bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A randomised comparison of variable‐frequency automated mandatory boluses with a basal infusion for patient‐controlled epidural analgesia during labour and delivery
Authors: Sia A. T. , Leo S. , Ocampo C. E. 
Published: December 2012

SummaryThis trial was conducted to compare the analgesic efficacy of administering variable‐frequency automated boluses at a rate proportional to the patient's needs with fixed continuous basal infusion in patient‐controlled epidural analgesia (PCEA) during labour and delivery. We recruited a total of 102 parturients in labour who were randomly assigned to receive either a novel PCEA with automated mandatory boluses of 5 ml administered once, twice, three or four times per hour depending on the history of the parturient's analgesic demands over the past hour (Automated bolus group), or a conventional PCEA with a basal infusion of 5 ml.h−1 (Infusion group). The incidence of breakthrough pain requiring supplementation by an anaesthetist was significantly lower in the Automated bolus group, three out of 51 (5.9%) compared with the Infusion group, 12 out of 51 (23.5%, p = 0.023). The time‐weighted mean (SD) hourly consumption of ropivacaine was similar in both groups, 10.0 (3.0) mg in the Automated bolus group vs 11.1 (3.2) mg in the Infusion group (p = 0.06). Parturients from the Automated bolus group reported higher satisfaction scores compared with those in the Infusion group, 96.5 (5.0) vs 89.2 (9.4), respectively (p < 0.001). There was no difference in the incidence of maternal side‐effects and obstetric and neonatal outcomes.
Influence of forest road, road‐surfacing material and stand age on floristic diversity and composition in a nutrient‐poor environment
Authors: Bergès Laurent , Chevalier Richard , Avon Catherine 
Published: December 2012

AbstractQuestionsHow did the presence of forest roads modify plant diversity and composition in a nutrient‐poor environment? What was the effect of the use of limestone gravel as road surfacing material? How did floristic succession vary between roadside and forest interior?LocationState Forest of Orléans, Loiret, northern France.MethodsWe sampled 30 pairs of 2000‐m2 plots, one on a road and the other 30 m inside the forest, on two road surfacing materials (limestone gravel and bare soil) and three stand ages (young, middle‐aged and mature) in Scots and Corsican pine stands in a large managed forest. Plant diversity was analysed according to life‐history traits (protection status, indigenousness, life form, habitat and ecological preferences). We tested the effects of plot position, road type and stand age on species richness, species composition and individual species response.ResultsThe species richness of all plant groups was always higher on roads compared to forest stands, and the forest plot communities were nearly completely nested within the roadside plot communities. Seven protected species and four non‐native potentially invasive species were observed on roadsides. Limestone‐gravelled roads hosted more species than bare soil roads, but acidophilous forest and grassland species richness was higher on bare soil roads. Plant composition similarity between the roadside and forest were higher at early successional stages and lower in older stages.ConclusionsRoads have inseparable positive and negative effects on plant communities, but the negative ones are of great concern. To prevent further damage in these nutrient‐poor ecosystems, we recommend monitoring road sections hosting protected acidophilous species, not increasing road density, and replacing limestone gravel with a low pH endogenous material.
Blackmore, Paul & Kandiko, Camille ed (2012) Strategic curriculum changeRoutledge (New York & London) isbn 978‐0‐415‐80934‐4 217 pp £24.99 http://www.routledge.com/books/details/9780415809344/
Authors: Hammer Sara 
Published: December 2012

SummaryThis book examines strategic curriculum change through a study of change activities within a group of international research‐based universities. It echoes a range of concepts, processes and tools relevant to curriculum change by way of real world (even if occasionally rarefied) case studies from each of these institutions. The target readers include university leaders at all levels and academic curriculum developers.Sara Hammer
Promoting transplantation tolerance; adoptive regulatory T cell therapy
Authors: Safinia N , Leech J , Hernandez-Fuentes M , Lechler R , Lombardi G 
Published: December 2012

