bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Alcohol use and self‐perceived mental health status among pregnant and breastfeeding women in Canada: a secondary data analysis
Authors: Lange S , Quere M , Shield K , Rehm J , Popova S 
Published: September 2015

ObjectiveTo estimate the prevalence of alcohol consumption during pregnancy and while breastfeeding in Canada from 2003 to 2010, and to test the relation between self‐perceived mental health status and alcohol consumption during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.DesignSecondary analysis of four cycles of the Canadian Community Health Survey, a population‐based cross‐sectional survey.SettingCanada.SampleA total of 18 612 pregnant and 15 836 breastfeeding women.MethodsThe prevalence of alcohol consumption during pregnancy and while breastfeeding and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated by province and territory, and cycle. The relation between self‐perceived mental health status and alcohol consumption during pregnancy and while breastfeeding was explored using quasi‐Poisson regression models.Main outcome measuresAlcohol consumption during pregnancy and while breastfeeding, and self‐perceived mental health status.ResultsIn Canada, between 2003 and 2010, approximately one in every ten pregnant women (9.9%; 95%CI 9.2–10.5%) and two in every ten breastfeeding women (20.3%; 95%CI 19.4–21.2%) women consumed alcohol. Women with a lower self‐perceived mental health status (i.e. ‘good’) were 1.40 (95%CI 1.18–1.67, P < 0.001) times more likely to have consumed alcohol during pregnancy, compared with women with an ‘excellent’ self‐perceived mental health. There were no notable differences between the categories of mental health status in regard to alcohol consumption while breastfeeding.ConclusionDespite public health efforts in Canada, a significant proportion of pregnant and breastfeeding women consume alcohol. It is imperative that a standard screening protocol be initiated among pregnant and breastfeeding women, especially in high‐risk populations (e.g. women utilising substance abuse treatment programs).Tweetable abstractIn Canada in 2003–2010, approximately 10% of pregnant and 20% of breastfeeding women consumed alcohol.
Inter‐ and intra‐fraction motion in stereotactic body radiotherapy for spinal and paraspinal tumours using cone‐beam CT and positional correction in six degrees of freedom
Authors: Finnigan Renee , Lamprecht Brock , Barry Tamara , Jones Kimberley , Boyd Joshua , Pullar Andrew , Burmeister Bryan , Foote Matthew 
Published: September 2015

AbstractIntroductionStereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) for spinal tumours delivers high doses per fraction to targets in close proximity to neural tissue. With steep dose gradients, small changes in position can confer significant dosimetric impact on adjacent structures. We analysed positioning error in consecutively treated patients on a strict image‐guidance protocol with online correction in 6 degrees of freedom (6‐DOF).MethodsSet‐up error, residual error post‐correction and intra‐fraction motion for 30 courses of spinal SBRT in 27 patients were assessed using cone‐beam CT. Positional error was corrected in x, y and z translational planes and rotational axes using a robotic couch, applying 2 mm and 2° action levels. Linear mixed‐effects model assessed whether positional error was influenced by factors such as vertebral level, immobilisation device and treatment duration.ResultsSixty‐two fractions were delivered with 225 image registrations. Median treatment duration was significantly longer for patients treated with static‐field intensity‐modulated radiotherapy compared with volumetric‐modulated arc treatment – 40 min versus 28 min, respectively (P = 0.01). Across all fractions, the median residual positional error after initial correction was greatest in the x translational plane (0.5 mm; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.3–0.6) and y rotational axis (0.25°; 95% CI 0.1–0.3). Median intra‐fraction error was also greatest in the x‐plane (0.7 mm; 95% CI 0.5–1.0) and y‐axis (0.4°; 95% CI 0.2–0.5).ConclusionWith strict immobilisation, image‐guidance and 6‐DOF correction, our current practice of applying 3‐mm planning margins for target volumes and critical structures appears safe. Lower image‐guidance action thresholds plus verification with end‐to‐end testing would be recommended before further reducing margins.
The value of follow‐up FDG‐PET/CT in the management and prognosis of patients with HPV‐positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Taghipour Mehdi , Marcus Charles , Califano Joseph , Fakhry Carole , Subramaniam Rathan M 
Published: September 2015

