bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Longitudinal trends in thyroid function in relation to iodine intake: ongoing changes of thyroid function despite adequate current iodine status
Authors: van de Ven Annenienke C , Netea-Maier Romana T , Ross H Alec , van Herwaarden Teun A E , Holewijn Suzanne , de Graaf Jacqueline , Kiemeney Bart L A , van Tienoven Doorlène , Wetzels Jack F M , Smit Johannes W , Sweep Fred C G J , Hermus Ad R M M , den Heijer Martin 
Published: October 2013

ObjectiveSeveral cross-sectional studies on populations with iodine deficiency showed that TSH-levels are negatively associated with age, while in populations with high iodine intake TSH is positively associated with age. The question is whether such an age-thyroid function relation is an ongoing process apparent also in longitudinal studies and whether it reflects an actual iodine deficiency or an iodine insufficiency in the past.MethodsIn an area with a borderline iodine status in the past, we studied 980 participants of the Nijmegen Biomedical Study. We measured serum TSH, free thyroxine (FT4), total triiodothyronine (T3), peroxidase antibodies, and the urine iodine and creatinine concentration 4 years after our initial survey of thyroid function, in which we reported a negative association between TSH and age.ResultsWithin 4 years, TSH decreased by 5.4% (95% CI 2.5–8.3%) and FT4increased by 3.7% (95% CI 2.9–4.6%). Median urinary iodine concentration was 130 μg/l. Estimated 24-h iodine excretion was not associated with TSH, T3, change of TSH, or FT4over time or with the presence of antibodies against thyroid peroxidase. Only FT4appeared to be somewhat higher at lower urine iodine levels: a 1.01% (95% CI 0.17–1.84%) higher FT4for each lower iodine quintile.ConclusionsIn this longitudinal study, we found an ongoing decrease in TSH and increase in FT4in a previously iodine insufficient population, despite the adequate iodine status at present. This suggests that low iodine intake at young age leads to thyroid autonomy (and a tendency to hyperthyroidism) that persists despite normal iodine intake later in life.
Right ventricular and right atrial function and deformation in patients with subclinical hypothyroidism: a two- and three-dimensional echocardiographic study
Authors: Tadic Marijana , Ilic Sanja , Celic Vera 
Published: October 2013

BackgroundWe sought to investigate right ventricular (RV) function and deformation assessed by three-dimensional echocardiography (3DE) and speckle tracking in patients with subclinical hypothyroidism (SHT), and to evaluate the influence of levothyroxine (l-T4) therapy on RV remodeling.MethodsWe included 50 untreated women with SHT and 45 healthy control women matched by age. Thel-T4therapy was prescribed to all SHT patients who were followed 1 year after euthyroid status was achieved. All study participants underwent laboratory analyses which included thyroid hormone levels, and complete two-dimensional echocardiography (2DE) and 3DE examinations.Results3DE RV end-diastolic volume and ejection fraction were significantly reduced in the SHT patients before therapy in comparison with the healthy controls and treated SHT subjects. RV longitudinal strain, systolic, and early diastolic strain rates (SRs) were significantly decreased, whereas RV late diastolic SR was increased in the SHT patients before therapy when comparing with the controls. 2DE speckle tracking imaging revealed thatl-T4substitution therapy significantly improved RV systolic mechanics, whereas RV diastolic deformation was not completely recovered. Right atrial (RA) function and deformation were significantly impacted by SHT. Replacementl-T4treatment improved but did not completely restore RA mechanics in the SHT patients.ConclusionRV and RA function and mechanics are significantly affected by SHT.l-T4therapy and 1-year maintenance of euthyroid status improved but did not completely recover RV and RA function and deformation in the SHT patients, which implies that right heart remodeling caused by SHT is not reversible in a 1-year period.
Improvement of selective screening strategy for gestational diabetes through a more accurate definition of high-risk groups
Authors: Pintaudi Basilio , Di Vieste Giacoma , Corrado Francesco , Lucisano Giuseppe , Pellegrini Fabio , Giunta Loretta , Nicolucci Antonio , D'Anna Rosario , Di Benedetto Antonino 
Published: October 2013

