 10 (12%) were managed using the MITS approach. The ipsilateral recurrent laryngeal nerve was identified and preserved in all cases with no incidence of temporary or permanent nerve palsy. The external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve was visualized and preserved in eight cases (80%). There were no cases of postoperative bleeding. There was one clinically significant follicular thyroid carcinoma in the series (10%). In nine of 10 cases (90%) normalization of thyroid function followed surgery. MITS is a safe and effective procedure, achieving the benefits of a minimally invasive procedure with minimal morbidity. As such it now presents an attractive alternative to radioiodine ablation for the management of small hyperfunctioning thyroid nodules.
Understanding statistical analysis in the surgical literature: some key concepts
Authors: Young Jane
Published: June 2009

Understanding the fundamentals of statistical analysis allows surgeons to evaluate the logic and validity of statistical methods presented in published papers in order to make a judgement about the quality of the reported findings. This paper presents an overview of some basic concepts, with an emphasis on principles rather than on mathematical detail, which relate to selecting the correct statistical test and interpreting the results of statistical analysis.

The most important factor in determining the appropriate significance test is the type of outcome data that have been collected. A significance test is used to calculate a probability (P) value, which is a measure of the strength of the effect seen in the study, but additional useful information is obtained from confidence intervals that indicate not only the size and direction of the effect but also the precision of the study. Judgements about the clinical importance of a result should be based on the size of the effect seen rather than the P value, as the latter is strongly influenced by the size of the study.
Acute stroke and transient ischaemic attack management – time to act fast
Authors: Crimmins D. S. , Levi C. R. , Gerraty R. P. , Beer C. D. , Hill K. M. ,   on behalf of the National Stroke Foundation Acute Stroke Guidelines Expert Working Group
Published: June 2009

Stroke is Australia's second single greatest killer with 53 000 new events each year at a rate of 1 every 10 min. Stroke services should be organized to enable people to access proven therapies, such as stroke unit care and thrombolysis, to reduce the impact of stroke. Timely, efficient and coordinated care from ambulance services, emergency services and stroke services will maximize recovery and prevent costly complications and subsequent strokes. Efficient management of patients with transient ischaemic attack can produce significant reductions in subsequent stroke events and risk stratification using the ABCD2 tool can aid management decisions. Evidence for acute stroke care continues to evolve and it is crucial that health professionals are aware of, and implement, best practice clinical guidelines for stroke care.
The implementation of intravenous tissue plasminogen activator in acute ischaemic stroke – a scientific position statement from the National Stroke Foundation and the Stroke Society of Australasia
Authors:   Ad Hoc Committee representing the National Stroke Foundation and the Stroke Society of Australasia
Published: June 2009

Intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) has been licensed in Australia for thrombolysis in selected patients with acute ischaemic stroke since 2003. The use of tPA is low but is increasing across Australia and national audits indicate efficacy and safety outcomes equivalent to international benchmarks. Implementing tPA therapy in clinical practice is, however, challenging and requires a coordinated multidisciplinary approach to acute stroke care across prehospital, emergency department and inpatient care sectors. Stroke care units are an essential ingredient underpinning safe implementation of stroke thrombolysis. Support systems such as care pathways, therapy delivery protocols, and thrombolysis‐experienced multidisciplinary care teams are also important enablers. Where delivery of stroke thrombolysis is being planned, health systems need to be re‐configured to provide these important elements. This consensus statement provides a review of the evidence for, and implementation of, tPA in acute ischaemic stroke with specific reference to the Australian health‐care system.
Fertilizer affects the behaviour and performance of Plutella xylostella on brassicas
Authors: Staley Joanna T. , Stewart‐Jones Alex , Poppy Guy M. , Leather Simon R. , Wright Denis J.
Published: June 2009

1 Foliar nitrogen concentration, which can be manipulated in crop plants by fertilizer supply, has long been recognized as a major factor in phytophagous insect abundance and performance. More recently, the type of fertilizer supplied has been shown to influence the abundance of some herbivore species. The diamondback moth Plutella xylostella is a global pest of Brassica crops. Although it has been the subject of numerous studies on host‐plant resistance and pest control, few studies have addressed the effect of abiotic factors, such as nutrient supply, on its performance and behaviour.

2 We assessed oviposition preference, larval feeding preference and larval performance of P. xylostella on two cultivars of Brassica oleracea. Plants were grown using two fertilizer types, John Innes fertilizer and an organic animal manure, at high and low concentrations.

3 Plutella xylostella laid more eggs on cultivar Derby Day than Drago. Derby Day was also the cultivar on which larval performance was maximized. However, differences in larval performance between cultivars were only found when plants were grown in compost with John Innes fertilizer, and not when fertilized with animal manure.

