bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Modelling Potential Socio‐economic Determinants of Building Fires in South East Queensland
Authors: CHHETRI PREM , CORCORAN JONATHAN , STIMSON ROBERT J. , INBAKARAN ROBERT 
Published: July 2009

AbstractThis paper investigates the relationships between areas of building fire incidence, levels of socio‐economic disadvantage and the underlying socio‐economic characteristics in the South East Queensland (SEQ) region, Australia. Disaggregated fire incident data was acquired from the Queensland Fire and Rescue Service (QFRS) and then aggregated to the Statistical Local Area (SLA) level. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) defined index of socio‐economic disadvantage (called ‘SEIFA’) has been used as the basis to identify relationships between socio‐economic disadvantage and building fires. A regression model was then developed to predict the incidence of building fires using a range of socio‐economic variables. Five significant predictors were identified that include: i) percentage of unemployed, ii) proportion of Indigenous population, iii) families living in separate dwellings, iv) one parent, and v) parent families with children less than fifteen years of age. Results also show that the distribution of building fires varies markedly across the SEQ region, with some of the Brisbane inner suburbs, areas of high socio‐economic disadvantage, and parts of inland SEQ associated with relatively high fire rates.
Effect of Different Dietary Protein and Lipid Levels on Growth Performance and Body Composition of Juvenile Southern Flounder, Paralichthys lethostigma, Reared in a Recirculating Aquaculture System
Authors: Alam Md. Shah , Watanabe Wade O. , Daniels Harry V. 
Published: July 2009

Abstract The effects of six formulated diets containing different protein and lipid levels on growth performance and body composition of juvenile southern flounder were evaluated. Test diets were prepared with a combination of three crude protein (CP) levels (45, 50 and 55%) and two crude lipid (CL) levels (10 and 15%). Diets (CP/CL) were as follows: 45/10, 45/15, 50/10, 50/15, 55/10, 55/15 and a commercial diet (50/15). Southern flounder (1.10 g) were fed the respective diets for 42 d in triplicate recirculating tanks (20 fish/tank). Percent body weight gain (BWG) for fish fed diet 45/10 (413%) and the commercial diet (426%) were significantly (P < 0.05) lower than fish fed other diets (823–837%). Increasing protein level from 45 to 50% produced a significant increase in BWG for the 10% lipid diet (823%) but further increasing protein did not produce a significant effect on BWG irrespective of dietary lipid levels. Specific growth rate (SGR), feed intake, feed conversion efficiency (FCE), protein efficiency ratio (PER), and total lipid content in the whole body were significantly affected by different dietary protein and lipid levels. Results indicated that a combination of 50% protein and 10% lipid was optimal for the growth performance of southern flounder juveniles.
The Biochemical Composition of Chaetoceros muelleri (Lemmermann Grown) with an Agricultural Fertilizer
Authors: Pacheco‐Vega Juan M. , Sánchez‐Saavedra M. Del Pilar 
Published: July 2009

Abstract The aim of this work was to demonstrate that the source of nitrogen of microalgae growth media has an effect on the biochemical composition by comparing the composition of Chaetoceros muelleri grown in semicontinuous cultures with 30% daily dilutions with an agricultural fertilizer containing three nitrogen sources (AF) and with the traditional f/2 medium. The cell yields, proximate composition, and total essential and nonessential amino acid contents of C. muelleri were similar, but phenylalanine and glutamate were significantly higher with f/2, and alanine was higher with AF. Monounsaturated fatty acids were higher in AF‐grown cultures, but polyunsaturates were higher with f/2. Among polyunsaturates, 20:5n‐3 (eicosapentaenoic acid, EPA) was higher with AF (17.16%) than with f/2 (13.44%), whereas f/2 yielded cells richer in 20:4n‐6 (arachidonic acid, ARA: 2.08% vs. 1.38%) and 22:6n‐3 (docosahexaenoic acid, DHA: 6.86% vs. 3.80%). Our results provide evidence that different nitrogen sources may cause variations in the biochemical profile of C. muelleri.
Defining urology nursing practice roles in Australia and New Zealand
Authors: White Trish , Crowe Helen , Papps Elaine 
Published: July 2009

