bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of infraocclusion of primary molars determined using a new 2D image analysis methodology
Authors: Odeh R , Mihailidis S , Townsend G , Lähdesmäki R , Hughes T , Brook A 
Published: July 2015

AbstractBackgroundThe reported prevalence of infraocclusion varies widely, reflecting differences in definitions and measurement/scoring approaches. This study aimed to quantify the prevalence and extent of infraocclusion in singletons and twins during the late mixed dentition stage of dental development using a new diagnostic imaging method and objective criteria. The study also aimed to determine any associations between infraocclusion and gender, arch type, arch side and tooth type.MethodsTwo samples were analysed, 1454 panoramic radiographs of singletons and 270 dental models of twins. Both samples ranged in age from 8 to 11 years. Adobe Photoshop CS5 was used to measure the extent of infraocclusion. Repeatability tests showed systematic and random errors were small.ResultsThe prevalence in the maxilla was low (<1%), whereas the prevalence in the mandible was 22% in the singleton sample and 32% in the twin sample. The primary mandibular first molar was affected more often than the second molar. There was no significant difference in the expression between genders or sides.ConclusionsA new technique for measuring infraocclusion has been developed with high intra‐ and interoperator reproducibility. This method should enhance early diagnosis of tooth developmental abnormalities and treatment planning during the late mixed dentition stage of development.
Thyme travels: 15N isoscapes of Thymus vulgaris L. invasion in lightly grazed pastoral communities
Authors: Nielsen J. A. , Frew R. D. , Whigham P. A. , Callaway R. M. , Dickinson K. J. M. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractAlterations to ecosystem nitrogen (N) cycling by introduced plant species may increase the invasibility of habitat providing a positive feedback for the introduced species to become invasive. Spatial patterns of foliar and soil δ15N ratios reflect variation in rates and process of N‐cycling across invaded landscapes and provide insight into N‐source uptake and utilization strategies of invasive plant species. To evaluate invasion‐associated changes in soil and foliar δ15N at different scales: regional (among different sites), local (between north‐ and south‐facing aspect at the same site), and microsite (within populations in the same community), we measured foliar and soil δ15 N, animal faeces cover (as a proxy for grazing intensity) and N2‐fixing species cover from inside to outside Thymus vulgaris L. (thyme)‐invaded lightly grazed pastoral communities in Central Otago, southern South Island, New Zealand. Mean thyme foliar δ15N were near‐zero across the invaded landscape, and did not change across the advancing edge of invasion or with aspect. There was no evidence that associations with N2‐fixing species provide a potential N source. Soil δ15N was lower inside of thyme compared to at the edge or outside of thyme and was varied between aspects at some sites. Animal faeces cover as a proxy for grazing intensity explained only 23% of this observed variation of soil δ15N. Thyme invasion may result in lowered soil δ15N reflecting alterations to N dynamics. Associated invasion‐related impacts of animal grazing may also impact soil δ15N. Further studies are required to distinguish the underlying mechanism responsible for the observed patterns of foliar and soil δ15N values across thyme‐invaded Central Otago landscapes.
HE4, CA125, the Risk of Malignancy Algorithm and the Risk of Malignancy Index and complex pelvic masses ‐ a prospective comparison in the pre‐operative evaluation of pelvic masses in an Australian population
Authors: Richards Anthony , Herbst Unine , Manalang Jane , Pather Selvan , Saidi Samir , Tejada‐Berges Trevor , Tan Kris , Williams Paul , Carter Jonathan 
Published: July 2015

