bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Overactive bladder symptom severity is associated with falls in community-dwelling adults: LOHAS study
Authors: Kurita Noriaki , Yamazaki Shin , Fukumori Norio , Otoshi Kenichi , Otani Koji , Sekiguchi Miho , Onishi Yoshihiro , Takegami Misa , Ono Rei , Horie Shigeo , Konno Shin-ichi , Kikuchi Shin-ichi , Fukuhara Shunichi 
Published: May 2013

ObjectivesTo examine the association between overactive bladder (OAB) symptom severity and falls and the contribution of OAB symptoms to falls in a community-dwelling population.DesignCross-sectional study.Setting2 Japanese municipalities.ParticipantsA total of 2505 residents aged over 40 years, who participated in health check-ups conducted in 2010. OAB symptom assessed via overactive bladder symptom score (OABSS) was divided into six categories based on distribution and Japanese clinical guidelines. Mobility problems and depressive symptoms were assessed via the Timed Up and Go test and the short form of the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, respectively.Primary outcome measuresSelf-reported any fall and frequent fall (≥2) over the 1-month period. Independent contributions to any fall and frequent falls were assessed via logistic regression to generate population-attributable fractions (PAFs), assuming separate causal relationships between OAB symptoms, mobility problems and depressive symptoms and any or frequent falls.ResultsAmong the total 1350 participants (mean age: 68.3 years) analysed, any fall and frequent falls were reported by 12.7% and 4.4%, respectively. Compared with no OABSS score, moderate-to-severe OAB and mild OAB were associated with any fall (adjusted ORs 2.37 (95% CI 1.12 to 4.98) and 2.51 (95% CI 1.14 to 5.52), respectively). Moderate-to-severe OAB was also strongly associated with frequent falls (adjusted OR 6.90 (95% CI 1.50 to 31.6)). Adjusted PAFs of OAB symptoms were 40.7% (95% CI 0.7% to 64.6%) for any fall and 67.7% (95% CI −23.1% to 91.5%) for frequent falls. Further, these point estimates were similar to or larger than those of mobility problems and depressive symptoms.ConclusionsAn association does indeed exist between OAB symptom severity and falls, and OAB symptoms might be important contributors to falls among community-dwelling adults. Further longitudinal studies are warranted to examine whether or not OAB symptoms predict risk of future falls and fall-related injuries.
Assessing the short-term outcomes of a community-based intervention for overweight and obese children: The MEND 5-7 programme
Authors: Smith L R , Chadwick P , Radley D , Kolotourou M , Gammon C S , Rosborough J , Sacher P M 
Published: May 2013

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to report outcomes of the UK service level delivery of MEND (Mind,Exercise,Nutrition...Do it!) 5-7, a multicomponent, community-based, healthy lifestyle intervention designed for overweight and obese children aged 5–7 years and their families.DesignRepeated measures.SettingCommunity venues at 37 locations across the UK.Participants440 overweight or obese children (42% boys; mean age 6.1 years; body mass index (BMI) z-score 2.86) and their parents/carers participated in the intervention.InterventionMEND 5-7 is a 10-week, family-based, child weight-management intervention consisting of weekly group sessions. It includes positive parenting, active play, nutrition education and behaviour change strategies. The intervention is designed to be scalable and delivered by a range of health and social care professionals.Primary and secondary outcome measuresThe primary outcome was BMI z-score. Secondary outcome measures included BMI, waist circumference, waist circumference z-score, children's psychological symptoms, parenting self-efficacy, physical activity and sedentary behaviours and the proportion of parents and children eating five or more portions of fruit and vegetables.Results274 (62%) children were measured preintervention and post-intervention (baseline; 10-weeks). Post-intervention, mean BMI and waist circumference decreased by 0.5 kg/m2and 0.9 cm, while z-scores decreased by 0.20 and 0.20, respectively (p<0.0001). Improvements were found in children's psychological symptoms (−1.6 units, p<0.0001), parent self-efficacy (p<0.0001), physical activity (+2.9 h/week, p<0.01), sedentary activities (−4.1 h/week, p<0.0001) and the proportion of parents and children eating five or more portions of fruit and vegetables per day (both p<0.0001). Attendance at the 10 sessions was 73% with a 70% retention rate.ConclusionsParticipation in the MEND 5-7 programme was associated with beneficial changes in physical, behavioural and psychological outcomes for children with complete sets of measurement data, when implemented in UK community settings under service level conditions. Further investigation is warranted to establish if these findings are replicable under controlled conditions.
Dabigatran use in Danish atrial fibrillation patients in 2011: a nationwide study
Authors: Sørensen Rikke , Gislason Gunnar , Torp-Pedersen Christian , Olesen Jonas Bjerring , Fosbøl Emil L , Hvidtfeldt Morten W , Karasoy Deniz , Lamberts Morten , Charlot Mette , Køber Lars , Weeke Peter , Lip Gregory Y H , Hansen Morten Lock 
Published: May 2013

