bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Introduction to the special issue “small farms: decline or persistence?”
Authors: Bailey A. , Davidova S. , Hazell P. 
Published: November 2009

AbstractThis issue of Agricultural Economics contains articles from a seminar entitled “Small Farms: Decline or Persistence?” held at the University of Kent. This issue includes nine papers selected from more than 50 papers presented at the seminar. Articles published use a range of econometric and simulation methods to provide a suite of case studies. Topics studied range from such fundamental issues as what constitutes a small farm to recent trends in the diversification of small farms and their integration into modern globalized food chains. Several papers emphasize the link between agricultural policy development and the future of small farms.
Stem cell‐mediated natural tissue engineering
Authors: Möllmann H. , Nef H.M. , Voss S. , Troidl C. , Willmer M. , Szardien S. , Rolf A. , Klement M. , Voswinckel R. , Kostin S. , Ghofrani H.A. , Hamm C.W. , Elsässer A. 
Published: November 2009

AbstractRecently, we demonstrated that a fully differentiated tissue developed on a ventricular septal occluder that had been implanted due to infarct‐related septum rupture. We suggested that this tissue originated from circulating stem cells. The aim of the present study was to evaluate this hypothesis and to investigate the physiological differentiation and transdifferentiation potential of circulating stem cells. We developed an animal model in which a freely floating membrane was inserted into each the left ventricle and the descending aorta. Membranes were removed after pre‐specified intervals of 3 days, and 2, 6 and 12 weeks; the newly developed tissue was evaluated using quantitative RT‐PCR, immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization. The contribution of stem cells was directly evaluated in another group of animals that were by treated with granulocyte macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (GM‐CSF) early after implantation. We demonstrated the time‐dependent generation of a fully differentiated tissue composed of fibroblasts, myofibroblasts, smooth muscle cells, endothelial cells and new blood vessels. Cells differentiated into early cardiomyocytes on membranes implanted in the left ventricles but not on those implanted in the aortas. Stem cell mobilization with GM‐CSF led to more rapid tissue growth and differentiation. The GM‐CSF effect on cell proliferation outlasted the treat ment period by several weeks. Circulating stem cells contributed to the development of a fully differentiated tissue on membranes placed within the left ventricle or descending aorta under physiological conditions. Early cardiomyocyte generation was identified only on membranes positioned within the left ventricle.
Crevicular fluid glutathione levels in periodontitis and the effect of non‐surgical therapy
Authors: Grant Melissa M. , Brock Gareth R. , Matthews John B. , Chapple Iain L. C. 
Published: November 2009

AbstractAim: To quantify reduced and oxidized glutathione (GSH and GSSG) levels in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) of periodontitis patients pre‐therapy (versus periodontally healthy controls) and ascertain whether successful non‐surgical therapy alters glutathione levels.Materials and Methods: Thirty‐second GCF samples (6/subject) were collected on Periopaper™ strips from starved, non‐smokers (n=20; mean age 43.6 years) with chronic periodontitis, before and 3 months after non‐surgical therapy, and periodontally healthy, age‐ and gender‐matched controls (n=20). GSH and GSSG levels were determined using reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection.Results: Lower concentrations of GSH (p<0.01) and GSSG (p<0.05) were detected in GCF from patients (pre‐ and post‐therapy) than controls and treatment had no significant effect. Amounts per 30‐second sample did not differ between patients and controls. However, the amount of GSSG per 30‐second sample decreased in patients after therapy (p<0.05). Consequently, therapy increased the GSH:GSSG ratio (p<0.05) in patients compared with the controls (p=0.8).Conclusion: These data demonstrate high concentrations of GSH within GCF, which are compromised in chronic periodontitis. While therapy does not appear to fully restore GSH concentrations in GCF, it does restore the redox balance (GSH:GSSG ratio), suggesting that the abnormal redox balance arises secondary to oxidative stress resulting from periodontal inflammation.
Assessment of the validity of HLD (CalMod) in identifying orthodontic treatment need
Authors: Cooke Mary , Gerbert Barbara , Gansky Stuart , Miller Arthur , Nelson Gerald , Orellana Maria 
Published: November 2009

