bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The association between vaginal parity and hiatal dimensions: a retrospective observational study in a tertiary urogynaecological centre
Authors: Kamisan Atan I , Gerges B , Shek KL , Dietz HP 
Published: June 2014

ObjectiveVaginal childbirth has a substantial effect on pelvic organ supports, which may be mediated by levator ani (LA) avulsion or hiatal overdistension. Although the impact of a first vaginal delivery on the hiatus has been investigated, little is known about the effect of subsequent births. This study was designed to evaluate the association between vaginal parity and hiatal dimension.DesignRetrospective observational study.SettingA tertiary urogynaecological unit in Australia.PopulationA total of 780 archived data sets of women seen for symptoms of lower urinary tract and pelvic floor dysfunction.MethodsStandardised in‐house interview and assessment using the International Continence Society (ICS) pelvic organ prolapse quantification (POP‐Q), and four‐dimensional translabial ultrasound. Offline analysis for hiatal dimensions was undertaken blinded to history and clinical examination.Main outcome measuresHiatal area on maximum Valsalva.ResultsOf 780 women, 64 were excluded because of missing ultrasound volumes, leaving 716 for analysis: 96% (n = 686) were parous, with a median parity of three (interquartile range, IQR 2–3), and 91.2% (n = 653) were vaginally parous. Levator avulsion was found in 21% (n = 148). The mean hiatal area on Valsalva was 29 cm2 (SD 9.4 cm2). On one‐way anova, vaginal parity was significantly associated with hiatal area (P < 0.001). Most of the effect seems to occur with the first delivery. Subsequent deliveries do not seem to have any significant effect on hiatal dimensions. This remained true after controlling for potential confounding factors using multivariate regression analysis (P = 0.0123).ConclusionsVaginal parity was strongly associated with hiatal area on Valsalva. Most of this effect seems to be associated with the first vaginal delivery.
Newborn regional body composition is influenced by maternal obesity, gestational weight gain and the birthweight standard score
Authors: Carlsen EM , Renault KM , Nørgaard K , Nilas L , Jensen JEB , Hyldstrup L , Michaelsen KF , Cortes D , Pryds O 
Published: June 2014

AbstractAimThis study investigated whether newborn body composition is influenced by prepregnancy obesity and gestational weight gain (GWG) and explored any associations between body composition and birthweight standard score (z‐score), categorised by size for gestational age.MethodsWe recruited 231 obese and 80 normal weight mothers and their newborn infants and assessed the babies' body composition using dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry.ResultsThe total and abdominal fat masses of infants born to mother who were obese before pregnancy were 135 g (p < 0.001) and 18 g (p < 0.001) higher than the offspring of normal weight mothers. The infants' fat mass increased by 11 g (p < 0.001) for every kilogram of GWG. There were no associations between prepregnancy obesity and fat‐free mass. The fat percentage was significantly higher in infants who were large for gestational age (15.3%) than small for gestational age (5.2%) and appropriate for gestational age (9.8%) (p < 0.001). Lower birthweight z‐score was associated with a higher proportion of abdominal fat mass (p = 0.009).ConclusionInfants born to obese mothers had higher fat mass at birth, with abdominal fat accumulation. Low birthweight was associated with a lower crude abdominal fat mass, but a higher proportion of total fat mass placed abdominally.
Maximum likelihood estimation for model Mt,α for capture–recapture data with misidentification
Authors: Vale R. T. R. , Fewster R. M. , Carroll E. L. , Patenaude N. J. 
Published: June 2014

