bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effect of epidural analgesia on postoperative outcome after colorectal surgery
Authors: Gendall K. A. , Kennedy R. R. , Watson A. J. M. , Frizelle F. A. 
Published: August 2007

AbstractObjective  The aim of this review was to determine the effects of epidural analgesia as it relates to outcome after colorectal surgery.Method  We searched and reviewed studies that included colorectal surgery and epidural method of analgesia listed on the Pubmed, Medline, Embase and the Cochrane library database.Results  The majority of data demonstrate a superior effect of epidural analgesia on pain control after colorectal surgery. Well designed randomized controlled trials (RCT's) have also shown that epidural analgesia reduces the duration of ileus after colorectal surgery. Limited data suggest the additional benefit may be minimal after laparoscopic surgery or when epidural analgesia is used as part of a multimodal regime. Data does not convincingly show either a clear harmful or beneficial effect of epidural analgesia on rates of anastomotic leakage. Epidural analgesia may have beneficial effects on postoperative lung function, however due to low numbers, the effects on cardiovascular and thromboembolic complications are indeterminate. Length of hospital stay has not been shown to be shortened by sole use of an epidural and, although epidural analgesia may be apparently more costly, alternatives may incur higher indirect costs and decreased patient satisfaction.Conclusion  Randomized controlled trials have shown a benefit for epidurals on postoperative pain relief, and ileus, and possibly respiratory complications. There is no proven benefit with regard to length of stay. There are a number of unresolved issues which further focussed RCT's may help clarify such as effects of epidural on complication rates after colorectal surgery.
Rectosigmoid tumours: should we continue sitting on the fence?
Authors: Bagla N. , Schofield J. B. 
Published: August 2007

AbstractRectal cancers are currently defined as tumours below 15 cm from the anal verge on rigid sigmoidoscopy. Clinical trials have used this criterion to select patients for neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy, but several authors have shown that the distance between the fully peritonealized sigmoid colon and the anal canal varies significantly between individuals. A fixed anatomical landmark would be a more reliable and reproducible method of demarcating the junction between the colon and the rectum. The distinction between rectal and sigmoid colon cancers is of particular importance as treatment protocols for rectal cancer management often involve neoadjuvant treatment in contrast to colonic cancers, so it is vital to get the anatomy right. As all rectal cancers are now assessed preoperatively by MRI, the use of a bony landmark is possible. We postulate that the fixed landmark to define the upper limit of the rectum should be the sacral promontory.
Market Reform and Infrastructure Development in Transition Economies
Authors: Feinberg Robert M. , Meurs Mieke 
Published: August 2007

AbstractThis paper analyzes the determinants of investments in physical infrastructure over the first decade of market reform in Central and Eastern Europe and other former Soviet economies. Both market and political reform would be expected to have an impact on the level of infrastructure, but the relationship will likely differ for infrastructure which remains dependent on the public sector and that which becomes more dependent on private investment after such reforms. Results for a large cross section of transition economies show that market reform has had a positive impact on both traditional and newer types of infrastructure, with a stronger impact on the newer types which are more likely to be market‐derived. The findings also suggest that market reform is more likely to push investors to develop infrastructure when political and market reforms are accomplished in tandem.
Trade and Endogenous Formation of Regions in a Developing Country
Authors: Gries Thomas , Naude Wim 
Published: August 2007

