bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
New Decision‐Tree Model for Defining the Risk of Reproductive Failure
Authors: Ramos‐Medina Rocío , García‐Segovia Áurea , León Juan A. , Alonso Bárbara , Tejera‐Alhambra Marta , Gil Juana , Caputo Juan D. , Seyfferth Ansgar , Aguarón Ángel , Vicente Ángeles , Ordoñez Daniel , Alonso Jorge , de Albornoz Elena Carrillo , Carbone Javier , Caballero Pedro , Fernandez‐Cruz Eduardo , Ortiz‐Quintana Luis , Sánchez‐Ramón Silvia 
Published: March 2013

ProblemNatural killer (NK) cells play a key role in embryo implantation and pregnancy success, whereas blood and uterine NK expansions have been involved in the pathophysiology of reproductive failure (RF). Our main goal was to design in a large observational study a tree‐model decision for interpretation of risk factors for RF.Methods of studyA hierarchical multivariate decision model based on a classification and regression tree was developed. NK and NKT‐like cell subsets were analyzed by flow cytometry.ResultsBy multivariate analysis, blood NK cells expansion was an independent risk factor for RF (both recurrent miscarriages and implantation failures). We propose a new decision‐tree model for the risk interpretation of women with RF based on a combination of main risk factors.ConclusionsWomen with age above 35 years and >13% CD56+CD16+ NK cells showed the highest risk of further pregnancy loss (100%).
The effect of the jaw‐thrust manoeuvre on the ability to advance a tracheal tube over a bronchoscope during oral fibreoptic intubation
Authors: Han S. H. , Oh A. Y. , Jung C. W. , Park S. J. , Kim J. H. , Nahm F. S. 
Published: March 2013

SummaryDuring fibreoptic intubation, it is often difficult to advance a tracheal tube over the fibreoptic bronchoscope. We performed a prospective randomised study to investigate the effect of the jaw‐thrust manoeuvre on the ability to advance a tracheal tube during oral fibreoptic intubation. After placing the bronchoscope in the trachea, an assistant randomly applied a jaw‐thrust manoeuvre (jaw‐thrust group) or sham manoeuvre (control group) in 82 patients during tube advancement. The jaw‐thrust group had a higher success rate on the first attempt (70.7% vs 34.1%, p = 0.002), required fewer attempts (median (IQR [range]) 1 (1–2 [1–3]) vs 2 (1–3 [1–4]), p < 0.001), and took less time [6 (4–8 [2–16]) s vs 10 (7–15 [3–40]) s, p < 0.001] for tube advancement compared with the control group. The jaw‐thrust manoeuvre facilitates the advancement of a tracheal tube over the bronchoscope during oral fibreoptic intubation.
Design and internal validation of an obstetric early warning score: secondary analysis of the Intensive Care National Audit and Research Centre Case Mix Programme database
Authors: Carle C. , Alexander P. , Columb M. , Johal J. 
Published: March 2013

SummaryWe designed and internally validated an aggregate weighted early warning scoring system specific to the obstetric population that has the potential for use in the ward environment. Direct obstetric admissions from the Intensive Care National Audit and Research Centre's Case Mix Programme Database were randomly allocated to model development (n = 2240) or validation (n = 2200) sets. Physiological variables collected during the first 24 h of critical care admission were analysed. Logistic regression analysis for mortality in the model development set was initially used to create a statistically based early warning score. The statistical score was then modified to create a clinically acceptable early warning score. Important features of this clinical obstetric early warning score are that the variables are weighted according to their statistical importance, a surrogate for the FIO2/PaO2 relationship is included, conscious level is assessed using a simplified alert/not alert variable, and the score, trigger thresholds and response are consistent with the new non‐obstetric National Early Warning Score system. The statistical and clinical early warning scores were internally validated using the validation set. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.995 (95% CI 0.992–0.998) for the statistical score and 0.957 (95% CI 0.923–0.991) for the clinical score. Pre‐existing empirically designed early warning scores were also validated in the same way for comparison. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.955 (95% CI 0.922–0.988) for Swanton et al.'s Modified Early Obstetric Warning System, 0.937 (95% CI 0.884–0.991) for the obstetric early warning score suggested in the 2003–2005 Report on Confidential Enquiries into Maternal Deaths in the UK, and 0.973 (95% CI 0.957–0.989) for the non‐obstetric National Early Warning Score. This highlights that the new clinical obstetric early warning score has an excellent ability to discriminate survivors from non‐survivors in this critical care data set. Further work is needed to validate our new clinical early warning score externally in the obstetric ward environment.
Observational study comparing non‐invasive blood pressure measurement at the arm and ankle during caesarean section
Authors: Drake M. J. P. , Hill J. S. 
Published: March 2013

