bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Recto‐urethral fistula following brachytherapy for localized prostate cancer
Authors: Shakespeare D. , Mitchell D. M. , Carey B. M. , Finan P. , Henry A. M. , Ash D. , Bottomley D. M. , Al‐Qaisieh B. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractObjective  The use of prostate brachytherapy (BT) in the management of prostate cancer is increasing. BT is often chosen because of its perceived lower toxicity when compared with other radical therapy options. Rarely however serious complications can occur. One such complication is recto‐urethral fistula (RUF). We report the incidence of RUF following BT at our centre and review the potential factors in fistula development.Method  A prospectively collected database was used to identify cases of RUF among 1455 patients treated with prostate BT at a single UK centre with at least 2 years of follow up. This included patients treated with BT monotherapy, as well as those treated with BT combined with external beam radiotherapy and BT used as salvage as all these groups have a higher incidence of RUF. Implant dose and volume characteristics for those patients, their co‐morbidities and history of endoscopic procedures were recorded.Results  Recto‐urethral fistula was identified in three (0.2%) patients, occurring at 19–27 months following BT. All these patients had BT monotherapy. All three patients had rectal symptoms after their BT and had been investigated with endoscopy and low rectal biopsy. Subsequent surgical management with faecal and/or urinary diversion was required. On review of patients’ BT details, radiation dose and volume parameters were higher on the postprocedure CT calculations than had been suggested by the preimplant plan. No other predisposing risk factors for RUF were identified.Conclusion  The incidence of RUF in our population is low. RUF following BT has been associated with rectal biopsy in previous series and this is confirmed in our report. Gastrointestinal specialists should not perform biopsy of the anterior rectum in patients who have had BT unless there is a very high clinical suspicion of malignancy.
Early results of immediate repair of obstetric third‐degree tears: 65% are completely asymptomatic despite persistent sphincter defects in 61%
Authors: Hayes J. , Shatari T. , Toozs‐Hobson P. , Busby K. , Pretlove S. , Radley S. , Keighley M. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractObjective  The outcome of immediate repair of obstetric third‐degree tears is poorly documented. Immediate repair may give better functional results than delayed repair because scarring is reduced. This aim of this prospective study was to examine the early outcome of immediate repair of third‐degree tears.Method  A total of 121 women who had immediate repair of obstetric third‐degree tears underwent interview, anal ultrasonography and anorectal physiology.Results  At review, 79 (65%) were completely asymptomatic (score = 0), 23 (19%), had minor flatus incontinence or mild urgency causing no compromise to their quality of life (score 1–4), and 19 (16%) had clinically embarrassing faecal incontinence (score 5–24). Thirty‐nine (32%) had an intact internal anal sphincter (IAS) and external anal sphincter (EAS) (i.e. a successful repair), eight (7%) had a defect in the IAS alone but the EAS was intact (i.e. a successful repair but a residual IAS defect), 43 (35%) had a residual defect in the EAS alone (IAS intact) and 31 (26%) had a persistent defect in the IAS and EAS. Residual defects in either or both of the sphincters were associated with a significantly higher incidence of abnormal resting and squeeze anal pressures. Anal manometry had no correlation with symptoms. The highest proportion of severe incontinence was in those with an IAS defect alone (37%) and when there was a residual IAS and EAS defect (24%). Only 2 of 39 (5%) with an intact IAS and EAS had severe incontinence and only 8 of 43 (18%) with a residual EAS defect alone had severe faecal incontinence.Conclusion  These results indicate a good outcome following immediate repair of third‐degree obstetric tears and emphasize the role of the IAS in providing continence.
Evaluating the accuracy of data entry in a regional colorectal cancer database: implications for national audit
Authors: Kelly M. , Lamah M. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractObjective  To determine the accuracy and completeness of data entry in a regional colorectal cancer database.Method  Records were obtained for 50 patients selected at random from the database. A sample of 18 key data points (preoperative and operative) were selected from the Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland colorectal cancer minimum dataset. Data were extracted from the case notes by a clinician and compared with database entries.Results  Overall 83% of data elements were present in the patient records. There was agreement between patient records and the database for 61% of data points overall, and for 70% of preoperative data and 47% of operative data.Conclusion  The regional colorectal cancer database is inaccurate, particularly regarding operative data. Insufficient information in patient records accounts for a proportion of missing data, and lack of agreement between records and the database may be due to misinterpretation of records by nonclinical staff. The accuracy of regional data may be improved by weekly review of database entries and/or entry of clinical data by a clinician.
Laparoscopic colonic resection in fast‐track patients does not enhance short‐term recovery after elective surgery
Authors: MacKay G. , Ihedioha U. , McConnachie A. , Serpell M. , Molloy R. G. , O'Dwyer P. J. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractBackground  Laparoscopic colorectal surgery has been claimed to enhance recovery when compared with open surgery. The aim of our study was to investigate whether laparoscopic colorectal resection improved recovery with the use of a multimodal rehabilitation programme.Method  We carried out a prospective audit of 80 patients undergoing elective colorectal resection between November 2003 and March 2005. All patients underwent a fast‐track protocol with early feeding, mobilization and a fluid and sodium restriction regime. Recovery was measured in terms of return of gastrointestinal function, hospital stay, complications and quality of life measures.Results  Of the 80 patients in the study 22 underwent laparoscopic resection and 58 had open surgery. Patients were well matched for all baseline characteristics. The groups were not significantly different in terms of opioid or antiemetic use. They were also similar in median time to first flatus (69 h vs 69 h, P = 0.36) and median time to first bowel motion (127 h vs 101 h, P = 0.07). There was no difference in median hospital stay (5.8 days vs 5.9 days, P = 0.87) or complications (P = 0.46) between the laparoscopic and open group. There were no significant differences in Short Form 36 scores between the two groups for any of the components measured.Conclusion  Laparoscopic colorectal resection does not appear to reduce the duration of ileus or hospital stay with the use of a multimodal rehabilitation regime. Further large randomized trials are required to confirm these findings.
Trade Sanctions and the Incidence of Child Labor
Authors: Grossmann Harald , Michaelis Jochen 
Published: November 2006

