bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association between pelvic floor disorder symptoms and QoL scores with depressive symptoms among pelvic organ prolapse patients
Authors: Pizarro‐Berdichevsky Javier , Hitschfeld Mario Javier , Pattillo Alejandro , Blumel Bernardita , Gonzalez Silvana , Arellano Marco , Cuevas Rodrigo , Alvo Jacobo , Gorodischer Ariel , Flores‐Espinoza Claudia , Goldman Howard B 
Published: May 2016

BackgroundThere is no consensus on the relationship between depressive symptoms (DS) and pelvic organ prolapse (POP) symptoms and quality of life (QoL). Our hypothesis was that women with DS and POP have worse symptoms and QoL than those without DS and POP.AimOur aim was to compare two groups of POP patients, those with depressive symptoms and those without, and evaluate the association of symptoms and QoL.Materials and methodsThis planned report is part of a prospective study evaluating the impact of pessary use among symptomatic POP patients. Patients were evaluated by POP quantification (POP‐Q), pelvic ultrasound (US), voiding diaries, stress test, pad test, Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory (PFDI‐20), Prolapse QoL (P‐QoL) and the Goldberg Health Questionnaire (GHQ‐12) (psychological health screening for DS when score ≥5). A sample size of 78 patients was required to demonstrate a 50‐point difference in the global PFDI‐20 score with 80% power and 95% probability.ResultsNinety‐one women with POP were included. GHQ‐12 was positive in 47 (51.6%) patients. No differences were found in POP‐Q, pad and stress test between those with a positive GHQ‐12 and those without. However, GHQ‐12 was associated with higher PFDI‐20 scores and higher scores in seven of nine P‐QoL domains. GHQ‐12 persisted as an independent risk factor for worse P‐QoL scores after multivariable analysis.ConclusionA ‘positive’ screening for DS was associated with worse PFDI‐20 and P‐QoL scores despite no difference in objective measurements. It may be that depressed patients interpret their symptoms differently.
Irritable bowel syndrome and functional abdominal pain in five‐year‐old children are related to lifestyle
Authors: Uusijärvi Agneta , Alm Johan , Lindblad Frank , Olén Ola 
Published: May 2016

AbstractAimAbdominal pain of functional origin is very common in childhood, and environmental factors are thought to be of aetiologic importance. The anthroposophic lifestyle has dietary and lifestyle characteristics that may influence child health, and this study aimed to assess the effect of such lifestyles on abdominal pain of functional origin.MethodsA prospective Swedish lifestyle cohort (n = 470) was followed from birth to five years of age. Family lifestyles were characterised through questionnaires. Abdominal pain was defined as irritable bowel syndrome or functional abdominal pain according to the Rome III criteria and measured with parental questionnaires and interviews at the age of five.ResultsThe prevalence of abdominal pain was 15%. Children were more likely to have abdominal pain at five years of age if their family had a partly anthroposophic lifestyle, with an adjusted odds ratio (OR) of 2.61 (95% CI 1.15–5.93), or an anthroposophic lifestyle, with an adjusted OR of 2.34 (95% CI 0.96–5.70).ConclusionA family lifestyle with anthroposophic characteristics was associated with an increased risk of abdominal pain in five‐year‐old children. The mechanisms for this increase were unclear, but we speculate that there may have been different prerequisites for coping with stressors.
Population pharmacokinetics of 17α‐hydroxyprogesterone caproate in singleton gestation
Authors: Sharma Shringi , Caritis Steve , Hankins Gary , Miodovnik Menachem , Hebert Mary F. , Mattison Don , Venkataramanan Raman 
Published: May 2016

