bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bookshelf
Authors: Devaus David 
Published: December 2008

The Myth of Generational Conflict: The Family and State in Ageing Societies
Sara Arber and Claudine Attiias‐Donfut, Routledge, London, 2000. 150.00 ISBN 0–415–20770–3 (hardcover).
Early Diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease
Leonard F.M. Scinto and Kirk R. Daffner (eds). Totowa, New Jersey, Humana Press, 2000. ISBN 0–896–03452–6, $US125.00 (hard cover) This would be a useful book to have at a memory clinic and would also be of value on the shelves of an aged care assessment team, an outpatient neurology clinic or a neuropsychiatry service. Those active in dementia research may want to have access to a copy, but I doubt whether individual private practitioners would find the investment worthwhile.Associate Professor David AmesAssociate Professor of Old AgeUniversity of Melbourne, Department of PsychiatryRoyal Melbourne HospitalParkville, Victoria
Beyond Gender Differences: Adaptation to Aging in Life Course Perspective
L. R. Hatch. New York, Baywood Publishing Company, 2000. ISBN 0–89503–210–4. US44.00 (hard cover).Dr Deborah SetterlundSenior LecturerSchool of Social Work and Social PolicyThe University of Queensland
Neuroimaging and the Psychiatry Of Late Life
David Ames & Edmond Chiu (eds.) Cambridge University Press, 1997. ISBN 0–521–49505–9 (hardback). 150.00.Michael WoodwardDirector, Aged Care ServicesAustin & Repatriation Medical Centre, Heidelberg West, Victoria
Psychosocial Intervention In Long Term Care: An Advanced Guide
G.W. Hartz and D.M. Splain. New York, Haworth Press,. 1997. ISBN 0–7890–0114–4 (hardcover). US60.00 (hardcover), US28.00 (softcover).
A survey of general practitioners' attitudes to older drivers on the New South Wales Central Coast
Authors: Lipski Peter S. 
Published: December 2008

Objective: To investigate the attitudes of General Practitioners to older drivers on the New South Wales Central Coast.Method: Postal survey.Results: 275 General Practitioners (GP's) were surveyed, with a response rate of 173 (63%). 61% of GP's allowed an older driver with mild Alzheimer's disease to still drive a motor vehicle. 21% of GP's would allow the frail, medically unfit driver to still drive with a restricted licence locally if there was no public transport near by. Only 41% of GP's thought they had enough training to make an appropriate medical driver assessments. Only 29% of GP's routinely asked about driving habits and medical fitness to drive in all of their older patients. 55% of GP's felt that there should be another medical body to oversee all medical driver assessments rather than the GP.Conclusions: These survey results suggest that not all GP's are aware of the regulations for medical driver assessments, are not routinely screening older drivers, are not adequately trained in medical driver assessments, allowing medically unfit drivers to continue to drive, are concerned about the consequences of cancelling an older driver's licence and are unhappy in dealing with these issues.
Older people and substitute decision making legislation: limits to informed choice
Authors: Setterlund Deborah , Tilse Cheryl , Wilson Jill 
Published: December 2008

Objective: To explore older people's knowledge and experience of the law relating to assisted and substitute decision making in Queensland.Method: The sample (N=377) comprised older people and their families living in metropolitan Brisbane (n=242) and South West rural Queensland (n=29) and residents living in aged care facilities and retirement villages and their family carers in Brisbane (n=106). The data collection involved 48 focus groups and 29 individual interviews. A thematic analysis of the data sought to make links to a range of social variables used to draw the sample.Results: In the majority of focus groups and individual interviews, older people had a limited or low understanding of the law relating to substitute decision making. Structural factors of lower income, cultural background, disability, rural location, nursing home residence and gender can limit ability to make informed choices and are likely to increase the risk of financial abuse.Conclusion: There is a need to raise community awareness about the advantages and disadvantages of substitute decision making arrangements and to provide educative strategies to address commonly held misconceptions about the nature of enduring powers of attorney provisions.
Cognitive screening of older patients in a teaching hospital: the impact of the Rapid Assessment Medical Unit (RAMU)
Authors: Anpalahan Mahesan , Holms Caroline 
Published: December 2008

