bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Population biology of Excirolana armata (Dana, 1853) (Isopoda, Cirolanidae) on an exposed sandy beach in Southeastern Brazil
Authors: Petracco Marcelo , Cardoso Ricardo S. , Corbisier Thais N. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractThe reproductive biology and population dynamics of the cirolanid isopod Excirolana armata (Dana, 1853) were analysed through monthly samples from December 2003 to November 2005 on Una beach, São Paulo state (24° S), in Southeastern Brazil. Sampling was performed along three transects established from the base of foredunes to the waterline. On Una beach, E. armata showed continuous reproduction with higher abundances of ovigerous females in winter and spring (July–November) with a higher peak of juveniles in spring (November 2004). The fecundity ranged from 2 to 18 eggs/embryos per female, depending on the female length. The incubation period was estimated as 2 months. The life span of males and females was nearly 1 year. The short life span and the high energetic expenditure inherent to reproduction with maternal care, probably kept females from producing more than one brood in their lifetime. When comparing the population of E. armata on Una beach (24° S) with populations in Southern Brazil (32° S), Uruguay (34° S) and Argentina (36° S), it was verified that several biological population traits (length of the smallest juvenile, length of the largest individual, length of the smallest and largest ovigerous females, range of fecundity and life span) tended to increase at higher latitudes, whereas other traits (instantaneous rate of mortality and the curvature parameter of von Bertalanffy growth function) tended to decrease. However, comparing E. armata on Una beach (24° S) with a population situated at a close latitude (25° S), unexpected differences in relation to population structure and to growth demonstrated and reinforced the importance of density‐dependent factors over life history traits of E. armata on dissipative beaches.
Efficacy and cost of a hepatocellular carcinoma screening program at an Australian teaching hospital
Authors: Qian YY Mary , Yuwei J Rong , Angus Peter , Schelleman Tony , Johnson Lynne , Gow Paul 
Published: December 2009

AbstractBackground and Aim:  Western countries are seeing an increasing prevalence of chronic viral hepatitis and a subsequent rise in the incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Screening patients at high risk of HCC has become standard practice. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and cost of screening high‐risk individuals for HCC in an Australian tertiary hospital.Methods:  A retrospective review was performed of all patients who underwent HCC screening at the Austin Hospital in Melbourne between 1 October 1998 and 31 August 2004. HCC screening was carried out in all cirrhotic patients and male non‐cirrhotic patients with chronic hepatitis B virus. Screening consisted of 6‐monthly alpha fetoprotein (AFP) measurements and ultrasounds (US). Outcomes of those who had HCC detected were followed up until 15 February 2007. Patients who had HCC satisfying the Milan criteria for liver transplantation were considered to have potentially curable tumor. Costs for the diagnostic tests were obtained from the 2004 Australian Medicare Benefits Schedule.Results:  A total of 268 patient records were reviewed as part of the study. Chronic viral hepatitis accounted for 63% of the patients (n = 167). US screening was carried out at a median of 6.5 months and AFP measurements at a median of 4.0 months. HCC was detected in 22 patients (8.2%) at an incidence of 2.7% per year. These patients had a mean follow up of approximately 5.0 years after tumor detection. At the time of diagnosis, 17 patients had potentially curable tumor and 10 were alive at the conclusion of follow up. Of these 10 patients, six were successfully transplanted, three were successfully treated with radiological therapies and one was awaiting transplantation. The total cost of the screening program over the study period, including secondary investigations, was $A300 568. The cost per HCC detected was $13 662 and cost per potentially curable HCC was $17 680.Conclusion:  An effective HCC screening program can be provided through a multi‐disciplinary outpatient facility in an Australian teaching hospital. Further stratification of the high risk patient cohort may improve the cost effectiveness of this screening program.
Marshall and Warren Lecture 2009: Peptic Ulcer Bleeding: An expedition of 20 years from 1989–2009
Authors: Sung Joseph J Y 
Published: December 2009

