bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Investigating fetal growth restriction and perinatal risks in appropriate for gestational age infants: using cohort and within‐sibling analyses
Authors: Cnattingius S , Kramer MS , Norman M , Ludvigsson JF , Fang F , Lu D 
Published: November 2018

ObjectiveFetal growth restriction refers to fetuses that fail to reach their growth potential. Studies within siblings may be useful to disclose fetal growth restriction in appropriate for gestational age (AGA) infants. We analysed associations between birthweight percentiles and perinatal risks in AGA infants, using both population‐based and within‐sibling analyses.DesignPopulation‐based cohort study.Setting and sampleUsing nation‐wide Swedish registries (1987–2012), we identified 2 134 924 singleton AGA births (10th–90th birthweight percentile for gestational age), of whom 1 377 326 were full siblings.MethodsUnconditional Poisson regression was used for population analyses, and conditional (matched) Poisson regression for within‐sibling analyses. We estimated associations between birthweight percentiles and stillbirth, neonatal mortality, and morbidity, using incidence rate ratios (IRRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).ResultsStillbirth and neonatal mortality risks declined with increasing birthweight percentiles, but the declines were larger in within‐sibling analyses. Compared with the reference group (40th to <60th percentile), IRRs (95% CIs) of stillbirth for the lowest and highest percentile groups (10th to <25th and 75th–90th percentiles, respectively) were 1.87 (1.72–2.03) to 0.76 (0.68–0.85) in population analysis and 2.60 (2.27–2.98) and 0.43 (0.36–0.50) in within‐sibling analysis. Neonatal morbidity risks in term non‐malformed infants with low birthweight percentiles were generally only increased in within‐sibling analyses.ConclusionUsing birthweight information from siblings may help to define fetal growth restriction in AGA infants.Tweetable abstractSize of siblings helps to detect growth‐restricted infants with seemingly normal birthweights.
Emergency care in Kiribati: A combined medical and nursing model for development
Authors: Tassicker Brady , Tong Tanebu , Ribanti Teitinana , Gittus Angie , Griffiths Bronwen 
Published: November 2018

AbstractObjectivesTo summarise recent developments in emergency care in Kiribati, a developing Pacific Island nation. Multiple donor countries and agencies have partnered in this process. Changes in medical training, staffing models and planned infrastructure developments are all described, with a particular focus on a recent emergency nurse training programme.MethodsA bespoke nurse education course was developed by external clinical nurse specialists in collaboration with local administrators and clinicians, incorporating WHO Basic Emergency Care course. The nine‐day course was delivered to 18 nurses, over a 3‐week period to accommodate rostering requirements. Pre‐ and post‐course assessment was undertaken.ResultsQuantitative assessment improved from 87.11 ± 7.46 (mean ± SD) to 94.89 ± 5.95 (t = 5.45, P < 0.001). Qualitative scenario‐based assessment confirmed marked improvement.ConclusionsA multifaceted development strategy has proven essential for progression in emergency care. Nurse education is an essential component of this, and the existing model has potential for other similar nations.
Epigenomic drivers of immune dysfunction in aging
Authors: Keenan Christine R. , Allan Rhys S. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractAging inevitably leads to reduced immune function, leaving the elderly more susceptible to infections, less able to respond to pathogen challenges, and less responsive to preventative vaccinations. No cell type is exempt from the ravages of age, and extensive studies have found age‐related alterations in the frequencies and functions of both stem and progenitor cells, as well as effector cells of both the innate and adaptive immune systems. The intrinsic functional reduction in immune competence is also associated with low‐grade chronic inflammation, termed “inflamm‐aging,” which further perpetuates immune dysfunction. While many of these age‐related cellular changes are well characterized, understanding the molecular changes that underpin the functional decline has proven more difficult. Changes in chromatin are increasingly appreciated as a causative mechanism of cellular and organismal aging across species. These changes include increased genomic instability through loss of heterochromatin and increased DNA damage, telomere attrition, and epigenetic alterations. In this review, we discuss the connections between chromatin, immunocompetence, and the loss of function associated with mammalian immune aging. Through understanding the molecular events which underpin the phenotypic changes observed in the aged immune system, it is hoped that the aged immune system can be restored to provide youthful immunity once more.
Closing the gap between camera trap software development and the user community
Authors: Thomson Robert , Potgieter Gail C. , Bahaa‐el‐din Laila 
Published: November 2018