BackgroundHuman epididymis protein 4 (HE4) has been proposed as a novel biomarker for the diagnosis of epithelial ovarian cancer. Using HE4 and CA125, the risk of malignancy algorithm (ROMA) has been shown to be effective in the stratification of epithelial ovarian cancer risk.AimsTo determine the effectiveness of HE4 and ROMA in the diagnosis of malignancy of women presenting with a complex pelvic mass in an Australian population and to compare it with CA125 and the risk of malignancy index (RMI).Materials and MethodsProspective recruitment of women was conducted between October 2012 and March 2014 (n = 50). CA125 and HE4 serum concentrations were collected and stored for subsequent analysis. Sensitivities, specificities, positive predictive values (PPV) and negative predictive values (NPV) were calculated for HE4, CA125, ROMA and the RMI. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) area under the curves (AUC) were also calculated for comparison.ResultsThere was a higher HE4 level in women with ovarian cancer compared with women with benign pathology (P = 0.008), and this observation was seen in benign versus stage 1 ovarian cancer women (P = 0.025). HE4 had a better specificity than CA125 for the diagnosis of ovarian cancer in all women (P = 0.022), and this effect was also observed in premenopausal women (P = 0.012). Furthermore, the ROC‐AUC for HE4 was superior than CA125 in all women (P = 0.0451). The ROMA algorithm was not inferior to the RMI calculation in this population.ConclusionsIn an Australian population, HE4 and ROMA are useful in the diagnosis of epithelial ovarian cancer.
Outcomes of high‐risk obstetric transfers in New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory: The High‐Risk Obstetric Transfer Study
Authors: Goh Amy , Browning Carmo Kathryn , Morris Jonathan , Berry Andrew , Wall Margaret , Abdel‐Latif Mohamed 
Published: July 2015

BackgroundIn New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory, in utero transfers to manage maternal or neonatal risks are highly challenging owing to geography and centralisation of tertiary perinatal care.AimsThe study aims to document the outcomes of high‐risk obstetric transfers.Materials and MethodsA prospective observational study was conducted from 2010 to 2011 documenting urgent requests for obstetric transfers to tertiary centres across NSW/ACT for pregnancies 20 weeks’ gestation or greater. Outcomes of transfers were allocated apriori to ‘delivered at the receiving hospital’, ‘failed/delayed transfer’ or ‘discharged/transferred undelivered’. Our hypothesis is that each outcome has a specific group of associated clinical factors.ResultsOf the 249 transfer requests included in the study, 40% delivered at the receiving hospital, 7% were failed/delayed transfers, and 45% were discharged/transferred undelivered. Cases delivering at the receiving hospital were significantly associated with older mothers, twin pregnancies, pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH) or premature rupture of membranes (PROM) with/without threatened preterm labour (TPL) as the indications for transfer and having three indications for transfer. Cases that were discharged/transferred undelivered were significantly associated with singleton pregnancies, TPL and/or antepartum haemorrhage (APH) as the indication for transfer and having one indication for transfer. There were no significantly associated factors for failed/delayed transfers.ConclusionsThe study confirms the hypothesis that particular transfer outcomes are associated with different factors. The findings also show that less than half of urgent obstetric transfers result in delivery at the receiving hospital, suggesting that there exists significant opportunities for further research into predicting preterm delivery, thereby improving the care of women with high‐risk pregnancies.
T helper 2 response in allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis is not driven by specific Aspergillus antigens
Authors: Jolink H. , de Boer R. , Willems L. N. A. , van Dissel J. T. , Falkenburg J. H. F. , Heemskerk M. H. M. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractAllergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) is characterized by an allergic immunological response to Aspergillus fumigatus. In this study, we investigated whether certain Aspergillus antigens are more allergenic than others, as was postulated previously. We stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells from patients with ABPA with the classically described A. fumigatus allergens Aspf1, Aspf2, Aspf3, and Aspf4, as well as two other Aspergillus antigens, Crf1 and Catalase1. Activated CD4+ T cells displayed a T helper 2 phenotype with the production of IL‐4 in response to stimulation with several of these different antigens. Immune responses were not limited to the classically described A. fumigatus allergens. In healthy individuals, we demonstrated a similar recognition profile to the different antigens, but in contrast the activated CD4+ T cells exerted a T helper 1 phenotype and mainly produced IFN‐γ after stimulation with A. fumigatus antigens. In conclusion, irrespective of the A. fumigatus antigen, the T‐cell immune response in patients with ABPA is skewed to a T helper 2 cytokine secretion profile.
Parotidectomy: surgery in evolution
Authors: Eviston Timothy J. , Yabe Takako E. , Gupta Ruta , Ebrahimi Ardalan , Clark Jonathan R. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractBackgroundApproximately 15 years ago, Bron and O'Brien described a large Australian series of 248 patients focusing on facial nerve function post parotidectomy performed by a single surgeon over an 8‐year period. The primary aim of this study was to assess changes in pathology, surgical approach and outcomes following parotidectomy in a comparable single surgeon series from the same institution.MethodsDetails of patients undergoing parotidectomy by, or under the supervision of, the senior author (JRC) between February 2006 and December 2013 were retrospectively reviewed. Operative reports and post‐operative complications were recorded using standardized templates. Comparison with the Bron and O'Brien outcomes is presented.ResultsA total of 405 consecutive parotidectomies were performed for both benign and malignant disease in 401 patients. Univariable predictors of facial nerve weakness (temporary or permanent) on logistic regression were neck dissection (odds ratio 2.1, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.23–3.67, P = 0.007) and operation type, with focused tumour dissection having 0.07 times the odds (95% CI 0.01–0.52, P = 0.010) and a limited parotidectomy approach having 0.5 times the odds (95% CI 0.26–0.91, P = 0.024) of facial palsy compared with a complete superficial parotidectomy.ConclusionA number of changes in the management of parotid pathology in Australia have occurred in the last two decades, including improvements in the characterization of malignant parotid tumours, a continuing evolution towards less aggressive surgery, a more selective approach to elective neck dissection and an increasing appreciation of the techniques that can be used to minimize the aesthetic complications of parotid surgery.
Role of upfront surgery for recurrent gastrointestinal stromal tumours
Authors: Tan Grace Hwei Ching , Wong Jolene Si Min , Quek Richard , Goh Brian Kim Poh , Kwok Li Lian , Pan Summer , Soo Khee Chee , Teo Melissa Ching Ching 
Published: July 2015

AbstractBackgroundGastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs), despite complete surgical cytoreduction, are associated with recurrence rates of up to 50% at 2 years. At recurrence, tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) therapy is recommended, conferring a survival of up to 55 months. Several studies have shown that patients with TKI‐responsive recurrent GIST benefit from surgery. However, no studies have compared upfront surgery versus TKI alone.MethodsData were retrospectively collected from patients with recurrent GIST treated at Singapore General Hospital and National Cancer Centre Singapore over a 12‐year period. Our primary end points were disease‐free and overall survival (OS).ResultsA total of 186 patients underwent curative surgery for GIST between January 2000 and June 2012. Fifty‐six (30%) patients experienced recurrence, of which 30 (54%) had resectable recurrent disease. Twenty‐four patients underwent upfront surgery for their recurrence while the remaining six patients opted for non‐surgical management. The median OS for all patients with recurrent GIST was 5.3 years (95% confidence interval (CI) 3.2–8.4). It was not reached for patients who underwent curative surgery for their recurrence, and was 3.9 years (95% CI 2.4–7.0) for patients who had palliative TKI and conservative management. There were significant differences in OS and disease‐specific survival between patients who underwent curative surgery for recurrence compared with those who had not.ConclusionOur study shows that upfront surgery is a reasonable treatment strategy for selected patients with recurrent GIST.
Assessment of the management outcomes of body packers
Authors: Alfa‐Wali Maryam , Atinga Angela , Tanham Matthew , Iqbal Qamar , Meng Aw‐Yong , Mohsen Yasser 
Published: July 2015

AbstractBackgroundThe constant need for rapid financial gain drives the international illegal drug industry, which encourages healthy individuals to smuggle drugs through internal concealment. The aim of this study was to evaluate our practice of the management of body packers using a hospital‐based protocol in order to validate it.MethodsElectronic hospital data were retrospectively reviewed between 2000 and 2013 of all patients that were admitted to Hillingdon Hospital with a history of internal drug concealment. Demographic as well as clinical data including investigations and management were collected.ResultsOne hundred and twenty patients were admitted over the study period to our surgical unit. This included 86 male and 34 female patients with a mean age of 38 (range 19–64) years. Three per cent (n = 4) underwent surgery for either cocaine toxicity or obstruction. The rest of the patients were managed conservatively with bowel cleansing preparations to encourage the natural passage of drug packages.ConclusionConservative treatment is safe and effective for drug body packers. We therefore recommend conservative management to be the mainstay for body packers with surgery only being indicated on clinical grounds.
Basic data underlying clinical decision‐making and outcomes in emergency department thoracotomy: tabular review
Authors: Dayama Anand , Sugano Dordaneh , Spielman Daniel , Stone Melvin E. , Kaban Jody , Mahmoud Ahmed , McNelis John 
Published: July 2015

