bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Role of radiotherapy in the management of organ transplant recipients diagnosed with non‐melanoma skin cancers
Authors: Veness MJ , Harris D 
Published: January 2007

SummaryOrgan transplantation has had a major effect on the lives of thousands of patients worldwide. In Australia and New Zealand, over 13 000 patients have become organ transplant recipients (OTR). Following transplantation, patients require lifelong immunosuppression to prevent organ rejection. The loss of immune surveillance results in OTR experiencing a higher incidence of infection and malignancy in comparison with the general (immunocompetent) population. Non‐melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) is the most common malignancy worldwide, arising most often on the sun‐exposed head and neck. Organ transplant recipients experience a higher incidence of NMSC when compared with the general population and a higher incidence of squamous cell carcinoma compared with basal cell carcinoma. Organ transplant recipients also develop NMSC at a younger age and experience multiple new NMSC. Australians experience the highest incidence of NMSC in the world with a consequence that NMSC arising in OTR can lead to significant morbidity and even mortality. Radiation oncologists treating patients with skin cancer will almost certainly make recommendations in the setting of NMSC arising in OTR. The aim of this article is to discuss the role of radiotherapy in the management of OTR diagnosed with NMSC. The emphasis will be on the treatment of patients with a high‐risk NMSC (e.g. squamous cell carcinoma, Merkel cell carcinoma, unfavourable basal cell carcinoma) because this reflects the most common clinical scenario in which a recommendation of radiotherapy, usually adjuvant, may be considered.
Radiation: Facts, fallacies and phobias
Authors: Wigg DR 
Published: January 2007

SummaryThere is frequent debate in the media and the scientific published reports about the use of radiation for diagnosis and treatment, the benefits and risks of the nuclear industry, uranium mining and the storage of radioactive wastes. Driving this debate is increasing concern about reliance on fossil fuels for power generation for which alternatives are required. Unfortunately, there is generally a poor understanding of the relevant basic sciences compounded by widespread irrational fear of irradiation (radiation phobia). Radioactivity, with special reference to uranium and plutonium is simply described. How radiation affect tissues and the potential hazards to individuals and populations are explained. The origins of radiation phobia and its harmful consequences are examined. Whether we like it or not, Australia is heavily involved in the uranium industry by virtue of having one‐third of the world’s known reserves, exports of which are worth approximately $470m annually. As this paper has been written as simply as possible, it may also be of interest to readers who may have had little scientific training. It may be downloaded from the web using references provided in this article. It is concluded that ignorance and fear are major impediments to rational debate on radiation issues.
Using ultrasonic fetal size measurements to estimate gestational age in Brisbane, Australia
Authors: Schluter PJ , Pritchard G , Gill MA 
Published: January 2007

SummaryThe purpose of this paper was to construct population‐specific charts of gestational age (GA) from antenatal ultrasound biometry assessment using a large sample of normal Australian pregnancies when examination was carried out to a standard protocol by experienced operators. All consenting eligible women attending a large Brisbane clinic between January 1993 and April 2003 with GA between 15 and 41 weeks, determined before examination from the last menstrual period date and concordant with the biometric‐derived gestation published within the Australian Society for Ultrasound in Medicine (ASUM) policies and statements, were recruited into the prospective study if fulfilling the inclusion criteria. Biparietal diameter, femur length, abdominal circumference and head circumference measurements were recorded using ASUM standard protocol for mid and third trimester obstetric morphology scans. Statistical analyses were carried out using polynomial regression models and thorough diagnostic checks were undertaken. Included within the study were separate scans for 20 555 pregnancies from 17 660 women. Equations, means and 95% reference intervals for GA were derived for each sonographic measurement. These new population‐specific regression equations complement those previously published in the same sample of Australian pregnancies. Once validated, we believe they should form the basis of a new Australian standard for ASUM.
Imaging and intervention of retroperitoneal fibrosis
Authors: Geoghegan T , Byrne AT , Benfayed W , McAuley G , Torreggiani WC 
Published: January 2007

