bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Inventorying management status and plant species richness in semi‐natural grasslands using high spatial resolution imagery
Authors: Hall K. , Johansson L.J. , Sykes M.T. , Reitalu T. , Larsson K. , Prentice H.C. 
Published: November 2009

AbstractQuestion: Can we reliably estimate grazing intensity, indicators of grazing intensity (i.e. field‐layer height and shrub‐cover), and vascular plant species richness in semi‐natural grasslands from high spatial resolution satellite data?Location: The Baltic Island of Öland (Sweden).Methods: Fieldwork included the on‐site description of grazed and ungrazed areas and shrub‐cover within 107 semi‐natural grassland sites. Field‐layer height and vascular plant species richness (total within‐site and mean small‐scale species richness) were recorded within the sites. Digital classification of QuickBird data was performed to identify grazed and ungrazed areas and shrub‐cover. Vegetation indices were generated to analyze the performance of satellite data for estimating field‐layer height, and the spectral heterogeneity was used to characterize the within‐site environmental heterogeneity.Results: The proportion of digitally classified grazed area explained 45% of the variation in field‐layer height and 43% of the variation in shrub‐cover. Field‐layer height was significantly related to vegetation indices. A linear model with three explanatory variables (spectral richnessred, spectral richnessNIR, and shrub‐cover) explained 47% of the variation in total within‐site species richness.Conclusions: High spatial resolution imagery may assist in the monitoring of the processes that follow the cessation of grazing, on the scale of individual grassland sites. Measures of spectral heterogeneity acquired by high spatial resolution imagery can be used in the assessment of total within‐site vascular plant species richness in semi‐natural grassland vegetation.
Photic and non‐photic entrainment on daily rhythm of locomotor activity in goats
Authors: GIANNETTO Claudia , CASELLA Stefania , CAOLA Giovanni , PICCIONE Giuseppe 
Published: November 2009

ABSTRACTWe studied the photic (L/D cycle) and non‐photic (restricted feeding) entrainment on the patterns of daily rhythm of total locomotor activity in goats. Six female Maltese goats were subjected to three different artificial L/D cycles: 12/12 L/D, 12/12 D/L and constant light. During the 12/12 L/D and 12/12 D/L, food and water were available ad libitum. During constant light, animals were subjected to a restricted feeding treatment. Total activity was recorded by means of an actigraphy‐based data logger (Actiwatch‐Mini®). Our results showed that goats exhibited clear daily rhythms of activity in 12/12 L/D cycle, 12/12 D/L cycle and constant light, although they showed FAA prior the feeding time during the restricted feeding treatment. Goats were diurnal, with activity consistently beginning promptly following the onset of light. Even when the L/D cycle was delayed by 12 h on some days, to the daily rhythm was re‐established. During the constant light period, the onset of activity was linked to the time of food administration. Our study evidences two factors for the rhythm of total locomotor activity in goats: light stimuli (photic) and food access (non photic), strongly coupled to permit organisms the adaptive temporal coordination of behaviour with stable and unstable environmental periodicities.
The effect of frequent milk feeding on abomasal curd formation of Holstein calves
Authors: OKADA Keiji , KATO Junro , MIYAZAKI Tamako , SATO Shigeru , YASUDA Jun 
Published: November 2009

ABSTRACTIn order to understand the effects of the automatic milk replacer feeding system on calf health, we examined the effect of frequent milk feeding on curd formation in the abomasum using ultrasonographic imaging. Eight male Holstein calves were divided into a milk‐replacer group and a fresh milk group. Calves were fed twice a day to 12 days after birth (Period A). From 13 days, calves were fed six times a day (Period B). The abomasal fluid was taken by paracentesis. In both periods A and B, the fresh milk group formed bigger curds faster than the milk replacer group. The curd score of the milk replacer group in period B at 2 h was significant lower than those of both groups in period A. The pH in the abomasum was lower in period B than in period A. We could not identify the location of the abomasum in the milk replacer group during period B at almost time points. Our experiment suggests the possibility that frequent feeding of milk replacer causes incomplete hydrolysis of κ‐casein as well as curd formation, thus reducing the digestibility compared to the feeding of the milk replacer twice per day or frequent feeding of fresh milk.
Is there a relationship between skin erythema and fatigue in women undergoing irradiation after breast conserving surgery for early breast cancer? A prospective study
Authors: GUPTA Sanjiv A , WRATTEN Chris R , KILMURRAY Janice , NASH Sharon , SELDON Michael , O'BRIEN Peter C , BELL Katy JL , DENHAM James W 
Published: November 2009

