bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Morbidity experienced by women before and after operative vaginal delivery: prospective cohort study nested within a two‐centre randomised controlled trial of restrictive versus routine use of episiotomy
Authors: Macleod M , Goyder K , Howarth L , Bahl R , Strachan B , Murphy DJ 
Published: March 2013

ObjectiveTo explore: (1) the antenatal and postnatal morbidity experienced by women in relation to operative vaginal delivery (OVD); and (2) the impact of restrictive versus routine use of episiotomy.DesignLongitudinal prospective cohort study embedded within a two‐centre randomised controlled trial (RCT).SettingTwo UK tertiary‐level maternity units.PopulationAntenatally recruited participants of an RCT of restrictive versus routine use of episiotomy at OVD.MethodsA self‐completing questionnaire was administered antenatally, before hospital discharge, at 6 weeks and at 1 year postpartum.Main outcome measuresUrinary and anal incontinence, dyspareunia, perineal pain and psychological morbidity.ResultsLongitudinal data have revealed that morbidities historically associated with OVD were often as prevalent, if not more prevalent, in the third trimester of pregnancy than postpartum. Restrictive episiotomy use was associated with: a higher incidence of perineal pain in the immediate postpartum period (98.9% restrictive versus 87.8% routine, RR 1.10, 95% CI 1.01–1.21); greater psychological morbidity in the immediate postpartum period (mean scores on the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Score (EPDS) 6.7 restrictive versus 5.1 routine; P = 0.01 ); and more stress urinary incontinence at 6 weeks postpartum (42.2% restrictive versus 27.2% routine, RR 1.55, 95% CI 1.00–2.40); however, this had resolved by 1 year. No other differences were found between the groups at 6 weeks and 1 year postpartum.ConclusionsMorbidities previously attributed to OVD may in fact be present antenatally, to a greater or similar degree. A restrictive approach to the use of episiotomy at OVD may increase rates of urinary morbidity, in particular stress incontinence and perineal pain, in the immediate postpartum period.
Intimate partner violence during pregnancy and associated mental health symptoms among pregnant women in Tanzania: a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Mahenge B , Likindikoki S , Stöckl H , Mbwambo J 
Published: March 2013

ObjectiveViolence against pregnant women is a prevalent issue with severe health implications, especially during pregnancy. This study seeks to determine the prevalence of intimate partner violence against women during pregnancy and its associated mental health symptoms.DesignCross‐sectional survey conducted from December 2011 to April 2012.SettingMuhimbili National Hospital antenatal clinic in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.Sample1180 pregnant antenatal care patients.MethodsTrained interviewers conducted face‐to‐face standardised interviews with the women in a private room prior to their antenatal care appointment. (PTSD), anxiety and depressive symptoms were assessed through the Conflict Tactics Scale, the John Hopkins Symptom Checklist (25) and the Posttraumatic Diagnostic Scale.Main outcome measuresThe Conflict Tactics Scale, the John Hopkins Symptom Checklist (25) and the Posttraumatic Diagnostic Scale.ResultsOf the 1180 women who were interviewed, 27% reported experiencing both physical and sexual intimate partner violence in the index pregnancy, with 18% reporting physical violence and 20% reporting sexual violence. After adjusting for the sociodemographic characteristics of women, women who experienced physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence during pregnancy were significantly more likely to have moderate PTSD (AOR 2.94, 95% CI 1.71–5.06), anxiety (AOR 3.98, 95% CI 2.85–5.57) and depressive (AOR 3.31, 95% CI 2.39–4.593) symptoms than women who did not report physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence during pregnancy.ConclusionsAbout three out of ten women experienced physical or sexual intimate partner violence during pregnancy by an intimate partner, which was significantly associated with poor mental health symptoms. These rates are alarming, and justify training and education of antenatal care providers to raise awareness.
Provision of individualised obstetric risk advice to increase health facility usage by women at risk of a complicated delivery: a cohort study of women in the rural highlands of West Ethiopia
Authors: Ballard K , Gari L , Mosisa H , Wright J 
Published: March 2013