AbstractThe authors present a model of regional catching‐up and development without scale effects. Regional growth is driven by technological imitation which is determined by positive externalities from international trade, the regions’ geography, and regional institutions. For the two regions considered, factor endowments are immobile land and human capital which is perfectly mobile between the two regions. Endogenous formation of regions is analyzed by introducing a non‐symmetric decrease in international transaction costs, reflecting the different geography and institutions in the two regions. Using panel data from 354 South African magisterial districts over the period 1996 to 2000, we find that geography is important in explaining trade patterns. As predicted, regions that are larger in terms of economic size, with good foreign market access and know‐how of foreign markets, competitive transport costs and a good local institutional support framework will be more successful in exporting manufactured goods than other regions.
Recruiting, paying and training 16‐ and 17‐year‐old school leavers
Authors: Heyes Jason 
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACTThis article examines firms' pay and employment practices in respect of school leavers aged 16 and 17. The focus is on the manufacturing, hospitality, construction, hairdressing and retail sectors, which are notable for employing relatively large numbers of young workers. Drawing on findings from a postal questionnaire survey of managers and interview data from 28 organisations, the article explores the reasons why firms choose to employ school leavers, the types of jobs that they are considered for and the pay and training they receive. The article also examines the considerations that influence employers' pay practices and the relationship between training activity and average wage levels.
Why is there not more ‘annualised hours’ working in Britain?
Authors: Arrowsmith James 
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACTAnnualised hours (AH) contracts offer employers greater control over working time at lower cost. These efficiency gains may also be shared with workers in terms of pay or time off work. Yet AH remains relatively rare in the UK. Though under‐researched, one explanation is that AH normally requires collective bargaining, which is disappearing across most of the private sector, and often high‐trust employment relations, which is in still shorter supply.
Interest formation in greenfield union organising campaigns
Authors: Simms Melanie 
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACTThis article examines the processes by which unions come to express the interests of workers during organising campaigns. Evidence from five longitudinal cases shows the central importance of officials and organisers. Three key reasons for this are explored: the need for expert knowledge in organising campaigns, the fact that officials and organisers are well placed to identify and to construct common interests among a diversity of interest groups, and the fact that the training they receive explicitly encourages this role. Furthermore, it is argued that this helps explain some of the difficulties observed in organising campaigns specifically; the limitations of campaigns that primarily focus at workplace level, and the relatively narrow definition of collective interests that this approach encourages.
Mothers’ Satisfaction with a Home Based Early Intervention Programme for Children with ASD
Authors: Rodger Sylvia , Keen Deb , Braithwaite Michelle , Cook Shannon 
Published: August 2007

Background  Early intervention services adopting a family‐centred approach are considered important for ensuring parent satisfaction. This study investigated the satisfaction of two mothers with an early intervention programme for young children with autistic spectrum disorder.Materials and Methods  While 16 mother–child dyads participated in a larger study, two mothers who reported considerably lower satisfaction with the programme than the rest of the mothers were the focus of this paper. Using descriptive case studies, various child, parent and service delivery factors that may have influenced satisfaction are described.Results  Child and parent factors that may have lessened satisfaction for these two mothers included the child’s lack of improvement, child’s goal performance post‐intervention, parenting stress and decreased parenting competence. Both mothers also had decreased perceptions of the family‐centredness of the service and expressed difficulties with establishing collaborative partnerships.Conclusion  This paper proposes that parental satisfaction may be influenced by numerous factors relating to the child, parent and service. Relationships with service providers appear to be particularly important.
Heterogeneity of fiber characteristics in the rat masseter and digastric muscles
Authors: Sano R. , Tanaka E. , Korfage J. A. M. , Langenbach G. E. J. , Kawai Nobuhiko , Van Eijden T. M. G. J. , Tanne K. 
Published: August 2007

AbstractThe functional requirements in muscle use are related to the fiber type composition of the muscles and the cross‐sectional area of the individual fibers. We investigated the heterogeneity in the fiber type composition and fiber cross‐sectional area in two muscles with an opposing function, namely the digastric and masseter muscles (n = 5 for each muscle) of adult male rats, by means of immunohistochemical staining according to their myosin heavy chain (MyHC) content. The digastric and masseter muscles were taken from Wistar strain male rats 10 weeks old. In the masseter six predefined sample locations were examined; in the digastric four. Most regions showed dominant proportions of type IIA and IIX fibers. However, both muscles also revealed a regional heterogeneity in their fiber type distribution. In the digastric, type I fibers were detected only at the central and deep areas of the anterior and posterior belly, respectively. Meanwhile, the peripheral area of the anterior belly contained a higher proportion of type IIB fibers. In the masseter, the type I fibers were absent. In the superficial masseter the distribution of IIA and IIB fibers was significantly different between the superior and inferior regions. In the deep masseter, regional differences were observed among all four examined areas, of which the posterolateral region contained the highest proportion of type IIB fibers. The cross‐sectional areas of type IIB fibers were always the largest, followed by the type IIX and IIA fibers. Only a few differences in cross‐sectional area of corresponding fiber types were detected between the various sites. In conclusion, the masseter and digastric muscles showed an obvious heterogeneity of fiber type composition and fiber cross‐sectional area. Their heterogeneity reflects the complex role of the both muscles during function. This detailed description of the fiber type composition can serve as a reference for future studies examining the muscular adaptations after the onset of various diseases in the masticatory system.
Treatment of canine mast cell tumours with vinblastine, cyclophosphamide and prednisone: 35 cases (1997–2004)
Authors: Camps‐Palau M. A. , Leibman N. F. , Elmslie R. , Lana S. E. , Plaza S. , McKnight J. A. , Risbon R. , Bergman P. J. 
Published: August 2007

