bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Questionnaire Based Assessment of Patients' Acceptability of Leukocytapheresis for the Treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Nagase Kazuko , Fukuanga Ken , Yokoyama Yoko , Kamikozuru Koji , Miwa Hiroto , Nakamura Shiro
Published: October 2015

The aim of the present study was to assess patients' acceptance of therapeutic leukocytapheresis known as cytapheresis (CAP) for the treatment of an active flare of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). A questionnaire was sent to 155 IBD patients who had been treated with CAP for an active flare of IBD at the IBD center of Hyogo College of Medicine between January 2009 and July 2012. In the questionnaire, patients were asked to evaluate CAP including efficacy, safety, unfavorable features and their willingness to be retreated with CAP for a subsequent IBD flare‐up. Seventy‐eight percent (112 of 155 patients) including 86 with ulcerative colitis and 26 with Crohn's disease completed the questionnaire. The need for coming to hospital for CAP, needle pain during blood access, sparing time for CAP process were scored by 57%, 58%, and 58.9% of the patients, respectively as unfavorable. Patients highly favored the safety of CAP, the sum of very and relatively favorable was 89%, higher than for efficacy (68%). Seventy‐two percent of patients favored retreatment with CAP. In binary logistic regression analysis, the levels of satisfaction for efficacy (P < 0.001), and inconvenience for CAP treatment time (P < 0.001) were highly significant factors for patients' willingness to be retreated. Bearing in mind that CAP is a non‐pharmacologic treatment intervention, our analyses indicated that IBD patients favored high efficacy, as well as comfort of CAP or maintaining their normal social activity even during an active phase of the disease. Patient's acceptability for CAP appeared to be determined by the balance of these factors.
Univariate Analysis to Examine Predictors of Response to Leukocytapheresis in Ulcerative Colitis Patients
Authors: Nagayama Koji , Takedatsu Hidetoshi , Mitsuyama Keiichi , Yamasaki Hiroshi , Kuwaki Kotaro , Yoshioka Shinichiro , Kobayashi Teppei , Yamauchi Ryosuke , Kakuma Tatsuyuki , Sata Michio
Published: October 2015

Leukocytapheresis (LCAP) is reportedly effective for the treatment of active ulcerative colitis (UC) and is a therapeutic option for steroid‐dependent or steroid‐resistant patients with UC. However, a consensus regarding the use of LCAP for UC patients has not yet been established. Therefore, we analyzed patients' records to identify predictors of response to LCAP therapy and subsequent recurrence. Between October 2001 and March 2011, we recruited 41 patients who had been diagnosed as having UC and had received LCAP therapy. Patients diagnosed with moderate to severe UC with left‐side or total colitis and received LCAP therapy for the first time were enrolled. We retrospectively performed a univariate analysis using the patients' medical records to identify factors affecting the therapeutic effect of LCAP. Body mass index exceeding 18.5 kg/m2 was found to influence the therapeutic effect of LCAP. Male sex was correlated with a rapid response to LCAP treatment and the maintenance of remission. UC patients experiencing their first attack or had an elevated C‐reactive protein level prior to LCAP therapy exhibited a relatively long remission period. In the “after LCAP therapy” group, a low Rachmilewitz endoscopic score, low erythrocyte sedimentation rate, or high white blood cell count was associated with a long remission period. Our results suggest that LCAP should be performed for the treatment of early‐onset UC. LCAP can be expected to induce a long remission period, enabling mucosal healing, although the factors that affected the remission period did not influence the therapeutic effect and responsiveness.
Removal of Toxic Substances by a Selective Membrane Plasma Separator
Authors: Nakae Hajime , Hattori Tomoko , Igarashi Toshiko , Okuyama Manabu , Tajimi Kimitaka
Published: October 2015

We devised a method of plasma exchange with dialysis (PED), in which selective plasma exchange (sPE) is performed using a selective membrane plasma separator (EC‐2A) with an albumin‐sieving coefficient of 0.3 while the dialysate flows outside the hollow fibers, and reported the usefulness of the system for treating acute liver failure. Thereafter, EC‐4A with an albumin‐sieving coefficient of 0.6 was developed, which was expected to be even more effective for removing protein‐bound substances. In order to examine whether or not EC‐4A might be applicable to blood purification therapy against drug poisoning, we compared the efficacies of sPE, PED, and direct hemoperfusion (DHP) using an activated carbon column for the removal of phenobarbital and lithium. Subjects undergoing the extracorporeal circulation study were assigned to the sPE group, PED group, or DHP group, and the changes in the blood concentrations of phenobarbital and lithium were measured over 180 min. A significant decrease of the phenobarbital concentration over time was seen in the PED group, as compared to that in the sPE group (P < 0.0001), while no significant difference in the concentration was observed between the PED and DHP groups. The PED group showed a significant decrease of the lithium concentration over time, as compared to the DHP group (P < 0.0001), while no significant difference in the concentration was observed between the PED and sPE groups. Thus, PED was as effective as DHP for removing phenobarbital and was as effective as sPE for removing lithium. These results suggest that PED therapy using EC‐4A may be a feasible modality for the treatment of drug poisoning.
A history of changing aesthetic values in the Yarra Valley landscape, Victoria
Authors: Lennon Jane L.
Published: October 2015

