bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Univariate Analysis to Examine Predictors of Response to Leukocytapheresis in Ulcerative Colitis Patients
Authors: Nagayama Koji , Takedatsu Hidetoshi , Mitsuyama Keiichi , Yamasaki Hiroshi , Kuwaki Kotaro , Yoshioka Shinichiro , Kobayashi Teppei , Yamauchi Ryosuke , Kakuma Tatsuyuki , Sata Michio 
Published: October 2015

AbstractLeukocytapheresis (LCAP) is reportedly effective for the treatment of active ulcerative colitis (UC) and is a therapeutic option for steroid‐dependent or steroid‐resistant patients with UC. However, a consensus regarding the use of LCAP for UC patients has not yet been established. Therefore, we analyzed patients' records to identify predictors of response to LCAP therapy and subsequent recurrence. Between October 2001 and March 2011, we recruited 41 patients who had been diagnosed as having UC and had received LCAP therapy. Patients diagnosed with moderate to severe UC with left‐side or total colitis and received LCAP therapy for the first time were enrolled. We retrospectively performed a univariate analysis using the patients' medical records to identify factors affecting the therapeutic effect of LCAP. Body mass index exceeding 18.5 kg/m2 was found to influence the therapeutic effect of LCAP. Male sex was correlated with a rapid response to LCAP treatment and the maintenance of remission. UC patients experiencing their first attack or had an elevated C‐reactive protein level prior to LCAP therapy exhibited a relatively long remission period. In the “after LCAP therapy” group, a low Rachmilewitz endoscopic score, low erythrocyte sedimentation rate, or high white blood cell count was associated with a long remission period. Our results suggest that LCAP should be performed for the treatment of early‐onset UC. LCAP can be expected to induce a long remission period, enabling mucosal healing, although the factors that affected the remission period did not influence the therapeutic effect and responsiveness.
Removal of Toxic Substances by a Selective Membrane Plasma Separator
Authors: Nakae Hajime , Hattori Tomoko , Igarashi Toshiko , Okuyama Manabu , Tajimi Kimitaka 
Published: October 2015

