bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Micro‐invasive suture trabeculotomy after canaloplasty: preliminary results
Authors: Voykov Bogomil , Szurman Peter , Dimopoulos Spyridon , Ziemssen Focke , Alnahrawy Omar 
Published: December 2014

AbstractBackgroundIn this study, a conjunctival‐sparing ab interno approach for circumferential trabeculotomy, termed micro‐invasive suture trabeculotomy (MIST) and its preliminary results are presented.DesignRetrospective case‐series in a university setting.ParticipantsA total of 31 patients with open‐angle glaucoma with history of canaloplasty.MethodsA conjunctival‐sparing ab interno approach for circumferential trabeculotomy, termed MIST.Main Outcome MeasuresMean decrease of intraocular pressure (IOP) and number of pressure‐lowering medications.ResultsMean decrease of IOP was 11.1 mmHg (standard deviation [SD], 9.9 mmHg) at 6 months, 12.1 mmHg (SD, 10.5 mmHg) at 12 months and 13.5 mmHg (SD, 11.4 mmHg) at 24 months. The average percent lowering of IOP was 36.7% (SD, 32.8%) at 6 months, 41.4% (SD, 35.9%) at 12 months and 44.6% (SD, 37.7%) at 24 months. The number of pressure‐lowering medications decreased by 1.1 (SD, 1.3) at month 6, by 1.2 (SD, 1.5) at month 12, and by 1.3 (SD, 1.6) at month 24.ConclusionsMIST is a promising approach for the treatment of open‐angle glaucoma, which is insufficiently controlled with canaloplasty. The procedure achieved significant and sustained lowering of the intraocular pressure and demonstrated an excellent safety profile. The main advantages of the procedure are: easy to learn, fast to perform, and sparing of the conjunctiva for further filtration surgery, if necessary.
Post‐tonsillectomy haemorrhage rates are related to technique for dissection and for haemostasis. An analysis of 15734 patients in the National Tonsil Surgery Register in Sweden
Authors: Söderman A.‐C. Hessén , Odhagen E. , Ericsson E. , Hemlin C. , Hultcrantz E. , Sunnergren O. , Stalfors J. 
Published: December 2014

ObjectivesTo analyse post‐tonsillectomy haemorrhage (PTH) rates related to technique for dissection and haemostasis.Study DesignRegister study from the National Tonsil Surgery Register in Sweden (NTSRS).MethodsAll patients, subjected to tonsillectomy (TE) without adenoidectomy from 1 March 2009 to 26 April 2013, were included in the study. The surgeon reports data about technique and early PTH, while late PTH is reported by the patient in a questionnaire 30 days after surgery.Results15734 patients with complete data concerning technique for dissection and for haemostasis were identified in the NTSRS. Techniques used were cold steel dissection with uni‐ or bipolar diathermy haemostasis (65.3%), diathermy scissors (15.7%), coblation (9.1%), cold steel dissection with cold haemostasis (7.4%) and ultrascision (2.5%). Early and late PTH were reported in 3.2% and 9.4% of the cases, respectively, and return to theatre (RTT) in 2.7%. The rates for PTH and RTT related to technique were analysed. Compared with cold dissection+ cold haemostasis, late PTH rate was 2.8 times higher after cold dissection + hot haemostasis, 3.2 times higher after coblation, 4.3 times higher after diathermy scissors and 5.6 times higher after ultrascision. The risk for RTT was higher for all hot techniques except for coblation, while ultrascision resulted in a lower risk for early PTH.ConclusionsAll hot techniques resulted in a higher risk for late PTH compared with cold steel dissection +cold haemostasis. The risk for RTT was higher for all hot techniques except for coblation, while ultrascision resulted in a lower risk for early PTH. An early PTH was associated with an increased risk for late PTH.
Is it reasonable to use 1 and 8 kHz anchor points in the medico‐legal diagnosis and estimation of noise‐induced hearing loss?
Authors: Ali S. , Morgan M. , Ali U.I. 
Published: December 2014