Aesthetic responses to landscape may be emotional, sensory, or experiential, or a combination; it is a difficult value to identify and assess. This paper considers changing perceptions of the aesthetic values of the Yarra Valley landscape using a heritage methodology that involves examining artistic, creative, and published sources accounting for a lengthy period of changing land use. Scenic quality mapping, where available, is used as a support, and extensive reference is made to Australian impressionist art. Artworks for Yarra Valley landscapes may be considered as being among the cultural heritage indicators of significance and there is a new aesthetic of land art in private venues for the visiting public. The paper also illustrates how aesthetic values have been more broadly recognised in the post‐World War II era and become the domain of planning authorities as well as artists. It is for regional planners to be aware of and maintain these aesthetic values in the landscape.
The Migration of Australians to Bali, Indonesia: More than Retirees and Surfers
Authors: Davies Amanda , Hoath Aileen
Published: October 2015

The factors underpinning the migration of Australian residents to Bali, Indonesia, and the demographic characteristics of the Australian expatriate population in Bali are examined. It is argued that in undertaking a move to Bali, Australian expatriates are employing a deliberate strategy to utilise their existing financial resources and social networks to gain a lifestyle they perceive would not be available to them if they were to remain in Australia. However, it is also argued that there is considerable diversity in the factors underpinning migration decisions. Through a survey of 236 Australians living in Bali, it was found that a complex of place‐based and non‐place‐based factors influenced migration decisions. It was also found that some factors underpinning migration were broadly associated with phase in the life course. While the survey identified only a minor overrepresentation of Australian retirees living in Bali, given the factors that were identified as underpinning migration to Bali, and with the large baby boomer population nearing retirement, it is probable that as Australia's population ages, there will be further growth in the number and proportional share of older Australians living in Bali.
GENERAL ASSESSMENTS AND THRESHOLDS FOR CHRONIC OFFENDING: AN ENRICHED PARADIGM FOR EXPLAINING CRIME
Authors: AGNEW ROBERT , MESSNER STEVEN F.
Published: October 2015

General assessments refer to individuals’ overall judgment of their standing on broad dimensions that have special relevance for the explanation of crime, such as their overall bond to society or their prospects for success. These assessments are partly a function of the independent variables that are commonly considered in contemporary crime theories and quantitative research. But these standard etiological variables are far from fully determinative of general assessments because individuals differ in how they interpret, weigh, and combine their standing along these variables. The social–psychological factors that affect the subjective judgments underlying general assessments have yet to be theorized in any comprehensive, systematic manner. Nevertheless, we hypothesize that the incorporation of general assessments in models of offending will greatly enhance their explanatory power because these assessments are the most proximate, comprehensive, and personally relevant causes of crime. Moreover, we anticipate that once these assessments reach certain threshold levels, such as the view that bonds to society are severed irreparably or success is beyond reach, they result in a nonlinear jump in the frequency, seriousness, and duration of offending (i.e., chronic offending). A consideration of general assessments and their associated thresholds should therefore substantially improve efforts to explain crime.
Supranational Cooperation in Europe
Authors: de Deugd Nienke , Stamm Katharina , Westerman Wim
Published: October 2015

The sovereign debt crisis and the euro crisis have prompted heads of state and government in Europe to intensify supranational cooperation. However, some political leaders and policy makers aim for more. They propose the introduction of a common European economic government that would prevent Europe from experiencing further financial threats and stabilise national budgets and financial markets, as well as the euro. The results of a survey among well‐informed people imply a rather ambivalent attitude towards this venture. While a slim majority favours the general idea of centralised economic governance in Europe, or in the eurozone, the concrete ideas for the design of such a government are not popular among the respondents. A centralised macroeconomic policy, a common budget that is set centrally and using eurobonds as a common means of debt financing in the eurozone all receive limited approval. So, if they are aiming for more supranational cooperation, public and corporate policy makers need to take clear‐cut steps that offer tangible benefits that influence public opinions favourably.
Markov switching autoregressive models for interpreting vertical movement data with application to an endangered marine apex predator
Authors: Pinto Cecilia , Spezia Luigi
Published: October 2015

Time series of animal movement obtained from bio‐loggers are becoming widely used across all taxa. These data are nowadays of high quality, combining high resolution with precision, as the tags are able to collect for longer times and store larger quantities of data. Due to their nature, high‐frequency data sequences often pose non‐trivial problems in time series analysis: nonlinearity, non‐normality, non‐stationarity and long memory. These issues can be tackled by modelling the data sequence as a realization of a stochastic regime‐switching process.

We suggest a novel Markov switching autoregressive model where the hidden Markov chain is non‐homogeneous, with time‐varying transition probabilities, whose dynamics depend on the dynamics of some contemporary categorical covariates.

To illustrate the use of the method, we apply it to the depth profiles of four individuals of flapper skate (Dipturus cf. intermedia) in order to identify swimming behaviours. Individual time series were obtained from data storage tags that recorded pressure every two minutes. The environmental covariates used were lunar phase (a proxy for the spring‐neap tidal cycle), lunar cycle and diel cycle. For all individuals, two states (or regimes) were always selected (the autoregressive order was either three or four), representing different regimes of animal activity, that is state 1 for resting or horizontal swimming or slow vertical movement and state 2 for fast ascending and descending. The cycle of the four lunar phases was the only environmental covariate that explained the hidden state dynamics in all individuals, whereas lunar cycle was selected for two individuals and diel cycle for one only.