AbstractThe purpose of this paper is to develop an imperfect competition model of a small open developing country to analyze the effects of trade sanctions on the incidence of child labor. We show that a uniform tariff levied by the developed countries on imports produced with the help of child labor is a failure in terms of reducing child labor. A more effective course of action would be a firm‐specific tariff where the tariff rate varies with the amount of child labor incorporated in a single good. While such an instrument reduces child labor, however, it worsens the children’s well‐being due to lower income and consumption. Contrary to expectations, the entrepreneurs in the developing countries, supposedly the main beneficiaries of child labor, are better off under trade sanctions as they realize higher profits.
A Note on Production Efficiency in Oligopolistic Trade Models
Authors: Ghosh Arghya 
Published: November 2006

AbstractIn a two‐country segmented markets model with homogeneous product Cournot oligopoly we show that production efficiency improves in the free‐trade regime compared to autarky, if autarky price in each country is lower than both the post‐trade prices—which holds, for example, when preferences are identical. The result holds irrespective of the demand structure, number, and cost distribution of firms in the two countries. The improvement in production efficiency lowers average cost of production which, for some parameterizations, gives rise to higher aggregate profits for all countries in the free‐trade regime (compared to autarky). Though free trade (zero tariffs) improves production efficiency from autarky (prohibitive tariffs), freer trade is not always associated with greater production efficiency.
Does Productivity Growth Appreciate the Real Exchange Rate?*
Authors: Lee Jaewoo , Tang Man‐Keung 
Published: November 2006

