bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Delayed/non‐union of upper limb fractures with bisphosphonates: systematic review and recommendations
Authors: Ng Andrew Jin‐Hean , Yue Brian , Joseph Samuel , Richardson Martin 
Published: February 2014

AbstractBackgroundBisphosphonates (BPs) are widely used for the treatment of osteoporosis. Oversuppression of bone turnover with BPs may paradoxically limit the reserve capacity of bone to heal. The aim of this review was to study the predisposition of some patients to delayed/non‐union of upper limb fractures associated with BPs and give recommendations on how they should be treated.MethodsA systematic search of two electronic databases was conducted to identify relevant studies for inclusion. All relevant studies found were included and assessed through methodology criteria predetermined by two independent reviewers.ResultsSix papers comprising of three case reports, one nested case control study, one restrospective review and one randomized clinical trial were used. In comparative studies of pre‐fracture BP use, a 6‐day delay in average healing times was reported among BP users. There was no elevation in risk of non‐union. Post‐fracture BP use was associated with an approximate doubling of the risk of non‐union. Timing of BP therapy initiation following a fracture was not associated with a difference in healing times. An atypical ulna fracture treated conservatively resulted in non‐union, there was no effect of type of surgical treatment on distal radius fracture healing and there was insufficient evidence to comment on humeral fracture treatment.ConclusionsDifferences in union time between BP users and non‐users are not significant enough to change current practice patterns and do not outweigh the benefits of BP therapy. There is no evidence to encourage early surgical management of BP‐related upper limb fractures.
Transversus abdominis plane block after ambulatory total laparoscopic hysterectomy: randomized controlled trial
Authors: Calle Gustavo A. , López Claudia C. , Sánchez Enrique , De Los Ríos José F. , Vásquez Elsa M. , Serna Eduardo , Arango Adriana M. , Castañeda Juan D. , Vásquez Ricardo A. , González Antonio , Escobar Álvaro , Almanza Luis A. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractObjectiveTo determine if transversus abdominis plane anesthetic blockage (TAP block) diminishes early postoperative pain scores and facilitates ambulatory management following total laparoscopic hysterectomy.DesignRandomized triple blind trial.SettingGynecological endoscopy unit at a referral center for laparoscopic surgery.PopulationA total of 197 patients.MethodsComparison of a treatment group receiving TAP block with bupivacaine 0.25% and placebo group with comparably placed bilateral injection of sterile saline solution.Main outcome measuresPain scores at discharge 24, 48 and 72 h after surgery, opioid requirement after procedure.ResultsPatients who had TAP block had a significant reduction in their pain score at discharge compared with the placebo group (p = 0.017). There were no significant differences in the pain scores between groups at 24 h (95% CI 1.36–0.133, p = 0.237), 48 h (95% CI 0.689–0.465, p = 0.702) and 72 h (95% CI −0.631 to 0.223, p = 0.347). No differences were found between the groups regarding opioid requirements following the procedure (χ2 = 3.62, p = 0.46).ConclusionAlthough TAP block after a total laparoscopic hysterectomy reduced the pain score at discharge compared with placebo, its role in this setting is debatable due to the possible lack of clinical significance of the small difference found.
Women's antenatal preferences for delivery route in a setting with high cesarean section rates and a medically dominated maternity system
Authors: Dweik Diána , Girasek Edmond , Töreki Annamária , Mészáros Gyula , Pál Attila 
Published: February 2014

