bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Incremental validity of WISC–IVUK factor index scores with a referred Irish sample: Predicting performance on the WIAT–IIUK
Authors: Canivez Gary L. , Watkins Marley W. , James Trevor , Good Rebecca , James Kate 
Published: September 2014

BackgroundSubtest and factor scores have typically provided little incremental predictive validity beyond the omnibus IQ score.AimsThis study examined the incremental validity of Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children – Fourth UK Edition (WISC–IVUK; Wechsler, 2004a, Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children – Fourth UK Edition, Harcourt Assessment, London, UK) and factor index scores in predicting academic achievement on the Wechsler Individual Achievement Test – Second UK Edition (WIAT–IIUK; Wechsler, 2005a, Wechsler Individual Achievement Test‐Second UK Edition, Pearson, London, UK), beyond that predicted by the WISC–IVUK FSIQ.SampleThe sample included 1,014 Irish children (ages 6–0 to 16–9) who were referred for evaluation of learning difficulties.MethodHierarchical multiple regression analyses were used with the WISC–IVUK FSIQ (Block 1) and factor index scores (Block 2) as predictors and WIAT–IIUK subtest and composite scores as dependent variables.ResultsThe WISC–IVUK FSIQ accounted for statistically significant and generally large portions of WIAT–IIUK subtest and composite score variance. WISC–IVUK factor index scores combined to provide statistically significant increments in prediction of most WIAT–IIUK subtest and composite scores over and above the FSIQ; however, the effect sizes were mostly small as previously observed (i.e., Canivez, 2013a, Psychol. Assess., 25, 484; Glutting et al., 2006, J. Spec. Educ., 40, 103; Nelson et al., 2013, Psychol. Assess., 25, 618). Individually, the WISC–IVUK factor index scores provided small unique contributions to predicting WIAT–IIUK scores.ConclusionThis, in combination with studies of apportioned variance from bifactor confirmatory factor analysis (Watkins et al., 2013, Int. J. Sch. Educ. Psychol., 1, 102), indicated that the WISC–IVUK FSIQ should retain the greatest weight in WISC–IVUK interpretation.
TREM2 Protein Expression Changes Correlate with Alzheimer's Disease Neurodegenerative Pathologies in Post‐Mortem Temporal Cortices
Authors: Lue Lih‐Fen , Schmitz Christopher T. , Serrano Geidy , Sue Lucia I. , Beach Thomas G. , Walker Douglas G. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractTriggering receptor expressed by myeloid cells 2 (TREM2), a member of the immunoglobulin superfamily, has anti‐inflammatory phagocytic function in myeloid cells. Several studies have shown that TREM2 gene variant rs75932628‐T increased the risks for Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease, frontotemporal dementia and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. It has been suggested that the risks could be resulted from the loss of TREM2 function caused by the mutation. Indeed, new evidence showed that several mutations in the immunoglobulin‐like V‐region led to low cell surface expression of TREM2 and reduced phagocytic function. Because of the emerging importance in understanding TREM2 expression and functions in human neurodegenerative diseases, we conducted biochemical and morphological studies of TREM2 expression in human post‐mortem temporal cortical samples from AD and normal cases. Increased expression of TREM2 protein was found to significantly correlate with increases of phosphorylated‐tau and active caspase 3, a marker of apoptosis, and also loss of the presynaptic protein SNAP25. Strong intensities of TREM2 immunoreactivity were observed in the microglia associated with amyloid plaques and in neuritic pathology‐enriched areas. Based on the findings that TREM2 expression correlated with neurodegenerative markers, further investigation on whether there is abnormality of TREM2 functions in AD brains with nonmutated TREM2 is needed.
Adrenal insufficiency: review of clinical outcomes with current glucocorticoid replacement therapy
Authors: Johannsson Gudmundur , Falorni Alberto , Skrtic Stanko , Lennernäs Hans , Quinkler Marcus , Monson John P. , Stewart Paul M. 
Published: September 2014

