bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Higher Risk for Adverse Obstetric Outcomes Among Immigrants of African and Asian Descent: A Comparison Study at a Low‐Risk Maternity Hospital in Norway
Authors: Bakken Kjersti S. , Skjeldal Ola H. , Stray‐Pedersen Babill 
Published: April 2015

AbstractBackgroundImmigrants have higher risks for some adverse obstetric outcomes, and 40 percent of women giving birth at the low‐risk maternity ward in Baerum Hospital, Norway, are immigrants. This study compared obstetric outcomes between immigrants and ethnic Norwegians giving birth in a low‐risk setting.MethodsThis was a population‐based study linking the Medical Birth Registry of Norway to Statistics Norway. The study included the first registered birth during the study period to immigrant and ethnic Norwegian women at Baerum Hospital from 2006 to 2010. The main outcome measures were onset of labor, operative vaginal delivery, cesarean delivery, episiotomy, postpartum bleeding > 500 mL, epidural analgesia, labor dystocia, gestational age, meconium‐stained liquor, 5‐minute Apgar score, birthweight, and transfer to a neonatal intensive care unit.ResultsA total of 11,540 women originating from 141 countries were divided into seven groups. Compared with Norwegians, women from East, Southeast, and Central Asia had increased risk for operative vaginal delivery, postpartum bleeding, and low Apgar score. The African women had increased risk for postterm birth, meconium‐stained liquor, episiotomy, operative vaginal delivery, emergency cesarean delivery, postpartum bleeding, low Apgar score, and low birthweight. Women from South and Western Asia had increased risk for low birthweight.ConclusionObstetric outcomes of immigrants differ significantly from those of Norwegians, even in a low‐risk maternity unit. Thus, immigrant women would benefit from more targeted care during pregnancy and childbirth, even in low‐risk settings.
What public media reveals about MOOCs: A systematic analysis of news reports
Authors: Kovanović Vitomir , Joksimović Srećko , Gašević Dragan , Siemens George , Hatala Marek 
Published: April 2015

AbstractOne of the striking differences between massive open online courses (MOOCs) and previous innovations in the education technology field is the unprecedented interest and involvement of the general public. As MOOCs address pressing problems in higher education and the broader educational practice, awareness of the general public debate around MOOCs is essential. Understanding the public discourse around MOOCs can provide insights into important social and public problems, thus enabling the MOOC research community to better focus their research endeavors. While there have been some reports looking at the state of the MOOC‐related research, the analysis of the public debate surrounding MOOCs is still largely missing.In this paper, we present the results of a study that looked at the content of the public discourse related to MOOCs. We identified the most important themes and topics in MOOC‐related mainstream news reports. Our results indicate that coverage of MOOCs in public media is rapidly decreasing: by the middle of 2014, it decreased by almost 50% from the highest activity during 2013. In addition, the focus of those discussions is also changing. While the majority of discussions during 2012 and 2013 were focused on MOOC providers, the announcements of their partnerships, and million dollar investments, the current focus of MOOC discourse seems to be moving toward more productive topics focused on the overall position of MOOCs in the global educational landscape. Among different topics that this study discovered, government‐related issues and the use of data and analytics are some of the topics that seem to be growing in popularity during the first half of 2014.
Looking under the bonnet: probation officers' practice with child protection cases
Authors: Ansbro Maria 
Published: April 2015

AbstractThis research examined 31 Probation Service cases inEngland andWales that required some child protection work. It examined three areas: key characteristics of the case, inter‐agency communication and evidence for a ‘think family’ approach. Key findings were that domestic violence and substance misuse were widespread. The majority of the cases were assessed as low or medium risk of harm, and so after the ‘Transforming Rehabilitation’ restructuring will be supervised by aCommunityRehabilitationCompany, rather than theNationalProbationService. The majority of cases featured effective inter‐agency communication, and were characterized by the ‘think family’ principle. Where this was not achieved, two types of cases stood out. The first was where the probation officer was distracted from offenders' children because of public protection issues. The second was where probation officers made efforts to be included in multi‐agency work, but were shut out.
The Influence of Tactile Perception on Classification of Bone Tissue at Dental Implant Insertion
Authors: Linck Gláucia Kelly Silva Barbosa , Ferreira Geovane Miranda , De Oliveira Rubelisa Cândido Gomes , Lindh Christina , Leles Cláudio Rodrigues , Ribeiro‐Rotta Rejane Faria 
Published: April 2015

