bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
One‐Year Follow‐up After Open Abdomen Therapy With Vacuum‐Assisted Wound Closure and Mesh‐Mediated Fascial Traction
Authors: Bjarnason Thordur , Montgomery A. , Ekberg O. , Acosta S. , Svensson M. , Wanhainen A. , Björck M. , Petersson U. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractBackgroundOpen abdomen (OA) therapy frequently results in a giant planned ventral hernia. Vacuum‐assisted wound closure and mesh‐mediated fascial traction (VAWCM) enables delayed primary fascial closure in most patients, even after prolonged OA treatment. Our aim was to study the incidence of hernia and abdominal wall discomfort 1 year after abdominal closure.MethodsA prospective multicenter cohort study of 111 patients undergoing OA/VAWCM was performed during 2006–2009. Surviving patients underwent clinical examination, computed tomography (CT), and chart review at 1 year. Incisional and parastomal hernias and abdominal wall symptoms were noted.ResultsThe median age for the 70 surviving patients was 68 years, 77 % of whom were male. Indications for OA were visceral pathology (n = 40), vascular pathology (n = 22), or trauma (n = 8). Median length of OA therapy was 14 days. Among 64 survivors who had delayed primary fascial closure, 23 (36 %) had a clinically detectable hernia and another 19 (30 %) had hernias that were detected on CT (n = 18) or at laparotomy (n = 1). Symptomatic hernias were found in 14 (22 %), 7 of them underwent repair. The median hernia widths in symptomatic and asymptomatic patients were 7.3 and 4.8 cm, respectively (p = 0.031) with median areas of 81.0 and 42.9 cm2, respectively (p = 0.025). Of 31 patients with a stoma, 18 (58 %) had a parastomal hernia. Parastomal hernia (odds ratio 8.9; 95 % confidence interval 1.2–68.8) was the only independent factor associated with an incisional hernia.ConclusionsIncisional hernia incidence 1 year after OA therapy with VAWCM was high. Most hernias were small and asymptomatic, unlike the giant planned ventral hernias of the past.
A basic dynamic transmission model of Staphylococcus aureus in the US population
Authors: HOGEA C. , VAN EFFELTERRE T. , ACOSTA C. J. 
Published: May 2013

SUMMARYWe present a basic mathematical model of Staphylococcus aureus transmission in the USA based on natural history of infection and nationally representative data. We employed a Susceptible-Colonized-Infected-Recovered-Susceptible compartmental modelling framework with two different phenotypes of S. aureus: methicillin-susceptible (MSSA) and methicillin-resistant (MRSA). The model is dynamic and accounts for the US population growth. For model calibration/validation, we used published 1999–2005 S. aureus infection data in conjunction with the 2001–2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey colonization data. Baseline model projections illustrated how MRSA might continue to expand and gradually replace MSSA over time, in the absence of intervention, if there is strong competition for colonization. The model-based estimate of the basic reproduction number (R0) highlights the need for infection control. We illustrate the potential population-level impact of intervention with a hypothetical S. aureus vaccination component.
Performance of a rapid human metapneumovirus antigen test during an outbreak in a long-term care facility
Authors: HAMADA N. , HARA K. , MATSUO Y. , IMAMURA Y. , KASHIWAGI T. , NAKAZONO Y. , GOTOH K. , OHTSU Y. , OHTAKI E. , MOTOHIRO T. , WATANABE H. 
Published: May 2013