AbstractAim:  A prospective study was conducted to determine whether any relationship exits between skin erythema, fatigue and biological factors during and after adjuvant radiotherapy for early breast cancer.Methods:  Breast erythema was assessed objectively using reflectance spectrophotometry. Fatigue was recorded utilising the functional assessment of cancer therapy fatigue subscale. A number of potential systemic indicators (biological factors) of the effects of radiotherapy was measured, including circulating cytokines, coagulation factors, peripheral blood indices and biochemistry. Measurements for erythema, fatigue and biological factors were taken at baseline and intervals during and following completion of radiotherapy.Results:  A total of 52 eligible patients was included in the analysis. Breast erythema was shown to progressively increase during treatment, peaking on day 36 and returning to baseline by 4 months post‐irradiation. Fatigue also progressively increased during treatment, reaching a plateau between day 22 and 2 weeks post‐radiotherapy. A statistically significant association was demonstrated between total breast erythema and fatigue at days 4, 8, 22 and 29 of irradiation and 2 and 6 weeks post‐radiotherapy. When only the increase in erythema attributable to radiotherapy was considered, statistically significant associations remained for day 4 of irradiation and 2 and 6 weeks post‐radiotherapy. When multiple time points were considered together, an association between increased erythema and fatigue was present only post‐radiotherapy. No relationship was demonstrated between the biological factors and erythema or fatigue during radiotherapy.Conclusion:  This study demonstrates a significant and consistent relationship between radiotherapy‐induced breast erythema and fatigue, particularly in the period immediately following breast irradiation.
Clinical and socio‐demographic profile of an Australian multi‐institutional prostate cancer cohort
Authors: BECKMANN Kerri , PINNOCK Carole B , TAMBLYN David J , KOPSAFTIS Tina , STAPLETON Alan MF , RODER David M 
Published: November 2009

AbstractAims:  To describe the clinical and socio‐demographic data from a South Australian prostate cancer cohort (PCCOD).Methods:  Clinical data for 2329 prostate cancer patients treated at three South Australian teaching hospitals between 1998 and 2007 were analyzed by place of residence, time of diagnosis and socioeconomic status (SES). χ2 tests were used to investigate differences in stage, grade and prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) at diagnosis, among subgroups and over time. Logistic regression was used to examine predictors of treatment modalities. Five‐year survival was assessed using Kaplan–Meier methods.Results:  The distributions of age, SES and place of residence of PCCOD patients closely reflected those of the state‐based prostate cancer population, with rural patients slightly underrepresented. Lower SES or rural residence was not associated with higher stage, grade, PSA level or disease‐specific survival. Treatment modalities varied with SES (for radical prostatectomy), rural residence (radical prostatectomy, radiotherapy and androgen ablation), age and clinical characteristics. There was a trend over time towards a younger age at diagnosis and more favorable clinical profiles, consistent with earlier diagnosis. However, the current risk profile for this cohort is similar to that reported approximately a decade earlier in a US series.Conclusion:  PCCOD patients have a broadly similar socio‐demographic profile to prostate cancer patients statewide. Socioeconomic status is not associated with clinical characteristics at diagnosis, but does predict treatment type. The clinical characteristics of the cohort are consistent with a much later stage presentation than reported in current US case series.
Discussing sexuality in the clinical setting: The impact of a brief training program for oncology health professionals to enhance communication about sexuality
Authors: HORDERN Amanda , GRAINGER Michelle , HEGARTY Suzanne , JEFFORD Michael , WHITE Victoria , SUTHERLAND Georgina 
Published: November 2009