SummaryTransplantation is a successful treatment for end-stage organ failure. Despite improvements in short-term outcome, long-term survival remains suboptimal because of the morbidity and mortality associated with long-term use of immunosuppression. There is, therefore, a pressing need to devise protocols that induce tolerance in order to minimize or completely withdraw immunosuppression in transplant recipients. In this review we will discuss how regulatory T cells (Tregs) came to be recognized as an attractive way to promote transplantation tolerance. We will summarize the preclinical data, supporting the importance of these cells in the induction and maintenance of immune tolerance and that provide the rationale for the isolation and expansion of these cells for cellular therapy. We will also describe the data from the first clinical trials, using Tregs to inhibit graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) after haematopoietic stem cell transplantation and will address both the challenges and opportunities in human Treg cell therapy.
Time invested in the global respiratory care of cystic fibrosis paediatrics patients
Authors: Hafen Gaudenz M. , Kernen Yann , De Halleux Quentin M. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractIntroductionRespiratory therapy is a keystone of the treatment for cystic fibrosis (CF) lung disease, but it is time consuming.ObjectivesWe aimed to assess the total time spent on respiratory therapy, including chest physiotherapy (CPT) and physical activity (PA), as well as inhalation therapy (IT) and maintenance of materials (MM) to rationalise and optimise treatment.MethodsA cross‐sectional prospective study in a paediatric CF cohort. A questionnaire was developed to look at the time spent on respiratory care over 3 months. Enrolled in this study are all CF patients aged from 6 to 16 years (the exclusion criterion was lung transplantation).ResultsOf the 40 enrolled patients, 22 participated (13 boys and 9 girls), with a mean age of 11 years. The patients spent approximately 19.46 h per week (standard deviation ± 7.53, 8.00–35.25 h) on therapy: CPT (30.58%), IT (15.11%), PA (50%) and MM (4.32%), without statistical significance between sexes.ConclusionIn our cohort, CF patients spent an average of nearly 20 h a week in respiratory therapy, within a wide range of between 8 h to almost 36 h a week. PA consumes almost half of the time. Physicians have to take into consideration the burden of the treatment, to optimise the therapy.
IgG4‐related disease with hypergammaglobulinemic hyperviscosity and retinopathy
Authors: Wong Patrick C. W. , Fung Adrian T. , Gerrie Alina S. , Moloney Gregory , Maberley David , Rossman David , White Valerie , Collins David , Coupland Robert , Chen Luke Y. C. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractImmunoglobulinG4‐related disease (IgG4‐RD) is a recently described entity with protean manifestations. We describe a novel case ofIgG4‐RDwith hypergammaglobulinemic hyperviscosity responsive to fludarabine and rituximab. A 33‐year‐old Asian man developed bilateral lacrimal gland and submandibular salivary gland swelling with cervical lymphadenopathy. Biopsies of the affected tissues revealed reactive follicular hyperplasia. Seven years later, he presented with bilateral retinal hemorrhages due to hyperviscosity syndrome from profound polyclonal increase inIgG, including markedIgG4 elevation. Despite plasmapheresis, overproduction ofIgG continued and he was refractory to systemic steroids, azathioprine, interferon alpha, and cyclophosphamide. IgG4‐RDwas suspected following a myocardial infarction and detection of aneurysmal coronary arteries indicating large vessel vasculitis. Review of the cervical lymph node and lacrimal gland biopsies with immunohistochemical staining forIgG4‐positive plasma cells confirmedIgG4‐RD. B‐cell depletion with rituximab produced a partial response, but clinical symptoms and elevated protein levels persisted. Fludarabine was added to rituximab to suppressT‐cell activity, and this resulted in an excellent clinical and biochemical response. Combination therapy with fludarabine and rituximab inIgG4‐RDhas not previously been reported and can be considered in patients with severe refractory disease.
Upstairs/downstairs revisited: spatial pretraining‐induced rescue of normal spatial learning during selective blockade of hippocampal N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptors
Authors: Inglis Jennifer , Martin Stephen J. , Morris Richard G. M. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractSpatial pretraining can enable spatial learning in another environment that ordinarily requires hippocampal N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate (NMDA) receptor activity to become independent of that activity. This study explored further the circumstances in which this training‐induced ‘rescue’ of later learning in the presence of the NMDA receptor antagonist 2‐amino‐5‐phosphonovaleric acid (D‐AP5) can occur. D‐AP5 (0, 10, 20 and 30 mm in artificial cerebrospinal fluid) was infused continuously (0.5 μL/h, from a minipump) and bilaterally into the dorsal hippocampus during spatial‐reference‐memory training in a watermaze (4 trials/day, 8 days). This was preceded either by handling only or by identical spatial training in another watermaze in a separate laboratory with different extramaze cues. In naïve rats, D‐AP5 caused a dose‐related impairment in spatial reference memory acquisition that was significant at the lowest 5 nm/h infusion concentration. In pretrained rats, the dose–response function was shifted such that, in watermaze 2, spatial learning was normal at this low concentration, with a deficit at higher infusion concentrations. The induction of long‐term potentiation in the dentate gyrus in vivo was blocked at all D‐AP5 concentrations. Sensorimotor abnormalities sometimes seen with NMDA receptor antagonists were only apparent at the highest concentration. The implication of this paradoxical dissociation between hippocampal NMDA receptor‐dependent plasticity and spatial learning is discussed with reference to two rival hypotheses of the impact of pretraining.
Influence of ageing on self‐etch adhesives: one‐step vs. two‐step systems
Authors: Marchesi Giulio , Frassetto Andrea , Visintini Erika , Diolosà Marina , Turco Gianluca , Salgarello Stefano , Di Lenarda Roberto , Cadenaro Milena , Breschi Lorenzo 
Published: December 2012