BackgroundIn the United Kingdom, use of 1 and 8 kHz as anchor point frequencies has been recommended for the medico‐legal diagnosis and estimation of noise‐induced hearing loss. There appear to be four assumptions behind the use of 1 and 8 kHz anchor point approach: (i) The frequencies of 1 and 8 kHz are not damaged by noise; therefore, the measured hearing thresholds at the said frequencies solely reflect age‐related hearing loss, even in the noise‐exposed; (ii) The hearing thresholds at 1 and 8 kHz are a valid predictor of the likely age‐related hearing loss thresholds at the other frequencies; (iii) Age and noise damage are always completely additive; (iv) Individual's susceptibility to age and noise damage is not proportionate. Doubts have been expressed in the medical circles about the legitimacy and validity of their use as anchor points.Objective of reviewIs it reasonable to use 1 and 8 kHz anchor points in the medico‐legal diagnosis and estimation of noise‐induced hearing loss?Type of reviewMedico‐legal.Search strategyLiterature search; Medline, Embase, Internet, and medico‐legal records.Evaluation methodEquating and comparing the assumptions in the anchor point approach with the information in medical literature.ResultsBased upon the information in medical literature, technical reports, and professional statements, the assumptions behind the use of anchor point approach cannot be reliably substantiated.Conclusions‘Carte Blanche’ use of 1 and 8 kHz anchor points is probably unreasonable and may well be unsafe in the medico‐legal diagnosis and estimation of noise‐induced hearing loss.
Methylisothiazolinone and benzisothiazolinone are widely used in paint: a multicentre study of paints from five European countries
Authors: Schwensen Jakob F. , Lundov Michael D. , Bossi Rossana , Banerjee Piu , Gimenez‐Arnau Elena , Lepoittevin Jean‐Pierre , Lidén Carola , Uter Wolfgang , Yazar Kerem , White Ian R. , Johansen Jeanne D. 
Published: December 2014

SummaryBackgroundIn view of the current epidemic of contact allergy to methylisothiazolinone (MI), it is important to clarify the extent of use of MI and related isothiazolinones in paints currently available for the consumer and worker in Europe.ObjectivesTo elucidate the use and concentrations of MI, methylchloroisothiazolinone (MCI) and benzisothiazolinone (BIT) in paints on the European retail market.MethodsWall paints (n = 71) were randomly purchased in retail outlets in five European countries. The paints were quantitatively analysed for their contents of MI, MCI and BIT by high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry.ResultsMI was found in 93.0% (n = 66) of the paints, with concentrations ranging from 0.7 to 180.9 ppm, MCI in 23.9% (n = 17), ranging from 0.26 to 11.4 ppm, and BIT in 95.8% (n = 68), ranging from 0.1 to 462.5 ppm. High concentrations of MI were found in paints from all five countries. Paints purchased in Denmark and Sweden contained especially high concentrations of BIT.ConclusionThe use of MI across European countries is extensive. In view of the ongoing epidemic of MI contact allergy, an evaluation of the safety of MI in paints is needed.
Accounting for spatially biased sampling effort in presence‐only species distribution modelling
Authors: Stolar Jessica , Nielsen Scott E. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractAimPresence‐only datasets represent an important source of information on species' distributions. Collections of presence‐only data, however, are often spatially biased, particularly along roads and near urban populations. These biases can lead to inaccurate inferences and predicted distributions. We demonstrate a new approach of accounting for effort bias in presence‐only data by explicitly incorporating sample biases in species distribution modelling.LocationAlberta, Canada.MethodsFirst, we used logistic regression to model sampling effort of recorded rare vascular plants, bryophytes and butterflies in Alberta. Second, we simulated presence/absence data for nine ‘virtual’ species based on three relative occurrence thresholds – common, rare and very rare – for each taxonomic group. We sampled these virtual species using our bias model to represent typical sampling effort characteristic of presence‐only datasets. We then modelled the distributions of these virtual species using logistic regression and attempted to recover their original simulated distributions using a sample weighting term (prior weight) estimated as the inverse of probability of sampling. Bias‐adjusted model estimates were compared to those obtained from random samples and biased samples without adjustment. We also compared prior‐weight adjustment to bias‐file and target‐group background approaches in Maxent.ResultsSample weighting recovered regression coefficients and mapped predictions estimated from unbiased presence‐only data and improved model predictive accuracy as evaluated by regression and correlation coefficients, sensitivity and specificity. Similar model improvements were achieved using the Maxent bias‐file method, but results were inconsistent for the target‐group background approach.Main conclusionsThese results suggest that sample weighting can be used to account for spatially biased presence‐only datasets in species distribution modelling. The framework presented is potentially widely applicable due to availability of online biodiversity databases and the flexibility of the approach.
Hungry for Justice: Social Mobilization on the Right to Food in India
Authors: Hertel Shareen 
Published: December 2014

