bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nesting site density and distribution affect Osmia lignaria (Hymenoptera: Megachilidae) reproductive success and almond yield in a commercial orchard
Authors: Artz Derek R. , Allan Matthew J. , Wardell Gordon I. , Pitts‐Singer Theresa L. 
Published: March 2013

Abstract

The potential of commercially managed, native blue orchard bees, Osmia lignaria, to augment honey bees in orchard pollination depends on various factors, particularly how to enhance O. lignaria retention while optimising even pollination throughout orchards by varying their stocking density and nesting site distribution.

In 2011, we investigated how artificial nest box density and the number of cavities within nest boxes influenced O. lignaria retention and reproduction in a 61 ha almond orchard pollinated by a mixture of O. lignaria and Apis mellifera in the southern Central Valley of California. We assessed how localised O. lignaria nesting affected total nut yield.

Retention of O. lignaria females was significantly greater in orchard areas with high density nest boxes compared with areas with low density nest boxes. Females preferred to nest in high density (low cavity) nest boxes compared to low density (high cavity) nest boxes. All measures of O. lignaria reproductive success were greater in orchard areas with high density nest boxes than areas with low density nest boxes.

Localised O. lignaria foraging and nesting activity influenced nut yield by producing more nuts in orchard areas with high density nest boxes compared with low density nest boxes, although differences in nut yield just failed to meet statistical significance.

Results of this study show that the density and distribution of nest boxes for nesting O. lignaria females can strongly influence the reproductive success of an alternative, managed bee pollinator in a large production orchard.
Efficacy of preoperative ibuprofen on the success of inferior alveolar nerve block in patients with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis: a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Noguera‐Gonzalez D. , Cerda‐Cristerna B. I. , Chavarria‐Bolaños D. , Flores‐Reyes H. , Pozos‐Guillen A. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractAimTo evaluate the effect of preoperative oral ibuprofen (IBU) on the success of inferior alveolar nerve blocks (IANBs) with mepivacaine containing 1 : 100 000 epinephrine for patients with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis (SIP).MethodologyThe present study was a double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled clinical trial. The study included two study groups each consisting of 25 patients who exhibited symptomatic irreversible pulpitis of a mandibular posterior tooth. The patients presented prolonged moderate or severe pain (>10 s) after cold testing and indicated their pain scores on a Heft‐Parker visual analogue scale. The patients received identically appearing capsules containing either 600 mg IBU (IBUg) or gelatin (placebo, PLAg) 1 h before administration of IANB with 2% mepivacaine containing 1 : 100 000 epinephrine. After 15 min, the anaesthetic blockade was assessed by a three‐step examination (lip numbness, positive/negative response to cold testing and clinical discomfort during endodontic access). IANB success was defined as the absence of pain during any of these evaluations. The data were analysed using the chi‐squared test.ResultsAll of the patients reported moderate or severe pain before the preoperative procedure. Statistically significant differences were observed between the IBUg and PLAg (P < 0.05); the success rates for the IANB were 72% (IBUg) and 36% (PLAg).ConclusionsPreoperative oral administration of IBU significantly improved the efficacy of IANB in patients with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis.
Retrospective follow‐up assessment of prognostic variables associated with the outcome of periradicular surgery
Authors: Villa‐Machado P. A. , Botero‐Ramírez X. , Tobón‐Arroyave S. I. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractAimTo investigate, retrospectively over a 1‐ to 16‐year follow‐up period, the strength and independence of the association of different patient‐, tooth‐ and surgery‐related prognostic variables with the outcome of periradicular surgery.MethodologyThe study cohort included 171 teeth in 154 subjects. Clinical and radiographic measures along with the follow‐up period were used to determine the healing outcome. For statistical analysis, results were dichotomized into healed/healing versus asymptomatic function/persistent disease cases. The association between candidate prognostic variables and asymptomatic function/persistent disease was analysed individually and adjusted for confounding using a multivariate binary logistic regression model.ResultsThe percentage of success (healed/healing cases) was found to be 83.6%, whereas the percentage of failure (asymptomatic function/persistent disease cases) was found to be 16.4%. Whilst univariate analysis revealed a positive association of the presence of preoperative signs/symptoms, unsatisfactory quality of the coronal restoration, pronounced root‐end resection bevel and inadequate quality of root‐end filling with asymptomatic function/persistent disease, after multivariate binary logistic regression analysis only the unsatisfactory quality of the coronal restoration and inadequate quality of root‐end filling were strongly and independently associated with disease status. Confounding and interaction effects between candidate prognostic variables was noted.ConclusionsThe findings of this study suggest that whilst the quality of both the coronal restoration and the root‐end filling might be the foremost prognostic variables in periradicular surgery, there are synergistic biological interactive and mutually confounding effects with respect to root‐end resection bevel and preoperative signs and/or symptoms that may be also associated with an increased proportion of failures after periradicular surgery.
Pitfalls in special coagulation testing: three illustrative case studies
Authors: Moser K. A. , (Adcock) Funk D. M. 
Published: March 2013