SummaryUpper‐arm non‐invasive blood pressure measurement during caesarean section can be uncomfortable and unreliable because of movement artefact in the conscious parturient. We aimed to determine whether ankle blood pressure measurement could be used instead in this patient group by comparing concurrent arm and ankle blood pressure measured throughout elective caesarean section under regional anaesthesia in 64 term parturients. Bland‐Altman analysis of mean difference (95% limits of agreement [range]) between the ankle and arm was 11.2 (−20.3 to +42.7 [−67 to +102]) mmHg for systolic arterial pressure, −0.5 (−21.0 to +19.9 [−44 to +91]) mmHg for mean arterial pressure and −3.8 (−25.3 to +17.8 [−41 to +94]) mmHg for diastolic arterial pressure. Although ankle blood pressure measurement is well tolerated and allows greater mobility of the arms than measurement from the arm, the degree of discrepancy between the two sites is unacceptable to allow routine use of ankle blood pressure measurement, especially for systolic arterial pressure. However, ankle blood pressure measurement may be a useful alternative in situations where arm blood pressure measurement is difficult or impossible.
The clinical benefit of ruxolitinib across patient subgroups: analysis of a placebo‐controlled, Phase III study in patients with myelofibrosis
Authors: Verstovsek Srdan , Mesa Ruben A. , Gotlib Jason , Levy Richard S. , Gupta Vikas , DiPersio John F. , Catalano John V. , Deininger Michael , Miller Carole , Silver Richard T. , Talpaz Moshe , Winton Elliott F. , Harvey Jimmie H. , Arcasoy Murat O. , Hexner Elizabeth , Lyons Roger M. , Paquette Ronald , Raza Azra , Vaddi Kris , Erickson‐Viitanen Susan , Sun William , Sandor Victor , Kantarjian Hagop M. 
Published: March 2013

SummaryMyelofibrosis (MF) patients can present with a wide spectrum of disease characteristics. We analysed the consistency of ruxolitinib efficacy across patient subgroups in the COntrolled MyeloFibrosis Study With ORal JAK Inhibitor Treatment (COMFORT‐I,) a double‐blind trial, where patients with intermediate‐2 or high‐risk MF were randomized to twice‐daily oral ruxolitinib (n = 155) or placebo (n = 154). Subgroups analysed included MF subtype (primary, post‐polycythaemia vera, post‐essential thrombocythaemia), age (≤65, > 65 years), International Prognostic Scoring System risk group, baseline Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (0, 1, ≥2), JAK2 V617F mutation (positive, negative), baseline haemoglobin level (≥100, <100 g/l), baseline platelet count (100–200 × 109/l, >200 × 109/l), baseline palpable spleen size (≤10, >10 cm), and baseline quartile of spleen volume and Total Symptom Score (TSS; Q1 = lowest, Q4 = highest). Mean percentage change from baseline to week 24 in spleen volume and TSS were calculated for ruxolitinib and placebo in each subgroup. Overall survival was estimated by Kaplan–Meier method according to original randomization group. In ruxolitinib‐treated patients, reductions in spleen volume and TSS and evidence of improved survival relative to placebo across subgroups were consistent with those seen in the COMFORT‐I population, confirming that ruxolitinib is an effective therapy for the spectrum of MF patients studied in COMFORT‐I.
Systemic Amyloidosis in England: an epidemiological study
Authors: Pinney Jennifer H. , Smith Colette J. , Taube Jessi B. , Lachmann Helen J. , Venner Christopher P. , Gibbs Simon D. J. , Dungu Jason , Banypersad Sanjay M. , Wechalekar Ashutosh D. , Whelan Carol J. , Hawkins Philip N. , Gillmore Julian D. 
Published: March 2013

