bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prospects for, and Challenges of, Research Design and Training in Cross‐Disciplinary Environmental Management Research
Authors: ASHBY NICOLE , FRYIRS KIRSTIE , HOWITT RICHARD 
Published: January 2015

AbstractResearch in coupled human and natural systems can be quite a cross‐disciplinary endeavour, requiring the combination of diverse concepts, methods, and approaches. While there is a wide recognition of the importance of incorporating different viewpoints, perspectives, and disciplines in achieving positive environmental and social outcomes, the methods through which such research is designed, specifically the processes engaged in, are largely absent from the literature. This presents challenges in research training for students in the field. This paper uses the example of a recent student project examining the management of Temperate Highland Peat Swamps on Sandstone to consider how research training might address project design, conceptual challenges, and methodological choices. The goal of this project was to build improved understanding of the role of context in the adaptive management of these endangered ecological communities from Commonwealth to micro‐local scales. The paper explores the complexities of integrating approaches and methods drawn from both social sciences and environmental sciences. Rather than providing a definitive ‘how to guide’ for conducting integrative cross‐disciplinary research, it offers food for thought on the processes involved in creating a research project which transcends boundaries between social science and environmental science that are easily entrenched in research training that is compartmentalised along discipline lines.
Root cause analysis of critical events in neurosurgery, New South Wales
Authors: Perotti Vanessa , Sheridan Mark M. P. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractBackgroundAdverse events reportedly occur in 5% to 10% of health care episodes. Not all adverse events are the result of error; they may arise from systemic faults in the delivery of health care. Catastrophic events are not only physically devastating to patients, but they also attract medical liability and increase health care costs. Root cause analysis (RCA) has become a key tool for health care services to understand those adverse events.MethodThis study is a review of all the RCA case reports involving neurosurgical patients in New South Wales between 2008 and 2013. The case reports and data were obtained from the Clinical Excellence Commission database. The data was then categorized by the root causes identified and the recommendations suggested by the RCA committees.ResultsThirty‐two case reports were identified in the RCA database. Breaches in policy account for the majority of root causes identified, for example, delays in transfer of patients or wrong‐site surgery, which always involved poor adherence to correct patient and site identification procedures. The RCA committees' recommendations included education for staff, and improvements in rostering and procedural guidelines.ConclusionRCAs have improved the patient safety profile; however, the RCA committees have no power to enforce any recommendation or ensure compliance. A single RCA may provide little learning beyond the unit and staff involved. However, through aggregation of RCA data and dissemination strategies, health care workers can learn from adverse events and prevent future events from occurring.
Rectus sheath block for laparoscopic appendicectomy: a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Hamill James K. , Liley Andrew , Hill Andrew G. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractBackgroundThe rectus sheath block is effective in elective paediatric operations, but has not been previously studied in acute laparoscopic surgery. We investigated its effect on pain after laparoscopic appendicectomy for acute appendicitis.MethodsChildren aged 8–14 years admitted to a paediatric teaching hospital participated in a randomized clinical trial comparing a rectus sheath block using bupivacaine plus adrenaline with saline control. The primary outcomes were pain scores and opiate use, and secondary outcomes were time in the post‐anaesthetic care unit, duration of hospitalization and recovery.ResultsChildren in the nerve block group reported significantly reduced global pain scores compared with controls in the first 3 h after surgery, estimated mean 2.22 versus 3.94, effect size −1.80 (P = .008). Pain scores after 3 h did not differ between the groups. The groups did not differ in opiate requirements, length of hospital stay or recovery after discharge.ConclusionsIn children undergoing acute laparoscopic appendicectomy, a rectus sheath block reduced early post‐operative pain, and could contribute to a multimodal recovery programme.