AbstractObjectiveTo assess birth preferences in a sample of Hungarian pregnant women and identify determinants of ambivalence or clear choices for cesarean section throughout pregnancy.DesignFollow‐up two‐point questionnaire survey.SettingUniversity Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology in Hungary.SampleA total of 413 women with singleton pregnancies where there was no awareness of medical contradictions to vaginal delivery, attending for routine ultrasound examination in mid‐pregnancy from November 2011 to March 2012.MethodsQuestionnaires completed in mid‐ and late pregnancy (gestational weeks 18–22 and 35–37) including the Wijma Delivery Expectancy/Experience Questionnaire A.Main outcome measuresPrevalence of women preferring cesarean section or being uncertain about what delivery route to choose, in case they had the choice; their demographic characteristics, attitudes toward birth issues and their Wijma Delivery Expectancy/Experience Questionnaire A scores, compared with women consistent in their preference for vaginal delivery.ResultsOf the 413 respondents, 365 (88.4%) were consistent in their preference for vaginal delivery. In logistic regression models the important contributors to describing preferences for cesarean section or uncertain preferences were previous cesarean section and maternal belief that cesarean section is more beneficial than vaginal delivery.ConclusionsThe majority of pregnant women preferred vaginal delivery to cesarean section. Neither a higher Wijma Delivery Expectancy/Experience Questionnaire A score nor sociodemographic differences were important determinants of a preference for cesarean section or for an uncertain preference. On the other hand, previous cesarean section and certain preconceived maternal attitudes towards delivery were characteristic for these women.
Subcutaneous fat accumulation in early infancy is more strongly associated with motor development and delay than muscle growth
Authors: Kanazawa H , Kawai M , Niwa F , Hasegawa T , Iwanaga K , Ohata K , Tamaki A , Heike T 
Published: February 2014

AbstractAimPhysical growth in neurologically healthy preterm infants affects motor development. This study investigated the separate relationships between muscle and fat in infancy and later motor development and physical growth.MethodsMuscle thickness and subcutaneous fat thickness of the anterior thigh were measured using ultrasound images obtained from neurologically healthy preterm infants at birth, 3, 6, 12 and 18 months' corrected age. We also obtained the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory and Alberta Infant Motor Scale scores at 18 months' corrected age to assess motor ability and motor delay.ResultsThirty preterm infants completed the study protocol. There was a significant positive correlation between motor ability and increments in subcutaneous fat thickness during the first 3 and 6 months' corrected age (r = 0.48 and 0.40, p < 0.05, respectively), but not between motor ability and muscle thickness growth in any of the periods. A secondary, logistic regression analysis showed that increments in subcutaneous fat thickness during the first 3 months were a protective factor for motor delay.ConclusionSubcutaneous fat accumulation in early infancy is more strongly associated with motor development and delay than muscle growth.
Low‐intensity training increases peak arm VO2 by enhancing both convective and diffusive O2 delivery
Authors: Boushel R. , Ara I. , Gnaiger E. , Helge J. W. , González‐Alonso J. , Munck‐Andersen T. , Sondergaard H. , Damsgaard R. , van Hall G. , Saltin B. , Calbet J. A. L. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractAimIt is an ongoing discussion the extent to which oxygen delivery and oxygen extraction contribute to an increased muscle oxygen uptake during dynamic exercise. It has been proposed that local muscle factors including the capillary bed and mitochondrial oxidative capacity play a large role in prolonged low‐intensity training of a small muscle group when the cardiac output capacity is not directly limiting. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relative roles of circulatory and muscle metabolic mechanisms by which prolonged low‐intensity exercise training alters regional muscle VO2.MethodsIn nine healthy volunteers (seven males, two females), haemodynamic and metabolic responses to incremental arm cycling were measured by the Fick method and biopsy of the deltoid and triceps muscles before and after 42 days of skiing for 6 h day−1 at 60% max heart rate.ResultsPeak pulmonary VO2 during arm crank was unchanged after training (2.38 ± 0.19 vs. 2.18 ± 0.2 L min−1 pre‐training) yet arm VO2 (1.04 ± 0.08 vs. 0.83 ± 0.1 L min1, P < 0.05) and power output (137 ± 9 vs. 114 ± 10 Watts) were increased along with a higher arm blood flow (7.9 ± 0.5 vs. 6.8 ± 0.6 L min−1, P < 0.05) and expanded muscle capillary volume (76 ± 7 vs. 62 ± 4 mL, P < 0.05). Muscle O2 diffusion capacity (16.2 ± 1 vs. 12.5 ± 0.9 mL min−1 mHg−1, P < 0.05) and O2 extraction (68 ± 1 vs. 62 ± 1%, P < 0.05) were enhanced at a similar mean capillary transit time (569 ± 43 vs. 564 ± 31 ms) and P50 (35.8 ± 0.7 vs. 35 ± 0.8), whereas mitochondrial O2 flux capacity was unchanged (147 ± 6 mL kg min−1 vs. 146 ± 8 mL kg min−1).ConclusionThe mechanisms underlying the increase in peak arm VO2 with prolonged low‐intensity training in previously untrained subjects are an increased convective O2 delivery specifically to the muscles of the arm combined with a larger capillary–muscle surface area that enhance diffusional O2 conductance, with no apparent role of mitochondrial respiratory capacity.
Population pharmacokinetics of valganciclovir prophylaxis in paediatric and adult solid organ transplant recipients
Authors: Vezina Heather E. , Brundage Richard C. , Balfour Henry H. 
Published: February 2014