ObjectiveThis study aimed to assess the predictive value of risk factors (RFs) for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) established by selective screening (SS) and to identify subgroups of women at a higher risk of developing GDM.DesignA retrospective, single-center study design was employed.MethodsData of 1015 women screened for GDM at 24–28 weeks of gestation and diagnosed according to the International Association of Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Groups criteria were evaluated. Information on RFs established by SS was also collected and their association with GDM was determined. To identify distinct and homogeneous subgroups of patients at a higher risk, the RECursive Partitioning and AMalgamation (RECPAM) method was used.ResultsOverall, 113 (11.1%) women were diagnosed as having GDM. The application of the SS criteria would result in the execution of an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) in 58.3% of women and 26 (23.0%) cases of GDM would not be detected due to the absence of any RF. The RECPAM analysis identified high-risk subgroups characterized by fasting plasma glucose values >5.1 mmol/l (odds ratio (OR)=26.5; 95% CI 14.3–49.0) and pre-pregnancy BMI (OR=7.0; 95% CI 3.9–12.8 for overweight women). In a final logistic model including RECPAM classes, previous macrosomia (OR=3.6; 95% CI 1.1–11.6), and family history of diabetes (OR=1.8; 95% CI 1.1–2.8), but not maternal age, were also found to be associated with an increased risk of developing GDM. A screening approach based on the RECPAM model would reduce by over 50% (23.0 vs 10.6%) the number of undiagnosed GDM cases when compared with the current SS approach, at the expense of 50 additional OGTTs required.ConclusionsA screening approach based on our RECPAM model results in a significant reduction in the number of undetected GDM cases compared with the current SS procedure.
Differences in Access to Kidney Transplantation between Hispanic and Non-Hispanic Whites by Geographic Location in the United States
Authors: Arce Cristina M. , Goldstein Benjamin A. , Mitani Aya A. , Lenihan Colin R. , Winkelmayer Wolfgang C. 
Published: October 2013

Summary

Background and objectives
Hispanic patients undergoing chronic dialysis are less likely to receive a kidney transplant compared with non-Hispanic whites. This study sought to elucidate disparities in the path to receipt of a deceased donor transplant between Hispanic and non-Hispanic whites.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements
Using the US Renal Data System, 417,801 Caucasians who initiated dialysis between January 1, 1995 and December 31, 2007 with follow-up through 2008 were identified. This study investigated time from first dialysis to first kidney transplantation, time from first dialysis to waitlisting, and time from waitlisting to kidney transplantation. Multivariable Cox regression estimated cause-specific hazard ratios (HRCS) and subdistribution (competing risk) hazard ratios (HRSD) for Hispanics versus non-Hispanic whites.

Results
Hispanics experienced lower adjusted rates of deceased donor kidney transplantation than non-Hispanic whites (HRCS, 0.77; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 0.75 to 0.80) measured from dialysis initiation. No meaningful differences were found in time from dialysis initiation to placement on the transplant waitlist. Once waitlisted, Hispanics had lower adjusted rates of deceased donor kidney transplantation (HRCS, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.64 to 0.68), and the association attenuated once accounting for competing risks (HRSD, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.77 to 0.81). Additionally controlling for blood type and organ procurement organization further reduced the disparity (HRSD, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.96 to 1.02).

Conclusions
After accounting for geographic location and controlling for competing risks (e.g., Hispanic survival advantage), the disparity in access to deceased donor transplantation was markedly attenuated among Hispanics compared with non-Hispanic whites. To overcome the geographic disparities that Hispanics encounter in the path to transplantation, organ allocation policy revisions are needed to improve donor organ equity.
The Self-Report Fecal Incontinence and Constipation Questionnaire in Patients With Pelvic-Floor Dysfunction Seeking Outpatient Rehabilitation
Authors: Wang Ying-Chih , Deutscher Daniel , Yen Sheng-Che , Werneke Mark W. , Mioduski Jerome E. 
Published: October 2013

