bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sources of funding for adult and paediatric CT procedures at a metropolitan tertiary hospital: How much do Medicare statistics really cover?
Authors: Hayton Anna , Wallace Anthony , Johnston Peter 
Published: October 2015

AbstractIntroductionThe radiation dose to the Australian paediatric population as a result of medical imaging is of growing concern, in particular the dose from CT. Estimates of the Australian population dose have largely relied on Medicare Australia statistics, which capture only a fraction of those imaging procedures actually performed. The fraction not captured has been estimated using a value obtained for a survey of the adult population in the mid‐1990s. To better quantify the fraction of procedures that are not captured by Medicare Australia, procedure frequency and funding data for adult and paediatric patients were obtained from a metropolitan tertiary teaching and research hospital.MethodsFive calendar years of data were obtained with a financial class specified for each individual procedure. The financial classes were grouped to give the percentage of Medicare Australia billable procedures for both adult and paediatric patients. The data were also grouped to align with the Medicare Australia age cohorts.ResultsThe percentage of CT procedures billable to Medicare Australia increased from 16% to 28% between 2008 and 2012. In 2012, the percentage billable for adult and paediatric patients was 28% and 33%, respectively; however, many adult CT procedures are performed at stand‐alone clinics, which bulk bill.ConclusionUsing Medicare Australia statistics alone, the frequency of paediatric CT procedures performed on the Australian paediatric population will be grossly under estimated. A correction factor of 4.5 is suggested for paediatric procedures and 1.5 for adult procedures. The fraction of actual procedures performed that are captured by Medicare Australia will vary with time.
In vivo dosimetric impact of breast tissue expanders on post‐mastectomy radiotherapy
Authors: Gee Harriet E , Bignell Fiona , Odgers David , Gill Simran , Martin Darren , Toohey Joanne , Carroll Susan 
Published: October 2015

AbstractIntroductionTemporary tissue expanders with metallic ports for gradual saline injection are increasingly employed to facilitate breast reconstruction after post‐mastectomy radiotherapy (PMRT). Treatment beams therefore pass through a high‐density rare‐earth magnet. Measurements ex vivo suggest attenuation of dose to the skin and chest wall at clinical risk of relapse. The purpose of the study was to quantify the resulting dose reduction in vivo, compared with treatment planning system (TPS).MethodsSixteen patients receiving PMRT had in vivo dosimetry prospectively performed with ethics board approval. Port was located within the expanded chest wall using the planning CT scan. Strips of radiochromic film were laid on the skin surface underneath the bolus. To aid interpretation, ex vivo measurements were also performed, including comparison with TPS predictions.ResultsAn average 7% reduction in dose to skin surface was measured in 15 of 16 patients. This was reproducibly located in the ‘shadow’ of the magnet, corresponding to each of the paths of the medial and lateral tangents. The average area was 1.07 cm2 (range 0.39 cm2 to 2.36 cm2). Ex vivo measurements confirmed attenuation of the beam in the shadow of the port. The surface area of the ‘cold‐spot’ varied with angle of the beam relative to the metallic port. Dose attenuation in vivo differed from that predicted by the TPS.ConclusionDose is attenuated in the ‘shadow’ of the tissue expander port in patients receiving PMRT. This is likely to be clinically insignificant for most, but centres should undertake appropriate measurements before utilising TPS predictions.
Genomewide gene‐associated microsatellite markers for the model invasive ascidian, Ciona intestinalis species complex
Authors: Lin Yaping , Chen Yiyong , Xiong Wei , Zhan Aibin 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThe vase tunicate, Ciona intestinalis species complex, has become a good model for ecological and evolutionary studies, especially those focusing on microevolution associated with rapidly changing environments. However, genomewide genetic markers are still lacking. Here, we characterized a large set of genomewide gene‐associated microsatellite markers for C. intestinalis spA (=C. robusta). Bioinformatic analysis identified 4654 microsatellites from expressed sequence tags (ESTs), 2126 of which successfully assigned to chromosomes were selected for further analysis. Based on the distribution evenness on chromosomes, function annotation and suitability for primer design, we chose 545 candidate microsatellites for further characterization. After amplification validation and variation assessment, 218 loci were polymorphic in at least one of the two populations collected from the coast of Arenys de Mar, Spain (N = 24–48), and Cape Town, South Africa (N = 24–33). The number of alleles, observed heterozygosity and expected heterozygosity ranged from 2 to 11, 0 to 0.833 and 0.021 to 0.818, and from 2 to 10, 0 to 0.879 and 0.031 to 0.845 for the Spanish and African populations, respectively. When all microsatellites were tested for cross‐species utility, only 60 loci (25.8%) could be successfully amplified and all loci were polymorphic in C. intestinalis spB. A high level of genomewide polymorphism is likely responsible for the low transferability. The large set of microsatellite markers characterized here is expected to provide a useful genomewide resource for ecological and evolutionary studies using C. intestinalis as a model.
Australian employer usage of the practice of offering reduced working hours to workers close to retirement: Extent and determinants
Authors: Taylor Philip , Earl Catherine , McLoughlin Christopher 
Published: October 2015

