bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Are obstetric anal sphincter ruptures preventable?– Large and consistent rupture rate variations between the Nordic countries and between delivery units in Norway
Authors: LAINE KATARIINA , ROTVOLD WENCHE , STAFF ANNE CATHRINE 
Published: October 2012

AbstractObjective. To study changes in the incidence of obstetric anal sphincter rupture (OASR) during recent years in Denmark, Finland, Sweden and Norway and hospital‐based incidence in recent years in Norway. Design. Retrospective birth register study. Setting. Unselected population of delivering women in four Nordic countries. Sample. All deliveries (574 175) registered in Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden, 2004–2010. Methods. Parity data, including maternal, obstetrical and fetal characteristics, were obtained. The incidence of OASR was calculated from vaginal deliveries. A chi‐squared test was used to analyse differences between countries and time periods. Main outcome measures. Incidence of OASR. Results. During the study period, the OASR incidence in Finland was notably lower (0.7–1.0%) than in the other three Nordic countries (4.2–2.3%). A significant and constant reduction in OASR incidence was observed in Norway only (from 4.1 to 2.3%, from 2004 to 2010, p < 0.001). This reduction occurred simultaneously with introduction of a national intervention program of improved delivery techniques that aimed to reduce the incidence of OASR. No major alterations in maternal or fetal risk factors for OASR or registration routines could explain this rapid reduction in the rate of OASR. Differences in the incidence of OASR between Norwegian delivery units were significant, with a threefold difference when comparing the units with lowest and highest incidences. Conclusions. Obstetric anal sphincter rupture seems to be preventable to a considerable extent, as indicated by the rapid and lasting reduction of OASR incidence after implementation of perineal protection programs in Norway. Improved delivery techniques should be implemented in all delivery units to prevent OASR as much as possible.
Proton pump inhibitor therapy predisposes to community‐acquired Streptococcus pneumoniae pneumonia
Authors: de Jager C. P. C. , Wever P. C. , Gemen E. F. A. , van Oijen M. G. H. , van Gageldonk‐Lafeber A. B. , Siersema P. D. , Kusters G. C. M. , Laheij R. J. F. 
Published: October 2012

SummaryBackgroundThe pathophysiological mechanisms which contribute to an increased risk of community‐acquired pneumonia (CAP) in patients using proton pump inhibitors are not well established.AimTo examine differences in microbial etiology in patients with CAP between patients with and without proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy and its possible impact on disease severity.MethodsAll individuals consulting the emergency care unit were prospectively registered and underwent chest radiography. Sputum, urine, nose‐throat swabs and blood samples were obtained for microbial evaluation. We evaluated the association between use of proton pump inhibitors, etiology of CAP and severity of illness with multivariate regression analysis.ResultsThe final cohort comprised 463 patients, 29% using proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). Pathogens regarded as oropharyngeal flora were more common in CAP patients using PPI therapy compared to those who did not (adjusted OR: 2.0; 95% CI: 1.22–3.72). Patients using proton pump inhibitors more frequently had an infection with Streptococcus pneumoniae (28% vs. 14%) and less frequently with Coxiella burnetii (8% vs. 19%) compared to nonuser of PPI. Adjusted for baseline differences, the risk of PPI users being infected with S. pneumonia was 2.23 times (95% CI: 1.28–3.75) higher compared to patients without PPI's. No risk between PPI use and any other microbial pathogen was found. There was no difference in severity of CAP between patients with and without using PPI therapy.ConclusionsProton pump inhibitor therapy was associated with an approximately 2‐fold increased risk to develop community‐acquired pneumonia possibly as a result of S. pneumoniae infection.
The relation between school entrance age and school achievement during primary schooling: Evidence from Croatian primary schools
Authors: Sakic Marija , Burusic Josip , Babarovic Toni 
Published: October 2012