SummaryEpidemiological studies of systemic amyloidosis are scarce and the burden of disease in England has not previously been estimated. In 1999, the National Health Service commissioned the National Amyloidosis Centre (NAC) to provide a national clinical service for all patients with amyloidosis. Data for all individuals referred to the NAC is held on a comprehensive central database, and these were compared with English death certificate data for amyloidosis from 2000 to 2008, obtained from the Office of National Statistics. Amyloidosis was stated on death certificates of 2543 individuals, representing 0·58/1000 recorded deaths. During the same period, 1143 amyloidosis patients followed at the NAC died, 903 (79%) of whom had amyloidosis recorded on their death certificates. The estimated minimum incidence of systemic amyloidosis in the English population in 2008, based on new referrals to the NAC, was 0·4/100 000 population. The incidence peaked at age 60–79 years. Systemic AL amyloidosis was the most common type with an estimated minimum incidence of 0·3/100 000 population. Although there are various limitations to this study, the available data suggest the incidence of systemic amyloidosis in England exceeds 0·8/100 000 of the population.
Dissonance‐based interventions for health behaviour change: A systematic review
Authors: Freijy Tanya , Kothe Emily J. 
Published: March 2013

PurposeIncreasing evidence suggests that various health behaviours are amenable to change following the induction of cognitive dissonance. This systematic review sought to evaluate the effectiveness and methodological quality of dissonance‐based health behaviour interventions and to explore identified sources of heterogeneity in intervention effects.MethodsBibliographic databases were searched for relevant articles from inception to March 2012. Only studies targeting non‐clinical health behaviour in non‐clinical populations were included in the review. One author extracted data and assessed quality of evidence and a second author verified all content.ResultsReports of 20 studies were included. A variety of health behaviours and outcome measures were addressed across studies. Most studies produced one or more significant effects on measures of behaviour, attitude or intention. Across studies, methodological risk for bias was frequently high, particularly for selection bias. Gender and self‐esteem were identified as potential moderator variables.ConclusionsThe evidence for the effectiveness of dissonance‐based interventions was generally positive. The hypocrisy paradigm was found to be the most commonly applied research paradigm and was most effective at inciting change across a range of health behaviours. There was no observable link between type of target behaviour and positive outcomes. Researchers are encouraged to minimize potential for bias in future studies and explore moderators of the dissonance effect.Statement of contributionWhat is already known on this subject? A recent meta‐analysis indicates that dissonance‐based interventions primarily based on the induced compliance paradigm are effective for eating disorder prevention (Stice, Shaw, Becker, & Rohde, 2008, Prev. Sci., 9, 114). However, it is currently unclear whether such outcomes are generalizable to interventions targeting non‐clinical health behaviours such as smoking, sun protection and sexual risk taking. Other research indicates that studies based on the hypocrisy paradigm may lead to changes in non‐clinical health behaviours (Stone & Fernandez, 2008, Soc. Personal. Psychol. Compass, 2, 1024; Stone & Focella, 2011, Self Identity, 10, 295) although this literature lacks systematic evaluation of interventions across a range of experimental paradigms.

What does this study add?

The hypocrisy paradigm appears most effective in inciting change across a range of non‐clinical health behaviours.

The dissonance effect may be moderated by variables such as self‐esteem and gender.

Risk of bias needs to be minimised to increase the validity of studies within this topic area.
Altitudinal migration in bats: evidence, patterns, and drivers
Authors: McGuire Liam P. , Boyle W. Alice 
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACTAltitudinal migrations are common in all major vertebrate and some invertebrate lineages. Such migrations have important implications for the basic and applied ecology of animals making these movements. The idea that bats make altitudinal migrations has been suggested for nearly a century. However, studies documenting the existence and causes of altitudinal bat migrations are scarce, and are frequently published in the ‘grey’ literature. For the first time, we comprehensively review the evidence supporting the existence of altitudinal bat migrations worldwide, describe basic patterns of migration in temperate and tropical regions, and articulate and propose tests of hypotheses potentially explaining these migrations. We compiled a list of 50 studies indicative of altitudinal bat migration in 61 species (five families) from 21 countries (four continents). The temporal and spatial patterns of these migrations grouped biogeographically. Temperate bats generally exhibit sex‐biased migrations with females inhabiting lower elevations than males during reproductive periods. Although there is less information on tropical bat migration, few studies report sex‐biased migration. We compiled hypotheses proposed in the bat and (more extensive) avian literature to provide a list of hypotheses potentially explaining altitudinal bat migrations. These hypotheses rely upon temporal availability of (and competition for) food resources, spatial distribution of geomorphological features suitable for hibernation, sex‐related differences in the use of torpor, mating opportunities, and climatic factors that impose direct physiological challenges to survival or that restrict the ability to forage. A more thorough description of the migration patterns of most species will be required to distinguish effectively among these hypotheses. We identify research avenues that would broaden our understanding of bat migration patterns and provide critical information required for effective conservation.
Not All Past Events Are Equal: Biased Attention and Emerging Heuristics in Children's Past‐to‐Future Forecasting
Authors: Lagattuta Kristin Hansen , Sayfan Liat 
Published: March 2013