Informed consent in medical decision‐making in commercial gestational surrogacy: a mixed methods study in New Delhi, India
Authors: Tanderup Malene , Reddy Sunita , Patel Tulsi , Nielsen Birgitte Bruun 
Published: January 2015

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate ethical issues in informed consent for decisions regarding embryo transfer and fetal reduction in commercial gestational surrogacy.DesignMixed methods study employing observations, an interview‐guide and semi‐structured interviews.SettingFertility clinics and agencies in Delhi, India, between December 2011 and December 2012.PopulationDoctors providing conceptive technologies to commissioning couples and carrying out surrogacy procedures; surrogate mothers; agents functioning as links for surrogacy.MethodsInterviews using semi‐structured interview guides were carried out among 20 doctors in 18 fertility clinics, five agents from four agencies and 14 surrogate mothers. Surrogate mothers were interviewed both individually and in the presence of doctors and agents. Data on socio‐economic context and experiences among and between various actors in the surrogacy process were coded to identify categories of ethical concern. Numerical and grounded theory‐oriented analyses were used.Main outcome measuresInformed consent, number of embryos transferred, fetal reduction, conflict of interest among the involved parties.ResultsNone of the 14 surrogate mothers were able to explain the risks involved in embryo transfer and fetal reduction. The majority of the doctors took unilateral decisions about embryo transfer and fetal reduction. The commissioning parents were usually only indirectly involved. In the qualitative analysis, difficulties in explaining procedures, autonomy, self‐payment of fertility treatment and conflicts of interest were the main themes.ConclusionsClinical procedural decisions were primarily made by the doctors. Surrogate mothers were not adequately informed. There is a need for regulation on decision‐making procedures to safeguard the interests of surrogate mothers.
Association between choroidal thickness and the response to intravitreal ranibizumab injection in age‐related macular degeneration
Authors: Shin Joo Youn , Kwon Kye Yoon , Byeon Suk Ho 
Published: January 2015

AbstractPurposeTo investigate the relationship between the choroidal thicknesses of eyes of patients with age‐related macular degeneration (AMD) and the outcomes of intravitreal ranibizumab injection.MethodsWe reviewed the medical records of 141 consecutive eyes (80 with typical neovascular AMD and 61 with polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy [PCV]) treated by intravitreal ranibizumab and 121 normal control eyes matched in terms of age and spherical equivalent (SE). Eyes of patients were divided into three subgroups with thin, medium and thick choroids. We investigated the relationships between choroidal thickness and treatment outcomes of intravitreal ranibizumab.ResultsIn eyes with typical neovascular AMD, thin choroids were associated with older age (linear regression; p < 0.0001) and larger choroidal neovascularization (CNV) lesions (p = 0.049). Patients with thin choroids had a higher prevalence of intra‐/subretinal fluid (generalized estimated equation; thin versus medium p < 0.0001; thin versus thick p = 0.003), and less visual gain from baseline to 12 months after treatment, than did other subgroups (linear mixed model; thin versus medium p < 0.0001; thin versus thick p = 0.023). PCV eyes with thick choroids more often had retinal fluid, and eyes with thin choroids experienced more frequent resolution of retinal fluid, from baseline to 12 months after treatment (thick versus medium p < 0.0001, thick versus thin p < 0.0001, thin versus medium p = 0.001). No intergroup difference in post‐treatment functional outcome was noted in eyes with PCV (p = 0.584).ConclusionsSubfoveal choroidal thickness was associated with functional and anatomical outcomes after intravitreal ranibizumab injection in eyes with typical neovascular AMD and PCV.
Parents report positive experiences about enrolling babies in a cord‐related clinical trial before birth
Authors: Ayers Susan , Sawyer Alexandra , Düring Camilla , Rabe Heike 
Published: January 2015

AbstractAimThe aim of this study was to evaluate parents' perceptions when they were asked to enrol their unborn preterm infant in a randomised trial involving delayed cord clamping or cord milking.MethodsThe parents of 58 infants were asked to take part in a qualitative study using semi‐structured interviews to provide feedback about how they felt about their infants being included in the research project. A total of 37 parents – 15 fathers and 22 mothers – agreed to take part.ResultsParents were generally positive about their experiences of their baby taking part in the trial, but the findings raised some concerns about the validity of the consent obtained before delivery, as it was given in a hurry, and some participants had difficulty remembering that they had agreed to take part. Four themes were identified from the interviews: implications of taking part, reasons for enrolling infants, experiences of recruitment and suggestions for improvement.ConclusionOverall, the parents were positive about their baby taking part in the trial, but the consent process could be improved, by providing information about relevant trials earlier in the pregnancy or implementing continuous consent at key points in the trial.