The aim of this study was to evaluate microtensile bond strength (μTBS) to dentine, interfacial nanoleakage expression, and stability after ageing, of two‐step vs. one‐step self‐etch adhesives. Human molars were cut to expose middle/deep dentine, assigned to groups (n = 15), and treated with the following bonding systems: (i) Optibond XTR (a two‐step self‐etch adhesive; Kerr), (ii) Clearfil SE Bond (a two‐step self‐etch adhesive; Kuraray), (iii) Adper Easy Bond (a one‐step self‐etch adhesive; 3M ESPE), and (iv) Bond Force (a one‐step self‐etch adhesive; Tokuyama). Specimens were processed for μTBS testing after 24 h, 6 months, or 1 yr of storage in artificial saliva at 37°C. Nanoleakage expression was examined in similarly processed additional specimens. At baseline the μTBS results ranked in the following order: Adper Easy Bond = Optibond XTR ≥Clearfil SE = Bond Force, and interfacial nanoleakage analysis showed Clearfil SE Bond = Adper Easy Bond = Optibond XTR> Bond Force. After 1 yr of storage, Optibond XTR, Clearfil SE Bond, and Adper Easy Bond showed higher μTBS and lower interfacial nanoleakage expression compared with Bond Force. In conclusion, immediate bond strength, nanoleakage expression, and stability over time were not related to the number of steps of the bonding systems, but to their chemical formulations.
Phylogenetic relatedness and proboscis length contribute to structuring bumblebee communities in the extremes of abiotic and biotic gradients
Authors: Pellissier Loïc , Pradervand Jean‐Nicolas , Williams Paul H. , Litsios Glenn , Cherix Daniel , Guisan Antoine 
Published: December 2012

