bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A prospective pilot study in assessing the accuracy of ultrasound estimated fetal weight prior to delivery
Authors: Sekar Renuka , Khatun Mohsina , Barrett Helen L. , Duncombe Gregory 
Published: August 2015

BackgroundPerinatal mortality and morbidity related to growth restriction and macrosomia are predicted by birthweight. Estimated fetal weight is a surrogate measure for neonatal weight, and accurate measurement of this is central to providing counselling and managing preterm birth.AimsTo assess the accuracy of estimated fetal weight (EFW) measured by two sonographers within 1 week of delivery using Hadlock formula.Materials and MethodsTwo sonographers independently scanned 150 women with singleton pregnancies, who were booked for elective delivery. The sonographers measured four biometric measurements in estimating fetal weight. The accuracy of EFW compared to the birthweight was examined. We also assessed the sensitivity and specificity for diagnosis of small‐for‐gestational age (SGA) and large–for‐gestational age (LGA) according to the EFW.ResultsEstimated fetal weight was similar to actual birthweight, with a mean percentage difference (SD) of 1.4(7.0) (P = 0.44). The reliability coefficient of EFW compared to actual birthweight was 0.97 (95% CI (0.96, 0.98)). There was no significant difference between the sonographers for EFWs and among the sonographers from the ultrasound scan to delivery interval. The sensitivity and specificity for detection of SGA and LGA were 93.3% and 99.3%, 60% and 95.6%, respectively.ConclusionsThere is high reproducibility with minimum discrepancy from actual birthweight among sonographers 1 week prior to delivery using Hadlock formula with better prediction of SGA neonates.
The New Nature of Things? Canada's Conservative Government and the Design of the New Environmental Subject
Authors: Peyton Jonathan , Franks Aaron 
Published: August 2015

AbstractSince coming to power in 2006, Canada's government under Stephen Harper has worked to recalibrate federal regulatory, legislative and economic development frameworks as they overlap in the littoral zone of the environment. We argue that Harper's Conservative government is pursuing a totalizing strategy in reconfiguring the desired Canadian environmental subject. This strategy approaches an integrated design that eclipses the incremental strategic options most Canadian federal governments have understood themselves to be constrained by. This design's basic features include the discursive strategies employed to collapse “the environment” into a singular resource extraction paradigm, a programmatic concentration of power to the executive branch of the Canadian government, and a classical conservative ideology that associates environmental regulation and management with dominion over and improvement of national territory, to the exclusion of other frames and relations. We query the articulation of consent and certainty in relation to the environment and extractive economies in Canada.
Evaluation of the new AmpliSens multiplex real‐time PCR assay for simultaneous detection of Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Chlamydia trachomatis, Mycoplasma genitalium, and Trichomonas vaginalis
Authors: Rumyantseva Tatiana , Golparian Daniel , Nilsson Christian S. , Johansson Emma , Falk My , Fredlund Hans , Van Dam Alje , Guschin Alexander , Unemo Magnus 
Published: August 2015

In this study, we performed an evaluation of the new CE‐marked multiplex real‐time AmpliSens N.gonorrhoeae/C.trachomatis/M.genitalium/T.vaginalis‐MULTIPRIME‐FRT PCR assay compared to APTIMA tests, i.e., APTIMA COMBO 2 assay, APTIMA Trichomonas vaginalis assay (FDA‐approved), and two different APTIMA Mycoplasma genitalium assays (research use only; one of them only used for discrepancy analysis). Vaginal swabs (n = 209) and first‐void urine (FVU) specimens from females (n = 498) and males (n = 554), consecutive attendees (n = 1261) at a dermatovenerological clinic in Sweden, were examined. The sensitivity of the AmpliSens PCR assay for detection of C. trachomatis (6.3% prevalence), M. genitalium (5.7% prevalence), N. gonorrhoeae (0.3% prevalence), and T. vaginalis (0.08% prevalence) was 97.5% (95% confidence interval (CI): 91.2–99.6%), 81.9% (95% CI: 70.7–89.7%), 100% (95% CI: 40.2–100%) and 100% (95% CI: 16.5–100%), respectively. The specificity of the AmpliSens PCR assay was 100% (95% CI: 99.6–100%) for all agents. The analytical sensitivity and specificity for N. gonorrhoeae detection was excellent, i.e., 55 international gonococcal strains detected and 135 isolates of 13 non‐gonococcal Neisseria species were negative. In conclusion, the multiplex real‐time AmpliSens N.gonorrhoeae/C.trachomatis/M.genitalium/T.vaginalis‐MULTIPRIME‐FRT PCR assay demonstrated high sensitivity and excellent specificity for the detection of C. trachomatis, N. gonorrhoeae, and T. vaginalis, and excellent specificity but suboptimal sensitivity for M. genitalium detection.
Phosphorus limitation relates to diet selection of sheep and goats on dry calcareous grassland
Authors: Hejcmanová Pavla , Pokorná Pavlína , Hejcman Michal , Pavlů Vilém 
Published: August 2015