BackgroundCompulsory school entrance age and admission policies differ across countries and educational systems, and there is a continuing debate on the question whether and how the age at school entry affects various student outcomes.AimsThis study explored the relation between school entrance age and school achievement among students attending fourth (ages 10–11) and eighth (ages 14–15) grade of Croatian primary schools.SampleParticipants were 44,479 fourth‐ and 43,338 eighth‐grade students from all Croatian primary schools. Students were divided into groups of younger and older school entrants based on the difference between the year of birth and the year of school entry.MethodsDifferences in school achievement between students who were younger and those who were older when they entered school in subjects covered by the curriculum for respective grades were examined among fourth‐ and eighth‐grade students. Two achievement measures were used for each subject–objective test results obtained during a national examination and final school marks appointed by teachers.ResultsAmong fourth‐grade students, older school entrants on average performed slightly better than the younger ones in all the subjects, irrespective of the achievement measure used. However, these differences in achievement are very small, and the effect of school entrance age on achievement is very weak. In the eighth‐grade sample, younger and older school entrants did not differ in their achievement in the majority of subjects.ConclusionsStudents who are older when they enter school perform slightly better than their older classmates in the lower grades of primary school, but these differences in achievement are very small and are probably no longer present by the end of primary schooling.
Task‐dependent uncertainty modulation of perceptual decisions in the human brain
Authors: Li Sheng , Yang Feitong 
Published: October 2012

AbstractPerceptual judgments are frequently made during uncertain situations. Previous human brain imaging studies have revealed multiple cortical and subcortical areas that are activated when decision uncertainty is linked to outcome probability. However, the neural mechanisms of uncertainty modulation in different perceptual decision tasks have not been systematically investigated. Uncertainty of perceptual decision can originate either from highly similar object categories (e.g. tasks based on criterion comparison) or from noise being added to visual stimuli (e.g. tasks based on signal detection). In this study, we used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to investigate the neural mechanisms of task‐dependent modulation of uncertainty in the human brain during perceptual judgements. We observed correlations between uncertainty levels and fMRI activity in a network of areas responsible for performance monitoring and sensory evidence comparison in both tasks. These areas are associated with late stages of perceptual decision, and include the posterior medial frontal cortex, dorsal lateral prefrontal cortex, and intraparietal sulcus. When the modulation of uncertainty on the two tasks was compared, dissociable cortical networks were identified. Uncertainty in the criterion comparison task modulated activity in the left lateral prefrontal cortex related to rule retrieval. In the signal detection task, uncertainty modulated activity in higher visual processing areas thought to be sensory information ‘accumulators’ that are active during early stages of perceptual decision. These findings offer insights into the mechanism of information processing during perceptual decision‐making.
Functional traits explain phytoplankton community structure and seasonal dynamics in a marine ecosystem
Authors: Edwards Kyle F. , Litchman Elena , Klausmeier Christopher A. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractA fundamental yet elusive goal of ecology is to predict the structure of communities from the environmental conditions they experience. Trait‐based approaches to terrestrial plant communities have shown that functional traits can help reveal the mechanisms underlying community assembly, but such approaches have not been tested on the microbes that dominate ecosystem processes in the ocean. Here, we test whether functional traits can explain community responses to seasonal environmental fluctuation, using a time series of the phytoplankton of the English Channel. We show that interspecific variation in response to major limiting resources, light and nitrate, can be well‐predicted by lab‐measured traits characterising light utilisation, nitrate utilisation and maximum growth rate. As these relationships were predicteda priori, using independently measured traits, our results show that functional traits provide a strong mechanistic foundation for understanding the structure and dynamics of ecological communities.
Electron spectroscopic analysis of the human lipid skin barrier: cold atmospheric plasma‐induced changes in lipid composition
Authors: Marschewski Marcel , Hirschberg Joanna , Omairi Tarek , Höfft Oliver , Viöl Wolfgang , Emmert Steffen , Maus‐Friedrichs Wolfgang 
Published: October 2012