Cooke M, Gerbert B, Gansky S, Miller A, Nelson G, Orellana M. Assessment of the validity of HLD (CalMod) in identifying orthodontic treatment need. Community Dent Oral Epidemiol 2010; 38: 50–57. © 2009 John Wiley & Sons A/SAbstract –  Objective:  The purpose of this study was to assess the validity of the Handicapped Labio‐Lingual Deviation index with California modifications, HLD (CalMod), in identifying handicapping malocclusions.Methods:  A set of 153 study casts representing all types of malocclusion was utilized in this study. Models were randomly chosen the UCSF Division of Orthodontics clinic. Treatment need was determined by the HLD (CalMod) index and by a panel of 13 orthodontists, conventionally established as the ‘gold standard’. Spearman Rank correlation analysis was used to evaluate the correlation between HLD (CalMod) and the gold standard. The Classification and Regression Tree (CART) modeling was used to determine the HLD (CalMod) cut‐off point of orthodontic treatment need according to the gold standard.Results:  A Spearman Rank correlation Coefficient of 0.71 demonstrated a moderately high correlation between HLD (CalMod) and the gold standard. The CART modeling determined a value of 18.5 as the cut‐off point of HLD (CalMod) for orthodontic treatment need, considerably lower than the cut‐off point of 26 currently used by Medi‐Cal. At a value of 26 points as the cut‐off HLD (CalMod) displayed a low sensitivity (25.9%) and high specificity (96.8%).With a cut‐off point of 18.5, specificity decreased to 55.6% while sensitivity increased dramatically to 92.9%.Conclusion:  Our results show that the HLD (CalMod) with a cut‐off point of 26 fails to indentify a considerable percentage of handicapping malocclusions. More studies should be done assessing the efficacy of the HLD (CalMod) in identifying handicapping malocclusion.
The effects of lavender scent on dental patient anxiety levels: a cluster randomised‐controlled trial
Authors: Kritsidima Metaxia , Newton Tim , Asimakopoulou Koula 
Published: November 2009

Kritsidima M, Newton T, Asimakopoulou K. The effects of lavender scent on dental patient anxiety levels: a cluster randomized‐controlled trial. Community Dent Oral Epidemiol 2010; 38: 83–87. © 2009 John Wiley & Sons A/SAbstract –  Objectives:  To review the effect of lavender scent on anticipatory anxiety in dental participants.Methods:  In a cluster randomized‐controlled trial, patients’ (N = 340) anxiety was assessed while waiting for a scheduled dental appointment, either under the odor of lavender or with no odor. Current anxiety, assessed by the brief State Trait Anxiety Indicator (STAI‐6), and generalized dental anxiety, assessed by the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS) were examined.Results:  Analyses of variance (anovas) showed that although both groups showed similar, moderate levels of generalized dental anxiety (MDAS F(1,338) = 2.17, P > 0.05) the lavender group reported significantly lower current anxiety (STAI: F(1,338) = 74.69, P < 0.001) than the control group.Conclusions:  Although anxiety about future dental visits seems to be unaffected, lavender scent reduces state anxiety in dental patients.
Safety and efficacy of bortezomib‐based regimens for multiple myeloma patients with renal impairment: a retrospective study of Italian Myeloma Network GIMEMA
Authors: Morabito Fortunato , Gentile Massimo , Ciolli Stefania , Petrucci Maria T. , Galimberti Sara , Mele Giuseppe , Casulli Antonio F. , Mannina Donato , Piro Eugenio , Pinotti Graziella , Palmieri Salvatore , Catalano Lucio , Callea Vincenzo , Offidani Massimo , Musto Pellegrino , Bringhen Sara , Baldini Luca , Tosi Patrizia , Di Raimondo Francesco , Boccadoro Mario , Palumbo Antonio , Cavo Michele 
Published: November 2009