AbstractBackgroundVarious ways of using the Lekholm and Zarb (L&Z) classification have added to the lack of scientific evidence of the effectiveness of this clinical method in the evaluation of implant treatment.PurposeThe study aims to assess subjective jawbone classifications in patients referred for implant treatment, using L&Z classification with and without surgeon's hand perception at implant insertion. The association between bone type classifications and quantitative parameters of primary implant stability was also assessed.Materials and MethodsOne hundred thirty‐five implants were inserted using conventional loading protocol. Three surgeons classified bone quality at implant sites using two methods: one based on periapical and panoramic images (modified L&Z) and one based on the same images associated with the surgeon's tactile perception during drilling (original L&Z). Peak insertion torque and implant stability quotient (ISQ) were recorded.ResultsThe modified and original L&Z were strongly correlated (rho = 0.79; p < .001); Wilcoxon signed‐rank test showed no significant difference in the distribution of bone type classification between pairs using the two methods (p = .538). Spearman correlation tested the association between primary stability parameters and bone type classifications (−0.34 to −0.57 [p < .001]).ConclusionsTactile surgical perception has a minor influence on rating of subjective bone type for dental implant treatment using the L&Z classification.
Reliability and validity of the Duncan‐Ely test for assessing rectus femoris spasticity in patients with cerebral palsy
Authors: Lee Seung Yeol , Sung Ki Hyuk , Chung Chin Youb , Lee Kyoung Min , Kwon Soon‐Sun , Kim Tae Gyun , Lee Sang Hyeong , Lee In Hyeok , Park Moon Seok 
Published: April 2015

AimThe aim of this study was to clarify the method of the Duncan‐Ely test and to estimate its interobserver reliability and validity by comparing it with three‐dimensional gait analysis (3DGA).MethodThis study included 36 consecutive ambulatory patients with cerebral palsy (CP) who underwent preoperative 3DGA. The Duncan‐Ely test was performed during three different velocities (slow, gravity, and fast). The interobserver reliability was assessed by three examiners. The results of the test were compared with kinematic variables derived from the gait analysis to assess the sensitivity and specificity of the test. The cut‐off value was determined at the point of trade‐off between the highest sensitivity and specificity.ResultsThe intraclass correlation coefficient measuring interobserver reliability of the Duncan‐Ely test was greatest during fast velocity (0.819). The sensitivity and specificity of the test during gravity velocity for knee range of motion total were 63.0% and 100% respectively, with a cut‐off value of 78.3°. The sensitivity and specificity of the test during fast velocity for knee range of motion total were 66.7% and 100% respectively, with a cut‐off value of 65°.InterpretationThe Duncan‐Ely test shows excellent reliability in fast knee‐flexion velocity, and good sensitivity and specificity compared with 3DGA during physical examination as a preoperative assessment of rectus femoris spasticity in patients with CP.
Russian language skills and employment in the Former Soviet Union
Authors: Duncan Alan , Mavisakalyan Astghik 
Published: April 2015

AbstractDuring the Soviet era, proficiency in the Russian language was often a ticket to attractive employment opportunities in the member republics. Does it still contribute to securing employment in the former Soviet republics after two decades of transition? Using data from Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia in the years 2008–2010, this paper demonstrates that Russian language skills remain economically valuable. The baseline estimates suggest that Russian language skills increase probability of employment by about 6 (males) and 9 (females) percentage points. Our results bear important implications for the ongoing debates on language policies in the post‐Soviet countries.
Stimulus‐dependent augmented gamma oscillatory activity between the functionally connected cortical neurons in the primary visual cortex
Authors: Bharmauria Vishal , Bachatene Lyes , Cattan Sarah , Chanauria Nayan , Rouat Jean , Molotchnikoff Stéphane 
Published: April 2015