ABSTRACTThere is confusion surrounding the roles and clinical responsibilities of urology nurses employed in Australia and New Zealand. A study of members of the Australian and New Zealand Urological Nurses Society (ANZUNS Inc.) was undertaken to provide baseline information about their clinical practices. A descriptive survey utilizing a questionnaire consisting of 28 questions was sent to all 623 members on the ANZUNS Inc. database. Demographic data, information on role development and the current clinical skill set of each nurse was collected. Information was provided on education received to perform these various activities and which role respondents believed most appropriate to carry out the activity, e.g. RN, clinical nurse specialist, nurse practitioner (NP) or doctor.Respondents identified over 35 job titles with 26% of roles created independently. One‐third of these job titles had no guidelines for role development. Almost 80% of respondents have been working in a urology setting for longer than 5 years, with almost 60% holding specialist nursing positions. The preparation for a variety of identified advanced clinical practices varied widely between respondents from being self‐taught to receiving informal ‘on the job’ training and undertaking formal competency programmes. Similarly, there was wide disparity between respondent's opinions about which role was best suited to perform these clinical practices. This study highlights the need to introduce consistency across the urological nursing workforce in Australia and New Zealand to standardize role titles and associated clinical responsibilities, with clear guidelines required to define appropriate preparation for advanced practice.
Preoperative carbohydrate drink improves postoperative quality of life after urological surgery: a randomized study
Authors: Dahlin Britt‐Inger , Ljungberg Börje 
Published: July 2009

ABSTRACTRecently, fast track treatment in surgery has been advocated. Fasting time has been cut down to attenuate preoperative discomfort as irritable and preoperative thirst. We accessed effects of preoperative carbohydrate drink on preoperative quality of life (QOL) including hospitalization time, drinking first day, gut emptying, and return to work. A total of 170 patients scheduled for nephrectomy or prostatectomy were randomized to carbohydrate drink or overnight fasting. Responses a modified QLQ‐C30 questionnaire were collected before and one month after surgery.In patients treated with prostatectomy to the variables: did you worry, total health and total QOL improved, while most (19 of 30) variables were impaired. Nephrectomy patients had significantly fewer parameters with impaired QOL than prostatectomy (p = 0.01). There was significant weight loss despite surgical procedure (p < 0.001). When comparing the carbohydrate and control groups, there was no difference concerning age, sex and stages. After prostatectomy, only the QOL variable “worry” improved (p = 0.027) in the carbohydrate group. After nephrectomy, the carbohydrate group had less weight loss (p = 0.035) than controls and had improved QOL as: “short of breath” (p = 0.038), “feel tense” (p = 0.057), “worry” (p = 0.035), and “interfered social activities” (p = 0.024). There was no difference in hospitalization time, drinking 1st day, time to gut emptying, and return to normal activities between the groups, despite surgical procedure.Carbohydrate drink before surgery significantly improved QOL variables such as “worry”, “tense”, and “social activities”. Weight loss was significantly reduced compared with controls after nephrectomy. Thus, carbohydrate drinking before elective surgery improves postoperative QOL parameters, but not postoperative drinking and hospitalization time.
Phenotyping the Right Ventricle in Patients with Pulmonary Hypertension
Authors: Simon Marc A. , Deible Christopher , Mathier Michael A. , Lacomis Joan , Goitein Orly , Shroff Sanjeev G. , Pinsky Michael R. 
Published: July 2009

AbstractRight ventricular (RV) failure is associated with poor outcomes in pulmonary hypertension (PH). We sought to phenotype the RV in PH patients with compensated and decompensated RV function by quantifying regional and global RV structural and functional changes. Twenty‐two patients (age 51 ± 11, 14 females, mean pulmonary artery (PA) pressure range 13–79 mmHg) underwent right heart catheterization, echocardiography, and ECG‐gated multislice computed tomography of the chest. Patients were divided into three groups: Normal, PH with hemodynamically compensated, and decompensated RV function (PH‐C and PH‐D, respectively). RV wall thickness (WT) was measured at end‐diastole (ED) and end‐systole (ES) in three regions: infundibulum, lateral free wall, and inferior free wall. Globally, RV volumes progressively increased from Normal to PH‐C to PH‐D and RV ejection fraction decreased. Regionally, WT increased and fractional wall thickening (FWT) decreased in a spatially heterogeneous manner. Infundibular wall stress was elevated and FWT was lower regardless of the status of global RV function. In PH, there are significant phenotypic abnormalities in the RV even in the absence of overt hemodynamic RV decompensation. Regional changes in RV structure and function may be early markers of patients at risk for developing RV failure.
Survey of Radiation Oncology Centres in Australia: Report of the Radiation Oncology Treatment Quality Program*
Authors: Kolybaba M , Kron T , Harris J , O'Brien P , Kenny L 
Published: July 2009