ObjectiveDabigatran was recently approved for anticoagulation in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF); data regarding real-world use, comparative effectiveness and safety are sparse.DesignPharmacoepidemiological cohort study.Methods/settingsFrom nationwide registers, we identified patients with an in-hospital or outpatient-clinic AF diagnosis who claimed a prescription of dabigatran 110 or 150 mg, or vitamin K antagonist (VKA), between 22 August and 31 December 2011. HRs of thromboembolic events (ischaemic stroke, transitory ischaemic attack and peripheral artery embolism) and bleedings were estimated using Cox regression analyses in all patients and stratified by previous VKA use.ResultsOverall, 1612 (3.1%) and 1114 (2.1%) patients claimed a prescription of dabigatran 110 and 150 mg, and 49640 (94.8%) of VKA. Patients treated with dabigatran 150 mg were younger with less comorbidity than those treated with dabigatran 110 mg and VKA, as were VKA naïve patients compared with previous VKA users. Recommendations set by the European Medicine Agency (EMA) for dabigatran were met in 90.3% and 55.5% of patients treated with 110 and 150 mg. Patients treated with 150 mg dabigatran, who did not fulfil the recommendations by EMA, were >80 years, patients with liver or kidney disease, patients with previous bleeding. Compared with VKA, the thromboembolic risk associated with dabigatran 110 and 150 mg was HR 3.52 (1.40 to 8.84) and 5.79 (1.81 to 18.56) in previous VKA users, and HR 0.95(0.47 to 1.91) and 1.14(0.60 to 2.16) in VKA naïve patients. Bleeding risk was increased in previous VKA users receiving dabigatran 110 mg, but not in patients with 150 mg dabigatran, nor in the VKA naïve users.ConclusionsDeviations from the recommended use of dabigatran were frequent among patients treated with 150 mg. With cautious interpretation, dabigatran use in VKA naïve patients seems safe. Increased risk of thromboembolism and bleeding with dabigatran among previous VKA users was unexpected and may reflect patient selection and ‘drug switching’ practices.
Onyx embolization of infectious intracranial aneurysms
Authors: Grandhi Ramesh , Zwagerman Nathan T , Linares Guillermo , Monaco Edward A , Jovin Tudor , Horowitz Michael , Jankowitz Brian T 
Published: May 2013