SummaryRetroperitoneal fibrosis is a rare condition characterized by the development of fibrous plaques in the retroperitoneal space. The fibrous plaques characteristically arise distal to the bifurcation of the abdominal aorta and progress to encase the iliac vessels distally and are defined by the associated encasement of one or both ureters. Imaging plays an important role in not only establishing the diagnosis, but also in monitoring disease progression. Historically, the radiological diagnosis was made predominantly by intravenous urography and retrograde pyelography. More recently, advances in cross‐sectional imaging with ultrasound and contrast‐enhanced CT have allowed for a more precise diagnosis as well as helping to accurately define the extent of the disease. At our institution, we have found ultra‐fast MRI to also play a useful role in establishing the diagnosis. In particular, magnetic resonance urography using HASTE (half Fourier‐acquired single shot turbo spin‐echo) sequences allow a safe alternative to intravenous urography, particularly in patients with poor renal function. The purpose of this article is to describe the role of the various imaging methods available to the radiologist and to emphasize the important role that the interventional radiologist now plays, not only in obtaining tissue for diagnosis, but also in providing treatment of the disease by percutaneous nephrostomy drainage and subsequent stent placement in select cases.
Feasibility study on the MammoSite in early‐stage breast cancer: Initial experience
Authors: Borg M , Yeoh E , Bochner M , Butters J , Van Doorn T , Farshid G , Kollias J , Kotasek D , Gill G , Lim A , Olver I , Parnis F , Rush G 
Published: January 2007

SummaryThe aims of this study were to evaluate the feasibility, practicality, efficacy and safety of the delivery of accelerated partial breast irradiation using the MammoSite for the boost phase. Six patients aged 53–69 years with stage T1N0, T2N0, Grade I–II invasive ductal carcinoma received 9–10 Gy prescribed at 1 cm from the MammoSite balloon surface in two fractions of 4.5–5 Gy 6 h apart. The MammoSite was inserted 20–37 days postoperatively. External beam radiation therapy to the whole breast commenced 1–5 days after accelerated partial breast irradiation. The maximum skin dose ranged from 3 to 9 Gy. The skin‐cavity distance ranged from 7 to 19 mm. Local discomfort resolved as the scar healed spontaneously within 3–5 days. No Grade III or higher acute toxicity or local infection was recorded. The ease of insertion and accuracy of dosimetry makes the MammoSite suitable for use in properly selected women with early‐stage breast cancer in a trial setting.
Current practice when treating lung cancer in Australasia
Authors: Holloway L 
Published: January 2007

SummaryA multidisciplinary meeting was held by the radiation oncology department of South Western Sydney Area Cancer Services in March 2003. This meeting was advertised in all radiation oncology departments in Australia and New Zealand. As a precursor to this meeting, a survey was undertaken on the use of radiotherapy for treating lung cancer. All departments in Australia and New Zealand were asked to participate. The survey considered planning techniques, delivery set‐up and prescription doses for non‐small‐cell and small‐cell lung cancer and palliative and radical treatments. A wide range in the techniques used was seen across departments, particularly when prescription doses and fractionation were considered.
Intercostal artery aneurysms complicating thoracic aortic coarctation: Diagnosis with magnetic resonance angiography
Authors: Salanitri GC 
Published: January 2007

SummaryThe case report of a 46‐year‐old woman diagnosed with complete aortic coarctation and multiple intercostal artery aneurysms using ‘ultrafast time‐resolved’ multiphase contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance angiography and conventional single‐phase, high‐resolution breath‐hold contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance angiogram techniques is presented. A review of intercoastal artery aneurysms occurring in conjunction with aortic coarctation and the various contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance angiography techniques currently available is provided.
Radiotherapy in the management of recurrent synovial chondromatosis
Authors: Chong CCW , Kneebone A , Kirsh G 
Published: January 2007

SummarySynovial chondromatosis is a rare, benign condition characterized by the formation of multiple cartilaginous nodules that are generally intra‐articular and can lead to chronic pain and limit the function of involved joints. We report on the novel use of radiotherapy that was used to treat a 42‐year‐old man with rapid recurrences of extensive synovial chondromatosis in the knee refractory to multiple operations. Based on follow‐up MRI scans and clinical findings, the disease process was halted with no progression seen over 5 years.
Mode I and mixed mode fracture of polysilicon for MEMS
Authors: CHO S. W. , JONNALAGADDA K. , CHASIOTIS I. 
Published: January 2007