AbstractAim:  Cancer and its treatments can profoundly affect a person's sexuality and self‐image. However, oncology health professionals (OHP) are often reluctant to discuss these issues with patients. Cancer Council Victoria developed a short workshop to increase OHP's discussion of sexuality issues with cancer patients. We examined the immediate and longer term effect of workshop participation on perceived barriers to these discussions, their confidence in initiating the discussions, and changes in the frequency of their discussing sexuality issues with patients.Method:  Twenty‐one workshops were conducted involving 155 OHP. The workshops were run by trained facilitators and incorporated cognitive, behavioral and experiential components. A major part of the workshop involved role‐playing with simulated patients (trained actors). Questionnaires assessing 20 perceived barriers, seven confidence items and seven practices concerning sexuality discussion were completed by the participants pre‐workshop, immediately post‐workshop, and 8‐weeks post‐workshop.Results:  Overall 89 participants completed all three assessment phases. Data were analysed to assess change in perceived barriers, confidence and behavior across the three assessment points. Mean scores on 16 of the 20 barriers significantly decreased and scores on all seven confidence measures significantly increased between pre‐ and immediate post‐workshop. Most these changes were maintained 8 weeks later. The mean frequency of sexuality issue discussion in the previous 2 months increased significantly from 3.34 times at pre‐workshop to 3.82 times 8 weeks later (P = 0.003).Conclusion:  This workshop appeared to reduce perceived barriers, increase confidence and increase actual practices around discussing sexuality issues with cancer patients.
Off label and unlicensed prescribing in a specialist oncology center in Australia
Authors: MELLOR James D , BENSTED Karen E , CHAN Pui Lam 
Published: November 2009

AbstractAim:  Oncology is an area with a high prevalence of off‐label and unlicensed prescribing. A previous audit conducted in 2001 at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, a specialist oncology hospital, showed that 22% of all prescriptions were either off‐label or unlicensed. This study aimed to determine if the rates of off‐label and unlicensed prescribing in oncology had changed between 2001 and 2008.Methods:  All prescriptions at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre were reviewed on a single day in March 2008. Each prescription was classified as licensed, off‐label or unlicensed by comparing to the Approved Product Information (API).Results:  The medications of 132 patients were assessed. Among the 1094 prescriptions, 382 (35%) were off‐label and 44 (4%) were unlicensed. 112 (85%) patients received at least one off‐label or unlicensed drug.Conclusion:  The results of the audit suggest that the level of off‐label prescribing increased by 17% since 2001. This study confirmed the extensive off‐label and unlicensed drug usage as suggested by the literature and demonstrated a higher rate of off‐label prescribing than the previous audit in 2001. The results demonstrate that 85% of all cancer patients in the study were prescribed at least one drug that had not been fully tested by the regulatory approval process.
Role of videofluorography in assessing functional abnormalities in patients of head and neck cancer treated with chemoradiotherapy
Authors: LAL Punita , TIWARI Anu , VERMA Ashish , MARIA DAS Koilpillai Joseph , BAIJAL Sanjay Sharan , BAJPAI Ranjeet , KUMAR Pavan , SRIVASTAVA Anurita , KUMAR Shaleen 
Published: November 2009

AbstractAim:  The major toxicity following treatment for head neck cancer is swallowing dysfunction which can be easily assessed by videofluorography (VFG), allowing documentation of the site and extent of abnormality thereby facilitating directed management.Methods:  Between October 2003 and January 2007, 56 patients with locally advanced head and neck cancer were treated by an accelerated radiotherapy schedule with concurrent weekly cisplatin chemotherapy. Three months following treatment, these patients were locally disease free clinically, but complained of varying degrees of dysphagia and were subjected to a VFG evaluation.Results:  This group comprised 52 men and four women with a median age of 56 years. The primary site distribution was: oral cavity (9), oropharynx (22), larynx (19), hypopharynx (5) and unknown primary (1). Swallowing function abnormalities in the form of structural displacement and temporal delays were documented and recorded as weakness of the tongue musculature (n = 6), palatal kink (n = 8), premature leak into the oropharynx (n = 20), impaired hyoid elevation (n = 23), impaired epiglottic tilt (n = 26), unilateral pharyngeal wall impairment (n = 16), residuum in vallecula or pyriform fossa (n = 30), aspiration in trachea (n = 29) and loss of nasopharyngeal seal (n = 7). Multiple abnormalities of different sub‐sites were seen in each patient.Conclusion:  VFG can document dysmotility disorders of upper aero‐digestive tract like dysfunction of the base of tongue, larynx and pharyngeal musculature leading to stasis of the bolus and vallecular residuum, epiglottis dysmotility resulting in silent aspirations, and inadequate nasopharyngeal seal leading to nasal regurgitation. A clinical correlation alongwith quantification of VFG findings is required.
HER2 and tau expression as potential markers for response and survival to first line taxane plus cisplatin therapy in non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: SHIM Byoung Yong , KIM Chi Hong , AHN Myeong Im , KIM Sung Whan , CHO Deog Gon , CHO Kyo Do , YOO Jinyoung , KIM Hoon‐Kyo 
Published: November 2009