SummaryAssays in the special coagulation laboratory are affected by numerous factors, including pre‐analytical variables, anticoagulant drugs, and abnormalities of the coagulation system other than the analyte specifically being examined. By reviewing special coagulation tests as a group and in concert with clinical information, as well as understanding assay methodologies, interferences can be more easily recognized and incorrect interpretations avoided, preventing possibly unnecessary treatment of patients. Three case studies involving protein S activity, von Willebrand factor analysis, and factor V activity with Bethesda titer will highlight potential pitfalls in the interpretation of special coagulation tests.
Emergency assessment of hemostasis in the bleeding patient
Authors: Chandler W. L. 
Published: March 2013

SummaryEmergency hemostasis testing is typically used to determine which blood products are needed to correct hemostatic defects associated with bleeding. Rapid assessment of hemostasis can be performed using standard or viscoelastic hemostasis tests in the clinical laboratory, satellite laboratory, or using point‐of‐care methods. The major drawback of standard coagulation testing is that most clinical laboratories are focused more on accuracy than on turnaround time. Improving turnaround times may require revision of the entire approach to performing the testing in the clinical laboratory including specimen processing, testing, and reporting. An advantage to rapid central laboratory testing is the availability to all areas of the hospital, not just the emergency department or operating rooms. Use of point‐of‐care assays can improve turnaround times, but point‐of‐care tests typically show more variation and lower precision. Viscoelastic global hemostasis tests can be used for rapid assessment as well, but care needs to be taken in the interpretation of the results. Viscoelastic testing is currently the only method that can detect severe fibrinolysis. Platelet function testing is useful for detection of hereditary platelet function problems and some antiplatelet medication monitoring, but is less useful for preoperative bleeding risk assessment or diagnosing the cause of acquire bleeding syndromes. This review will highlight different approaches to the rapid assessment of hemostasis.
Characterisation of acid proteases from a fusant F76 and its progenitors Aspergillus oryzae HN3042 and Aspergillus niger CICC2377
Authors: Xu Defeng , Li Caihong , Wang Yaling , Sun Lijun , Zhao Haifeng , Zhao Mouming 
Published: March 2013