SUMMARYUsing a newly developed rapid test, an outbreak of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) infection in a long-term care facility was detected within only 2 days after the onset of symptoms in a putative index case. The outbreak was almost under control within 8 days mainly by zoning patients, with the exception of two cases of HMPV that were diagnosed 16 and 17 days after the onset of the outbreak. According to an immunological diagnosis as well as the rapid test, it was eventually proven that 18 patients had HMPV infections. We suspected that even asymptomatic residents, who had not been completely separated from the facility population, were a source of infection. That suggested that all asymptomatic residents should be tested and that the separation of the infected patients should be absolute, if an outbreak of HMPV infection is suspected in such a facility.
Competence for Informed Consent for Treatment and Research
Authors: Kim Scott Y. H. 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
Modern medical ethics and law place a very high value on individual autonomy. But the prevalence of decision-making incapacity-i.e., when a person lacks the capacity to exercise that autonomy-will continue to increase as the populations of western nations age. Abnormal brain aging due to neurodegenerative disease is very common and often impairs the cognitive processes needed to give informed consent for medical treatment and participation in research. This chapter reviews the ethico-legal framework for the assessment of decisional capacity, discusses in detail the empirical research on various risk factors for incapacity, and provides a practical guide for assessment. Special issues in assessment of decisional capacity in the research consent context is also discussed.
The Limits of Electoral Reform
Authors: Bowler Shaun , Donovan Todd 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
Institutions to electoral reform advocates and political scientists#x2014;both argue that variation in electoral institutions affectshow elected officials and citizens behave. Change the rules, and citizen engagement with politics can be renewed. Yeta look at the record of electoral reformreveals a string of disappointments. This book examines a variety of reforms, including campaign finance,direct democracy, legislativeterm limits, and changes to the electoral system itself. This study findselectoral reforms have limited, and in many cases no,effects. Despite reform claims, and contrary to the 2018;institutions matter literature, findings heresuggestthere are hard limits to effects of electoral reform. The explanations for this are threefold. The first is political. Reformers exaggerate claimsabout transformative effects of new electoral rules, yet their goal may simply be to maximize their partisan advantage.The second is empirical. Cross-sectional comparative research demonstratesthat variation in electoral institutions corresponds with different patterns of political attitudes and behaviour. But this method cannot assess what happens when rules are changed. Using examples from the US, UK, New Zealand, Australia, and elsewhere, this book examinesattitudes and behaviouracross time where rules were changed. Results do not match expectations from the institutional literature. The third is a point of logic. There is an inflated sense of the effects of institutions generally, and of electoral institutions in particular. Given larger social and economic forces at play, it is unrealistic to expect that changes in electoral arrangements will have substantial effects on political engagement or onhow people viewpolitics and politicians.
Facial Onset Sensory Motor Neuronopathy
Authors: Knopp Michael , Vaghela Naresh N. , Shanmugam Senthilkumar V. , Rajabally Yusuf A. 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
Facial onset sensory motor neuronopathy (FOSMN) is a recently identified condition characterized initially by trigeminal sensory involvement followed by sensory propagation and motor neuronopathy. Few cases have been reported, and latest evidence points toward a neurodegenerative cause. We describe a 59-year-old female who presented a typical clinical picture of FOSMN over 10 years. Immunological investigations showed positive antinuclear antibodies and antibodies to extractable nuclear antigens (anti-Ro antibodies). A mild inflammatory infiltrate was found on salivary gland biopsy. Intravenous immunoglobulin therapy was effective in improving and then stabilizing this patient’s condition. The pathophysiology of FOSMN remains uncertain, and this condition may be heterogeneous. An immune basis cannot be discounted in any given case, and suspected cases merit a trial of immunotherapy.
Isolated Severe Median Mononeuropathy Caused by a Jellyfish Sting
Authors: Al-Ajmi Abdullah M. , Jayappa Sateesh , Rousseff Rossen T. 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
Neuropathies caused by jellyfish stings are extremely rare and poorly studied. A 20-year-old female patient was stung on the volar aspect of the right forearm by an unidentified species of jellyfish. Local cutaneous reaction was followed within few days by severe median mononeuropathy, involving the motor and sensory branches to the hand and forearm but sparing the palmar branch. The patient had neuropathic pain relieved by pregabaline. Electrodiagnostic studies confirmed a demyelinating lesion. Ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging of the median nerve revealed uniform swelling with mild uptake of contrast along the forearm. Within 2 months, strength improved significantly, pain subsided, and numbness partially resolved. Literature review and discussion of the possible mechanisms and implications of this rare effect of marine animal envenomation is presented. Jellyfish sting may cause focal mononeuropathies most probably because of the local effects of the toxins.
A Male With Progressive Lower Extremity Weakness and Monoclonal Gammopathy
Authors: Mansoor Simin , Bertorini Tulio E. 
Published: May 2013

Abstract

Educational Objectives:
To discuss a case of progressive lower extremity paresis and paresthesias in a patient found to have monoclonal gammopathy.