The method is an efficient approach to fit one‐dimensional tag data using categorical environmental covariates, and to classify the observations into a small number of states representing individual behaviours of tagged individuals.
Testing an Instrument for Assessing Nursing Intensity in Perioperative Settings: Construct Validity
Authors: Rauta Satu , Salanterä Sanna , Vahlberg Tero , Junttila Kristiina
Published: October 2015

Purpose

To test the construct validity of an instrument to assess nursing intensity in perioperative settings.

Methods

A survey based on 24 core elements of perioperative nursing was used. A total of 652 assessments were performed on 308 patients. Principal component analysis was used.

Findings

A model with four principal components was suggested.

Conclusions

Patients' care needs appear to vary as they progress along the perioperative continuum. Thus, a given instrument's content differs from the intraoperative to postoperative phases.

Implications

More testing is needed to achieve a valid tool for allocating nursing staff in operating departments. Reliable tools are needed to match patients' care needs with available nursing resources.
What training do teachers need?: Why theory is necessary to good teaching
Authors: Orchard Janet , Winch Christopher
Published: October 2015

Recent years have seen a concerted and systematic move towards a school‐led system of initial teacher training in England. The role of universities, and particularly their part in engaging new teachers with educational theory, has been radically challenged. Only around half of new entrants to the profession now follow university‐based training routes. These seismic changes to teacher education have been driven through with a minimum of formal consultation or public debate.

In this urgent and compelling pamphlet, Janet Orchard and Christopher Winch argue for a conception of teachers as professionals who require a deep understanding of the conceptual, empirical and normative dimensions of educational practice. They explain why university education departments are better placed than schools to help beginning teachers acquire that understanding. And they propose a significant expansion of initial teacher education, with full licensure contingent on completion of both a preliminary teaching qualification and a higher grade apprenticeship in the first two years of employment.

Teachers need educational theory because they must understand what they are doing and why they are doing it, and must be able to think intelligently about how to do it better. At present, universities have the capacity and the expertise to meet this need. But they may not have it for much longer if the shift to school‐based teacher education continues unabated.
Multiplex detection and identification of bacterial pathogens causing potato blackleg and soft rot in Europe, using padlock probes
Authors: Sławiak M. , van Doorn R. , Szemes M. , Speksnijder A.G.C.L. , Waleron M. , van der Wolf J.M. , Łojkowska E. , Schoen C.D.
Published: October 2015

The objective of this study was to develop a multiplex detection and identification protocol for bacterial soft rot coliforms, namely Pectobacterium wasabiae (Pw), Pectobacterium atrosepticum (Pba) and Dickeya spp., responsible for potato blackleg and tuber soft rot. The procedures were derived from the phylogenetic relationships of these and other Enterobacteriaceae based on recA sequences. The group of Pw strains was highly homogeneous and could be distinguished from the other species. A ligation‐based method for detection of Pw was developed. Five padlock probes (PLPs) were designed, targeting recA sequences to identify the Pw, Pba or Dickeya spp., whereas a sixth probe recognised recA sequences of all soft rot coliforms including Pectobacterium carotovorum subsp. carotovorum (Pcc). Two PLP‐based applications were developed: one using real‐time PCR and one using universal microarrays. Assay sensitivity and specificity were demonstrated using 71 strains of Pw, Pcc, Pba and Dickeya spp. Both multiplex methods can be potentially used for seed testing and in ecological studies, but further validation is required.
Age‐dependent decrease in desflurane concentration for maintaining bispectral index below 50
Authors: Kanazawa S. , Oda Y. , Maeda C. , Okutani R.
Published: October 2015

Background

We examined the hypothesis that the minimum alveolar concentration of desflurane for maintaining bispectral index (BIS) below 50 (MACBIS50) decreases with advance of age.

Methods

Sixty young (20–30 year), middle‐aged (31–65 year) and elderly (66–80 year) patients were included (n = 20, each group). Five minutes following the start of continuous intravenous administration of remifentanil at 0.25 μg/kg/min, general anaesthesia was induced with propofol 2 mg/kg and rocuronium 0.8 mg/kg to facilitate tracheal intubation. Infusion of remifentanil was stopped immediately after tracheal intubation. When BIS began to increase > 60, maintenance of anaesthesia was started with an end‐tidal desflurane concentration of 4.0% and maintained for 10 min followed by 1‐min assessment of BIS taken at 10‐s intervals. MACBIS50 of each age group was estimated by up–down methodology.

Results

MACBIS50 of desflurane in young, middle‐aged and elderly patients was 4.25% end‐tidal (95% confidence intervals 4.04–4.46), 3.58% (3.38–3.79) and 2.75% (2.50–3.00) respectively. MACBIS50 was higher (P = 0.011) in young patients and lower (P = 0.012) in elderly patients than those in middle‐aged patients.