AimOur aims were to quantify ganciclovir pharmacokinetics in paediatric and adult kidney, liver and lung transplant patients taking a range of valganciclovir doses to prevent herpes virus infections, including a 450 mg regimen, and to identify sources of pharmacokinetic variability.MethodPlasma samples were collected at 2, 4, 8 and 12 weeks post‐transplant and at 4, 6, 8 and 12 months post‐transplant in subjects prescribed longer courses. Ganciclovir was measured by liquid chromatography/ultraviolet detection. Non‐linear mixed effects modelling was used to analyze the concentration–time data and evaluate demographic and transplant‐related covariates.ResultsA two compartment model with first order absorption best described the data. Given the range of body sizes, clearance and volume of distribution terms were scaled using standard weight‐based allometric exponents. Creatinine clearance was included on apparent oral clearance. Final estimates in a standard 70 kg individual for apparent oral clearance, central volume of distribution, intercompartmental clearance and peripheral volume of distribution were 14.5 l h−1, 87.5 l, 4.80 l h−1 and 42.6 l, respectively. The median terminal half‐life for kidney, liver and lung transplant recipients was 9.4, 9.5 and 8.2 h, respectively. Median exposure (i.e. AUC(0,∞) in subjects taking valganciclovir 900 mg or 450 mg once daily was 57.4 and 34.3 μg ml−1 h, respectively.ConclusionAllometric scaling allowed simultaneous analysis of data from children and adults. Ganciclovir pharmacokinetics were similar among kidney, liver and lung transplant recipients. Ganciclovir exposure after valganciclovir 450 mg once daily may be suboptimal in some individuals and requires evaluation along with virologic outcomes data.
Bayesian adaptive designs in single ascending dose trials in healthy volunteers
Authors: Guédé David , Reigner Bruno , Vandenhende Francois , Derks Mike , Beyer Ulrich , Jordan Paul , Worth Eric , Diack Cheikh , Frey Nicolas , Peck Richard 
Published: February 2014

AimRecent publications indicate a strong interest in applying Bayesian adaptive designs in first time in humans (FTIH) studies outside of oncology. The objective of the present work was to assess the performance of a new approach that includes Bayesian adaptive design in single ascending dose (SAD) trials conducted in healthy volunteers, in comparison with a more traditional approach.MethodsA trial simulation approach was used and seven different scenarios of dose–response were tested.ResultsThe new approach provided less biased estimates of maximum tolerated dose (MTD). In all scenarios, the number of subjects needed to define a MTD was lower with the new approach than with the traditional approach. With respect to duration of the trials, the two approaches were comparable. In all scenarios, the number of subjects exposed to a dose greater than the actual MTD was lower with the new approach than with the traditional approach.ConclusionsThe new approach with Bayesian adaptive design shows a very good performance in the estimation of MTD and in reducing the total number of healthy subjects. It also reduces the number of subjects exposed to doses greater than the actual MTD.
Pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics during the transition from warfarin to rivaroxaban: a randomized study in healthy subjects
Authors: Kubitza Dagmar , Becka Michael , Mück Wolfgang , Krätzschmar Jöern 
Published: February 2014