AbstractRevisiting the time‐honored link between productivity growth and the real exchange rate, we find that higher labor productivity tends to appreciate the real exchange rate, consistent with the traditional view. Contrary to the traditional view, however, we find that the positive productivity effect is transmitted through the relative price between tradable goods, rather than through the relative price between tradables and nontradables. Moreover, higher total factor productivity is found to often depreciate the real exchange rate. These latter two pieces of evidence, combined with the conceptual strength of total factor productivity over labor productivity as a productivity measure, call for further refinement of the conventional view regarding the effect of productivity on the real exchange rate.
Simultaneous Reform of Tariffs and Quotas
Authors: Neary J. Peter 
Published: November 2006

AbstractThis paper presents a general result for simultaneous reform of tariffs and quotas in a small open economy, where some of the quota rents do not accrue to domestic residents. Absent highly perverse income effects, welfare must rise following a uniform proportionate reduction in tariffs and a uniform proportionate relaxation of quotas, weighted by their rent‐retention parameters. Previous results are shown to be special cases of this one, and its implications for practical policy advice and its relationship with the policy of “tariffication” of quotas are discussed.
Trademark Protection or Protectionism?*
Authors: Baroncelli Eugenia , Krivonos Ekaterina , Olarreaga Marcelo 
Published: November 2006

AbstractThis paper explores the extent to which discrimination against foreign applicants in the trademark registration process can be used as a “behind‐the‐border” barrier to imports. Prima‐facie evidence shows that in some developing countries the ratio of trademark registrations to applications is much higher for national than for foreign applicants, which is consistent with the notion of discrimination against foreign firms. A simple model is developed that suggests that incentives to discriminate are stronger when foreign firms manufacture products that are close in quality to the goods produced by domestic firms. This hypothesis is then tested and empirically confirmed in three of the four countries in our sample, suggesting that discretion and discrimination in the trademark registration process can sometimes be used as a protectionist tool.
International Surveys of Educational Achievement: How Robust are the Findings?
Authors: Brown Giorgina , Micklewright John , Schnepf Sylke V. , Waldmann Robert 
Published: November 2006

SummaryInternational surveys of educational achievement and functional literacy are increasingly common. We consider two aspects of the robustness of their results. First, we compare results from four surveys: the Trends in International Maths and Science Study, the Programme for International Student Assessment, the Progress in International Reading Literacy Study and the International Adult Literacy Survey. This contrasts with the standard approach which is to analyse just one survey in isolation. Second, we investigate whether results are sensitive to the choice of item response model that is used by survey organizers to aggregate respondents’ answers into a single score. In both cases we focus on countries’ average scores, the within-country differences in scores and on the association between the two.
The effects of severe growth hormone deficiency on the skin of patients with Sheehan's syndrome
Authors: Borlu M , Tanriverdi F , Koc CA , Unluhizarci K , Utas S , Kelestimur F 
Published: November 2006

AbstractBackground  Growth hormone (GH) may play an important role in the content and appearance of the skin. Dry, thin and pale skin has been described in hypopituitarism. Sheehan's syndrome is characterized by anterior pituitary dysfunction due to postpartum pituitary necrosis and GH is one of the hormones lost first.Objective  The aim of this study was to examine the hydration of the skin of patients with Sheehan's syndrome using measurements of capacitance, sebum content, transepidermal water loss, pH and temperature. The data were compared with those of control subjects.Methods  A total of 21 patients with Sheehan's syndrome and 20 women as control subjects were included in this blinded prospective study. Hormone deficiencies other than GH had been adequately replaced. The diagnosis of GH deficiency (GHD) was established by the insulin tolerance test (ITT). Skin properties were measured by non‐invasive and well‐established methods.Results  The skin capacitance had decreased on the forehead and forearm and sebum content had decreased on the forehead of patients with Sheehan's syndrome when compared with control subjects. The pH, temperature and average transepidermal water loss (TEWL) of the skin of the patients were not statistically different from the controls.Conclusion  GHD results in a decrease in skin capacitance and sebum content indicating that GH and/or insulin‐like growth factor‐I (IGF‐I) have an important role in skin function.
‘Give me a break’– respite care for older carers of mentally ill persons
Authors: Jeon Yun‐Hee , Brodaty Henry , O'Neill Colleen , Chesterson Jon 
Published: November 2006

