bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of iodine levels in the Riverina population
Authors: Uren Leanne J. , McKenzie Geoff , Moriarty Helen 
Published: March 2008

AbstractObjective:  To assess the iodine status in a random group of adults in a rural region. Design:  A cross‐sectional study; urinary iodine concentrations (UIC) were correlated with results of a questionnaire that collected demographic information. Setting:  Primary care. Participants:  A total of 173 adults from the Riverina region provided a morning midstream urine sample and completed a questionnaire. There were no exclusion criteria. Main outcome measures:  Iodine status was based upon mean UIC (MUIC) values and categorised according to World Health Organisation criterion. Subgroups were classified according to sex, age, town, salt usage, vitamin/supplement usage, pregnant or breast‐feeding status and diet. Results:  The MUIC for the study population was 79 μg L

−1

; 29% were iodine‐replete, 52% had mild deficiency and 18.5% were moderately to severely deficient. Use of iodised salt produced a non‐clinically significant increase in MUIC of 81 μg L

−1

compared with 71 μg L

−1

(P = 0.1907). Daily vitamin supplementation led to iodine sufficiency with a MUIC of 111 μg L−1(P = 0.0011). Participants aged 50–59 years had a significantly lower MUIC than participants aged 18–39 years (67 versus 89 μg L−1, respectively, P = 0.0106). Further, the MUIC decreased with age from 18 to 59 years (P = 0.0208).Conclusions:  A mild iodine deficiency was found in this sample of the Riverina population, consistent with other Australian studies. Salt iodisation might not be an effective strategy to correct iodine deficiencies within Australia.
Mobilising a rural community to lose weight: Impact evaluation of the WellingTonne Challenge
Authors: Lyle David , Hobba Janet , Lloyd Karen , Bennett Debbie , George Trish , Giddings Nicolla , Griffin Norma , Chew Patrick C. L. , Harris Mark , Heading Gaynor 
Published: March 2008

AbstractObjective:  To evaluate the impact of the WellingTonne Challenge. Design:  Before–after study. Setting:  The National Action Agenda for the prevention and control of obesity in Australia identified community action and development as a key theme. The WellingTonne Challenge was a whole‐of‐community project designed to support a small rural community to lose weight and reduce their risk of chronic disease. Participants:  Adult residents of the Wellington Local Government Area who were overweight or obese. Results:  The project successfully engaged the community with around 10% of the target group formally participating in the Challenge. Participants achieved a weight reduction of around 3 kg each, as well as positive changes in diet and physical activity. A total of 59% of those who signed up for the Challenge achieved an accumulated loss of 687 kg at the end of the 12‐week program – less than the community goal of 1000 kg. Conclusion:  The WellingTonne Challenge is a promising intervention. Wider implementation of this approach in other small rural communities might make a significant contribution to the national effort. The opportunity should be taken to undertake a more rigorous evaluation to determine whether this approach benefits communities in the longer term.
Rural obesity, healthy weight and perceptions of risk: Struggles, strategies and motivation for change
Authors: Heading Gaynor 
Published: March 2008

AbstractObjective:  To explore risk logics, embodiment (the interplay between the physical, social and subjective body) and issues related to adult obesity in remote New South Wales. Design:  Qualitative multiple‐method design using semistructured interviews and visual aids (food and exercise palm cards) to explore the saliency of food and exercise options. A one‐page demographic survey incorporated self‐reported body mass index. Participants:  A total of 19 rural adults (13 female; six male). Setting:  Community in remote New South Wales, Australia. Results:  Thematic analysis revealed 14 major weight‐related themes. Respondents raised numerous explanations for their weight gain, reported struggles with weight loss, revealed a range of motivations for weight loss and a variety of approaches to risk, not all of which are aligned to dominant health discourse. The need for realistic interventions incorporating social meaning and pleasure seeking is revealed. Conclusion:  Obesity interventions promoting ‘easy’ healthy choices also need to acknowledge embodiment and social status linked to consumption. Interventions that ignore the complexity surrounding consumption (e.g. the interplay of social taste, group distinction and embodiment) will have lower relevance and effectiveness.
Protocol‐based medical management of post‐ERCP pancreatitis
Authors: Reddy Neelima , Wilcox C Mel , Tamhane Ashutosh , Eloubeidi Mohamad A , Varadarajulu Shyam 
Published: March 2008