Quantification of fibrosis by collagen proportionate area predicts hepatic decompensation in hepatitis C cirrhosis
Authors: Calvaruso V. , Di Marco V. , Bavetta M. G. , Cabibi D. , Conte E. , Bronte F. , Simone F. , Burroughs A. K. , Craxì A. 
Published: January 2015

SummaryBackgroundIt is unclear whether the course of cirrhosis and its prognosis are related to the amount of collagen in the liver.AimTo determine whether fibrosis, assessed by collagen proportionate area (CPA) in patients with compensated cirrhosis, is associated with the presence of oesophageal varices, and predict disease decompensation during the follow‐up period.MethodsWe prospectively evaluated 118 consecutive patients with compensated cirrhosis to correlate fibrosis, assessed by CPA in liver biopsies, with the presence of oesophageal varices (OV) and with the rate of liver decompensation (LD) development during a median follow‐up of 72 months.ResultsAt baseline 38 (32.2%) patients had OV and during the follow‐up (median 72 months, IQR 47–91), 17 patients (14.4%) developed LD. The mean CPA value was different in patients with and without OV (14.8 ± 5.9% vs. 21.6 ± 9.5%, P < 0.001). The best CPA cut‐off for OV by area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) was ≥14% and with multivariate logistic analysis CPA was the only variable associated with OV (OR: 28.32, 95% CI: 6.30–127.28; P < 0.001). By AUROC analysis the best CPA cut‐off to predict LD was 18.0%. By Cox regression multivariate analysis CPA ≥18% (HR: 3.99, 95% CI: 1.04–11.45; P = 0.036), albumin (HR: 0.12, 95% CI: 0.04–0.43; P = 0.001) and presence of OV (HR: 8.15, 95% CI: 2.31–28.78; P = 0.001) were independently associated with LD.ConclusionQuantification of fibrosis by collagen proportionate area allows identification of patients with compensated HCV cirrhosis with a higher likelihood of clinically relevant portal hypertension and a higher risk of decompensation.
Effects of decontamination solutions on the surface of titanium: investigation of surface morphology, composition, and roughness
Authors: Wheelis Sutton E. , Gindri Izabelle M. , Valderrama Pilar , Wilson Thomas G. , Huang Jessica , Rodrigues Danieli C. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractAimTo investigate the impact of treatments used to detoxify dental implants on the oxide layer morphology and to infer how changes in morphology created by these treatments may impact re‐osseointegration of an implant.Materials and methodsPure titanium (cpTi) and the alloy Ti6Al4V were subjected to a series of chemical treatments and mechanical abrasion simulating surface decontamination of dental implants. The morphology and roughness of the surface layer before and after treatment with these solutions were investigated with optical and atomic force microscopy (OM, AFM). The solutions employed are typically used for detoxification of dental implants. These included citric acid, 15% hydrogen peroxide, chlorhexidine gluconate, tetracycline, doxycycline, sodium fluoride, peroxyacetic acid, and treatment with carbon dioxide laser. The treatments consisted of both immersions of samples in solution and rubbing with cotton swabs soaked in solution for 1, 2, and 5 min. Cotton swabs used were analyzed with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS).ResultsThe microscopy investigation showed that corrosion and pitting of the samples were present in both metal grades with immersion and rubbing methods when employing more acidic solutions, which hadpH<3. Mildly acidic solutions caused surface discoloration when coupled with rubbing but did not cause corrosion with immersion. Neutral or basic treatments resulted in no signs of corrosion with both methods.EDSresults revealed the presence of titanium particles on all rubbing samples.ConclusionIt was demonstrated in this study that acidic environments coupled with rubbing are able to introduce noticeable morphological changes and corrosion on the surface of both titanium grades.
Depression, self‐esteem and sexual function in laryngeal cancer patients
Authors: Yılmaz M. , Yener M. , Yollu U. , Akil F. , Haciyev Y. , Yargic I. , Karaman E. , Cansiz H. 