AimThis study aimed to determine factors associated with the implementation by employers of the practice of offering reduced working hours for workers nearing retirement.MethodsData came from a survey of 2000 employers of more than 50 employees each (30% response rate).ResultsA minority (33%) of employers offered reduced working hours to older workers nearing retirement. Factors associated with offering reduced working hours were: expecting workforce ageing to cause a loss of staff to retirement; being a large employer; being a public/not‐for‐profit sector employer; not experiencing difficulties recruiting labourers; having a larger proportion of workers aged over 50; experiencing national competition for labour; not experiencing difficulties recruiting machinery operators/drivers; not expecting workforce ageing to increase workplace injuries; and experiencing difficulties with the quality of candidates.ConclusionA minority of employers were found to offer reduced working hours to those nearing retirement. Factors associated with their propensity to do so included industry sector, size of employer, concerns about labour supply and the effects of workforce ageing.
Haemophilus influenzae: a potent perinatal pathogen disproportionately isolated from Indigenous women and their neonates
Authors: Porter Michelle , Charles Adrian K. , Nathan Elizabeth A. , French Noel P. , Dickinson Jan E. , Darragh Helen , Keil Anthony D. 
Published: October 2015

BackgroundNontypeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi) bacteraemia in pregnant women is strongly associated with pregnancy loss and preterm delivery. However, the clinical significance of isolation of NTHi from nonsterile sites is unknown.AimsTo examine the hypothesis that isolation of NTHi from any specimen is associated with adverse perinatal outcomes and to investigate the impression that NTHi is disproportionately isolated from indigenous women and their neonates.Materials and MethodsCases where NTHi was isolated from maternal, fetal or neonatal specimens during the period from 1 July 1997 to 1 July 2009 were identified. Demographic and clinical data were extracted from case notes. Histopathological material was re‐reviewed by a perinatal pathologist. Demographic and clinical features of the affected group were compared with the hospital obstetric population.ResultsNTHi was isolated from maternal, fetal or neonatal specimens in 97 pregnancies. Two women had NTHi isolated during different pregnancies. Two mothers and 10 neonates were bacteraemic. Indigenous women comprised 28% of pregnancies where NTHi was isolated, compared with 6% of the hospital obstetric population (P < 0.001). Pregnancy loss occurred in six cases (6%). Median gestation at delivery was 33 weeks. Of 96 liveborn neonates, 88 (92%) required admission to a neonatal special care unit. Four liveborn neonates died (4%). Chorioamnionitis was confirmed by histology in 31/33 (93.9%) of placentas examined.ConclusionsIsolation of NTHi occurred more commonly in indigenous women and neonates. Isolation of NTHi from any obstetric or neonatal specimen is associated with chorioamnionitis, preterm birth, pregnancy loss, early‐onset neonatal sepsis and neonatal death.
The impact of maternal factors on mortality rates among children under the age of five years in a rural Ugandan population between 2002 and 2012
Authors: Asiki Gershim , Newton Robert , Marions Lena , Seeley Janet , Kamali Anatoli , Smedman Lars 
Published: October 2015

AbstractAimAccurately estimating child mortality in rural communities in Africa with poor vital registration is a challenge. We aimed to estimate mortality rates and risk factors for children under five years old in rural Uganda.MethodsAge‐specific mortality rates were estimated using the synthetic cohort life‐table technique for 10 118 children under the age of five years, between 2002 and 2012. Calendar year‐specific hazard rates were calculated using five‐year moving averages, and risk factors were explored by Cox regression.ResultsThe mortality rate was 92 per 1000 newborn infants from birth to five years, based on a total of 256 deaths. It was 40 for boys and 23 for girls in the neonatal period and 68 for boys and 42 for girls up to the age of one year. A substantial decline in mortality from 2002 to 2012 was observed between the ages of 28 days and 11 months. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that mortality increased with decreasing child age, home delivery, human immuno‐deficiency virus in the child, a birth interval of less than one year, having an unmarried mother and a maternal parity of more than four.ConclusionUnder‐five mortality rates in rural Uganda are driven by maternal factors.
Alopecia in four kittens caused by abnormal maternal licking behaviour
Authors: Fanton N , Michelazzi M , Cornegliani L 
Published: October 2015