SummaryGlucocorticoid replacement therapy in patients with adrenal insufficiency (AI), whether primary (Addison's disease) or secondary (due to hypopituitarism), has been established for some 50 years. The current standard treatment regimen involves twice‐ or thrice‐daily dosing with a glucocorticoid, most commonly oral hydrocortisone. Based on previous small‐scale studies and clinical perception, life expectancy with conventional glucocorticoid replacement therapy has been considered normal, with a low incidence of adverse events. Data from the past 10–15 years, however, have shown that morbidity remains high and life expectancy is reduced. The increased morbidity and decreased life expectancy appear to be due to both increased exposure to cortisol and insufficient cortisol coverage during infections and other stress‐related events. This is thought to reflect a failure of treatment to replicate the natural circadian rhythm of cortisol release, together with a failure to identify and deliver individualized cortisol exposure and to manage patients adequately when increased doses are required. The resulting over‐ or under‐treatment may result in Cushing‐like symptoms or adrenal crisis, respectively. This review summarizes the morbidity and mortality seen in patients receiving the current standard of care for AI and suggests areas for improvement in glucocorticoid replacement therapy.
Changes suggestive of post‐partum thyroiditis in women with established hypothyroidism: incidence and predictors
Authors: Sergi Melissa , Tomlinson George , Feig Denice S. 
Published: September 2014

SummaryObjectivePost‐partum thyroiditis (PPT) is a common phenomenon in the general population. To date there have been few studies examining the incidence of PPT in women with hypothyroidism antedating pregnancy. This study aimed to assess the incidence and potential predictors of PPT in women with treated hypothyroidism antedating pregnancy.DesignRetrospective cohort study.Patients and MethodsWe compiled a cohort of 97 women with previous hypothyroidism antedating pregnancy seen in the Endocrinology in Pregnancy clinic from 1999 to 2011, collecting data on thyroid function, antibodies and levothyroxine doses post‐partum. The incidence of PPT and its predictors were analysed.ResultsA total of 66 (68%) women had fluctuations in thyroid function consistent with PPT. Of these, 22 (33%) had a hyperthyroid phase alone, 22 (33%) had a hypothyroid phase alone and 22 (33%) had both a hyper and hypo phase. The majority of women had their dose of thyroid medication adjusted during the PPT episode. Women who were on a full dose of thyroxine post‐partum were significantly less likely to have a hypothyroid phase. In multivariable analysis, the only predictor of PPT was the presence of thyroid antibodies, with 83% of antibody positive women having PPT compared to 44% of antibody negative women (P = 0·0001).ConclusionsIn our cohort, 2/3 of women had fluctuations in thyroid function consistent with PPT and most required adjustment of their thyroid dose. Women with hypothyroidism antedating pregnancy are at high risk for PPT and should be closely monitored during the first year post‐partum.
Ventral colporectopexy for overt rectal prolapse and obstructed defaecation syndrome: a systematic review
Authors: Gouvas N. , Georgiou P. A. , Agalianos C. , Tan E. , Tekkis P. , Dervenis C. , Xynos E. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractAimLaparoscopic ventral rectopexy (VR) with the use of prosthesis has been advocated for both overt rectal prolapse (ORP) and obstructed defaecation syndrome (ODS). The present study reviews the short‐term and functional results of laparoscopic VR.MethodA search was performed of MEDLINE, EMBASE, Ovid and Cochrane databases on all studies reporting on VR for ORP, ODS and other anatomical abnormalities of the pelvic floor from 2004 until February 2013. No language restrictions were made. All studies on VR were reviewed systematically. The main outcomes were intra‐operative complications, conversion, procedure duration, short‐term mortality and morbidity, length of stay, recurrence of ORP, recurrence of anatomical disorder, faecal incontinence and constipation, quality of life (QoL) score and patient satisfaction. Quality assessment and data extraction were performed independently by three observers.ResultsTwenty‐three studies including 1460 patients were eligible for analysis. The conversion rate ranged from 0 to 14.3%. No mortality was reported. The immediate postoperative morbidity rate was 8.6%. Length of stay ranged from 1 to 7 days. A significant improvement in constipation and incontinence symptoms was observed in the postoperative period for both ORP and ODS (chi‐square test, P < 0.0001).ConclusionLaparoscopic VR is a safe and effective procedure for ORP and ODS. Longer follow‐up is required, and studies comparing VR with standard rectopexy and stapled transanal rectal resection are not yet available.
Pendulum Swings in Wolf Management Led to Conflict, Illegal Kills, and a Legislated Wolf Hunt
Authors: Olson Erik R. , Stenglein Jennifer L. , Shelley Victoria , Rissman Adena R. , Browne‐Nuñez Christine , Voyles Zachary , Wydeven Adrian P. , Van Deelen Timothy 
Published: September 2014

