bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Randomized clinical trial of intraoperative superficial cervical plexus blockversusincisional local anaesthesia in thyroid and parathyroid surgery
Authors: Egan R J , Hopkins J C , Beamish A J , Shah R , Edwards A G , Morgan J D T 
Published: November 2013

AbstractBackgroundModerate wound pain and opiate analgesia requirement is reported following thyroid and parathyroid surgery. A randomized clinical trial was performed to investigate whether intraoperative superficial cervical plexus block (SCPB) would decrease postoperative pain and analgesia use.MethodsPatients were randomized to incisional local anaesthesia (control) or incisional local anaesthesia plus intraoperative SCPB. The primary outcome measure was pain, assessed by a visual analogue scale (VAS). Secondary outcome measures were analgesia use (strong opiates defined as having potency at least as strong as that of oral morphine), respiratory rate and sedation score. Primary outcome measures were analysed with non-parametric tests, as well as with receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves calculated as area under the curve (AUC) to discriminate between trial limbs.ResultsTwenty-nine patients were randomized to each group. Pain (VAS) scores were lower in patients who received intraoperative SCPB than in controls 30 min after surgery and subsequently (P &lt; 0·020 at all time points), with a median pain score of zero on the day of operation in the SCPB group. Corresponding analysis of ROC curves showed differences between groups at 30 min (AUC = 0·722, P = 0·012), 90 min (AUC = 0·747, P = 0·005), 150 min (AUC = 0·803, P &lt; 0·001) and 210 min (AUC = 0·849, P &lt; 0·001) after surgery, and at 07.00 hours on postoperative day 1 (AUC = 0·710, P = 0·017). Fewer patients in the SCPB group required strong opiates (5 of 29 versus 16 of 29 in the control group; P = 0·003) and rescue opiates (6 of 29 versus 20 of 29; P &lt; 0·001).ConclusionIntraoperative SCPB reduces pain scores following thyroid and parathyroid surgery, and reduces the requirement for strong and rescue opiates. Registration number: 2009-012671-98 (https://www.clinicaltrialsregister.eu).
Randomized clinical trial of fluid and salt restriction compared with a controlled liberal regimen in elective gastrointestinal surgery
Authors: Kalyan J P , Rosbergen M , Pal N , Sargen K , Fletcher S J , Nunn D L , Clark A , Williams M R , Lewis M P N 
Published: November 2013

AbstractBackgroundExcessive intravenous fluid prescription may play a causal role in postoperative complications following major gastrointestinal resectional surgery. The aim of this study was to investigate whether fluid and salt restriction would decrease postoperative complications compared with a more modern controlled liberal regimen.MethodsIn this observer-blinded single-site randomized clinical trial consecutive patients undergoing major gastrointestinal resectional surgery were randomized to receive either a liberal control fluid regimen or a restricted fluid and salt regimen. The primary outcome was postoperative complications of grade II and above (moderate to severe).ResultsSome 240 patients (194 colorectal resections and 46 oesophagogastric resections) were enrolled in the study; 121 patients were randomized to the restricted regimen and 119 to the control (liberal) regimen. During surgery the control group received a median (interquartile range) fluid volume of 2033 (1576–2500) ml and sodium input of 282 (213–339) mmol, compared with 1000 (690–1500) ml and 142 (93–218) mmol respectively in the restricted group. There was no significant difference in major complication rate between groups (38·0 and 39·0 per cent respectively). Median (range) hospital stay was 8 (3–101) days in the controls and 8 (range 3–76) days among those who received restricted fluids. There were four in-hospital deaths in the control group and two in the restricted group. Substantial differences in weight change, serum sodium, osmolality and urine : serum osmolality ratio were observed between the groups.ConclusionThere were no significant differences in major complication rates, length of stay and in-hospital deaths when fluid restriction was used compared with a more liberal regimen. Registration number: ISRCTN39295230 (http://www.controlled-trials.com).Presented to the United European Gastroenterology Congress, Barcelona, Spain, October 2010; published in abstract form as Gut 2010; 59(Suppl 3): A15
Outcomes following prosthetic patch repair in newborns with congenital diaphragmatic hernia
Authors: Jawaid W B , Qasem E , Jones M O , Shaw N J , Losty P D 
Published: November 2013