SummaryWe investigate model for abundance estimation in closed‐population capture–recapture studies, where animals are identified from natural marks such as DNA profiles or photographs of distinctive individual features. Model extends the classical model to accommodate errors in identification, by specifying that each sample identification is correct with probability and false with probability . Information about misidentification is gained from a surplus of capture histories with only one entry, which arise from false identifications. We derive an exact closed‐form expression for the likelihood for model and show that it can be computed efficiently, in contrast to previous studies which have held the likelihood to be computationally intractable. Our fast computation enables us to conduct a thorough investigation of the statistical properties of the maximum likelihood estimates. We find that the indirect approach to error estimation places high demands on data richness, and good statistical properties in terms of precision and bias require high capture probabilities or many capture occasions. When these requirements are not met, abundance is estimated with very low precision and negative bias, and at the extreme better properties can be obtained by the naive approach of ignoring misidentification error. We recommend that model be used with caution and other strategies for handling misidentification error be considered. We illustrate our study with genetic and photographic surveys of the New Zealand population of southern right whale (Eubalaena australis).
Diagnosing attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children involved with child protection services: are current diagnostic guidelines acceptable for vulnerable populations?
Authors: Klein B. , Damiani‐Taraba G. , Koster A. , Campbell J. , Scholz C. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractChildren involved with child protection services (CPS) are diagnosed and treated for attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) at higher rates than the general population. Children with maltreatment histories are much more likely to have other factors contributing to behavioural and attentional regulation difficulties that may overlap with or mimic ADHD‐like symptoms, including language and learning problems, post‐traumatic stress disorder, attachment difficulties, mood disorders and anxiety disorders. A higher number of children in the child welfare system are diagnosed with ADHD and provided with psychotropic medications under a group care setting compared with family‐based, foster care and kinship care settings. However, children's behavioural trajectories change over time while in care. A reassessment in the approach to ADHD‐like symptoms in children exposed to confirmed (or suspected) maltreatment (e.g. neglect, abuse) is required. Diagnosis should be conducted within a multidisciplinary team and practice guidelines regarding ADHD diagnostic and management practices for children in CPS care are warranted both in the USA and in Canada. Increased education for caregivers, teachers and child welfare staff on the effects of maltreatment and often perplexing relationship with ADHD‐like symptoms and co‐morbid disorders is also necessary. Increased partnerships are needed to ensure the mental well‐being of children with child protection involvement.
Assessment of speech in early‐onset ataxia: a pilot study
Authors: Kuiper Marieke J , Brandsma Rick , Lawerman Tjitske F , Lunsing Roelineke J , Keegstra Anne L , Burger Huibert , De Koning Tom J , Tijssen Marina A J , Sival Deborah A 
Published: June 2014

AimThe aim of the study was to determine whether paediatric ataxia speech subscores are reliably applicable for international early‐onset ataxia (EOA) databases. If so, we reasoned that ataxia speech subscores should be associated with ataxia scores and involve high interobserver agreement, including those for internationally applicable Scale for Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (SARA) syllable repetition tasks (SARASRT).MethodThree independent paediatric neurologists and a speech therapist scored speech in 52 healthy children (mean age 10y, range 4–16y) and 40 individuals with EOA (mean age 15y, range 5–34y). We compared ataxia speech subscores for the association with age and ataxia scores as well as interobserver reliability.ResultsIn healthy children, ataxia speech subscores were moderately associated with age (International Cooperative Ataxia Rating Scale [ICARS]: r=−0.515; SARA: r=−0.321; p<0.05) and with ataxia scores (ICARS: r=0.552; SARA: r=0.336; p<0.05), and revealed slight to moderate interobserver agreement (ICARS‐intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC]: 0.380; SARA‐ICC: 0.185; SARASRT‐ICC: 0.509). In EOA, speech subscores have a strong association with ataxia scores (ICARS: r=0.735; SARA: r=0.730; p<0.001) and revealed substantial to nearly perfect interobserver agreement (ICARS‐ICC: 0.812; SARA‐ICC: 0.854; SARASRT‐ICC: 0.724).InterpretationEarly‐onset ataxia speech subscores are associated with ataxia and also reveal high interobserver agreement, including those internationally applicable to SARASRT. We conclude that SARASRT appears to be applicable for EOA databases. However, before syllable repetition tasks are included, we would advise to wait for the results published by the international Childhood Ataxia and Cerebellar Group.
3‐D visualisation, printing, and volume determination of the tracheal respiratory system in the adult desert locust, Schistocerca gregaria
Authors: Greco Mark , Bell Duncan , Woolnough Lewis , Laycock Stephen , Corps Nick , Mortimore David , Hudson Diana 
Published: June 2014