Background: The Rapid Assessment Medical Unit (RAMU) is a short stay processing ward for general medical patients.Aim: To evaluate the impact of the RAMU on cognitive screening of older medical patients.Method: Audit of documentation of cognition using a validated screening tool in the medical records of 500 patients aged 70 years and older. Their admission records under general medicine in the preceding 12 months were also reviewed.Results: Administration of the Abbreviated Mental Test (AMT) was attempted in 81% of patients. In 64.6% it was completed. 29% had impaired cognition on screening. A validated screening tool for cognitive assessment was recorded only in 7.6% of patients before the RAM U was opened.Conclusion: The work practice and procedural changes in the RAMU appear to have a positive impact on cognitive screening. This observation may suggest that evidence based clinical guidelines could be successfully implemented in a model similar to the RAMU.
Factors Influencing the well‐being of family members of aged care facility residents
Authors: Toye Christine , Kristjanson Linda J. , Helmes Edward 
Published: December 2008

Objective: To identify key predictors of well‐being in aged care facility residents' family members.Methods: An Australia‐wide cross‐sectional survey, in which 213 residents' family members provided data for testing/refinement of a model.Results: Family members' well‐being was predicted by their physical health, pressures from competing commitments, and residents' adjustment.Conclusions: Interventions should target residents' family members at risk of poor well‐being.
Quality of life measures for residents of aged care facilities: a literature review
Authors: Courtney Mary , Edwards Helen , Stephan Joyce , O'Reilly Maria , Duggan Cate 
Published: December 2008

AbstractWith increases in life expectancy and concomitant utilisation of residential aged care, there is a need to improve quality of long term care for older people. An essential outcome of such care is optimum quality of life (QoL), but it is difficult to define and measure, particularly within the context of residential aged care. The majority of QoL measures available either do not measure issues relevant to residents of aged care facilities or they measure areas that are not appropriate. Further, an over‐emphasis on health and physical function might produce a more negative picture of quality of life than actually experienced by this group of people. This paper explores available QoL measurement tools and argues for the utilisation of a standard instrument that can adequately measure QoL in residential aged care. Data from such a tool might assist policy makers in their decision‐making, if used on a national basis.
Outcome of treatment of vocally disruptive behaviour in nursing home residents
Authors: Draper Brian , Turner Jane , McMinn Bryan , Gonskl Peter , Mcintosh Helen , Latham Linda , Snowdon John , Draper Deborah , Luscombe Georgina , Meares Susanne 
Published: December 2008

Objective: To determine the outcome of treatments for vocally disruptive behaviour (VDB) in nursing homes provided by psychogeriatric and geriatric outreach services.Method: Nursing home residents referred to six psychogeriatric and geriatric outreach services for treatment of VDB were examined pre‐ treatment and followed‐up for three months by a research nurse. All recommended treatments for VDB and the effects of implementation were recorded. Main outcome measures were the Cornell Scale for Depression in Dementia, the Dementia Behaviour Disturbance Scale and measures of nurse satisfaction.Results: Three‐month outcome data was available for 22 residents, of whom four had died. Of the remainder, six (33%) had objective improvement in VDB. The nursing home staff rated the outreach teams as at least ‘somewhat’ helpful in 61% of cases surviving three months and was particularly satisfied with medication advice. No specific treatment appeared to be more effective.Conclusions: Reduction in VDB obtained through interventions by psychogeriatric and geriatric outreach teams was modest, but nursing home staff found most of the teams to be helpful. Aged care outreach services should provide support to nursing home staff in the management of challenging behaviours.
Perceptions of bereavement care in consultant geriatricians and advanced trainees in geriatric medicine
Authors: Boyatzis Irene , Blight Joanne , Vieira Barry Ian , Flicker Leon 
Published: December 2008

