bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A randomised controlled trial of outpatient compared with inpatient cervical ripening with prostaglandin E2 (OPRA study)
Authors: Wilkinson C , Bryce R , Adelson P , Turnbull D 
Published: May 2014

ObjectiveTo compare clinical outcomes from outpatient with inpatient cervical prostaglandin E2 ripening for low risk labour induction.DesignRandomised controlled trial.SettingTwo tertiary hospitals in Adelaide, Australia.PopulationWomen with uncomplicated term pregnancies, scheduled for induction of labour for reasons of post‐dates or for social reasons.MethodsEight hundred and twenty‐seven women were randomised at induction decision to an outpatient or inpatient group. All women had CTG monitoring before and after vaginal PgE2 administration. The inpatient women were admitted and the outpatient group was discharged home overnight with instructions to return if labour established or rupture of membranes occurred. Next morning, outpatient women were admitted for rupture of membranes or further ripening. After membrane rupture, both groups received routine care.Main outcome measuresOxytocin use, maternal and fetal outcomes, and whether planned outpatient management was achievable.ResultsThere were no significant differences in oxytocin use (2.5% difference, CI−4.3 to 9.4), caesarean sections (−0.59% difference, CI−6.3 to 5.1), epidural use (1.5% difference, CI−5.1 to 8.2), vaginal delivery within 24 hours (−8.2% difference, CI−17.6 to 1.3) or labour complications. More than half of the randomised women did not receive the intervention as they laboured spontaneously, or did not require ripening. The post‐hoc analysis of women who received ripening also indicated no statistically significant differences in the patterns or results, with the exception of outpatient women having a longer mean length of active labour (mean difference 66 minutes, CI 4–128 minutes). Outpatient women who received ripening were diagnosed more frequently with non‐reassuring CTG monitoring and hyperstimulation, with less than half of the women going home and remaining home overnight.ConclusionsThis study demonstrated no clinical advantage or disadvantage in prostaglandin E2 outpatient cervical ripening. Uterine stimulation following prostaglandins may preclude a woman from going home or remaining at home overnight and may not be the best agent for outpatient ripening.
Occurrence of Bursaphelenchus mucronatus (Nematoda: Aphelenchoididae) and the microhabitat distribution of fungi in declining pine trees in a locale in Korea
Authors: Oh In‐Jae , Ju Wan‐Taek , Kim Young‐Ju , Jung Woo‐Jin , Kim Kil‐Yong , Park Ro‐Dong 
Published: May 2014

AbstractA total of 33 pine trees with symptoms of decline were collected in Jeonnam Province, South Korea, and were examined for the presence of nematodes. About 20% of the trees sampled were positive with Bursaphelenchus species. All Bursaphelenchus species were found in recently dead or dying trees. Based on morphological observations, the nematode extracted from the declining pine trees was identified as B. mucronatus. The highly pathogenic pine wood nematode B. xylophilus was not found in any pine trees sampled. B. mucronatus was easily reared on fungus Botrytis cinerea. Twenty one fungal isolates were isolated from dead trees, fallen twigs, and healthy pine trees. The fungal isolates belonged to Trichoderma genus and were dominant in the wood of partially declining pines. The blue‐stain fungi transmitted by the Monochamus beetle were not detected. The B. mucronatus population decreased markedly on Auxarthron reticulatum DY‐2 isolated from soils. The number of nematodes also reduced on Verticillium saksenae A‐1, a nematophagous fungus, and Beauveria bassiana, an entomopathogenic fungus. This observation suggested the fungal production of nematicidal activity against B. mucronatus. When the fungal culture filtrates were also used for nematicidal activity on B. mucronatus, the culture filtrates of A‐1, DY‐2 and B. bassiana showed over 50% mortality within 48 h exposure. The fungi BC4, BC5 and BC6 isolated from declining pine trees inhibited the reproduction of B. mucronatus, and their culture filtrates also expressed nematicidal activity, indicating a possible interaction between the fungi in pine trees and nematodes at microhabitat level.
Early Helicobacter pylori eradication is associated with a reduced risk of recurrent peptic ulcers in cirrhotic patients
Authors: Chang Shen‐Shong , Hu Hsiao‐Yun 
Published: May 2014