4 Foliar nitrogen concentration was greater in plants grown in high fertilizer treatments but did not differ between cultivars. The concentrations of three glucosinolate compounds (glucoiberin, sinigrin and glucobrassicin) were greater in the high fertilizer treatments. Glucosinolate concentrations were higher in the Drago than the Derby Day cultivar.

5 These results are discussed in relation to the preference‐performance hypothesis, and the assessment of plant resistance differences between cultivars using different types of fertilizer.
Performance of the potentially invasive Siberian moth Dendrolimus superans sibiricus on coniferous species in Europe
Authors: Kirichenko Natalia I. , Baranchikov Yuri N. , Vidal Stefan
Published: June 2009

1 The native range of the Siberian moth extends from the Pacific Ocean (Russian Far East, Japan and Northern Korea) across Siberia, Northern China and Mongolia to the Ural Mountains. At the beginning of the 21st Century, this species was documented west of the Ural Mountains in the Republic of Mari El, indicating range extension toward the west.

2 The Siberian moth has recently been suggested for regulation as a quarantine pest for European and Mediterranean Plant Protection Organization member countries. However, no specific report on European host plants for this pest has been published so far.

3 In the present study, larval host plant choice and performance was tested for the first time on coniferous tree species that are widely distributed and of commercial value in Europe.

4 Based on dual‐choice tests on neonates and mortality, developmental duration and relative growth rates of the first‐ to sixth‐instar larvae, we found European larch Larix decidua to be the most suitable host for the moth larvae, whereas European black pine Pinus nigra and Scots pine Pinus sylvestris were the poorest hosts. The remaining conifer species tested, European silver fir Abies alba, Nordmann fir Abies nordmanniana, and Norway spruce Picea abies, were intermediate host plants. Douglas‐fir Pseudotsuga menziesii, originating from North America, was chosen by the larvae to the same extend as European larch, and was also highly suitable for larval development.

5 If the moth is introduced to European countries, it will become damaging in stands of European larch and Douglas‐fir, mixed stands of fir and spruce; however, it will be less damaging in forests dominated by two‐needle pines.

6 We predict that Dendrolimus superans sibiricus will be able to survive and develop on the main European coniferous tree species, including non‐native coniferous tree species, resulting in severe damage to large areas of forests.
Molecular analysis of the diversity of terrestrial planarians (Platyhelminthes, Tricladida, Continenticola) in the Iberian Peninsula
Authors: Mateos Eduardo , Cabrera Cristina , Carranza Salvador , Riutort Marta
Published: June 2009

This work is a prospective study to estimate the potential species diversity of terrestrial planarians in the Iberian Peninsula. Live specimens were collected from several Iberian localities and assigned to different morphotypes on the basis of their external morphological characteristics. From the same specimens, sequences from the mitochondrial Cytochrome Oxidasa subunit I (COI) and from the nuclear ribosomal gene 18S rRNA were obtained. Sequences from GenBank of the families Dendrocoelidae, Planariidae, Bipaliidae, Geoplanidae and Rhynchodemidae have been used as outgroups in the phylogenetic analysis. The results showed that terrestrial planarians have a wide distribution in the Peninsula, with all individuals found belonging to the Rhynchodemidae family. Morphological observations indicated the presence of 10 morphospecies confirmed by the molecular analyses. At the same time, COI sequences were successfully used as a molecular marker for species identification in the barcoding mode, which is of great use in groups like this with few external morphological characteristics. The combined data strongly suggest the presence of at least 15 species in the Iberian Peninsula, a number that nearly doubles previous estimates, indicating that terrestrial planarians are more diverse than expected in the region and, as proposed, may be a good biodiversity indicator and model for biogeographical studies.
The West, the Anglo‐Sphere and the Ideal of Commonwealth
Authors: Melleuish Greg
Published: June 2009

This article considers the idea of commonwealth as a means of understanding human “politics” that does not rely on the violence of the state. It considers the idea of commonwealth to involve cultural and other forms of ties that transcend the borders of states and link people who share common views and aspirations together. It examines two contemporary visions of commonwealth, that of the West and that of the Anglo‐sphere. It argues that the sorts of bonds that these commonwealths entail are positive so long as they are recognised as embodying both strengths and weaknesses and are not used as means to attempt to demonstrate the supposed superiority of their virtues.
A Convergence of Political Interests: Isi Leibler, the Communist Party of Australia and Soviet Anti‐Semitism, 1964‐66
Authors: Mendes Philip
Published: June 2009