AbstractAim:  The aim of this study was to assess the role of various HER2, tau and bcl2 as prognostic markers of responsiveness to taxane and cisplatin therapy in patients with advanced NSCLC.Methods:  Amplification of HER2 gene determined by chromogenic in situ hybridization (CISH) and HER2, tau and bcl2 protein expression determined by immunohistochemistry were assessed in 49 patients with NSCLC enrolled in our four clinical trials of taxane plus cisplatin chemotherapy.Results:  The patients were classified as responders or non‐responders, a negative tau expression was associated with a significantly higher rate of response compared to a positive tau expression (OR 3.33, 95% CI 1.01–10.97, P = 0.043). Patients with more than stable disease compared to those with progressive disease showed that negative amplification of the HER2 gene was associated with a significantly higher rate of disease control compared to positive amplification (OR 7.35, 95% CI 0.83–65.21, P = 0.048). Furthermore, HER2 gene amplification was strongly associated with the overall survival: 20 months (95% CI 9.007–30.993) in patients with negative amplification of the HER2 gene versus 12 months (95% CI 6.584–17.416) in patients with positive amplification of the HER2 gene (P = 0.040). A multivariate analysis with the Cox proportional hazards model confirmed that HER2 gene amplification was a significant independent prognostic factor with a hazard ratio of 2.334 (95% CI 1.060–5.142, P = 0.035).Conclusion:  Tau protein expression and HER2 gene amplification are the prognostic factors in NSCLC patients treated with a taxane and cisplatin combination.
Mining the Galactic halo for very metal-poor stars
Authors: Salvadori S. , Ferrara A. , Schneider R. , Scannapieco E. , Kawata D. 
Published: November 2009

Abstract
We study the age and metallicity distribution function (MDF) of metal-poor stars in the Milky Way halo as a function of galactocentric radius by combining N-body simulations and semi-analytical methods. We find that the oldest stars populate the innermost region, while extremely metal-poor stars are more concentrated within r &lt; 60 kpc. The MDF of [Fe/H]≤−2 stars varies only very weakly within the central 50 kpc, while the relative contribution of [Fe/H]≤−2 stars strongly increases with r, varying from 16 per cent within 7 &lt; r &lt; 20 kpc up to ≥40 per cent for r &gt; 20 kpc. This is due to the faster descent of the spatial distribution (as seen from Earth) of the more enriched population. This implies that the outer halo &lt; 40 kpc is the best region to search for very metal-poor stars. Beyond ∼60 kpc the density of [Fe/H]≤−2 stars is maximum within dwarf galaxies. All these features are imprinted by a combination of (i) the virialization epoch of the star-forming haloes, and (ii) the metal enrichment history of the Milky Way environment.
Explaining Partisan Change among Northeastern Whites
Authors: KNUCKEY JONATHAN 
Published: November 2009

This article focuses on partisan change in a region that has become a Democratic stronghold: the Northeast. Using data from the American National Election Studies, the article conceptualizes realignment as changes in the social group composition and ideological and issue bases of party support. Findings suggest that an ideological realignment has transformed the party coalitions in the Northeast in a way that suggests a widespread and durable Democratic advantage. Furthermore, this realignment was produced by both party conversion and generational replacement of the electorate. The article finds little signs that a competitive Republican electoral coalition can be forged, and that a solid Democratic Northeast will likely be a feature of American politics and a regional pillar of any emerging national Democratic majority.Este artículo se enfoca en el cambio partidista en una región que se ha convertido en un bastión Demócrata: el Noreste. Utilizando información de los Estudios Americanos Nacionales de Elecciones (ANES, por sus siglas en inglés), este artículo conceptualiza la realineación como cambios en la composición de los grupos sociales y sus bases ideológicas y de las bases de apoyo partidista por asunto. Los resultados sugieren que una realineación ideológica ha transformado las coaliciones partidistas en el Noreste de una forma que sugiere una ventaja Demócrata extendida y durable. Además, esta realineación fue producida tanto por la transformación del partido como por un remplazo generacional del electorado. El artículo encuentra pocas señales que una coalición electoral competitiva Republicana pueda ser forjada, y que un sólido Noreste Demócrata será probablemente un rasgo de la política Americana y un pilar regional emergente de cualquier mayoría nacional Demócrata.
Improving the health of populations – evidence for policy and practice action
Authors: Ramírez Gilbert 
Published: November 2009