ObjectiveTo determine whether the provision of individualised obstetric risk advice would increase health facility usage in women at life‐threatening risk of a complicated delivery in Ethiopia, where maternal mortality has remained high and static for a decade and where, although the government has increased the number of health facilities, 90% of women deliver their babies at home.DesignA prospective cohort study.SettingRural Ethiopian highlands.PopulationA total of 294 pregnant women at 32 weeks or more of gestation.MethodsBefore being provided with individualised risk advice, women were asked about their birth plans, and in particular, their planned delivery place. Those identified as being at risk of a complicated delivery were followed up to find out whether they altered their birth plans.Main outcome measureA change in birthplace.ResultsWomen identified as being at high risk of a complicated delivery significantly changed their plans (P < 0.01), with 34 (89%) women delivering in hospital. Women with a medium risk did not significantly change their birth plans (P = 0.082), with 35 (36%) delivering at home. Women with a high parity were less likely to change their birth plans compared with primigravid women (odds ratio 0.53; 95% confidence interval 0.34–0.83) and high‐risk women were more likely to change their plans compared with medium‐risk women (odds ratio 6.2; 95% confidence interval 1.8–21.6).ConclusionsProviding simple, individualised advice about the risks of a complicated delivery leads to high‐risk women delivering in hospital. Embedding this into the current antenatal care system in Ethiopia could significantly decrease maternal mortality.
Observation of Injured E. coli Population Resulting from the Application of High‐Pressure Throttling Treatments
Authors: De Lamo‐Castellví Silvia , Toledo Romeo , Frank Joseph F. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractThis study used flow cytometry (FC), epifluorescent microscopy (EM), and conventional culture media (PC) to evaluate the potential for high‐pressure throttling (HPT) to produce injury in E. coli. E. coli cells suspended at a concentration of approximately 8 log (CFU/mL) in Butterfield's phosphate buffer and UHT skimmed milk, were treated with HPT at pressures ranging from 35 to 283 MPa. Cells were stained with SYTO 9 and propidium iodide (Live/Dead Baclight kit) to assess their membrane integrity. MacConkey and Tryptone Soy agars and a modification of the thin agar layer method were used to determine injured and non‐injured cells. PC results indicated a reduction in E. coli counts as pressure increased but no significant injured population was detected in either matrix. However, FC and EM observations indicated that the membrane integrity of a portion of the bacterial population was affected by HPT, producing different degrees of cell injury that could be sublethal. The percentage of this heterogeneous population increased with applied pressure. These results reassert the importance of understanding the potential of new processing treatments to produce sublethally‐injured bacteria, and developing appropriate detection techniques.
Automation and critical evaluation of an annular chamber for aquatic ectotherm temperature preference experiments
Authors: Reiser Stefan , Temming Axel , Eckhardt André , Herrmann Jens‐Peter 
Published: March 2013

Summary

Annular chambers represent a novel approach for thermal preference experiments in aquatic ectothermic organisms. Most approaches using annular chambers so far lack automation in data recording and analysis, making temperature preference experiments laborious and time consuming.

Here, we describe the design and construction of a modified version of an annular chamber system. We conducted extensive tests to improve the systems' functionality and confirm accuracy of the thermal gradient. Additionally, we present an automated matlab routine for data recording and analysis of temperature preference experiments using the common brown shrimp (Crangon crangon, L.) as a test organism. Using this automated routine, we performed an in silico comparison of different thermal gradient representations with various complexities to test for the effect of temperature resolution on the accuracy of thermal preference estimates.

The here presented annular chamber produced a stable thermal gradient of ∆23 °C, ranging between 3 and 25 °C. Automated recording and data analysis facilitated implementation of long‐term experiments and allowed the collection of highly resolved preference data. The in silico comparison revealed a more accurate specification of the preference zone with increasing resolution of the temperature gradient. With regard to spatial resolution of the thermal gradient and assignment of position and temperature data, the in silico comparison demonstrated previous approaches to be inappropriate for benthic and passive species.