Published: January 2015

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to assess sexual function, affective disorders and self‐esteem in patients who were surgically treated for laryngeal cancer.DesignRetrospective, blind, cross‐sectional study.SettingSingle tertiary cancer centre.ParticipantsSeventy four patients who were operated on Istanbul University Cerrahpasa School of Medicine Otorhinolaryngology Department between 2008 and 2012 were classified according to the type of the operation as total laryngectomy (Group 1) and partial laryngectomy (Group 2).Main outcome measuresSexual dysfunction, depression and self‐esteem were evaluated with The Arizona Sexual Experiences Scale (ASEX), Beck's Depression Inventory (BDI) and Rosenberg Self‐Esteem Scale (RSES), respectively.ResultsAverage ASEX scores of the Group 1 were (13.98 ± 6.32) and Group 2 were (13.08 ± 4.96) without statistically significant difference (P = 0.537). Mean BDI score of Group 1 was (13.20 ± 10.41) higher than Group 2 (7.76 ± 8.14) and the difference was significant statistically (P = 0.026). Mean RSES scores of Group 1 and Group 2 were 20.68 ± 5.33 and 19.25 ± 4.70, respectively, again without significant difference (P = 0.262). However, when the average scores of each item of Rosenberg Scale were compared, significant difference was found in d4 (2.37 ± 0.78; 1.64 ± 0.99; P = 0.001), d6 (1.22 ± 1.05; 1.84 ± 1.14; P = 0.023), d10 (2.55 ± 2.39; 1.28 ± 1.49; P = 0.018) and d11 (1.35 ± 0.95; 2.00 ± 1.41; P = 0.021). BDI scores were correlated with RSES scores, and ASEX scores were correlated with age.ConclusionThe patients with total laryngectomy seem to have more psychological problems that must be addressed in the postoperative period.
Patch test results of the European baseline series among patients with occupational contact dermatitis across Europe – analyses of the European Surveillance System on Contact Allergy network, 2002–2010
Authors: Pesonen Maria , Jolanki Riitta , Larese Filon Francesca , Wilkinson Mark , Kręcisz Beata , Kieć‐Świerczyńska Marta , Bauer Andrea , Mahler Vera , John Swen M. , Schnuch Axel , Uter Wolfgang ,   on behalf of the ESSCA network
Published: January 2015

SummaryBackgroundOccupational contact dermatitis is one of the most common occupational diseases in Europe. In order to develop effective preventive measures, detailed and up‐to‐date data on the incidence, main causes and professions at risk of occupational contact dermatitis are needed.ObjectivesTo describe the pattern of patch test reactivity to allergens in the European baseline series of patients with occupational contact dermatitis in different occupations.MethodsWe analysed data collected by the European Surveillance System on Contact Allergy (ESSCA) network from 2002 to 2010, from 11 European countries.ResultsAllergens in the European baseline series associated with an at least doubled risk of occupational contact dermatitis include: thiuram rubber chemical accelerators, epoxy resin, and the antimicrobials methylchloroisothiazolinone/methylisothiazolinone, methyldibromo glutaronitrile, and formaldehyde. The highest risk of occupational contact dermatitis was found in occupations classified as ‘other personal services workers’, which includes hairdressers, nursing and other healthcare professionals, precision workers in metal and related materials, and blacksmiths, tool‐makers and related trades workers.ConclusionsIn the planning and implementation of measures aimed at preventing occupational contact dermatitis, the focus should be on the identified high‐risk occupational groups and the most common occupational allergies.