SummaryThe characteristics of a novel acid protease from a fusant F76 were comparatively evaluated with those from its progenitors Aspergillus oryzae HN3042 and A. niger CICC2377. The UV spectra of these three acid proteases were similar, but fluorescence spectra were different. The acid protease from F76 contained 7.1% α‐helix, 39.4% β‐sheet, 24.7% β‐turn and 32% aperiodic coil, unlike those from its progenitors. The acid protease from F76 was active in the temperature range of 35–55 °C with the optimum temperature of 40 °C and was stable in the pH range of 2.5–6.5 with the optimum pH of 3.5, while those values from A. oryzae HN3042 and A. niger CICC2377 were 45 °C, 4.0 and 40 °C, 3.5, respectively. The kinetic parameters of the acid protease from F76 were different from its progenitors and the Michaelis constant, maximum velocity, activation energy, and attenuation index were 0.96 mg mL−1, 135.14 μmol min−1 mg−1, 64.11 kJ mol−1 and 0.59, respectively.
The Alleviating Effect of Elevated CO2 on Heat Stress Susceptibility of Two Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Cultivars
Authors: Shanmugam S. , Kjaer K. H. , Ottosen C.‐O. , Rosenqvist E. , Kumari Sharma D. , Wollenweber B. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractThis study analysed the alleviating effect of elevated CO2 on stress‐induced decreases in photosynthesis and changes in carbohydrate metabolism in two wheat cultivars (Triticum aestivum L.) of different origin. The plants were grown in ambient (400 μl l−1) and elevated (800 μl l−1) CO2 with a day/night temperature of 15/10 °C. At the growth stages of tillering, booting and anthesis, the plants were subjected to heat stress of 40 °C for three continuous days. Photosynthetic parameters, maximum quantum efficiency of photosystem II (PSII) photochemistry (Fv/Fm) and contents of pigments and carbohydrates in leaves were analysed before and during the stress treatments as well as after 1 day of recovery. Heat stress reduced PN and Fv/Fm in both wheat cultivars, but plants grown in elevated CO2 maintained higher PN and Fv/Fm in comparison with plants grown in ambient CO2. Heat stress reduced leaf chlorophyll contents and increased leaf sucrose contents in both cultivars grown at ambient and elevated CO2. The content of hexoses in the leaves increased mainly in the tolerant cultivar in response to the combination of elevated CO2 and heat stress. The results show that heat stress tolerance in wheat is related to cultivar origin, the phenological stage of the plants and can be alleviated by elevated CO2. This confirms the complex interrelation between environmental factors and genotypic traits that influence crop performance under various climatic stresses.
Paracetamol overdose in Victoria remains a significant health‐care burden
Authors: Sood Siddharth , Howell Jessica , Sundararajan Vijaya , Angus Peter W , Gow Paul J 
Published: March 2013

AbstractBackground and AimParacetamol is the most frequently used analgesic in Australia and can be purchased without a prescription. We aimed to investigate the epidemiology and outcome of paracetamol overdoses occurring in Victoria, Australia.MethodsThe Victorian admitted episode dataset was examined for all patients who had a diagnosis of paracetamol poisoning (International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, Tenth Revision, Australian Modification [ICD‐10‐AM]: T39.1) or paracetamol adverse effect in therapeutic use (Y45.5) from July 1, 2000 to June 30, 2007. Data extracted included all ICD‐10 codes related to their admissions, gender, age range, date of admission, and cause of death (if applicable).ResultsOver 7 years, there was a total of 14 662 hospital admissions for paracetamol overdose with a mean of 2095 cases per year. Accidental overdoses comprised 15% (n = 2149) of cases. The overdose rate fell from 46 cases per 100 000 in 2001 to 39 cases per 100 000 in 2006 (P < 0.001). Most overdoses occurred in women (71%), and patients between 15 and 50 years old comprised 78% of all cases. Complications and mortality were relatively uncommon, with only 26 deaths directly attributable to paracetamol overdose over the 7 years. No child under 15 years old died from their overdose.ConclusionAdmission to Victorian hospitals with paracetamol overdose presents an enormous and in many cases preventable health‐care burden. Fortunately, there has been a gradual fall in admissions, and most cases appear relatively benign. Further reductions in overdose could be achieved with increased awareness by physicians and the general public regarding the potential for accidental overdose, and increasing funding for mental health initiatives.
Current status on the diagnosis and evaluation of pancreatic tumor in Asia with particular emphasis on the role of endoscopic ultrasound
Authors: Kongkam Pradermchai , Ang Tiing Leong , Vu Charles K F , Dy Frederick T , Yasuda Kenjiro , Rerknimitr Rungsun , Varadarajulu Shyam , Dhir Vinay , Chong Vui Heng , Zhen Dong Jin , Wong Jennie Y Y , Ho Khek‐Yu ,   the Asian Consortium of EUS
Published: March 2013