Case reportAbnormal maternal behaviour has been reported in cats, but is generally not included among the causes of alopecia in kittens. A litter of four kittens, 2 months old, was referred for evaluation of facial alopecia of differing severity. The 2‐year‐old queen was unaffected. Dermatological examination of the kittens did not find any infectious cause. Trichograms showed broken hair shafts with longitudinal splitting. Congenital alopecia was unlikely based on the clinical presentation. A behavioural consultation revealed abnormal grooming behaviour by the mother, who chewed and removed the hair from the kittens. The kittens were separated from the queen and alopecia resolved within a few weeks.ConclusionTo the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of alopecia caused by abnormal maternal licking behaviour. Abnormal maternal behaviour should be considered in cases of alopecia affecting a litter of kittens, when infectious and congenital causes have been ruled out.
Coastal taipan (Oxyuranus scutellatus) envenomation of a dog
Authors: Judge PR 
Published: October 2015

Case reportAn 8‐year‐old mixed‐breed dog was envenomed by a juvenile coastal taipan (Oxyuranus scutellatus). The dog presented initially with coagulopathy and weakness, then developed neuromuscular paralysis and respiratory failure. Progressive myopathy peaked 3 days following admission. Taipan antivenom administration, mechanical ventilation therapy and supportive patient care resulted in complete recovery. Symptoms of neuropathy began to resolve 3 days following envenomation, with the dog discharged 6 days following envenomation.ConclusionTo the author's knowledge, this is the first reported case of coastal taipan envenomation of a dog.
Cattle movement patterns in Australia: an analysis of the NLIS database 2008–2012
Authors: Iglesias RM , East IJ 
Published: October 2015

ObjectiveTo identify patterns of cattle movement that could influence disease spread in the Australian cattle population.MethodsRecords from the National Livestock Identification System database for the period January 2008 to December 2012 were accessed and analysed. Postcodes were used to allocate each individual property to one of 12 livestock production regions. National movement patterns and the characteristics of each livestock production region were quantified in terms of the number of consignments and animals moved, and seasonality of movements.ResultsThe majority of cattle movements remained within a single livestock production region, while those that did not, usually remained within the same state or territory. Producers were the most common source of cattle, and abattoirs and other producers the most common destinations, with approximately 40% of animals moving via a saleyard. The northern regions generally moved larger consignments than the southern regions and were less connected to other regions. The eastern and south‐eastern regions were very well connected by cattle movements. Seasonal patterns were seen for some regions, particularly the northern regions where weather patterns strongly influence the ability of producers to muster and transport stock.ConclusionsThe movement patterns observed provide quantitative support for previous information based on surveys and expert opinion, and capture more of the variability in Australian cattle production. This information may assist with management of animal disease risks, in particular exotic diseases, and in planning surveillance programs.
Prostaglandin E2 inhibits neutrophil extracellular trap formation through production of cyclic AMP
Authors: Shishikura Kyosuke , Horiuchi Takahiro , Sakata Natsumi , Trinh Duc‐Anh , Shirakawa Ryutaro , Kimura Tomohiro , Asada Yujiro , Horiuchi Hisanori 
Published: October 2015

Background and PurposeUpon stimulation, neutrophils release their nuclear contents called neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), which contain unfolded chromatin and lysosomal enzymes. NETs have been demonstrated to play a critical role in host defence, although the role of PGE2, a bioactive substance generated in inflammatory tissues, in the formation of NETs remains unclear.Experimental ApproachThe effects of PGE2, agonists and antagonists of its receptors, and modulators of the cAMP–PKA pathway on the formation of NETs were examined in vitro in isolated neutrophils and in vivo in a newly established mouse model.Key ResultsPGE2 inhibited PMA‐induced NET formation in vitro through EP2 and EP4 Gαs‐coupled receptors. Incubation with a cell‐permeable cAMP analogue, dibutyryl cAMP, or various inhibitors of a cAMP‐degrading enzyme, PDE, also suppressed NET formation. In the assay established here, where an agarose gel was s.c. implanted in mice and NET formation was detected on the surface of the gel, the extent of the NET formed was inhibited in agarose gels containing rolipram, a PDE4 inhibitor, and butaprost, an EP2 receptor agonist.Conclusions and ImplicationsPGE2 inhibits NET formation through the production of cAMP. These findings will contribute to the development of novel treatments for NETosis‐related diseases.
Immigrants' perceptions of quality of life in three second‐ or third‐tier Canadian cities
Authors: Williams Allison M. , Kitchen Peter , Randall James , Muhajarine Nazeem , Newbold Bruce , Gallina Melissa , Wilson Kathi 
Published: October 2015

Key Messages

The majority of immigrants in Canada live in the country's largest cities; however, many immigrants are choosing to reside in smaller centres, suggesting the need for further research regarding the immigrant experience in second‐ and third‐tier Canadian cities.
This study found that immigrants have lower perceptions of quality of life than Canadian‐born individuals, a finding that echoes research in first‐tier cities.
Issues of employment, income, and language barriers contribute to lower quality of life amongst immigrants.
ShrinkShape2: A FOSS toolbox for computing rotation‐invariant shape spectra for characterizing and comparing polygons
Authors: Remmel Tarmo K. 
Published: October 2015