AbstractBackgroundEmergency department thoracotomy (EDT) is a formidable and dramatic last attempt by the trauma surgeon to save the life of a patient in extremis. The aim of this report is to provide a benchmark for comparison with past results by reviewing all available published data since the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma review article in 2001, which reviewed literature from 1966 to 1999 regarding indications for and outcomes of EDT.MethodsA comprehensive literature search in MEDLINE Library databases was performed for EDT. Data were extracted by three independent reviewers.ResultsWe identified 37 papers with a total of 3466 patients. A total of 85.2% (1720 of the 2018) had penetrating trauma, 58.3% (372 of the 638) had cardiac injuries, 43.0% (251 of the 584) had thoracic injuries and 26.2% (143 of the 546) had abdominal injuries. The overall rate survival in this review was 8% (267 of the 3466, range 0–33.3%). Of 25 papers reporting cases of EDT for penetrating traumas, their survival rate was 9.8% (169 of the 1719, range 0–45.5); similarly, of 14 papers assessing EDT for blunt injuries, the survival rate was 5.2% (24 of the 460, range 0–12.2). Of 15 papers reporting neurological outcomes 84.6% (143 of the 169, range 50–100%) of patients returned to baseline. The survival outcome of EDT in US experience versus non‐US experiences was 6.3% (164 of the 2612, range 0–14.9) versus 11.9% (89 of the 745, range 0–33.3) respectively.ConclusionThe authors intend this review to serve as a practical and prompt literature search tool for all surgeons who encounter resuscitative thoracotomy in their practice.
A Compositional and Microstructural Study of Eighth‐Century BC Bronzes from Moita Da Ladra (Tagus Estuary): How Did the Spread of the Phoenician Metallurgy Take Place in Western Iberia?
Authors: Valério P. , Soares A. M. M. , Monteiro M. , Pereira A. , Araújo M. F. , Silva R. J. C. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractMetals from a votive deposit at Moita da Ladra (Tagus Estuary) dating to the eighth century bc were studied by micro‐EDXRF, optical microscopy and Vickers testing to investigate the adoption of Phoenician innovations by indigenous communities. Artefacts are made of bronze alloys with suitable tin contents (11.6 ± 2.3 wt%) and very low iron impurities (<0.05 wt%), and were often manufactured using the long post‐casting sequence. Comparisons with indigenous and Phoenician metallurgies from western Iberia revealed a conservative technology suggesting that the spread of Phoenician innovations was very slow. In this region, the adoption of a diversified copper‐based metallurgy and reduction furnaces only seems to occur during the Post‐Orientalizing Period, c. sixth to fourth centuries bc.
Ultrastructure and distribution of chromatophores in the skin of the leopard gecko (Eublepharis macularius)
Authors: Szydłowski Paweł , Madej Jan P. , Mazurkiewicz‐Kania Marta 
Published: July 2015

AbstractThe aim of this study was to describe the ultrastructure and arrangement of pigment cells in the leopard gecko (Eublepharis macularius) skin to explain how wild‐type coloration is formed. The study also attempted to explain, on a morphological level, how skin colour changes occur. Samples of leopard gecko skin were collected from wild‐type coloration adult specimens. The morphology of pigmented cells was determined using light microscopy on haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) stained sections and in transmission electron microscopy. These studies indicate that skin of E. macularis contains xanthophores and melanophores but lacks iridophores and that this is probably related to nocturnal activity. The number and distribution of xanthophores and melanophores determines the skin colour and pigmentation pattern. The colour changes depend on the arrangement of characteristic protrusions of melanophores and the degree of filling them with melanosomes.
Effect of different diets on digestive enzyme activities, in vitro digestibility, and midgut gland structure in juvenile crayfish, Cherax quadricarinatus
Authors: Sacristán Hernán Javier , Fernández‐Gimenez Analía Verónica , Chaulet Anouk , Franco Tadic Luis Marcelo , Fenucci Jorge , López Greco Laura Susana 
Published: July 2015