We present guidelines for annular chamber construction and automation of data analysis in these systems, making annular chambers more handy and applicable for a wide range of preference studies. Besides its use for experiments in annular chambers, the principle of the here presented automated matlab routine can be applied to a wide range of behavioural and preference studies.
Neuromuscular blocking effect of fluoxetine and its interaction with rocuronium
Authors: Patel J. C. , Barvaliya M. J. , Patel T. K. , Tripathi C. B. 
Published: March 2013

Summary

As selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors have an inhibitory effect on nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, they may affect the neuromuscular transmission and interact with neuromuscular blockers. This study was designed to observe the effect of fluoxetine on neuromuscular transmission and its interaction with rocuronium using the rat phrenic nerve hemidiaphragm and rabbit head drop methods.
Rat phrenic nerve hemidiaphragms were mounted and stimulated using a train of four pulses (TOF). The effect of fluoxetine was studied on both indirectly and directly stimulated basal twitch responses by plotting cumulative dose response curves (DRCs). DRCs of rocuronium were obtained in the absence, and presence of 5 μm and 20 μm fluoxetine to study its interaction. ED5, ED50 and ED95 values of rocuronium DRCs in absence and presence of fluoxetine were calculated.
Fluoxetine significantly inhibited twitch responses in both indirect and directly stimulated preparations. Fluoxetine (20 μm) caused an increase in the potency of rocuronium such that the ED50 and ED95 values of rocuronium DRCs were significantly decreased. Partially inhibited twitch responses by fluoxetine (100 μm) were not reversed by neostigmine (3.3 μm) or 3,4 diaminopyridine (0.25 μm).
Rabbits were given fluoxetine 0.25 mg kg−1 and 1 mg kg−1 orally for 15 days, and on 15th day, rocuronium infusion was given, and time for head drop was recorded. The time of head drop was significantly reduced in fluoxetine pretreated as compared to control group.
Fluoxetine blocks the neuromuscular transmission and increases the potency of rocuronium‐induced neuromuscular block.
μ‐Opioid receptors mediate the effects of chronic ethanol binge drinking on the hippocampal neurogenic niche
Authors: Contet Candice , Kim Airee , Le David , Iyengar Siddharth K. , Kotzebue Roxanne W. , Yuan Clara J. , Kieffer Brigitte L. , Mandyam Chitra D. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractEthanol exposure and withdrawal alter the generation of new neurons in the adult hippocampus. The endogenous opioid system, particularly the μ‐opioid receptor (MOR), can modulate neural progenitors and also plays a critical role in ethanol drinking and dependence. In the present study, we sought to determine whether MOR contributes to the effects of ethanol on the dentate gyrus (DG) neurogenic niche. MOR wild‐type (WT), heterozygous (Het) and knockout (KO) littermates were subjected to voluntary ethanol drinking in repeated limited‐access two‐bottle choice (2BC) sessions. MOR deficiency did not alter progenitor proliferation, neuronal differentiation and maturation, apoptosis or microglia in ethanol‐naïve mice. When exposed to five consecutive weeks of 2BC, MOR mutant mice exhibited a gene‐dosage‐dependent reduction of ethanol consumption compared with WT mice. Introducing a week of ethanol deprivation between each week of 2BC increased ethanol consumption in all genotypes and produced equivalent intakes in WT, Het and KO mice. Under the latter paradigm, ethanol drinking decreased progenitor proliferation and neuronal differentiation in the DG of WT mice. Interestingly, WT mice exhibited a strong negative correlation between ethanol intake and proliferation, which was disrupted in Het and KO mice. Moreover, MOR deficiency blocked the effect of ethanol on neuronal differentiation. MOR deficiency also protected against the neuroimmune response to ethanol drinking. Finally, chronic binge drinking induced a paradoxical decrease in apoptosis, which was independent of MOR. Altogether, our data suggest that MOR is implicated in some of the neuroplastic changes produced by chronic ethanol exposure in the DG.
Population drinking and drink driving in Norway and Sweden: an analysis of historical data 1957–89
Authors: Norström Thor , Rossow Ingeborg 
Published: March 2013