AbstractThe lipids of the stratum corneum comprise the most important components of the skin barrier. In patients with ichthyoses or atopic dermatitis, the composition of the skin barrier lipids is disturbed resulting in dry, scaly, itching erythematous skin. Using the latest X‐Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) technology, we investigated the physiological skin lipid composition of human skin and the effects of cold atmospheric plasma treatment on the lipid composition. Skin lipids were stripped off forearms of six healthy volunteers using the cyanoacrylate glue technique, plasma treated or not and then subjected to detailed XPS analysis. We found that the human lipid skin barrier consisted of 84.4% carbon (+1.3 SEM%), 10.8% oxygen (+1.0 SEM%) and 4.8% nitrogen (+0.3 SEM%). The composition of physiological skin lipids was not different in males and females. Plasma treatment resulted in significant changes in skin barrier lipid stoichiometry. The total carbon amount was reduced to 76.7%, and the oxygen amount increased to 16.5%. There was also a slight increase in nitrogen to 6.8%. These changes could be attributed to reduced C‐C bonds and increased C‐O, C=O, C‐N and N‐C‐O bonds. The moderate increase in nitrogen was caused by an increase in C‐N and N‐C‐O bonds. Our results show for the first time that plasma treatment leads to considerable changes in the human skin lipid barrier. Our proof of principle investigations established the technical means to analyse, if plasma‐induced skin lipid barrier changes may be beneficial in the treatment of ichthyotic or eczematous skin.
The skin surface as antimicrobial barrier: present concepts and future outlooks
Authors: Harder Jürgen , Schröder Jens‐Michael , Gläser Regine 
Published: October 2012

AbstractHuman skin protects the body as an outer barrier from various environmental threats and has to deal with an immense quantity of microbes comprising members of the own microbiota as well as potential pathogenic microbes. In this viewpoint, we highlight important cutaneous first‐line defense barriers from the perspective of a microbe that tries to colonize and invade human skin. We place special emphasis on the role of antimicrobial peptides and the microbiota. In addition, we discuss and try to provide answers to some emerging issues concerning the various defense strategies of the epidermis.
Trigeminal neuralgia: diagnostic criteria, clinical aspects and treatment outcomes. A retrospective study
Authors: Ibrahim Suzan 
Published: October 2012

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to investigate the diagnostic criteria and clinical presentations and compare the different treatment modalities in relation to prognosis in a sample of patients with the neuropathic disorder trigeminal neuralgia (TN).MethodsA retrospective review study of clinical records was conducted of 92 patients diagnosed with TN.ResultsThe mean age[± standard deviation (SD)] of the patients was 67.3 ± 12.7 years with an average TN duration of 7.1 ± 6 years and a female predominance (M:F = 1:2.5). The maxillary branch was the most involved nerve (in 45% of patients). Twelve patients underwent CT scans, while thirty‐six patients had MRIs. Carbamazepine used by 92.4% of patients was the most commonly used drug in the management of the disorder. Twenty‐two patients had microvascular decompression (MVD). TN symptoms were completely relieved following surgery in 73% of patients who underwent neurosurgery.ConclusionsMRI is highly sensitive in the exclusion of central intracranial lesions and recommended as a routine consideration during the assessment of TN patients. Despite the side effects, carbamazepine is the drug therapy of choice. MVD produces satisfactory relief of TN symptoms in the majority of cases and should be offered to young healthy patients.
‘Talking the talk or walking the walk?’ A bibliometric review of the literature on public involvement in health research published between 1995 and 2009
Authors: Boote Jonathan , Wong Ruth , Booth Andrew 
Published: October 2012

AbstractObjectivesTo characterise the literature on public involvement in health research published between 1995 and 2009.MethodsPapers were identified from three systematic reviews, one narrative review and two bibliographies. The analysis identified journals where papers were published; countries of lead authors; types of public involved; health topic areas; and stages of research involving the public. Papers were also classified as to whether they were literature reviews or empirical studies; focused on participatory/action research; were qualitative, quantitative or mixed‐method. The number of papers published per year was also examined.FindingsOf the 683 papers identified, 297 were of USA origin and 223 were of UK origin. Of the 417 empirical papers: (i) participatory/action research approach was dominant, together with qualitative data collection methods; (ii) the stage of research the public was most involved was question identification; (iii) indigenous groups were most commonly involved; (iv) mental health was the most common health topic. Published studies peaked in 2006.ConclusionsThe present study identifies publication patterns in public involvement in health research and provides evidence to suggest that researchers increasingly are ‘walking the walk’ with respect to public involvement, with empirical studies consistently out‐numbering literature reviews from 1998.
Fluoride and silver concentrations of silver diammine fluoride solutions for dental use
Authors: Mei May Lei , Chu Chun Hung , Lo Edward Chin Man , Samaranayake Lakshman Perera 
Published: October 2012

