bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Effects of Foliar Application of Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) on Antioxidant Enzymes Activities, Lipid Peroxidation and Proline Accumulation of Canola (Brassica napus L.) under Conditions of Salt Stress
Authors: Dolatabadian A. , Sanavy S. A. M. M. , Chashmi N. A. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractThe effects of salt stress on protein (PROT) content, lipid peroxidation, proline accumulation, chlorophyll (Chl) content, and superoxide dismutase (SOD; EC 1.15.1.1), catalase (EC 1.11.1.6) and peroxidase (EC 1.11.1.7) activity were studied in the leaves and roots of canola (Brassica napus L. cv. Okapi). Four weeks after sowing (at the V4 stage), plants were exposed to salt stress by the application of NaCl solution (200 mm) for 6 days daily, After 6 days followed by foliar application of ascorbic acid (AsA) solution (25 mm). The activity of all the antioxidant enzymes assayed (except SOD in the roots) was increased significantly in the plants under conditions of salt stress. The application of AsA decreased enzyme activity in the leaves, but it had no effect on enzyme activity in the roots. The total PROT content of the leaves and roots decreased under the conditions of high salinity. AsA treatment of plants under salt stress increased the total PROT content significantly in both leaves and roots. Measurement of the malondialdehyde content of leaves and roots showed that lipid peroxidation was increased by interaction with damaging reactive oxygen species during salt stress, and that application of AsA reduced lipid peroxidation only in the leaves. The Chl content was also affected by salt stress. There was significant difference between the controls and salt‐stress treatments in Chl content. The results of the present study indicate that usage of AsA reduces the harmful effects of salinity and increases resistance to salinity in canola plant.
Lukumbat marawana: A changing pattern of drug use by youth in a remote Aboriginal community
Authors: Senior Kate , Chenhall Richard 
Published: March 2008

AbstractObjective:  To examine marijuana use by youth in a remote Aboriginal community in Northern Australia over a 5‐year period. Design:  Participant observation, structured and unstructured interviews. Setting:  Remote Indigenous Australian community. Participants:  Young Aboriginal people and adult community members. Main outcome measure:  Emergent themes of the attitudes towards marijuana use among remote Indigenous residents are reported. Results:  Restrictions in the availability of alcohol and petrol have led to increased use of marijuana with serious social and community consequences. Conclusions:  Efforts to control licit substances, such as alcohol, in remote communities need to be addressed in the context of understanding of the dynamics of alcohol and drug use in totality as well as interventions that address underlying structural and social inequalities.
Physical activity behaviours of adults in the Greater Green Triangle region of rural Australia
Authors: Vaughan Clare , Kilkkinen Annamari , Philpot Benjamin , Brooks Joanne , Schoo Adrian , Laatikainen Tiina , Chapman Anna , Janus Edward D. , Dunbar James A. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractObjective:  To assess physical activity (PA) behaviours of adults in rural Australia. Design and setting:  Three cross‐sectional surveys in the Greater Green Triangle area covering the south‐east of South Australia (Limestone Coast), and south‐west (Corangamite Shire) and north‐west (Wimmera) of Victoria during 2004–2006. Participants:  A total of 1546 persons, aged 25– 74 years, randomly selected from the electoral roll. Main outcome measures:  Overall PA, leisure‐time PA, occupational PA, active commuting and moderate‐to‐vigorous PA. Results:  Approximately 80% of participants, more women than men, engaged in 30 minutes or more of daily PA. Only 30% (95% CI 26.3, 33.0) of men and 21% (95% CI 18.3, 23.9) of women did moderate‐to‐vigorous PA for at least 20–30 minutes four or more times a week. In leisure time, most participants were moderately active; almost one‐fifth were inactive and another fifth highly active. Two‐thirds of men engaged in high‐level occupational PA, compared with one‐sixth of women. Only 30% of participants actively commuted to work. There was a tendency for a positive association between income level and leisure‐time PA. Conclusions:  One‐fifth of adults in rural Australia were inactive. While there was a high prevalence of participants who engaged in daily PA, few did so at moderate‐to‐vigorous intensity to achieve health benefits. As occupational PA is difficult to change, improvements in levels of PA are more likely during leisure‐time and for some people by engaging in commuting PA.
An evaluation of a community pharmacy‐based rural asthma management service
Authors: Saini Bandana , Filipovska Julija , Bosnic‐Anticevich Sinthia , Taylor Susan , Krass Ines , Armour Carol 
Published: March 2008