AbstractIntroductionTo establish the accuracy of follow‐up fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET)/CT and the impact of FDG PET/CT result on management decisions and patient outcome prediction (overall and progression free survival) in human papilloma virus (HPV)‐positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).Patients and MethodsWe included 96 HPV‐positive oropharyngeal SCC (OPSCC) patients with 254 follow‐up PET/CT scans in the study. The PET/CT result accuracy was established with histopathology or 6‐month clinical follow‐up as reference standard. The impact on change in management was established for each follow‐up PET/CT scan. Overall survival was evaluated using Kaplan–Meier plots with a Log‐rank test.ResultsThe sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy of the follow‐up FDG‐PET/CT were 97.0%, 92.5%, 67.0%, 99.5% and 93.1%, respectively. Follow‐up PET/CT results were helpful in excluding tumour in 22% (9/41) of scans performed with prior clinical suspicion of disease and identified potential disease in 9.9% (21/213) scans performed without prior clinical suspicion. There was a change in management after 12.6% (32/254) scans. In 84.3% (214/254) scans, the patients were either observed or the same treatment was continued. The overall survival differed significantly between patients with a negative versus positive follow‐up scan (log rank P < 0.001). The median progression free survival was 28 months, if the first follow‐up scan performed within 6–12 months post‐treatment completion was negative.ConclusionFollow‐up FDG PET/CT scans have an impact on the management plan and add value to clinical assessment in patients with HPV‐positive OPSCC.
Quantitative Macroscopic Anatomy of the Giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis) Digestive Tract
Authors: Sauer C. , Bertelsen M. F. , Lund P. , Weisbjerg M. R. , Clauss M. 
Published: September 2015

SummaryQuantitative data on digestive anatomy of the world's largest ruminant, the giraffe, are scarce. Data were collected from a total of 25 wild‐caught and 13 zoo‐housed giraffes. Anatomical measures were quantified by dimension, area or weight and analysed by allometric regression. The majority of measures scaled positively and isometrically to body mass. Giraffes had lower tissue weight of all stomach compartments and longer large intestinal length than cattle. When compared to other ruminants, the giraffe digestive tract showed many of the convergent morphological adaptations attributed to browsing ruminants, for example lower reticular crests, thinner ruminal pillars and smaller surface area of the omasal laminae. Salivary gland weight of the giraffe, however, resembled that of grazing ruminants. This matches a previous finding of similarly small salivary glands in the other extant giraffid, the okapi (Okapia johnstoni), suggesting that not all convergent characteristics need be expressed in all species and that morphological variation between species is a combination of phylogenetic and adaptational signals.
Smoker's identity scale: Measuring identity in tobacco dependence and its relationship with confidence in quitting
Authors: Dupont Patrick , Tack Valentine , Blecha Lisa , Reynaud Michel , Benyamina Amine , Amirouche Ammar , Aubin Henri‐Jean 
Published: September 2015

Background and objectivesPersistent smoking behaviours are associated with numerous motives, explaining the absence of a single treatment for quitting. One of these motives may include that of identification. The threat of losing their smoker's identity may represent a significant obstacle to lasting abstinence. The objective of this study is to design a specific identity questionnaire and examine correlations between the degree of smoking identity and persistent smoking.MethodsPatients attending a smoking cessation seminar completed the Modified Reasons for Smoking Scale, Barriers to smoking cessation checklist and our 6‐item Smoker's Identity Scale (SIS) (n = 170 questionnaires).ResultsSIS showed good internal consistency, calculated by a Chronbach test (α = .785) with no redundant questions. There was a correlation between strong tobacco dependence (measured by the Fagerström questionnaire) and strong smoking identity (p = .0001). Strong identity was associated with less confidence in quitting at both 1 and 6 months (p = .037 and p = .002, respectively). We showed that identity represents an obstacle to quitting in 32% of our patients and is associated with decreased confidence in quitting.Conclusions and scientific significanceOur study shows that measuring identity in smokers who wish to make a quit attempt may help to identify specific obstacles to abstinence. This may also help in elaborating improved quitting strategies and patient management. Further research is necessary to confirm these results. (Am J Addict 2015;XX:XX –XX)
The modified tower vertical filler technique for the treatment of post‐acne scarring
Authors: Goodman Greg J , Van Den Broek Amanda 
Published: September 2015