AbstractThe purpose of this retrospective study was to determine the efficacy and toxicity of a combined protocol of vinblastine, cyclophosphamide and prednisone (VCP) in 35 dogs with mast cell tumours (MCTs). Eleven dogs had measurable disease (group 1) and 24 dogs had incompletely excised MCT or were at high risk for metastasis (group 2). Five patients in group 1 achieved complete response, two partial responses, two stable diseases and two progressive diseases. The median progression‐free survival time (PFST) for group 1 and 2 dogs was 74 and 865 days, respectively. The median overall survival time (OST) for group 1 and 2 dogs was 145 and >2092 days, respectively. Significant negative multivariate prognostic factors included macroscopic disease and reduced vinblastine (VBL) treatments for PFST, and presence of MCT in bone marrow analysis, Patnaik grade III MCT and reduced VBL treatments for OST. Toxicity was infrequent and self‐limiting. This study suggests that the VCP protocol should be considered as an option in the treatment of MCT in dogs.
Quantification of plasma DNA as a prognostic indicator in canine lymphoid neoplasia
Authors: Schaefer D. M. W. , Forman M. A. , Kisseberth W. C. , Lehman A. M. , Kelbick N. T. , Harper P. , Rush L. J. 
Published: August 2007

AbstractDogs have a similar incidence of spontaneous cancers as people, and a noninvasive test to monitor disease status in dogs would be of great value. Humans with cancer often have increased levels of cell‐free circulating DNA in their plasma, which has shown promise for diagnosis, prognosis and detection of residual disease. We hypothesized that dogs with cancer have increased circulating DNA compared with healthy dogs or dogs with non‐neoplastic diseases. Plasma DNA was measured in 40 healthy dogs, 20 dogs with non‐neoplastic diseases and 80 dogs with cancer. The reference interval for plasma DNA in healthy dogs was 1–15 ng mL−1. Dogs with lymphoma and lymphoid leukaemia had significantly higher concentrations (range: 0–91 ng mL−1, P < 0.0001). Antigen receptor rearrangement assays suggest that plasma DNA had the same clonality as the primary lymphoid tumours. Dogs with lymphoid neoplasia and plasma DNA >25 ng mL−1 had shorter remission times than those with < 25 ng mL−1 (P= 0.0116). In contrast to humans, where increased plasma DNA is seen in many diseases, dogs with nonlymphoid malignancies and non‐neoplastic diseases had plasma DNA concentrations similar to healthy dogs. This study shows that a portion of dogs with lymphoid neoplasia have increased tumour‐derived plasma DNA, which serves as a negative prognostic indicator.
Veterinary cancer registries in companion animal cancer: a review
Authors: Brønden L. B. , Flagstad A. , Kristensen A. T. 
Published: August 2007