AbstractObjective:  To compare the effect of a pharmacist‐delivered rural asthma management service (RAMS) on health outcomes for people with asthma in a rural/regional area with ‘standard care’ delivered through community pharmacies. Design:  A parallel group controlled repeated measures study. Setting:  Community pharmacies in Central West New South Wales. Intervention:  Standardised protocols and resources based on national asthma management guidelines, delivered by specially trained community pharmacists. Patients visited the pharmacy at baseline and 1, 3 and 6 months after baseline in the intervention group and at baseline plus 6 months after baseline in the control group. Participants:  The intervention pharmacists (n = 12) were trained to deliver the RAMS model, while control pharmacists (n = 8) provided standard asthma care to their recruited patients. Fifty‐one and 39 patients were recruited by intervention and control pharmacists.Main outcome measure:  Asthma severity score which was a composite score based on recency, frequency and severity of asthma symptoms, and asthma history. Results:  Data compared at the final visit between groups indicated that the RAMS patient group demonstrated a significant reduction in the asthma severity scores (7.9 ± 2.6 versus 10.4 ± 2.6, P < 0.001); a reduction in the risk of non‐adherence to medication scores (1.6 ± 0.7 versus 2.3 ± 1.1, P < 0.001); and an increase in the proportion of patients owning a written action plan (50% versus 23%, P = 0.04).Conclusions:  These results indicated that the community pharmacy‐based RAMS model can improve asthma outcomes for patients in rural settings, and similar models for asthma and other chronic diseases should be tested rigorously and adopted in rural primary care practice.
Survival rates according to the Cancer of the Liver Italian Program scores of 345 hepatocellular carcinoma patients after multimodality treatments during a 10‐year period in a retrospective study
Authors: Yamagiwa Kentaro , Shiraki Katsuya , Yamakado Koichiro , Mizuno Shugo , Hori Tomohide , Yagi Shinichiro , Hamada Takashi , Iida Taku , Nakamura Ikuo , Fujii Koji , Usui Masanobu , Isaji Shuji , Ito Keiichi , Tagawa Shinsei , Takeda Kan , Yokoi Hajime , Noguchi Takashi 
Published: March 2008

AbstractBackground and Aim:  The Cancer of the Liver Italian Program (CLIP) score has been demonstrated to have superior prognostic ability in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients worldwide, but there has never been sufficient assessment of the efficacy of treatment modalities according to the CLIP score. This retrospective cohort study of HCC patients was conducted to assess the efficacy of treatment modalities according to the CLIP score.Methods:  We compared the efficacy of hepatic resection (HR) (n = 101), radiofrequency ablation with prior transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (RFA + TACE) (n = 115), percutaneous ethanol injection with prior TACE (PEI + TACE) (n = 43), and TACE (n = 86) as a primary treatment in terms of survival among 345 patients treated at Mie University Hospital between 1995 and 2004, according to CLIP score.Results:  The overall survival rates in the RFA + TACE group were significantly higher in the patients with CLIP scores of 1, 2, and 3 or more (5‐year, 70.9%; 3‐year, 73.7%; and 3‐year, 100%, respectively), but they were not significantly different from the 5‐year survival rates of the HR group with a CLIP score of 0 (83.7%). Among the patients with a CLIP score of 0, a significantly higher disease‐free survival rate (5‐year: 33.7%) was obtained in the HR subgroup (n = 35) than in the RFA + TACE subgroup (n = 35), both of which were followed since 2000, but morbidity (21.8%) was highest in the HR group.Conclusion:  RFA + TACE is concluded to be a safe treatment modality with better overall survival (5‐year, > 60%) in HCC patients regardless of their CLIP score.
Asia–Pacific consensus guidelines on gastric cancer prevention
Authors: Fock Kwong Ming , Talley Nick , Moayyedi Paul , Hunt Richard , Azuma Takeshi , Sugano Kentaro , Xiao Shu Dong , Lam Shiu Kum , Goh Khean Lee , Chiba Tsutomu , Uemura Naomi , Kim Jae G , Kim Nayoung , Ang Tiing Leong , Mahachai Varocha , Mitchell Hazel , Rani Abdul Aziz , Liou Jyh Ming , Vilaichone Ratha‐korn , Sollano Jose 
Published: March 2008