Postoperative analgesia with continuous wound infusion of local anaesthesia vs saline: a double‐blind randomized, controlled trial in colorectal surgery
Authors: Fustran N. , Dalmau A. , Ferreres E. , Camprubí I. , Sanzol R. , Redondo S. , Kreisler E. , Biondo S. , Sabaté A. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractAimThe aim of this prospective double‐blind randomized clinical trial was to determine whether preperitoneal continuous wound infusion (CWI) of the local anaesthetic ropivacaine after either laparotomy or video‐assisted laparoscopy for colorectal surgery would reduce patient consumption of morphine.MethodPatients scheduled for colorectal surgery randomly received a 48‐h preperitoneal CWI of either 0.38% ropivacaine or 0.9% saline at rates of 5 ml/h after laparotomy or 2 ml/h after laparoscopy. The primary end‐point was total morphine consumption in surgery and afterwards through a patient‐controlled analgesia device. Results in the laparotomy and laparoscopy subgroups were also compared.ResultsSixty‐seven patients were included, 33 in the ropivacaine CWI group and 34 in the saline group. Median [interquartile range (IQR)] morphine consumption was lower in the ropivacaine group [23.5 mg (11.25–42.75)] than in the saline group [52 mg (24.5–64)] (P = 0.010). Morphine consumption was also lower in the laparotomy subgroup receiving ropivacaine [21.5 (15.6–34.7)] than in the saline group [52.5 (22.5–65) ml] (P = 0.041). Consumption was statistically similar in laparoscopy patients on ropivacaine or saline. No side effects were observed. Sixteen patients had a surgical wound infection (23.9%); 11 (16.4%) presented wound infection and five (7.5%) organ space infection. Forty‐six catheter cultures were obtained; 10 (21.7%) were positive, assessed to be due to contamination.ConclusionPreperitoneal CWI of ropivacaine is a good, safe addition to a multimodal analgesia regimen for colorectal surgery. CWI can reduce morphine consumption without increasing adverse effects.
Myenteric plexitis at the proximal resection margin is a predictive marker for surgical recurrence of ileocaecal Crohn's disease
Authors: Misteli H. , Koh C. E. , Wang L. M. , Mortensen N. J. , George B. , Guy R. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractAimIdentifying predictors for the recurrence of Crohn's disease (CD) after surgery to improve disease surveillance or targeted therapy is rational. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between myenteric plexitis (MP) and clinical or surgical recurrence.MethodBetween 2000 and 2010, patients who underwent primary ileocaecal resection for CD at a single tertiary referral centre were identified. The histopathology was retrospectively reviewed for MP at the resection margins. The severity of MP was graded from 0 to 3 using a previously described classification. Information on demographics, surgical details and evidence of clinical or surgical recurrence was obtained from medical records.ResultsThere were 86 patients (49 women) of median age 31.5 (interquartile ratio 23.5–41.0) years. Seventy‐six and 77 specimens were assessable for proximal and distal MP. Proximal MP was present in 53 (69.7%) patients and was classified as mild, moderate or severe in 30 (39.5%), 14 (18.4) and nine (11.8%). MP at the distal resection margin was present in 40 (51.9%). Forty (46.5%) patients developed clinical recurrence of whom 16 (18.6%) required surgery. Clinical factors that predicted recurrence included age > 40 (P = 0.001) and the presence of an anastomosis (P = 0.023). On univariate analysis severe plexitis (Grade 3 MP) was also associated with surgical recurrence (P = 0.035).ConclusionThis retrospective study supports the association between MP at the proximal resection margin and surgical recurrence.
How Board Diversity Affects Firm Performance in Emerging Markets: Evidence on Channels in Controlled Firms
Authors: Ararat Melsa , Aksu Mine , Tansel Cetin Ayse 
Published: January 2015

AbstractManuscript TypeEmpiricalResearch Question/IssueWe investigate the indirect effect of a board's demographic diversity on firm performance via board monitoring in a context where boards are relatively homogeneous with respect to structural diversity, using data from Turkey. We contextualize our investigation by exploring the influence of ownership configurations on the effect of diversity.Research Findings/InsightsWe find a positive and non‐linear relationship between demographic diversity and performance, mediated by the board's monitoring efforts. The effect of monitoring is found to be contingent upon (moderated by) the controlling shareholders’ propensity to expropriate, measured by the deviation of control rights from cash flow rights, i.e. the wedge. We report that demographic diversity enhances firm performance by mitigating the negative effect of the wedge on board monitoring.Theoretical/Academic ImplicationsOur results provide empirical support for the importance of contextual factors in the relationship between diversity and performance. Our framework and the compound diversity and board‐monitoring indices we construct may prove useful to researchers.Practitioner/Policy ImplicationsRegulators can use our findings in formulating recommendations or regulations related to desirable characteristics of boards. Our results are also instructive for investors and proxy advisors and indicate that the mere existence of monitoring vehicles may be insufficient to prevent expropriation by dominant shareholders, but diverse boards may mitigate the propensity to expropriate. Board members and shareholders should also benefit from the findings in creating boards that are more diligent monitors.