BackgroundInfectious intracranial aneurysms (IIAs) are rare and potentially devastating. First-line management involves intravenous antibiotics, with surgical or endovascular management reserved for cases of failed medical treatment or aneurysmal rupture. Endovascular therapy has become the primary approach for treating these small, distally located aneurysms. Liquid embolic agents are well suited for use because of their ability to fill the aneurysm and parent vessel. We present our experience in treating these aneurysms via Onyx embolization and review the literature.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed the endovascular treatment of IIAs at our institution from 2010 to 2012. Eight patients with 16 IIAs ranging in size from 1 to 16 mm underwent treatment. Seven of the patients initially presented after aneurysmal rupture. Onyx was pushed until the aneurysm and parent artery were filled. Confirmation of aneurysmal occlusion was made by repeat cerebral angiography.ResultsOne symptomatic stroke occurred after embolization. Fourteen of the 16 aneurysms have been evaluated with follow-up angiography and remain occluded.ConclusionsTreatment of IIAs using an endovascular approach with Onyx is safe and effective.
Half a Century of Education Progress in Sub-Saharan Africa (1960-2010)
Authors: Labé Olivier , Dembélé Martial , Sirois Geneviève , Motivans Albert , Bruneforth Michael 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
In general, independence marks the end of education provision oriented to the needs of colonial countries and the start of a more inclusive education system tailored to native traditions and needs. This article presents a retrospective overview of the development of education in Africa since 1960, when a large number of countries attained political independence. It describes the existing educational systems which were mainly inherited from the colonial period and discusses developments in education provision (expansion of enrolment capacities and levels of education), access, retention and completion in relation to factors such as teacher supply and with attention to gender. In light of the trends that emerge from this overview, the article further identifies the gaps and challenges to be addressed in order to make universal access to a good quality education a reality. The empirical contribution of this study is based on national data collected since the 1960s by UNESCO, especially its Institute for Statistics. This annual series of national data allows comparability of education access/participation, completion, quality and outcomes indicators over time.
Decolonizing Educational and Social Development Platforms in Africa
Authors: Abdi Ali A. 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
This essay aims to engage, mainly from theoretical perspectives with analytical eclecticism, a historical and contemporary analysis of African educational and social developmental contexts. It relays the real colonial connections that are still attached to this context. The essay relates the historical location as well as the socio-cultural embeddedness of the African philosophy of Ubuntu, which may have indirectly facilitated the initial entry of colonialism. It critically locates the thick philosophical and epistemological problematics that have previously and again, post-factually limited the foundational reconstructions, and by extension, the relevance of Africa’s learning and related possibilities for achieving social well-being. At the end, the essay calls for the urgent decolonization of Africa’s philosophies and epistemologies of education, so that learning contexts can aid the now non-delinkable desires, indeed, needs for social development.
Power Dynamics in International Negotiations toward Equitable Policies, Partnerships, and Practices: Why it Matters for Africa, the Developing World, and their Higher Education Systems
Authors: Cossa José 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
Based on lessons learned from examining the relationship between several international organizations and African higher education, this paper unveils the subtleties and complexities of power dynamics in negotiations, provides illustrative cases to enhance such understanding, discusses the implications of power dynamics in negotiations over higher education policy, and provides a glimpse at the necessary ingredients to build sustainable and healthy international partnerships. Based in a conceptual framework of power dynamics, the paper hinges on international regimes for its theoretical foundation, and on the intersection of conflicting agendas for a transformative higher education in Africa, as advocated by the Association of African Universities (AAU) and the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS), for its historical framework. An understanding of the subtleties and complexities of power dynamics in international negotiations is critical for Africa at this crossroads of her relationship with BRIC countries, particularly amidst the competition between China and other superpowers and their respective organizations over Africa as a market arena. This understanding will also be important for examining newly claimed ‘reformed’ policies originating from the historically dominant Western countries because (a) the dimensions of this relationship are still being negotiated/established, thus a good time to address power dynamics; (b) Africa is engaged in a quest for development through partnerships; and, (c) African scholars are often confronted with the idea of a higher education system by African design. With a focus on Africa that simultaneously highlights the problem of developing nations more generally, this paper discusses four categories of power – hermeneutical, informational, manipulative, and monetary – that must be taken seriously into account in international negotiations as they have dire consequences for the developing world.
Africa Between the Baobab Tree and the Owl of Minerva: A Post-Colonial Narrative of Memory and Learning
Authors: Mazrui Ali A. 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
We argue in this article that the African continent has so far achieved less than it might have done because of three phases of technological constraint: a phase of Ecological Impediment, a phase of imperial impediment, and a phase of attitudinal impediment. Just as formal education (both colonial and post-colonial) has played a role in this process, it can be part of the solution, starting with educational policies seeking to overcome technological amnesia. Indeed, Africa needs to recover those aspects of its creativity (in medicine, technologies, etc.) which had flourished before, but were destroyed by the colonial regimes. The solution to the impediments includes also reconsidering the interrupted symphony of the Federal University of East Africa and mobilizing pan Africanism in pursuit of greater intellectual and academic cooperation.
“I was crying, I did not come back with anything”: Women’s Experiences of Deportation from Europe to Nigeria
Authors: Ratia Emma , Notermans Catrien 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
The aim of this article is to study the impact of deportation on women’s lives, via the narrated experiences of Nigerian women deported from the European Union. It focuses on women’s stories about the period prior to their travel to Europe and their motivations for doing so; on stories about the journey and their experiences as migrants; and finally on stories about their deportation and their life after returning home to Nigeria. By taking this three-step approach and by focusing on deportees’ experiences, the authors want to contribute to an emic understanding of deportation in which gender and kinship play a crucial part. The obligation to migrate is a social as well as an economic duty for women in the Nigerian context. Whereas anthropological studies have so far focused on deportees’ feelings of non-belonging, this article shows that women’s experiences of deportation are highly connected to family belonging.
Forgotten driving forces in right heart failure (Part II): experimental study
Authors: Nour Sayed , Dai Gang , Wang Qinmei , Wang Fei , Chachques Juan Carlos , Wu Guifu 
Published: May 2013