Conclusions

Advance in age significantly decreased the concentrations of desflurane required to maintain BIS below 50. BIS reflected age‐associated decrease in end‐tidal concentrations of desflurane required for maintaining adequate depth of anaesthesia during resting state.
Lack of clinical impact of 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography with simultaneous computed tomography for stage I and II Merkel cell carcinoma with concurrent sentinel lymph node biopsy staging: A single institutional experience from Westmead Hospital, Sydney
Authors: Liu Jui , Larcos George , Howle Julie , Veness Michael
Published: October 2015

Background/Objective

18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography with simultaneous computed tomography (PET‐CT) FDG PET‐CT plays an important clinical role in the staging and management of Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) although its role in stage I and II disease relative to a sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) is undefined. This study aimed to compare the clinical impact of FDG PET‐CT and SLNB on management in stage I and II MCC.

Methods

This was a retrospective observational study. Between 2000 and 2014, 65 patients with biopsy‐proven MCC (all stages) underwent a staging FDG PET‐CT as part of their investigations in Westmead Hospital, Sydney. Since 2006, 26 patients have had an SLNB and of these, 16 underwent both an SLNB and FDGPET‐CT. All 16 patients had a histological diagnosis consistent with MCC without clinical evidence of regional or distant metastases prior to SLNB and FDG PET‐CT (stages IB and IIB). These patients were assessed with respect to MCC staging and the subsequent change of patient management post‐SLNB and FDG PET‐CT.

Results

The SLNB identified occult lymph node metastases in 10 patients (63%), with FDG PET‐CT positive in only one patient (6%). Of the six SLNB‐negative patients, none demonstrated additional metastases on the FDG PET‐CT.

Conclusions

In patients with stage I and II MCC, FDG PET‐CT is less sensitive than an SLNB in detecting occult metastatic lymph nodes. The routine use of FDG PET‐CT in these patients may not be justified.
What does personality tell us about working in the bush? Temperament and character traits ofAustralian remote allied health professionals
Authors: Campbell Narelle , Eley Diann , McAllister Lindy
Published: October 2015

Objective

To describe the personality (temperament and character traits) of remote Australian allied health professionals (AHPs).Recent research shows that health professionals can be differentiated by personality traits but little is known about the personality traits ofAHPs.

Design

Cross‐sectional (online) survey design with snowball sampling of participants.

Setting and Participants

AustralianAHPs(N = 561; women,n = 502) classified into Remote (n = 266), Not Remote (n = 295).

Main outcome measure(s)

Demographic variables and the Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI R‐140).

Results

RemoteAHPswere higher in novelty seeking (P = 0.037) and self‐transcendence (P = 0.042). Remote women were lower in harm avoidance (P = 0.042). Older remoteAHPSwere lower in reward dependence (P = 0.001); younger remoteAHPswere lower in self directedness (P = 0.001) and higher in harm avoidance (P < 0.001). Women were more reward dependent (P < 0.001) and cooperative (P = 0.008) than men.

Conclusions

The sample demonstrated personality trait levels aligned with research on rural doctors and nurses and which might be advantageous for working in a challenging environment. Exploring the more stable nature of temperament traits coupled with the modifiable potential of character traits provides new insight into people who choose to work as a remoteAHP. These findings might contribute to a better understanding of the personality trends in theseAHPswhich might provide clues to improve recruitment and retention strategies.
Zoonoses in rural veterinarians in the central region ofArgentina
Authors: Molineri Ana , Signorini Marcelo L. , Pérez Luis , Tarabla Héctor D.
Published: October 2015

Objective

To estimate the frequency of zoonoses in rural veterinarians and to search for risk factors.

Design

Cross‐sectional study based on an anonymously answered structured questionnaire.

Setting

The interviewees participated in mandatory continuing education classes scheduled throughout the province by theCollege ofVeterinarySurgeons.

Participants

Overall, 741 professionals were surveyed, and 75.8% (n = 562) of them completed the structured questionnaire.

Main outcome measures

Cumulative incidence (CIR) and incidence density (IDR) rates, standardised rates, χ2, Student'st‐test, Pearson's correlation coefficient and logistic regression.

Results

TheCIRfor all zoonoses was 34.1% (brucellosis, 29.1%; toxoplasmosis, 2.1%; leptospirosis, 0.6%; tuberculosis, 0.6%; anthrax, 0.6%; ringworm, 0.4%; other, 0.6%). TheIDRfor the period 1964–2008 was estimated to be 20.7% (19.5% for brucellosis). The brucellosisIDRdecreased between 1964 and 2008 and was higher during early post‐graduation. The risk of brucellosis was associated with the number of years of practice and the geographical area. Sixty‐nine respondents had at least one day of absence from work (24.0±27.8 days).

Conclusions

A high frequency of zoonoses was reported by veterinarians with a large animal practice. Although the rate of zoonoses may be decreasing, further studies are needed to confirm this finding. A joint effort of all institutions is needed to prevent zoonoses among private practitioners.
Colectomies performed at a rural Australian Hospital: A 7‐year analysis
Authors: Hoskins Wayne , Taylor Peter , Jacob Abraham , Wijeratne Shiran , Campbell Ian
Published: October 2015

Introduction

Little published data exists documenting the reasons for and outcomes of colectomies in rural Australia. It remains unclear whether patient characteristics, diagnoses, complications and outcomes differ to metropolitan locations.