ObjectiveTo determine the short‐term stability of free fluoride ion concentrations and acidity (pH values) of three commercially available SDF solutions over time.MethodsThree SDF products for caries control were studied: Cariestop‐12%, Cariestop‐30% and Saforide‐38%. Their expected fluoride ion concentrations were 14,200, 35,400 and 44,800 ppm, respectively. The fluoride ion concentrations were determined with an ion‐selective electrode. The acidity was determined with a pH electrode. The measurements were performed when open and at 7 and 28 days.ResultsThe mean fluoride ion concentrations of the freshly opened bottles were 12,525 ± 450, 13,200 ± 2060 and 55,800 ± 2536 ppm, respectively. The mean pH values were 9.4 ± 0.1, 10.4 ± 0.1 and 10.2 ± 0.2, respectively. No significant change (P > 0.05) in the fluoride ion concentrations or the acidity was detected after 7 or 28 days.ConclusionThe three SDF tested solutions were alkaline. The fluoride ion concentrations of Cariestop‐30% and Saforide‐38% were considerably different. The fluoride ion concentrations and acidity of the products demonstrated a short‐term stability over 28 days.
Conservation challenges in urban seascapes: promoting the growth of threatened species on coastal infrastructures
Authors: Perkol‐Finkel Shimrit , Ferrario Filippo , Nicotera Valentina , Airoldi Laura 
Published: October 2012

Summary

With nearly two‐thirds of the human population concentrated along coastlines, coastal development and urbanized seascapes are inevitable. Proliferation of coastal and marine infrastructures, such as breakwaters, ports, seawalls and offshore installations, is associated with loss of natural habitats. This calls for new strategies aimed at elevating the ecological and biological value of coastal infrastructures, while minimizing their ecological footprint.

We explored the feasibility of using coastal defence structures as a scaffold for the conservation of threatened marine species. We experimented with fucoids, canopy‐forming algae on Mediterranean coasts, in the light of their declared conservation priority. We transplanted juveniles of Cystoseira barbata to a number of breakwaters and natural sites along the Adriatic Sea (Italy) and tested which factors could facilitate or inhibit its successful establishment.

Survival of transplanted C. barbata was greater at most artificial and natural sites examined compared to the native sites where severe habitat loss was ongoing. Survival was greater at landward compared to seaward positions on the infrastructure, while no relevant effects of substratum characteristics (horizontal vs. vertical orientation, variable composition and increasing complexity) were observed. Lack of surrounding adult fronds did not impair the survival or growth of the transplants, suggesting a high transplantation potential also on novel infrastructures.

Success of transplantation in areas remote from the source population was limited by biotic disturbance, which was more intense on coastal infrastructures in sedimentary environments compared to natural rocky sites.

Synthesis and applications. Coastal and marine infrastructures can be harnessed to enhance desired species (such as threatened canopy‐forming algae). A comprehensive understanding of the ecological functioning of these urban seascapes compared to natural habitats is required to minimize detrimental impacts, or potentially increase the ecological value, of coastal structures and efficiently incorporate such strategies into management and conservation actions. We investigated the influence of habitat type (including natural and artificial), surface complexity, herbivore exclusion, proximity to established populations and orientation on the transplantation success of threatened algae.
Effects of predator control on behaviour of an apex predator and indirect consequences for mesopredator suppression
Authors: Brook Leila A. , Johnson Christopher N. , Ritchie Euan G. 
Published: October 2012

Summary

Apex predators can benefit ecosystems through top–down control of mesopredators and herbivores. However, apex predators are often subject to lethal control aimed at minimizing attacks on livestock. Lethal control can affect both the abundance and behaviour of apex predators. These changes could in turn influence the abundance and behaviour of mesopredators.