AbstractAimsWe aimed to (1) identify the nutritive value of late season herbage of principal species on dry calcareous grassland, (2) study the forage supply for sheep and goats and the degree of its exploitation by these animals, (3) identify the animals’ preference for particular plant species and types (grass, forb, shrub), and (4) identify the indicators of diet selection at the scale of the functional traits and nutritional value of selected plant species.LocationPálava Protected Landscape Area, Czech Republic (48°50′ N, 16°38′ E).MethodsThe investigation was based on the rotational grazing of sheep and goats for conservation purposes from Aug to Sept 2008. In all paddocks, the plant species composition and cover were identified. Animals were observed for 14 h a day to record their diet. Diet selectivity regarding 17 plant species and type was calculated. For ten plant species, the functional traits, i.e. canopy height, specific leaf area (SLA), leaf dry matter content (LDMC) and nutritive value, were measured. Differences in diet selection by sheep and goats and the drivers of diet selection were assessed.ResultsOf a total of 138 plant species recorded in all paddocks, sheep and goats grazed on 136 and 126, respectively. Sheep grazed more selectively on forbs than on grasses and shrubs, whereas goats grazed on forbs preferentially, on shrubs in conformity with supply in the vegetation cover, and avoided grasses. The diet selectivity of both sheep and goats was similar and was positively correlated with a high concentration of N, P, K, Ca and Mg, which were particularly high in the leaves of Prunus spinosa and lowest in Bromus erectus, and negatively correlated with the LDMC and fibre content in grasses.ConclusionsDry nutrient‐poor calcareous grassland in the late season did not offer animals more macronutrients than required for their maintenance. The animals adapted their foraging strategy to select preferentially forbs or woody species particularly rich in P and with a relatively low fibre content, the real indicators of diet selection. Late grazing could therefore contribute to the control of woody plant species, but cannot suppress expansive grasses.
Pharmacological Evidence that Histamine H3 Receptors Mediate Histamine‐Induced Inhibition of the Vagal Bradycardic Out‐flow in Pithed Rats
Authors: García Mónica , García‐Pedraza José Ángel , Villalón Carlos M. , Morán Asunción 
Published: August 2015

AbstractIn vivo stimulation of cardiac vagal neurons induces bradycardia by acetylcholine (ACh) release. As vagal release of ACh may be modulated by autoreceptors (muscarinic M2) and heteroreceptors (including serotonin 5‐HT1), this study has analysed the pharmacological profile of the receptors involved in histamine‐induced inhibition of the vagal bradycardic out‐flow in pithed rats. For this purpose, 180 male Wistar rats were pithed, artificially ventilated and pre‐treated (i.v.) with 1 mg/kg atenolol, followed by i.v. administration of physiological saline (1 ml/kg), histamine (10, 50, 100 and 200 μg/kg) or the selective histamine H1 (2‐pyridylethylamine), H2 (dimaprit), H3 (methimepip) and H4 (VUF 8430) receptor agonists (1, 10, 50 and 100 μg/kg each). Under these conditions, electrical stimulation (3, 6 and 9 Hz; 15 ± 3 V and 1 ms) of the vagus nerve resulted in frequency‐dependent bradycardic responses, which were (i) unchanged during the infusions of saline, 2‐pyridylethylamine, dimaprit or VUF 8430; and (ii) dose‐dependently inhibited by histamine or methimepip. Moreover, the inhibition of the bradycardia caused by 50 μg/kg of either histamine or methimepip (which failed to inhibit the bradycardic responses to i.v. bolus injections of acetylcholine; 1–10 μg/kg) was abolished by the H3 receptor antagonist JNJ 10181457 (1 mg/kg, i.v.). In conclusion, our results suggest that histamine‐induced inhibition of the vagal bradycardic out‐flow in pithed rats is mainly mediated by pre‐junctional activation of histamine H3 receptors, as previously demonstrated for the vasopressor sympathetic out‐flow and the vasodepressor sensory CGRPergic (calcitonin gene‐related peptide) out‐flow.
Sample Size Methods for Estimating HIV Incidence from Cross-sectional Surveys
Authors: Konikoff Jacob , Brookmeyer Ron 
Published: August 2015

