bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
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

AbstractChondrosarcoma 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.
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

AbstractBackground:  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

AbstractBackground:  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

AbstractBackground: 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

AbstractBackground:  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

AbstractBackground:  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.
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

AbstractBackground:  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.
Understanding statistical analysis in the surgical literature: some key concepts
Authors: Young Jane 
Published: June 2009

AbstractUnderstanding 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

AbstractStroke 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

AbstractIntravenous 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

Abstract1 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

Abstract1 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.