Objectives: To examine the perceptions of practising aged care physicians with respect to bereavement care.Method: A questionnaire survey was sent to 427 Consultant Geriatricians and Advanced Trainees in Geriatric Medicine.Results: Ninety eight percent of respondents believed it was important to provide bereavement care for patients and their families. Fifty six percent did not feel it was their role to provide this support. For those who provided bereavement care (33%), most used a combination of hospital and community based resources. Fifty nine percent of respondents believed that they had inadequate training in bereavement care. Seventy one percent of respondents were not aware of resources available to fellow colleagues experiencing difficulties coping with the death of a patient.Conclusions: Aged care physicians differ in their approaches to bereavement care. Aged care physicians may need further education in bereavement care.
Gambling and older people in Australia
Authors: McCormack John , Jackson Alun C. , Thomas Shane A. 
Published: December 2008

Objectives: There is a dearth of studies on the gambling behaviour of older people in Australia. This study aims to address that gap in local knowledge by investigating the gambling activity of older people in the general community, as well as the situation of older gamblers who attend counselling services for people with problem gambling behaviour.Method: The study draws on a recent national gambling survey to review older peoples' gambling in the general community, and then uses data from Victorian Gamblers' Help counselling services to review the gambling problems and treatment needs of older problem gamblers.Results: Older people gamble at a slightly lower rate than younger groups in the general community. Older problem gamblers similarly appear to have less serious problems than younger groups although there is a small group with quite severe problems as a result of gambling. There are more older female problem gamblers in counselling than males, but older men present more serious problems. Treatment responses appear to be effective for this age group.Conclusion: As older age is currently characterised by a low fixed income and thus greater vulnerability to the adverse consequences of gambling, research should continue to monitor the gambling impact on older people as our population ages.
Effect of age and visual contrast on gait during obstacle negotiation
Authors: Crosbie Jack , Gan Neesha 
Published: December 2008

Background: Obstacle avoidance and negotiation may pose significant difficulties for older people. Of particular interest is the fluency with which they can negotiate obstacles which contrast poorly with their surroundings.Methods: Two groups of healthy subjects, one young group of mean age 22 years and an older group of mean age 73 years, were tested while walking at a preferred and a fast walking speed under conditions of high and low contrast obstacle. Data were collected using a video‐camera to derive values for step length, duration and velocity while subjects ambulated over a 20m track and stepped on to and over a low wooden block.Results: In essence, there was no difference between these young and old subjects in their gait strategies nor in the fluency with which they approached the obstacle. Older subjects did, however, walk slower than younger subjects at the “fast” pace. The subjects did not appear to be influenced by the contrast of the obstacle with its surroundings.Conclusions: Healthy older subjects do not show any inherent loss of fluency or hesitation in negotiating a simple obstacle, irrespective of the contrast of the obstacle with its surroundings.
Dietary and health supplement use among older Australians: results from a national survey
Authors: Brownie Sonya , Myers Stephen 
Published: December 2008

Objectives: To measure the extent of dietary and health supplement use among older Australians and to contrast older supplement users from older non‐supplement users.Method: Survey participants (n= 1,263) provided information related to demographic, health and lifestyle features. The target population were Australians aged 65 years and over, randomly chosen from the Australian Electoral Commission. Data was obtained using a 12‐page self‐administered, mail questionnaire.Results: Forty‐three percent (n=548) of the sample reported using at least one dietary and health supplement, 52% of females and 35% of males. Supplement use was significantly related to several demographic and lifestyle features including: gender, educational level, smoking status and number of visits to complementary health therapists.Conclusions: Clearly, supplements were chosen more for their perceived ability to attenuate or modify ailments, rather than their role in correcting nutritional deficiencies. Older Australians appear intent on taking health matters in their own hands. Approximately one third of them rarely inform their doctor about the supplements they use, which raises concerns about the safety and appropriateness of this action.
Effects of ambient baroque music on patients with dementia
Authors: Heim Christian , Nair B. Kichu , Mowbray Denise , Tavender Janelle 
Published: December 2008