AbstractLike many technological advances in the modern era, camera traps present both an exciting opportunity and a host of unforeseen challenges. One critical challenge is processing the large numbers of images/videos from camera traps efficiently and accurately such that resultant data can be analysed, stored and shared with others. Recognising this need, several biologist teams have developed software to meet their own project requirements, but no one package has been developed to meet the diverse array of requirements of the global research community. We combined an online user survey (N = 67) and literature review to create a list of 42 desired features in five categories. We tested six freely available specialist camera trap software and three nonspecialist image viewer software packages against these criteria. Users were most interested in data processing efficiency and automation features (37 of 84 requests). Seven user‐requested features were not available in any of the software we tested. Thirty‐two unique requests indicated the importance of software flexibility, contrasting with growing calls for standardization in the literature. We suggest involving the global user community, current software developers and computer scientists in an inclusive, planned approach to addressing arguably the greatest challenge facing camera trap‐based research today.
Using camera trap data to characterise terrestrial larger‐bodied mammal communities in different management sectors of the Dja Faunal Reserve, Cameroon
Authors: Bruce Tom , Amin Rajan , Wacher Tim , Fankem Oliver , Ndjassi Constant , Ngo Bata Madeleine , Fowler Andrew , Ndinga Hilaire , Olson David 
Published: November 2018

AbstractCamera trap surveys can be useful in characterising terrestrial larger‐bodied mammal communities in Central Africa forests. Two 40‐trap, minimum of 100 days, survey grids conducted in the Dja Faunal Reserve of southern Cameroon showed differences in the mammal communities of two sites 32 km apart. Mammal richness, diversity, guild structure, body‐size patterns and relative abundance of taxa were measured by trapping rates and occupancy of the two mammal communities. One of the survey sites was (a) less rich in terrestrial mammal species; (b) missing disturbance‐sensitive felids and white‐bellied duiker (Cephalophus leucogaster, subsp, leucogaster, Gray, 1873); (c) greater in abundance of some disturbance‐tolerant species; and (d) lower in abundance of larger‐bodied species. Several indicators suggest a higher hunting pressure at this site, and this may be a contributing factor to these differences.
Reduced pain thresholds and signs of sensitization in women with persistent pelvic pain and suspected endometriosis
Authors: Grundström Hanna , Gerdle Björn , Alehagen Siw , Berterö Carina , Arendt‐Nielsen Lars , Kjølhede Preben 
Published: November 2018