AbstractHere, we describe a single micro‐CT scan with a spatial resolution of 10 μm of a 10‐day‐old adult male Schistocerca gregaria (Forskål) (Orthoptera: Acrididae) and we compare our tracheal volume (VT) determination with published work on the subject. We also illustrate the feasibility of performing non‐invasive ‘virtual dissection’ on insects after performing micro‐CT. These post‐processing steps can be performed using free downloadable 3‐D software. Finally, the values of producing stereo‐lithography (STL) files that can be viewed or used to print out 3‐D models as teaching aids are discussed.
Focal abnormalities in idiopathic generalized epilepsy: A critical review of the literature
Authors: Seneviratne Udaya , Cook Mark , D'Souza Wendyl 
Published: June 2014

SummaryConventionally, epilepsy is dichotomized into distinct “focal” and “generalized” categories. However, many studies have reported so‐called focal features among patients with idiopathic generalized epilepsy (IGE) in the domains of semiology, electroencephalography, neuropsychology, neuropathology, and neuroimaging. We sought to review such features and clinical implications. A Web of Science database search was conducted to identify relevant publications. Our search yielded 145 papers describing focal features involving different domains inIGE,with 117 papers analyzed after excluding abstracts and case reports. Focal semiologic features are commonly seen inIGE. There are conflicting data from studies in the domains of electroencephalography, neuroimaging, and neuropathology. Studies on neuropsychology are suggestive of frontal lobe functional deficits in juvenile myoclonic epilepsy. Most advanced neuroimaging studies demonstrate the involvement of both the thalamus and the cortex during generalized spike‐wave discharges (GSWDs). A few electroencephalographic and neuroimaging studies indicate that the cortex precedes the thalamus at the onset ofGSWD. Focal features may contribute to misdiagnosis of IGE as focal epilepsy. However there are methodologic limitations in the studies that affect the results.A PowerPoint slide summarizing this article is available for download in the Supporting Information sectionhere.
Pharmacokinetics, pulmonary disposition and tolerability of liposomal gentamicin and free gentamicin in foals
Authors: Burton A. J. , Giguère S. , Arnold R. D. 
Published: June 2014

SummaryReasons for performing the studyAlthough gentamicin is highly active againstRhodococcus equi in vitro, its clinical efficacy has been limited presumably due to poor cellular uptake. Encapsulation of drugs in liposomes enhances their cellular uptake.ObjectivesTo compare the disposition of liposomal gentamicin (LG) and free gentamicin (FG) in the plasma, pulmonary epithelial lining fluid and bronchoalveolar cells of healthy foals after i.v. administration or by nebulisation, and to assess the tolerability of the drug after repeated i.v. dosing.Study designExperimental study.MethodsEight healthy foals received a single i.v. or nebulised dose (6.6 mg/kg bwt) ofLGorFGin a balancedLatin square design, with a 14‐day washout period between treatments. Subsequently, 12 healthy foals were given eitherLGorFGat 6.6 mg/kg bwt i.v. q. 24 h for 7 doses and urinary protein, creatinine, γ‐glutamyltransferase and electrolytes were measured on Days 0, 3 and 7 to quantify renal injury. Concentrations of gentamicin were measured using liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry.ResultsAfter i.v. administration,LGhad a significantly higher mean (± s.d.) half‐life (16.3 ± 3.5 vs. 6.2 ± 1.8 h) and volume of distribution (2.00 ± 1.03 vs. 0.72 ± 0.32 l/kg bwt) compared withFG. Peak gentamicin concentrations in bronchoalveolar cells were significantly higher forLGcompared withFGafter administration by both the i.v. (5.27 ± 2.67 vs. 2.98 ± 1.67 mg/l) and the nebulised (4.47 ± 2.66 vs. 1.49 ± 0.57 mg/l) routes. Liposomal gentamicin was well tolerated by all foals and indices of renal injury were not significantly different from those of foals administeredFG.ConclusionsAdministration ofLGis well tolerated and results in higher intracellular drug concentrations thanFG. Liposomal gentamicin warrants further investigation for the treatment of infections caused by intracellular pathogens such asRhodococcus equi.
Soil and greenhouse gas responses to biochar additions in a temperate hardwood forest
Authors: Sackett Tara E. , Basiliko Nathan , Noyce Genevieve L. , Winsborough Carolyn , Schurman Jonathan , Ikeda Chihiro , Thomas Sean C. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractBiochar additions can improve soil fertility and sequester carbon, but biochar effects have been investigated primarily in agricultural systems. Biochar from spruce and maple sawdust feedstocks (with and without inorganic phosphorus in a factorial design) were added to plots in a commercially managed temperate hardwood forest stand in central Ontario, Canada; treatments were applied as a top‐dressing immediately prior to fall leaf abscission in September 2011. Forests in this region have acidic, sandy soils, and due to nitrogen deposition may exhibit phosphorus, calcium, and magnesium limitation. To investigate short‐term impacts of biochar application on soil nutrient supply and greenhouse gas fluxes as compared to phosphorus fertilization, data were collected over the first year after treatment application; linear mixed models were used to analyze data. Two to six weeks after treatment application, there were higher concentrations of potassium in spruce and maple biochar plots, and phosphorus in spruce biochar plots, as compared to the control treatment. There were higher concentrations of calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus in the phosphorus plots. In the following spring and summer (9–12 months after treatment application), there were higher soil calcium concentrations in maple biochar plots, and phosphorus plots still had higher soil phosphorus concentrations than control plots. No treatment effects on fluxes of carbon dioxide, methane, or nitrous oxide were detected in the field; however, laboratory incubations after 12 months showed higher microbial respiration in soils from maple biochar plots as compared to spruce biochar, despite no effect on microbial biomass. The results suggest that the most important short‐term impact of biochar additions in this system is the increased supply of the limiting plant nutrients phosphorus and calcium. We expect that larger changes in mineral soil physical and chemical properties will occur when the surface‐applied biochar becomes incorporated into the soil after a few years.
Extracorporeal shockwave therapy in the treatment of erectile dysfunction: A prospective, randomized, double‐blinded, placebo controlled study
Authors: Yee Chi‐Hang , Chan Eddie SY , Hou Simon See‐Ming , Ng Chi‐Fai 
Published: June 2014