AbstractPeptic ulcer bleeding is one of the most common medical emergencies leading to substantial mortality and morbidity. The last two decades has witnessed some important advances in the management of this condition, and some of these are results from clinical trials conducted in the Asia Pacific region. The optimal use of combined endoscopic hemostasis and the use of pharmacologic control of acid secretion in the stomach have significantly improved clinical outcome. The role of surgery has been redefined. Treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection and prophylactic treatment in non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drug and anti‐platelet users have made progress in preventing recurrence of peptic ulcer and bleeding. Instead of merely focusing on safety in the gastrointestinal tract, striking a balance between risk and benefit of continuing anti‐platelet agents should be a top agenda.
19‐peptide, a fragment of tumstatin, inhibits the growth of poorly differentiated gastric carcinoma cells in vitro and in vivo
Authors: He Yan , Jiang Yang , Li Ying‐Jie , Liu Xing‐Han , Zhang Lei , Liu Li‐Juan , Shi Hang , Li Hui‐Ning , Ma Yong‐Cu , Jin Xiao‐Ming 
Published: December 2009

AbstractBackground and Aim:  This study investigated whether 19‐peptide, a fragment of tumstatin, inhibited the growth of gastric tumor cells in vitro and in vivo.Methods:  19‐peptide was expressed in bacteria and purified with Sephadex G‐15. SGC7901 gastric carcinoma cells and human umbilical‐vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were exposed to 19‐peptide in vitro, and their viability was evaluated by biochemical and histopathological analysis. In vivo, pieces of solid tumor derived from SGC7901 cells were inoculated into the gastric serosa of 36 nude mice, with a biological glue to hold them in place. Twenty‐eight days after injection of 19‐peptide, the mice were killed. The tumors were measured and examined by western blotting, histopathology, and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase biotin‐dUTP nick end labeling assay.Results:  19‐peptide induced apoptosis of many SGC7901 cells but few HUVECs in vitro. In vivo, after the application of 19‐peptide, significant tumor cell apoptosis was observed in the center of the tumors, tumor volume was reduced significantly (P < 0.001), and the invasion and migration of cancer cells was reduced. PTEN was increased in the treatment group and phospho‐Akt (pAkt) was decreased in the control group.Conclusions:  These results suggest that 19‐peptide inhibits the growth and metastases of poorly differentiated gastric carcinoma cells, primarily by inducing apoptosis. The apoptotic mechanism could be related to anoikis and the PTEN/Akt pathway.
TECHNIQUES AND APPLICATIONS OF ADJUSTABLE SUTURES
Authors: PETER FELLS do, frcs  
Published: December 2009

AbstractThe ‘rediscovery’ of adjustable sutures some 10 years ago has given the ophthalmic surgeon much more confidence in his ability to correct strabismus. Three methods of use are described: 8 during surgery under general anaesthesia with adjustment during the operation using the ‘springback’ test to centralise the eye; (ii) during surgery under general anaesthesia and subsequent adjustment under local anaesthesia using the patient's subjective responses to obtain optimal positioning; and (iii) pedormance of the operation and adjustment under topical local anaesthesia in one procedure.Full details are given of each technique and the indications for their application to particular problems are discussed.
The pathogenesis of Acanthamoeba keratitis
Authors: Badenoch Paul R. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractMost major eye centres in Australia have now seen patients with corneal infection due to Acanthamoeba. The medical treatment of this condition is difficult; Acanthamoeba isolates show wide variation in their susceptibility to antimicrobial agents and amoebicidal concentrations are difficult to achieve in the cornea. The recent development of animal models of Acanthamoeba keratitis will be important in understanding the pathogenic mechanisms involved. The key to improving the visual outcome for these patients may prove to be the manipulation of the host response.
Subperiosteal abscesses of the orbit due to sinusitis in childhood
Authors: Williams Brian Joseph , Harrison Henley Christopher 
Published: December 2009