AbstractIntroductionEndometriosis is a gynecological disorder that may cause considerable pelvic pain in women of fertile age. Determining pain mechanisms is necessary in order to optimize the treatment of the disease. The objective of the study was to evaluate pain thresholds in women with persistent pelvic pain with and without confirmed endometriosis, and healthy, unaffected controls, and analyze how pain thresholds in these cohorts related to duration of pelvic pain, quality of life, and symptoms of anxiety and depression.Material and methodsPain thresholds for heat, cold and pressure were assessed with quantitative sensory testing on six locations on a reference group of 55 healthy women and on 37 women with persistent pelvic pain who had been admitted for diagnostic laparoscopy on the suspicion of endometriosis. Validated instruments were applied to assess quality of life and symptoms of anxiety and depression. Data were analyzed by means of uni‐ and multivariate analysis of variance and Spearman's rank‐order correlation.ResultsThe women with persistent pelvic pain had significantly lower pain thresholds compared with the reference women. In the women with pain, no differences were observed in pain thresholds between women with (n = 13) and women without (n = 24) biopsy‐proven endometriosis. The duration of pelvic pain correlated significantly positively with reduced pain thresholds, ie, the longer the duration, the more sensitization. In the persistent pelvic pain group, pain thresholds for heat correlated significantly with the Short Form Health Survey 36 dimension of bodily pain, and thresholds for cold correlated with Short Form Health Survey 36 bodily pain and with symptoms of depression.ConclusionsOur results showed widespread alterations in pain thresholds in women with persistent pelvic pain that are indicative of central sensitization and a time‐dependent correlation. Women with pelvic pain and suspicion of endometriosis should probably be treated more thoroughly to prevent or at least minimize the concomitant development of central sensitization.
Outcomes of monoamniotic twin pregnancies managed primarily in outpatient care—a Danish multicenter study
Authors: Madsen Caroline , Søgaard Kirsten , Zingenberg Helle , Jørgensen Finn S. , Rosbach Hanne , Hoseth Eva , Pedersen Lars H. , Petersen Olav B. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractIntroductionMonoamniotic twin pregnancies are high‐risk pregnancies, and management by inpatient or frequent outpatient care is recommended. We report the outcomes of a national cohort of monoamniotic twin pregnancies managed primarily as outpatients.Material and methodsWe prospectively analyzed the recorded data from the Danish Fetal Medicine Database, local databases, and medical records of all monoamniotic twin pregnancies diagnosed at the first trimester scan or later, and managed at the six major fetal medicine centers in Denmark over a 10‐year period.ResultsSixty‐one monoamniotic twin pregnancies were included. Thirteen pregnancies were terminated early. Of the remaining 48 pregnancies with a normal first trimester scan, there were 36 fetal losses (25 spontaneous miscarriages <22+0 weeks, 3 late terminations and 8 intrauterine deaths >22 weeks) and 60 liveborn children (62.5%), all of whom were delivered by cesarean delivery at a median gestational age of 33+0 weeks. Three children had minor malformations and there was 1 pregnancy with twin‐to‐twin transfusion syndrome. After 26+0 weeks, 78.8% were managed as outpatients. Intrauterine death occurred in 3.8% of outpatients and in 28.6% of inpatients (admitted due to complications). At weeks 32, 33 and 34, the prospective risk of intrauterine death was 6.9%, 4.2% and 5.9%, respectively.ConclusionIn this nationwide, unselected population, only 62.5% of fetuses with a normal first trimester scan were born alive. In contrast, the mortality was 3.8% after 26 weeks among the 78.8% of the cohort that was managed as outpatients. More knowledge is still needed to predict which pregnancies are at the highest risk of intrauterine death.
Self‐reported physical activity during leisure time was favourably associated with body composition in Norwegian adolescents
Authors: Aars Nils Abel , Jacobsen Bjarne K. , Furberg Anne‐Sofie , Grimsgaard Sameline 
Published: November 2018

AbstractAimWe studied the cross‐sectional association between self‐reported physical activity and body composition in adolescents.MethodsThe Norwegian Fit Futures Cohort Study was conducted in the Tromsø and Balsfjord municipalities during 2010–2011. All 1,117 students in their first year of upper secondary high school were invited to attend an examination at the Clinical Research Unit at the University Hospital of Northern Norway and 93% agreed. After exclusions, we analysed 945 participants (51% boys) with a mean age of 16.1 years (range 15.5–17.5 years) with valid measurements. The associations between self‐reported weekly hours of physical activity during leisure time and four measures of body composition were explored using linear regression.ResultsSelf‐reported physical activity was significantly associated with the fat mass index (p < 0.03) and lean mass index (p < 0.001) in both genders. The lean mass index increased with higher levels of activity and the fat mass index decreased. Physical activity was not associated with body mass index for either gender, but there was an inverse association with waist circumference in girls (p = 0.04).ConclusionPhysical activity was favourably associated with body composition in Norwegian adolescents and showed contrasting associations with the fat mass and lean mass indexes.
Validation of the International Guide for Monitoring Child Development demonstrates good sensitivity and specificity in four diverse countries
Authors: Ozturk Ertem Ilgi , Krishnamurthy Vibha , Mulaudzi Mphelekedzeni C. , Sguassero Yanina , Bilik Burcu , Srinivasan Roopa , Balta Hakan , Gulumser Ozlem , Gan Geliang , Calvocoressi Lisa , Johnson Benjamin , Shabanova Veronika , Forsyth Brian W.C. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractAimIt is of critical importance to have internationally constructed tools to address early childhood development. The aim of this second phase of a two‐phase study was to examine the sensitivity and specificity of the Guide for Monitoring Child Development (GMCD) in identifying developmental delay in four diverse countries.MethodsThe first phase of this 2011–2015 back‐to‐back study included 4949 children up to 42 months of age from primary healthcare centres in Argentina, India, South Africa and Turkey. Distribution curves were generated to show the ages when the children attainedGMCDmilestones and those that could be used across sexes and countries were placed in age ranges corresponding to the 85th and 97th percentile point estimates. Phase two examined a separately recruited sample of children in those countries to determine sensitivity and specificity of theGMCD.ResultsThe validation phase of the 85 milestones in theGMCDidentified delayed development in 30% of the 1731 children in the four countries. The sensitivity and specificity ranged from 0.71–0.94 and 0.69–0.82, respectively, for the total sample and the different age groups.ConclusionTheGMCDstandardised in four diverse countries has appropriate accuracy for identification of children with developmental delay.
Recovery of Mediterranean steppe vegetation after cultivation: Legacy effects on plant composition, soil properties and functional traits
Authors: Helm Juliane , Dutoit Thierry , Saatkamp Arne , Bucher Solveig F. , Leiterer Matthias , Römermann Christine 
Published: November 2018