AbstractNeuronal assemblies typically synchronise within the gamma oscillatory band (30–80 Hz) and are fundamental to information processing. Despite numerous investigations, the exact mechanisms and origins of gamma oscillations are yet to be known. Here, through multiunit recordings in the primary visual cortex of cats, we show that the strength of gamma power (20–40 and 60–80 Hz) is significantly stronger between the functionally connected units than between the unconnected units within an assembly. Furthermore, there is increased frequency coherence in the gamma band between the connected units than between the unconnected units. Finally, the higher gamma rhythms (60–80 Hz) are mostly linked to the fast‐spiking neurons. These results led us to postulate that gamma oscillations are intrinsically generated between the connected units within cell assemblies (microcircuits) in relation to the stimulus within an emergent ‘50‐ms temporal window of opportunity’.
Distinct clinical and radiographic characteristics of moyamoya disease amongst European Caucasians
Authors: Acker G. , Goerdes S. , Schneider U. C. , Schmiedek P. , Czabanka M. , Vajkoczy P. 
Published: April 2015

Background and purposeOcclusive cerebrovascular moyamoya disease (MMD) is rare and has been characterized mainly in Asian countries, so far. In recent years, MMD has been increasingly reported worldwide, raising the question whether its clinical presentation would vary amongst different ethnic backgrounds. Here, a homogeneous series of 153 patients with MMD are reported and the specific clinical features of this rare disease amongst European Caucasians are highlighted.MethodsA total of 153 European Caucasians with MMD who were treated in our institution between 1997 and 2014 were retrospectively identified. Demographic data, clinical symptoms, angiographic characteristics and functional hemodynamic studies were analyzed.ResultsMoyamoya disease presented with a female predominance of 2,9:1.,78% presented with a typical MMD, 17% with a unilateral MMD and 5% with an atypical MMD. 16% of our patients belonged to the pediatric population. Overall, 81% and 8.5% of our cohort presented initially with ischaemic and hemorrhagic manifestation, respectively. The rate of hemorrhagic manifestation of MMD amongst the pediatric group was slightly higher (12%). Angiographic analysis revealed steno‐occlusive involvement of the posterior circulation in 34% with a higher involvement in pediatric patients (64%) compared to adults (28%).ConclusionsThe characterization of our homogeneous European Caucasian cohort reveals several significant differences compared to Asian cohorts. In contrast, MMD presents similarly amongst European and North American cohorts, suggesting that non‐Asian MMD is characterized by distinct clinical features.
Inferior cerebellar peduncular lesion causes a distinct vestibular syndrome
Authors: Choi J.‐H. , Seo J.‐D. , Choi Y. R. , Kim M.‐J. , Kim H.‐J. , Kim J. S. , Choi K.‐D. 
Published: April 2015

Background and purposeThe inferior cerebellar peduncle (ICP) contains various fibres to and from the cerebellum relating to the integration of the proprioceptive and vestibular functions. However, the full clinical features of isolated unilateral ICP lesions have not been defined in humans.MethodsEight consecutive patients with isolated unilateral ICP lesions at the pontine level (six with stroke, one with multiple sclerosis and one with brainstem encephalitis) received bedside neurological and neuro‐otological evaluations and underwent laboratory tests including measurements of the subjective visual vertical (SVV) and ocular torsion, bithermal caloric tests and pure tone audiometry.ResultsAll patients developed isolated acute vestibular syndrome (AVS) with ipsilesional spontaneous nystagmus (n = 7) and contralesional ocular tilt reaction (OTR) and/or SVV tilt (n = 7). In view of the normal head impulse test in all patients and skew deviation in one, our patients met the criteria for AVS from central lesions. Five patients showed a directional dissociation between the OTR/SVV tilt and body lateropulsion that fell to the lesion side whilst the OTR/SVVtilt was contraversive.ConclusionsA unilateral ICP lesion at the pontine level leads to the development of isolated AVS. However, a negative head impulse test and directional dissociation between OTR/SVV tilt and body lateropulsion may distinguish lesions involving unilateral ICP at the pontine level from those affecting other vestibular structures.
Effects of institutions on ecological attitudes and behaviour of consumers in a developing Asian country: the case of the Philippines
Authors: Martinez Carmelita P. , Castaneda Marigold G. , Marte Rodilina B. , Roxas Banjo 
Published: April 2015