AbstractBackgroundThe anatomical defect in congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) can usually be closed primarily but prosthetic patch repair may be required in newborns with a deficient diaphragm. High rates of patch failure and hernia recurrence (up to 50 per cent) have been reported. This study evaluated contemporary outcomes following patch repair of CDH at a UK paediatric surgical centre.MethodsMedical records of newborns undergoing surgery for CDH between 1 February 1990 and 1 November 2010, and attending a multidisciplinary follow-up clinic, were examined. Operative details and patch utilization are reported.ResultsOf 118 newborns with CDH, 37 required a patch to the diaphragmatic defect. Gore-Tex® patches were used in 35 and biological Surgisis® patches in two. Eight babies additionally required an abdominal wall patch. Seven infants had an abdominal patch alone with primary diaphragm repair. A total of 102 infants (86·4 per cent) survived after surgery. Two early recurrences were both related to the use of biological patches, leading to revisional surgery with Gore-Tex® patch reconstruction. Diaphragmatic patch use was associated with a greater requirement for intensive cardiovascular and respiratory support, although there was no significant difference in mortality between patch versus primary diaphragm repair. The mortality rate was significantly higher among infants requiring abdominal wall patching (with or without a diaphragmatic patch): 40 per cent (6 of 15) versus 9·7 per cent (10 of 103) (P = 0·006). Postoperative survival rates for infants with a diaphragmatic patch alone, abdominal wall patch alone, and both abdominal and diaphragmatic patches were 86 per cent (25 of 29), 57 per cent (4 of 7) and 63 per cent (5 of 8) respectively.ConclusionProsthetic diaphragmatic hernia repair at this centre has a good outcome and low rate of recurrence (5 per cent). The recognition of an inadequate abdominal domain prenatally may additionally prove to be a useful marker for predicting increased mortality in newborns with CDH.
Population-based study of presentation and adverse outcomes after femoral hernia surgery
Authors: Humes D J , Radcliffe R S , Camm C , West J 
Published: November 2013

Abstract

Background
Rates of emergency admission with femoral hernia are high compared with those for other hernias. This study aimed to determine the modes and consequences of presentation to primary care before admission to hospital.

Methods
This was a population-based cohort study using healthcare records from the Clinical Practice Research Datalink linked to Hospital Episode Statistics data from 1997 to 2007. Length of hospital stay, bowel resection rates and 30-day mortality were calculated.

Results
A total of 885 patients (690 female, 78.0 per cent) underwent femoral hernia repair, with 406 operations (45·9 per cent) performed as an emergency. The majority of patients who were admitted as an emergency (331, 81·5 per cent) presented to the general practitioner for the first time with symptoms of a hernia in the 7 days before admission, compared with just ten (2·1 per cent) of 479 patients admitted electively (P &lt; 0·001). The median (i.q.r.) length of stay for patients undergoing elective surgery was 1 (0–2) day compared with 5 (3–9) days for those having an emergency repair (P &lt; 0·001). Adverse events were more common among patients operated on as emergency, with 94 (23·2 per cent) having a small bowel resection compared with one (0·2 per cent) who had elective surgery. There were no deaths within 30 days in the elective group, but seven (1·7 per cent) in the emergency group.

Conclusion
A large proportion of patients with femoral hernia present late to primary care and are operated on as an emergency, with worse outcomes.
Presented to the Annual Meeting of the Society of Academic and Research Surgery, Nottingham, UK, January 2012; published in abstract form as Br J Surg 2012; 99(Suppl 4): 18
Efficient Polymer Solar Cells Based on Solution‐processed Vanadium Oxide as Hole‐extracting Layer
Authors: Xiao Biao , Cheng Xiaoping , Zhao Baofeng , Wu Hongbin 
Published: November 2013