Background: Cardiac-assist devices for right ventricular failure remain controversial with poor results. This study evaluated a pulsatile cardiac-assist device in an acute right ventricular failure model vs. current therapies. Materials and methods: Pulmonary regurgitation was created in 12 piglets by valve avulsion and external transfixation of 2 pulmonary artery cusps suspended to the pulmonary arterial wall. The piglets were divided into 2 treatment groups: a pulsatile group P and a non-pulsatile group NP. Management started when severe right ventricular failure was observed (48.1 ± 24.5 min). In group P, pulsatile trousers driven by a pneumatic generator were pulsated intermittently at 40 beats·min−1. Group NP was treated with oral tadalafil 1 mg·kg−1, intravenous fluids, and adrenaline 0.3 µg·kg−1. After 1 h of therapy, cardiac output was significantly better in group P than group NP (1 ± 0.2 vs. 0.7 ± 0.2 L·min−1). Mean right ventricular pressure (16 ± 6 vs. 24 ± 2 mm Hg) and pulmonary arterial pressure (22 ± 1 vs. 31 ± 2 mm Hg) were lower in group P. Vascular resistances indices were lower in group P than group NP: pulmonary resistance index was 174 ± 60 vs. 352 ± 118 dyne·sec·cm−5·kg−1; systemic resistance index was 611 ± 70 vs. 1215 ± 315 dyne·sec·cm−5·kg−1. Western-blot analysis showed higher endogenous NO synthase expression in group P pulmonary arteries. Conclusions: The pulsatile suit can be used safely as a noninvasive cardiac-assist device in acute right ventricular failure. This represents a cost-effective nearly physiological method, suitable for adults and children.
Prognostic value of biological markers in myocardial infarction patients
Authors: Berezin Alexander E , Samura Tatiana A 
Published: May 2013

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the prognostic value of matrix metalloproteinase-3 and -9, and NT-pro-natriuretic peptide for fatal and nonfatal complications in Q-wave myocardial infarction patients in the acute and postinfarction periods. Patients and methods: 85 men and women with documented Q-wave myocardial infarction were observed for 1 year after hospitalization. Clinical endpoints were identified through the hospital patient-tracking system, with a review of medical records for each recorded endpoint. Left ventricular ejection fraction and wall motion index were calculated. Measurements of matrix metalloproteinases and NT-pro-natriuretic peptide were performed by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: A cutoff value of 9.7 ng·mL−1 for matrix metalloproteinase-3 showed the best discriminatory power (sensitivity = 77.8%, specificity = 90.8%). The optimal cutoff value of matrix metalloproteinase-9 was 18.1 ng·mL−1 (sensitivity, 70.5%; specificity, 75%), and the cutoff for NT-pro-natriuretic peptide was 885 pmol·L−1 (sensitivity, 58%; specificity, 68.6%). Matrix metalloproteinase-3 and -9 were strongly related with a positive prognostic value of 70% (sensitivity and specificity, 84% and 82%, respectively). Conclusion: These data may be helpful for further stratification of patients into cardiovascular mortality risk groups.
The management of epilepsy in pregnancy at the Whittington Hospital: a retrospective audit 2004–2006 and 2007–2010
Authors: Allen Rebecca , Grosu Liliana , Das Ishita , Kyei-Mensah Amma 
Published: May 2013