AbstractThis study examines the effects of institutions emanating from the social environment on ecologically sustainable consumer behaviour in a developing country context. Drawing on the behavioural perspective model of consumer choice and institutional theory, this study argues that the regulative, normative and cognitive dimensions of the institutional environment play critical roles in shaping the pro‐environmental attitudes called eco‐attitudes of consumers. In turn, eco‐attitudes positively influence the eco‐behaviour of consumers. The structural equation modelling of data from a survey of 1045 consumers from the Philippines shows the significant and positive effects of the regulatory, normative and cognitive dimensions of the institutional environment on the eco‐attitudes of consumers, which in turn have strong positive influence on eco‐behaviour. The findings about the partial mediating role of eco‐attitudes offer a more nuanced explanation on how institutions explain the eco‐behaviour of consumers which is a topic that is less understood especially in a developing country context. The study highlights the theoretical, methodological, policy and future research implications of the findings.
Factors Contributing to Sexual Violence at Selected Schools for Learners with Mild Intellectual Disability in South Africa
Authors: Nyokangi Doris , Phasha Nareadi 
Published: April 2015

BackgroundThis paper reports part of the findings of a study which exposed sexual violence in schools for learners with mild intellectual disability in South Africa. Special attention was paid on factors contributing to such a problem.MethodsData were collected using focus groups and individual interviews with 16 learners with mild intellectual disability at two special schools in South Africa. This was followed by individual interviews with the school nurse and social worker, and an analysis of schools' books of incidents.ResultsFactors contributing to sexual violence at schools for learners with mild intellectual disability included: (i) peer pressure, (ii) concealment of reported incidents of sexual violence, (iii) unsupervised areas linked to schools and (iv) arranged relationships.ConclusionThe following suggestions are put forth: (i) awareness programmes, (ii) sensitization of teachers about the consequences and prevention of sexual violence, (iii) boundaries within which the arranged relationship occurs, (iv) intensification of sexuality education and (v) supervision around the school premises.
Effects on Physical Health of a Multicomponent Programme for Overweight and Obesity for Adults with Intellectual Disabilities
Authors: Martínez‐Zaragoza Fermín , Campillo‐Martínez José M. , Ato‐García Manuel 
Published: April 2015

BackgroundOverweight and obesity are major health risk factors in people with intellectual disabilities. The aim of this study was to test the effectiveness of a multicomponent programme (physical activity, diet and motivation) for overweight and obesity in adults with intellectual disabilities.Material and MethodsA quasi‐experimental design with repeated‐measures and non‐equivalent control group (n = 33, n = 31) was used. The programme was conducted over 17 weeks, with follow‐up at 6 months in a sample of Spanish adults with a mild and moderate intellectual disability from a community occupational day centre, aged from 23 to 50, 40.6% of which were women.ResultsA significant reduction in weight and diastolic blood pressure was obtained over time, and this reduction was maintained in the follow‐up for weight. Reduction in heart rate was only marginally significant.ConclusionsThe treatment was effective in reducing overweight and obesity, improving cardiovascular capacity and therefore the physical health of the participants.
Myocardial function and effects of biologic therapy in patients with severe psoriasis: a prospective echocardiographic study
Authors: Ahlehoff O. , Hansen P.R. , Gislason G.H. , Frydland M. , Bryld L.E. , Elming H. , Jemec G.B.E. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractBackgroundPsoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease and is associated with cardiovascular events. Little is known about subclinical myocardial dysfunction and potential changes in myocardial function during anti‐inflammatory treatment in these patients. We prospectively studied left ventricular function in patients with severe psoriasis who initiated biologic therapy.MethodsBetween November 1 2013 and May 31 2014 the study subjects underwent physical, laboratory and comprehensive echocardiographic examination at baseline and after 3 months of treatment. Pearson correlation coefficients and Student's t‐test were applied to assess changes in diastolic function (defined as the E/e’ ratio) and global longitudinal strain (GLS).ResultsEighteen patients with severe psoriasis treated with biologic therapy with a mean follow‐up of 85.6 ± 18.2 days were included. The patients had a baseline psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) of 12.0 ± 4.1 and normal left ventricular ejection fraction [(LVEF) 56.3 ± 3.8%], diastolic dysfunction (E/e′ 8.1 ± 2.1) and GLS (−16.8 ± 2.1%). At follow‐up, an improvement (baseline vs. follow‐up) of PASI (12.0 ± 4.1 vs. 2.7 ± 3.1, P < 0.001), E/e′ (8.1 ± 2.1 vs. 6.7 ± 1.9, P ≤ 0.001) and GLS (−16.8 ± 2.1 vs. −18.3 ± 2.3%, P < 0.001) were recorded. No changes were demonstrated in LVEF (56.3 ± 3.8 vs. 56.8 ± 3.3%, P = 0.31), body mass index (30.9 ± 5.7 vs. 31.0 ± 5.8 kg/m2, P = 0.90), mean arterial blood pressure (103.1 ± 8.5 vs. 103.7 ± 10.8 mmHg, P = 0.74). Likewise, no changes were seen in total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, high density lipoprotein cholesterol, estimated glomerular filtration rate and glycosylated haemoglobin.ConclusionIn patients with severe psoriasis treatment with biologic therapy was associated with improved PASI and amelioration of myocardial dysfunction.
Do Sleep Complaints Predict Persistent Fatigue in Older Adults?
Authors: Endeshaw Yohannes W. 
Published: April 2015