BackgroundFecal incontinence and constipation affect men and women of all ages.ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to psychometrically analyze the Fecal Incontinence and Constipation Questionnaire (FICQ) in patients seeking outpatient rehabilitation services due to pelvic-floor dysfunction (PFD).DesignThis was a retrospective analysis of cross-sectional data from 644 patients (mean age=52 years, SD=16, range=18–91) being treated for PFD in 64 outpatient rehabilitation clinics in 20 states (United States).MethodsWe assessed the 20-item FICQ for unidimensionality and local independence, differential item functioning (DIF), item fit, item hierarchical structure, and test precision using an item response theory model.ResultsFactor analyses supported the 2-factor subscales as originally defined; items related to severity of leakage or constipation. Removal of 2 leakage items improved unidimensionality and local independence of the leakage scale. Among the remaining items, 2 items were suggestive of adjustment for DIF by age group and by number of PFD comorbid conditions. Item difficulties were suitable for patients with PFD with no ceiling or floor effect. Mean item difficulty parameters for leakage and constipation subscales ranged from 38.8 to 62.3 and 28.1 to 63.3 (0–100 scale), respectively. Endorsed leakage items representing highest difficulty levels were related to delay defecation and confidence to control bowel leakage. Endorsed constipation items representing highest difficulty levels were related to the need to strain during a bowel movement and the frequency of bowel movements.LimitationsA limitation of this study was the lack of medical diagnostic criteria to classify patients.ConclusionsAfter removing 2 items and adjusting for DIF, the results supported sound psychometric properties of the FICQ items and its initial use for patients with PFD in outpatient rehabilitation services.
Geotechnical properties of construction aggregates from the Trishuli Ganga River, Galchi area, Central Nepal
Authors: Shrestha Shailendra , Tamrakar Naresh Kazi 
Published: October 2013

The Trisuli Ganga River is rich in sand and gravel which are widely exposed along its banks. In recent years, quarry sites have been established and the materials have been supplied to markets. Apart from it the Trishuli III hydroelectric project is going to be established and for which a huge amount of construction aggregates will be required. From the study of sand and gravel as construction aggregates, it is found that the major composition of the sediments are metamorphosed rocks of the Lesser Himalayan rocks like gneiss, schist, quartzite, metasandstone, slate, granite, phyllite, etc. The gradation of coase aggregates range from dense to gap graded categories. Sulphate soundness value (SSV) and Los Angeles value (LAV) are 1.33–2.28% and 29.9–36.4%, respectively. These ranges show ability of the aggregates to resist weathering and abrasion, and since these values lie within international specifications, the aggregates are suitable for various uses as; both asphaltic and concrete aggregates. Considering the fine aggregates, though they contain considerable amount of quartz grains, also contain exceeding amount of mica, and possesses poor workablity. Fineness modulus ranges between 6.07 and 7.63, and exhibit dominantly sand size. Reduction of mica and further analysis for alkali-silica reactivity will enhance for its potential use. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/bdg.v16i0.8883 Bulletin of the Department of Geology Vol. 16, 2013, pp. 43-52
Lithofacies and depositional environment of the Siwalik Group in Samari-Sukaura River area, Central Nepal
Authors: Syangbo Dev Kumar , Tamrakar Naresh Kazi 
Published: October 2013

Thick sedimentary sequence deposited in the foreland basin of the Nepal Himalaya is represented by the Siwalik Group. The Siwalik Group is well exposed in the Samari-Sukaura River area. The present study is focused in southern portion of the MBT around the Samari-Sukaura area for its depositional environment. The Middle Siwaliks of the Sukaura Road sections is overlained by the Lower Siwaliks which is separated by the Karki Khola Thrust. Extension of the Lower Siwaliks in the Jyamire Khola and the Bundal Khola becomes wider in the eastern Zone. Repetition of the Lower Siwaliks along the southern margin of the MBT is recognized. Depending on lithofacies assemblage and facies analysis, the two broad facies assemblages FA1 and FA2 have been distinguished. FA1 shows SB, FF, LA, LS and CH architectural elements and is interpreted as a product of the fine-grained meandering river system. FA2 shows SB, FF, LA, DA and CH architectural elements and is interpreted as a product of sandy mixed-load meandering river system. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/bdg.v16i0.8884 Bulletin of the Department of Geology Vol. 16, 2013, pp. 53-64
The influence of war on the development of neurosurgery
Authors: Dowdy Justin , Pait T. Glenn 
Published: October 2013