ObjectivesTo investigate the role of low‐intensity extracorporeal shockwave therapy in the treatment of erectile dysfunction.MethodsThis was a double‐blinded, single‐center, prospective, randomized, placebo‐controlled trial. After a 2‐week phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor washout period, patients were assessed with Sexual Health Inventory for Men, International Index of Erectile Function‐ED domain scores and Erection Hardness Score. Randomization into either the low‐intensity extracorporeal shockwave therapy group or the sham group took place. After the 9‐week treatment period, patients were followed up 4 weeks later. Follow‐up assessment was in the form of International Index of Erectile Function‐ED domain score and Erection Hardness Score.ResultsA total of 70 patients were recruited into the study, 58 patients completed the study. A total of 28 patients were randomized into the sham therapy arm, and 30 patients were randomized into the low‐intensity extracorporeal shockwave therapy arm. There was no significant difference between these two groups in baseline International Index of Erectile Function‐ED domain score and Erection Hardness Score. The mean International Index of Erectile Function‐ED domain score of the low‐intensity extracorporeal shockwave therapy arm and sham arm in week 13 were 17.8 ± 4.8 and 15.8 ± 6.1, respectively (P = 0.156). The mean Erection Hardness Scores in week 13 were 2.7 ± 0.5 and 2.4 ± 0.9, respectively (P = 0.163). When patients were stratified into different baseline Sexual Health Inventory for Men subgroups, the pre‐intervention and post‐intervention difference in low‐intensity extracorporeal shockwave therapy was found to be significant in the subgroup with severe erectile dysfunction (low‐intensity extracorporeal shockwave therapy International Index of Erectile Function‐ED domain improvement: 10.1 ± 4.1 vs sham therapy International Index of Erectile Function‐ED domain improvement: 3.2 ± 3.3; P = 0.003).ConclusionThe present trial shows the tolerability and clinical efficacy of low‐intensity extracorporeal shockwave therapy in a subgroup of patients with erectile dysfunction.
Laboratory tests to identify patients at risk of early major adverse events: a prospective pilot study
Authors: Kaufman M. , Bebee B. , Bailey J. , Robbins R. , Hart G. K. , Bellomo R. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractBackground/AimsTo test whether commonly measured laboratory variables can identify surgical patients at risk of major adverse events (death, unplanned intensive care unit (ICU) admission or rapid response team (RRT) activation).MethodsWe conducted a prospective observational study in a surgical ward of a university‐affiliated hospital in a cohort of 834 surgical patients admitted for >24 h. We applied a previously validated multivariable model‐derived risk assessment to each combined set of common laboratory tests to identify patients at risk. We compared the clinical course of such patients with that of control patients from the same ward who had blood tests but were identified as low risk.ResultsWe studied 7955 batches and 73 428 individual tests in 834 patients (males 55%; average age 65.8 ± 17.6 years). Among these patients, 66 (7.9%) were identified as ‘high risk’. High‐risk patients were older (75.9 vs 61.8 years of age; P < 0.0001), had much greater early (48 h) mortality (6/66 (9%) vs 4/768 (0.5%); P < 0.0001) and greater overall hospital mortality (11/66 (16.7%) vs 9/768 (1.2%); P < 0.0001). They also had more early (8/66 (12.1%) vs 14/768 (1.8%); P = 0.0001) and overall in‐hospital unplanned ICU admissions (12/66 (18.2%) vs 18/768 (2.3%); P < 0.0001) and more early (26/66 (39.3%) vs 50/768 (6.5%); P < 0.0001) and overall in‐hospital RRT calls (26/66 (39.4%) vs 55/768 (7.2%); P < 0.0001).ConclusionsCommonly performed laboratory tests identify surgical ward patients at risk of early major adverse events. Further studies are needed to assess whether such identification system can be used to trigger interventions that help improve patient outcomes.