AbstractBackgroundAcne scarring remains a difficult problem for patients and physicians. Often it is treated as a two‐dimensional disease with lasers and similar devices, whereas it is really a three‐dimensional problem. Fillers have been used for many years but recently fillers with more lifting potential have been made available and serve the purpose of the selective elevation of atrophic scars, adding the third dimension to treatment.MethodsFive patients with atrophic acne scarring were selected in this pilot study. Each patient was treated twice with a 3‐month follow up from the second treatment. A vertical modified tower technique was used with a hyaluronic acid filler to lift each scar and support the skin to adopt a more flattened appearance.ResultsThe mean scar count declined from 48.8 scars to 15.4 visible after the second session. The mean volume to total correction with filler of all scars declined from 1.144 mL to 0.525 mL from the first to second session. Global subjective improvement was assessed at 5.4 and 5.5 (−3 to +10 scale). The static objective grading scale showed an improvement from 3.2 at time of first treatment to 3.0 at the second, to 2.6 at final review.ConclusionsThe relative speed, accuracy and efficacy of high lift hyaluronic acid is shown in this small case series with subjective and objective measurement.
The Self‐Help Myth: Towards a Theory of Philanthropy as Consensus Broker
Authors: Kohl‐Arenas Erica 
Published: September 2015

AbstractThis article presents a theoretical and methodological approach to studying how philanthropic power is maintained through the process of negotiating consensus between greatly unequal partners such as wealthy funders and social movement leaders. It is proposed that grant agreements between private foundations and social movement organizations construct idealized spaces of public participation and discursive theories of change that draw attention away from structural inequality and antagonism, ultimately generating consent. Drawing upon archival and ethnographic research on philanthropic investments in addressing migrant poverty in California's Central Valley, the article shows how consensus between foundation staff and farmworker and immigrant organizers promote funding frameworks that exclude questions that challenge relationships of power and systems of agricultural production that contribute to enduring poverty across the region. The Gramscian conceptual frames of “discursive power,” “hegemony as politics,” and “strategic articulation” are presented as a theoretical framework from which to understand the power of private philanthropy as consensus broker during historical moments of crisis.
SMART in Mathematics? Exploring the effects of in‐class‐level differentiation using SMARTboard on math proficiency
Authors: Cabus Sofie J. , Haelermans Carla , Franken Sonja 
Published: September 2015

AbstractThis paper explored the effects of in‐class‐level differentiation by making innovative use of an interactive whiteboard (SMARTboard) on math proficiency. Therefore, this paper evaluates the use of SMARTboard in class, in combination with teacher training, using a randomized field experiment among 199 pre‐vocational students in seventh grade in the Netherlands. During 6 weeks, students in the intervention group participated in math classes in which the SMARTboard was used to apply level differentiation. The teachers of these classes received a specific training (Technological Pedagogical and Content Knowledge [TPACK]) in using the SMARTboard in class. Control classes were taught by teachers without the training, who did not use the SMARTboard in class. The results showed that level differentiation in class, which was possible because of the efficient use of the SMARTboard, significantly increased math proficiency with 0.25 points.
Coagulation activation in sickle cell trait: an exploratory study
Authors: Amin Chirag , Adam Soheir , Mooberry Micah J. , Kutlar Abdullah , Kutlar Ferdane , Esserman Denise , Brittain Julia E. , Ataga Kenneth I. , Chang Jen‐Yea , Wolberg Alisa S. , Key Nigel S. 
Published: September 2015