AbstractBackground and Aims:  Although numerous studies have evaluated outcomes pertaining to endoscopic retrograde cholangio‐pancreatography (ERCP) complications, studies evaluating outcomes of management of post‐ERCP pancreatitis are scant. This study evaluated the effectiveness of a standard treatment protocol in management of post‐ERCP pancreatitis.Methods:  This is a retrospective study of consecutive patients managed for post‐ERCP pancreatitis, using a standard treatment protocol over a 3‐year period. By protocol, patients received only intravenous fluids, narcotics, and analgesics for the first 24–72 h after admission. Oral intake was attempted when white cell count was normal or followed a downward trend, abdominal pain was absent or minimal without need for narcotics over a 12‐h period, and serum lipase was less than three times normal range. For patients hospitalized beyond 72 h, an abdomen CT was obtained at days 4 and 10 to guide management. Intravenous antibiotics were administered only for patients with pancreatic necrosis. Jejunal feeding and a meperidine pump for pain control were initiated in symptomatic patients at day 4. Data on ERCP complications were collected prospectively and graded per consensus criteria. Effectiveness of the treatment protocol was evaluated by comparing clinical outcomes of patients managed by protocol versus those managed outside protocol.Results:  45 of 1976 patients (2.3%) who underwent ERCP developed post‐ERCP pancreatitis. Of the 45 (female 31; mean age 43 years) patients, 32 were managed by protocol and 13 outside protocol. Protocol based management was associated with less severe disease as compared with those managed outside protocol (crude odds ratio (OR) = 11.2; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.9–68.7; P = 0.002). One patient managed outside protocol died of severe pancreatitis. When compared with those managed outside protocol, the median duration of hospital stay (7 vs 3 days; P = 0.01), the use of CT (100% vs 15.6%; P < 0.001), and the use of antibiotics (50% vs 3.1%; P = 0.01) were significantly lower in those managed by protocol. By multiple logistic regression, protocol‐based management was associated with less severe disease (adjusted OR = 18.7; 95% CI = 2.6–132.1; P = 0.003) when adjusted for age, comorbidity, endotherapy and pancreatic stenting.Conclusions:  A protocol‐based management strategy was associated with less severe pancreatitis, shorter length of hospital stay, need for fewer imaging studies, and use of antibiotics. Prospective validation of these findings is justified.
Does biodiversity increase spatial stability in plant community biomass?
Authors: Weigelt Alexandra , Schumacher Jens , Roscher Christiane , Schmid Bernhard 
Published: March 2008

AbstractWe tested the hypothesis that biodiversity decreases the spatial variability of biomass production between subplots taken within experimental grassland plots. Our findings supported this hypothesis if functional diversity (weighted Rao’sQ) was considered. Further analyses revealed that diversity in rooting depth and clonal growth form were the most important components of functional diversity stabilizing productivity. Using species or functional group richness as diversity measures there was no significant effect on spatial variability of biomass production, demonstrating the importance of the biodiversity component considered. Moreover, we found a significant increase in spatial variability of productivity with decreasing size of harvested area, suggesting small‐scale heterogeneity as an important driver. The ability of diverse communities to stabilize biomass production across spatial heterogeneity may be due to complementary use of spatial niches. Nevertheless, the positive effect of functional diversity on spatial stability appears to be less pronounced than previously reported effects on temporal stability.
Dietary patterns and surgically treated benign prostatic hyperplasia: a case control study in Western Australia
Authors: Ambrosini Gina L. , De Klerk Nicholas H. , Mackerras Dorothy , Leavy Justine , Fritschi Lin 
Published: March 2008