Background: In the last maternal death enquiries report there were 14 indirect deaths due to epilepsy. Methods: Retrospective case-note analysis of epileptic women seen antenatally over two separate time periods were examined. Care in the routine antenatal clinic (ANC) was compared with that in the obstetric medicine clinic (OMC). Results: 1st audit, 65 epileptic women seen. In OMC 14% had documented preconception counselling, 58% were on anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs). In ANC 0% had documented preconception counselling, 34% were on AEDs. 2nd audit, 88 epileptic women seen. In OMC 37.5% of women had preconception counselling, 84% were on AEDs. In ANC, 4.2% had preconception counselling, 31% were on AEDs. Conclusions: Women seen in OMC received care more compliant with Scottish Obstetric Group and Audit Project recommendations. All women with epilepsy should be reviewed in an OMC.
The sexual quality of life-female (SQOL-F) questionnaire: translation and psychometric properties of the Iranian version
Authors: Maasoumi Raziyeh , Lamyian Minoor , Montazeri Ali , Azin Seyed Ali , Aguilar-Vafaie Maria E. , Hajizadeh Ebrahim 
Published: May 2013

Abstract

Background
Female sexual dysfunction is a common condition that extremely affects reproductive health and quality of life. To assess this health condition, a valid and reliable questionnaire is required. The aim of this study was to translate and validate the Sexual Quality of Life-Female (SQOL-F) questionnaire in Iran.

Method
Forward-backward procedure was applied to translate the questionnaire from English into Persian. After linguistic validation and pilot examination, a cross-sectional study was carried out and psychometric properties of the Iranian version of questionnaire were tested. One hundred reproductive aged, married, healthy and sexually active women completed the questionnaire. Reliability was assessed by internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha), and test-retest (intraclass correlation coefficient) analyses. In addition, content, and face validity were assessed and the factor structure of the questionnaire was extracted by performing exploratory factor analysis.

Results
The mean age of participants was 33 (SD = 8.07) years, and the mean quality of sexual life score was 86.4 (SD = 1.78) ranging from 36 to 108. Most women were housewife (n = 92). Reliability evaluation revealed high internal consistency and good test-retest reliability. The Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was 0.73 and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was 0.88. The mean scores for the content validity index (CVI) and the content validity ratio (CVR) were 0.91 and 0.84, respectively. The results of exploratory factor analysis (EFA) indicated a four-factor solution for the questionnaire that jointly accounted for 60.8% of variance observed.

Conclusion
The findings from this study suggest that the Iranian version of SQOL-F questionnaire has good psychometric properties and it will be useful to assess the female sexual quality of life in reproductive health care settings.
Presentation of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in emergency department: a case report
Authors: Fernandes Natália , Gomes Guilherme , Capela Carlos 
Published: May 2013

Abstract

Background
Abrupt and life-threatening presentations in connective tissue diseases (CTD) are rarely reported. Their early recognition and specific management could change course disease. SLE is a multisystem inflammatory disease that is often difficult to diagnose in the emergency department (ED).

Case presentation
A 26-year-old woman presented to the ED with a 48 hour history of progressive dispnea, generalized edema and left lower chest pain with non-productive cough. On examination, patient was feeling very ill, afebrile, tachycardic, tachypneic and a peripheral oxygen saturation of 94% on 40% supplemented oxygen with raised jugular venous pressure was noted. Intermittently, she presented an obtunded state of consciousness. A large pericardial, pleural and abdominal effusion was confirmed and a broad differential diagnosis was made. The patient had a 6 months history of inflammatory polyarthralgias involving initially interphalangeal joints, evolving, sometime later, the knees and elbows bilaterally and she was started glucocorticoids. 12 days before admission, she had had symptoms of a urethritis episode. In the context of an immunosupressed patient, with initial focal urologic complains, evidence of multiorgan dysfunction and a picture resembling a distributive shock, dictated a low threshold for sepsis.

Conclusions
Separating an acute episode of SLE from sepsis, on emergency grounds, can even be the most challenging decision. In the ED, acute life-threatening and multisystemic conditions should arise the suspicion of autoimmune diseases, particularly SLE.