AbstractThis paper reports 16 cases of subperiosteal abscesses of the orbit due to acute sinusitis in childhood. They comprise 12.4% of 129 patients presenting with an ‘acute orbit’. Acute ethmoidal sinusitis was the predominant cause. The typical clinical features, as well as CT scanning of the paranasal sinuses, orbit and brain, should assist in early diagnosis. If possible, the subperiosteal abscess and sinuses should be drained before loss of visual acuity or intracranial complications occur. Streptococcus milleri was the pathogen most commonly cultured. One patient in this series had intracranial complications, but no other patients had major complications and there were no deaths.
On target? Strategies and progress in the development of therapies for colorectal cancer targeted against WNT signalling
Authors: McDonald S. L. , Silver A. R. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractChemotherapy is an integral part of treatment for colorectal cancer (CRC), especially in the context of metastatic cancer. Targeted therapies in the form of monoclonal antibodies directed against the endothelial growth factor receptor or the vascular endothelial growth factor have met with success, and have demonstrated the advantages of molecularly targeted therapy in colorectal cancer. Nevertheless, CRC remains a major cause of death, which demonstrates the urgent need for improved treatment strategies. The pathway activated by the Wingless‐type mouse mammary tumour virus integration site (WNT) family members is constitutively active and promotes cancer growth in the majority of CRCs. As a result, there has been interest in developing therapeutics that circumvent it either by inhibiting WNT‐mediated transcription or by inactivating the target genes. This review considers the current therapies approved for use in CRC and discusses the progress with therapies designed to target the WNT signalling pathway.
Enhancing instructional design efficiency: Methodologies employed by instructional designers
Authors: Roytek Margaret A. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractInstructional systems design (ISD) has been frequently criticised as taking too long to implement, calling for a reduction in cycle time—the time that elapses between project initiation and delivery. While instructional design research has historically focused on increasing learner efficiencies, the study of what instructional designers do to increase efficiency during the design of instruction, including web‐based training, has not yet been fully examined. The purpose of this qualitative developmental study was to identify and understand the methodologies used by experienced instructional designers to increase the efficiency of the instructional design process. Data were gathered from 11 instructional designers working within two business and industry consulting firms that provide learning solutions to global clients. Results revealed 47 efficiency methodologies found within the four categories of design model, instructional design team member roles, instructional design processes and instructional design tools. Additionally, 14 supporting instructional designer competencies were found within the category of instructional designer knowledge, skills and attitudes.
Genital verrucous carcinoma is associated with lichen sclerosus: a retrospective study and review of the literature
Authors: Wang S‐H , Chi C‐C , Wong YW , Salim A , Manek S , Wojnarowska F 
Published: December 2009

AbstractBackground  The association of lichen sclerosus (LS) with genital squamous cell carcinoma is well recognized. However, the relationship between LS and verrucous carcinoma remains unclear.Objective  To evaluate the associations of genital and perianal verrucous carcinomas with LS.Methods  We conducted a retrospective study on patients with a genital or perianal verrucous carcinoma and reviewed their histopathology specimens and clinical notes. We also conducted a literature review.Results  We identified a total of 13 patients (including 6 women and 7 men) with a genital or perianal verrucous carcinoma. All 5 women with vulval verrucous carcinoma had coexisting LS (5/5), and 1 man with penile verrucous carcinoma had coexisting LS (1/3). In contrast, no coexisting LS was found in all 5 cases of perianal verrucous carcinoma (0/5). Half of the cases of verrucous carcinoma with coexisting LS had recurrences (3/6), while no recurrences were found in those without coexisting LS (0/7).Conclusions  Our study and review of the literature demonstrate that vulval verrucous carcinoma is strongly associated with LS. In contrast, perianal verrucous carcinoma is not associated with LS. When genital verrucous carcinoma is diagnosed, it is important to consider LS as a potential concomitant diagnosis and offer appropriate treatments and close follow‐up to detect recurrence of verrucous carcinoma.
Issue compensation and right‐wing government social spending
Authors: JENSEN CARSTEN 
Published: December 2009