OBJECTIVESTo investigate dietary patterns and food intake as risk factors for surgically treated benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), as few risk factors have been established for BPH and recently there has been some interest in a role for diet in the development of BPH.PATIENTS, SUBJECTS AND METHODSA case‐control study was conducted in Western Australia (WA) during 2001 and 2002. BPH cases were men with a diagnosis of BPH hospitalized for their first prostatectomy. Controls were frequency matched for age and sex from the WA electoral roll. A previously evaluated food‐frequency questionnaire (FFQ) collected information on usual dietary intake 10 years earlier. Factor analysis identified dietary patterns in the FFQ data. Effects of dietary patterns and food intakes on the risk of BPH were examined using unconditional logistic regression, adjusting for various confounders.RESULTSIn all, 406 cases and 462 controls (aged 40–75 years) provided data. Three dietary patterns were identified, i.e. ‘Vegetable’, ‘Western’ and ‘Health Conscious’. BPH risk was not associated with the ‘Health Conscious’ or ‘Western’ patterns, but there was a lower risk with an increasing score for the ‘Vegetable’ pattern (odds ratio 0.78, 95% confidence interval 0.63–0.98). BPH risk was significantly and inversely related to the intake of total vegetables, dark yellow vegetables, other vegetables, tofu and red meat. There was a higher risk of BPH with increasing intake of high‐fat dairy products.CONCLUSIONSThese results indicate that vegetables, soy products, red meat and high‐fat dairy foods might be important in the development of BPH.
Analysis of single items on the Self‐Esteem And Relationship questionnaire in men treated with sildenafil citrate for erectile dysfunction: results of two double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trials
Authors: Cappelleri Joseph C. , Althof Stanley E. , O’Leary Michael P. , Tseng Li‐Jung ,   US and International SEAR Study Groups
Published: March 2008

Associate EditorMichael G. WyllieEditorial BoardIan Eardley, UKJean Fourcroy, USASidney Glina, BrazilJulia Heiman, USAChris McMahon, AustraliaBob Millar, UKAlvaro Morales, CanadaMichael Perelman, USAMarcel Waldinger, NetherlandsOBJECTIVETo evaluate the effect of sildenafil citrate on each item of the 14‐item Self‐Esteem And Relationship (SEAR) questionnaire, which is used to measure self‐esteem, confidence, satisfaction with sexual relationship, and overall relationship satisfaction in men with erectile dysfunction (ED).PATIENTS AND METHODSData were combined from two 12‐week, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, flexible‐dose sildenafil trials having identical protocols, one conducted in the USA and the other in Mexico, Brazil, Australia and Japan. All men had ED and were aged ≥18 years. Response categories of each SEAR item used a 4‐week reference period and were based on a five‐point scale (1, almost never/never; 2, a few times; 3, sometimes; 4, most times; 5, almost always/always). The difference (sildenafil vs placebo) in the change from baseline to week 12 was evaluated with a Wilcoxon rank sum test using ridit analysis, and an analysis of covariance model that included treatment group, centre, study and baseline item score.RESULTSCompared with the 274 patients receiving placebo, the 279 receiving sildenafil reported significantly greater mean and median improvements (P < 0.001) in each of the 14 SEAR items. The probability of increased psychosocial benefit from baseline to week 12 was higher with sildenafil for each SEAR item, and ranged from 0.60 (‘My partner was unhappy with the quality of our sexual relations’[item reverse‐scored]) to 0.72 (‘I was satisfied with my sexual performance’). Across all items, the mean (sd) probability was 0.67 (0.04) that a randomly selected patient in the sildenafil group would have a more favourable change relative to a randomly selected patient in the placebo group.CONCLUSIONSSildenafil produced substantial and meaningful improvements at the item‐specific level. This analysis complements previously published work on self‐esteem, confidence and relationship satisfaction.
Tyrol Prostate Cancer Demonstration Project: early detection, treatment, outcome, incidence and mortality
Authors: Bartsch Georg , Horninger Wolfgang , Klocker Helmut , Pelzer Alexandre , Bektic Jasmin , Oberaigner Wilhelm , Schennach Harald , Schäfer Georg , Frauscher Ferdinand , Boniol Mathieu , Severi Gianluca , Robertson Chris , Boyle Peter ,   Tyrol Prostate Cancer Screening Group
Published: March 2008