Summary
Understanding HIV incidence, the rate at which new infections occur in populations, is critical for tracking and surveillance of the epidemic. In this article, we derive methods for determining sample sizes for cross-sectional surveys to estimate incidence with sufficient precision. We further show how to specify sample sizes for two successive cross-sectional surveys to detect changes in incidence with adequate power. In these surveys biomarkers such as CD4 cell count, viral load, and recently developed serological assays are used to determine which individuals are in an early disease stage of infection. The total number of individuals in this stage, divided by the number of people who are uninfected, is used to approximate the incidence rate. Our methods account for uncertainty in the durations of time spent in the biomarker defined early disease stage. We find that failure to account for this uncertainty when designing surveys can lead to imprecise estimates of incidence and underpowered studies. We evaluated our sample size methods in simulations and found that they performed well in a variety of underlying epidemics. Code for implementing our methods in R is available with this article at the Biometrics website on Wiley Online Library.
‘Button type’ bipolar plasma vaporisation of the prostate compared with standard transurethral resection: a systematic review and meta‐analysis of short‐term outcome studies
Authors: Wroclawski Marcelo L. , Carneiro Arie , Amarante Rodrigo Dal Moro , Oliveira Carlos E.B. , Shimanoe Victor , Bianco Bianca A.V. , Sakuramoto Paulo K. , Pompeo Antonio C.L. 
Published: August 2015

ObjectiveTo evaluate the surgical morbidity and effectiveness in improving symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), comparing ‘button‐type’ bipolar plasma vaporisation (BTPV) vs transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP).MethodsWe conducted a literature search of published articles until November 2014. Only prospective and randomised studies with comparative data between BTPV and conventional TURP (mono‐ or bipolar) were included in this review.ResultsSix articles were selected for the analyses. In the 871 patients evaluated, 522 underwent TURP and 349 BTPV. There was a tendency for a higher transfusion rate in the TURP group, with two BTPV cases (0.006%) and 16 TURP cases (0.032%) requiring transfusions (P = 0.06). The number of complications was similar between the groups (odds ratio 0.33, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.8–1.31; P = 0.12; I2 = 86%). When subdivided by severity, 10.7% (14/131) and 14.6% (52/355) of complications were classified as severe (Clavien 3 or 4) in patients who underwent BTPV and TURP, respectively (P = 0.02). The average duration of indwelling catheterisation was significantly less in patients who underwent BTPV (standardised mean difference [SMD] −0.84; 95% CI −1.54 to 0.14; P = 0.02; I2 = 81%). Both treatments significantly improved symptoms and the postoperative International Prostate Symptom Score was similar in both groups (SMD 0.09, 95% CI −1.56 to 1.73; P = 0.92).ConclusionBTPV is an effective and safe treatment for BPH. The improvement of urinary symptoms and overall complications are comparable to conventional TURP. However, BTVP appears to be associated with a lower rate of major complications and duration of indwelling catheterisation.
The Development of Executive Function: Toward More Optimal Coordination of Control With Age
Authors: Chevalier Nicolas 
Published: August 2015

AbstractEmerging executive function, which allows children to control their thoughts and actions, predicts success in life. A key challenge for children is to engage control in a way that matches ever‐changing demands of tasks. In addition to engagement of more control resources and more mature control strategies, developing executive function also requires that children coordinate available control strategies more flexibly as they age. More optimal coordination of control (or meta‐control) ensures dynamic adjustment of control engagement to match more effectively moment‐to‐moment variations in the demands of tasks and results in more economic cognitive functioning.
The Role of Classroom Peer Ecology and Bystanders’ Responses in Bullying
Authors: Saarento Silja , Salmivalli Christina 
Published: August 2015