AbstractAimResearch suggests an association between population drinking and a large number of outcomes. However, driving while under the influence of alcohol (DWI) is conspicuously absent from this list of outcomes. The aim of this study was to estimate the relation between DWI and total consumption of alcohol on annual time–series data for Norway and Sweden.Design, setting, and measurementsFor Norway, we used data on convictions for DWI per 100 000 inhabitants (aged 15–69 years). The DWI proxy for Sweden comprised the proportion (%) of all police‐reported traffic accidents with personal injuries where the driver was under the influence of alcohol. Data on total alcohol sales in litres of pure alcohol per inhabitant (aged 15 years and older) were used as proxy for total alcohol consumption. We focused on the period 1957–89, during which the legislation concerning DWI remained unchanged in Norway as well as in Sweden. The statistical analyses were based on co‐integrated models.FindingsThe estimates of the association between DWI and per capita alcohol consumption were strongly significant in Norway as well as in Sweden. For Norway, the estimated elasticity equalled 2 (P < 0.001) and for Sweden 1.5 (P < 0.001).ConclusionsIn Norway and Sweden, as total population level of alcohol consumption increases or decreases so does the incidence of driving while intoxicated.
Management of delirium in medicine: Experience of a Close Observation Unit
Authors: Eeles Eamonn , Thompson Leah , McCrow Judy , Pandy Shaun 
Published: March 2013

AimA new model of care for the management of patients with delirium was developed and evaluated.MethodA four‐bedded Close Observation Unit (COU) was introduced. The model comprised education for assistants in nursing (AINs), environmental adaptations and AIN‐to‐patient ratio of 1:4. Outcomes in all patients with delirium before and after introduction of the new model of care were compared.ResultsOne hundred and five patients were admitted to COU, of whom 100 (95%) were diagnosed with delirium. In‐hospital mortality improved after introduction of the unit (15% vs 5%; P = 0.002) without significant change in length of stay, discharge destination or falls frequency.ConclusionA dedicated unit for delirium management within medicine achieved a reduction in mortality.
Anatomic Fitting of Total Artificial Hearts for In Vivo Evaluation
Authors: Gregory Shaun D. , Loechel Nicole , Pearcy Mark J. , Fraser John , Parnis Steven , Cohn William E. , Timms Daniel 
Published: March 2013

AbstractSuccessful anatomic fitting of a total artificial heart (TAH) is vital to achieve optimal pump hemodynamics after device implantation. Although many anatomic fitting studies have been completed in humans prior to clinical trials, few reports exist that detail the experience in animals for in vivo device evaluation. Optimal hemodynamics are crucial throughout the in vivo phase to direct design iterations and ultimately validate device performance prior to pivotal human trials. In vivo evaluation in a sheep model allows a realistically sized representation of a smaller patient, for which smaller third‐generation TAHs have the potential to treat. Our study aimed to assess the anatomic fit of a single device rotary TAH in sheep prior to animal trials and to use the data to develop a three‐dimensional, computer‐aided design (CAD)‐operated anatomic fitting tool for future TAH development. Following excision of the native ventricles above the atrio‐ventricular groove, a prototype TAH was inserted within the chest cavity of six sheep (28–40 kg). Adjustable rods representing inlet and outlet conduits were oriented toward the center of each atrial chamber and the great vessels, with conduit lengths and angles recorded for future analysis. A three‐dimensional, CAD‐operated anatomic fitting tool was then developed, based on the results of this study, and used to determine the inflow and outflow conduit orientation of the TAH. The mean diameters of the sheep left atrium, right atrium, aorta, and pulmonary artery were 39, 33, 12, and 11 mm, respectively. The center‐to‐center distance and outer‐edge‐to‐outer‐edge distance between the atria, found to be 39 ± 9 mm and 72 ± 17 mm in this study, were identified as the most critical geometries for successful TAH connection. This geometric constraint restricts the maximum separation allowable between left and right inlet ports of a TAH to ensure successful alignment within the available atrial circumference.
Differences in parents', nurses' and physicians' views of NICU parent support
Authors: Franck Linda S , Axelin Anna 
Published: March 2013