SummaryOne of the first steps towards the development of a comprehensive quality program for radiation oncology in Australia has been a survey of practice. This paper reports on the results of the survey that should inform the development of standards for radiation oncology in Australia.A questionnaire of 108 questions spanning aspects of treatment services, equipment, staff, infrastructure and available quality systems was mailed to all facilities providing radiation treatment services in Australia (n = 45).Information of 42 sites was received by June 2006 providing data on 113 operational linear accelerators of which approximately 2/3 are equipped with multi‐leaf collimators. More than 75% of facilities were participating in a formal quality assurance (QA) system, with 63% following a nationally or internationally recognised system. However, there was considerable variation in the availability of policies and procedures specific to quality aspects, and the review of these. Policies for monitoring patient waiting times for treatment were documented at just 71% of all facilities. Although 85% of all centres do, in fact, monitor machine throughput, the number and types of efficiency measures varied markedly, thereby limiting the comparative use of these results.Centres identified workload as the single most common factor responsible for limiting staff involvement in both QA processes and clinical trial participation.The data collected in this ‘snapshot’ survey provide a unique and comprehensive baseline for future comparisons and evaluation of changes.
Conformal external beam radiotherapy in the treatment of anal canal carcinoma: A retrospective study of a genital organ sparing technique
Authors: Bui T , Harvey J , Brown E , Scott M , Haines T , Davidson K 
Published: July 2009

SummaryTo investigate and compare the dosimetric distribution of a conventional radiotherapy (CRT) technique and a genital organ sparing three‐dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3DCRT) technique for the treatment of anal canal cancer. Twenty‐four patients with anal canal cancer treated between January 2002 and December 2006 were investigated. Each patient was retrospectively planned with the CRT and 3DCRT techniques using the Eclipse planning system (version 7.3, Varian Medical Systems, Palo Alto, CA, USA). Planning target volumes (PTVs) and surrounding organs at risk were contoured. Organs at risk included the bladder, bowel, femoral head and neck, and external genitalia. The two planning approaches were compared using dose volume histograms. Dose volume histograms of the PTV pelvis and PTV inguinal showed comparable PTV coverage between the two techniques. The mean percentage volumes of the PTV pelvis and PTV inguinal receiving at least 95% of the prescribed dose was greater than 99% and 91.5%, respectively. Dose volume histograms of the external genitalia demonstrated that they were well spared by the 3DCRT technique with mean doses of 28.30 and 13.17 Gy for the CRT and 3DCRT techniques, respectively. The percentage volume of bowel and bladder receiving 35 Gy or less was reduced with the 3DCRT technique. The femoral head and neck doses were comparable between the two techniques, with average maximum doses recorded of 40.60 and 40.69 Gy. The results of this study demonstrate that the 3DCRT technique achieves significant sparing of surrounding organs at risk, particularly the external genitalia. This organ at risk sparing was accomplished while achieving comparable PTV coverage with a CRT technique.
Standardised tumour, node and metastasis reporting of oncology CT scans
Authors: Gormly KLM 
Published: July 2009

SummaryThe oncology CT report is a vital piece of communication between the radiologist and the treating clinician and often determines patient management. The use of a standardised report that follows the tumour, node and metastasis (TNM) structure makes it easier for the radiologist to include all of the necessary information in an easy‐to‐read format. Presenting the results under the headings of primary tumour, lymph nodes, metastases, and other findings follows a similar pattern to that used by pathologists and also follows the thought process of the treating clinician. Standardised templates for TNM‐based oncology CT reports were introduced into public and private institutions. An audit of 199 reports demonstrated a significant increase in the presence of measurements and conclusions in the template reports. While there was a non‐significant increase in the use of correct Response Evaluation Criteria In Solid Tumours terminology for template reports, there was an improved attempt to describe the disease response. Saving measurements as a summary series on PACS also assists follow‐up reporting.
Do radiologists agree on the quality of computed tomography enterography?
Authors: Ersland Kari , Kvaløy Jan Terje , Styr Bodil Margrethe , Helland Eli Berit , Espeland Ansgar 
Published: July 2009