AimsThis study investigated relevant pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic parameters during the transition from warfarin to rivaroxaban in healthy male subjects.MethodsNinety‐six healthy men were randomized into the following three groups: warfarin [international normalized ratio (INR) 2.0–3.0] transitioned to rivaroxaban 20 mg once daily (od; group A); warfarin (INR 2.0–3.0) followed by placebo od (group B); and rivaroxaban alone 20 mg od (group C) for 4 days. Anti‐factor Xa activity, inhibition of factor Xa activity, prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time, HepTest, prothrombinase‐induced clotting time, factor VIIa activity, factor IIa activity, endogenous thrombin potential and pharmacokinetics were measured.ResultsAn additive effect was observed on the PT and PT/INR during the initial transition period. The mean maximal prolongation of PT was 4.39‐fold [coefficient of variation (CV) 18.03%; range 3.39–6.50] of the baseline value in group A, compared with 1.88‐fold (CV 10.35%; range 1.53–2.21) in group B and 1.57‐fold (CV 9.98%; range 1.37–2.09) in group C. Rivaroxaban had minimal influence on the PT/INR at trough levels. Inhibition of factor Xa activity, activated partial thromboplastin time and endogenous thrombin potential were also enhanced, but to a lesser extent. In contrast, the effects of rivaroxaban on anti‐factor Xa activity, HepTest and prothrombinase‐induced clotting time were not affected by pretreatment with warfarin.ConclusionsChanges in pharmacodynamics during the transition from warfarin to rivaroxaban vary depending on the test used. A supra‐additive effect on PT/INR is expected during the initial period of transition, but pretreatment with warfarin does not influence the effect of rivaroxaban on anti‐factor Xa activity.
Selenium Cytotoxicity in Cancer
Authors: Wallenberg Marita , Misra Sougat , Björnstedt Mikael 
Published: February 2014

AbstractSelenium is an essential trace element with growth‐modulating properties. Decades of research clearly demonstrate that selenium compounds inhibit the growth of malignant cells in diverse experimental model systems. However, the growth‐modulating and cytotoxic mechanisms are diverse and far from clear. Lately, a remarkable tumour selective cytotoxicity of selenium compounds has been shown, indicating the potential of selenium in the treatment of cancer. Of particular interest are the redox‐active selenium compounds exhibiting cytotoxic potential to tumour cells. These selenium compounds elicit complex patterns of pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics, leading to cell death pathways that differ among compounds. Modern oncology often focuses on targeted ligand‐based therapeutic strategies that are specific to their molecular targets. These drugs are initially efficient, but the tumour cells often rapidly develop resistance against these drugs. In contrast, certain redox‐active selenium compounds induce complex cascades of pro‐death signalling at pharmacological concentrations with superior tumour specificity. The target molecules are often the ones that are important for the survival of cancer cells and often implicated in drug resistance. Therefore, the chemotherapeutic applications of selenium offer great possibilities of multi‐target attacks on tumour cells. This MiniReview focuses on the tumour‐specific cytotoxic effects of selenium, with special emphasis on cascades of cellular events induced by the major groups of pharmacologically active selenium compounds. Furthermore, the great pharmacological potential of selenium in the treatment of resistant cancers is discussed.
PCB Concentrations and Dioxin‐like Activity in Blood Samples from Danish School Children and Their Mothers living in Urban and Rural Areas
Authors: Mørck Thit A. , Erdmann Simon E. , Long Manhai , Mathiesen Line , Nielsen Flemming , Siersma Volkert D. , Bonefeld‐Jørgensen Eva C. , Knudsen Lisbeth E. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractHuman exposure to persistent organic pollutants (POPs) is of major concern due to a diversity of adverse effects from prolonged exposure and bioaccumulation. Manufacturing of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), a subgroup of POPs, has been prohibited for many decades; however, human exposure still occurs due to the persistent nature of the chemicals. The concentrations of the dioxin‐like PCB congeners 105, 118 and 156 and the non‐dioxin‐like PCB congeners 28, 52, 101, 138, 153 and 180, p,p′‐DDE, p,p′‐DDT, o,p′‐DDE, o,p′‐DDT, HCB and β‐HCH as well as the dioxin‐like activity using the AhR transactivity assay were analysed in blood samples from Danish schoolchildren and their mothers in the European framework of the DEMOCOPHES/COPHES projects. The participants were selected from an urban and a rural area, respectively. The PCB concentrations and the AhR‐TEQ (TCDD toxic equivalent) were significantly higher in schoolchildren living in the urban area compared with the rural, and for AhR‐TEQ, a strong correlation between the mothers and children was observed. We found a significant negative correlation between BMI and PCB concentrations in the children. Finally, in the mothers, there was a positive association between age and PCB concentration. These results show that both PCBs and dioxin‐like activity can be measured as biomarkers of exposure and effects in blood samples from children and women. The results indicate that people living in urban areas may be exposed to higher concentrations of PCBs, dioxins and dioxin‐like chemicals, which may lead to a greater risk of adverse effects for urban populations.
An Analytical Framework for Assessing Drug and Therapeutics Committee Structure and Work Processes in Tertiary Brazilian Hospitals
Authors: Lima‐Dellamora Elisangela da Costa , Caetano Rosângela , Gustafsson Lars L. , Godman Brian B. , Patterson Ken , Osorio‐de‐Castro Claudia Garcia Serpa 
Published: February 2014