AbstractThe evidence‐based movement has greatly improved how health scientists review literature. It has also resulted in improvements in the conduct and reporting of primary studies. Its impact in the practice of clinical medicine has been greater than in public health, both in terms of practice and policy decisions. In order to substantially improve population health, there needs to be a paradigm shift in academia – evidence should be guided by the needs of practitioners and policymakers in terms of relevance and timeliness.
Analysis of rehabilitation needs, measures taken, and their effectiveness for the wounded following the Wenchuan Earthquake
Authors: Li Yuanfeng , Pan Fuqiong , Li Yufeng 
Published: November 2009

Abstract Objective To investigate the recovery status of people wounded in the Wenchuan earthquake. Method Data were retrospectively collected from administrative documents in the Bureau of Medical Affairs, Sichuan Provincial Health Department. The severity of injury was assessed by Injury Severity Score (ISS). The data were recorded by EXCEL software and descriptive analysis was conducted. Results Our analysis results of rehabilitation treatment through Feb. 5, 2009 shows that 27,080 of the 28,008 patients had been treated and discharged, for a discharge rate of 97.8%. There were 928 patients still in hospitals at that time, including 55 cases of traumatic brain injury, 163 cases of paraplegia, 260 amputees, and 449 cases of severe spine, pelvis and other fractures. Some amputees needed to receive replacement of artificial limbs or stump dressing operation and rehabilitation; most patients who were installed internal fixation needed to removal and post‐rehabilitation. Conclusions The effectiveness of rehabilitation is significant. Our work in the next stage should focus on (1) continuing to improve the establishment of province's rehabilitation capabilities and increasing capital investment; (2) enhancing training for medical rehabilitation practitioners in order to improve operational standards and service capabilities; (3) developing the wounded rehabilitation standards in later stages, conducting follow‐up and functional training in order to maximize recovery and return to society; (4) increasing employment opportunities for disabled persons.
Family stigma and care burden of schizophrenia patients: Comparison between Japan and Korea
Authors: Hanzawa Setsuko , Bae Jeong‐Kyu , Tanaka Hideki , Tanaka Goro , Bae Yong Jun , Goto Masahiro , Inadomi Hiroyuki , Ohta Yasuyuki , Nakane Hideyuki , Nakane Yoshibumi 
Published: November 2009

AbstractIntroduction: In the present study, we compared the care burden and stigma experienced by families of patients with schizophrenia in Japan (Niigata) and Korea (Seoul and Daegu) to elucidate similarities and differences in the sociocultural factors that affect the care experience of families in East Asia.Methods: Factors such as care burden (evaluated using the eight‐item short version of the Zarit Caregiver Burden Interview [ZBI‐8]), stigma, and social distance were evaluated in members of support groups for families of mentally ill individuals in Japan (n=47) and Korea (n=92) using an interview questionnaire. Interviewees reported their personal attitudes (personal stigma and social distance) and perceptions of the attitudes of others in the community (perceived stigma) with respect to a case vignette. These vignettes described a person with chronic schizophrenia.Results: The data analysis revealed the following: (i) feelings of care burden (according to ZBI‐8), perceived stigma, and social distance were significantly stronger in Japan compared to Korea, and (ii) feelings of personal stigma were significantly stronger in Korea than in Japan.Discussion: The care burden and stigma experienced by families of patients with schizophrenia differed between Japan and Korea. The present findings suggest that to provide effective support for reducing family stigma and care burden, the necessity of such support must be emphasized in both countries.