Key Questions:
(1) What is the differential diagnosis of progressive lower extremity paresis and paresthesias? (2) How would one approach diagnostic testing for such a patient? (3) What is the differential diagnosis of neuropathy associated with gammopathy? and (4) What is the treatment for this patient?
What's in the Literature?
Authors: Lacomis David , El-Dokla Ahmed 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
We review new evidence that there is a difference in the electrophysiologic features of fasciculation potentials from patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) versus those with benign fasciculations. A report on the entity of fasciculation anxiety syndrome in clinicians is also covered. An interesting association between ALS with the C9ORF72 mutation and multiple sclerosis has been reported; ALS is more severe in this setting. The genetic etiology of Welander distal myopathy is now known, and genetic predispositions for ambulatory loss in Duchenne muscular dystrophy and epilepsy were recently reported. Several recent articles on myasthenia gravis (MG) provide updates on the incidence of late-onset MG, genetic risk factors for MG development, and the complications of central versus peripheral access for plasma exchange. Last, several relatively recent articles address prevention and risk of developing paclitaxel-induced neuropathy.
An Empirical Comparison of Tree‐Based Methods for Propensity Score Estimation
Authors: Watkins Stephanie , Jonsson‐Funk Michele , Brookhart M. Alan , Rosenberg Steven A. , O'Shea T. Michael , Daniels Julie 
Published: May 2013

ObjectiveTo illustrate the use of ensemble tree‐based methods (random forest classification [RFC] and bagging) for propensity score estimation and to compare these methods with logistic regression, in the context of evaluating the effect of physical and occupational therapy on preschool motor ability among very low birth weight (VLBW) children.Data SourceWe used secondary data from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study Birth Cohort (ECLS‐B) between 2001 and 2006.Study DesignWe estimated the predicted probability of treatment using tree‐based methods and logistic regression (LR). We then modeled the exposure‐outcome relation using weighted LR models while considering covariate balance and precision for each propensity score estimation method.Principal FindingsAmong approximately 500 VLBW children, therapy receipt was associated with moderately improved preschool motor ability. Overall, ensemble methods produced the best covariate balance (Mean Squared Difference: 0.03–0.07) and the most precise effect estimates compared to LR (Mean Squared Difference: 0.11). The overall magnitude of the effect estimates was similar between RFC and LR estimation methods.ConclusionPropensity score estimation using RFC and bagging produced better covariate balance with increased precision compared to LR. Ensemble methods are a useful alterative to logistic regression to control confounding in observational studies.
Incidence and predictors of understaging in patients with clinical T1 urothelial carcinoma undergoing radical cystectomy
Authors: Ark Jacob T. , Keegan Kirk A. , Barocas Daniel A. , Morgan Todd M. , Resnick Matthew J. , You Chaochen , Cookson Michael S. , Penson David F. , Davis Rodney , Clark Peter E. , Smith Joseph A. , Chang Sam S. 
Published: May 2013

Objective
To evaluate predictors of understaging in patients with presumed non‐muscle‐invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) identified on transurethral resection of bladder tumour (TURBT) who underwent radical cystectomy (RC) with attention to the role of a restaging TURBT.
Patients and Methods
We retrospectively evaluated 279 consecutive patients with clinically staged T1 (cT1) disease after TURBT who underwent RC at our institution from April 2000 to July 2011.
In all, 60 of these cT1 patients had undergone a restaging TURBT before RC.
The primary outcome measure was pathological staging of ≥T2 disease at the time of RC.
Results
In all, 134 (48.0%) patients were understaged.
Of the 60 patients who remained cT1 after a restaging TURBT, 28 (46.7%) were understaged. Solitary tumour (odds ratio [OR] 0.43, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.25–0.76, P = 0.004) and fewer prior TURBTs (OR 0.84, 95% CI 0.71–1.00, P = 0.05) were independent risk factors for understaging.
Conclusions
Despite the overall improvement in staging accuracy linked to restaging TURBTs, the risk of clinical understaging remains high in restaged patients found to have persistent T1 urothelial carcinoma who undergo RC.
Solitary tumour and fewer prior TURBTs are independent risk factors for being understaged. Incorporating these predictors into preoperative risk stratification may allow for augmented identification of those patients with clinical NMIBC who stand to benefit most from RC.
Nightly vs on‐demand sildenafil for penile rehabilitation after minimally invasive nerve‐sparing radical prostatectomy: results of a randomized double‐blind trial with placebo
Authors: Pavlovich Christian P. , Levinson Adam W. , Su Li‐Ming , Mettee Lynda Z. , Feng Zhaoyong , Bivalacqua Trinity J. , Trock Bruce J. 
Published: May 2013