AbstractBackground and Aim:  Gastric cancer is a major health burden in the Asia–Pacific region but consensus on prevention strategies has been lacking. We aimed to critically evaluate strategies for preventing gastric cancer.Methods:  A multidisciplinary group developed consensus statements using a Delphi approach. Relevant data were presented, and the quality of evidence, strength of recommendation, and level of consensus were graded.Results:  Helicobacter pylori infection is a necessary but not sufficient causal factor for non‐cardia gastric adenocarcinoma. A high intake of salt is strongly associated with gastric cancer. Fresh fruits and vegetables are protective but the use of vitamins and other dietary supplements does not prevent gastric cancer. Host–bacterial interaction in H. pylori infection results in different patterns of gastritis and differences in gastric acid secretion which determine disease outcome. A positive family history of gastric cancer is an important risk factor. Low serum pepsinogens reflect gastric atrophy and may be useful as a marker to identify populations at high risk for gastric cancer. H. pylori screening and treatment is a recommended gastric cancer risk reduction strategy in high‐risk populations. H. pylori screening and treatment is most effective before atrophic gastritis has developed. It does not exclude the existing practice of gastric cancer surveillance in high‐risk populations. In populations at low risk for gastric cancer, H. pylori screening is not recommended. First‐line treatment of H. pylori infection should be in accordance with national treatment guidelines.Conclusion:  A strategy of H. pylori screening and eradication in high‐risk populations will probably reduce gastric cancer incidence, and based on current evidence is recommended by consensus.
Marine reserve effects on fishery profit
Authors: White Crow , Kendall Bruce E. , Gaines Steven , Siegel David A. , Costello Christopher 
Published: March 2008

AbstractSome studies suggest that fishery yields can be higher with reserves than under conventional management. However, the economic performance of fisheries depends on economic profit, not fish yield. The predictions of higher yields with reserves rely on intensive fishing pressures between reserves; the exorbitant costs of harvesting low‐density populations erode profits. We incorporated this effect into a bioeconomic model to evaluate the economic performance of reserve‐based management. Our results indicate that reserves can still benefit fisheries, even those targeting species that are expensive to harvest. However, in contrast to studies focused on yield, only a moderate proportion of the coast in reserves (with moderate harvest pressures outside reserves) is required to maximize profit. Furthermore, reserve area and harvest intensity can be traded off with little impact on profits, allowing for management flexibility while still providing higher profit than attainable under conventional management.
Non‐surgical management of multicystic dysplastic kidney
Authors: Cambio Angelo J. , Evans Christopher P. , Kurzrock Eric A. 
Published: March 2008

OBJECTIVESTo better define the outcome and association of multicystic dysplastic kidney (MCDK) with hypertension, vesico‐ureteric reflux (VUR), infection and cancer, as there is no consensus on the management of patients born with MCDK. The risk of cancer has dictated the surgical management of the disease in the past.METHODSThe Medline database was searched for articles published between 1965 and 2006 and written in the English language, and containing the keywords ‘multicystic dysplastic kidney’.RESULTSThe inclusion criteria were met by 105 reports that were subsequently analysed. Of MCDK, 60% regress or involute within 3 years. About 25% of patients will have VUR into the contralateral kidney, of which 90% is grade ≤3. The risk of urinary tract infection appears to be associated with VUR or coexistent abnormalities rather than the MCDK. The risk of hypertension is no greater than that in the general population and nephrectomy is usually not curative. The overall risk of Wilms’ tumour developing in a MCDK is <1 in 2000. All reported Wilms’ tumours were identified before 4 years of age and 70% presented as a palpable mass.CONCLUSIONSPublished reports support the non‐surgical management of MCDK. Common practice has been to remove palpable or growing MCDKs, although these represent a very small fraction of MCDKs. In theory, ultrasonographic surveillance until 4 years old might allow the earlier detection of a Wilms’ tumour, and decrease the intensity of chemotherapy and improve prognosis. Previous reports do not prove or disprove this concept, and the appropriate frequency of surveillance is not evident.
The effect of surgical volume, age and comorbidities on 30‐day mortality after radical prostatectomy: a population‐based analysis of 9208 consecutive cases
Authors: Walz Jochen , Montorsi Francesco , Jeldres Claudio , Suardi Nazareno , Shariat Shahrokh F. , Perrotte Paul , Arjane Philippe , Graefen Markus , Pharand Daniel , Karakiewicz Pierre I. 
Published: March 2008