AbstractRenal impairment (RI) is a severe complication throughout the course of multiple myeloma (MM). Bortezomib has been shown to be highly active in MM patients with RI. We designed this retrospective analysis to investigate the safety and efficacy of bortezomib‐based therapy in 117 MM patients with RI, 14 cases required dialysis. A total of 603 cycles of bortezomib were administered (median number, five cycles/patient). Ten patients required early discontinuation of bortezomib because of WHO grade IV toxicity. The rate of bortezomib discontinuation in cases with severe, moderate and mild RI was 11%, 5% and 0%, respectively (P = NS). Overall, 91 episodes of WHO grade III/IV toxicity were observed. At least a partial response was documented in 83/113 evaluable patients (73%), including complete response (19%) and near complete response (8%). The overall response rate was similar across RI subgroups. Reversal of RI was documented in 41% of patients after a median of 2.3 months (range 0.4–7.9). In three of 14 patients on dialysis, renal replacement therapy was discontinued after 1, 1 and 4 months. The 2‐yr estimate of response duration and overall survival was 70% and 51%, respectively. In conclusion, bortezomib‐based regimens are safe and effective and should be considered as appropriate treatment options for MM patients with any degree of RI.
The assessment of frailty in older people in acute care
Authors: Hilmer Sarah N , Perera Vidya , Mitchell Sarah , Murnion Bridin P , Dent Jonathan , Bajorek Beata , Matthews Slade , Rolfson Darryl B 
Published: November 2009

Aim:  Develop a measure of frailty for older acute inpatients to be performed by non‐geriatricians.Method:  The Reported Edmonton Frail Scale (REFS) was adapted from the Edmonton Frail Scale for use with Australian acute inpatients. With acute patients aged over 70 years admitted to an Australian teaching hospital, we validated REFS against the Geriatrician's Clinical Impression of Frailty (GCIF), measures of cognition, comorbidity and function, and assessed inter‐rater reliability.Results:  REFS was moderately correlated with GCIF (n = 105, R = 0.61, P < 0.01), Mini‐Mental State Examination impairment (n = 61, R = 0.49, P < 0.001), Charlson Comorbidity Index (n = 59, R = 0.51, P < 0.001) and Katz Daily Living Scale (n = 59, R = 0.51, P < 0.001). Inter‐rater reliability of REFS administered by two researchers without medical training was excellent (kappa = 0.84, n = 31).Conclusion:  In this cohort of older acute inpatients, REFS is a valid, reliable test of frailty, and may be a valuable research tool to assess the impact of frailty on prognosis and response to therapy.
Review article: The use of pelvic examination within the emergency department in the assessment of early pregnancy bleeding
Authors: Isoardi Katherine 
Published: November 2009

AbstractEarly pregnancy bleeding is a common presentation in the emergency setting. Traditionally, its assessment relied on clinical findings, including pelvic examination. However in recent years, ultrasonography and quantitative beta human chorionic gonadotropin assays have gained prominence and are now first‐line in diagnosing early pregnancy bleeding. Accordingly, the role of pelvic examination in the acute setting has been increasingly questioned. This article reviews the evidence for the role of pelvic examination in the assessment of early pregnancy bleeding in the ED. A Medline search was conducted and 43 articles were included in this review. Applicable research is largely observational and of a low level of evidence. However, available data indicate that the role of pelvic examination in the assessment of early pregnancy bleeding is limited, providing that there is prompt access to transvaginal ultrasound examination. Pelvic examination does not provide further diagnostic information over ultrasonography used in conjunction with beta human chorionic gonadotropin assays. The routine use of pelvic examination is not supported by the literature. However, when ultrasonography and beta human chorionic gonadotropin testing are unavailable or the results inconclusive, pelvic examination should be considered. Assessment in these instances must focus on identifying possible life‐threatening conditions, such as ectopic pregnancy, as well as determining the safety of discharge pending definitive assessment. Speculum examination is indicated in those presenting with severe bleeding or hypotension as removal of obstructing endocervical products can be a crucial resuscitative measure.
Paracetamol versus ibuprofen: A randomized controlled trial of outpatient analgesia efficacy for paediatric acute limb fractures
Authors: Shepherd Michael , Aickin Richard 
Published: November 2009

AbstractPaediatric limb fracture is a common injury that presents frequently to the ED. The primary objective of the present study was to determine whether ibuprofen provides better analgesia than paracetamol for paediatric patients discharged with acute limb fractures. A prospective, randomized controlled study was conducted in a children's ED. Children aged 5–14 years with an acute limb fracture were randomized to be prescribed paracetamol 15 mg/kg/dose every 4 h or ibuprofen 10 mg/kg/dose every 8 h. Objective (child‐reported) pain scores using the ‘Faces’ pain scale were measured over a 48 h period. Child‐reported pain did not differ significantly between the paracetamol and ibuprofen groups (mean pain score paracetamol 2.8 [95% CI 2.4–3.4]vs 2.7 [95% CI 2.1–3.3], P= 0.73). Parent‐reported sleep quality did not differ between the two groups (P= 0.78). Child‐reported pain score decreased over the 48 h of measurement (P < 0.0001). There were no significant differences in side‐effects detected between the two groups. The present study shows that in the outpatient paediatric population, ibuprofen does not provide better analgesia than paracetamol. Pain from an acute fracture can be managed by regular simple oral analgesia and immobilization.
Endovascular management of an axillary arterial injury post shoulder dislocation
Authors: Reid David , Chue Wai‐Leng 
Published: November 2009