SummaryThis study aimed to assess variation between radiologists evaluating the quality of multi‐detector computed tomography enterography.For 40 consecutive examinations, three experienced radiologists independently rated the following quality variables: % length of adequately filled bowel, bowel lumen diameters, bowel wall delineation, superior mesenteric vein, and bowel wall enhancement, artefacts, and total quality. We calculated the mean difference between observers with standard deviation (SD) for continuous variables and % total agreement, exact Fleiss kappa, and P‐values (McNemar's test) for categorical variables.Depending on bowel segment (duodenum distal to bulb, jejunum, ileum, terminal ileum), mean difference between observers ranged from two to 33 (SD from 11 to 32) for % length of adequately filled bowel judged subjectively, 0–2 (SD 0–3) mm for smallest bowel lumen diameter and 0–4 (SD 3–7) mm for largest bowel lumen diameter. Agreement on bowel wall delineation was 80%/kappa 0.50 in duodenum, 90%/kappa 0.57 in jejunum, 75%/kappa 0.14 in ileum and 88%/kappa 0.17 in terminal ileum, where ratings differed between observers (P < 0.04). Agreement was 65%/kappa 0.18 for bowel wall enhancement judged subjectively. For contrast enhancement measured in Hounsfield Units, mean difference between observers ranged from two to 11 (SD 12–15) in normal jejunum wall and zero to one (SD 4–5) in the superior mesenteric vein depending on observer pair. Agreement was 78%/kappa 0.12 for image artefacts. Rating of total examination quality (good/optimal versus poor/very poor) differed between observers (P < 0.01); agreement was 60%/kappa 0.41.Many subjective evaluations varied between observers. We believe that measurements of bowel lumen diameters and contrast enhancement may be preferable.
T1‐weighted fluid‐attenuated inversion recovery and T1‐weighted fast spin‐echo contrast‐enhanced imaging: A comparison in 20 patients with brain lesions
Authors: Al‐Saeed O , Ismail M , Athyal RP , Rudwan M , Khafajee S 
Published: July 2009

SummaryT1‐weighted fluid‐attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) sequence is a relatively new pulse sequence for intracranial MR imaging. This study was performed to compare the image quality of T1‐weighted FLAIR with the T1‐weighted FSE sequence. Twenty patients with brain lesions underwent T1‐weighted fast spin‐echo (FSE) and T1‐weighted FLAIR during the same imaging session. Four quantitative and three qualitative criteria were used to compare the two sequences after contrast. Two of four quantitative criteria pertained to lesion characteristics: lesion to white matter (WM) contrast‐to‐noise ratio (CNR) and lesion to cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) CNR, and two related to signals from normal tissue: grey matter to WM CNR and WM to CSF CNR. The three qualitative criteria were conspicuousness of the lesion, the presence of image artefacts and the overall image contrast. Both T1‐weighted FSE and FLAIR images were effective in demonstrating lesions. Image contrast was superior in T1‐weighted FLAIR images with significantly improved grey matter‐WM CNRs and CSF‐WM CNRs. The overall image contrast was judged to be superior on T1‐weighted FLAIR images compared with T1‐weighted FSE images by all neuroradiologists. Two of three reviewers considered that the FLAIR images had slightly increased imaging artefacts that, however, did not interfere with image interpretation. T1‐weighted FLAIR imaging provides improved lesion‐to‐background and grey to WM contrast‐to‐noise ratios. Superior conspicuity of lesions and overall image contrast is obtained in comparable acquisition times. These indicate an important role for T1‐weighted FLAIR in intracranial imaging and highlight its advantage over the more widely practiced T1‐weighted FSE sequence.
Impact of a real‐time peer review audit on patient management in a radiation oncology department
Authors: Boxer M , Forstner D , Kneebone A , Delaney G , Koh E‐S , Fuller M , Kaadan N 
Published: July 2009