The treatment of craniospinal war wounds proved to be a significant driving force in the early growth of neurosurgery as a specialty. This publication explores the historical relationship between the evolution of combat methodology from antiquity through modern conflicts as it dovetails with and drives corresponding advancements in the field of neurosurgery.
Whether it's the basic management principles for intracranial projectile wounds derived from World War I experiences, the drastic improvement in the outcomes and management of spinal cord injuries observed in World War II, or the fact that both of these wars played a crucial role in the development of a training system that is the origin of modern residency programs, the influence of wartime experiences is pervasive.
Anatomical location dictating major surgical complications for intradural extramedullary spinal tumors: a 10-year single-institutional experience
Authors: Mehta Ankit I. , Adogwa Owoicho , Karikari Isaac O. , Thompson Paul , Verla Terence , Null Ulysses T. , Friedman Allan H. , Cheng Joseph S. , Bagley Carlos A. , Isaacs Robert E. 
Published: October 2013

Object
Intradural extramedullary (IDEM) neoplasms are uncommon lesions that can pose a challenge for resection. Numerous factors affect the resectability and ultimately the outcome of these lesions. The authors report their 10-year institutional experience with the resection of IDEM neoplasms, focusing on the effect of location on surgical outcomes.

Methods
The authors performed a retrospective review of 96 consecutive patients who presented with a cervical and/or thoracic IDEM tumor that was resected between February 2000 and July 2009. All patients underwent MRI, and the axial location of the tumor was categorized as anterior, posterior, or lateral. Postoperative complications were assessed, as was neurological status at the patient's last follow-up clinic visit. Major complications assessed included CSF leakage requiring lumbar drainage, reexploration for epidural hematoma, and major postoperative neurological deficits.

Results
The mean ± SD age at presentation was 51.16 ± 17.87 years. Major surgical approach–related complications occurred in 15% of patients. Major non–approach related surgical complications occurred in 7.1% of patients, while minor complications occurred in 14.2% of patients. Postoperative neurological deficits occurred most commonly in the thoracic spine between T-1 and T-8. Based on axial spinal cord location, the surgery-related complications rates for all anterior tumors (n = 12) was 41.6%, whereas that for all lateral tumors (n = 69) was 4.4% and that for all posteriorly located tumors (n = 17) was 0%.

Conclusions
Spinal IDEM tumors that are anteriorly located in the upper thoracic spine were found to have the highest rate of surgery-related complications and postoperative neurological deficits. This finding may be associated with the unforgiving anatomy of the upper thoracic spine in which there is a higher cord-to-canal ratio and a tenuous vascular supply.
Repenser la guerre et la paix au xxie siècle
Authors: David Charles-Philippe 
Published: October 2013

La guerre entre grandes puissances semble appartenir au passé. Ce changement augure, entre États développés, d’une ère de conflits postmodernes, sans passage au conflit armé. D’autres conflits résultent de la fragmentation et de la reconstitution des espaces politiques, s’apparentant aux guerres prémodernes des seigneurs de guerre. Mais globalement, les guerres sont en voie de forte diminution. Une paix où les conflits seraient contenus en deçà des affrontements militaires serait-elle en vue ?
Comment gérer une crise politique interne ?
Authors: Grojean Olivier 
Published: October 2013

L’étude du « façonnage organisationnel » du militantisme et l’observation des interactions entre l’institution et les individus engagés puis désengagés gagnent à se fonder sur les trajectoires militantes. Ainsi, à partir de l’analyse de quatre trajectoires biographiques de militants s’étant engagés au sein du Parti des Travailleurs du Kurdistan (PKK), l’objectif de cet article est d’observer les processus qui conduisent au désengagement, et les dynamiques qui permettent au contraire le maintien de l’engagement dans une organisation radicale quand celle-ci entre en crise. Après analyse de la diversité des attitudes qui ont suivi l’arrestation du chef du PKK Öcalan, l’article propose de lier ces attitudes aux conditions sociales de possibilité de l’engagement, puis aux modalités de l’engagement et à la construction sociale de l’attachement à l’institution. Il est alors possible de voir, en creux, quelles négociations lient l’individu et l’institution, et dans quelle mesure les désengagements sont aussi une conséquence des effets différenciés des dispositifs disciplinaires sur certains groupes ou individus.
Une profession balkanisée : les psychologues face à l'État en France (1945-1985)
Authors: Le Bianic Thomas 
Published: October 2013