AbstractAimTo improve our understanding of how biological communities assemble, we investigated changes in bumblebee communities in space along an elevation gradient. We assessed how much deterministic abiotic and biotic factors shape community assembly. We focused on proboscis length (influencing the species' dietary regime) and phylogenetic relatedness to investigate if competition and environmental filtering occur in more and less productive climates, respectively.LocationWestern Swiss Alps.MethodsWe recorded bumblebee species in 149 plots along a 1800‐m wide elevation gradient. We contrasted two major clades of bumblebees, a short‐tongued and a long‐tongued clade. We calculated the phylogenetic and proboscis‐length diversity of the bumblebee communities and compared these observed data with a random distribution to detect clustering likely to be caused by environmental filtering or overdispersion likely to be caused by competition. We compared the prevalence of clustered and overdispersed communities along the gradients of plant species richness (biotic) and temperature (abiotic).ResultsUnder colder conditions, where plant species richness is lower and floral resources are scarcer, the clade with shorter proboscides prevails over the clade with longer proboscides, and communities are functionally and phylogenetic clustered. Under warmer conditions, we found phylogenetic but not functional overdispersion in communities.Main conclusionsWe show for the first time a strong correlation between phylogenetic relatedness, proboscis length and species distribution along temperature and plant richness gradients shaping bumblebee communities. The low temperatures and low levels of plant species richness limit the dispersal of the species from the long‐tongued clade, which have more specialized diets, into high‐elevation areas. Competition under warmer conditions may produce communities composed of less closely related species that share distinct ecological preferences. Our empirical results corroborate theoretical expectation as well as experiments on the prevalence of deterministic processes in the most severe and most productive parts of environmental gradients.
Small range size and narrow niche breadth predict range contractions in South African frogs
Authors: Botts Emily A. , Erasmus Barend F. N. , Alexander Graham J. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractAimSmall range size often increases a species’ susceptibility to decline. A narrow ecological niche is one factor that may cause species to inhabit a small range. We investigated whether specialized niches have made South African amphibians more vulnerable to range contractions.LocationSouth Africa.MethodsThe South African Frog Atlas Project is a comprehensive dataset that combines a recent biological survey with historical species distribution data. It provided an opportunity to quantitatively compare range sizes, niche breadth and range size changes for amphibian species. An ecological niche factor analysis supplied comparative measures of climate and habitat niche breadth for each species. Niche breadth was related to range size changes using linear regressions. Ranges of species with narrow habitat niches were spatially compared to areas of high land transformation.ResultsSmall range size was a significant predictor of range contractions for South African amphibians (R2 = 0.35). Furthermore, species with narrow habitat (R2 = 0.25) and climate (R2 = 0.21) niches had experienced more severe range contractions than species with broader niches. Among only endemic species, climate specialization (R2 = 0.27) became a better predictor of range size change than habitat specialization (R2 = 0.21). Habitat specialists were concentrated within two areas of endemism that also had higher than average (P < 0.0001) levels of land transformation.Main conclusionsSmall range size increased species' likelihood of experiencing range contractions. Narrow niche breadth was also a significant predictor of range contractions, indicating that specialization may contribute to higher decline risk in small‐range species. The role of climate specialization in predicting range contractions among endemics emphasizes the potential impacts of climate change. The spatial synchrony of contracting habitat specialists in highly transformed areas of endemism suggests that conservation efforts should target specialist species and the ecosystems where many such species occur.
Does wearing dentures change sensory nerve responses under the denture base?
Authors: Ito Nana , Kimoto Suguru , Kawai Yasuhiko 
Published: December 2012

BackgroundThe standard textbook on complete dentures suggests the necessity of relief for the incisive and posterior palatine foramina of denture wearers to prevent the impingement of the nerves and vessels passing through these foramina. However, concrete evidence of the effect of dentures on the sensory function of the nerves underlying dentures is lacking.ObjectiveThe study aim was to investigate the influence of denture‐induced compression on sensory nerve responses to stimulations.Materials and methodsOnly partially edentulous patients of maxillary Kennedy class II who wear dentures (WD) or who never wear dentures (ND) were recruited as participants. The WD and ND groups had 15 participants with a mean age of 66.9 years and 22 participants with a mean age of 60.2 years, respectively. Current perception thresholds (CPTs) at 2000, 250 and 5 Hz, corresponding to A‐beta, A‐delta and C fibres, respectively, were measured by the Neurometer® NS3000 device and compared between groups. The data were analysed by the t‐test, the paired t‐test and analysis of covariance adjusted for age, sex and thickness of the mucosa.ResultsThe CPTs showed large differences at 2000 Hz but no differences at the other frequencies when the WD and ND groups were compared. Only the CPT of the edentulous side at 2000 Hz was significantly different between groups.ConclusionWearing removable partial dentures contributes to changes of responses to stimulations in the large fibre of the sensory nerve underlying the maxillary alveolar ridge.
No inhibitor development after continuous infusion of factor concentrates in subjects with bleeding disorders undergoing surgery: a prospective study
Authors: Auerswald G. , Bade A , Haubold K. , Overberg D. , Masurat S. , Moorthi C. 
Published: December 2012