Four‐ to 10‐year‐olds and adults (N = 265) responded to eight scenarios presented on an eye tracker. Each trial involved a character who encounters a perpetrator who had previously enacted positive (P), negative (N), or both types of actions toward him or her in varying sequences (NN, PP, PN, and NP). Participants predicted the character's thoughts about the likelihood of future events, emotion type and intensity, and decision to approach or avoid. All ages made more positive forecasts for PP > NP > PN > NN trials, with differentiation by past experience widening with age. Age‐related increases in weighting the most recent past event also appeared in eye gaze. Individual differences in biased visual attention correlated with verbal judgments. Findings contribute to research on risk assessment, person perception, and heuristics in judgment and decision making.
Significantly high level of late‐night free cortisol to creatinine ratio in urine specimen in patients with subclinical Cushing's syndrome
Authors: Shiwa Tsuguka , Oki Kenji , Yamane Kiminori , Yoneda Masayasu , Awaya Tomokazu , Nakanishi Shuhei , Kohno Nobuoki 
Published: March 2013

SummaryObjectiveAbsence of a late‐night cortisol nadir is a consistent biochemical abnormality in patients with cortisol‐producing adenoma. We evaluated the abnormality of late‐night urinary free cortisol to creatinine ratio (late‐night UFCCR) in patients with subclinical Cushing's syndrome (SCS).MethodsFifty‐eight patients with incidentally detected adrenocortical adenomas [SCS: 9; nonfunctioning adenoma (NF): 49] were enrolled as subjects. Values measured in all patients were urinary free cortisol accumulated between 9:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. (late‐night UFCCR), serum cortisol at 11:00 p.m. (midnight serum cortisol: MSC), serum cortisol after 1‐mg overnight dexamethasone suppression test (1 mg‐DST) and 24‐h urinary free cortisol (UFC).ResultsMedian late‐night UFCCR value in SCS was significantly higher than that in NF (P < 0·001). Significant correlations were observed between late‐night UFCCR and each of serum cortisol after 1 mg‐DST and MSC (r = 0·537, P < 0·001 and r = 0·556, P < 0·001, respectively). There was no significant correlation between serum cortisol after 1 mg‐DST and 24‐h UFC (r = 0·211, P = 0·112). In receiver operating characteristic analysis for diagnosis of SCS, the areas under the curves of late‐night UFCCR and 24‐h UFC were 0·937 (95% confidence interval 0·865–1·008) and 0·726 (0·874–0·999), respectively. Late‐night UFCCR cut‐off value of 4·9 nmol/μmol Cre showed a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 76·6%.ConclusionPatients with SCS showed higher late‐night UFCCR values than those with NF. Late‐night UFCCR was significantly correlated with autonomous cortisol production findings. Diagnostic performance of late‐night UFCCR was superior to 24‐h UFC. These results suggest that late‐night UFCCR might represent one of the simple and reliable tests for SCS diagnosis.
Effects of gender and age on hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal reactivity after pharmacological challenge with low‐dose 1‐μg ACTH test: a prospective study in healthy adults
Authors: Lekkakou Leoni , Tzanela Marinella , Lymberi Maria , Consoulas Christos , Tsagarakis Stylianos , Koutsilieris Michael 
Published: March 2013