AbstractIt is well‐established that prolonged left‐wing incumbency has a positive long‐term effect on welfare effort in terms of high levels of social spending and reduced levels of economic inequality and poverty. Prolonged left‐wing incumbency also influences the institutional set‐up of welfare states, in particular generating strong support for existing arrangements in countries with large welfare states. The issue ownership literature furthermore shows that the public comes to distrust right‐wing parties as defenders of the welfare state. In countries that have a tradition of left‐wing incumbency it is particularly important for right‐wing governments to compensate for the distrust of the public because of the popularity of the welfare state and strong vested interests. While right‐wing governments on average are negatively associated with social spending, there is a strong positive association between right‐wing government and social spending in traditionally left‐wing countries. It is even the case that right‐wing governments in these countries spend more on social welfare than left‐wing governments. This indicates that right‐wing governments are forced to compensate for the lack of public trust by being even more generous than the left.
“My way or no way”: Anarchic power, relationship satisfaction, and male violence
Authors: REHMAN UZMA S. , HOLTZWORTH‐MUNROE AMY , HERRON KATHERINE , CLEMENTS KAHNI 
Published: December 2009

Abstract It was hypothesized that couples experiencing husband violence are more likely than nonviolent couples to have “anarchic” power outcomes, that is, the failure to reach agreement or make a decision when discussing relationship problems. Three groups of U.S. couples in committed relationships participated in the current study: 41 experiencing husband violence, 23 nonviolent but maritally distressed, and 39 nonviolent‐nondistressed. The power outcome was assessed by noting which partner's solution couples adopted using both hypothetical and actual marital problem discussions. The study findings suggested that power gridlocks are related to relationship dysfunction but may not be specifically linked to husband violence among a community sample. The conclusion includes a discussion of the methodological and theoretical issues that need to be considered in future research.
Roots and correlates of perceived injustice in the division of family work
Authors: MIKULA GEROLD , SCHOEBI DOMINIK , JAGODITSCH SONJA , MACHER SILVIA 
Published: December 2009

Abstract This study provides a comprehensive test of the distributive justice framework to explain justice evaluations of the division of family work. Using data of 632 dual‐earner couples with young children from 3 European countries, the analyses provided good support for the distributive justice framework. The frequency with which spouses compared each other's amounts of family work, the outcome of the comparison of the husband's family work with the family work performed by other men, and the extent to which the partner appreciated one's family work proved to be most predictive of justice evaluations. Notably, the evidence supports the model equally for women and men and for justice evaluations of the divisions of domestic work and child care.
Drivers of change in fragile environments: Challenges to governance in Indian wetlands
Authors: Narayanan N.C. , Venot Jean‐Philippe 
Published: December 2009

AbstractIn densely populated coastal wetlands with rich biodiversity, multiple, but generally competing, economic activities are common. This paper adopts a polycentric perspective to the study of wetlands management in India to assess the scope for sustainable and equitable use of these remarkable and threatened ecosystems. The analytical framework proves to be useful and highlights that the intertwined processes of environmental and social changes result from, and shape, governance patterns. The three wetlands studied share commonalities in their trajectories: high population pressure, the enclosure of the commons and subsequent capitalization of resources and social marginalization, conflicting interests and intense local politics, a disconnect between global conservation discourses and local concerns, weak institutional arrangements, and global economic forces. The intense politics of access, control and use of natural resources challenge the implementation of a true polycentric regime in the Indian context due to a tendency to bureaucratization and a lack of participation, and existing limits to democratic citizenship. Creating a democratic space where multiple voices can be considered in the decision‐making process remains a challenge. The paper concludes that inclusion of power and politics in the study of governance of natural resources should be of prime concern for researchers and decision makers.
Cortical stimulation for language mapping in focal epilepsy: Correlations with tractography of the arcuate fasciculus
Authors: Diehl Beate , Piao Zhe , Tkach Jean , Busch Robyn M. , LaPresto Eric , Najm Imad , Bingaman Bill , Duncan John , Lüders Hans 
Published: December 2009

