bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Involving women in personalised decision‐making on mode of delivery after caesarean section: the development and pilot testing of a patient decision aid
Authors: Schoorel ENC , Vankan E , Scheepers HCJ , Augustijn BCC , Dirksen CD , de Koning M , van Kuijk SMJ , Kwee A , Melman S , Nijhuis JG , Aardenburg R , de Boer K , Hasaart THM , Mol BWJ , Nieuwenhuijze M , van Pampus MG , van Roosmalen J , Roumen FJME , de Vries R , Wouters MGAJ , van der Weijden T , Hermens RPMG 
Published: December 2013

ObjectiveTo develop a patient decision aid (PtDA) for mode of delivery after caesarean section that integrates personalised prediction of vaginal birth after caesarean (VBAC) with the elicitation of patient preferences and evidence‐based information.DesignA PtDA was developed and pilot tested using the International Patients Decision Aid Standards (IPDAS) criteria.SettingObstetric health care in the Netherlands.PopulationA multidisciplinary steering group, an expert panel, and 25 future users of the PtDA, i.e. women with a previous caesarean section.MethodsThe development consisted of a construction phase (defini‐tion of scope and purpose, and selection of content, framework, and format) and a pilot testing phase by interview. The process was supervised by a multidisciplinary steering group.Main outcome measuresUsability, clarity, and relevance.ResultsThe construction phase resulted in a booklet including unbiased balanced information on mode of birth after caesarean section, a preference elicitation exercise, and tailored risk information, including a prediction model for successful VBAC. During pilot testing, visualisation of risks and clarity formed the main basis for revisions. Pilot testing showed the availability of tailored structured information to be the main factor involving women in decision‐making. The PtDA meets 39 out of 50 IPDAS criteria (78%): 23 out of 23 criteria for content (100%) and 16 out of 20 criteria for the development process (80%). Criteria for effectiveness (n = 7) were not evaluated.ConclusionsAn evidence‐based PtDA was developed, with the probability of successful VBAC and the availability of structured information as key items. It is likely that the PtDA enhances the quality of decision‐making on mode of birth after caesarean section.
Long‐term complications of caesarean section. The niche in the scar: a prospective cohort study on niche prevalence and its relation to abnormal uterine bleeding
Authors: van der Voet LF , Bij de Vaate AM , Veersema S , Brölmann HAM , Huirne JAF 
Published: December 2013

ObjectiveTo study the prevalence of niches in the caesarean scar in a random population, and the relationship with postmenstrual spotting and urinary incontinence.DesignA prospective cohort study.SettingA teaching hospital in the Netherlands.PopulationNon‐pregnant women delivered by caesarean section.MethodsTransvaginal ultrasound (TVU) and gel instillation sonohysterography (GIS) were performed 6–12 weeks after caesarean section. Women were followed by questionnaire and menstruation score chart at 6–12 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months after caesarean section.Main outcome measuresPrevalence of a niche 6–12 weeks after caesarean section, using TVU and GIS. Secondary outcomes: relation to postmenstrual spotting and urinary incontinence 6 and 12 months after caesarean section; and niche characteristics, evaluated by TVU and GIS.ResultsTwo hundred and sixty‐three women were included. Niche prevalence was 49.6% on evaluation with TVU and 64.5% with GIS. Women with a niche measured by GIS reported more postmenstrual spotting than women without a niche (OR 5.48, 95% CI 1.14–26.48). Women with residual myometrium at the site of the uterine scar measuring <50% of the adjacent myometrial thickness had postmenstrual spotting more often than women with a residual myometrial thickness of >50% of the adjacent myometrial thickness (OR 6.13, 95% CI 1.74–21.63). Urinary incontinence was not related to the presence of a niche.ConclusionsA niche is present in 64.5% of women 6–12 weeks after caesarean section, when examined by GIS. Postmenstrual spotting is more prevalent in women with a niche and in women with a residual myometrial thickness of <50% of the adjacent myometrium.
The antenatal diagnosis of placenta accreta
Authors: Comstock CH , Bronsteen RA 
Published: December 2013