SummaryAims17α‐hydroxyprogesterone caproate (17‐OHPC) reduces the rate of preterm birth in women with a prior preterm birth. Limited data exist on the pharmacokinetics (PK) of 17‐OHPC or the plasma concentrations achieved during therapy. In this study, we evaluated the population PK of 17‐OHPC in pregnant subjects with singleton gestation and also evaluated intrinsic and extrinsic factors that may potentially affect 17‐OHPC PK in this patient population.MethodsSixty‐one women with singleton pregnancies participated in this trial. Subjects received weekly intramuscular injections of 250 mg 17‐OHPC in 1 ml castor oil from the time of enrolment (16 0/7 weeks – 20 6/7 weeks) up to 35 weeks gestation or until delivery. Blood samples were obtained between 24 and 28 weeks, between 32 and 35 weeks and over a 28‐day period beyond the last injection. Maternal and/or cord blood were obtained at delivery. Data analysis was performed by nonlinear mixed effects modelling (NONMEM®).ResultsThe 17‐OHPC PK were best described by a model with one maternal compartment and one fetal compartment, with first‐order absorption and elimination from the maternal compartment. Maternal body weight was a significant covariate for both clearance (CL/F) and volume of distribution (Vmaternal/F). The final population mean estimates were: CL/F 1797 l/d, Vmaternal/F 32 610 l and mother to cord rate constant 0.005 day−1. This report describes for the first time the population PK of 17‐OHPC in singleton pregnancy.ConclusionsThe population PK study reported here represents the initial steps in understanding and optimizing 17‐OHPC therapy for preventing preterm birth.
Structured training on the da Vinci Skills Simulator leads to improvement in technical performance of robotic novices
Authors: Walliczek‐Dworschak U. , Mandapathil M. , Förtsch A. , Teymoortash A. , Dworschak P. , Werner J.A. , Güldner C. 
Published: May 2016

BackgroundThe increasing use of minimally invasive techniques such as robotic‐assisted devices raises the question of how to acquire robotic surgery skills. The da Vinci Skills Simulator has been demonstrated to be an effective training tool in previous reports. To date, little data are available on how to acquire proficiency through simulator training. We investigated the outcome of a structured training programme for robotic surgical skills by robotic novices.MethodsThis prospective study was conducted from January to December 2013 using the da Vinci Skills Simulator. Twenty participants, all robotic novices, were enrolled in a 4‐week training curriculum. After a brief introduction to the simulator system, three consecutive repetitions of five selected exercises (Match Board 1, 2, 3 and Ring and Rail 1, 2) were performed in a defined order on days 1, 8, 15 and 22. On day 22, one repetition of a previously unpractised more advanced module (Needle Targeting) was also performed. After completion of each study day, the overall performance, time to completion, economy in motion, instrument collisions, excessive instrument force, instruments out of view, master workspace range and number of drops were analysed.ResultsComparing the first and final repetition, overall score and time needed to complete all exercises, economy of motion and instrument collisions were significantly improved in nearly all exercises.Regarding the new exercise, a positive training effect could be demonstrated. While its overall entry score was significantly higher, the time to completion and economy of motion were significantly lower than the scores on the first repetition of the previous 5 exercises.ConclusionsIt could be shown that training on the da Vinci Skills Simulator led to an improvement in technical performance of robotic novices. With regard to a new exercise, the training had a positive effect on the technical performance.
Is it safe to perform rectal anastomosis in gynaecological debulking surgery without a diverting stoma?
Authors: Reinisch A. , El‐Balat A. , Becker S. , Bechstein W. O. , Habbe N. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractAimColorectal resection is frequently performed during cytoreductive surgery for gynaecological malignancy. The aim of this study was to assess the safety of colorectal anastomosis, and especially low rectal anastomosis, in the absence of a protective stoma in patients with gynaecological cancer and peritoneal metastasis.MethodPatient data were retrospectively collected from a database for gynaecological cancer procedures carried out between January 2013 and July 2015. All patients who underwent a colorectal resection during cytoreduction were included in the study. The primary outcome was anastomotic leakage in the presence or absence of a diverting stoma. Secondary outcome parameters were complications and reoperations.ResultsIn the period of study, 43 major colorectal procedures were performed on 37 women. The most common colorectal procedure was low rectal resection (n = 22; 59%) followed by anterior rectal resection (n = 7; 19%) and sigmoid resection (n = 4; 11%). Five (14%) patients underwent Hartmann's procedure. In three (8%) patients, a diverting loop ileostomy was created.ConclusionLow rectal resection during debulking procedures for gynaecological cancers with peritoneal carcinomatosis can safely be performed by an experienced surgeon without a diverting stoma.
Medication use and potentially high‐risk prescribing in older patients hospitalized for diabetes: a missed opportunity to improve care?
Authors: Caughey G. E. , Barratt J. D. , Shakib S. , Kemp‐Casey A. , Roughead E. E. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractAimsTo examine the appropriateness of medicine use and potentially high‐risk prescribing before and after hospitalization for diabetes.MethodsA retrospective cohort study of patients hospitalized for diabetes was conducted using administrative data from the Australian Government Department of Veterans’ Affairs for the period between 1 January 2012 and 31 December 2012. The appropriateness of medicine use and potentially high‐risk prescribing, including hyper‐polypharmacy and associated treatment conflicts, were examined for the 120‐day periods before and after hospitalization.ResultsA total of 876 patients were hospitalized for a diabetes‐related complication. Of these, 25% were not dispensed an antidiabetic medicine 4 months before hospitalization and 25% had not had their HbA1c levels measured in the preceding 6 months. The use of antidiabetic medicines increased to 85% after hospitalization, with a 25.6% relative increase (95% CI 10.9–42.1) in the proportion of those dispensed insulin. The prevalence of high‐risk prescribing before hospital admission was high; 70% had > 10 medicines dispensed, a third had at least one treatment conflict and half were dispensed a potentially inappropriate medicine. The use of long‐acting sulphonylureas and corticosteroids had relative decreases of 46.0% (95% CI 17.0–64.9) and 29.9% (95% CI 8.8–46.0), respectively. Few changes in other high‐risk prescribing patterns were observed after discharge.ConclusionsThis study has identified poor medication‐related care and, in particular, high‐risk‐prescribing in people subsequently hospitalized for diabetes. While diabetes medicine use improved after hospitalization, there was little change in potentially inappropriate medicine use, which suggests that an opportunity to improve medication use in this older vulnerable population has been missed.
Substance use and at‐risk mental state for psychosis in 2102 prisoners: the case for early detection and early intervention in prison
Authors: Cooper Jemima , Jarrett Manuela , Forrester Andrew , di Forti Marta , Murray Robin M. , Huddy Vyv , Roberts Anna , Phillip Patricia , Campbell Catherine , Byrne Majella , McGuire Philip , Craig Thomas , Valmaggia Lucia 
Published: May 2016