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the effectiveness of a well‐controlled programme of early detection and treatment of prostate cancer in the population of Tyrol, Austria, where such a programme of early detection and treatment was initiated in 1988 and where prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) testing was offered for free to all men aged 45–75 years from 1993.SUBJECTS AND METHODSComparison of prostate cancer mortality rates in Tyrol and the rest of Austria was accomplished through a generalized additive model. A piecewise linear change‐point Poisson regression model was used to compare mortality rates in Tyrol and the rest of Austria. Standardized mortality ratios were calculated with reference to the mortality rates in 1986–1990.RESULTSIn all, 86.6% of eligible men have been tested at least once since 1993. Cancer deaths in Tyrol in 2005 were 54% (95% confidence interval [CI] 34–69%) lower than expected compared with 29% (95% CI 22–35%) in the rest of Austria. The decreasing trend in prostate cancer mortality was significantly greater in Tyrol compared with the rest of Austria (P = 0.001). A significant migration to lower stage disease occurred and radical prostatectomy was associated with low morbidity.CONCLUSIONSIn the Tyrol region where treatment is freely available to all patients, where widespread PSA testing and treatment with curative intent occurs, there was a reduction in prostate cancer mortality rates which was significantly greater than the reduction in the rest of Austria. This reduction in prostate cancer mortality is most probably due to early detection, consequent down‐staging and effective treatment of prostate cancer.
The morbidity of transperineal template‐guided prostate mapping biopsy
Authors: Merrick Gregory S. , Taubenslag Walter , Andreini Hugo , Brammer Sarah , Butler Wayne M. , Adamovich Edward , Allen Zachary , Anderson Richard , Wallner Kent E. 
Published: March 2008

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the effect of transperineal template‐guided prostate mapping biopsy (TTMB) on urinary, bowel and erectile function.PATIENTS AND METHODSIn all, 129 men had TTMB; a median of 56 biopsy cores were obtained per patient. Tamsulosin (0.8 mg daily) was initiated 2 days before TTMB and continued for 2 weeks. The International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), Rectal Function Assessment Score (R‐FAS), International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF)‐6 and the postvoid residual volume (PVR) were assessed at baseline and after 30 days, except for the IPSS, which was also assessed at 7 days. Several variables were evaluated as predictors of TTMB‐induced morbidity.RESULTSThe mean patient age was 64.7 years with a mean prostate volume of 74.3 mL; 60 men (46.5%) were diagnosed with prostate cancer. After TTMB, 39.4%, 7.1% and 1.6% of patients remained catheter‐dependent at 0, 3 and 6 days. The median catheter‐dependency was 0, 1, 2 and 3 days for prostate volumes of <60, 60–90, 90–120 and >120 mL, respectively. No patient remained catheter‐ dependent for >12 days or required a transurethral resection secondary to TTMB. The mean IPSS before TTMB was 10.4, and was 4.6 and 3.8 at 7 and 30 days. At baseline and 30 days the mean PVR was 35 and 40 mL, and the median R‐FAS and IIEF scores for patients potent before TTMB were 2.0 and 2.2, and 27.0 and 26.0, respectively.CONCLUSIONSTTMB is a promising procedure for diagnosing prostate cancer. TTMB‐related morbidity differs from that of standard TRUS biopsy primarily in the incidence of temporary urinary retention, and is comparable in terms of urinary, bowel and erectile function.
Effect of extracellular ATP on the growth of hormone‐refractory prostate cancer in vivo
Authors: Shabbir Majid , Thompson Cecil , Jarmulowiczc Michael , Mikhailidis Dimitri , Burnstock Geoffrey 
Published: March 2008

OBJECTIVETo investigate whether the antineoplastic action of ATP on hormone‐refractory prostate carcinoma (HRPC) cells in vitro also occurs in vivo, by examining the effect of ATP in vivo on tumours resulting from implanted HRPC cells in mice.MATERIALS AND METHODSHRPC tumour cells DU145 and PC‐3 were implanted into male nude athymic mice. The effect of daily intraperitoneal (i.p.) injections of ATP (25 mm) on the growth of freshly implanted and established HRPC tumours was assessed. Histological examination using light and electron microscopy was used to confirm retention of the original ultrastructure of the implanted tumours.RESULTSDaily i.p. injections of ATP significantly reduced the growth of freshly implanted DU145 tumour by 57.8% (P = 0.003), and reduced the rate of growth of established DU145 tumour by 69.0% (P = 0.006). ATP also significantly reduced the growth of freshly implanted PC‐3 tumour by 68.9% (P < 0.001). ATP treatment had no adverse effects on the host mice.CONCLUSIONOur results show, for the first time, that ATP effectively reduces the growth of advanced HRPC tumours in vivo. This may represent a step in establishing ATP as an effective agent for HRPC treatment.
Single‐port laparoscopic surgery: initial experience in children for varicocelectomy
Authors: Kaouk Jihad H. , Palmer Jeffrey S. 
Published: March 2008