AbstractAxillary arterial injury is a rare complication of non‐recurrent glenohumeral joint dislocation. Previously this type of injury would have required open exploration of the axillary artery with associated risk of iatrogenic injury to the axillary vein or brachial plexus. We present the case of a 75‐year‐old lady, who following a fall in her own home, sustained a dislocation of her right shoulder joint complicated by avulsion of a branch of her axillary artery. We describe the successful endovascular management of the injury using a self‐expanding stent and propose this as the preferred surgical option where the artery is not completely transected.
Prevalence of access block in Australia 2004–2008
Authors: Richardson Drew , Kelly Anne‐Maree , Kerr Debra 
Published: November 2009

AbstractObjective:  Access block is the inability of ED patients requiring admission to access appropriate inpatient beds in a timely fashion, defined in Australasia as more than 8 h in the ED. The present study describes changes in prevalence of access block in Australia over a 4 year period.Methods:  Email, telephone and fax survey of ED on six Mondays at 10.00 hours (31 May, 30 August 2004, 18 June, 3 September 2007, 2 June, 2 September 2008). Data collected included point data on the status of patients in the ED at the index time and of recent ED attendance numbers. Results were collated and analysed by state and hospital role delineation.Results:  Forty‐eight (60%) of 80 eligible ED answered all six surveys. Presentations to the ED the day before rose 15% (P < 0.0001, paired t‐test) in 4 years, and nationally access block patients in the ED rose an average of 27%, and patients waiting to be seen by a doctor 31%. There were differences between states, with hospitals in New South Wales reporting a significant reduction in access block patients (−51%, P= 0.0002), but all other states a significant increase (+45%, P= 0.001). There were differences by role delineation, with non‐paediatric major referral hospitals experiencing the greatest access block, but smaller hospitals experiencing the greatest increase in patients waiting.Conclusions:  Around one‐third of all patients receiving care in these ED surveys were experiencing access block. There is evidence that flow through New South Wales ED has improved. The data suggest that most hospitals have passed the point of efficiency.
Potential Effectiveness of Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation Treatment for Postradical Prostatectomy Incontinence, Climacturia, and Erectile Dysfunction: A Case Series
Authors: Sighinolfi Maria Chiara , Rivalta Massimo , Mofferdin Alessandro , Micali Salvatore , De Stefani Stefano , Bianchi Giampaolo 
Published: November 2009

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Radical prostatectomy is the treatment of choice for prostate cancer; although novel techniques have significantly reduced its side effects, the procedure can provoke urinary incontinence of various degrees and/or erectile dysfunction.

Aim
We evaluate the effect of a complete pelvic floor rehabilitation program on both incontinence and erectile dysfunction, including climacturia, in a preliminary case series.

Main Outcomes Measures
Pad usage and International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-15) Questionnaire.

Methods
Three male patients, previously submitted to nerve and bladder neck sparing radical prostatectomy, presented with urinary incontinence, climacturia and erectile dysfunction of new onset. We decided to manage those subjects with a pelvic-floor rehabilitation program consisting of active pelvic-floor muscle exercises, electromyography biofeedback for strength and endurance, electrical stimulation. The whole program lasted 4 months, with weekly sessions, including general advices on lifestyle changes. Pad usage for incontinence and IIEF-15 were used to assess symptoms before and after the procedure.

Results
Before a complete rehabilitation program, pad usage was 1 per day in all the subjects, and the score for erectile function was set at 17 (range 15–20). After the procedure, all the patients experienced a satisfying urinary continence and an improvement in erectile function (mean IIEF score: 22, range 19–24). Similarly, climacturia seems to be subjectively reduced in all the subjects.