OBJECTIVESTo examine the effect of surgical volume (SV) on 30‐day mortality after radical prostatectomy (RP; reportedly 0.1–0.6% and influenced by age and comorbidities) and to explore the most informative SV, age and comorbidity thresholds to distinguish between high‐ and low‐risk men.PATIENTS AND METHODSBetween 1989 and 2000, 9208 consecutive patients were treated with RP. The effects on 30‐day mortality of (either continuously coded or categorized) patient age, comorbidities (Charlson Comorbidity Index, CCI) and SV were tested in multivariable logistic regression models. The models were corrected for overfit bias using 200 bootstrap re‐samples and were displayed graphically as nomograms.RESULTSThe overall 30‐day mortality was 0.52%; being younger (<69 years, 0.3% vs 1.0% 30‐day mortality otherwise, P < 0.001), lower CCI (0, 0.2% vs 0.8% otherwise, P < 0.001) and higher SV (>27 RPs, 0.07 vs 0.6% otherwise, P = 0.049) had a protective effect and represented independent predictors of 30‐day mortality. After correction for overfit bias, their combined input was 72.3% accurate in predicting 30‐day mortality, vs 67.1% (P < 0.001) when the same variables were used in continuously coded (uncategorized) format. A model‐derived probability threshold of ≤0.1% resulted in a 99.9% negative predictive value.CONCLUSIONSSV is an important determinant of 30‐day mortality. Categorized age, CCI and SV are more useful and more accurate for predicting 30‐day mortality than continuously coded variables. The combination of young age (<69 years), a CCI of 0 and high SV (>27 RPs) can accurately identify patients at negligible risk of 30‐day mortality.
Evaluation of an orthotopic rat bladder urothelial cell carcinoma model by cystoscopy
Authors: Hendricksen Kees , Molkenboer‐Kuenen Janneke , Oosterwijk Egbert , Hulsbergen‐van de Kaa Christina A. , Witjes J. Alfred 
Published: March 2008

OBJECTIVESTo enable preclinical testing of intravesical therapies against non‐muscle‐invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) in an orthotopic rat bladder tumour model, augmented by the use of serial cystoscopy for in vivo tumour assessment and follow‐up.MATERIALS AND METHODSFischer F344 rats had a 16‐G transurethral cannula placed. The bladder mucosa was conditioned with an acid rinse, followed by a 1‐h instillation of 1.5 × 106 AY‐27 rat bladder urothelial cell carcinoma (UCC) cells (day 0). Cystoscopy (1 mm) was done on day 0 (control) and at 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 10, 13 and 17 days. At the scheduled times the rats were killed after cystectomy (four at each time) for histopathological examination of the bladder.RESULTSOverall, tumour establishment was >80%, with predominantly carcinoma in situ preceding or concomitant with invasive tumour growth. All tumours were formed at 3–5 days, and remained non‐muscle‐invasive up to 5 days. From 6 days, tumours progressed to muscle‐invasive disease in 40% of the rats. Visibility at cystoscopy was excellent and tumours were apparent in >90% of rats from 5 days on, with a specificity and sensitivity of >90%. Cystoscopy could not distinguish NMIBC from muscle‐invasive disease.CONCLUSIONSThis is a reliable model of orthotopic rat bladder UCC, with early high‐grade NMIBC growth, immediately followed by muscle‐invasive growth, i.e. the recommended time to start intravesical therapy would be 5 days after tumour cell inoculation. Tumour growth can easily be monitored by cystoscopy, but cannot be used to distinguish NMIBC from muscle‐invasive bladder cancer.
Factors affecting erectile function after radical retropubic prostatectomy: results from 1620 consecutive patients
Authors: Ayyathurai Rajinikanth , Manoharan Murugesan , Nieder Alan M. , Kava Bruce , Soloway Mark S. 
Published: March 2008