AbstractHere we reported the fabrication of efficient polymer solar cells from regioregular poly(3‐hexylthiophene) (P3HT):fullerene derivative [6,6]‐phenyl‐C61 butyric acid methyl ester (PC61BM) mixtures, in which solution‐processed vanadium oxide (VOx) was used as a hole‐extracting layer (HEL). The obtained devices exhibited a high power conversion efficiency of 3.96%, and can be enhanced to 4.06% and 4.16%, respectively, when two types of PEDOT:PSS with different conductivities were used in conjunction with the VOx layer. All the VOx‐based devices showed a high fill factor (FF) over 70%, which was ascribed to efficient hole extracting efficiency associated with the solution‐processed VOx hole‐extracting layer. The origins of the improvement were also studied by transmission spectra, atomic force microscope (AFM), and capacitance‐voltage characteristics.
The pharmacokinetics of darexaban (YM150), an oral direct factor Xa inhibitor, are not affected by ketoconazole, a strong inhibitor of CYP3A and P‐glycoprotein
Authors: Groenendaal Dorien , Strabach Gregory , Garcia‐Hernandez Alberto , Kadokura Takeshi , Heeringa Marten , Mol Roelof , Eltink Charlotte , Onkels Hartmut 
Published: November 2013

AbstractWe investigated the effects of ketoconazole on the pharmacokinetics (PK) of the direct clotting factor Xa inhibitor darexaban (YM150) and its main active metabolite darexaban glucuronide (YM‐222714) which almost entirely determines the antithrombotic effect. In this open‐label, randomized, two‐period crossover study, 26 healthy male volunteers received in one treatment period a single dose of darexaban 60 mg, and in the other treatment period, ketoconazole 400 mg once daily on Days 1–9 with a single dose of darexaban 60 mg on Day 4. Washout between periods was at least 1 week. The geometric mean ratio (90% confidence interval) of darexaban glucuronide (darexaban plus ketoconazole versus darexaban) for AUCinf was 1.11 (1.00, 1.23), and for Cmax 1.18 (1.03, 1.35). Darexaban concentrations remained very low (AUClast ∼196‐fold lower) in relation to darexaban glucuronide concentrations. In conclusion, the PK of darexaban glucuronide was not affected to a clinically relevant degree by co‐administration of the strong CYP3A/P‐glycoprotein inhibitor, ketoconazole. The PK of the parent compound darexaban were changed, however, concentrations remained quantitatively insignificant in relation to the main active moiety, darexaban glucuronide.
Integrating batch marks and radio tags to estimate the size of a closed population with a movement model
Authors: Schwarz Carl James , Cope Scott , Fratton Glenda 
Published: November 2013

AbstractMovement models require individually identifiable marks to estimate the movement rates among strata. But they are relatively expensive to apply and monitor. Batch marks can be readily applied, but individual animal movements cannot be identified. We describe a method to estimate population size in a stratified population when movement takes place among strata and animals are marked with a combination of batch and individually identifiable tags. A hierarchical model with Bayesian inference is developed that pools information across segments on the detection efficiency based on radio‐tagged fish and also uses the movement of the radio‐tagged fish to impute the movement of the batch‐marked fish to provide estimates of the population size on a segment and river level. The batch marks provide important information to help estimate the movement rates, but contribute little to the overall estimate of the population size. In this case, the approximate equal catchability among strata in either sample obviates the need for stratification.
A simple two‐parameter model for scaling hillslope surface runoff
Authors: Sheridan Gary J. , Noske Philip J. , Lane Patrick N.J. , Jones Owen D. , Sherwin Christopher B. 
Published: November 2013

ABSTRACTThe objective of this research was to develop and parameterise a physically justified yet low‐parameter model to quantify observed changes in surface runoff ratios with hillslope length. The approach starts with the assumption that a unit of rainfall‐excess runoff generated at a point is a fraction β of precipitation P (m) which travels some variable distance down a slope before reinfiltrating, depending on the local rainfall, climate, soils, etc. If this random distance travelled Y is represented by a distribution, then a survival function will describe the probability of this unit of runoff travelling further than some distance x (m). The total amount of per unit width runoff Q (m2) flowing across the lower boundary of a slope of length λ (m) may be considered the sum of all the proportions of the units of rainfall excess runoff integrated from the lower boundary x = 0 to the upper boundary x = λ of the slope. Using these assumptions we derive a model Q(λ) = βPμλ/(μ + λ), (μ > 0, 0 ≤ β ≤ 1, λ ≥ 0) that describes the change in surface runoff with slope length, where μ (m) is the mean of the random variable Y. Dividing both sides of this equation by Pλ yields a simple two‐parameter equation for the dimensionless hillslope runoff ratio Qh(λ) = βμ/(μ + λ). The model was parameterised with new rainfall and runoff data collected from three replicates of bounded 2 m wide plots of four different lengths (0.5, 1.0, 2.0 and 4.0 m) for 2 years from a forested SE Australian site, and with 32 slope length–runoff data sets from 12 other published studies undertaken between 1934 and 2010. Using the parameterised model resulted in a Nash and Sutcliffe statistic between observed and predicted runoff ratio (for all data sets combined) of 0.93, compared with –2.1 when the runoff ratio was fixed at the value measured from the shortest plot. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A mixed microscopic method for differentiating seven species of “Bixie”‐related Chinese Materia Medica
Authors: Tang Yina , He Xicheng , Quanlan Chen , Lanlan Fan , Jianye Zhang , Zhongzhen Zhao , Dong Lisha , Zhitao Liang , Yi Tao , Chen Hubiao 
Published: November 2013