Key Messages

The ShrinkShape2 decomposition method provides scalable detail regarding planar shape characterization for polygons with or without holes.
The shape characterizations presented are rotation and translation invariant.
This method is fully implemented in a free and open source environment (FOSS).
Environmental justice: An exploratory snapshot through the lens of Canada's mainstream news media
Authors: Deacon Leith , Baxter Jamie , Buzzelli Michael 
Published: October 2015

Key Messages

Disjunctures occur between what is covered by the Canadian news media and empirical studies of environmental threats to communities.
Canadian newspapers overtly ignore and subtly downplay through discourse environmental threats to marginalized local communities faced with pollution.
A wide array of avenues for future research are suggested to contrast different forms of news media and compare the scale of both coverage and discourse.
Recent Trends, Applications, and Perspectives in 3D Shape Similarity Assessment
Authors: Biasotti S. , Cerri A. , Bronstein A. , Bronstein M. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThe recent introduction of 3D shape analysis frameworks able to quantify the deformation of a shape into another in terms of the variation of real functions yields a new interpretation of the 3D shape similarity assessment and opens new perspectives. Indeed, while the classical approaches to similarity mainly quantify it as a numerical score, map‐based methods also define (dense) shape correspondences. After presenting in detail the theoretical foundations underlying these approaches, we classify them by looking at their most salient features, including the kind of structure and invariance properties they capture, as well as the distances and the output modalities according to which the similarity between shapes is assessed and returned. We also review the usage of these methods in a number of 3D shape application domains, ranging from matching and retrieval to annotation and segmentation. Finally, the most promising directions for future research developments are discussed.
Analysis of ingested foreign bodies according to age, type and location: a retrospective observational study
Authors: Kim S.Y. , Park B. , Kong I.G. , Choi H.G. 
Published: October 2015

ObjectiveThis study aimed to analyse the types and locations of ingested foreign bodies according to different age groups, from infants to the elderly.DesignA retrospective chart review.SettingTertiary referral centre.ParticipantsA total of 4682 patients who ingested foreign bodies from January 2006 through February 2014.MethodsThe frequencies of foreign bodies were investigated in each age group. The types of foreign bodies were categorised into fish bones, chicken bones, seafood, tablets, food, metal, batteries, glass, teeth, plastics and others. The anatomic locations of the objects were classified as the oral cavity, tongue base, tonsils, oropharynx, hypopharynx, oesophagus, stomach and colon. The types, locations and origins of the foreign bodies were analysed according to the age groups.ResultsThe frequency of foreign body ingestion was high in patients up to 14 years of age, after which the risk of foreign body ingestion markedly decreased. Fish bones were the most commonly suspected foreign bodies in all of the age groups. However, non‐food‐type foreign bodies were more common in both the young and elderly groups. The tonsils were the most common anatomic site of foreign body impaction except in the group of patients older than 65 years. The stomach and oesophagus were also common locations of foreign bodies in the groups of patients younger than 10 years (10.5%) and older than 65 years (39.4%).ConclusionThe frequency of foreign body ingestion was highest in young children. However, we observed specific age‐based characteristics that indicate specific precautions to take to avoid foreign body ingestion.
Active versus passive humidification for self‐ventilating tracheostomy and laryngectomy patients: a systematic review of the literature
Authors: Wong C.Y.Y. , Shakir A.A. , Farboud A. , Whittet H.B. 
Published: October 2015

ObjectiveTo determine whether active or passive humidification methods are more effective in preventing pulmonary complications in self‐ventilating neck breather patients.DesignSystematic Review adhering to PRISMA guidance (checklist sourced from www.equator-network.org/).SettingReview of current published relevant literature at a tertiary department of Otolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery.ParticipantsWe included all separate studies and comparison studies of active and passive humidification techniques in adult and paediatric neck breather patients.Main Outcome MeasuresThe primary outcome is the reduction in pulmonary complications. Secondary outcomes include patient compliance; carer and user satisfaction.Results and ConclusionsSeven studies were included in this review: two RCTs (133 patients), one randomised controlled cross‐over trial (29 patients), three randomised prospective studies (171 patients), and one retrospective study (73 patients). Only one study was conducted on paediatric neck breathers. The overall quality of the studies was low. Five studies were at a high risk of bias. Of the remaining two studies, one study had a low risk of bias and the other had an unclear risk. Despite limited subject evidence, results show that passive methods of humidification (mainly HME) is the preferred choice of humidification in the spontaneously breathing neck breather patients group mainly due to the reduction in pulmonary complaints, and better patient compliance.