ABSTRACTThis article explores the potential and limits of contemporary economic rights‐based social activism by analysing an ongoing ‘Right to Food Campaign’ in India. While social movement theory often positions radical and reform strategies as alternatives, the RTF campaign has adopted a hybrid strategy: it has made a radical legal demand that the right to food be recognized as intrinsic to the right to life, while seeking implementation of this right through reform of existing government feeding programmes. The campaign's dual strategy reflects two distinct logics of human rights: a logic of non‐derogable rights that are immediately actionable (such as the right to life) and a logic of progressive implementation of rights that can only be realized fully over time (such as economic rights). This article draws on original data to demonstrate that the campaign's radical legal demands framed around the non‐derogable right to life have come closer to fulfilment than its reformist demands around progressive implementation. The RTF campaign's relative success in galvanizing legal action on hunger is tempered by ongoing challenges in sustaining grassroots‐level mobilization and influencing public policy implementation.
Arterial pre‐hypertension and hypertension in intracranial versus extracranial cerebrovascular stenosis
Authors: Wang D. , Zhou Y. , Guo Y. , Wang C. , Wang A. , Jin Z. , Gao X. , Wu S. , Zhao X. , Jonas J. B. 
Published: December 2014

Background and purposeSince it has remained unclear whether arterial pre‐hypertension is a risk factor for cerebrovascular diseases, potential associations between arterial pre‐hypertension and intracranial arterial stenosis (ICAS) and extracranial arterial stenosis (ECAS) were assessed.MethodsThe population‐based Asymptomatic Polyvascular Abnormalities in Community Study was a sub‐study of employees and retirees of the coal mining industry in China. Our study examined asymptomatic polyvascular abnormalities in a general population and with an age of 40+ years without history of stroke, transient ischaemic attacks and coronary heart disease. ICAS was diagnosed by transcranial Doppler sonography and was defined by peak flow velocity criteria; ECAS was diagnosed by carotid duplex sonography and was defined by the diameter of the common carotid artery or internal carotid artery.ResultsOut of 4422 study participants, 711 (16.1%) subjects showed an asymptomatic ICAS and 292 (6.6%) showed an asymptomatic ECAS. After adjusting for relevant risk factors, higher prevalence of ICAS was significantly associated with higher prevalence of pre‐hypertension [odds ratio (OR) 1.55; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.11, 2.16; P = 0.010] and hypertension (OR 1.80; 95% CI 1.53, 2.11; P < 0.001). Stratified by gender, the association was stronger for men than for women. Asymptomatic ECAS was not significantly associated with the prevalence of pre‐hypertension (OR 0.78; 95% CI 0.55, 1.10) or of hypertension (OR 1.06; 95% CI 0.91, 1.24).ConclusionsThe results suggest that arterial pre‐hypertension in addition to hypertension is associated with a higher prevalence of asymptomatic ICAS, more in men.
Beyond climate: disturbance niche shifts in invasive species
Authors: González‐Moreno Pablo , Diez Jeffrey M. , Richardson David M. , Vilà Montserrat 
Published: December 2014

AbstractAimAnalysing how species niches shift between native and introduced ranges is a powerful tool for understanding the determinants of species distributions and for anticipating range expansions by invasive species. Most studies only consider the climatic niche, by correlating widely available presence‐only data with regional climate. However, habitat characteristics and disturbance also shape species niches, thereby potentially confounding shifts attributed only to differences in climate. Here we used presence and abundance data for Oxalis pes‐caprae, a species native to South Africa and invading areas globally, to understand how niche shifts may be influenced by disturbance at habitat and landscape scales in addition to climate.LocalityMediterranean climate areas world‐wide.MethodsWe used available presence‐only data and also conducted extensive surveys of the abundance of Oxalis (c. 11,000 plots) across different habitats in South Africa and in the introduced range in the Mediterranean Basin. We extended principal component analysis methods for measuring niche shifts by using Bayesian generalized linear models to identify climatic and disturbance niche shifts.ResultsWe found a large climatic niche expansion towards stronger seasonality and lower temperature in the introduced range, but this expansion was greatly reduced when considering only conditions available in both ranges. Oxalis occupied more natural landscapes in the native range that remained unoccupied in the introduced range (‘niche unfilling’). In contrast to the similar abundances in natural and disturbed habitats in its native range, Oxalis was more abundant in disturbed habitats in the introduced range.ConclusionsThe large climatic niche expansion most likely reflects significant plasticity of Oxalis rather than rapid evolution. Furthermore, the unfilling of its disturbance niche in the introduced range suggests high potential for further invasion of natural areas. Together, these findings suggest that the potential for future spread of invasive species may be underestimated by approaches that characterize species niches based only on climate or partial information about their distributions.
Equitable access to developmental surveillance and early intervention – understanding the barriers for children from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds
Authors: Woolfenden Susan , Posada Natalie , Krchnakova Renata , Crawford Jill , Gilbert John , Jursik Bronwynn , Sarkozy Vanessa , Perkins Deborah , Kemp Lynn 
Published: December 2014