AbstractAimTo measure the perceptions of parent support by parents, nurses and physicians.MethodsPerceptions were compared among parents (n = 227), nurses (n = 178) and physicians (n = 43) in four neonatal intensive care units (NICU) using two versions of the Nurse Parent Support Tool (NPST and NPSTpro).ResultsOverall, parents reported receiving support from nurses some or most of the time and their perceptions were correlated with aspects of their NICU experience. Nurses reported giving support to parents almost all of the time. The mean difference between parent and nurse ratings was smallest for instrumental support (0.26, 0.16–0.36; p < 0.001) and greatest for emotional support (0.82, 0.67–0.97; p < 0.001). Physicians overall reported that they gave support to parents most of the time, significantly less frequently than nurses (mean difference 0.58, 0.45–0.71; p < 0.001). They rated their support as most frequent on answering parents' questions satisfactorily and as least frequent on teaching parents how to give care to their baby.ConclusionNICU nurses and physicians should be encouraged to critically reflect on whether the type and consistency of support they provide to parents is in line with parents' perceptions and needs. Further research is needed on effective methods for health professionals to support parents of NICU infants.
Classification of Taiwan forest vegetation
Authors: Li Ching‐Feng , Chytrý Milan , Zelený David , Chen Ming‐Yih , Chen Tze‐Ying , Chiou Chyi‐Rong , Hsia Yue‐Joe , Liu Ho‐Yih , Yang Sheng‐Zehn , Yeh Ching‐Long , Wang Jenn‐Che , Yu Chiou‐Feng , Lai Yen‐Jen , Chao Wei‐Chun , Hsieh Chang‐Fu 
Published: March 2013

AbstractAimWe identify the main forest vegetation types in Taiwan, provide their formal definitions and describe their species composition, habitat affinities and distribution.LocationTaiwan.MethodsA data set of 9822 vegetation plots with environmental characteristics recorded in the field or derived from digital maps in GIS was compiled from historical literature and an extensive field survey. Using expert knowledge, 6574 of these plots were used to build a classification into broad vegetation types. The units of the resulting classification were formally defined using a Cocktail determination key, which can be used for the automatic assignment of new vegetation plots to these vegetation types.ResultsTwelve vegetation types of zonal forests and nine types of azonal forests were distinguished. Zonal types in the subtropical region, from high mountains to foothills, are Juniperus subalpine coniferous woodland, Abies–Tsuga upper‐montane coniferous forest, Chamaecyparis montane mixed cloud forest, Fagus montane deciduous broad‐leaved cloud forest, Quercus montane evergreen broad‐leaved cloud forest, Machilus–Castanopsis sub‐montane evergreen broad‐leaved forest, Phoebe–Machilus sub‐montane evergreen broad‐leaved forest and Ficus–Machilus semi‐evergreen foothill forest. Zonal types in the tropical region, from high mountains to foothills, are Pasania–Elaeocarpus montane evergreen broad‐leaved cloud forest, Drypetes–Helicia sub‐montane evergreen broad‐leaved forest, Dysoxylum–Machilus foothill evergreen broad‐leaved forest and Aglaia–Ficus foothill evergreen broad‐leaved forest. Azonal types are Illicium–Cyclobalanopsis tropical winter monsoon forest, Pyrenaria–Machilus subtropical winter monsoon forest, Diospyros–Champereia tropical rock‐outcrop forest, Zelkova–Quercus subtropical rock‐outcrop forest, Pinus successional woodland, Alnus successional woodland, Trema–Mallotus successional woodland, Scaevola–Hibiscus seashore woodland and Kandelia mangrove.ConclusionsThe diversity of forest vegetation in Taiwan is strongly structured by the temperature and moisture gradient. Along the temperature gradient, five altitudinal zones can be recognized. Azonal forest types develop at sites affected by the winter monsoon, on steep slopes, rocky soils, in seashore saline habitats and in places disturbed by fire, landslides and human activities. Zonal vegetation contains a higher ratio of endemic and Pacific species and occurs in wetter habitats, whereas azonal vegetation contains co‐existing species from different regions and usually occurs in drier habitats.