The incidence of placental attachment disorders continues to increase with rising caesarean section rates. Antenatal diagnosis helps in the planning of location, timing and staffing of delivery. In at‐risk women grey‐scale ultrasound is quite sensitive, although colour ultrasound is the most predictive. Magnetic resonance imaging can add information in some limited instances. Patients who have had a previous caesarean section could benefit from early (before 10 weeks) visualisation of the implantation site. Current data refer only to placentas implanted in the lower anterior uterine segment, usually over a caesarean section scar.
T staging of rectal cancer: Accuracy of diffusion‐weighted imaging compared with T2‐weighted imaging on 3.0 tesla MRI
Authors: Feng Qi , Yan Yun Qi , Zhu Jiong , XU Jian Rong 
Published: December 2013

ObjectiveTo evaluate the performance of diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) in the T staging of primary rectal cancer compared with T2‐weighted (T2W) fast spin‐echo imaging using 3.0 tesla magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).MethodsIn total, 46 consecutive patients with rectal cancer who underwent MRI examination before surgery were included in the study. The diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity and specificity of DWI and T2W imaging (T2WI) for T staging of the tumors were evaluated, and interobserver agreement between the two radiologists was calculated.ResultsThe diagnostic accuracies of DWI and T2WI for the T staging of rectal cancer were 73.9% and 71.7%, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of DWI were 90.0% and 88.9% for diagnosing T1 tumors, 64.3% and 87.5% for T2 tumors, 77.8% and 89.3% for T3 tumors and 50.0% and 97.6% for T4 tumors, respectively; while the sensitivity and specificity of T2WI were 80.0% and 91.7% for T1 tumors, 64.3% and 78.1% for T2 tumors, 77.8% and 89.3% for T3 tumors and 50.0% and 100% for T4 tumors, respectively. There were no significant differences in the diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity or specificity between DWI and T2WI no matter what kind of T stage was concerned (P > 0.05). The interobserver agreement was 0.74 for DWI and 0.63 for T2WI.ConclusionsDWI can be applied as a useful tool for evaluating the T staging of rectal cancer. The interobserver agreement obtained by using DWI is better than that obtained by using T2WI.
Insulin‐like growth factor binding protein‐related protein 1 contributes to hepatic fibrogenesis
Authors: Guo Xiao Hong , Liu Li Xin , Zhang Hai Yan , Zhang Qian Qian , Li Yuan , Tian Xiao Xia , Qiu Zhi Hong 
Published: December 2013