OBJECTIVETo report the return of erectile function in 1620 consecutive men after radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP), chosen by half of men diagnosed with clinically localized prostate cancer, and the goal of which is to completely excise the tumour while preserving continence and erectile function.PATIENTS AND METHODSFrom January 1992 to October 2006, one surgeon performed RRP with a nerve‐sparing technique where feasible. Men with erectile dysfunction before surgery, salvage RRPs, those not having a nerve‐sparing procedure, neoadjuvant or adjuvant therapy within 6 months of RRP and a follow‐up of <6 months were excluded from the analyses. Erectile function was evaluated by the surgeon when possible or by an annual questionnaire. Potency was defined as erectile function sufficient for intercourse with or without a phosphodiesterase‐5 inhibitor.RESULTSOf 619 men who had a bilateral and of 178 who had a unilateral nerve‐sparing RRP, 72% and 53%, respectively, were potent. When stratifying by age groups (≤49, 50–59, 60–69 and ≥70 years) potency rates were 86%, 76%, 58% and 37%, respectively. Potency was more common after bilateral than unilateral nerve‐sparing RRP in all age groups (P < 0.001). Age, bilateral nerve‐sparing (odds ratio 2.9) and surgeon experience were associated with potency in a multivariate analysis.CONCLUSIONCareful patient selection and meticulous surgical technique are essential to achieve the right balance between cancer control and morbidity. The patient’s age, nerve‐sparing RRP and the surgeon’s experience were the significant predictors of return of potency after RRP.
Total reconstruction of the vesico‐urethral junction
Authors: Tewari Ashutosh , Jhaveri Jay , Rao Sandhya , Yadav Rajiv , Bartsch Georg , Te Alexis , Ioffe Edward , Pineda Miguel , Mudaliar Senthil , Nguyen Lang , Libertino John , Vaughan Darracott 
Published: March 2008

OBJECTIVEWe describe a novel technique of total vesico‐urethral reconstruction, which combines the tactics of previous surgeons, and compare the outcome of our innovative changes for return to early continence with prostatectomies with no or partial reconstruction of the vesico‐urethral junction.PATIENTS AND METHODSBetween 1 January 2005 and 5 June 2007 a cohort of 700 patients undergoing robotic radical prostatectomy were prospectively evaluated. Patients in 2005 (214) served as a control group, they received no additional methods to provide support to the vesico‐urethral junction; a standard anastomosis was made. Patients in 2006 (304) received an anterior reconstruction only, to provide additional vesico‐urethral anastomotic support. Patients in 2007 (182) received the total reconstructive procedure, which included an anterior reconstruction and posterior reconstruction. Outcome data were collected using standardized health‐related quality‐of‐life measures, which included the Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite survey, International Prostate Symptom Score, International Index of Erectile Function, and then re‐verified by telephone interview with a standardized questionnaire. The follow‐up intervals were 1, 6, 12, 24 and 52 weeks. Continence was defined as no pad usage or one small liner used for security purposes only. Baseline variables were also collected.RESULTSThe percentage of patients who had achieved continence in the control group were: 13%, 35%, 50%, 62% and 82% at the 1‐, 6‐, 12‐, 24‐ and 52‐week follow‐up, respectively. The percentage of patients who had achieved continence in the anterior reconstruction group were 27%, 59%, 77%, 86%, and 91%, respectively. The total reconstruction group had continence rates of 38%, 83%, 91%, and 97% at 1, 6, 12, and 24 weeks, respectively. At all the follow‐up intervals the continence rate was significantly less in the control group than in the anterior reconstruction group and the total reconstruction group (P < 0.01).CONCLUSIONSThe total reconstruction procedure is a safe and effective way to achieve an early return to continence. No adverse effects have been observed because of its employment and our data validates that it does provide a statistically significant early return to continence compared with no reconstructive efforts or with only anterior reconstructive efforts.