AbstractWe devised a method of plasma exchange with dialysis (PED), in which selective plasma exchange (sPE) is performed using a selective membrane plasma separator (EC‐2A) with an albumin‐sieving coefficient of 0.3 while the dialysate flows outside the hollow fibers, and reported the usefulness of the system for treating acute liver failure. Thereafter, EC‐4A with an albumin‐sieving coefficient of 0.6 was developed, which was expected to be even more effective for removing protein‐bound substances. In order to examine whether or not EC‐4A might be applicable to blood purification therapy against drug poisoning, we compared the efficacies of sPE, PED, and direct hemoperfusion (DHP) using an activated carbon column for the removal of phenobarbital and lithium. Subjects undergoing the extracorporeal circulation study were assigned to the sPE group, PED group, or DHP group, and the changes in the blood concentrations of phenobarbital and lithium were measured over 180 min. A significant decrease of the phenobarbital concentration over time was seen in the PED group, as compared to that in the sPE group (P < 0.0001), while no significant difference in the concentration was observed between the PED and DHP groups. The PED group showed a significant decrease of the lithium concentration over time, as compared to the DHP group (P < 0.0001), while no significant difference in the concentration was observed between the PED and sPE groups. Thus, PED was as effective as DHP for removing phenobarbital and was as effective as sPE for removing lithium. These results suggest that PED therapy using EC‐4A may be a feasible modality for the treatment of drug poisoning.
A history of changing aesthetic values in the Yarra Valley landscape, Victoria
Authors: Lennon Jane L. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractAesthetic responses to landscape may be emotional, sensory, or experiential, or a combination; it is a difficult value to identify and assess. This paper considers changing perceptions of the aesthetic values of the Yarra Valley landscape using a heritage methodology that involves examining artistic, creative, and published sources accounting for a lengthy period of changing land use. Scenic quality mapping, where available, is used as a support, and extensive reference is made to Australian impressionist art. Artworks for Yarra Valley landscapes may be considered as being among the cultural heritage indicators of significance and there is a new aesthetic of land art in private venues for the visiting public. The paper also illustrates how aesthetic values have been more broadly recognised in the post‐World War II era and become the domain of planning authorities as well as artists. It is for regional planners to be aware of and maintain these aesthetic values in the landscape.
The Migration of Australians to Bali, Indonesia: More than Retirees and Surfers
Authors: Davies Amanda , Hoath Aileen 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThe factors underpinning the migration of Australian residents to Bali, Indonesia, and the demographic characteristics of the Australian expatriate population in Bali are examined. It is argued that in undertaking a move to Bali, Australian expatriates are employing a deliberate strategy to utilise their existing financial resources and social networks to gain a lifestyle they perceive would not be available to them if they were to remain in Australia. However, it is also argued that there is considerable diversity in the factors underpinning migration decisions. Through a survey of 236 Australians living in Bali, it was found that a complex of place‐based and non‐place‐based factors influenced migration decisions. It was also found that some factors underpinning migration were broadly associated with phase in the life course. While the survey identified only a minor overrepresentation of Australian retirees living in Bali, given the factors that were identified as underpinning migration to Bali, and with the large baby boomer population nearing retirement, it is probable that as Australia's population ages, there will be further growth in the number and proportional share of older Australians living in Bali.
Supranational Cooperation in Europe
Authors: de Deugd Nienke , Stamm Katharina , Westerman Wim 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThe sovereign debt crisis and the euro crisis have prompted heads of state and government in Europe to intensify supranational cooperation. However, some political leaders and policy makers aim for more. They propose the introduction of a common European economic government that would prevent Europe from experiencing further financial threats and stabilise national budgets and financial markets, as well as the euro. The results of a survey among well‐informed people imply a rather ambivalent attitude towards this venture. While a slim majority favours the general idea of centralised economic governance in Europe, or in the eurozone, the concrete ideas for the design of such a government are not popular among the respondents. A centralised macroeconomic policy, a common budget that is set centrally and using eurobonds as a common means of debt financing in the eurozone all receive limited approval. So, if they are aiming for more supranational cooperation, public and corporate policy makers need to take clear‐cut steps that offer tangible benefits that influence public opinions favourably.
Markov switching autoregressive models for interpreting vertical movement data with application to an endangered marine apex predator
Authors: Pinto Cecilia , Spezia Luigi 
Published: October 2015

Summary

Time series of animal movement obtained from bio‐loggers are becoming widely used across all taxa. These data are nowadays of high quality, combining high resolution with precision, as the tags are able to collect for longer times and store larger quantities of data. Due to their nature, high‐frequency data sequences often pose non‐trivial problems in time series analysis: nonlinearity, non‐normality, non‐stationarity and long memory. These issues can be tackled by modelling the data sequence as a realization of a stochastic regime‐switching process.

We suggest a novel Markov switching autoregressive model where the hidden Markov chain is non‐homogeneous, with time‐varying transition probabilities, whose dynamics depend on the dynamics of some contemporary categorical covariates.

To illustrate the use of the method, we apply it to the depth profiles of four individuals of flapper skate (Dipturus cf. intermedia) in order to identify swimming behaviours. Individual time series were obtained from data storage tags that recorded pressure every two minutes. The environmental covariates used were lunar phase (a proxy for the spring‐neap tidal cycle), lunar cycle and diel cycle. For all individuals, two states (or regimes) were always selected (the autoregressive order was either three or four), representing different regimes of animal activity, that is state 1 for resting or horizontal swimming or slow vertical movement and state 2 for fast ascending and descending. The cycle of the four lunar phases was the only environmental covariate that explained the hidden state dynamics in all individuals, whereas lunar cycle was selected for two individuals and diel cycle for one only.