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to investigate the role of insulin‐like growth factor binding protein‐related protein 1 (IGFBP‐rP1) in the development of hepatic fibrogenesis in experimental disease models and human liver samples.MethodsCellular distribution patterns of IGFBP‐rP1 were assessed by immunohistochemistry in fibrotic and cirrhotic human liver specimens. Gene silencing of IGFBP‐rP1 was performed on cultured hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) by small interfering RNA (siRNA), and the silencing effect was determined by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Western blot. We also determined the effects of siRNA‐mediated gene silencing of IGFBP‐rP1 on the production of extracellular matrix (ECM) components by Western blot. The expression of ECM components and transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β1 was studied by immunohistochemistry and Western blot in C57BL/6 wild‐type mice treated with recombinant IGFBP‐rP1 (rIGFBP‐rP1).ResultsExpression of IGFBP‐rP1 was significantly elevated in fibrotic and cirrhotic human liver specimens, and this increase was positively correlated with the number of collagen fibers observed. siRNA‐mediated gene silencing of IGFBP‐rP1 resulted in significantly decreased levels of collagen I and fibronectin in HSCs. Moreover, IGFBP‐rP1 overexpression significantly increased the production of collagen, fibronectin and TGF‐β1 in rIGFBP‐rP1‐treated mice.ConclusionsIGFBP‐rP1 contributes to the development of liver fibrosis and may be a novel molecule involved in the progression of hepatic fibrogenesis.
Development and testing of a genetic marker‐based pedigree reconstruction system ‘PR‐genie’ incorporating size‐class data
Authors: Cope Robert C. , Lanyon Janet M. , Seddon Jennifer M. , Pollett Philip K. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractFor wildlife populations, it is often difficult to determine biological parameters that indicate breeding patterns and population mixing, but knowledge of these parameters is essential for effective management. A pedigree encodes the relationship between individuals and can provide insight into the dynamics of a population over its recent history. Here, we present a method for the reconstruction of pedigrees for wild populations of animals that live long enough to breed multiple times over their lifetime and that have complex or unknown generational structures. Reconstruction was based on microsatellite genotype data along with ancillary biological information: sex and observed body size class as an indicator of relative age of individuals within the population. Using body size‐class data to infer relative age has not been considered previously in wildlife genealogy and provides a marked improvement in accuracy of pedigree reconstruction. Body size‐class data are particularly useful for wild populations because it is much easier to collect noninvasively than absolute age data. This new pedigree reconstruction system, PR‐genie, performs reconstruction using maximum likelihood with optimization driven by the cross‐entropy method. We demonstrated pedigree reconstruction performance on simulated populations (comparing reconstructed pedigrees to known true pedigrees) over a wide range of population parameters and under assortative and intergenerational mating schema. Reconstruction accuracy increased with the presence of size‐class data and as the amount and quality of genetic data increased. We provide recommendations as to the amount and quality of data necessary to provide insight into detailed familial relationships in a wildlife population using this pedigree reconstruction technique.
Bacterial endosymbiont infections in ‘living fossils’: a case study of North American vaejovid scorpions
Authors: Bryson Robert W. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractBacterial endosymbionts are common among arthropods, and maternally inherited forms can affect the reproductive and behavioural traits of their arthropod hosts. The prevalence of bacterial endosymbionts and their role in scorpion evolution have rarely been investigated. In this study, 61 samples from 40 species of scorpion in the family Vaejovidae were screened for the presence of the bacterial endosymbionts Cardinium, Rickettsia, Spiroplasma and Wolbachia. No samples were infected by these bacteria. However, one primer pair specifically designed to amplify Rickettsia amplified nontarget genes of other taxa. Similar off‐target amplification using another endosymbiont‐specific primer was also found during preliminary screenings. Results caution against the overreliance on previously published screening primers to detect bacterial endosymbionts in host taxa and suggest that primer specificity may be higher in primers targeting nuclear rather than mitochondrial genes.
The quality of manual chest compressions during transport – effect of the mattress assessed by dual accelerometers
Authors: HELLEVUO H. , SAINIO M. , HUHTALA H. , OLKKOLA K. T. , TENHUNEN J. , HOPPU S. 
Published: December 2013

BackgroundThe quality of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) has an impact on survival. The quality may be impaired if the patient needs to be transported to the hospital with ongoing CPR. The aim of this study was to analyse whether the quality of CPR can be improved during transportation by using real‐time audiovisual feedback. In addition, we sought to evaluate the real compression depths taking into account the mattress and stretcher effect.MethodsParamedics (n = 24) performed standard CPR on a Resusci Anne Mannequin in a moving ambulance. Participants were instructed to perform CPR according to European Resuscitation Council Resuscitation guidelines 2010. Each pair acted as their own controls performing CPR first without and then with the feedback device. Compression depth, rate and no‐flow fraction and also the mattress effect were recorded by using dual accelerometers by two Philips, HeartStart MRx Q‐CPR defibrillators.ResultsIn the feedback phase, the mean compression depth increased from 51 (10) to 56 (5) mm (P < 0.001), and the percentage of compression fractions with adequate depth was 60% vs. 89% (P < 0.001). However, taking account of the mattress effect, the real depth was only 41 (8) vs. 44 (5) mm without and with feedback, respectively (P < 0.001). The values for compression rate did not differ.ConclusionsCPR quality was good during transportation in general. However, the results suggest that the feedback system improves CPR quality. Dual accelerometer measurements show, on the other hand, that the mattress effect may be a clinically relevant impediment to high quality CPR.
Sublethal neonicotinoid insecticide exposure reduces solitary bee reproductive success
Authors: Sandrock Christoph , Tanadini Lorenzo G. , Pettis Jeffery S. , Biesmeijer Jacobus C. , Potts Simon G. , Neumann Peter 
Published: December 2013