Objective: To determine the effect of ambient baroque music on the behaviour of patients with dementia in a nursing home.Method: An observational study involving 14 dementia patients in a nursing home for six weeks. We measured adverse patient behaviours such as episodes of calling out, wandering, aggression, talking to self, verbal abuse and signs of agitation, as well as need for night sedation.Results: Adverse behaviours decreased by over 40% during the intervention period.Conclusions: A strong positive result was obtained in this pilot study. Potential benefits of the intervention are considerable as it is non‐invasive, cost‐effective and pleasant for patients and staff alike. Larger, randomised controlled studies are warranted.
Effect of Clonidine on Tyrosine Hydroxylase Activity in the Adrenal Medulla and Brain of Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats
Authors: Moura Eduardo , Afonso Joana , Serrão Maria Paula , Vieira‐Coelho Maria Augusta 
Published: December 2008

Abstract:  In the present study, we evaluated the effect of the α2‐adrenoceptor agonist clonidine on tyrosine hydroxylase activity in adrenal medulla and brain of spontaneously hypertensive rats and Wistar Kyoto rats. Six‐week‐old animals were treated with clonidine (100 µg/kg body weight, daily, i.p.) for 4 weeks. Treatment with clonidine significantly reduced mean arterial blood pressure in spontaneously hypertensive rats to values similar to normotensive Wistar Kyoto rats. In the adrenal medulla of spontaneously hypertensive rats, clonidine treatment produced a significant increase in tyrosine hydroxylase activity with higher Vmax values and no changes in KM values. This effect was accompanied by a significant increase in tyrosine hydroxylase protein expression and of noradrenaline and adrenaline levels. In the brain of spontaneously hypertensive rats, treatment with clonidine produced a significant decrease in tyrosine hydroxylase activity with lower Vmax values and no changes in KM values accompanied by a significant decrease in tyrosine hydroxylase protein expression and of dopamine and noradrenaline levels. In Wistar Kyoto rats, clonidine treatment had no effect on tyrosine hydroxylase activity and protein expression or catecholamine levels in adrenal medulla or brain. Clonidine treatment significantly reduced noradrenaline and adrenaline plasma levels in spontaneously hypertensive rats and Wistar Kyoto rats. In conclusion, treatment with the α2‐adrenoceptor agonist clonidine prevented the increase in mean arterial blood pressure in young spontaneously hypertensive rats. This effect was accompanied by opposite effects on tyrosine hydroxylase activity in spontaneously hypertensive rat adrenal medulla and brain: an increase in adrenal medulla and a decrease in brain, bringing sympathetic function to a similar profile found in normotensive Wistar Kyoto rats.
Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase Regulation in Female Genital Tract Structures
Authors: Musicki Biljana , Liu Tongyun , Lagoda Gwen A. , Bivalacqua Trinity J. , Strong Travis D. , Burnett Arthur L. 
Published: December 2008

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Female sexual arousal disorder (FSAD) is a major component of female sexual dysfunctions, affecting 25–70% of women. The mechanisms of FSAD are poorly understood. Estrogen contributes to the control of genital blood flow during the sexual response. Vascular effects of estrogen are mostly attributed to its regulation of endothelial nitric oxide (NO) production. However, the role of endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) and the mechanisms that regulate eNOS in female genital tract structures are largely unknown.

Aim
To review available evidence of the mechanisms of eNOS regulation in female genital tract structures.

Methods
This article reviews the literature that relates to the role of NO and eNOS in female sexual arousal and its modulation by estrogen.

Main Outcome Measures
Association between female sexual arousal, NO, and eNOS.