Methods

A retrospective review of prospectively collected data for patients coded with International Classification of Diseases procedure code block 934 and 935 (colectomies) performed at Wimmera Health Care Group: Horsham Campus between July 2004 and July 2011. Records were additionally sought from transfer hospitals.

Results

Two hundred thirty‐eight colectomies were performed over the 7‐year period: 164 for a colorectal cancer diagnosis, 74 for a non‐colorectal cancer diagnosis. For the colorectal cancer colectomies, 80.5% were elective and 19.5% emergency. There were five (3.0%) intraoperative complications. Postoperatively, there were 16 (9.8%) surgical complications. There was a 3.7% return to theatre rate and a 3.0% unplanned readmission rate. There were no anastomotic leaks. The perioperative mortality rate was 5.5%. For the non‐colorectal cancer colectomies, 85.1% were emergency and 14.9% elective. There were five (6.8%) intraoperative complications. Postoperatively, there were 14 (18.9%) surgical complications. There was a 12.2% return to theatre rate, a 5.4% unplanned readmission rate and three anastomotic leaks. The perioperative mortality rate was 10.8%.

Conclusions

The outcomes and complications for colectomies appear similar to the accepted standard of surgery in other rural and metropolitan centres. Areas have been identified for improved surgical performance at Wimmera Health Care Group: Horsham Campus.
Sick Healers: Chronic Affliction and the Authority of Experience at an Ethiopian Hospital
Authors: Hannig Anita
Published: October 2015

At fistula hospitals in Ethiopia, patients who are not cured of their incontinence are hired as “nurse aides” to perform essential nursing duties in the ward and operating theater. An array of tensions surrounds the work of these women, tensions that are emblematic of their chronic—but secret—patient status. If accidentally disclosed, the women's ongoing illness episodes sabotage their ability to administer treatment, such as injections. In contrast to classic anthropological accounts of wounded healers and therapeutic narratives about the virtues of experience‐based care, I argue in this article that illness experience can also have a profoundly delegitimizing effect. Rather than attributing these dynamics to the alleged stigma that surrounds obstetric fistula sufferers, I delineate the various challenges to clinical authority that are epitomized by the figure of the sick healer. Nurse aides’ experiences with obstetric fistula proved to be a liability precisely because these experiences had not been resolved. Their chronic injuries raised questions both about their medical training and the efficacy of surgery. Attending to these Ethiopian health practitioners can hone our grasp of the professional dilemmas posed by chronic afflictions and contribute to our understanding of available ideologies at play in the global practice of biomedicine. [chronic illness, experience, healing, obstetric fistula, Ethiopia]
Hypovitaminosis D is associated with lower urinary tract symptoms and benign prostate hyperplasia in type 2 diabetes
Authors: Caretta N. , Vigili de Kreutzenberg S. , Valente U. , Guarneri G. , Pizzol D. , Ferlin A. , Avogaro A. , Foresta C.
Published: October 2015

Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) may develop more commonly in men with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). LUTS are often associated with benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH), in general population. An association between LUTS and hypovitaminosis D, and between hypovitaminosis D and type 2 diabetes (T2DM), has also been suggested. Thus, we aim to evaluate possible relationships between hypovitaminosis D, LUTS, and BPH in T2DM men. In this prospective observational study, 67 T2DM males (57.9 ± 9.28 years) underwent medical history collection, International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) questionnaire, that allows the identification and grading of LUTS, physical examination, biochemical/hormonal blood tests (fasting plasma glucose, glycated haemoglobin, total cholesterol, high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, creatinine, LH, total testosterone, estradiol (E2), 25‐OH‐vitamin D, PTH, calcium, phosphate, and PSA) and ultrasound transrectal prostate examination. Subdividing patients into three groups, on the base of 25‐OH‐vitamin D concentration (sufficiency ≥50; insufficiency >25 < 50; and deficiency ≤25 nm), a significant progressive increase of prostate volume (p = 0.037), IPSS score (p = 0.019), diastolic blood pressure (p = 0.018), and a significant decrease in HDL cholesterol (p = 0.038) were observed. 25‐OH‐Vitamin D levels were inversely correlated with both IPSS (R = −0.333; p = 0.006) and prostate volume (R = −0.311; p = 0.011). At multivariate analysis, hypovitaminosis D remained an independent predictor of both IPSS and prostate volume. In conclusion, we showed, for the first time, an association between 25‐OH‐vitamin D deficiency, LUTS, and BPH in T2DM men.
Preeclampsia in pregnancies with and without diabetes: the associations with placental weight. A population study of 655 842 pregnancies
Authors: Dypvik Johanne , Strøm‐Roum Ellen M. , Haavaldsen Camilla , Vatten Lars J. , Eskild Anne
Published: October 2015

Introduction

Women with diabetes are at increased risk of preeclampsia, and women with diabetes tend to deliver placentas and offspring that are large‐for‐gestational‐age. We therefore studied placental weight in preeclamptic pregnancies according to maternal diabetes status.