Abstract

Pollinating insects provide crucial and economically important ecosystem services to crops and wild plants, but pollinators, particularly bees, are globally declining as a result of various driving factors, including the prevalent use of pesticides for crop protection. Sublethal pesticide exposure negatively impacts numerous pollinator life‐history traits, but its influence on reproductive success remains largely unknown. Such information is pivotal, however, to our understanding of the long‐term effects on population dynamics.
We investigated the influence of field‐realistic trace residues of the routinely used neonicotinoid insecticides thiamethoxam and clothianidin in nectar substitutes on the entire life‐time fitness performance of the red mason bee Osmia bicornis.
We show that chronic, dietary neonicotinoid exposure has severe detrimental effects on solitary bee reproductive output. Neonicotinoids did not affect adult bee mortality; however, monitoring of fully controlled experimental populations revealed that sublethal exposure resulted in almost 50% reduced total offspring production and a significantly male‐biased offspring sex ratio.
Our data add to the accumulating evidence indicating that sublethal neonicotinoid effects on non‐Apis pollinators are expressed most strongly in a rather complex, fitness‐related context. Consequently, to fully mitigate long‐term impacts on pollinator population dynamics, present pesticide risk assessments need to be expanded to include whole life‐cycle fitness estimates, as demonstrated in the present study using O. bicornis as a model.
Phenology and flight periodicity of Sirex noctilio (Hymenoptera: Siricidae) in central New York, U.S.A.
Authors: Myers Scott W. , Zylstra Kelley E. , Francese Joseph A. , Borchert Daniel M. , Bailey Sian M. 
Published: December 2013

Abstract
Field and laboratory studies were performed to determine the phenology of flight activity and the thermal requirements for adult emergence of Sirex noctilio.
Degree‐day (DD) accumulation from egg to adult was measured in bolts of Pinus sylvestris infested with eggs from laboratory‐reared adults. Adult emergence was similarly monitored in bolts from trees that were naturally infested in the field by wild populations of S. noctilio reared at constant temperature.
Laboratory‐infested bolts produced mostly males, whereas field‐collected material produced a 2.7 : 1 male‐biased sex ratio. Mean DDs to emergence was 1477.0 ± 13.4 (males) in laboratory‐infested bolts, as well as 1455.2 ± 11.2 (males) and 1577.8 ± 19.5 (females) in field‐collected material.
Field‐trapping studies were conducted to compare flight activity with rearing data. Trap captures showed first flight activity and peak catch occurred at 709 and 1145 DDs. The resulting degree‐day model predicts early flight activity in early to mid‐April for pine stands in southeastern U.S.A., early to mid‐May in the Mid‐Atlantic region, and late June to early July in the northeast.
What do clients expect of community care and what are their needs? The Community care for the Elderly: Needs and Service Use Study (CENSUS)
Authors: Harrison Fleur , Low Lee‐Fay , Barnett Anna , Gresham Meredith , Brodaty Henry 
Published: December 2013