Dans cet article, nous nous intéressons au rôle des pouvoirs publics dans l’émergence de la profession de psychologue en France depuis les années 1950. Nous montrons que cette profession a eu recours à deux voies différentes dans la conquête d’un statut professionnel. D’une part, elle s’est attachée à consolider, dès l’après-guerre, des statuts particuliers dans différents segments de la fonction publique, en particulier dans le champ de la santé et de l’éducation. D’autre part, les syndicats et associations professionnelles ont construit un discours unitaire, défendant l’idée d’un « statut unique » des psychologues. Ces deux stratégies se sont révélées largement incompatibles et expliquent en partie les difficultés que rencontrent aujourd’hui les psychologues pour asseoir leur légitimité. Dans la première partie de l’article, nous montrons que les premiers statuts de psychologues sont apparus dans l’après-guerre en lien avec la mise en place de nouvelles politiques publiques dans le champ de la santé, de l’éducation ou des politiques d’emploi, et qu’ils ne sont pas le produit de la mobilisation du groupe professionnel lui-même, qui reste très éclaté au cours de cette période. À partir des années 1970, bien que les formations universitaires et les débouchés en psychologie se développent à un rythme rapide, les tentatives d’unification de la profession se heurtent aux statuts qui se sont consolidés dans le secteur public au cours de la période précédente. Les organes représentatifs de la profession parviennent à se fédérer au début des années 1980 et obtiennent en 1985 une loi réglementant l’usage du titre de psychologue. Celle-ci se révèle toutefois insuffisante pour surmonter la forte balkanisation de ce groupe professionnel, née de la variété des pratiques et des statuts au sein de leurs administrations de tutelle.
Precision and Bias of Cleithra and Sagittal Otoliths Used to Estimate Ages of Northern Pike
Authors: Faust Matthew D. , Breeggemann Jason J. , Bahr Samantha , Graeb Brian D.S. 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
Cleithra are thought to accurately record age information and produce the most reliable age estimates relative to other calcified structures (e.g., scales) for long-lived species of Esocidae such as muskellunge Esox masquinongy and northern pike E. lucius. Sagittal otoliths provide the most accurate and precise age estimates for other fish species, yet sagittal otoliths have never been evaluated for age estimation of any species of Esocidae. Our objectives were to determine if: 1) sagittal otoliths provided more precise age estimates than cleithra for northern pike from two populations, and 2) sagittal otolith age estimates differed systematically from cleithrum age estimates for two populations of northern pike. Ages were estimated by three independent individuals with different experience levels from sagittal otoliths and cleithra collected from 66 northern pike (32–101 cm total length) from Devils Lake, North Dakota and 45 northern pike (27–52 cm total length) from Cable Lake, Wisconsin. Cleithrum age estimates were more precise than those from sagittal otoliths for northern pike from Devils Lake, and were similar to sagittal otolith age estimates for northern pike from Cable Lake. Sagittal otolith age estimates were similar to cleithrum age estimates for northern pike from Devils Lake, but were dissimilar for northern pike from Cable Lake. We recommend using cleithra for estimating age of northern pike given that no specialized equipment is required for processing and age estimation. However, other studies are needed to further investigate the use of sagittal otoliths to estimate age of northern pike.
Whose Stereotypes and Racial Myths? The National Urban League and the 1950s Roots of Color-Blind Adoption Policy
Authors: Spence Matine T. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThis study finds that the National Urban League, in the middle decades of the 20th century, led widespread efforts by child welfare agencies to recruit adoptive African American homes for children in black communities. Such findings are contrary to the predominant adoption historiography, which portrays a "pervasive neglect of black dependent children by the adoption community" until the appearance of interracial adoption for black children in the mid-1960s. However, despite these early activities of the National Urban League, leaders hoped for a fully integrated society characterized by assimilation. This led top leaders in the National Urban League adoption work to shift emphasis to interracial adoption just as a large number of minority adoptive-home recruitment projects were being met with overly strict standards for appropriate adoptive parents-which reflected the characteristics of the white middle-class couple. Minority-home recruitment efforts and liberalization of social work adoption standards were, thus, abandoned by the National Urban League. It used its influence on the Child Welfare League of America during the 1960s solely for the purpose of promoting color-blind adoption policy. It created targeted messages to social workers that encouraged them to approve transracial adoptions of black children by white parents instead of same-race adoptions into black American families. Minority adoptive-home recruitment campaigns were allowed to fade away