AbstractQuestionsAre the vegetation structure and soil properties of fallows similar to adjacent species‐rich Mediterranean steppe communities 35 years after abandonment? Is there a spontaneous redevelopment towards the original steppe vegetation after reintroduction of the traditional grazing system? Can differences in functional trait composition be identified according to different land‐use types? Do traits of selected species affect the ability to recolonize fallow land?LocationMediterranean steppe of La Crau (Southeastern France).MethodsWe conducted 80 vegetation surveys and soil analyses in the steppe and adjacent fallow land in six locations in La Crau in 2015; for three locations, data from 2001 were included. To compare the functional composition of steppe vs fallow land, community‐weighted means (CMW) of specific leaf area (SLA), leaf dry matter content (LDMC) and canopy height were calculated. To test whether trait variability is associated with the recolonization success of 12 selected target species, we measured SLA, LDMC, canopy height, plant width and aboveground biomass on eight replicate individuals per site and species.ResultsFallow land was characterized by lower species richness and elevated phosphorus and potassium content in the soil. Comparing vegetation relevés between 2001 and 2015 revealed that the fallows were developing towards steppe vegetation. CWMs of SLA were significantly lower and CWM of LDMC higher in steppe than in fallow land. There was no similarity in trait composition between steppe species that successfully recolonized the fallow‐land community, and no evidence that intraspecific trait variability is associated with recolonization success of these species.ConclusionsEven after decades of abandonment and reintroduction of the grazing system, the vegetation structure, soil properties and plant functional trait composition of fallows differ from those of adjacent steppe communities. These results illustrate the need for active restoration to accelerate the recovery of former arable land to the target steppe communities.
Bisphosphonate use and risk of renal cell carcinoma: A population‐based case‐control study
Authors: Chung Benjamin I. , Hellfritzsch Maja , Ulrichsen Sinna P. , Sørensen Henrik T. , Ehrenstein Vera 
Published: November 2018

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between the use of bisphosphonates and the risk of developing renal cell carcinoma (RCC). We conducted a case‐control study in Denmark, using data linked from population‐based health and administrative registries. We identified all cases of RCC from 1996 to 2013 and sampled population controls in a 10:1 ratio from the underlying population free of RCC, while matching on sex, birth year and calendar time. Bisphosphonate use before RCC diagnosis, excluding the year leading up to the diagnosis, was measured using outpatient prescription dispensations. We used conditional logistic regression to compute crude and adjusted odds ratios (ORs) comparing ever vs. never bisphosphonate use in doses indicated for treatment of osteoporosis, overall and stratified by sex, with the OR estimating the incidence rate ratio. We also examined the effects by cumulative dose and specific agent. There were 2748 RCC cases and 27 480 controls. The adjusted ORs for ever vs never bisphosphonate use were 1.07 (95% confidence interval: 0.94‐1.22) overall; 1.15 (1.00‐1.32) for women; and 0.78 (0.54‐1.12) for men. Smoking could not be directly controlled for in the analysis. We found a weak association between use of oral bisphosphonates and risk of renal cell carcinoma in females. The observed association could be due to confounding by cigarette smoking, and future studies are required to assess this association further.
Effect of pharmacist intervention on blood conservation therapy in total knee arthroplasty: A retrospective, observational study
Authors: Zhou Ling , Ma Jingjing , Bao Jianan 
Published: November 2018