ABSTRACTConfusion in the species associated with the name of “Bixie” in Chinese Materia Medica began centuries ago. In recent decades, diverse medicinal plants from the genera Dioscorea and Smilax, and even minor species from the genus Heterosmilax, have been documented under the name Bixie or a very similar name as folk medicines in different areas of China. However, the traditional efficacies and chemical profiles of these herbs are not exactly the same and even vary wildly. Comprehensive authentication of multiple Bixie herbs has not yet been attempted. To differentiate and ensure the correct use of these Bixie‐related herbs, in this study, seven sorts of representative Bixie herbs (Dioscorea collettii, D. zingiberensis, D. nipponica, D. septemloba, Smilax china, S. glabra, and Heterosmilax japonica) were characterized based on the microscopic examination of their powders and cryotomed transverse sections. This is not only the first attempt to distinguish Bixie herbs by a comprehensive microscopic techniques, including common light microscopy, fluorescence microscopy, and polarized light microscopy, but also it is the first research to observe characteristics of transections of crude drugs under polarized lighting for the purpose of authentication. Polarized light has been found to provide a number of unique characteristics. The results indicate that starch granules, stone cells, vascular bundles, and other significant tissue features can be used to authenticate “Bixie” herbs. The method was proven to be quick, handy, specific, and simple. It should be widely applicable to other herbal materials. Microsc. Res. Tech. 77:57–70, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Shape memory and phase transitions for auxetic materials
Authors: Ciarletta Michele , Fabrizio Mauro , Tibullo Vincenzo 
Published: November 2013

AbstractWe present a mathematical model describing the auxetic‐austenitic phase transition phenomenon by a second order shape memory phase transition. The typical properties of auxetic materials, as the negative Poisson ratio ν, are described by a function of the phase ϕ, called order parameter, which relates the phase transition with a change of the internal order structure of the material. In our model, the auxetic phase is represented by an order parameter ϕ = 1, which provides a negative Poisson's ratio, while the austenitic phase will be denoted by ϕ = 0. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Structural Model of the Influence of Immigrant Mothers' Depressive Symptoms and Home Environment on Their Children's Early Developmental Outcomes in Taiwan
Authors: Chen Hung‐Hui , Hwang Fang‐Ming , Wang Kung‐Liahng , Chen Chwen‐Jen , Lai Jerry Cheng‐Yen , Chien Li‐Yin 
Published: November 2013

AbstractIn this cross‐sectional study of 61 immigrant mothers and their 6‐ to 24‐month‐old children in Taiwan, we examined the structure of relationships among maternal depressive symptoms, quality of the child‐rearing home environment, and child development using a partial least squares approach. Maternal depressive symptoms as measured by the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale had a direct and negative effect on the quality of the home environment as measured by the IT‐HOME, which in turn had a direct and positive effect on child development as measured by the Comprehensive Developmental Inventory for Infants and Toddlers. Maternal depressive symptoms did not directly affect child development, suggesting that the quality of the home environment mediated the relationship between maternal depressive symptoms and child development. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Res Nurs Health 36: 603–611, 2013
A comparative study of P450 gene expression in field and laboratory Musca domestica L. strains
Authors: Højland Dorte H , Vagn Jensen Karl‐Martin , Kristensen Michael 
Published: November 2013