Results
The NO/cyclic guanosine monophosphate pathway is believed to have a primary role in the regulation of clitoral and vaginal blood flow, and smooth muscle relaxation during sexual arousal. Estrogen is critical for maintaining vaginal and clitoral blood flow and vaginal transudate production. Estrogen regulates eNOS by genomic mechanisms, involving augmented mRNA transcription and protein synthesis, and by non-genomic mechanisms, which occur without alterations in gene expression. However, limited studies have evaluated the physiological role of endothelial NO and the molecular mechanisms of eNOS regulation in the female genital tract.

Conclusions
The effects of estrogen on increasing genital blood flow and smooth muscle relaxation have been attributed mostly to regulation of eNOS. However, the exact mechanisms of eNOS regulation in female genital tract structures and the molecular basis for the eNOS defect with aging and vascular diseases warrant further investigation.
Epothilones in the treatment of breast cancer: Review of clinical experience
Authors: XU Binghe 
Published: December 2008

The author will be discussing the off label use of ixabepilane in the management of metastatic breast cancer in this review.AbstractAntimicrotubule agents have emerged as a critical component of our armamentarium of chemotherapeutic drugs for breast cancer treatment. The taxanes paclitaxel and docetaxel are among the most widely used agents because of their proven efficacy in both the metastatic and adjuvant settings. Although the taxanes represented a significant advance for breast cancer treatment, the clinical utility of these drugs may be limited by the rapid emergence of drug resistance as conferred by cellular P‐glycoprotein and alterations in β‐tubulin. The search for the next generation of metastatic tumor antigens has resulted in the discovery of the epothilones, a novel class of microtubule‐stabilizing agents. Although the epothilones possess a mechanism of action that is similar to that of the taxanes, they are structurally unrelated and several members of this novel class of antimicrotubule agents, such as epothilone B and its derivatives, demonstrate greater therapeutic indices and lower susceptibility to multidrug resistance than do the taxanes in preclinical studies. At the time of writing, several epothilones are under clinical investigation for the treatment of cancer patients. Of these, ixabepilone, a semi‐synthetic analog of natural epothilone B, has demonstrated anti‐tumor activity alone or as part of a combination of therapy in patients with taxane‐ and multidrug‐resistant metastatic breast cancer. This article reviews the clinical experience to date with the epothilones with a focus on locally advanced breast cancer and metastatic disease. Clinical experience with second‐generation epothilones under clinical development will be discussed as well.
Evaluation of Forecasted Southeast Pacific Stratocumulus in the NCAR, GFDL, and ECMWF Models
Authors: Hannay Cécile , Williamson David L. , Hack James J. , Kiehl Jeffrey T. , Olson Jerry G. , Klein Stephen A. , Bretherton Christopher S. , Köhler Martin 
Published: December 2008

Abstract
Forecasts of southeast Pacific stratocumulus at 20°S and 85°W during the East Pacific Investigation of Climate (EPIC) cruise of October 2001 are examined with the ECMWF model, the Atmospheric Model (AM) from GFDL, the Community Atmosphere Model (CAM) from NCAR, and the CAM with a revised atmospheric boundary layer formulation from the University of Washington (CAM-UW). The forecasts are initialized from ECMWF analyses and each model is run for 3–5 days to determine the differences with the EPIC field observations.
Observations during the EPIC cruise show a well-mixed boundary layer under a sharp inversion. The inversion height and the cloud layer have a strong and regular diurnal cycle. A key problem common to the models is that the planetary boundary layer (PBL) depth is too shallow when compared to EPIC observations. However, it is suggested that improved PBL depths are achieved with more physically realistic PBL schemes: at one end, CAM uses a dry and surface-driven PBL scheme and produces a very shallow PBL, while the ECWMF model uses an eddy-diffusivity/mass-flux approach and produces a deeper and better-mixed PBL. All the models produce a strong diurnal cycle in the liquid water path (LWP), but there are large differences in the amplitude and phase when compared to the EPIC observations. This, in turn, affects the radiative fluxes at the surface and the surface energy budget. This is particularly relevant for coupled simulations as this can lead to a large SST bias.