AbstractBackgroundTotal knee arthroplasty (TKA) is associated with blood loss and an increased risk of transfusion. Guidelines for antifibrinolytic drug tranexamic acid (TXA) treatment in TKA patients are available. We evaluated the effects of anticoagulant pharmacist intervention on perioperative blood conservation treatment in TKA patients.MethodsIn a retrospective, observational experimental study, patients admitted for TKA were allocated into the control or pharmacist intervention group. In the intervention phase, multiple interventions of TXA treatment based on guidelines were implemented. The primary endpoint was blood loss. Other outcome included postoperative haemoglobin and haematocrit levels, allogeneic blood transfusion, cost savings and safety.ResultsA total of 177 patients were included (88 and 89 in the control and intervention group, respectively). In the intervention group, 24.72% orders of TXA dosage, 20.22% orders of drug choice, 26.97% orders of TXA timing and 30.34% orders of TXA administration manner were adjusted. Eighty‐nine (100%) patients received blood conservation therapy compared with 21 (23.86%) patients in the control group (P < 0.001). Total blood loss was 1133.31 ± 627.08 mL in the control group compared with 604.34 ± 459.09 mL in the intervention group (P < 0.001). Postoperative drops in haemoglobin and haematocrit in the control group were greater than in the intervention group (P < 0.001). The rate of allogeneic blood transfusion was 40.91% in the control group compared with 21.35% in the intervention group (P = 0.01). Pharmacist intervention was conducted to cost savings resulting from reduced transfusion, but with comparable safety profile.ConclusionsAnticoagulant pharmacist intervention on blood conservation treatment of TKA patients leads to favourable clinical and economic outcome.
Compliance with the guidelines for laboratory monitoring of patients treated with lithium: A retrospective follow‐up study among ambulatory patients in the Netherlands
Authors: Nederlof Mariëtte , Egberts Toine CG , van Londen Liesbeth , de Rotte Maurits CFJ , Souverein Patrick C , Herings Ron MC , Heerdink Eibert R 
Published: November 2018

ObjectivesLaboratory monitoring of patients using lithium is important to prevent harm and to increase effectiveness. The aim of this study is to determine compliance with the guidelines for laboratory monitoring of patients treated with lithium overall and within subgroups.MethodsPatients having at least one lithium dispensing for 6 months or longer between January 2010 and December 2015 were identified retrospectively using data from the Dutch PHARMO Database Network. Laboratory monitoring was defined as being compliant with the Dutch Multidisciplinary Clinical Guideline Bipolar Disorders when lithium serum levels, creatinine and thyroid‐stimulating hormone (TSH) had been measured at least every 6 months during lithium use.ResultsData were analyzed from 1583 patients with a median duration of 7‐ to 6‐months period of lithium use. Results indicated that patients had been monitored over 6‐month period for lithium serum levels 65% of the time, for creatinine 73% of the time and for TSH 54% of the time. Just over one seventh (16%) of patients had been monitored in compliance with the guidelines for all three parameters during total follow‐up. Especially males, patients aged below 65 years, patients receiving prescriptions solely from general practitioners, prevalent users of lithium, patients without interacting co‐medication, and patients without other days with laboratory measurements had been monitored less frequently in compliance with the guidelines.ConclusionsA considerable proportion of patients had not been monitored in accordance with the guidelines. Further research is needed to understand the reasons for noncompliance and to implement strategies with the ultimate goal of optimizing safety and effectiveness for patients treated with lithium.