AbstractRapid change in wildlife populations can challenge managers to promote species conservation while maintaining public support for wildlife. Wolf management during recolonization in Wisconsin, United States demonstrates the complexities of inconsistent management authority, public attitudes, and illegal killing of wolves. State management authority to control depredating wolves oscillated during a period of intense sociopolitical conflict over wolf status under the federal Endangered Species Act. We demonstrate that swings in wolf status led to inconsistent management authority, declining local public support for wolves, and possibly the unintended backlash of more illegal kills and a legislatively mandated public wolf hunt. A new Wildlife Management Matrix illustrates an idealized relationship between lethal control options and perceptions of wildlife. Moderating the sociopolitical drivers of swings in policy over short periods is essential to allow wildlife managers greater flexibility in achieving species‐specific goals. To our knowledge, this research provides the first demonstrated link between illegal wildlife killing and management authority under the Endangered Species Act, and suggests that illegal behavior may be moderated with responsible and effective wildlife management programs. We recommend states avoid prescriptive harvest legislation, and we suggest a more incremental shift from federal to state management authority.
Toward an Empirical Analysis of Justice in Ecosystem Governance
Authors: Sikor Thomas , Martin Adrian , Fisher Janet , He Jun 
Published: September 2014

AbstractThe 2010 Nagoya Protocol under the Convention on Biological Diversity and recent changes in the policies of major international conservation organizations highlight current interest in revisiting the moral case for conservation. Concerns with equity and human rights challenge well‐established notions of justice centered on human responsibility toward nature, the common good or the rights of future generations. This review introduces an empirical approach to the analysis of justice and shows how conservation scientists can apply it to ecosystem services‐based governance (or in short, ecosystem governance). It identifies dominant notions of justice and points out their compatibility with utilitarian theories of justice. It then discusses the limited appropriateness of these notions in many contexts in which conservation takes place in the Global South and explores how technical components of ecosystem governance influence the realization of the notions in practice. The review highlights the need for conservation scientists and managers to analyze the justice of ecosystem governance in addition to their effectiveness and efficiency. Justice offers a more encompassing perspective than equity for the empirical analysis of conservation governance.
Transbronchial lung biopsy: the pathologist's point of view
Authors: Pourabdollah Mihan , Shamaei Masoud , Karimi Shirin , Karimi Mahdi , Kiani Arda , Jabbari Hamid Reza 
Published: September 2014

AbstractBackground and AimsThe efficacy of flexible cryoprobe in providing high‐quality tissue specimens through bronchoscopy for making a diagnosis remains debatable. In this study, we have compared the diagnostic yield of cryoprobe with conventional sampling by forceps.MethodsForty‐one patients scheduled to undergo transbronchial lung biopsy (TBLB) in a pulmonary hospital in Tehran, Iran. Each patient underwent conventional TBLB and flexible cryoprobe TBLB (FCLB) sequentially. Specimen adequacy was defined by the presence of at least 50 alveolar spaces or a positive diagnostic yield. Adequacy of specimens, number and percentage of alveolar spaces without artifact, type of artifact, presence of bronchiolar structures and the diagnosis made based on the results of the two methods separately were compared.ResultsThe mean values of tissue section area obtained by forceps and cryoprobe were 6 mm2 [standard deviation (SD) ± 6.7] and 22 mm2 (SD ± 19.1), respectively (P < 0.001). Specimens were adequate in 26 cases of conventional TBLB and 40 cases of FCLB (P < 0.001). Of adequate specimens, 14 samples obtained by TBLB and 28 samples obtained via FCLB were diagnostic. A significant difference was also detected between diagnostic and non‐diagnostic specimens (P = 0.04). Frequency of specimens with >75% artifact‐free lung parenchyma was significantly higher in FCLB method.ConclusionFCLB method provides larger tissue samples with better quality compared with TBLB. Higher‐quality specimens are associated with less artifact and higher diagnostic yield. Multisite randomized trials are required to improve our knowledge about the benefits and indications of TBLB with cryoprobe.
High‐frequency chest wall oscillation in prolonged mechanical ventilation patients: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Huang Wei‐Chang , Wu Pi‐Chu , Chen Chao‐Jung , Cheng Ya‐Hua , Shih Sou‐Jen , Chen Hui‐Chen , Wu Chieh‐Liang 
Published: September 2014