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe housefly is a global pest that has developed resistance to most insecticides applied for its control. Resistance has been associated with cytochrome P450 monooxygenases (P450s). The authors compare the expression of six genes possibly associated with insecticide resistance in three unselected strains: a multiresistant strain (791a), a neonicotinoid‐resistant strain (766b) and a new field strain (845b).RESULTSCYP4G2 was highly expressed throughout the range of strains and proved to be the one of the most interesting expression profiles of all P450s analysed. CYP6G4 was expressed up to 11‐fold higher in 766b than in WHO‐SRS. Significant differences between expression of P450 genes between F1 flies from 845b and established laboratory strains were shown. In general, P450 gene expression in 845b was 2–14‐fold higher than in the reference strain (P < 0.0101) and 2–23‐fold higher than in the multiresistant strain (P < 0.0110).CONCLUSIONThe newly collected field strain 845b had significantly higher constitutive gene expression than both WHO‐SRS and 791a. High constitutive expression of CYP4G2 in houseflies indicates a possible role of this gene in metabolic resistance. There is a strong indication that CYP6G4 is a major insecticide resistance gene involved in neonicotinoid resistance. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
A model‐driven approach for experimental evaluation of intrusion detection systems
Authors: Abou El Kalam Anas , Gad El Rab Mohamed , Deswarte Yves 
Published: November 2013

ABSTRACTBecause attacks are becoming more frequent and more complex, intrusion detection systems (IDSes) need significant improvements to be able to detect new attacks and variants of already known attacks. It is thus necessary to assess precisely their quality of detection, performance, and robustness in the environment where they will be deployed. In this paper, we present an evaluation approach designed to overcome most of the identified weaknesses in several IDS evaluation: the lack of a rigorous methodology, the use of non‐representative test datasets, and the use of inappropriate metrics. In our approach, model‐based evaluation is combined with experimental testing. Because testing an IDS against all possible attacks is practically impossible, we propose a classification of elementary attacks and a model of attack processes. Then, we developed the attack planning and injection tool that helps security administrators to plan and select the most relevant attack scenarios. Attack planning and injection tool is able to generate and carry out concrete and adaptable attacks on specifically identified computers. To demonstrate the validity of our approach, we experimented our tool in a case study environment to compare well‐known IDSes. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Primary epiploic appendagitis
Authors: Martinez Carlos Augusto Real , Palma Rogério Tadeu , Júnior Paulo Pedroso Silveira , Sato Daniela Tiemi , Rodrigues Murilo Rocha , Júnior Hermínio Cabral de Resende , Filho René Crepaldi 
Published: November 2013

AbstractPrimary epiploic appendagitis (PEA) is a seldom reported disease caused by spontaneous torsion of one or more epiploic appendices. The aim of this study is to describe two cases of PEA reviewing the main aspects of the diagnosis and treatment of disease. Case report: Case 1) Male patient, 55 years old, obese, with abdominal right iliac fossa (RIF) pain for two days. Abdominal examination showed pain on palpation in the RIF with rebound tenderness. Abdominal computed tomography identified lobulated lesion in the cecum, measuring 4.5 cm in diameter, which was suggestive of PEA or early neoplasm of the colon wall. The laparoscopic assessment confirmed the diagnosis of PEA and the appendix was removed. The patient had a satisfactory outcome, being discharged on the second postoperative day. Case 2) Female patient, obese, 47 years old, with abdominal pain for six days, with sudden RIF onset. She had pain at palpation with rebound tenderness. Acute diverticulitis was suspected and patient underwent abdominal CT that identified PEA in the sigmoid colon. After expectant management, the patient showed progressive improvement resuming her activities in seven days. PEA is a rarely recalled condition during the investigation of inflammatory acute abdomen which can be easily recognized by modern imaging methods of assessment.
Weakly Nonlinear Characteristics of a Three-Layer Circular Piezoelectric Plate-Like Power Harvester Near Resonance
Authors: Wang H. R. , Xie X. , Hu Y. T. , Wang J. 
Published: November 2013

ABSTRACTThe nonlinear characteristics of a simply-supported three-layer circular piezoelectric plate-like power harvester near resonance are examined in the paper, where the energy-scavenging structure consists of two properly poled piezoceramic layers separated by a central metallic layer. The structure is subjected to a uniform harmonic pressure on the upper surface. Nonlinear effects of large deflection near resonance to induce the incidental in-plane extension are considered. Results on output powers are presented, which exhibit multi-valuedness and jump phenomena.