The method is an efficient approach to fit one‐dimensional tag data using categorical environmental covariates, and to classify the observations into a small number of states representing individual behaviours of tagged individuals.
Testing an Instrument for Assessing Nursing Intensity in Perioperative Settings: Construct Validity
Authors: Rauta Satu , Salanterä Sanna , Vahlberg Tero , Junttila Kristiina 
Published: October 2015

PurposeTo test the construct validity of an instrument to assess nursing intensity in perioperative settings.MethodsA survey based on 24 core elements of perioperative nursing was used. A total of 652 assessments were performed on 308 patients. Principal component analysis was used.FindingsA model with four principal components was suggested.ConclusionsPatients' care needs appear to vary as they progress along the perioperative continuum. Thus, a given instrument's content differs from the intraoperative to postoperative phases.ImplicationsMore testing is needed to achieve a valid tool for allocating nursing staff in operating departments. Reliable tools are needed to match patients' care needs with available nursing resources.
What training do teachers need?: Why theory is necessary to good teaching
Authors: Orchard Janet , Winch Christopher 
Published: October 2015

Recent years have seen a concerted and systematic move towards a school‐led system of initial teacher training in England. The role of universities, and particularly their part in engaging new teachers with educational theory, has been radically challenged. Only around half of new entrants to the profession now follow university‐based training routes. These seismic changes to teacher education have been driven through with a minimum of formal consultation or public debate.In this urgent and compelling pamphlet, Janet Orchard and Christopher Winch argue for a conception of teachers as professionals who require a deep understanding of the conceptual, empirical and normative dimensions of educational practice. They explain why university education departments are better placed than schools to help beginning teachers acquire that understanding. And they propose a significant expansion of initial teacher education, with full licensure contingent on completion of both a preliminary teaching qualification and a higher grade apprenticeship in the first two years of employment.Teachers need educational theory because they must understand what they are doing and why they are doing it, and must be able to think intelligently about how to do it better. At present, universities have the capacity and the expertise to meet this need. But they may not have it for much longer if the shift to school‐based teacher education continues unabated.
Multiplex detection and identification of bacterial pathogens causing potato blackleg and soft rot in Europe, using padlock probes
Authors: Sławiak M. , van Doorn R. , Szemes M. , Speksnijder A.G.C.L. , Waleron M. , van der Wolf J.M. , Łojkowska E. , Schoen C.D. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThe objective of this study was to develop a multiplex detection and identification protocol for bacterial soft rot coliforms, namely Pectobacterium wasabiae (Pw), Pectobacterium atrosepticum (Pba) and Dickeya spp., responsible for potato blackleg and tuber soft rot. The procedures were derived from the phylogenetic relationships of these and other Enterobacteriaceae based on recA sequences. The group of Pw strains was highly homogeneous and could be distinguished from the other species. A ligation‐based method for detection of Pw was developed. Five padlock probes (PLPs) were designed, targeting recA sequences to identify the Pw, Pba or Dickeya spp., whereas a sixth probe recognised recA sequences of all soft rot coliforms including Pectobacterium carotovorum subsp. carotovorum (Pcc). Two PLP‐based applications were developed: one using real‐time PCR and one using universal microarrays. Assay sensitivity and specificity were demonstrated using 71 strains of Pw, Pcc, Pba and Dickeya spp. Both multiplex methods can be potentially used for seed testing and in ecological studies, but further validation is required.
Age‐dependent decrease in desflurane concentration for maintaining bispectral index below 50
Authors: Kanazawa S. , Oda Y. , Maeda C. , Okutani R. 
Published: October 2015

BackgroundWe examined the hypothesis that the minimum alveolar concentration of desflurane for maintaining bispectral index (BIS) below 50 (MACBIS50) decreases with advance of age.MethodsSixty young (20–30 year), middle‐aged (31–65 year) and elderly (66–80 year) patients were included (n = 20, each group). Five minutes following the start of continuous intravenous administration of remifentanil at 0.25 μg/kg/min, general anaesthesia was induced with propofol 2 mg/kg and rocuronium 0.8 mg/kg to facilitate tracheal intubation. Infusion of remifentanil was stopped immediately after tracheal intubation. When BIS began to increase > 60, maintenance of anaesthesia was started with an end‐tidal desflurane concentration of 4.0% and maintained for 10 min followed by 1‐min assessment of BIS taken at 10‐s intervals. MACBIS50 of each age group was estimated by up–down methodology.ResultsMACBIS50 of desflurane in young, middle‐aged and elderly patients was 4.25% end‐tidal (95% confidence intervals 4.04–4.46), 3.58% (3.38–3.79) and 2.75% (2.50–3.00) respectively. MACBIS50 was higher (P = 0.011) in young patients and lower (P = 0.012) in elderly patients than those in middle‐aged patients.ConclusionsAdvance in age significantly decreased the concentrations of desflurane required to maintain BIS below 50. BIS reflected age‐associated decrease in end‐tidal concentrations of desflurane required for maintaining adequate depth of anaesthesia during resting state.
Lack of clinical impact of 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography with simultaneous computed tomography for stage I and II Merkel cell carcinoma with concurrent sentinel lymph node biopsy staging: A single institutional experience from Westmead Hospital, Sydney
Authors: Liu Jui , Larcos George , Howle Julie , Veness Michael 
Published: October 2015