AbstractBackground and AimsPatients with prolonged mechanical ventilation (PMV) often retain airway secretions, which may be cleared with the assistance of high‐frequency chest wall oscillation (HFCWO). This study aimed to determine the effectiveness, safety and tolerance/comfort of HFCWO after extubation in PMV patients.MethodsThis parallel‐designed, randomized controlled trial enrolled subjects with both intra‐tracheal intubation and mechanical ventilator support continuously for at least 21 days between January 2011 and December 2012. Upon extubation, the participants were randomly assigned to either receive HFCWO for 5 days or not. The effectiveness [based on weaning success rates, daily clearance volume of sputum, serial changes in sputum coloration and chest X‐ray (CXR) improvement rates], safety (by physiologic parameters) and tolerance/comfort [using the Modified Borg Scale (MBS) and Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAS)] of HFCWO were investigated.ResultsThere were 43 PMV subjects, including 23 in the HFCWO group and 20 in the non‐HFCWO group. The weaning success rates were 82.6% (19/23) and 85% (17/20) in the HFCWO and non‐HFCWO groups, respectively (P = 1.000). The HFCWO group had persistently greater numbers of daily sputum suctions and higher CXR improvement rates compared with the non‐HFCWO group. There was significant sputum coloration lightening in the HFCWO group only. There was no significant difference in the MBS and HAS between the two groups and between pre‐ and post‐HFCWO physiologic parameters.ConclusionIn PMV patients, HFCWO was safe, comfortable and effective in facilitating airway hygiene after removal of endotracheal tubes, but had no positive impact on weaning success.
The impact of spatial and temporal availability of alcohol on its consumption and related harms: A critical review in the context of UK licensing policies
Authors: Holmes John , Guo Yelan , Maheswaran Ravi , Nicholls James , Meier Petra S. , Brennan Alan 
Published: September 2014

AbstractIssuesReviews recommend controlling alcohol availability to limit alcohol‐related harm. However, the translation of this evidence into policy processes has proved challenging in some jurisdictions.ApproachThis paper presents a critical review of empirical spatial and temporal availability research to identify its features and limitations for informing alcohol availability policies. The UK is used as an example jurisdiction. It reviews 138 studies from a 2008 systematic review of empirical availability research and our update of this to January 2014. Data describing study characteristics (settings, measures, design) were extracted and descriptively analysed.Key FindingsImportant limitations in current evidence were identified: (i) outlet‐level temporal availability was only measured in three studies, and there has been little innovation in measurement of spatial availability; (ii) empirical analyses focus on acute harms with few studies of longer‐term harms; (iii) outlets are typically classified at aggregated levels with little empirical analysis of variation within outlet categories; (iv) evidence comes from a narrow range of countries; and (v) availability away from home, online availability and interactions between availability, price and place are all relatively unexamined.ImplicationsGreater innovation in study and measure design and enhanced data quality are required. Greater engagement between researchers and policy actors when developing studies would facilitate this.ConclusionsResearch and data innovations are needed to address a series of methodological gaps and limitations in the alcohol availability evidence base, advance this research area and enable findings to be translated effectively into policy processes. [Holmes J, Guo Y, Maheswaran R, Nicholls J, Meier PS, Brennan A. The impact of spatial and temporal availability of alcohol on its consumption and related harms: A critical review in the context of UK licensing policies. Drug Alcohol Rev 2014;33:515–25]
Demography for the Public: Literary Representations of Population Research and Policy
Authors: Basu Alaka M. 
Published: September 2014