AbstractCurrent and prior veterinary cancer registries are few in number and scattered. Different inclusion criteria, dissimilar collection methods and variable reference population estimation methods pose obstacles in the comparisons between veterinary and human cancer registries. Veterinary cancer registries have yielded information on the risk and incidence of different cancer types in certain breeds and geographical regions, as well as provided information on genetic and environmental risk factors in some cancers. The objective of this article is to review the prior and current veterinary cancer registries, the information they have contributed and to discuss different issues relating to their structure including inclusion criteria, study populations, reference populations utilized in evaluations, recorded variables and the outcome from these.
The association between maternal periodontitis and low birth weight infants among Malay women
Authors: Saddki Norkhafizah , Bachok Norsa'adah , Hussain Nik Hazlina Nik , Zainudin Siti Lailatul Akmar , Sosroseno Wihaskoro 
Published: August 2007

Abstract –  Objectives:  Maternal periodontitis has been suggested as one of the risk factors for low birth weight (LBW) infants. The objective of this study was to determine the association between maternal periodontitis and LBW infants among Malay women.Methods:  Screening periodontal examinations were carried out on all eligible Malay pregnant women in the second trimester of pregnancy attending two randomly selected community maternal and child health clinics in Kota Bharu, Kelantan. Patients with four or more sites with pocket depth 4 mm or higher, and clinical attachment loss 3 mm or higher at the same site with presence of bleeding on probing were diagnosed as having periodontitis in this study. Using this definition, systematic random sampling was utilized for selection of 250 subjects for each exposed and non‐exposed group. Of 500 subjects enrolled in the study, 28 (5.6%) were either dropped or lost to follow‐up. Of the remaining 472 subjects, 232 with periodontitis were in the exposed group and 240 with healthy periodontium were in the nonexposed group.Results:  The incidence of LBW was 14.2% (95% CI: 9.70–18.75) in women with periodontitis, and 3.3% (95% CI: 1.05–5.62) in women without periodontitis. The relative risk of having LBW infants was 4.27 times higher for women with periodontitis compared with those without periodontitis (95% CI: 2.01–9.04). After adjustment for potential confounders using multiple logistic regression analysis, significant association was found between maternal periodontitis and LBW (OR = 3.84; 95% CI: 1.34–11.05).Conclusion:  The results of this study provide additional evidence that pregnant women with periodontitis are at a significantly higher risk of delivering LBW infants.
Caries status and overweight in 2‐ to 18‐year‐old US children: findings from national surveys
Authors: Kopycka‐Kedzierawski D. T. , Auinger P. , Billings R. J. , Weitzman M. 
Published: August 2007

Abstract –  Background:  The prevalence of overweight children in the United States continues to increase.Objectives:  To examine the relationship between being overweight and caries in primary and permanent dentition in a nationally representative sample of children.Methods:  Data from the NHANES III (1988–1994) were analyzed using logistic regression and controlling for potential confounders for 10 180 children 2–18 years of age and from the NHANES 1999–2002 for 7568 children 2–18 years of age.Results:  For children 2–5 years of age, there was no difference in caries experience among normal weight, at risk for overweight or overweight children for NHANES III and for NHANES 1999–2002. For children 6–11 years of age (NHANES III), at risk for overweight and overweight children were less likely to have caries experience in the primary dentition than normal weight children; overweight children were less likely to have caries experience in the permanent dentition than normal weight children. For children 12–18 years of age (NHANES III), overweight children were less likely to have caries experience in the permanent dentition than normal weight children. For children 6–11 years of age and 12–18 years of age (NHANES 1999–2002), there was no difference in having caries experience among normal, at risk for overweight and overweight children.Conclusions:  The data from NHANES III and NHANES 1999–2002 provide no evidence to suggest that overweight children are at an increased risk for dental caries. Although no differences in caries rates by weight were found in younger children, interestingly results from NHANES III suggest that being overweight may be associated with decreased rates of caries in older children.
Factors associated with prevalence and severity of caries experience in preschool children
Authors: Declerck Dominique , Leroy Roos , Martens Luc , Lesaffre Emmanuel , Garcia‐Zattera Maria‐José , Broucke Stephan Vanden , Debyser Martine , Hoppenbrouwers Karel 
Published: August 2007