Conclusion
Pelvic floor muscles exercises seem to result in an improved urinary continence and erectile function after radical prostatectomy. Since this is the first clinical case series dealing with this topic, our outcomes are encouraging and suggest the potential usefulness of such noninvasive treatment modality.
EVALUATION OF MOLECULAR WEIGHT OF CHITOSAN IN THIN‐LAYER AND SPOUTED BED DRYING
Authors: HALAL CHRISTINE Y. , MOURA JAQUELINE M. , PINTO LUIZ A.A. 
Published: November 2009

ABSTRACT Chitosan is chitin in deacetylated form and is the main constituent of crustacean exoskeletons. Commercially, chitosan is dried in tray driers, and during the operation, polymerization may occur as the chitosan is composed of carbohydrates. The aim of this work was to analyze chitosan in spouted bed and thin‐layer drying, considering viscosity average molecular weight of the chitosan samples in the process. Results showed that spouted bed‐dried chitosan presented a molecular weight value similar (160 kDa) to that of the raw one (150 kDa). However, when dried on tray dryers, the molecular weight was 300 kDa, indicating that molecule polymerization occurred. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSChitosan, a deacetylated form of chitin, is considered a functional food. The use of chitosan in various areas is directly related to the molecular weight and degree of deacetylation, which depends on the conditions of chitin deacetylation and chitosan drying. One of the main steps of the chitosan production process is drying. Industrial chitosan is dried in tray dryers; however, it is composed mainly of carbohydrate monomer units capable of undergoing polymerization during the drying operation. The spouted bed dryer is a method that promotes direct particle–fluid contact, with high rates of heat and mass transfer. Also, it presents an alternative to the spray‐dryer in an attempt to obtain dry products with the same quality, at low costs. This work presents the study of chitosan drying in spouted bed and thin layer, in paste form, considering the viscosity average molecular weight of the chitosan samples in the operation.
QUALITY STABILITY ASSESSMENT OF A STRAWBERRY‐GEL PRODUCT DURING STORAGE
Authors: MARTÍN‐ESPARZA M.E. , ESCRICHE I. , PENAGOS L. , MARTÍNEZ‐NAVARRETE N. 
Published: November 2009

ABSTRACT A strawberry‐gel product was formulated by using osmotic treatment. The osmotic solution (OS) used to dehydrate the fruit was mixed with carrageenan and employed to formulate the gel. In order to prevent a further dehydration of the fruit during product storage, the OS was previously diluted so that its water activity is the same as the dehydrated fruit. Changes in water, soluble solids, citric acid, ascorbic acid and anthocyanin contents, water activity, surface color, mechanical properties and volatile profile during 15 days of storage (5C) were evaluated. The use of the OS increased the nutritive and functional properties of the product. Changes in volatile profile, mechanical properties and color of the strawberry occur mainly in the first 2 days of storage and are not due to the presence of the gel matrix, as they occur also in the samples not placed in gel. The flux of anthocyanins from the fruit to the gel produces redness, giving a more attractive aspect to the formulated product. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSFruit is still consumed below the recommended values for human health, particularly in developed countries. The development of new fruit based products with a high proportion of fruit and good nutritional and functional properties (such as the one proposed in this study) may be of interest in order to diversify the market supply. These products must be attractive, especially among the young, easy to consume and with a reasonable shelf‐life. Osmotic dehydration may be used to partially decrease fruit water activity obtaining high quality products. However, the osmotic solution is still difficult to manage in some cases. Thus, the use of this by‐product on the fruit‐gel formulation is of great interest to eliminate environmental adverse effects and to increase the nutritive and functional properties of the product.
Identifying Functional Regions in Australia Using Hierarchical Aggregation Techniques
Authors: MITCHELL WILLIAM , WATTS MARTIN 
Published: November 2009

AbstractThis paper continues our work focused on developing a new socio‐economic geography for Australia such that the chosen spatial aggregation of data is based on an analysis of economic behaviour. The underlying hypothesis is that the development of a geographical classification based on underlying economic behaviour will provide new insights into critical issues of regional performance, including unemployment differentials, the impact of industry, infrastructure and changes in local public expenditure on local labour markets. As a precursor to detailed work on the 2006 Census of Population and Housing data, we establish the proof of concept in this paper of the Intramax methodology using 2001 Journey‐to‐Work data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) for the state of New South Wales. The functional regionalisation generated by the Intramax method is then tested using ABS labour force data. We compare 2001 ABS Census of Population and Housing data aggregated by the ABS labour force regions to the same data aggregated using our functional regions. The results demonstrate the potential value of this technique for the development of a new geography.