ObiectiveThe study aimed to investigate whether early Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) eradication therapy in cirrhotic patients caused a dramatic reduction of recurrent peptic ulcers compared with those treated with a late eradication.MethodsWe identified cirrhotic patients using the International Classifications of Diseases, Revision 9 (ICD‐9‐CM). Decompensated cirrhotic patients can apply for a catastrophic illness card and were identified via the ICD‐9‐CM codes 571.2, 571.5 and 571.6. Compensated cirrhotic patients were identified via the ICD‐9‐CM codes 571.2, 571.5 and 571.6, after excluded decompensated cirrhotic patients. We categorized patients into early (time lag ≤365 days after peptic ulcer diagnosis) and late (time lag >365 days) H. pylori eradication therapy groups. The end‐point was the occurrence of recurrent peptic ulcers. Cox proportional hazards model was used to calculate the hazard ratios (HRs).ResultsAltogether, 154 cirrhotic patients were included in the early H. pylori eradication group and 103 in the late H. pylori eradication group. Cirrhotic patients had a higher risk of recurrent peptic ulcers in the late H. pylori eradication group (HR 1.58, 95% CI 1.09–2.28, P = 0.015). However, the risk of recurrent peptic ulcers in alcoholic cirrhotic patients in both groups (HR 1.47, 95% CI 0.77–2.83, P = 0.247) was similar.ConclusionsEarly H. pylori eradication is associated with a lower risk of recurrent peptic ulcers in cirrhotic patients. H. pylori eradication is the mainstay for treating cirrhotic patients who have contracted peptic ulcers.
Incidence and risk factors of lower extremity amputations in people with type 2 diabetes in Taiwan, 2001–2010 2001–2010年台湾糖尿病患者的下肢截肢发生率及其相关危险因素的研究
Authors: Lai Yun‐Ju , Hu Hsiao‐Yun , Lin Ching‐Heng , Lee Shih‐Tan , Kuo Shih‐Chieh , Chou Pesus 
Published: May 2014