SummaryObjectiveΤhe aim of this study was to observe cortisol responses to a pharmacological challenge with 1 μg ACTH as a function of age and gender.PatientsTwenty‐one young (13 women and 8 men; mean age: 43∙48 ± 10∙52 years) and forty elderly (20 women and 20 men; mean age: 79 ± 6∙76 years) volunteers without overt acute or chronic disease participated in this study.MeasurementsBasal serum cortisol levels were measured, and cortisol values were obtained at 30 and 60 min after administration of 1 μg ACTH. Free thyroxine, triiodothyronine, thyrotrophin, prolactin, dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS), insulin‐like growth factor‐1, follicle stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, oestradiol levels in women and total testosterone levels in men were also measured at baseline.ResultsNo differences were observed between the groups of older and younger individuals in baseline plasma cortisol levels and mean cortisol responses at 30 and 60 min postchallenge. In the elderly subjects, statistically lower cortisol responses were observed in men at 30 and 60 min after 1‐μg ACTH challenge (540∙17 ± 112∙28 vs 670∙11 ± 146∙49 nmol/l in women, P = 0∙003 at 30 min, and 482∙24 ± 108∙14 vs 568∙04 ± 135∙73 nmol/l in women, P = 0∙03 at 60 min).Furthermore, significant lower values in PRL, IGF‐1, DHEAS and T3 were detected in older subjects when compared to the younger age group.Interestingly, a higher incidence of individuals who did not achieve normal responses to 1‐μg ACTH test (>497 nmol/l) was noted in the group of elderly male subjects.ConclusionThis study documents a marked gender effect in the elderly, in the cortisol response levels to 1‐μg ACTH stimulation. Elderly men demonstrate a decreased responsiveness compared to women in the same age range.
Simultaneous pancreas kidney transplants in diabetic patients with end‐stage renal disease: the 20‐yr experience
Authors: Light Jimmy , Tucker Marvin 
Published: March 2013

AbstractIntroductionWe are reporting the results over a 20 yr period of simultaneous pancreas‐kidney transplants in patients with end‐stage renal disease and diabetes mellitus. The outcomes of the transplants, performed between 1989 and 2008, are stratified by pretransplant c‐peptide value.MethodsOne hundred and seventy‐three patients with end‐stage renal disease due to diabetes, and were stratified according to undetectable c‐peptide (x < 0.8 ng/mL) and detectable c‐peptide (x > 0.8 ng/mL) levels.ResultsPatients with detectable c‐peptide (x > 0.8 ng/mL) were the oldest at diabetes diagnosis (24.2 vs. 15.4 yr, p < 0.0001), and oldest at transplant (42.8 vs. 38.5, p < 0.0001) had fewer years of insulin use (19.19 vs. 22.57 yr, p = 0.012), and were heavier pre transplant (BMI: 26.09 vs. 23.1, p < 0.0001), and heavier post transplant (29.8 vs. 24.7, p < 0.0001). Those with detectable c‐peptide levels (x > 0.8 ng/mL) had better graft survival than those with an undetectable c‐peptide level (x < 0.8 ng/mL), p = 0.064; while those with undetectable levels, had better patient survival than those with detectable c‐peptide levels (p = 0.019).ConclusionDespite the differences between groups by BMI, age of onset of insulin use, and age at transplant, there was a difference in patient but not graft survival within the 20 yr follow‐up period.
Hypertension, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes and depression among older methadone maintenance patients in British Columbia
Authors: Maruyama Anna , Macdonald Scott , Borycki Elizabeth , Zhao Jinhui 
Published: March 2013

AbstractIntroduction and AimsRisk factors in older methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) patients may put them at a greater risk of acquiring chronic diseases; however, this group might experience barriers to treatment resulting in reduced recommended prescriptions. The research objective for this study was to assess whether MMT patients were significantly different from a matched control group in terms of medications dispensed for hypertension, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), diabetes and depression.Design and MethodsThe research design was a case‐control study, where prescription claims data from the British Columbia database were used. MMT patients 50 years of age and older were randomly selected, and control subjects were individually matched in terms of age, sex, social assistance coverage and geographic jurisdiction.ResultsEach group consisted of 199 participants. Odds ratios (OR) were calculated to compare the odds of MMT patients to non‐MMT patients on a first‐line medication for each chronic disease under investigation. The MMT group was significantly more likely to receive medications for COPD (OR = 32.68, P < 0.001) and depression (OR = 4.07, P < 0.001), and no significant differences for hypertension (OR = 0.86) or diabetes (OR = 0.74).DiscussionHigher rates of COPD among MMT clients is likely explained by elevated smoking, and higher rates of depression may be explained by multiple disadvantages associated with substance use. Although the groups were similar for diabetes prescriptions, the MMT group likely experienced barriers to receiving treatment since prior research suggests their rates should be elevated due to methadone use. [Maruyama A, Macdonald S, Borycki E, Zhao J. Hypertension, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes and depression among older methadone maintenance patients in British Columbia. Drug Alcohol Rev 2013;32:412–418]