AbstractThis study investigated the effects of food quality on digestive enzyme activities, in vitro protein digestibility and histological traits of the midgut gland in juvenile crayfish Cherax quadricarinatus. Animals of a wide weight range were fed different diets: two commercial diets with high or low lipid content (high lipid and low lipid, respectively) and were compared with a reference diet (RF) previously formulated for this species. Proteinase, lipase and amylase activities were significantly influenced by diet and weight. Specific trypsin activity was significantly higher for crayfish fed with the HL diet. Trypsin activity depended on diet and weight. Protein digestibility showed that HL was the most digestible diet and RF the least. The weight of the animals did not affect protein digestibility. Structural disorganization, hypertrophy of B‐cells and presence of large vacuoles in R‐cells were mainly observed in juveniles fed with HL, indicative of malnutrition. Thus, our data suggest that the HL diet would not be the most appropriate for C. quadricarinatus, while RF diet would be more convenient for culture of this species.
Exposure–response for biomarkers of anticoagulant effects by the oral direct thrombin inhibitor AZD0837 in patients with atrial fibrillation
Authors: Lip Gregory Y. H. , Rasmussen Lars H. , Olsson S. Bertil , Jensen Eva , Hamrén Bengt , Eriksson Ulf G. , Wåhlander Karin 
Published: July 2015

AimsAZD0837 is a novel oral anticoagulant investigated in clinical studies for stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). It is bioconverted to its active form, AR‐H067637, a potent, specific and reversible thrombin inhibitor. The effects on coagulation biomarkers were correlated with the pharmacokinetic (PK) exposure of AR‐H067637 to guide selection of the effective dose regimen for a confirmatory efficacy study in AF patients.MethodsBlood samples were obtained from 601 AF patients randomized to one of four doses of AZD0837 (blinded treatment) or dose‐adjusted vitamin K antagonists (VKA, open treatment) for 3–9 months. A pharmacodynamic model was developed to describe the time course of the AR‐H067637 exposure dependent effects and the effect of VKA on fibrin D‐dimer. The thrombin generation measured ex vivo in venous plasma was also investigated.ResultsThe PK exposure of AR‐H067637 was stable with an interindividual variability of 33% and no or minor influence of patient demographics or comedications. For AZD0837, D‐dimer levels decreased with more rapid onset than for VKA. The decrease in D‐dimer levels correlated with steady‐state plasma concentrations (Css) of AR‐H067637, with a maximum decrease of baseline D‐dimer levels estimated to approximately 60% for both AZD0837 and VKA therapy. The effect on thrombin generation correlated closely with the plasma concentration of AR‐H067637.ConclusionsThe effects on thrombin generation and fibrin D‐dimer levels correlated with the plasma concentration of its active form and provided comparable effects to well‐controlled VKA therapy at an exposure at least corresponding to the 300 mg once daily dose of AZD0837.
Histamine‐2 Receptor Antagonists and Semen Quality
Authors: Banihani Saleem A. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractHistamine‐2 receptor antagonists are a class of drugs used to treat the acid‐related gastrointestinal diseases such as ulcer and gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease. Although such drugs, especially ranitidine and famotidine, are still widely used, their effects on semen quality, and hence on male infertility, is still unclear. This MiniReview systematically addresses and summarizes the effect of histamine‐2 receptor antagonists (cimetidine, ranitidine, nizatidine and famotidine) on semen quality, particularly, on sperm function. Cimetidine appears to have adverse effects on semen quality. While the effects of ranitidine and nizatidine on semen quality are still controversial, famotidine does not appear to change semen quality. Therefore, additional studies will be required to clarify whether histamine‐2 receptor‐independent effects of these drugs play a role in semen quality as well as further clinical studies including direct comparison of the histamine‐2 receptor antagonists.