Objectives
To clarify the role of phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors in post‐prostatectomy penile rehabilitation (PPPR).
To compare nightly and on‐demand use of PDE5 inhibitors after nerve‐sparing minimally invasive radical prostatectomy (RP).
Patients and Methods
We conducted a single‐institution, double‐blind, randomized controlled trial of nightly vs on‐demand 50‐mg sildenafil citrate after nerve‐sparing minimally invasive RP.
A total of 100 preoperatively potent men, aged <65 years, with scores on the Erectile Function domain of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF‐EF) ≥26, underwent nerve‐sparing surgery.
The patients were randomized to either nightly sildenafil and on‐demand placebo (nightly sildenafil group), or on‐demand sildenafil and nightly placebo (on‐demand sildenafil group; maximum on‐demand dose six tablets/month) for 12 months. Patients then underwent a 1‐month washout period.
Validated measures of erectile function (IIEF‐EF score and the Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite [EPIC]) were compared between treatment groups over the entire 13‐month time course, using multivariable mixed linear regression models.
Results
The treatment groups were well matched preoperatively (mean age 54.3 vs 54.6 years, baseline IIEF‐EF score 29.4 vs 29.3, for the nightly vs the on‐demand sildenafil groups, respectively).
No significant differences were found in erectile function between treatments (nightly vs on‐demand sildenafil) at any single timepoint after RP, after adjusting for potential confounding factors.
When evaluated over all timepoints simultaneously, no significant effects of treatment group (nightly vs on‐demand sildenafil) were found on recovery of potency, as assessed by absolute IIEF‐EF scores (P = 0.765), on percentage of men returning to an IIEF‐EF score >21 (P = 0.830), or on IIEF‐EF score recovery to a percentage of baseline value (P = 0.778).
When evaluated over all timepoints simultaneously, no significant effects of treatment group were found on secondary endpoints such as assessment of potency (including EPIC item 59 response ‘erections firm enough for intercourse’), attempted intercourse frequency or confidence.
Conclusions
Erectile recovery up to 1 year after RP does not differ between previously potent men who use sildenafil nightly compared to on‐demand.
This trial does not support chronic nightly sildenafil as being any better than on‐demand sildenafil for use in penile rehabilitation after nerve‐sparing minimally invasive RP.
Reviewing Biosphere Reserves globally: effective conservation action or bureaucratic label?
Authors: Coetzer Kaera L. , Witkowski Edward T. F. , Erasmus Barend F. N. 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACTThe Biosphere Reserve (BR) model of UNESCO's Man and the Biosphere Programme reflects a shift towards more accountable conservation. Biosphere Reserves attempt to reconcile environmental protection with sustainable development; they explicitly acknowledge humans, and human interests in the conservation landscape while still maintaining the ecological values of existing protected areas. Conceptually, this model is attractive, with 610 sites currently designated globally. Yet the practical reality of implementing dual ‘conservation’ and ‘development’ goals is challenging, with few examples successfully conforming to the model's full criteria.Here, we review the history of Biosphere Reserves from first inception in 1974 to the current status quo, and examine the suitability of the designation as an effective conservation model. We track the spatial expansion of Biosphere Reserves globally, assessing the influence of the Statutory Framework of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves and Seville strategy in 1995, when the BR concept refocused its core objectives on sustainable development. We use a comprehensive range of case studies to discuss conformity to the Programme, the social and ecological consequences associated with implementation of the designation, and challenges in aligning conservation and development. Given that the ‘Biosphere Reserve’ label is a relatively unknown designation in the public arena, this review also provides details on popularising the Biosphere Reserve brand, as well as prospects for further research, currently unexploited, but implicit in the designation.
High‐resolution habitat suitability modelling can improve conservation of vulnerable marine ecosystems in the deep sea
Authors: Rengstorf Anna M. , Yesson Chris , Brown Colin , Grehan Anthony J. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractAimThe distribution of vulnerable marine ecosystems in the deep sea is poorly understood. This has led to the emergence of modelling methods to predict the occurrence of suitable habitat for conservation planning in data‐sparse areas. Recent global analyses for cold‐water corals predict a high probability of occurrence along the slopes of continental margins, offshore banks and seamounts in the north‐eastern Atlantic, but tend to overestimate the extent of the habitat and do not provide the detail needed for finer‐scale assessments and protected area planning. Using Lophelia pertusa reefs as an example, this study integrates multibeam bathymetry with a wide range of environmental data to produce a regional high‐resolution habitat suitability map relevant for marine spatial planning.LocationIrish continental margin (extended continental shelf claim).MethodsMaximum entropy modelling was used to predict L. pertusa reef distribution at a spatial resolution of 0.002°. Coral occurrences were assembled from public databases, publications and video footage, and filtered for quality. Environmental predictor variables were produced by re‐sampling of global oceanographic data sets and a regional ocean circulation model. Multi‐scale terrain parameters were computed from multibeam bathymetry.ResultsSuitable habitat was predicted on mound features and in canyon areas along a narrow band following the slopes of the Irish continental margin, the Rockall Bank and the Porcupine Bank. Standard deviation of the seabed slope (54%), temperature (28%) and bottom shear stress (9%) were the most important variables to predict coral distribution.Main conclusionsThis is the first regional coral habitat suitability modelling study to incorporate full coverage multibeam bathymetry in the deep sea. The use of high‐resolution environmental data and quality‐controlled distribution data significantly reduces habitat overestimation demonstrated by global‐scale analyses and produces detailed maps to support marine protected area network design. The strong response of the corals to local‐scale terrain variability highlights the need to protect the seabed from anthropogenic impacts that may reduce its complexity, such as bottom trawling.
Structural and ultrastructural features of the agouti tongue (Dasyprocta aguti Linnaeus, 1766)
Authors: Ciena Adriano Polican , Bolina Cristina de Sousa , de Almeida Sonia Regina Yokomizo , Rici Rose Eli Grassi , de Oliveira Moacir Franco , Silva Marcelo Cavenaghi Pereira da , Miglino Maria Angélica , Watanabe Ii‐sei 
Published: May 2013