ABSTRACTAn experimental study was carried out to investigate the local and effective fracture behaviour of polycrystalline silicon for microelectromechanical systems (MEMS). The apparent mode I critical stress intensity factor was determined from MEMS‐scale tension specimens containing atomically sharp edge pre‐cracks, while local deformation fields were recorded near the crack tip, with high resolution by the in situ Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM)/Digital Image Correlation (DIC) method previously developed by this group. The effective mode I critical stress intensity factor varied in the range 0.843–1.225 MPa√m. This distribution of values was attributed to local (in grain) cleavage anisotropy and to enhanced grain boundary toughening. The same sources resulted in very different local and macroscopic (apparent) stress intensity factors, which, combined with the small grain size of polysilicon (0.3 μm,) were the reason for subcritical crack growth that was evidenced experimentally by AFM topographic and AFM/DIC displacement measurements. The effect of local in‐grain anisotropy and granular inhomogeneity was stronger under mixed mode loading of edge cracks inclined at angles up to 55° with respect to the applied far‐field load. The KI–KII locus was characterized by scatter in the KIc values but on average it followed the curves calculated by the maximum tensile stress and the maximum energy release rate criteria calculated assuming isotropy.
Polymorphisms of KCNJ11 (Kir6.2 gene) are associated with Type 2 diabetes and hypertension in the Korean population
Authors: Koo B. K. , Cho Y. M. , Park B. L. , Cheong H. S. , Shin H. D. , Jang H. C. , Kim S. Y. , Lee H. K. , Park K. S. 
Published: January 2007

AbstractAims  Kir6.2 is found in the pancreatic B‐cell, cardiac and skeletal muscle and non‐vascular smooth muscle. KCNJ11, encoding Kir6.2, has been shown to be associated with both Type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease in several populations. In this study, we investigated whether polymorphisms in KCNJ11 are associated with Type 2 diabetes and other metabolic phenotypes in the Korean population.Methods  We sequenced KCNJ11 to identify common polymorphisms using 24 Korean DNA samples. Of the 14 polymorphisms found in KCNJ11, six common ones [genomic sequence (g.)−1709A>T, g.−1525T>C, g.67G>A (E23K), g.570C>T (A190A), g.1009A>G (I337V), and g.1388C>T] were genotyped in 761 Type 2 diabetic patients and in 630 non‐diabetic subjects.Results  All the polymorphic loci in KCNJ11 are in strong linkage disequilibrium in the Korean population and act as one haplotype block. g.67G>A and g.1009A>G were associated with an increased risk of Type 2 diabetes [age, sex, and body mass index (BMI)‐adjusted odds ratios (OR) = 1.376 (1.085–1.745), P = 0.008 and 1.411 (1.111–1.791), P = 0.005, respectively], as was one haplotype (A‐T‐A‐C‐G‐C in the order of polymorphisms as shown above) containing g.67A and g.1009G [OR = 1.359 (1.080–1.709), P = 0.009]. The haplotype (A‐T‐A‐C‐G‐C) was also strongly associated with hypertension [OR = 1.655 (1.288–2.126), P < 0.001].Conclusions  Polymorphisms in KCNJ11 are associated with Type 2 diabetes and also with hypertension in the Korean population.
The financial costs of healthcare treatment for people with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes in the UK with particular reference to differing severity of peripheral neuropathy
Authors: Currie C. J. , Poole C. D. , Woehl A. , Morgan C. Ll. , Cawley S. , Rousculp M. D. , Covington M. T. , Peters J. R. 
Published: January 2007