AbstractBackground/Objective18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography with simultaneous computed tomography (PET‐CT) FDG PET‐CT plays an important clinical role in the staging and management of Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) although its role in stage I and II disease relative to a sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) is undefined. This study aimed to compare the clinical impact of FDG PET‐CT and SLNB on management in stage I and II MCC.MethodsThis was a retrospective observational study. Between 2000 and 2014, 65 patients with biopsy‐proven MCC (all stages) underwent a staging FDG PET‐CT as part of their investigations in Westmead Hospital, Sydney. Since 2006, 26 patients have had an SLNB and of these, 16 underwent both an SLNB and FDGPET‐CT. All 16 patients had a histological diagnosis consistent with MCC without clinical evidence of regional or distant metastases prior to SLNB and FDG PET‐CT (stages IB and IIB). These patients were assessed with respect to MCC staging and the subsequent change of patient management post‐SLNB and FDG PET‐CT.ResultsThe SLNB identified occult lymph node metastases in 10 patients (63%), with FDG PET‐CT positive in only one patient (6%). Of the six SLNB‐negative patients, none demonstrated additional metastases on the FDG PET‐CT.ConclusionsIn patients with stage I and II MCC, FDG PET‐CT is less sensitive than an SLNB in detecting occult metastatic lymph nodes. The routine use of FDG PET‐CT in these patients may not be justified.
What does personality tell us about working in the bush? Temperament and character traits ofAustralian remote allied health professionals
Authors: Campbell Narelle , Eley Diann , McAllister Lindy 
Published: October 2015

AbstractObjectiveTo describe the personality (temperament and character traits) of remote Australian allied health professionals (AHPs).Recent research shows that health professionals can be differentiated by personality traits but little is known about the personality traits ofAHPs.DesignCross‐sectional (online) survey design with snowball sampling of participants.Setting and ParticipantsAustralianAHPs(N = 561; women,n = 502) classified into Remote (n = 266), Not Remote (n = 295).Main outcome measure(s)Demographic variables and the Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI R‐140).ResultsRemoteAHPswere higher in novelty seeking (P = 0.037) and self‐transcendence (P = 0.042). Remote women were lower in harm avoidance (P = 0.042). Older remoteAHPSwere lower in reward dependence (P = 0.001); younger remoteAHPswere lower in self directedness (P = 0.001) and higher in harm avoidance (P < 0.001). Women were more reward dependent (P < 0.001) and cooperative (P = 0.008) than men.ConclusionsThe sample demonstrated personality trait levels aligned with research on rural doctors and nurses and which might be advantageous for working in a challenging environment. Exploring the more stable nature of temperament traits coupled with the modifiable potential of character traits provides new insight into people who choose to work as a remoteAHP. These findings might contribute to a better understanding of the personality trends in theseAHPswhich might provide clues to improve recruitment and retention strategies.
Zoonoses in rural veterinarians in the central region ofArgentina
Authors: Molineri Ana , Signorini Marcelo L. , Pérez Luis , Tarabla Héctor D. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractObjectiveTo estimate the frequency of zoonoses in rural veterinarians and to search for risk factors.DesignCross‐sectional study based on an anonymously answered structured questionnaire.SettingThe interviewees participated in mandatory continuing education classes scheduled throughout the province by theCollege ofVeterinarySurgeons.ParticipantsOverall, 741 professionals were surveyed, and 75.8% (n = 562) of them completed the structured questionnaire.Main outcome measuresCumulative incidence (CIR) and incidence density (IDR) rates, standardised rates, χ2, Student'st‐test, Pearson's correlation coefficient and logistic regression.ResultsTheCIRfor all zoonoses was 34.1% (brucellosis, 29.1%; toxoplasmosis, 2.1%; leptospirosis, 0.6%; tuberculosis, 0.6%; anthrax, 0.6%; ringworm, 0.4%; other, 0.6%). TheIDRfor the period 1964–2008 was estimated to be 20.7% (19.5% for brucellosis). The brucellosisIDRdecreased between 1964 and 2008 and was higher during early post‐graduation. The risk of brucellosis was associated with the number of years of practice and the geographical area. Sixty‐nine respondents had at least one day of absence from work (24.0±27.8 days).ConclusionsA high frequency of zoonoses was reported by veterinarians with a large animal practice. Although the rate of zoonoses may be decreasing, further studies are needed to confirm this finding. A joint effort of all institutions is needed to prevent zoonoses among private practitioners.
Colectomies performed at a rural Australian Hospital: A 7‐year analysis
Authors: Hoskins Wayne , Taylor Peter , Jacob Abraham , Wijeratne Shiran , Campbell Ian 
Published: October 2015