AbstractBackground and objectiveChildren from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds are at risk of having developmental problems go undetected prior to starting school, and missing out on early intervention. Our aim was to explore the family and service characteristics, beliefs and experiences that influence the journey of families from CALD backgrounds in accessing developmental surveillance (DS) and early intervention services in south‐eastern Sydney, Australia.Design, setting and participantsThis qualitative study used in‐depth interviews conducted with 13 parents from CALD backgrounds and 27 health and early childhood professionals in Sydney. The Andersen Behavioural Model of Health Service Use (BM) was the underlying theoretical framework for thematic analysis.Results and discussionFamily and service knowledge about early childhood development (ECD), community attitudes, social isolation and English language proficiency were dominant themes that impacted on the probability of families accessing services in the first place. Those that impeded or facilitated access were resources, extended family and social support, information availability, competing needs, complex service pathways and community engagement. There were variable practices of early detection through DS. Children from CALD backgrounds with developmental problems were perceived to miss out on DS and early intervention despite language delay being a key issue identified by participants.ConclusionThis study highlights the importance of increased community and family awareness and professional training in ECD; better coordination of health and early childhood services, with simpler referral pathways to early intervention to prevent children from CALD backgrounds ‘slipping through the net’.
Expression of transforming growth factor‐β after different non‐invasive facial rejuvenation modalities
Authors: El‐Domyati Moetaz , El‐Ammawi Tarek S. , Medhat Walid , Moawad Osama , Mahoney Mỹ G. , Uitto Jouni 
Published: December 2014

AbstractBackgroundTransforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) is a major regulator of the synthesis of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins in human skin as it stimulates fibroblast proliferation and collagen production. Perturbed TGF‐β expression may play a key role in the pathogenesis of skin aging.ObjectivesThis study was conducted to objectively evaluate the effects of different modalities of non‐invasive facial rejuvenation on TGF‐β expression and to correlate its level with that of newly synthesized collagen.MethodsA total of 36 patients with Fitzpatrick skin types III and IV were divided into six groups. Each group of six patients was subjected to a different non‐invasive modality for the treatment of skin aging, including radiofrequency (RF), Nd:YAG 1320‐nm laser and Er:YAG 2940‐nm laser mini‐peels, intense pulsed light (IPL), mesotherapy injection, and electro‐optical synergy (ELOS). Skin biopsies were obtained before treatment, at the end of treatment, and at three months post‐treatment. In addition, biopsies were obtained from 30 control subjects. Levels of TGF‐β were quantitatively evaluated using computerized image analysis of immunostained sections.ResultsThe expression of TGF‐β was statistically significantly increased (P < 0.05) at the end of Nd:YAG 1320‐nm and Er:YAG 2940‐nm mini‐peel treatments compared with baseline levels, and at three months post‐treatment with RF and ELOS compared with pretreatment and end‐of‐treatment levels. However, no significant differences (P > 0.05) were observed in TGF‐β level in response to IPL or mesotherapy treatments in comparison with baseline. The level of TGF‐β was positively correlated (P < 0.05) to that of newly synthesized collagen at the end of Nd:YAG 1320‐nm laser and Er:YAG 2940‐nm laser mini‐peels, as well as at three months after RF and ELOS treatments.ConclusionsRadiofrequency, ELOS, and Nd:YAG 1320‐nm laser and Er:YAG 2940‐nm laser mini‐peels resulted in an increase in TGF‐β expression, which may mediate the effects of these modalities in enhancing dermal collagen expression through the activation of fibroblasts and thereby reverse the photoaging of skin.
Panatrophy of Gowers is a rare disease: case reports and review of the literature
Authors: Paliwal Vijay Kumar , Bhargawa Puneet , Gupta Rahul , Saran Jitendra , Mathur Deepak K. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractBackgroundPanatrophy of Gowers (PG) is a very rare disorder. It is characterized by a sharply defined and localized area of atrophy involving subcutaneous tissue and, on rare occasions, bone. The etiopathogenesis of this disorder is an enigma. A limited number of patients have been described in single case reports.ObjectivesThis article describes the clinical features and histopathological findings of PG with the aim of indicating that PG may not be as rare as it is assumed to be.MethodsWe studied patients with lesions resembling those of PG between the years 2007 and 2012. Diagnoses of PG were based on clinical and histopathological findings.ResultsFour female and three male patients presented with clinically and histologically identical lesions.ConclusionsThis disorder is not as rare as it is assumed to be, probably because it is misdiagnosed as post‐steroid atrophy; thus PG requires more attention. Seven patients with PG are reported here to counteract the supposed rarity of this disorder and to highlight findings of hypopigmentation mimicking steroid‐induced atrophy.
Total body photography for skin cancer screening
Authors: Dengel Lynn T. , Petroni Gina R. , Judge Joshua , Chen David , Acton Scott T. , Schroen Anneke T. , Slingluff Craig L. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractBackgroundTotal body photography may aid in melanoma screening but is not widely applied due to time and cost. We hypothesized that a near‐simultaneous automated skin photo‐acquisition system would be acceptable to patients and could rapidly obtain total body images that enable visualization of pigmented skin lesions.MethodsFrom February to May 2009, a study of 20 volunteers was performed at the University of Virginia to test a prototype 16‐camera imaging booth built by the research team and to guide development of special purpose software. For each participant, images were obtained before and after marking 10 lesions (five “easy” and five “difficult”), and images were evaluated to estimate visualization rates. Imaging logistical challenges were scored by the operator, and participant opinion was assessed by questionnaire.ResultsAverage time for image capture was three minutes (range 2–5). All 55 “easy” lesions were visualized (sensitivity 100%, 90% CI 95–100%), and 54/55 “difficult” lesions were visualized (sensitivity 98%, 90% CI 92–100%). Operators and patients graded the imaging process favorably, with challenges identified regarding lighting and positioning.ConclusionsRapid‐acquisition automated skin photography is feasible with a low‐cost system, with excellent lesion visualization and participant acceptance. These data provide a basis for employing this method in clinical melanoma screening.
Long pulsed 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser treatment for wrinkle reduction and skin laxity: evaluation of new parameters
Authors: Hong Jong Soo , Park Song Youn , Seo Kyle K. , Goo Boncheol L. , Hwang Eun Jung , Park Gyeong Yul , Eun Hee Chul 
Published: December 2014

AbstractIntroductionAmong non‐ablative devices for wrinkle reduction and skin laxity, long pulsed 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser (LPND) has considerable effectiveness. It can penetrate to deep dermis due to its longer wavelength. This study assesses the efficacy and safety of LPND applying new parameters for skin rejuvenation in Korean subjects.MethodsA prospective randomized split‐faced study was done (n = 20). Half of the face was treated with three passes of LPND at a spot size of 12 mm, 20–24 J/cm2 fluence, 12 ms width, and frequency of 2 Hz, for three sessions, every four weeks. Outcomes were measured by wrinkle evaluation of blinded investigators, subjects' self‐assessment, objective measurements of elasticity, and skin biopsy.ResultsFour weeks after the final treatment sessions, the average wrinkle grades of the treated side were reduced by 45.1%. Skin elasticity was significantly increased. The increment of collagen and elastic fiber in papillary dermis was confirmed histologically. No adverse reaction was reported. Pain on the treated side was mild without needing anesthesia.DiscussionThe authors studied new parameters for LPND for improvement of wrinkles and skin laxity with fewer treatment sessions without serious complications. Histologic findings corresponded to clinical improvement.ConclusionNew parameters of LPND can achieve wrinkle improvement with few side effects.