Background: The concept of respite care has been widely accepted and used throughout most developed countries, although primarily in connection with frail elderly, people with dementia, people with developmental disability or children. This paper aims at exploring older family carers’ needs for, access to and use of respite services when caring for people with a mental illness (excluding dementia) in the community.Method: Data were collected through: semi‐structured interviews with 26 mental health professionals, 21 family carers aged over 55 years and 25 respite service providers; demographic questionnaires; field notes; and local area, state and national documents relating to respite care services. Demographic data were analysed using descriptive statistics. All 72 interviews, field notes and other documents were analysed using content analysis.Results: Current respite services are not adequate to meet the needs of mentally ill patients and older carers. The unique aspects of respite care for older carers of persons with mental illness are poorly understood.Conclusion: Bringing these issues to light creates the potential to address the unmet needs of older carers, improve provision of respite services, enhance quality of life of those who can benefit from respite services, and assist mental health professionals to work better with carers.
Health in patients with Type 2 diabetes: an interview study based on the Welfare Theory of Health
Authors: Snellman Ingrid , Wikblad Karin 
Published: November 2006

Background:  In his Welfare Theory of Health Nordenfelt describes health as a person's ability to fulfil vital goals in different life areas. In order to use the theory in nursing, a semi‐structured interview guide was constructed including questions about which vital goals Type 2 diabetic patients have and believe are important for their own welfare in different life areas.Aim:  The aim of the study was to carry out preliminary validation of the interview guide. Two hypotheses were formulated: (i) Dissatisfied or unhealthy diabetic persons score lower on health‐related quality of life (HRQL) than do those classified as healthy; (ii) A person with diabetes who uses avoidance as his/her main coping strategy restructures his/her vital goals in order to avoid failure and thereby dissatisfaction increases.Methods:  Interviews with 155 randomly selected Type 2 diabetic patients were conducted using the interview guide. HRQL and coping were also measured. The interview data were analysed using content analysis.Results:  The results were in accordance with the health theory, i.e. a person with Type 2 diabetes may be unhealthy, but still satisfied with life as a whole. Our two hypotheses were confirmed: Dissatisfied or unhealthy subjects with Type 2 diabetes had HRQL scores in all domains but physical functioning and bodily pain that were lower than scores of those who were satisfied or healthy, and a person with Type 2 diabetes who uses avoidance as his/her main coping strategy does seem to restructure his/her vital goals to avoid failure.Conclusion:  The theory‐based interview guide tested in this study seemed to reflect the notion that health includes fulfilment of vital goals.
Isolation and characterization of microsatellite loci from Macadamia
Authors: SCHMIDT A. L. , SCOTT L. , LOWE A. J. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractThirty‐three microsatellite loci were isolated for the Australian rainforest tree Macadamia integrifolia. Genotyping across a test panel of 43 commercial cultivars generated an average polymorphic information content of 0.480. Five loci showed no polymorphism across cultivars. Significant linkage disequilibrium was detected in 10 pairwise comparisons, including two pairs of loci identified from the same clone sequence. The 33 microsatellite loci represent a significant tool for genome mapping and population genetic studies.
Isolation and characterization of 49 polymorphic microsatellite loci in the ayu,Plecoglossus altivelis
Authors: IWATA H. , WATANABE K. , TAKESHIMA H. , IGUCHI K. , NISHIDA M. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractA total of 49 novel polymorphic microsatellite markers in the ayu fish,Plecoglossus altivelis, were successfully isolated and characterized. The number of alleles per locus, observed heterozygosity, and expected heterozygosity ranged from two to 25 (11.3 on average), from 0.125 to 1.000 (0.648 on average), and from 0.123 to 0.957 (0.751 on average), respectively. These microsatellite markers will be useful for both studying population structure and identifying quantitative trait loci that control evolutionarily and economically important traits of ayu.
The window and mechanisms of major age‐related decline in the production of new neurons within the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus
Authors: Rao Muddanna S. , Hattiangady Bharathi , Shetty Ashok K. 
Published: November 2006