The Goals of Patient Care project: implementing a proactive approach to patient‐centred decision‐making
Authors: Brimblecombe C. , Crosbie D. , Lim W. K. , Hayes B. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractBackgroundPatients in the later stages of their lives risk being harmed by futile or unwanted interventions if realistic care goals and patient values are not recognised. Doctors have difficulty discussing and informing patients' healthcare goals.AimsTo review implementation of a Goals of Patient Care (GOPC) summary in medical inpatients and its applicability in emergency medical response (EMR) situations.MethodsSingle‐centre cross‐sectional study of adult medical inpatients and adult inpatients requiring EMR at a Victorian general hospital. Measures: presence and content of GOPC summary, secondary review of decision‐making and discussion documentation, patient characteristics; EMR precipitants and outcomes.ResultsGOPC were documented for 82 of 101 patients. One had an existing advance directive, and six had records of a patient‐appointed substitute decision‐maker. For patients with GOPC, 80 had life‐prolonging treatment aims, with a varying degree of treatment limitation in 48. Discussion with patient or substitute decision‐maker was evident in 43 cases. GOPC were documented prior to nine of 23 EMR. The EMR triggered a GOPC modification in three instances.ConclusionsIntroduction of a routine GOPC summary encourages consideration of goals of care for most medical inpatients. Few have pre‐existing records of their wishes, and there are opportunities for improvement in this regard. Doctors may still have difficulty determining goals of care, and discussion of GOPC with patients and families may not be clearly documented. Most patients requiring EMR do not have prior GOPC review, and the role of the summary in these situations remains unclear.
Relationship Networks and Earnings Informativeness: Evidence from Corruption Cases
Authors: Fan Joseph P.H. , Guan Feng , Li Zengquan , Yang Yong George 
Published: June 2014

AbstractThe measurement difficulties arising from relationship‐based business transactions can result in accounting opacity. We test this hypothesis by exploiting a natural experiment. Using a sample of firms that were networked with 45 high‐level Chinese bureaucrats involved in corruption scandals between 1996 and 2007, we examine the patterns in the earnings informativeness of these firms before and after the exogenous break of the networks. We predict that the costs and benefits of business‐politics relationships, which are not measurable by the current accounting systems, diminish the ability of accounting earnings to track a firm's economic performance. In turn, a break in a political relationship due to anti‐corruption enforcement reduces the measurement noise and improves the earnings informativeness. We find that, relative to the matched control firms, there is indeed a significant increase in the earnings informativeness of the networked firms following the public exposure of a scandal. Robustness tests fail to show that the documented improvement in the earnings informativeness is primarily due to systematic changes in the firms’ earnings management behavior or disclosure policies.