Material and methods

Information on all singleton births from 1999 through 2010 (n = 655 842) were obtained from the Medical Birth Registry of Norway. We used z‐scores of placental weight to adjust for differences in gestational age at birth between deliveries, and compared the distribution of placental weight z‐scores, in deciles, in preeclamptic pregnancies with and without diabetes, and in non‐preeclamptic pregnancies with and without diabetes.

Results

Overall, the prevalence of preeclampsia was higher in pregnancies with diabetes than in pregnancies without diabetes (9.9% vs. 3.6%). Among preeclamptic pregnancies, having a placental weight in the highest decile was nearly three times more frequent (28.8%) in pregnancies with diabetes than in pregnancies without diabetes (9.8%). In the lowest decile, preeclamptic pregnancies with diabetes were underrepresented (7.5%), and preeclamptic pregnancies without diabetes were overrepresented (13.6%). Among pregnancies with preterm delivery, the above patterns were more pronounced, with 30.1% of the placentas in in preeclamptic pregnancies with diabetes in the highest decile, and 19.5% of the placentas in preeclamptic pregnancies without diabetes in the lowest decile.

Conclusions

These results suggest that women with diabetes who develop preeclampsia have a higher placental weight than other women with preeclampsia or non‐preeclamptic women.
Maternal deaths in Iceland over 25 years
Authors: Birgisdottir Hera , Bjarnadottir Ragnheidur I. , Kristjansdottir Katrin , Geirsson Reynir T.
Published: October 2015

Introduction

Maternal death, during pregnancy or within 42 and 365 days from the end of pregnancy, was evaluated for a small high‐income nation with comprehensive healthcare.

Material and methods

Cases were identified using record linkage by running national census information on all deaths of women aged 15–49 years during 1985–2009 against the national birth register and computerized hospital admission files for pregnancy‐related diagnoses as well as actual case records where needed. Death certificates and hospital records were reviewed.

Results

Thirty deaths were identified; 26 at ≥22 weeks (= birth) and four earlier in pregnancy. For 107 871 deliveries, the overall mortality was 27.8/100 000. There were five direct deaths (4.6/100 000 deliveries), five indirect deaths (4.6/100 000 deliveries) and 19 coincidental deaths (17.6/100 000 deliveries). Using WHO criteria (direct and indirect in pregnancy or at ≤42 days postpartum) the ratio was 5.6/100 000 deliveries (95% confidence interval 1.1–10.1) and 5.5/100 000 live births (maternal mortality ratio, based on six deaths). Direct deaths were caused by sepsis, severe preeclampsia and choriocarcinoma, indirect by suicide, pre‐existing cardiac and diabetic illness. No woman died of postpartum hemorrhage, anesthesia or ectopic pregnancy. Suboptimal care occurred.

Conclusion

Maternal mortality in Iceland over a 25‐year period up to the end of year 2010 was low, between 5 and 6/100 000 births. A comprehensive national healthcare system with accessible antenatal care in a society with good general living conditions and universal education probably contributed to this.
Obesity is independently associated with infection in hospitalised patients with end‐stage liver disease
Authors: Sundaram V. , Kaung A. , Rajaram A. , Lu S. C. , Tran T. T. , Nissen N. N. , Klein A. S. , Jalan R. , Charlton M. R. , Jeon C. Y.
Published: October 2015

Background

Infection is the most common cause of mortality in end‐stage liver disease (ESLD). The impact of obesity on infection risk in ESLD is not established.

Aim

To characterise the impact of obesity on infection risk in ESLD.

Methods

We evaluated the association between infection and obesity in patients with ESLD. Patients grouped as non‐obese, obesity class I–II and obesity class III were studied using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample. Validated diagnostic code based algorithms were utilised to determine weight category and infections, including bacteraemia, skin/soft tissue infection, urinary tract infection (UTI), pneumonia/respiratory infection, Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) and spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP). Risk factors for infection and mortality were assessed using multivariable logistic regression analysis.

Results

Of 115 465 patients identified, 100 957 (87.5%) were non‐obese and 14 508 (12.5%) were obese, with 9489 (8.2%) as obesity class I–II and 5019 (4.3%) as obesity class III. 37 117 patients (32.1%) had an infection diagnosis. Infection was most prevalent among obesity class III (44.0%), followed by obesity class I–II (38.9%) and then non‐obese (31.9%). In multivariable modelling, class III obesity (OR = 1.41; 95% CI 1.32–1.51; P < 0.001), and class I–II obesity (OR = 1.08; 95% CI 1.01–1.15; P = 0.026) were associated with infection. Compared to non‐obese patients, obese individuals had greater prevalence of bacteraemia, UTI, and skin/soft tissue infection as compared to non‐obese patients.