AbstractIntroductionLittle published data exists documenting the reasons for and outcomes of colectomies in rural Australia. It remains unclear whether patient characteristics, diagnoses, complications and outcomes differ to metropolitan locations.MethodsA retrospective review of prospectively collected data for patients coded with International Classification of Diseases procedure code block 934 and 935 (colectomies) performed at Wimmera Health Care Group: Horsham Campus between July 2004 and July 2011. Records were additionally sought from transfer hospitals.ResultsTwo hundred thirty‐eight colectomies were performed over the 7‐year period: 164 for a colorectal cancer diagnosis, 74 for a non‐colorectal cancer diagnosis. For the colorectal cancer colectomies, 80.5% were elective and 19.5% emergency. There were five (3.0%) intraoperative complications. Postoperatively, there were 16 (9.8%) surgical complications. There was a 3.7% return to theatre rate and a 3.0% unplanned readmission rate. There were no anastomotic leaks. The perioperative mortality rate was 5.5%. For the non‐colorectal cancer colectomies, 85.1% were emergency and 14.9% elective. There were five (6.8%) intraoperative complications. Postoperatively, there were 14 (18.9%) surgical complications. There was a 12.2% return to theatre rate, a 5.4% unplanned readmission rate and three anastomotic leaks. The perioperative mortality rate was 10.8%.ConclusionsThe outcomes and complications for colectomies appear similar to the accepted standard of surgery in other rural and metropolitan centres. Areas have been identified for improved surgical performance at Wimmera Health Care Group: Horsham Campus.
Sick Healers: Chronic Affliction and the Authority of Experience at an Ethiopian Hospital
Authors: Hannig Anita 
Published: October 2015

ABSTRACTAt fistula hospitals in Ethiopia, patients who are not cured of their incontinence are hired as “nurse aides” to perform essential nursing duties in the ward and operating theater. An array of tensions surrounds the work of these women, tensions that are emblematic of their chronic—but secret—patient status. If accidentally disclosed, the women's ongoing illness episodes sabotage their ability to administer treatment, such as injections. In contrast to classic anthropological accounts of wounded healers and therapeutic narratives about the virtues of experience‐based care, I argue in this article that illness experience can also have a profoundly delegitimizing effect. Rather than attributing these dynamics to the alleged stigma that surrounds obstetric fistula sufferers, I delineate the various challenges to clinical authority that are epitomized by the figure of the sick healer. Nurse aides’ experiences with obstetric fistula proved to be a liability precisely because these experiences had not been resolved. Their chronic injuries raised questions both about their medical training and the efficacy of surgery. Attending to these Ethiopian health practitioners can hone our grasp of the professional dilemmas posed by chronic afflictions and contribute to our understanding of available ideologies at play in the global practice of biomedicine. [chronic illness, experience, healing, obstetric fistula, Ethiopia]