AbstractUniversity teaching hospitals usually provide tertiary care and are subject to early adoption of new technologies, which may compromise healthcare systems when uncritically adopted. Knowledge on the decision‐making process – drug selection by drug selection committees or DTCs – is crucial to improve the quality of care. There are no models for studying the selection of drugs in Brazilian healthcare services. This study aims to discuss DTC structure and the processes regarding adoption of medicines in tertiary university hospitals in Brazil and to propose an analytical structure for providing direction for the future. State of the art content regarding drug selection processes and DTC procedures was reviewed in three databases. Information on the medicine selection process in a Brazilian gold standard teaching hospital was collected through observations and a review of existing procedures. A structured discussion on medicine selection and DTC procedures in tertiary hospitals ensued. This discussion resulted in findings that were organized in three dimensions, composing an analytical framework for the application in tertiary Brazilian hospitals (i) motivations for the adoption of drugs; (ii) necessary structural and organizational aspects for decision‐making; and (iii) criteria and methods employed by the decision‐making process. We believe that the suggested framework is compatible with tertiary Brazilian hospitals, because a gold standard in the country was able to conduct all its procedures in the light of WHO and international recommendations. We hope to contribute in producing knowledge which may hopefully be adopted in tertiary hospitals across Brazil.
Validation of the Instructional Materials Motivation Survey (IMMS) in a self‐directed instructional setting aimed at working with technology
Authors: Loorbach Nicole , Peters Oscar , Karreman Joyce , Steehouder Michaël 
Published: February 2014

AbstractThe ARCS Model of Motivational Design has been used myriad times to design motivational instructions that focus on attention, relevance, confidence and satisfaction in order to motivate students. The Instructional Materials Motivation Survey (IMMS) is a 36‐item situational measure of people's reactions to instructional materials in the light of the ARCS model. Although the IMMS has been used often, both as a pretest and a posttest tool serving as either a motivational needs assessment prior to instruction or a measure of people's reactions to instructional materials afterward, the IMMS so far has not been validated extensively, taking statistical and theoretical aspects of the survey into account. This paper describes such an extensive validation study, for which the IMMS was used in a self‐directed instructional setting aimed at working with technology (a cellular telephone). Results of structural equation modeling show that the IMMS can be reduced to 12 items. This Reduced Instructional Materials Motivation Survey IMMS (RIMMS) is preferred over the original IMMS. The parsimonious RIMMS measures the four constructs attention, relevance, confidence and satisfaction of the ARCS model well, and reflects its conditional nature.
Koradia, Zahir (2013) Web radioCEMCA (New Delhi) isbn 978‐81‐88770‐08‐3 60 pp & dvd gratis (as are pdf and ePub versions from http://www.cemca.org.in/resources/books)
Authors: Deeson Eric 
Published: February 2014

SummaryThis invaluable little product is a freely available “manual for streaming audio on the web”. The context of its origin is the growing use in India of internet‐based community radio, and of the use of that for educational and training purposes. Tested in a CoL workshop, the manual provides a wealth of generally accessible advice and guidance for setting up such radio stations / web channels and the dvd contains the manual and the (free and open source) software needed. If the concept of this package is likely to be of interest, get a copy—you'll find it fascinating!Eric Deeson
Oldknow, Adrian & Knights, Carol ed (2013) Mathematics education with digital technologyBloomsbury (London) isbn 978‐0‐5672‐5028‐5 272 pp £24.99 http://www.bloomsbury.com/uk/mathematics‐education‐with‐digital‐technology‐9781441184726/
Authors: Cannell Pete 
Published: February 2014

SummaryThis book looks at the impact of digital technologies on the teaching and learning of mathematics. The focus is on learning at school and most of the twenty‐nine invited contributions are drawn from England and the US. Mathematics education with digital technology will be of interest to school teachers, teacher‐educators and educational technologists. If it is likely to be relevant to you, I recommend that you borrow a copy for a while.Pete Cannell