ObjectivesTo examine the association between sleep complaints, use of sleep‐promoting medications, and persistent severe fatigue (PSF).DesignAnalysis of data from the National Health Aging Trends Study.SettingContiguous United States.ParticipantsA representative sample of Medicare beneficiaries aged 65 and older.MeasurementsDifficulty initiating sleep, difficulty staying asleep, use of sleep‐promoting medications, demographic characteristics, presence of pain, use of pain medications, depression, chronic medical disease, physical activity level, and Short Physical Performance Battery score measured at baseline. The outcome of interest was PSF (fatigue that limits daily activities reported at baseline and 12‐month follow‐up).ResultsOf 8,245 participants at baseline, 7,075 completed 12‐month follow‐up; 31% reported severe fatigue at baseline and 31% at follow‐up, and 19% reported PSF. In a logistic regression model, difficulty staying asleep some nights (odds ratio (OR) = 1.32, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.08–1.60) and most nights or every night (OR = 1.40, 95% CI = 1.09–1.79) and use of sleep‐promoting medications most nights or every night (OR = 1.35, 95% CI = 1.08–1.67) independently predicted PSF.ConclusionThe results indicate greater risk of PSF in older adults with difficulty staying asleep and those who use sleep‐promoting medications. These findings underscore the significance of sleep problems and present potential targets for interventional studies that aim to improve fatigue in older adults.
Longitudinal Changes in Beliefs by Stage of Physical Activity Adoption in Iranian Girls
Authors: Taymoori Parvaneh , Berry Tanya R. 
Published: April 2015

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDThe aims of this study were to examine the relationships among physical activity (PA)‐related beliefs and to determine to what extent Iranian adolescents in different stages of PA adoption differ in perceived benefits and barriers during a 3‐year transition from junior high school to high school.METHODSData were collected from female adolescents in 2010 (N = 558), of whom 412 provided follow‐up data in 2013. One‐way analysis of variance and logistic regression were conducted for statistical analysis.RESULTSParticipants in the action and maintenance stages reported the greatest agreement with benefits. Pre‐contemplators were about 4 times more likely to cite “not enough time” than preparers (OR = 3.95). Pre‐contemplators were over 4 times more likely to cite not liking exercise than those in action and maintenance stages at baseline (OR = 4.32 and 4.85), a finding which was maintained at follow‐up (OR = 3.66 and 8.65).CONCLUSIONSThese findings could help with the creation of interventions tailored to encourage pre‐contemplators to progress toward adoption of PA. Providing transportation supports, enhancing time management, and mitigating boredom may be helpful strategies either to prevent relapse in adoption stages or to move females in early stages of change toward action and maintenance.