AbstractAims  To characterize symptom severity of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) in people with diabetes and to characterize its association with healthcare resource use.Methods  The study was undertaken in Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan, UK. A postal survey was posted to subjects identified as having diabetes. Demography, quality of life (EQ‐5D and SF‐36) and symptoms of neuropathy (NTSS‐6 and QOL‐DN) data were collected. These data were linked to routine healthcare data coded into healthcare resource groups (HRGs) and subsequently costed according to UK National reference costs.Results  Survey responses were received from 1298 patients, a 32% response rate. For patients with a clinically confirmed diagnosis of DPN, the mean NTSS‐6‐SA score was 6.16 vs. 3.19 (P < 0.001). Duration of diabetes did not change across groups defined by severity of neuropathy symptoms, but mean HbA1c and body mass index values did increase with symptom severity (range 7.6–8.1%, P = 0.023; and 28.0–30.9 kg/m2, P < 0.001, respectively). General linear modelling showed that the NTSS‐6‐SA score was a significant predictor of both annual health resource costs and yearly prescribed drug costs. On average, each 1‐point increase in NTSS‐6‐SA score predicted a 6% increase in primary and secondary care costs and a 3% increase in log transformed drug costs.Conclusion  This study demonstrated that severity of DPN symptoms was associated with increased healthcare resource use, thus costs.
Disseminated xanthogranulomas associated with adult T‐cell leukaemia/lymphoma: a case report and review the association of haematologic malignancies
Authors: Chiou C‐C , Wang P‐N , Yang L‐C , Kuo T‐T , Hong H‐S 
Published: January 2007

AbstractXanthogranuloma (XG) is rarely observed in adults and has been reported to be associated with chronic myelogenous leukaemia (CML) and/or neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). A 68‐year‐old woman with adult T‐cell leukaemia/lymphoma (ATLL) gradually developed disseminated XGs over the 3 years since disease onset. Histopathological examination of a skin biopsy revealed the presence of histiocytes in the dermis with a few Touton giant cells admixed with lymphoid cells. The lesions of XGs persisted despite chemotherapy with prednisolone and chlorambucil for her ATLL. This is the first report of disseminated XGs associated with ATLL. The association of disseminated XGs with haematologic malignancies was reviewed and the possible pathogenesis of this association will be discussed.
Sensitive skin: psychological effects and seasonal changes
Authors: Misery L , Myon E , Martin N , Consoli S , Boussetta S , Nocera T , Taieb C 
Published: January 2007

AbstractIntroduction  Sensitive skin is a frequent disorder, but its effects and its variability are unknown.Objectives  To investigate the effects of sensitive skin first on quality of life and the psyche, and secondly, on seasonal changes.Methods  The French Opinion Poll Institute (IPSOS) conducted two opinion polls in March and July 2004. Samples included, respectively, 1006 and 1001 individuals, from a representative national sample of the French population aged 15 years or older. The polling subjects were interviewed by phone and selected by the quota method (gender, age, occupation of household head, type of geographical area and region). Questions about their perception of their sensitive skin and about potential aggravating factors were asked. Quality of life was assessed using the SF‐12 questionnaire and depressive symptoms using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression (HAD) rating scale.Results  The characteristics of the two samples were strictly similar. Persons with sensitive skin and very sensitive skin were more numerous in summer than in winter. In both surveys, the degree of sensitivity was significantly higher in the female population. Quality of life was worse in people with sensitive or very sensitive skin, above all in its psychological component – the more sensitive the skin, the more the quality of life deteriorated. There was no significant relationship between depressive symptoms and skin sensitivity in the ‘very sensitive’ or ‘sensitive’ groups.Conclusion  Our study was the first to show seasonal changes in skin reactivity and to study the psychological impacts of sensitive skin.
Comparison of metallothionein‐overexpression with sentinel lymph node biopsy as prognostic factors in melanoma
Authors: Weinlich G , Topar G , Eisendle K , Fritsch PO , Zelger B 
Published: January 2007