Conclusions

Obesity is newly identified to be independently associated with infection in end‐stage liver disease. The distribution of infection sites varies based on weight category.
Institutional Options, Cultural Orientation and Mothers’ Work and Family Reconciliation in Korea
Authors: An Mi‐Young
Published: October 2015

This paper examines what determines mothers' work and family reconciliation in the Republic of Korea. We conducted a survey to examine the influence of use of institutional options such as childcare leave and services, and cultural orientation towards gender roles on the probability of being employed, paid and unpaid care work time, and monthly wages. Our findings show that mothers' with high education tend to be in paid work and to have more traditional attitudes towards gender role. The use of maternity leave increases but the use of parental leave tends to decrease mothers' labor market participation. Maternity leave also is found to influence positively on working mothers' monthly wages. However, no factor is found to be relevant to reduce working mothers' time spent on unpaid care work. Issues have been put forwarded for policy considerations. Firstly, the use of maternity leave should be encouraged and job protection needs to be secured with the use of parental leave. Secondly, mothers with relatively higher education tend to prefer familial care to institutional care. Last but not least, the availability of institutional care services do not effectively reduce mothers' time spent on unpaid care work.
Private Equity Fair Value Measurement: A Critical Perspective on IFRS 13
Authors: Palea Vera , Maino Renato
Published: October 2015

In this paper, we discuss IFRS 13 Fair Value Measurement with regard to private equity valuation. We raise issues on the fair value definition as an exit price and question the reliability of valuation techniques, which are categorised into Level 2 fair value hierarchy. Our paper questions whether fair value as defined by IFRS 13 is an appropriate measure for private equities and can contribute to enhancing transparency and comparability in financial statements, which is one of the purposes of the International Accounting Standards Board and the European Union Regulation 1606/2002.
Identification of Actinomyces denticolens as a cause of a soft tissue abscess in a horse
Authors: Feary DJ , Abraham S , Woolford L , Trott DJ
Published: October 2015

Case report

A 6‐year‐old Arabian mare had a 4‐week history of a subcutaneous mass (15 × 15 cm) at the base of the neck, cranial and distal to the prescapular lymph node on the right side.

The mass was solid and painful on deep palpation. Ultrasonographic examination showed a soft‐tissue abscess. Purulent aspirate was submitted for bacterial culture, which showed a moderate growth of an Actinomyces species. 16S rRNA gene sequencing was performed for definitive identification.

Gene sequencing demonstrated close nucleotide homology with A. denticolens. Prolonged therapeutic management resulted in resolution of the abscess with a small scar.

Conclusions

Speciation of actinomycetes is not a routine diagnostic procedure and 16S rRNA gene sequencing to identify A. denticolens as a cause of soft‐tissue abscessation in horses in Australia has not been previously described. Practitioners should include this bacterial species in their differential diagnosis, particularly if abscesses do not respond to drainage and lavage alone.
Bioengineered osteochondral precursor for treatment of osteochondritis dissecans in a Thoroughbred filly
Authors: Tsuzuki N , Seo JP , Haneda S , Yamada K , Furuoka H , Tabata Y , Sasaki N
Published: October 2015

Case report

A 13‐month‐old Thoroughbred filly was diagnosed with osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of the medial tibial malleolus.

A sponge impregnated with platelet‐rich plasma, bone morphogenetic protein‐2, mesenchymal stem cells and gelatin β‐tricalcium phosphate was applied to theOCDsite following arthroscopy and debridement. Postoperative radiography (every week for 16 weeks), computed tomography (CT) (16 weeks postoperatively), arthroscopy (16 weeks postoperatively) and biopsy of the regenerated tissue (16 weeks postoperatively) were performed to evaluate the outcome.

Radiographically, the defect began to diminish 3 weeks postoperatively and had disappeared by 12 weeks.CTimages showed that the debrided site was filled with ossified tissue and arthroscopy showed that the regenerated tissue was covered with smooth tissue, which a biopsy showed was fibrocartilage.

Conclusions

Placing the impregnated sponge in theOCDlesion facilitated satisfactory regeneration of tissue in the debrided area, but the regenerated cartilage was fibrocartilage. This method may be a viable option for the treatment of cases of equineOCD, but further work to determine how to induce hyaline cartilage regeneration is required.
A survey to determine the prevalence of Theileria spp. in beef cattle in the northern tablelands of New South Wales
Authors: Biddle A , Eastwood S , Martin L , Freeman P , Druce E
Published: October 2015

Objective

To estimate the within and between herd prevalences for Theileria orientalis in beef herds in the eastern section of the New England Livestock Health and Pest Authority.

Design

Stratified random survey.

Methods

From each of 46 randomly selected beef cattle herds, 10 cattle were randomly selected and blood sampled. Packed cell volumes (PCV) were calculated and the number of Theileria organisms in blood smears was counted. Within‐herd results were grouped into zero, low, medium or high prevalence based on the number of positive smears. A questionnaire was completed by the farmer at the time of sampling and responses to variables such as farm location and management strategies were compared with the laboratory findings.

Results

Theileria species at varied levels on smears were found in 33 of the 46 herds sampled, which gave a herd prevalence of 72% for this study. Approximately 18% of herds were in the medium or high prevalence group. Half of the properties reported tick activity and 70% of those used tick control.

Conclusions

The 72% herd prevalence of Theileria spp. found in this study shows that infection is widespread in beef herds in the northern tablelands of New South Wales. Although 82% of the sampled herds had low or zero within‐herd prevalence estimates, a significant number of herds had medium or high levels of Theileria. The risk factor questionnaire has provided some associations, such as the link between tick treatment and Theileria detection, that require more targeted studies.
Extensive epidermal naevus in a foal
Authors: Ruppin MP , Dennis MM , Smith CL , Vogelnest LJ
Published: October 2015

Case report

A 2‐month‐old Standardbred filly was presented for examination and treatment of extensive congenital skin lesions that had a linear distribution on the left front leg extending from the dorsal midline to the metacarpal region.