AbstractThe agouti (Dasyprocta aguti Linnaeus, 1766) is a wild rodent belonging to the family Dasyproctidae that is found throughout Brazil and feeds on fruits and seeds. The aim of the present study was to describe the following features of the tongue of agouti: its morphological structures, the three‐dimensional characteristics of the lingual papillae surface, the connective tissue cores (CTCs) and the epithelial cell ultrastructure. Four types of papillae were observed on the dorsal surface of the tongue with a triangular shape: filiform, fungiform, foliate and vallate. Filiform papillae were distributed throughout the tongue surface, and removal of the epithelial surface revealed conical CTCs and multifilaments. Fungiform papillae were observed in the rostral and middle regions, whereas foliate papillae developed in pairs on the lateral margin of the caudal region. Removal of the epithelium in these regions revealed CTCs with parallel laminar conformation. Vallate papillae were arranged in a V‐shape in the caudal region, and their CTCs ranged in shape from elongate to ovoid. The ultrastructural components of the dorsal epithelium were the basal, spinous, granular and keratinised layers. A broad area with cytoplasmic projections was identified in the interface region between the lamina propria and the basal layer. Flattened cells with intermediate filaments were observed in the transitional region between spinous and granular layers. The keratinised layer was composed of superimposed epithelial cells where desmosomes and cell‐surface microridges were observed. These structural features, including the three‐dimensional aspects of the lingual papillae, the CTCs and the epithelial ultrastructure, indicate that when compared with other animals, particularly other rodent species, the morphological features of the tongue of agouti are relatively well developed, especially regarding foliate and vallate papillae.