Abstract –  Objectives:  The aim of the present study was to examine the prevalence and severity of caries experience in the primary dentition of preschool children and to assess the association of disease distribution with oral hygiene levels, reported oral health behaviours and socio‐demographic factors.Methods:  Study samples comprised 1250 3‐year‐old and 1283 5‐year‐old pre‐school children from four distinct geographical areas in Flanders. Information on oral hygiene and dietary habits, oral health behaviours and socio‐demographic variables was collected using questionnaires completed by the parents. Clinical examinations were performed using standardized criteria. Caries experience was recorded at the level of cavitation (d3 level). Simple as well as multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed in order to identify factors associated with prevalence and severity of caries experience.Results:  Visible plaque was present in 31% of 3‐year‐olds and 37% of 5‐year‐olds. In 3‐year‐olds, 7% presented with caries experience while this was the case in 31% of 5‐year‐olds. Multivariable logistic regression revealed significant associations, in 3‐year‐olds, of caries experience with presence of dental plaque (OR = 7.93; 95% CI: 2.56–24.55) and reported consumption of sugared drinks at night (OR = 7.96; 95% CI: 1.57–40.51). In 5‐year‐olds, significant associations were seen with age (OR = 7.79; 95% CI: 2.38–25.43), gender (OR = 0.37 with 95% CI: 0.19–0.71 for girls), presence of visible dental plaque (OR = 3.36; 95% CI: 1.64–6.89) and reported habit of having sugar‐containing drinks in between meals (OR = 2.60 with 95% CI: 1.16–5.84 and OR = 3.18 with 95% CI: 1.39–7.28, respectively for 1×/day and > 1×/day versus not every day). In 5‐year‐olds with caries experience (30.8% of total sample), the severity of disease was further analysed (d3mft between 1 and 4 versus d3mft 5 or higher). Multivariable analyses showed a significant association with gender [girls more likely to have higher disease levels; OR = 4.67 (95% CI: 1.65–13.21)] and with presence of plaque (OR = 3.91 with 95% CI: 1.23–12.42).Conclusions:  Presence of visible plaque accumulation and reported consumption of sugared drinks were associated with prevalence of caries experience in Flemish preschool children. Severity of disease was associated with gender and with presence of plaque. Results underline the importance of plaque control and diet management from very young age on.
Molecular analysis in a patient with severe factor VII deficiency and an inhibitor: report of a novel mutation (S103G)
Authors: Pruthi Rajiv K. , Rodriguez Vilmarie , Allen Cory , Slaby Jeffrey A. , Schmidt Kirstin A. , Plumhoff Elizabeth A. 
Published: August 2007

AbstractCongenital factor VII (FVII) deficiency is an autosomal recessive bleeding disorder with variable phenotypic correlation between FVII activity and bleeding risk. We report a novel mutation of the FVII gene that creates the amino acid change Ser 103 to Gly, which resulted in severe FVII deficiency with reduced FVII antigen. This mutation in the heterozygous form was also present in a mildly affected, unrelated patient. We also report on the natural history of an FVII inhibitor in the patient with severe FVII deficiency.
Molecular Characterization of Plant Prevacuolar and Endosomal Compartments
Authors: Lam Sheung Kwan , Tse Yu Chung , Miao Yansong , Li Hong‐Ye , Wang Junqi , Lo Sze Wan , Jiang Liwen 
Published: August 2007

Abstract Prevacuolar compartments (PVCs) and endosomal compartments are membrane‐bound organelles mediating protein traffic to vacuoles in the secretory and endocytic pathways of plant cells. Over the years, great progress has been made towards our understanding in these two compartments in plant cells. In this review, we will summarize our contributions toward the identification and characterization of plant prevacuolar and endosomal compartments. Our studies will serve as important steps in future molecular characterization of PVC biogenesis and PVC‐mediated protein trafficking in plant cells.
Cytoskeleton and Early Development in Fucoid Algae
Authors: Bisgrove Sherryl R. 
Published: August 2007

Abstract Cell polarization and asymmetric cell divisions play important roles during development in many multicellular eukaryotes. Fucoid algae have a long history as models for studying early developmental processes, probably because of the ease with which zygotes can be observed and manipulated in the laboratory. This review discusses cell polarization and asymmetric cell divisions in fucoid algal zygotes with an emphasis on the roles played by the cytoskeleton.