SummaryPurpose:  Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) provides information about magnitude (diffusivity) and directionality (fractional anisotropy, FA) of water diffusion and allows visualization of major white matter tracts. The arcuate fasciculus (AF) connects anterior (Broca’s) and posterior (Wernicke’s) language areas. We hypothesized that essential language areas identified by direct cortical stimulation would colocalize with areas revealing subcortical connectivity via the AF.Methods:  Fourteen patients with pharmacoresistant left hemispheric epilepsy and left hemisphere language dominance underwent invasive evaluations for localization of epileptogenicity and functional mapping. DTI and T1‐weighted volumetric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans were coregistered, and subdural grid electrodes identified on postimplantation computed tomography (CT) scans were also coregistered to the MRI scans. The AF was reconstructed from a region lateral to the corona radiata on the FA map. Colocalization, defined as <1 cm between the AF and the electrode positions delineating language cortex, was visually assessed with excellent reliability (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.98).Results:  A total of 71 subdural grid contacts were overlying language cortex. Nineteen contacts in eight patients were over Broca’s area, 16 of which (84.2%) colocalized with the AF. Fifty‐two contacts in 10 patients were over Wernicke’s area, with colocalization in 29 patients (55.8%). Colocalization was significantly greater in anterior regions than in posterior regions [χ2(1) = 4.850, p < 0.05].Discussion:  The AF, as visualized with DTI, colocalized well with anterior language areas, but less so with posterior language areas, inferring that the latter are more spatially dispersed.
Effects of Health Status on Word Finding in Aging
Authors: Albert Martin L. , Spiro Avron , Sayers Keely J. , Cohen Jason A. , Brady Christopher B. , Goral Mira , Obler Loraine K. 
Published: December 2009

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate effects of health status on word‐finding difficulty in aging, adjusting for the known contributors of education, sex, and ethnicity.DESIGN: Cross‐sectional.SETTING: Community.PARTICIPANTS: Two hundred eighty‐four adults aged 55 to 85 (48.6% female) participating in an ongoing longitudinal study of language in aging.MEASUREMENTS: Medical, neurological, and laboratory evaluations to determine health status and presence or absence of hypertension and diabetes mellitus. Lexical retrieval evaluated with the Boston Naming Test (BNT) and Action Naming Test.RESULTS: Unadjusted regression models showed that presence of diabetes mellitus was not related to naming. Presence of hypertension was associated with significantly lower accuracy on both tasks (P<.02). Adjustment for demographics attenuated the effect of hypertension (P<.08). For the BNT, a variable combining presence, treatment, and control of hypertension was marginally significant (P<.10), with subjects with uncontrolled hypertension being least accurate (91.4%). Previously observed findings regarding the effects of age, education, sex, and ethnicity were confirmed.CONCLUSION: In this sample of older adults, hypertension contributed to the word‐finding difficulty of normal aging, but diabetes mellitus did not.
Persistence of Traumatic Memories in World War II Prisoners of War
Authors: Rintamaki Lance S. , Weaver Frances M. , Elbaum Philip L. , Klama Edward N. , Miskevics Scott A. 
Published: December 2009

OBJECTIVES: To assess the long‐term effects of the prisoner of war (POW) experience on U.S. World War II (WWII) veterans.DESIGN: Exploratory study.SETTING: Participants were recruited through the Hines Veterans Affairs Hospital; a POW reunion in Orlando, Florida; and the WWII veterans periodical, “The QUAN.”PARTICIPANTS: One hundred fifty‐seven American military veterans who were former WWII POWs.MEASURMENTS: Participants completed a mailed survey describing their POW experiences, POW effects on subsequent psychological and physical well‐being, and ways in which these experiences shaped major decisions in their lives.RESULTS: Participants from the European and Pacific theaters reported that their captivity during WWII affected their long‐term emotional well‐being. Both groups reported high rates of reflection, dreaming, and flashbacks pertaining to their POW experiences, but Pacific theater POWs did so at higher rates in the present than in the past. Large portions of both groups reported greater rumination on POW experiences after retirement. Finally, 16.6% of participants met the requirements of a current, clinical diagnosis of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) based on the Mississippi PTSD scale, with PTSD rates in Pacific theater POWs (34%) three times those of European theater POWs (12%).CONCLUSION: Traumatic memories and clinical levels of PTSD persist for WWII POWs as long as 65 years after their captivity. Additionally, rumination about these experiences, including flashbacks and persistent nightmares, may increase after retirement, particularly for those held in the Pacific theater. These findings inform the current therapeutic needs of this elderly population and future generations of POWs from other military conflicts.