SummaryWhile it is well known that production of new neurons from neural stem/progenitor cells (NSC) in the dentate gyrus (DG) diminishes greatly by middle age, the phases and mechanisms of major age‐related decline in DG neurogenesis are largely unknown. To address these issues, we first assessed DG neurogenesis in multiple age groups of Fischer 344 rats via quantification of doublecortin‐immunopositive (DCX+) neurons and then measured the production, neuronal differentiation and initial survival of new cells in the subgranular zone (SGZ) of 4‐, 12‐ and 24‐month‐old rats using four injections (one every sixth hour) of 5′‐bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU), and BrdU–DCX dual immunostaining. Furthermore, we quantified the numbers of proliferating cells in the SGZ of these rats using Ki67 immunostaining. Numbers of DCX+ neurons were stable at 4–7.5 months of age but decreased progressively at 7.5–9 months (41% decline), 9–10.5 months (39% decline), and 10.5–12 months (34% decline) of age. Analyses of BrdU+ cells at 6 h after the last BrdU injection revealed a 71–78% decline in the production of new cells per day between 4‐month‐old rats and 12‐ or 24‐month‐old rats. Numbers of proliferating Ki67+ cells (putative NSCs) in the SGZ also exhibited similar (72–85%) decline during this period. However, the extent of both neuronal differentiation (75–81%) and initial 12‐day survival (67–74%) of newly born cells was similar in all age groups. Additional analyses of dendritic growth of 12‐day‐old neurons revealed that newly born neurons in the aging DG exhibit diminished dendritic growth compared with their age‐matched counterparts in the young DG. Thus, major decreases in DG neurogenesis occur at 7.5–12 months of age in Fischer 344 rats. Decreased production of new cells due to proliferation of far fewer NSCs in the SGZ mainly underlies this decline.
Disparate patterns of age‐related changes in lipid peroxidation in long‐lived naked mole‐rats and shorter‐lived mice
Authors: Andziak Blazej , Buffenstein Rochelle 
Published: November 2006

SummaryA key tenet of the oxidative stress theory of aging is that levels of accrued oxidative damage increase with age. Differences in damage generation and accumulation therefore may underlie the natural variation in species longevity. We compared age‐related profiles of whole‐organism lipid peroxidation (urinary isoprostanes) and liver lipid damage (malondialdehyde) in long living naked mole‐rats [maximum lifespan (MLS) > 28.3 years] and shorter‐living CB6F1 hybrid mice (MLS ∼3.5 years). In addition, we compared age‐associated changes in liver non‐heme iron to assess how intracellular conditions, which may modulate oxidative processes, are affected by aging. Surprisingly, even at a young age, concentrations of both markers of lipid peroxidation, as well as of iron, were at least twofold (P < 0.005) greater in naked mole tats than in mice. This refutes the hypothesis that prolonged naked mole‐rat longevity is due to superior protection against oxidative stress. The age‐related profiles of all three parameters were distinctly species specific. Rates of lipid damage generation in mice were maintained throughout adulthood, while accrued damage in old animals was twice that of young mice. In naked mole‐rats, urinary isoprostane excretion declined by half with age (P < 0.001), despite increases in tissue iron (P < 0.05). Contrary to the predictions of the oxidative stress theory, lipid damage levels did not change with age in mole‐rats. These data suggest that the patterns of age‐related changes in levels of markers of oxidative stress are species specific, and that the pronounced longevity of naked mole‐rats is independent of oxidative stress parameters.