AbstractAimPrisoners exhibit high rates of substance use and mental health problems. In the present study, we sought to gain a detailed understanding of substance use amongst young prisoners to inform early detection and early intervention strategies in a prison setting.MethodsThis is a cross‐sectional study of 2102 prisoners who were screened by the London Early Detection and Prevention in Prison Team (LEAP). Data on the use of substances were collected including age of first use, recent use, duration of use and poly‐drug use. The Prodromal Questionnaire – Brief Version was used to screen for the at‐risk mental state.ResultsWe found high rates of lifetime and recent use and low age of first use of a number of substances. We also found strong associations between substance use and screening positive for an at‐risk mental state. Logistic regression analysis confirmed that use of any drug in the last year, poly‐drug and early use, as well as heavy alcohol use, were related to an increased risk of screening positive.ConclusionsSubstance use in the prison population is not only widespread and heavy but is also strongly linked with a higher risk of developing mental health problems. The need for early detection and early intervention in prison is discussed.
Differential foraging success across a light level spectrum explains the maintenance and spatial structure of colour morphs in a polymorphic bird
Authors: Tate Gareth J. , Bishop Jacqueline M. , Amar Arjun 
Published: May 2016

AbstractDetectability of different colour morphs under varying light conditions has been proposed as an important driver in the maintenance of colour polymorphism via disruptive selection. To date, no studies have tested whether different morphs have selective advantages under differing light conditions. We tested this hypothesis in the black sparrowhawk, a polymorphic raptor exhibiting a discrete white and dark morph, and found that prey provisioning rates differ between the morphs depending on light condition. Dark morphs delivered more prey in lower light conditions, while white morphs provided more prey in brighter conditions. We found support for the role of breeding season light level in explaining the clinal pattern of variation in morph ratio across the species range throughout South Africa. Our results provide the first empirical evidence supporting the hypothesis that polymorphism in a species, and the spatial structuring of morphs across its distribution, may be driven by differential selective advantage via improved crypsis, under varying light conditions.
Accuracy of transcranial brain parenchyma sonography in the diagnosis of dementia with Lewy bodies
Authors: Favaretto S. , Walter U. , Baracchini C. , Pompanin S. , Bussè C. , Zorzi G. , Ermani M. , Cagnin A. 
Published: May 2016