We used remote camera surveys at nine pairs of large Australian rangeland properties, comparing properties that controlled dingoes Canis lupus dingo with properties that did not, to test the effects of predator control on dingo activity and to evaluate the responses of a mesopredator, the feral cat Felis catus.

Indices of dingo abundance were generally reduced on properties that practiced dingo control, in comparison with paired properties that did not, although the effect size of control was variable. Dingoes in uncontrolled populations were crepuscular, similar to major prey. In populations subject to control, dingoes became less active around dusk, and activity was concentrated in the period shortly before dawn.

Shifts in feral cat abundance indices between properties with and without dingo control were inversely related to corresponding shifts in indices of dingo abundance. There was also a negative relationship between predator visitation rates at individual camera stations, suggesting cats avoided areas where dingoes were locally common. Reduced activity by dingoes at dusk was associated with higher activity of cats at dusk.

Our results suggest that effective dingo control not only leads to higher abundance of feral cats, but allows them to optimize hunting behaviour when dingoes are less active. This double effect could amplify the impacts of dingo control on prey species selected by cats. In areas managed for conservation, stable dingo populations may thus contribute to management objectives by restricting feral cat access to prey populations.

Synthesis and applications. Predator control not only reduces indices of apex predator abundance but can also modify their behaviour. Hence, indicators other than abundance, such as behavioural patterns, should be considered when estimating a predator's capacity to effectively interact with lower trophic guilds. Changes to apex predator behaviour may relax limitations on the behaviour of mesopredators, providing enhanced access to resources and prey.
Autoimmune cholangitis and cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Li Jun , Zhao Chaochen , Shen Yuechun 
Published: October 2012

AbstractAutoimmune cholangitis, immunoglobulin G4‐associated cholangitis (IAC), is a part of multiorgan IgG4‐related systemic disease, which was recognized as a new clinicopathological entity in recent years. IAC is defined as a biliary stricture that responds to steroid therapy, frequently is associated with other fibrosing conditions, especially autoimmune pancreatitis and is characterized by elevation of IgG4 in serum and infiltration of IgG4 positive plasma cells in bile ducts. Since IAC shares a number of clinical, biochemical, and imaging features with cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), it is often misdiagnosed as CCA, and unnecessary surgery was performed. In this compact review, we clarify the disease of IAC, summarize criteria for diagnosis of IAC, discuss the role of CA 19‐9, and provide key information to differentiate diagnosis of IAC from CCA. IAC should be highly suspected in unexplained biliary stricture associated with increased IgG4 (in serum especially in bile) and other organ involvement (kidney, retroperitoneum etc. especially pancreas in which there are abundant IgG4‐positive plasmocytes infiltration). Correct diagnosis of IAC will avoid unnecessary surgery because IAC responds well to steroid therapy. In a word, increased IgG4 levels, other organ involvement and response to steroids are keys to distinguishing IAC from CCA.
Comparison of clinical characteristics of combined hepatocellular‐cholangiocarcinoma and other primary liver cancers
Authors: Lee Chern‐Horng , Hsieh Sen‐Yung , Chang Chee‐Jen , Lin Yu‐Jr 
Published: October 2012

AbstractBackground and AimCombined hepatocellular‐cholangiocarcinoma (CHC) is a rare liver malignancy. In this study, we compared patient characteristics and outcomes for primary CHC, intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC), and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).MethodsMedical records of patients with tissue‐proven CHC (65 cases) treated at the Chang Gung Memorial Hospital between 1991 and 2005 were retrospectively reviewed. These records were compared to records of patients diagnosed with tissue‐proven HCC (1985 cases) and ICC (127 cases) during the same period.ResultsHepatitis B and C are major causes of CHC. CHC patients exhibited greater similarity to HCC than to ICC patients with respect to cirrhotic changes, age, and positive serology for hepatitis B surface antigen and anti‐hepatitis C antibody. Survival was related to tumor characteristics and intervention therapies, but not to etiologies.ConclusionsThe clinical characteristics of CHC are similar to those of HCC, but overall survival is more similar to that of ICC; survival may be related to tumor biology rather than the cause. Multimodal treatment with an initial aggressive therapeutic approach can improve survival.