AbstractOver the last few decades, research on the role of classroom peer ecologies in student‐to‐student bullying has widened our understanding of this phenomenon. Bullying functions not only for individual perpetrators but also for the whole peer group by, for instance, providing a common goal and a semblance of cohesion for the group members. Bullying is more likely in classrooms characterized by poor climate, strong status hierarchy, and probullying norms. Bystanders’ responses contribute to the bullying dynamic by either rewarding or sanctioning the behavior of the perpetrators. Bystanders’ responses to bullying can be changed through school‐based programs, mediating the effects of the programs on bullying. Further efforts are needed to transform evidence into schools’ preventive practices encompassing the peer ecologies.
Infants Prefer Tunes Previously Introduced by Speakers of Their Native Language
Authors: Soley Gaye , Sebastián‐Gallés Núria 
Published: August 2015

Infants show attentional biases for certain individuals over others based on various cues. However, the role of these biases in shaping infants' preferences and learning is not clear. This study asked whether infants' preference for native speakers (Kinzler, Dupoux, & Spelke, 2007) would modulate their preferences for tunes. After getting equal exposure to two different tunes introduced by two speakers, 7‐month‐olds (N = 32) listened longer to the tune that was introduced by a native speaker compared to the tune that was introduced by a foreign speaker. This suggests that the social‐emotional context in which exposure to stimuli occurs influences auditory preferences, and that the early emerging attentional biases might have important ramifications regarding social learning in early infancy.
β‐Blocker withdrawal is preferable for accurate interpretation of the aldosterone–renin ratio in chronically treated hypertension
Authors: Browne Gerard A. , Griffin Tomás P. , O'Shea Paula M. , Dennedy Michael Conall 
Published: August 2015

SummaryObjectivesTo evaluate the effects of β‐adrenoreceptor antagonists (β‐blockers) on the aldosterone–renin ratio (ARR) in the context of antihypertensive polypharmacy in chronic hypertension. To determine the optimal duration of β‐blocker withdrawal required to normalize the ARR.DesignA prospective, longitudinal study design was employed investigating two groups whom either remained on or withdrew from β‐blocker therapy.MethodsHypertensive individuals taking β‐blockers and a combination of thiazide diuretics, α1‐blockers, calcium channel antagonists and angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitor/angiotensin receptor blocker were recruited and followed over 10–12 weeks. β‐Blockers were withdrawn at the first visit. Blood pressure (BP) was measured at each visit and blood drawn serially for measurement of plasma renin activity (PRA), direct renin concentration (DRC) and aldosterone. BP was optimized by maximizing non‐renin‐suppressing antihypertensives. Main outcomes were ARR, DRC, PRA and aldosterone. Plasma renin activity was calculated from angiotensin I measured using radioimmunoassay (RIA), DRC was measured using chemiluminescent immunoassay assay, and aldosterone was measured using both RIA and Chemilluminescence Assay (CIL).ResultsFalse‐positive ARR for primary aldosteronism (PA) occurred in 31% of patients taking β‐blockers. ARR returned to normal following β‐blocker withdrawal resulting from an increase in the DRC and PRA without affecting aldosterone. The optimum time for β‐blocker withdrawal was 2 weeks when using DRC and 3 weeks for PRA. β‐Blocker withdrawal did not adversely affect blood pressure.ConclusionRaised ARR consequent to β‐blocker therapy causes false‐positive screening for PA. Where β‐blockers can be safely withdrawn, this effect is reversed within 2–3 weeks depending on whether DRC or PRA is used to calculate ARR.
Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder developing 40 years after myasthenia gravis remission
Authors: Caetano André , Mendonça Marcelo , Pinto Miguel , Correia Ana S. , Pelejão Rita 
Published: August 2015