AbstractIn Asia, the incidence of pancreatic cancer in some countries has been increasing. Owing to most cases being diagnosed late, prognosis for pancreatic cancer remains dismal. It is clear that the future for pancreatic cancer lies in early detection. While the possible presence of pancreatic masses is often first raised by non‐invasive abdominal imaging, such as computerized tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, smaller lesions and locoregional lymph node metastases are often not detectable by these means. Endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) offers a higher sensitivity (93–100%) for detection of small potentially curable pancreatic masses than other existing imaging modalities. It is also recommended for the evaluation of portal vein confluence, portal vein, celiac axis, and superior mesentric artery origin, and exclusion of resectability. Due to the closer proximity of EUS to the target structure, and lower rate of needle tract seeding, EUS‐guided fine‐needle aspiration of pancreatic mass is considered the most suitable tissue acquisition technique. Lastly, EUS also enables the performance of endoscopic interventions. Its performance can be further enhanced with newer techniques, including contrast‐enhanced ultrasound and elastrography. It is anticipated that in the near future, molecular technologies may make it possible to detect microscopic amounts of cancer in tissue or blood, predict relapse and survival after therapy, as well as determine optimal therapy.
The Psychiatric Assessment Schedule for Adult with Developmental Disability (PAS‐ADD) Checklist: reliability and validity of French version
Authors: Gerber F. , Carminati G. Galli 
Published: March 2013

AbstractBackgroundThe lack of psychometric measures of psychopathology especially in intellectual disabilities (ID) population was addressed by creation of the Psychiatric Assessment Schedule for Adult with Developmental Disability (PAS‐ADD‐10) in Moss et al. This schedule is a structured interview designed for professionals in psychopathology. The PAS‐ADD Checklist was created as a screening tool designed for non‐specialists in mental illness, such as families and care staff. The Checklist includes 29 symptoms items graded on a four‐point scale. When the score passes the threshold, this indicates the need for further psychiatric assessment. In a study by Moss et al. and a replication by Sturmey et al., the PAS‐ADD Checklist was validated and proved reliable as a screening tool for psychiatric disorders in a population of adults with ID. In this study, the French translation of the Checklist is compared with the English version and the psychometric properties are presented for outpatients.MethodThe French version was created by translation and back translation. Acceptability, internal consistency, inter‐rater reliability, factorial analysis and sensitivity/specificity were calculated.ResultsReliability analyses for sub‐scales and threshold scales showed good (Cronbach's alpha coefficient greater than 0.7) to acceptable (alpha over 0.6) internal consistency. Cronbach's alpha was over 0.8 when the total scale was considered. Spearman Rank correlations, calculated for 45 pairs of raters on threshold scores, are above 0.66, which is a good sign of accordance between non‐specialist raters. Sensitivity and specificity were computed for the number of participants who did and did not cross threshold and for whom a psychiatric disorder was or was not present. The sensitivity was 55% and specificity was 70%. The confirmatory factor analysis with a three‐factor solution explained only 46.1%, which suggests a mediocre fit of the data to the model. Even if items have good saturation on each factor, it does not fit with the theoretical model.ConclusionsThe validity of the French version in this sample seems to be acceptable. Specificity was higher than those reported in the English version and sensitivity was lower. The French version was less successful in screening than English version, probably because of the low number of false negatives in this sample, which constitutes recruitment bias in a psychiatric sample. Nevertheless, the French version of the PAS‐ADD Checklist is reliable as a general screening tool for psychiatric disorders.
The genetic composition of populations of cynomolgus macaques (Macaca fascicularis) used in biomedical research
Authors: Kanthaswamy S. , Ng J. , Satkoski Trask J. , George D.A. , Kou A.J. , Hoffman L.N. , Doherty T.B. , Houghton P. , Smith D.G. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractBackgroundThe genetic composition of cynomolgus macaques used in biomedical research is not as well‐characterized as that of rhesus macaques.MethodsPopulations of cynomolgus macaques from Sumatra, Corregidor, Mauritius, Singapore, Cambodia, and Zamboanga were analyzed using 24 STRs.ResultsThe Sumatran and Cambodian populations exhibited the highest allelic diversity, while the Mauritian population exhibited the lowest. Sumatran cynomolgus macaques were the most genetically similar to all others, consistent with an Indonesian origin of the species. The high diversity among Cambodian animals may result from interbreeding with rhesus macaques. The Philippine and Mauritian samples were the most divergent from other populations, the former due to separation from the Sunda Shelf by deepwater and the latter due to anthropogenic translocation and extreme founder effects.ConclusionsInvestigators should verify their research subjects' origin, ancestry, and pedigree to minimize risks to biomedical experimentation from genetic variance stemming from close kinship and mixed ancestry as these can obscure treatment effects.
Women's experience of acute and chronic pain following breast cancer surgery
Authors: Hovind Inger L , Bredal Inger S , Dihle Alfhild 
Published: March 2013