AbstractBackground  Metallothioneins (MT) are ubiquitous, intracellular small proteins with high affinity for heavy metal ions. Immunohistochemical MT overexpression in paraffin‐embedded tissues of patients with primary melanoma is associated with poor prognosis. While sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy is an established surgical technique for high‐risk melanoma patients with predictive value for progression, the benefit of this procedure for the individual patient's overall survival remains unclear.Aim and methods  We examined the role of MT overexpression in comparison with SLN biopsy in melanoma patients as a prognostic marker for progression and survival. One hundred and fifty‐eight (158) patients underwent SLN biopsy due to high‐risk melanoma. Primary melanoma specimens were investigated by using a monoclonal antibody against MT on routinely fixed, paraffin‐embedded tissues. The patients were followed up (median 37 months); the data of disease free survival and overall survival were calculated with a broad panel of statistical analyses.Results  Twenty‐eight (18%) out of 158 recruited melanoma patients developed metastases, 17 (11%) patients died due to widespread disease. Kaplan–Meier curves gave significant disadvantages for the MT‐positive as well as the SLN‐positive group for progression and survival. In the Fisher's exact test and Pearson's χ2‐test MT overexpression was highly significant for progression, whereas SLN biopsy failed significance. In univariate as well as multivariate Cox regression analysis MT overexpression proved an excellent marker for progression (P = 0.007 and P = 0.009), although the P‐values for survival were not significant. In contrast, while in the univariate analysis SLN biopsy did not show significant results for progression it did for survival, and in the multivariate analysis reached a P‐value < 0.05 for both measured endpoints.Conclusion  Results corroborate the validity of MT overexpression in primary melanoma as a useful prognostic marker in melanoma patients. Accuracy is comparable and to some degree supplementary to the results of SLN biopsy.
Technique and Ethos in Nonviolent Action: The Woman Suffrage Case
Authors: Lakey George 
Published: January 2007

The Woman's Party, a militant woman's suffrage organization, was active in nonviolent protests from 1916 through 1919. The party members, who drew their inspiration from the woman suffrage movement in Great Britain, were predominately middle and upper class. They were motivated to protest by the descrepancy between their relatively high social status and their relatively low political power.Although they continued to agitate for equal rights after the suffrage ammendment became part of the Constitution, they did not generalize their concern to an explicitly pacifist ethic but continued to emphasize the particularistic ideology of feminism.
Equality and Inequality in Modern Society, or Social Stratification Revisited
Authors: Parsons Talcott 
Published: January 2007

This paper attempts both to “bring up to date” the author's conception of social stratification as set forth in two previous general papers written in 1940 and 1953, and to broaden the field of consideration by giving special attention to the forces pressing toward equality in various respects, as well as the bases of inequality. The position taken is that the erosion of the legitimacy of the traditional bases of inequality has brought to a new level of prominence value‐commitment to an essential equality of status of all members of modern societal communities.Inequalities, among units of societal structure which are essential in such fields as economic productivity, authority and power, and culturally based competence, must be justified in terms of their contribution to societal functioning. The balancing of the respects in which all members of the societal community and many of its collective subunits must be held to be equal with the imperatives of inequality constitutes one of the primary foci of the problem of integration in modern society. A few suggestions about the mechanisms by which this integrative process can operate are presented.
The Problem of the Unity of Knowledge in Comte's Philosophy of Science*
Authors: Prendergast Christopher 
Published: January 2007

Comte's philosophy of science is re‐examined from the point of view of the rationalist problematic of the unity of knowledge. It is argued that Comte's attempt to answer this metaphysical problem is the single most important factor determining the final form of his system of positive philosophy, his hierarchy of the sciences, his conception of sociology, and ultimately his positive religion of Humanity. After rejecting the main solutions offered by modern rationalism, Comte provides a subjective unity for the sciences by establishing Humanity as the principle of organization for all knowledge. The article describes the various components of the positive synthesis, their background in the history of ideas, and the contemporary relevance of the problem of unity for logical empiricism and Husserl.Some have said that need for unity expresses the identity of the self; others, that it stands for economy of thought. Possibly, but this is interpretation, psychologically or sociologically tinged. The need for unity is a historical fact and, as such, unresolved. It is also a symbol of science, and its myth. Science is a finely defined and articulated system of symbols; but the ultimate symbol, that of unity, can have no referent. Rather one might say it stands for the totality of the knowable and the unknowable. A confusing situation for the scientific mind, but one it cannot escape. For the conflict at the heart of rationalism is the source of its strength, as long as it lasts.Once the faith is lost, something else has to be found.Under the relentless pressure of social change, with the growing operationalism of physical theory and the metaphysical devastations attendant on Darwinism, the myth of unity could no longer hold. It had to be replaced by unification. But with that the status of science is changed and also that of the scientist. The mirror of nature that reason had endeavored to build up through the ages is shattered, and we look for the first time straight out into an unknown world.