OBJECTIVETo present our initial experience in children undergoing single‐port laparoscopic varicocelectomy (SPLV) using a new approach in which the entire procedure is performed through a multichannel single laparoscopic port inserted in the umbilicus rather than the traditional LV performed through three abdominal ports.PATIENTS AND METHODSWe reviewed our experience with all paediatric patients who had undergone transumbilical SPLV [Uni‐XTM Single Port Access Laparoscopic System, Pnavel Systems, NJ, USA]. This novel 20‐mm laparoscopic port has three working channels and gas insufflation access. The system also includes a variety of curved laparoscopic instruments that can be introduced through the SP. A Hassan technique through an incision within the inferior aspect of the umbilicus is used to obtain laparoscopic port access to the abdominal cavity. The SP is then fixed into position with pre‐placed rectus facial sutures. Using a curved laparoscopic grasper and scissors, an incision is made within the posterior peritoneum on the medial and lateral aspects of the left testicular artery and veins, proximal to the vas deferens. The vessels, both artery and veins, are transected leaving clips both proximally and distally.RESULTSTransumbilical SPLV was completed in three consecutive adolescents (aged 13, 15 and 16 years) without placing any additional ports or conversion to open surgery. All procedures were performed for left‐sided grade III varicoceles. The operative duration was <1 h for each procedure. All patients were discharged on the same day as their surgery and none required re‐hospitalization. At a mean (range) follow‐up of 8.7 (6–10) weeks there was a good cosmetic result, with no varicocele recurrence, or intraoperative or postoperative complications including wound infection, hydrocele, or incision site herniation.CONCLUSIONWe report the first use of a multicannula single laparoscopic port in children and for SPLV. This new laparoscopic approach, similar to any new technique, requires further experience to fully evaluate its benefits and limitations.
PROMETHEUS BOUND: POLARIZATION IS POSSIBLE IN THE NEOCLASSICAL GROWTH MODEL
Authors: Tsionas Efthymios G. , Theocharis Loukas 
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACTThe paper demonstrates that the standard neoclassical model of stochastic growth in the absence of any other modifications is consistent with club convergence contrary to the analysis in Cetorelli (2002, Journal of Economic Dynamics and Control, 27, pp. 29–50). In that sense, it is not necessary to augment the model with a probability of adverse shocks that is inversely related to aggregate capital stock or provide other modifications.
Healing modulation induced by freeze‐dried platelet‐rich plasma and micronized allogenic dermis in a diabetic wound model
Authors: Pietramaggiori Giorgio , Scherer Saja S. , Mathews Jasmine C. , Alperovich Michael , Yang Ho‐Jik , Neuwalder Jennifer , Czeczuga Joshua M. , Chan Rodney K. , Wagner Christopher T. , Orgill Dennis P. 
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACTThe incidence and prevalence of chronic and diabetic wounds are increasing and clinical treatments to tackle these epidemics are still insufficient. In this study, we tested the ability of freeze‐dried platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) and an allogenic micronized acellular dermal matrix alone and in combination to modulate diabetic wound healing. Therapeutic materials were applied to 1.0 cm2 excisional wounds on genetically diabetic (db/db) mice. Wound‐healing kinetics and new tissue formation were studied at 9 and 21 days posttreatment. Quantitative immunohistochemistry was used to study vascularity and cellular proliferation (days 9 and 21), and collagen deposition was evaluated 21 days postwounding. In vitro, micronized allogenic dermis, when combined with PRP, absorbed nearly 50% of original platelet‐derived growth factor, transforming growth factor‐β, vascular endothelial growth factor, and epidermal growth factor from platelets and stimulated fibroblast proliferation. In vivo, micronized dermis increased the formation of vascularized wound tissue by day 9. Freeze‐dried PRP alone or in combination with micronized dermis increased wound tissue revascularization and proliferation compared with spontaneous healing. The increase in cell proliferation persisted until day 21 only when freeze‐dried PRP was used in combination with micronized dermis. These results indicate that micronized allogenic dermis may be used to provide a dermal matrix to stimulate tissue formation and the combination with PRP may confer additional beneficial growth factors to chronic or diabetic wounds.