SummaryIn September 2006, the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists (RANZCR) endorsed the modified Peer Review Audit Tool (PRAT). We aimed to assess the feasibility of using this tool in a busy radiation oncology department using an electronic medical record (EMR) system, identify areas of compliance and assess the impact of the audit process on patient management. Fortnightly random clinical audit was undertaken by using the revised RANZCR PRAT in the departments of radiation oncology at Liverpool and Macarthur Cancer Therapy Centres (LCTC and MCTC). Following audit of the EMR, treatment plans were audited by peer review. Data were collected prospectively from June 2007 to June 2008. Audits were carried out on 208 patients. Behaviour criteria were well documented in the EMR, but scanning of histology and medical imaging reports did not occur in up to a third of cases. With electronic prescriptions, treatment prescription errors were rare. In total, 8 (3.8%) out of 208 patients had a change to management recommended. Variability in interpretation of PRAT ‘protocol/study’ criteria was identified. We found that real‐time audit is feasible and effective in detecting both issues with documentation in the EMR, and a small number of patients in whom a change to management is recommended. Recommendations have been made in order to continue to improve the audit process including documentation of any changes recommended and whether the recommended change occurred.
Centre credentialing for Trans Tasman Radiation Oncology Group trial 06.02: multicentre feasibility study of accelerated partial breast irradiation
Authors: Kron T , Willis D , Bignell F , Martland J , Donnell S , May S , Chua BH 
Published: July 2009

SummaryIntroduction:  Inconsistencies in contouring target volumes for partial breast irradiation (PBI) may result in geographical misses and compromise treatment outcomes. The present study aimed to (1) determine the variability of the target volumes contoured and treatment plans generated by participating centres in credentialing for participation in a multicentre PBI trial; and (2) assess dosimetric changes when standardized target volumes were used.Methods:  The CT image sets of two de‐identified patients post‐breast conserving surgery were used. Contouring of the target volumes for the two cases was performed and a treatment plan as per protocol specifications was generated for each case by the seven participating centres. Planning of both cases was repeated by five centres using a set of standardized target volumes to evaluate resulting dosimetric changes in the treatment plans.Results:  The surgical cavity, the part of the planning target volume used for dose evaluation and ipsilateral whole breast volumes contoured by the centres varied by 25%, 16% and 21% (1 standard deviation), respectively. The dosimetric variations found when the standardized target volumes were used were smaller than those noted when centre‐specific volumes were used. The volumes of the ipsilateral lungs receiving 30% of the prescribed dose and the volumes of the ipsilateral whole breasts receiving 95% and 50% of the prescribed dose were reduced in the treatment plans developed using the standardized target volumes.Conclusions:  Given the impact of contouring on dose distributions, quality assurance procedures in clinical trials of PBI need to take into account both the technical approaches and the contouring.
A ‘Catch Up’ Plan for radiotherapy in New South Wales to 2012
Authors: Morgan Graeme , Barton Michael , Crossing Sally , Bull Colin , Penman Andrew 
Published: July 2009

SummaryIn New South Wales (NSW) from 1996 to 2006, only 34–37% of newly diagnosed cancer patients were treated with radiotherapy instead of the 50% proposed by NSW Health in Radiotherapy Plans released in 1991, 1995 and 2003. As a consequence, over 50 000 cancer patients were not treated and has resulted in the estimated premature death of over 8000 patients and over 40 000 years of life lost. In 2008, there were 42 linear accelerators in NSW rather than the 62 recommended. Based on cancer incidence projections, NSW will require 69 linear accelerators in 2012 – a shortfall of 27 linear accelerators. Already 15 linear accelerators have been approved. NSW Health has funding for seven extra linear accelerators, and eight extra linear accelerators are to be funded by the private sector. To make up the shortfall, a ‘Catch Up’ Plan is proposed for an additional 12 linear accelerators by the end of fiscal year 2012. This is estimated to cost $200 million over 4 years for one‐off establishment costs for buildings and equipment plus $50 million per year for recurrent operating costs such as staff salaries. The ‘Catch Up’ Plan will create five new departments of radiation oncology in country hospitals and three new departments in metropolitan hospitals. These will be in addition to those already approved by NSW Health and will markedly improve access for treatment and result in an improvement in cancer survival. This significant increase in departments and equipment can only be achieved by the creation of an NSW Radiotherapy Taskforce similar to that proposed in the Baume report of 2002, ‘A vision for radiotherapy’. Even if the ‘Catch Up’ Plan bridges the gap in service provision, forward planning beyond 2012 should commence immediately as 76 linear accelerators will be required for NSW in 2015 and 81 linear accelerators in 2017.