Aims and objectivesTo gain knowledge of how women experience pain and pain treatment after breast cancer surgery and to identify areas of pain management that they believe could be improved.BackgroundAccording to the literature, 20–60% of patients develop chronic pain after breast cancer surgery and treatment. Because of the short length of hospitalisation in Norway, breast cancer patients are left responsible for most of their own pain management.DesignAn explorative and qualitative design was chosen.MethodsIn‐depth interviews were conducted with eight women who experienced chronic pain rated at 3–5 on a 11‐point numerical rating scale one year or more after breast cancer surgery. This study is part of a larger, quantitative study assessing pain after surgery. The interviews were taped, transcribed and analysed according to qualitative content analysis.ResultsThe interviewees had expected pain in the acute postoperative period, but had not expected that pain would persist. None of the women recalled having received information about pain. They took few analgesics and were generally sceptical about medication, mostly because of earlier reactions to drugs. They received no explanations for and little help with chronic pain. Most of them were active and worked outside the home.ConclusionsAfter short hospital stays, adequate information and follow‐up after discharge may optimise pain management regimens. Those who develop chronic pain need more information and help to manage their pain.Relevance to clinical practiceFinding the appropriate time for information about postoperative pain management is necessary to optimise a good analgesic regimen. Multimodal and aggressive treatment of acute pain should be emphasised.
Central nervous system tuberculosis: A disease from Papua New Guinea in North Queensland
Authors: Ting Pascallina LC , Norton Robert 
Published: March 2013

AimTo describe cases of confirmed central nervous system (CNS) tuberculosis seen at the major tertiary referral centre of North Queensland over a 10‐year period.MethodsThis is a retrospective case series‐based study of all cases of proven Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection of the CNS presenting to a major tertiary referral centre of North Queensland between 2000 and 2010.ResultsFive cases of confirmed CNS tuberculosis were identified over the 10‐year period with two deaths. All were from Papua New Guinea with a mean age of 7 years. Imaging and early microbiological diagnosis was critical in making the diagnosis. HIV infection was not a contributing factor. Multidrug resistance was inferred or confirmed in two cases.ConclusionsCNS tuberculosis is a disease being increasingly seen in North Queensland among children from Papua New Guinea. Anticipation of multidrug resistance is important in the immediate management of suspected cases.
B Alert: Hepatitis B virus infection in children in Victoria
Authors: Jimenez Gabriela , Alex George , Paxton Georgia , Connell Thomas G , Hardikar Winita 
Published: March 2013

AimThe aim of this study is to determine the demographic, clinical and serological patterns of hepatitis B in children in Victoria over a 17‐year period.MethodsRetrospective analysis of medical records of all patients <18 years of age with positive hepatitis B surface antigen referred to the Gastroenterology, Immigrant Health and Infectious Diseases clinics between 1992 and 2009.ResultsOf the 164 children identified, 76% were born overseas, with vertical transmission the most likely source in 84%. Most were asymptomatic, with no signs of chronic liver disease. Forty children infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV) were born in Australia prior to universal vaccination. There was poor documentation of vaccination or response to vaccination in siblings at risk within families where at least one child was infected. An increasing number of referrals was noted from 2006 to 2009 compared with the preceding 4 years (P < 0.001). Of an expected 200 follow‐up visits from new referrals, 78% were attended.ConclusionThese findings suggest that the number of children with HBV in our population is increasing and that models of health care designed to integrate primary with specialist care are required to minimise the overall health care burden of this chronic infection.