SummaryInhibitor development against von Willebrand factor, factor VIII or factor IX is one of the most severe complications of treating patients with von Willebrand's disease (VWD), haemophilia A or haemophilia B respectively. Continuous infusion of factor concentrate has been implicated as a risk factor for inhibitor development. This prospective study investigated inhibitor development after continuous infusion of factor concentrate for surgical procedures in subjects with VWD or a severe form of haemophilia (factor activity <1%). Observations were made on the occurrence of inhibitor formation, adverse events and virus seroconversions. Main inclusion criteria comprised a negative history of inhibitors to replacement factor concentrate, ≥50 exposure days to factor concentrate and anticipated surgery requiring replacement factor coverage for ≥3 days. Therapy began with a bolus dose of 30–50 IU kg−1 body weight of factor concentrate followed by continuous infusion with 3–4 IU kg−1 h−1. Continuous infusion dose of factor concentrate was adjusted based on factor levels measured at least once daily. In 46 subjects included in the study to date, no inhibitors have been identified at discharge or follow‐up (3–4 weeks after surgery), and no thrombotic events or postoperative wound infections occurred. All subjects underwent surgery without major blood loss, and hemostatic efficacy was generally rated ‘excellent’. The results of the current study are promising, although the number of subjects is too small to make a definitive statement about the incidence of inhibitor development during continuous infusion of factor concentrate. Therefore, this study will be continued.
Meloxicam as an adjuvant to peginterferon‐α‐2a and ribavirin treatment for genotype 1 chronic hepatitis C: A randomized trial
Authors: Kagawa Tatehiro , Kojima Sei‐ichiro , Shiraishi Koichi , Hirose Shunji , Arase Yoshitaka , Takashimizu Shinji , Watanabe Norihito , Nagata Naruhiko , Numata Makoto , Shiozawa Hirokazu , Nishizaki Yasuhiro , Toki Mayu , Sugita Teruji , Nomura Kijuro , Sakaguchi Takashi , Atsukawa Kazuhiro , Tajima Hiroto , Tei Yoshihiro , Inomoto Tsutomu , Mine Tetsuya 
Published: December 2012

AimIn this multicenter, randomized trial, we evaluated the effectiveness of meloxicam – a non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drug – as an adjuvant for enhancing antiviral efficacy and preventing neutropenia during the treatment of patients with genotype 1 chronic hepatitis C using peginterferon and ribavirin.MethodsA total of 60 patients were randomly assigned, in a 1:1 ratio, to either the meloxicam or the control group after stratification by neutrophil count. Both groups received weekly peginterferon‐α‐2a (180 μg) and a weight‐based dose of ribavirin for 48 weeks. The meloxicam group received meloxicam (10 mg/day) for the first 8 weeks after initiation of treatment.ResultsThrough intent‐to‐treat analysis, we found that the sustained virological response rate in the meloxicam group (19/30, 63.3%) was significantly higher than in the control group (11/30, 36.7%, P < 0.05). The relapse rate was more than twice as high (45%) in the control group than in the meloxicam group (19.0%); however, this difference was not statistically significant. The rate of neutrophil decrease, calculated by dividing the lowest value observed during the first 8 weeks by pretreatment count, was significantly smaller in the meloxicam group (55.1 ± 14.3%) than in the control group (62.3 ± 9.6%, P < 0.05).ConclusionMeloxicam enhanced antiviral efficacy and reduced the decline in neutrophil counts for the peginterferon and ribavirin treatment of genotype 1 chronic hepatitis C. This drug could be a reasonable adjuvant for the treatment of patients with chronic hepatitis C. The present study including a small number of patients warrants larger clinical trials.
Migration Motives of University Students: An Empirical Research
Authors: Borozan Djula , Bojanic Ivana Barkovic 
Published: December 2012

AbstractThe main aim of this paper is to analyse the motives affecting the migration decisions of young people, particularly university students. Two scales were developed for measuring the perception of the importance of these motives. The data used in the research were collected via a survey of the opinions and attitudes of university students in Osijek, in June 2010. The paper also analyses psychometric properties of the scales – their dimensionality and reliability.The results of a confirmatory factor analysis undoubtedly indicate that both scales are multidimensional constructs. A combination of the results of t‐tests for an independent sample, factor analysis (exploratory and confirmatory) and reliability analysis suggest that emigration and stay motives are two sides of the same migration decision, and that they can be classified into several factors: the economic situation, social networks, insider advantages (that can be divided into inherited amenities and public‐safety conditions) and the wealth of opportunities. Depending on the power of the initial and target destination, the factors can function as ‘push’ or ‘pull’ factors. The results of the study show social networks as being the only ‘pull’ factor for the city of Osijek, whereas the other factors, especially the economic ones, proved to demonstrate the ‘push’ effect. However, the effects of all factors were very mild.