Background and purposeTranscranial sonography (TCS) of the brain parenchyma is used to visualize alterations in the substantia nigra (SN) and it is applied for early diagnosis of Parkinson's disease. Our aim was to explore specific echogenic alterations of the SN in dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) compared to Alzheimer's disease (AD).MethodsSeventy‐one subjects underwent TCS: 22 DLB, 28 AD and 21 healthy elderly controls. Cognitive impairment, extrapyramidal signs, visual hallucinations, fluctuations and rapid eye movement sleep behaviour symptoms were investigated. TCS assessed SN hyperechogenicity and symmetry.ResultsTranscranial sonography revealed SN hyperechogenicity in 100% of DLB compared to 50% of AD and 30% of controls. Mean SN echogenic area (cm2) was 0.22 ± 0.03 in DLB, 0.15 ± 0.03 in AD and 0.14 ± 0.03 in controls (P < 0.0001). More than 50% of DLB presented a marked hyperechogenicity (cutoff value >0.22 cm2) compared to only 10% of AD (P < 0.0003). DLB had symmetrical SN enlargement, whereas AD were mostly asymmetrical (P = 0.015). A combination of SN echogenic area and asymmetry index had a sensitivity of 88.9% and a specificity of 81.2% in discriminating DLB from AD (positive predictive value 85.7%, negative predictive value 85.7%). No association was found between SN hyperechogenicity and Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale part III, Mini Mental State Examination or the presence of visual hallucinations.ConclusionsTranscranial sonography may be a valid supportive tool in the diagnostic workup of neurodegenerative dementia helping clinicians to distinguish DLB from AD even at the early stages.
Effects of biological, economic and management factors on tuna and billfish stock status
Authors: Pons Maite , Branch Trevor A , Melnychuk Michael C , Jensen Olaf P , Brodziak Jon , Fromentin Jean M , Harley Shelton J , Haynie Alan C , Kell Laurie T , Maunder Mark N , Parma Ana M , Restrepo Victor R , Sharma Rishi , Ahrens Robert , Hilborn Ray 
Published: May 2016

AbstractCommercial tunas and billfishes (swordfish, marlins and sailfish) provide considerable catches and income in both developed and developing countries. These stocks vary in status from lightly exploited to rebuilding to severely depleted. Previous studies suggested that this variability could result from differences in life‐history characteristics and economic incentives, but differences in exploitation histories and management measures also have a strong effect on current stock status. Although the status (biomass and fishing mortality rate) of major tuna and billfish stocks is well documented, the effect of these diverse factors on current stock status and the effect of management measures in rebuilding stocks have not been analysed at the global level. Here, we show that, particularly for tunas, stocks were more depleted if they had high commercial value, were long‐lived species, had small pre‐fishing biomass and were subject to intense fishing pressure for a long time. In addition, implementing and enforcing total allowable catches (TACs) had the strongest positive influence on rebuilding overfished tuna and billfish stocks. Other control rules such as minimum size regulations or seasonal closures were also important in reducing fishing pressure, but stocks under TAC implementations showed the fastest increase of biomass. Lessons learned from this study can be applied in managing large industrial fisheries around the world. In particular, tuna regional fisheries management organizations should consider the relative effectiveness of management measures observed in this study for rebuilding depleted large pelagic stocks.
Probabilistic crack trajectory analysis by a dimension reduction method
Authors: Long X Y , Jiang C , Han X , Gao W , Wang X G , Hou M Z 
Published: May 2016