AbstractBackgroundDiabetic patients have an increased risk of lower extremity amputations (LEAs). In the present study we analyzed the incidence of LEA in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in Taiwan from 2001 to 2010, and determined risk factors for LEA.MethodsData from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database collected between 1 January 2001 and 31 December 2010 were analyzed. First, the incidence of LEA in the diabetic population was calculated. Subsequently, patients with new‐onset T2DM during the study period were selected, and Cox's proportional hazards model was used to identify factors associated with LEA. The characteristics of patients who underwent major and multiple amputations were also analyzed.ResultsFrom 2001 to 2010, 1588 non‐traumatic LEAs were performed among the study subjects; 776 (48.9%) were minor and 812 (51.1%) were major LEAs. Over the period in question, the incidence of LEAs decreased from 3.08 to 1.65 per 1000 person‐years. Factors associated with LEA included peripheral arterial occlusive disease (hazard ratio [HR] 4.134; 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.72–6.29), diabetic neuropathy (HR 2.34; 95% CI 1.62–3.38), diabetic retinopathy (HR 2.07; 95% CI 1.12–3.82), heart failure (HR 2.13; 95% CI 1.45–3.15), male gender (HR 1.64; 95% CI 1.24–2.18), and adult onset diabetes (HR 1.02; 95% CI 1.01–1.04). Patients with a history of stroke were more likely to undergo major and multiple amputations (P < 0.001 and P < 0.01, respectively).ConclusionsThe incidence of LEA in the Taiwan diabetic population decreased over the study period. The results indicate that efforts to improve diabetic care should be supported and sustainable, especially for those at high risk.
At home with the birds:Kalahari tree skinks associate with sociable weaver nests despiteAfrican pygmy falcon presence
Authors: Rymer Tasmin L. , Thomson Robert L. , Whiting Martin J. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractThe way in which animals use habitat can affect their access to key resources or how they are buffered from environmental variables such as the extreme temperatures of deserts. One strategy of animals is to modify the environment or take advantage of structures constructed by other species. The sociable weaver bird (Philetairus socius) constructs enormous colonial nests in trees. These nests are frequented by Kalahari tree skinks (Trachylepis spilogaster) and the two species coexist over a large portion of theKalahariDesert inSouthAfrica. We tested whether skinks were more abundant in trees containing sociable weaver nests and asked whether the physical features of trees were important predictors of skink abundance. We then focused on potential costs of this association by examining the relationship between skink abundance and the presence of a potential predator, the pygmy falcon (Polihierax semitorquatus), which exclusively uses weaver nest colonies for roosting and nesting. Finally, we simulated a predatory threat to determine if skinks assess risk differently if a weaver nest is present. We found a significant positive association between the presence of weaver nests and skink abundance. In the absence of nests, the type of tree did not influence skink abundance. Skinks used weaver nests and were more likely to perch on the nest than the tree. When threatened with predation, skinks preferred to take refuge in nests. Surprisingly, the presence of nesting pygmy falcons in nests did not influence skink abundance, perhaps because of the abundance of nearby refuges within nests, tree crevices, or in debris at the tree base. We suggest that sociable weaver nests provide multiple benefits to skinks including lowered predation risk, thermal refuges and greater prey availability, although this requires experimental testing. In the current era of global climate change, sociable weaver nests may become a crucial resource for skinks seeking refuge as theKalahari climate warms.
Conducting animal censuses amongst abrupt topography; aGIS‐based alternative toDistance
Authors: O'Kane Christopher A. J. , Page Bruce R. , Macdonald David W. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractManagement often bases decisions on estimates of animal density and population size. Aerial sampling is expensive whilst current ground methods, noticeablyDistancesampling, assume a single detection function for each habitat and that visibility in a given habitat type declines in a smooth, increasing manner with distance from the observer. If the visibility within a habitat varies widely or is suddenly cut off, as amongst abrupt topography, these assumptions are invalidated. We present an affordable, accessible and accurate method for conducting repeated annual censuses on large herbivores in such terrain. We used aGIShabitat‐based approach. Monthly, over a two year period, we conducted repeated road transects inIthalaGameReserve,SouthAfrica, usingGPSto record the geographic position of each sighting. These records (n = 8742) were then imported into aGISand overlaid onto an existing habitat‐typeGISlayer. With the sampled area thus defined as an irregular polygon in theGISencompassing all records, we calculated densities of each herbivore species by habitat type and extrapolated total population size estimates. Estimates of maximum population size for wildebeest and zebra correlated (±15%) with management's estimates based on aerial surveys, walked transects and experience. White rhino are individually counted in the reserve and our estimates (year 1: 52; year 2: 57) matched these known numbers (year 1: 50; year 2: 53). Our method also yielded realistic numbers for impala, but unrealistic numbers for kudu and warthog. OurGIS‐based census technique produced realistic maximum population estimates for abundant grazing and mixed‐feeder mesoherbivores and for scarce, but highly visible, megaherbivores, but not for cryptic species. With the increasing availability ofGISdata, the technique is recommended to those working in abrupt terrain frustrated by the inability of current ground census techniques, principallyDistancesampling, to produce realistic population estimates.
Implementing a structured Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocol reduces length of stay after abdominal hysterectomy
Authors: Wijk Lena , Franzen Karin , Ljungqvist Olle , Nilsson Kerstin 
Published: May 2014

AbstractObjectiveTo study the effects of introducing an Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocol, modified for gynecological surgery, on length of stay and complications following abdominal hysterectomy.DesignObservational study.SettingDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Örebro University Hospital, Sweden.PopulationEighty‐five patients undergoing abdominal hysterectomy for benign or malignant indications between January and December 2012, with or without salpingo‐oophorectomy. Outcomes were compared with all consecutive patients who had undergone the same surgery from January to December 2011, immediately before establishing the ERAS protocol (n = 120).MethodsThe ERAS protocol was initiated in January 2012 as part of a targeted implementation program. Data were extracted from patient records and from a specific database.Main outcome measuresLength of stay and the proportion of patients achieving target length of stay (2 days).ResultsLength of stay was significantly reduced in the study population after introducing the ERAS protocol from a mean of 2.6 (SD 1.1) days to a mean of 2.3 (SD 1.2) days (p = 0.011). The proportion of patients discharged at 2 days was significantly increased from 56% pre‐ERAS to 73% after ERAS (p = 0.012). No differences were found in complications (5% vs. 3.5% in primary stay, 12% vs. 15% within 30 days after discharge), reoperations (2% vs. 1%) or readmission (4% vs. 4%).ConclusionsIntroducing the ERAS protocol for abdominal hysterectomy reduced length of stay without increasing complications or readmissions.
What Women Want: Lead Considerations for Current and Future Applications of Noninvasive Prenatal Testing in Prenatal Care
Authors: Farrell Ruth M. , Agatisa Patricia K. , Nutter Benjamin 
Published: May 2014

AbstractBackgroundNoninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT) will change the delivery of prenatal care for all women, including those considered low risk for fetal chromosomal abnormalities. This study investigated pregnant women's attitudes, informational needs, and decision‐making preferences with respect to current and future applications of NIPT.MethodsA survey instrument was used to identify aspects of the decision‐making process for NIPT among low‐risk and high‐risk populations.ResultsBoth low‐risk and high‐risk women (n = 334) expressed interest in incorporating NIPT as a screening test into their prenatal care. Information specific to NIPT's detection rate (86%), indications (77%), and performance in comparison with conventional screens and diagnostic tests (63%) were identified as lead factors when considering its use. The future availability of NIPT as a diagnostic test increased women's willingness to undergo testing for fetal aneuploidy, cancer susceptibility, and childhood‐onset and adult‐onset diseases. Despite its noninvasive aspects, participants expressed the need for a formal informed consent process (71%) to take place before testing.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates that NIPT will introduce new challenges for pregnant women and their health care practitioners who will be charged with supporting informed decision making about its use. It is critical that obstetric professionals are prepared to facilitate a patient‐centered decision‐making process as its clinical application rapidly changes.
A cross‐cultural examination of the impact of social, organisational and individual factors on educational technology acceptance between British and Lebanese university students
Authors: Tarhini Ali , Hone Kate , Liu Xiaohui 
Published: May 2014

AbstractThis paper examines the social, organisational and individual factors that may affect students' acceptance of e‐learning systems in higher education in a cross‐cultural context. A questionnaire was developed based on an extended technology acceptance model (TAM). A total sample of 1173 university students from two private universities in Lebanon and one university in England participated in this study. After performing the satisfactory reliability and validity checks, the hypothesised model was estimated using structural equation modeling. The findings of this study revealed that perceived usefulness (PU), perceived ease of use (PEOU), social norms (SNs), perceived quality of work life (QWL), computer self‐efficacy (SE) and facilitating conditions (FC) are significant determinants of behavioural intentions (BIs) and usage of e‐learning system for the Lebanese and British students. QWL, the newly added variable, was found the most important construct in explaining the causal process in the model for both samples. Differences were found between Lebanese and British students with regard to PEOU, SN, QWL, FC, SE and actual usage; however, no differences were detected in terms of PU and BI. Overall, the proposed model achieves acceptable fit and explains for 69% of the British sample and 57% of the Lebanese sample of its variance which is higher than that of the original TAM. Our findings suggest that individual, social and organisational factors are important to consider in explaining students' BI and usage of e‐learning environments.
Baseline characteristics predict risk of progression and response to combined medical therapy for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
Authors: Kozminski Michael A. , Wei John T. , Nelson Jason , Kent David M. 
Published: May 2014