AbstractNeuromyelitis optica (NMO) and myasthenia gravis are antibody‐mediated diseases that frequently occur in patients with other autoimmune systemic or organ‐specific diseases. We report the case of a Portuguese woman diagnosed with generalized myasthenia gravis in her mid 20s, and who remained symptom‐free after undergoing thymectomy. Approximately 40 years later, at the age of 74 years, the patient presented with recurrent episodes of longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis within a period of 4 months. The work‐up showed positive antibodies to aquaporin‐4, and a NMO spectrum disorder was diagnosed. Under treatment with high‐dose oral corticosteroids and azathioprine, there were no further relapses. As far as we know, this is one of the longest latency periods reported between the two diagnoses, highlighting that NMO should be kept in mind in any patient with myasthenia gravis developing central nervous system signs and/or loss of visual acuity.
Factors influencing mortality and morbidity following colorectal resection in France. Analysis of a national database (2009–2011)
Authors: Parc Y. , Reboul‐Marty J. , Lefevre J. H. , Shields C. , Chafai N. , Tiret E. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractAimCorrelation between outcome and hospital volume regarding colorectal resection (CRR) has been described, but it suggests that provider variability may have an impact. Our aim was to analyse the influence of institutional characteristics and the impact of volume [high volume (HV) or low volume (LV)] on mortality and morbidity after CRR at a national level.MethodData from 2009–2012, including patient demographics, diagnosis, procedure, mode of admission and discharge and hospital type, were obtained. Each hospital admission was classified as one of four levels of severity.ResultsOf 176 444 patients included, 5408 (3.06%) died and 41 240 (23.37%) had a complication. Multivariate analysis showed that factors influencing morbidity were age over 80 years, severity level, pathology other than diverticular disease, male gender, demanding surgery, open surgery and surgery in an HV institution. Factors influencing mortality were the same except for the impact of volume. In HV centres, surgery was significantly more demanding (54.66% vs 47.17%, P < 0.0001), morbidity more frequent (26.59% vs 22.07%, P < 0.0001), but mortality was lower (2.17% vs 3.43%, P < 0.0001). In total, 6038 (3.4%) patients were transferred after surgery. Transfer rate and mortality after transfer were significantly higher in LV institutions (respectively: 4.3% vs 2.5%, P < 0.0001; and 12% vs 10.3%, P < 0.0001).ConclusionHigh volume centres have higher morbidity, but lower mortality. Six per cent of patients in LV centres required transfer. A national mortality rate after CRR of 3.5% can be expected. Transfer rate and mortality after transfer should be included in the evaluation of institutional mortality. Volume of institution, regardless of type, influences mortality after CRR.
Multidisciplinary management of colorectal adenocarcinoma associated with anal fistula: an Indian series
Authors: Pai V. D. , Jatal S. , Engineer R. , Ostwal V. , Saklani A. P. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractAimAdenocarcinomas associated with anal fistula are rare and often present at an advanced stage. They are often mistaken for commonly occurring benign diseases, leading to delayed diagnosis. Previous reports have predicted inferior oncological outcomes for these cases compared with sporadic rectal cancers. We are presenting our series of patients with colorectal adenocarcinoma associated with anal fistula who were treated with multimodality therapy at a tertiary cancer centre in India.MethodThis was a retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database of patients treated at our centre between 1 July 2013 and 31 March 2015. Of the 15 patients included in the study, 11 had prior intervention in the form of seton placement or fistulotomy. Fourteen patients had circumferential resection margin (CRM) involvement at initial workup and hence were given neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (NACRT). None of the patients had distant metastasis and only 15% had regional nodal involvement.ResultsAll 13 patients included in the final analysis underwent abdominoperineal excision (APE). Ten patients (73%) underwent extralevator APE. Plastic reconstruction in the form of a V–Y advancement flap for perineal closure was required in six patients (46%). On histopathological examination, a mucinous component was found to be present in 11 patients (73%). The quality of total mesorectal excision was complete in 92% patients. The CRM was free in 92% of patients. Median overall survival and disease‐free survival were not reached.ConclusionColorectal adenocarcinomas associated with fistula are locally aggressive malignancies with a low incidence of lymph node involvement and distant metastasis. NACRT, wider resection in the form of extralevator APE, and liberal use of plastic reconstruction may result in favourable outcomes.
Examining the Influence of the Social Cognitive Factors and Relative Autonomous Motivations on Employees’ Knowledge Sharing Behaviors
Authors: Wang Wei‐Tsong 
Published: August 2015

ABSTRACTBy incorporating the perspectives of social cognitive theory and relative autonomous motivations, this study examines a model that depicts the influence of personal and environmental factors on employees’ knowledge sharing behaviors (KSBs). Data that were collected from 294 professionals in the industry were analyzed using component‐based structural equation modeling to examine the proposed model. The research results indicate that trust, relationship orientation, knowledge sharing self‐efficacy, and relative autonomous motivation regarding KSBs are the key influencing factors of KSBs of professionals. A key implication is that managers must consider the impact of the level of employee‐perceived autonomous motivation when they seek to facilitate KSBs. Finally, the theoretical and practical contributions are discussed, followed by the suggestions for future research directions.