The lesions were surgically excised under general anaesthesia.

Surgical excision was curative and there were no signs of recurrence 6 weeks after surgery. The number and distribution of lesions were more extensive than in previously reported cases of congenital papillomas, which have also been described as epidermal growth abnormalities (naevi or hamartomas). Early reports of congenital papillomas suggest in‐utero infection with papillomavirus may be responsible, despite a lack of histological features associated with papillomavirus infection. Papillomavirus immunohistochemistry has subsequently proven negative in tested cases.

Conclusions

The presence at birth, their appearance and the extensive distribution of lesions in this case is similar to verrucous epidermal naevus of humans. A name change from congenital papilloma to epidermal naevus is proposed for this condition in horses.
Towards consensus: history of the Australian Veterinary Association to 2000
Authors: Pearson IG
Published: October 2015

From its earliest beginnings in Australia in the latter part of the 19th century, the veterinary profession has striven to achieve a national voice. Well‐known veterinarians were involved in the eventual establishment of the Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) in 1921. Today, all states are represented and the AVA has close contact with state and federal governments, and producer organisations. With the growth in the number of special interest groups, the AVA more than ever provides unity in diversity in order to fulfil its mission to promote the profession for the benefit of animals, the environment and the community.
Beneath good and evil?
Authors: Lennerfors Thomas Taro
Published: October 2015

The aim of this paper is to think business ethics with the help of philosopherAlainBadiou, focusing onBadiou's critique of ethics and the concepts of ‘event’, ‘truth’ and especially ‘subject’. Based mainly on review articles,Iconstruct an understanding of business ethics (comprising corporate social responsibility and sustainability) and its history as a field of research. With the help of a framework developed from Badiou's work on ethics,Iconduct a metacritique of business ethics as being intolerant (exclusion of voices), nihilist (concerned with necessity and economics), reactive (to social movements in the 1960s, arguing that there has always been an ethics of business) and obscure (building upon the atemporal body of knowledge in ethics). Opposed to these tendencies, with the help of the constructiveBadiou,Iargue that business ethics should move towards the creation of faithful subjects possibly formed by ‘inexistent’ research in the field, as well as concerning itself with closely studying and identifying empirical cases of faithful subject formations and their deviations.
Parental Perceptions and Experiences after Childbirth: A Comparison between Mothers and Fathers of Term and Preterm Infants
Authors: Tooten Anneke , Hoffenkamp Hannah N. , Hall Ruby A.S. , Braeken Johan , Vingerhoets Ad J.J.M. , van Bakel Hedwig J.A.
Published: October 2015

Background

Parents experience a lot of positive and negative feelings and emotions after birth. The main purpose of this study was to compare perceptions and experiences of mothers and fathers with term, moderately and very preterm infants.

Methods

We included 202 infants with both parents, divided into three groups: 1) term infants (≥ 37 weeks’ gestation), 2) moderately preterm infants (≥32–<37 weeks’ gestation) and 3) very preterm infants (< 32 weeks’ gestation). The Clinical Interview for Parents of High‐risk Infants (CLIP) was used to examine parental perceptions and experiences in eight areas: 1) Infant's current condition, 2) Course of the pregnancy, 3) Labor and delivery, 4) Relationship with infant and feelings as a parent, 5) Reactions to hospital and staff, 6) Support system, 7) Discharge and beyond, and 8) Quality of narratives during the interview.

Results

The lower the gestational age of the infant, the more negative parental experiences and perceptions were on the following five areas: infant's current condition, pregnancy course, labor and delivery, relationship with the infant, and discharge and beyond. No differences were found between maternal and paternal perceptions on any of the eight CLIP areas.

Conclusions

Negative parental perceptions and experiences were mainly associated with the gestational age of the infant and not at all with the gender of the parent. These findings resulted in several recommendations to optimize care for parents after preterm birth.
Moving Out – Disruption and Repair to the Internal Setting
Authors: Bridge Marie
Published: October 2015

Relocation can profoundly disturb the analyst's identity. When the analyst temporarily forgoes aspects of the external frame this can damage the internal setting. The author describes her experience of relocating from London to another English region where there were very few potential colleagues. Although papers exist on the impact of relocation on the patient, very little has been written on the impact of relocating on the analyst. The author links a relatively minor relocation with larger scale migration and with the leaving home of an adolescent, both representing trauma as well as achievement, as discussed in particular by the Grinbergs. She explores how the meaning of relocation differs from other circumstances in which the analyst disrupts the analysis. She distinguishes between guilt towards the patients she has to leave and shame and guilt in relation to the analyst's own ideals. She discusses the impact of this turmoil on her internal analytic identity, in particular how the loss of the familiar external frame and the external setting disturbs the analyst's internal setting. Clinical examples illustrate patients' unconscious perception of the disruption to the internal frame and its possible meanings for the analyst. Joseph Conrad's Heart of Darkness is used as an extended metaphor to explore the risk of grandiosity, or corruption of the superego, if the analyst becomes isolated and internally dislocated, so losing contact with sustaining internal objects.