AbstractThis paper proposes a novel analysis method of stochastic crack trajectory based on a dimension reduction approach. The developed method allows efficiently estimating the statistical moments, probability density function and cumulative distribution function of the crack trajectory for cracked elastic structures considering the randomness of the loads, material properties and crack geometries. First, the traditional dimension reduction method is extended to calculate the first four moments of the crack trajectory, in which the responses are eigenvectors rather than scalars. Then the probability density function and cumulative distribution function of the crack trajectory can be obtained using the maximum entropy principle constrained by the calculated moments. Finally, the simulation of the crack propagation paths is realized by using the scaled boundary finite element method. The proposed method is well validated by four numerical examples performed on varied cracked structures. It is demonstrated that this method outperforms the Monte Carlo simulation in terms of computational efficiency, and in the meanwhile, it has an acceptable computational accuracy.
An evaluation of abiotic carbon sinks in deserts
Authors: Schlesinger William H. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractRecent field studies have reported anomalous CO2 uptake using eddy‐covariance techniques in arid and semiarid ecosystems. The rates of CO2 uptake are incompatible with changes in situ of organic carbon pools. Here, I examine several potential mechanisms of abiotic CO2 uptake in arid and semiarid soils: atmospheric pressure pumping, carbonate dissolution, and percolation of soil water through the vadose zone. Each mechanism is deemed inadequate to explain the observations of the eddy‐covariance systems, which must now be questioned for their accuracy in desert ecosystems.
Hotspots of uncertainty in land‐use and land‐cover change projections: a global‐scale model comparison
Authors: Prestele Reinhard , Alexander Peter , Rounsevell Mark D. A. , Arneth Almut , Calvin Katherine , Doelman Jonathan , Eitelberg David A. , Engström Kerstin , Fujimori Shinichiro , Hasegawa Tomoko , Havlik Petr , Humpenöder Florian , Jain Atul K. , Krisztin Tamás , Kyle Page , Meiyappan Prasanth , Popp Alexander , Sands Ronald D. , Schaldach Rüdiger , Schüngel Jan , Stehfest Elke , Tabeau Andrzej , Van Meijl Hans , Van Vliet Jasper , Verburg Peter H. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractModel‐based global projections of future land‐use and land‐cover (LULC) change are frequently used in environmental assessments to study the impact of LULC change on environmental services and to provide decision support for policy. These projections are characterized by a high uncertainty in terms of quantity and allocation of projected changes, which can severely impact the results of environmental assessments. In this study, we identify hotspots of uncertainty, based on 43 simulations from 11 global‐scale LULC change models representing a wide range of assumptions of future biophysical and socioeconomic conditions. We attribute components of uncertainty to input data, model structure, scenario storyline and a residual term, based on a regression analysis and analysis of variance. From this diverse set of models and scenarios, we find that the uncertainty varies, depending on the region and the LULC type under consideration. Hotspots of uncertainty appear mainly at the edges of globally important biomes (e.g., boreal and tropical forests). Our results indicate that an important source of uncertainty in forest and pasture areas originates from different input data applied in the models. Cropland, in contrast, is more consistent among the starting conditions, while variation in the projections gradually increases over time due to diverse scenario assumptions and different modeling approaches. Comparisons at the grid cell level indicate that disagreement is mainly related to LULC type definitions and the individual model allocation schemes. We conclude that improving the quality and consistency of observational data utilized in the modeling process and improving the allocation mechanisms of LULC change models remain important challenges. Current LULC representation in environmental assessments might miss the uncertainty arising from the diversity of LULC change modeling approaches, and many studies ignore the uncertainty in LULC projections in assessments of LULC change impacts on climate, water resources or biodiversity.
Effects of autumn and spring defoliation management on the dry‐matter yield and herbage quality of perennial ryegrass swards throughout the year
Authors: Lawrence D. C. , O'Donovan M. , Boland T. M. , Kennedy E. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractA small‐plot experiment was conducted in south‐west Ireland to investigate (i) the effects of pre‐closing regrowth interval and closing date on dry‐matter (DM) yield and sward structural and composition characteristics, during the autumn–winter and spring opening periods, and (ii) subsequent carryover effects. The study used a randomized block design with a factorial arrangement of treatments (4 closing dates × 2 opening dates) with a split plot (two pre‐closing regrowth intervals). The long pre‐closing (LPC) interval began on 9 August, and the short pre‐closing interval (SPC) started on 15 September. The autumn closing dates were as follows: 1 October (CD1), 15 October (CD2), 1 November (CD3) and 14 November (CD4). Plots were defoliated again on 1 February (EOD) or 1 March (LOD). On theLPCtreatment, herbage yield increased fromCD1 (2463 kgDMha−1) toCD3 (3185 kgDMha−1). On theSPCtreatment, herbage yield was similar forCD3 andCD4, indicating a ceiling in herbage accumulation. For each 1‐d delay in closing date betweenCD1 andCD4, the opening herbage yield was reduced by 10 kgDMha−1. Herbage quality decreased as the closing date was delayed;DMDandCPdecreased by 0·06 and 12 g kgDM−1, respectively, betweenCD1 andCD4. TheEODresulted in increased leaf and decreased dead proportions over theLODtreatments. A balance between autumnCDand springODneeds to be achieved to ensure a sufficient supply of high‐quality grass in spring.