During the period from 1964 to 1966, the Communist Party of Australia (CPA) moved from a position of denying the existence of anti‐Semitism in the Soviet Union to voicing open public criticisms of Soviet policies towards its Jewish minority. These criticisms were unprecedented for an official Communist Party, and had considerable influence on the international communist movement. This paper explores the negotiations between Jewish community leader Isi Leibler and the CPA which induced these criticisms. It is argued that Leibler negotiated with the CPA on two fronts: official dialogue with the elected Sydney‐based CPA leadership, and unofficial private discussions — which can arguably be termed secret collusion — with other senior CPA officials in Melbourne. These unofficial discussions seem to have been crucial in shifting the CPA from its traditional position.
I, Diarist: Examining Australian Politics from the “Inside”
Authors: Scalmer Sean , Hollier Nathan
Published: June 2009

Political diaries can claim literary, political and intellectual significance, yet they have rarely been subject to serious or extended enquiry. In this article we offer the first comprehensive survey of the Australian political diary. We also analyse these writings in some depth, suggesting that, taken as a whole, the diaries reveal three Weberian “ideal types” of the politician: the “patrician”, the “professional”, and the “radical”. These ideal types are used to shed a new light on the functioning and limitations of parliamentary democracy in Australia.
Structure and performance of the service sector in transition economies1
Authors: Fernandes Ana M.
Published: June 2009

This paper examines the performance of the service sector in the Eastern European transition economies during the 1997–2004 period. The performance of the service sector as a whole and of its sub‐sectors is very heterogeneous within the region. Service sub‐sectors that are information and communications technology producers or users and those using skilled labour more intensively exhibit the highest labour productivity growth. Our estimates show a positive and significant effect of liberalization on service labour productivity growth that is stronger for sub‐sectors that are more distant from the technological frontier. Service liberalization is also shown to have a positive effect on labour productivity levels and growth of downstream manufacturing industries.
Privatization in Poland What was the government trying to achieve?1
Authors: De Fraja Gianni , Roberts Barbara M.
Published: June 2009

This article uses the sequencing of privatization to infer the objective pursued by the Polish government in the privatization of its large manufacturing firms in the second half of the 1990s. We construct a model of mixed oligopoly and use it to evaluate the privatization process; our analysis is based on the assumption that firms which furthered the government's objective function the most would be chosen to be privatized first. Based on the features of the firms that were chosen for early privatization, our empirical analysis suggests that welfare maximization was more important than the desire to maximize the revenues from privatization and the government's budget or to minimize employment losses.
Job creation, job destruction, labour mobility and wages in Poland, 1988–19981
Authors: Jackson John E. , Mach Bogdan W.
Published: June 2009

Longitudinal data from interviews with Poles of working age conducted in 1988, 1993 and 1998 combined with longitudinal firm‐level data present a detailed view of the transition from a state‐dominated to a market economy. Job losses in state firms and job creation in new private firms are the dominant employment changes, other than retirements from the labour force. In the Polish case, a significant proportion of this movement over the 1988–1998 period involves a spell of unemployment or exit from the labour force before obtaining a private sector job. This results in considerable job competition between workers leaving the state sector and those who are out of the labour force or unemployed. Income differences between the state sector and the de novo sector appear to have little association with mobility. These results suggest that movement to the new private sector is more likely to be the result of job loss than the result of people looking for better, higher paying jobs. Self‐employment plays an important role in the development of the private sector. People working on their own account have higher incomes than wageworkers and are likely to become owners employing additional workers. Incomes are higher in regions with high rates of job creation and depressed in regions with job destruction.
Oligarchs, political regime changes, and firm valuation1
Authors: Maury Benjamin , Liljeblom Eva
Published: June 2009

This paper examines the impact of a regime shift on the valuation of politically powerful oligarch firms. Focusing on the Yeltsin–Putin regime shift in Russia, we find that the valuations of oligarch‐controlled firms are significantly higher under the Putin regime than under the Yeltsin regime after controlling for industry and time effects. The findings suggest that the increasing cost of extracting private benefits outweighs the reduction in the value of political connections following the political regime change. The results are also consistent with changes in the risk of state expropriation. Our results indicate that effects driven by the political regime change complement the traditional view that increased ownership concentration improved the performance of Russian oligarch firms.
Non‐linear finance–growth nexus
Authors: Huang Ho‐Chuan , Lin Shu‐Chin
Published: June 2009

This paper revisits the question of whether the finance–growth nexus varies with the stages of economic development. Using a novel threshold regression with the instrumental variables approach proposed by Caner and Hansen (2004) to the dataset used in Levine et al. (2000) we detect overwhelming evidence in support of a positive linkage between financial development and economic growth, and this positive effect is larger in the low‐income countries than in the high‐income ones. The data also reveal that financial development tends to have stronger impacts on capital accumulation and productivity growth in the low‐income countries than in the high‐income ones. The findings are robust to alternative financial development measures and conditioning information sets.