SummaryRecent epidemiologic data suggest that sickle cell trait (HbAS; AS) is a risk factor for venous thromboembolism. We conducted an exploratory study of healthy subjects with AS under baseline conditions to determine whether a chronic basal hyperactivation of coagulation exists, and if so, what mechanism(s) contribute to this state. Eighteen healthy AS individuals were compared to 22 African‐American controls with a normal haemoglobin profile (HbAA; AA) and 17 patients with sickle cell disease (HbSS; SS). Plasma thrombin‐antithrombin complexes and D‐dimer levels were elevated in AS relative to AA patients (P = 0·0385 and P = 0·017, respectively), and as expected, were much higher in SSversusAA (P < 0·0001 for both). Thrombin generation in platelet poor plasma was indistinguishable between AA and AS subjects, whereas a paradoxical decrease in endogenous thrombin potential was observed in SS (P ≤ 0·0001). Whole blood tissue factor was elevated in SS compared to AA (P = 0·005), but did not differ between AA and AS. Plasma microparticle tissue factor activity was non‐significantly elevated in AS (P = 0·051), but was clearly elevated in SS patients (P = 0·004) when compared to AA controls. Further studies in larger cohorts of subjects with sickle cell trait are needed to confirm the results of this preliminary investigation.
Effects of an Attachment‐Based Intervention on Child Protective Services–Referred Mothers' Event‐Related Potentials to Children's Emotions
Authors: Bernard Kristin , Simons Robert , Dozier Mary 
Published: September 2015

This study examined the neurobiology of maternal sensitivity to children's emotions among mothers involved with Child Protective Services (CPS) and low‐risk comparison mothers (Mage = 31.6 years). CPS‐referred mothers participated in the Attachment and Biobehavioral Catch‐up (ABC) intervention or a control intervention. Mothers' event‐related potentials (ERPs) were measured while they categorized images of children with crying, laughing, and neutral expressions. CPS‐referred ABC mothers (n = 19) and low‐risk comparison mothers (n = 30) showed a larger enhancement of ERP responses for emotional faces relative to neutral faces than CPS‐referred control mothers (n = 21). Additionally, the magnitude of ERP responses to emotional faces was associated with observed maternal sensitivity. Findings add to the understanding of the neurobiology of deficits in parenting and suggest that these deficits are changeable through a parenting intervention.
Developmental mechanisms of the tympanic membrane in mammals and non‐mammalian amniotes
Authors: Takechi Masaki , Kitazawa Taro , Hirasawa Tatsuya , Hirai Tamami , Iseki Sachiko , Kurihara Hiroki , Kuratani Shigeru 
Published: September 2015

AbstractThe tympanic membrane is a thin layer that originates from the ectoderm, endoderm, and mesenchyme. Molecular‐genetic investigations have revealed that interaction between epithelial and mesenchymal cells in the pharyngeal arches is essential for development of the tympanic membrane. We have recently reported that developmental mechanisms underlying the tympanic membrane seem to be different between mouse and chicken, suggesting that the tympanic membrane evolved independently in mammals and non‐mammalian amniotes. In this review, we summarize previous studies of tympanic membrane formation in the mouse. We also discuss its formation in amniotes from an evolutionary point of view.
Gains and losses of plant species and phylogenetic diversity for a northern high‐latitude region
Authors: Zhang Jian , Nielsen Scott E. , Stolar Jessica , Chen Youhua , Thuiller Wilfried 
Published: September 2015