ObjectiveTo better risk stratify patients, using baseline characteristics, to help optimise decision‐making for men with moderate‐to‐severe lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) through a secondary analysis of the Medical Therapy of Prostatic Symptoms (MTOPS) trial.Patients and MethodsAfter review of the literature, we identified potential baseline risk factors for BPH progression. Using bivariate tests in a secondary analysis of MTOPS data, we determined which variables retained prognostic significance. We then used these factors in Cox proportional hazard modelling to: i) more comprehensively risk stratify the study population based on pre‐treatment parameters and ii) to determine which risk strata stood to benefit most from medical intervention.ResultsIn all, 3047 men were followed in MTOPS for a mean of 4.5 years. We found varying risks of progression across quartiles. Baseline BPH Impact Index score, post‐void residual urine volume, serum prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) level, age, American Urological Association Symptom Index score, and maximum urinary flow rate were found to significantly correlate with overall BPH progression in multivariable analysis.ConclusionsUsing baseline factors permits estimation of individual patient risk for clinical progression and the benefits of medical therapy. A novel clinical decision tool based on these analyses will allow clinicians to weigh patient‐specific benefits against possible risks of adverse effects for a given patient.
Life satisfaction, coping, self‐esteem and suicide ideation in Chinese adolescents: a school‐based study
Authors: Yao Y‐S. , Chang W‐W. , Jin Y‐L. , Chen Y. , He L‐P. , Zhang L. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractPurposeTo determine the prevalence and associated risk factors of suicidal ideation (SI) among junior, senior high and college school students.MethodsA total of 5249 students in Anhui Province of China participated in a self‐administered anonymous survey.ResultsFemales were more likely to report SI than males (32.1% vs. 20.6%). Using binary logistic regression analysis, we found that being female, passive coping, lower family satisfaction, lower school satisfaction, lower living environment satisfaction and higher self‐esteem were associated with an increased risk of SI.ConclusionsThis study suggested that SI was common among Chinese adolescents. Being female, high score of passive coping, lower family satisfaction, lower school satisfaction, lower living environment satisfaction and higher self‐esteem were significantly associated with an increased risk of SI. There is an urgent need to take effective measures reducing the rate of SI among adolescents through collaboration among families, schools and society.
Mathematical modelling of spatio‐temporal cell dynamics in colonic crypts following irradiation
Authors: Murano T. , Kagawa Y. , Tsuneda S. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractObjectivesModelling the apoptotic process is essential for simulating and understanding tumour growth, as most tumour tissues carry mutations in apoptotic signalling pathways. Thus here, we have aimed to construct a mathematical model of colonic crypts that explicitly incorporates the apoptotic mechanism.MethodsA murine colonic crypt was described as being a two‐dimensional rectangular surface model. In this system, three types of cells with different proliferating and differentiating potentials migrate. Apoptosis was described as a process activated by irradiation that progresses in a stepwise manner. Parameter values in the model were determined to be consistent with experimental data for changes in the apoptotic cell ratio within murine transverse colonic crypts following irradiation.ResultsFirst, we constructed a model reproducing cell proliferation dynamics in normal murine colonic crypts; next, we applied the apoptotic mechanism to this model. As a result, we succeeded in simultaneous reproduction of both spatial and temporal changes in distribution of apoptotic cells in murine colonic crypts by determining parameter values in numerical simulations. Through this adjustment process, we were able to predict that stem cells and transit amplifying (TA) cells in each generation must react distinctly from each other, to apoptosis‐inducing stimuli.ConclusionsWe constructed a mathematical model with which we could quantitatively describe cell proliferative and apoptotic dynamics in a murine colonic crypt. Using this model, we were able to make novel predictions that sensitivity to apoptosis‐inducing stimuli is dependent on cell type.
Combination therapy of infantile hemangiomas with pulsed dye laser and Nd:YAG laser is effective and safe
Authors: Kaune Kjell M. , Lauerer Peter , Kietz Silke , Eich Christoph , Thoms Kai‐Martin , Schön Michael P. , Zutt Markus 
Published: May 2014

SummaryBackgroundInfantile hemangiomas (IH) can cause severe complications such as obstruction, ulceration or heart failure. Therefore, in certain difficult‐to‐treat areas, or when there is no sign of involution, early and effective therapy is required. In rare instances, systemic treatments, like the beta‐blocker propranolol and oral corticosteroids, can cause serious side effects. Effective and well‐tolerated local treatment options are thus desirable as additive or alternative methods.Patients and MethodsIn this retrospective interdisciplinary study, 38 children with 77 IH were treated with pulsed dye laser (PDL) (595 nm) and Nd:YAG laser (1,064 nm). The treatment success and side effects were evaluated according to objective and subjective parameters, including hemangioma thickness measured by ultrasound and the parents’ evaluation of treatment.ResultsAll 77 treated IH responded to the therapy, of which 52.8 % healed after the end of treatment and 47.2 % had only minimum residual components. The success of treatment was assessed by the parents in 92.6 % as very good or good. Transient blistering occurred as the main side effect in 45.9 %.ConclusionsCombination therapy with PDL and Nd:YAG laser represents an effective local method for IH with minimal side effects.