ABSTRACTThis article explores the idea of what may be called Public Demography, wherein the practitioners and interpreters of the discipline of population studies inform (and sometimes inflame) the popular discourse on population‐related matters. It looks at the representation of demographic research and policies in one form of public engagement, namely fiction — literature being an important way of transmitting the substance of a technical field of study to a lay public. Reviewing a sample of fictional writing that is clearly derived from a specialized knowledge of the subject of demography, the article finds it useful to classify this genre into two groups. The works in the first group tend to reproduce or reiterate the mainstream assumptions underlying the academic discipline, while those in the second group seem to take on board more recent criticisms of these assumptions, sometimes in unexpected ways. Readers, however, seem to react much more readily to those works that repeat some of the ‘bad’ habits of the discipline.
Changes in ventricular–arterial coupling during decongestive therapy in acute heart failure
Authors: Berthelot Emmanuelle , Bihry Nicolas , Brault‐Melin Ophelie , Assayag Patrick , Cohen‐Solal Alain , Chemla Denis , Logeart Damien 
Published: September 2014

AbstractAimsCoupled arterial and left ventricular properties are poorly documented in acute heart failure. The aim of this prospective noninvasive study was to document early changes in ventricular–arterial coupling in patients with acutely decompensated HF (ADHF).Methods and ResultsWe studied 19 patients hospitalized for ADHF (age 62 ± 15 years, NYHA class 3 or 4). Patients with shock and sustained arrhythmias were excluded. All the patients received intravenous loop diuretics, and none received intravenous vasodilators or inotropes. Ongoing chronic treatments were maintained. Echocardiography and radial artery tonometry were performed simultaneously on admission and after clinical improvement (day 4 ± 1 after admission). Classical echocardiographic parameters were measured, including stroke volume (SV). End‐systolic pressure (Pes) was derived from reconstructed central aortic pressure, and arterial elastance (Ea) was calculated as Ea = Pes/SV. End‐systolic LV elastance (Ees) was calculated with the single‐beat method. Ventricular–arterial coupling was quantified as the Ea/Ees ratio. Following IV diuretic therapy, mean weight loss was 5 ± 2 kg (P < 0·01) and BNP fell from 1813 (median) (IQR = 1284–2342) to 694 (334–1053) pg/mL (P < 0·01). Ea fell by 29%, from 2·46 (2·05–2·86) to 1·78 (1·55–2·00) mmHg/mL (P < 0·01), while Ees remained unchanged (1·28 (1·05–1·52) to 1·13 (0·92–1·34) mmHg/mL). The Ea/Ees ratio therefore fell, from 2·13 (1·70–2·56) to 1·81 (1·56–2·08) (P < 0·02).ConclusionAn early improvement in ventricular–arterial coupling was observed after diuretic‐related decongestive therapy in ADHF patients and was related to a decrease in effective arterial elastance rather than to change in LV contractility.
Barriers and enablers affecting patient engagement in managing medications within specialty hospital settings
Authors: Manias Elizabeth , Rixon Sascha , Williams Allison , Liew Danny , Braaf Sandy 
Published: September 2014

AbstractBackgroundCommunication problems contribute enormously to medication errors and adverse events. Encouraging patient engagement can help to facilitate effective medication management.ObjectivesTo examine barriers and enablers affecting how patients engage with managing their medications in specialty hospital settings.DesignAn exploratory qualitative design was used involving in‐depth interviews with doctors, nurses, pharmacists, patients and family members.SettingAn Australian public, metropolitan teaching hospital was the study site and five specialty hospital settings were used, including cardiac care, emergency care, intensive care, oncology care and perioperative care.ResultsIn all, 21 health professionals, 11 patients and 12 family members participated in the study (n = 44). Barriers and enablers involved intrapersonal, interpersonal and environmental aspects, and differences in perceptions and experiences were found between the various settings. Health professionals had preconceived notions of what was appropriate behaviour in conveying information about medications. Many health professionals stated that they deliberately chose not to provide medication‐related knowledge. Different barriers for patient engagement existed in various settings – in emergency care, patients could only stay for 4 h; in intensive care, medication changes regularly happened; in cardiac care, patients were discharged prematurely due to urgent need of beds; in oncology, there was lack of availability of oncology consultants; while in perioperative care, surgeons and anaesthetists were available just before surgery.ConclusionsComplex barriers and enablers are associated with patient engagement in specialty clinical settings. By developing an understanding of these barriers and enablers, health professionals can help patients to understand and participate in their medication management.