ObjectiveTo investigate the relationship between objectively assessed care needs and expectations for care of older people and their carers, before commencement of community care services.MethodCross‐sectional research on 55 community‐dwelling older adults and carers, recruited after receiving approval for government‐subsidised community care services. Care needs and expectations of care were assessed at interview.ResultsParticipants’ and carers’ expectations for their pending community care package did not correspond with unmet participant needs. Instead, expectations corresponded with met needs, that is those for which they already received help, with the exception of expectations of domestic support and personal care. Participants’ unmet needs were predominantly in social and recreational activities, eating, and physical and mental health.ConclusionsAs community care in Australia becomes consumer‐directed by 2015, care services will need to empower clients and carers through education about their needs and available services, as part of the assessment and service negotiation process.
Increasing constructive engagement and positive affect for residents with severe and very severe dementia through group‐based activities
Authors: Materne Chris J. , Luszcz Mary A. , Goodwin‐Smith Ian 
Published: December 2013

AimA group‐based multisensory activity program (Sensory Day) for residents with dementia was developed, to address the challenge of providing personalised activities within tight operational constraints in residential aged care facilities.MethodFourteen participants with severe and very severe dementia were observed before, during and after participation in one of four Sensory Day sessions. The Menorah Park Rating Scale was used to yield four levels of engagement. The Philadelphia Geriatric Affect Rating Scale was used to identify four affect states. Dementia severity was ascertained by PAS–CIS scores mapped onto the Global Deterioration Scale.ResultsIncreased levels of constructive engagement and positive affect were observed during participation in the Sensory Day sessions, relative to measures taken before the session.ConclusionsThis novel approach to activity programming demonstrates that it is possible to provide group‐based activities for residents with severe and very severe dementia which result in increased engagement and positive mood.
New approaches to the prevention of childhood atopic dermatitis
Authors: Flohr C. , Mann J. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractThere has been a steep rise in the burden of atopic dermatitis (AD), and up to 20% of children in developed countries now suffer of the disease. At present, treatment at best achieves symptom control rather than cure, and there is a strong need to identify new methods of disease prevention. While earlier approaches focused on allergen avoidance strategies, there has been a clear shift towards attempts to induce tolerance and enhancement of skin barrier function, as skin barrier breakdown plays an important role in AD development. This article reviews the latest developments in the prevention of AD.
The multiple factors affecting the association between atopic dermatitis and contact sensitization
Authors: Thyssen J. P. , McFadden J. P. , Kimber I. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractAtopic dermatitis and allergic contact dermatitis are both common skin diseases having an immune pathogenesis. There has been considerable interest about their inter‐relationships with regard to altered susceptibility. Recent investigations have shed new light on this important question, and in this article, we explore whether there is evidence that atopic dermatitis affects the risk of contact sensitization and allergic contact dermatitis. The use of topical products to treat xerotic and inflamed skin in atopic dermatitis often results in a higher prevalence of sensitization to, for example, fragrances and other ingredients in emollients. Moreover, the prevalence of metal allergy seems to be increased, probably due to compromised chelation of the metals in the stratum corneum of patients with atopic dermatitis. However, conversely, the T‐helper cell 2 bias that characterizes immune responses in atopic dermatitis appears to lower the risk of contact sensitization compared to healthy controls. Based on these observations, we conclude that multiple factors affect the association between atopic dermatitis and contact sensitization, and that these need to be appreciated in the clinical management of atopic dermatitis patients.
Agamben, Postcoloniality, and Sovereignty in South Korea
Authors: Lee Seung‐Ook , Jan Najeeb , Wainwright Joel 
Published: December 2013

AbstractThis paper examines modern Korean politics through the framework of Giorgio Agamben's theories of sovereign power, bare life, and the state of exception. Though his political analysis draws from the European history, we contend that the nature of his method attests to the possibility of analogical examples in non‐Western places. Thus, we argue that a postcolonial encounter with Agamben may enrich our understanding of sovereignty and political geography. In the Korean context, such an analysis needs to consider that sovereign power has been shaped by the itineraries of colonialism and empire. Korea's political space is deeply marked by the legacy of Japanese colonialism, the imperial interventions by the U.S., and the division of the peninsula. Thus, Korea offers a valuable lens through which to read Agamben's critique of sovereignty. Our paper offers such a reading to argue that a state of exception functions as the underlying nomos for postcolonial Korea.