AbstractAimForecasting potential patterns in species’ distributions and diversity under climate change is crucial for biodiversity conservation. Although high‐latitude regions are expected to experience some of the greatest increases in temperature due to global warming, little is known on how individual responses in species will affect patterns in phylogenetic diversity (PD).LocationAlberta, Canada.MethodsWe used 160,589 occurrence records for 1541 species of seed plants in Alberta (nearly 90% of the province's seed flora) and ensemble niche models to project current and future suitable habitats. We then examined climate change vulnerability of individual species and the potential impacts of climate change on species richness, PD and both taxonomic and phylogenetic endemism (PE). We also assessed whether predicted losses of PD were distributed randomly across the plant tree of life.ResultsWe found that 368 species (24%) may lose on average > 80% of their current suitable climates (habitats), while 539 species (35%) were projected to more than double their current suitable range. Both species richness and PD were predicted to increase in most areas, except for the species‐rich Rocky Mountains, which are predicted to experience future declines. Maps of taxonomic and PE identified several regions with high conservation value and climate change threat suggesting priorities for conservation and climate change adaptation. Overall, a non‐random extinction risk was found for Alberta's flora, demonstrating potential future impacts of climate change on the loss of evolutionary history.Main conclusionsOur analyses suggest that climate change will have asymmetrical effects on the distribution of Alberta's plant diversity and endemism and a non‐random extinction risk of the current state of species evolutionary history. Our results provide practical guidance for biodiversity conservation and management in this region by prioritizing species' vulnerabilities and places with higher taxonomic or evolutionary risk due to future climate change.
Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of various glucagon dosages at different blood glucose levels
Authors: Blauw H. , Wendl I. , DeVries J. H. , Heise T. , Jax T. ,   on behalf of the PCDIAB consortium
Published: September 2015

AimsTo evaluate the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of different doses of glucagon administered subcutaneously (s.c.) at different blood glucose levels.MethodsThis study was an open‐label, randomized, three‐period, cross‐over experiment in 6 patients with type 1 diabetes. During each of the three periods, different blood glucose levels were established in four consecutive steps (8, 6, 4 and 2.8 mmol/l) and glucagon was given at each blood glucose level in doses from 0.11 to 0.44 mg and 0.33, 0.66 and 1 mg at the lowest glucose concentration.ResultsMaximum glucagon concentration and area under the curve increased with increasing glucagon dose. Maximum glucagon concentration was reached after 10–20 min. Glucagon raised blood glucose in a dose‐dependent manner at different baseline blood glucose levels. The median glucose excursion ranged from 2.6 to 6.2 mmol/l. Time to maximum glucose concentration was dose‐dependent for the glucagon doses at 2.8 mmol/l, with median values from 40 to 80 min.ConclusionsGlucagon administered s.c. produces a stable pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic response at lower doses than the usual rescue dose and across a range of hypo‐ to hyperglycaemic blood glucose levels. This supports the use of small glucagon doses in the artificial pancreas to correct and prevent hypoglycaemia.
Effects of empagliflozin on blood pressure and markers of arterial stiffness and vascular resistance in patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Chilton R. , Tikkanen I. , Cannon C. P. , Crowe S. , Woerle H. J. , Broedl U. C. , Johansen O. E. 
Published: September 2015

AimsTo determine the effects of empagliflozin on blood pressure (BP) and markers of arterial stiffness and vascular resistance in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).MethodsWe conducted a post hoc analysis of data from a phase III trial in patients with T2DM and hypertension receiving 12 weeks' empagliflozin and four phase III trials in patients with T2DM receiving 24 weeks' empagliflozin (cohort 1, n = 823; cohort 2, n = 2477). BP was measured using 24‐h BP monitoring (cohort 1) or seated office measurements (cohort 2).ResultsEmpagliflozin reduced systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP in both cohorts (p < 0.001 vs placebo), without increasing heart rate. Empagliflozin reduced pulse pressure (PP; adjusted mean difference vs placebo cohort 1: −2.3 mmHg; cohort 2: −2.3 mmHg), mean arterial pressure (MAP; cohort 1, −2.3 mmHg; cohort 2, −2.1 mmHg) and double product (cohort 1, −385 mmHg × bpm; cohort 2, −369 mmHg × bpm) all p < 0.001 vs placebo. There was a trend towards a reduction in the ambulatory arterial stiffness index (AASI) with empagliflozin in cohort 1 (p = 0.059 vs placebo). AASI was not measured in cohort 2. Subgroup analyses showed that there were greater reductions in PP with increasing baseline SBP in cohort 1 (p = 0.092). In cohort 2, greater reductions in MAP were achieved in patients with higher baseline SBP (p = 0.027) and greater reductions in PP were observed in older patients (p = 0.011).ConclusionsEmpagliflozin reduced BP and had favourable effects on markers of arterial stiffness and vascular resistance.