bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Early recognition of pelvic floor dyssynergia and colorectal assessment in Parkinson's disease associated with bowel dysfunction
Authors: Wang C.‐P. , Sung W.‐H. , Wang C.‐C. , Tsai P.‐Y. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractAimSlow colonic transit time (CTT) and pelvic floor dyssynergia (PFD) are major contributors to constipation in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). However, no symptom survey yet exists that effectively differentiates the contributing aetiologies. The significance of individual pelvic floor musculature behaviours and their relationship with colorectal dysmotility in constipated patients with PD are still controversial and need further clarification. We aimed to investigate how differentiated constipation‐related symptoms of PD patients with constipation may identify constipation groupings and to register the pathophysiological features of the pelvic musculature.MethodOur subjects undertook CTT, defaecography and the Knowles–Eccersley–Scott Symptom questionnaire. The pathological aetiologies were categorized as group 1 (slow CTT) and/or group 2 (puborectalis syndrome) and/or group 3 (pubococcygeus syndrome), in accordance with the CTT and defaecography results.ResultsConstipation‐related symptoms such as incomplete evacuation and defaecation difficulty yielded high post‐test probabilities (81% and 88%, respectively) in groups 3 and 2, but a low post‐test probability in group 1 (58%). Changes in the anorectal angle and perineum descent during straining were significantly correlated with CTT (r = 0.57 and r = 0.61, respectively) and with each other (r = 0.82).ConclusionOur findings that neural control of the puborectalis and pubococcygeus, along with colorectal peristalsis, were in a similar state of degeneration is key information that should assist physicians to instigate more effective management for colonic dysmotility or PFD.
Trans‐anal rectoscopic ball diathermy (TARD) for radiotherapy‐induced haemorrhagic telangiectasia: a safe and effective treatment
Authors: Hopkins J. C. , Wood J. J. , Gilbert H. , Wheeler J. M. D. , Borley N. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractAimRectal bleeding may occur late after radiotherapy for prostate or bladder cancer, particularly when given by external beam, due to radiotherapy‐induced haemorrhagic telangiectasia (RIHT). We present the results of trans‐anal rectoscopic ball diathermy (TARD) for RIHT.MethodData were collected from patients who received TARD for RIHT. The diagnosis was made during endoscopic examination. Treatment involved discretely spaced spot monopolar diathermy coagulation of the rectal mucosa to the affected areas.ResultsThirteen patients [median age 76 (69–80) years] underwent TARD for RIHT between 2005 and 2008. All presented late with rectal bleeding following radiotherapy for prostate or bladder cancer. Eight were treated as a day case, four remained in hospital for one night and one was hospitalized for 2 days. There was no mortality. Eleven patients achieved excellent symptomatic control requiring no further treatment at a median follow‐up of 20 (3–36) months. One patient underwent further TARD for recurrence. One patient complained of severe anorectal pain of no obvious cause and one developed constipation.ConclusionTrans‐anal rectoscopic ball diathermy (TARD) is a safe and effective treatment for patients with rectal bleeding due to RIHT.
The utility of conditioning sequences in barostat protocols for the measurement of rectal compliance
Authors: Bajwa A. , Thiruppathy K. , Emmanuel A. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractAimA barostat can be used to measure rectal sensitivity, compliance and elastance all of which are potentially important physiological parameters in the pathophysiology of faecal incontinence. Current practice recommends a conditioning distension sequence be performed prior to index distensions. We questioned the validity of this by comparing values for rectal compliance during sequential conditioning (CD) and index (ID) distensions in physiologically normal subjects.MethodTen subjects (five men, mean age 55.2 years) with normal anal canal manometry, anorectal sensitivity and balloon distension thresholds were studied. After determining the minimum distension pressure, subjects underwent sequential isobaric distensions: CD 4 mmHg distensions every 45 s and ID 4 mmHg every 2 min, both to a maximum of 24 mmHg or patient tolerance. Compliance values from both sequences were calculated by measuring the maximum slope of pressure–volume curves. A paired t‐test was performed to compare any differences between sequences.ResultsMean rectal compliance were 11.4 ml/mmHg (SD 5.8 ml/mmHg) and 10.9 ml/mmHg (SD 5.7 ml/mmHg) in the CD and ID, respectively, with no statistical difference noted between distensions (P = 0.78).ConclusionRectal compliance can be measured with a single distension protocol without the need for an initial conditioning distension. Conditioning the rectum adds additional complexity to barostat protocols and is not necessary.
The Urban Project and Its Impact on Sense of Place: Methodological Propositions
Authors: Breux Sandra , Bédard Mario 
Published: January 2013

AbstractAll places have strong symbolic dimensions and hold specific values for individuals as well as for the collectivity. The urban project, which modifies the built environment or the existing functions of the place in which it intervenes, can transform the meaning of that place especially for those who live there. Such planning projects often attract the opposition of a significant faction of people. In this paper, we propose an innovative approach exploring the symbolical functions and socio‐territorial vocations given to places to better understand the degree to which the differences in meaning ascribed to a place targeted by an urban project are likely to explain the popular opposition that often emerges as soon as a planning project is announced.
Hepatic interferon‐gamma‐induced protein‐10 expression is more strongly associated with liver fibrosis than interleukin‐28B single nucleotide polymorphisms in hepatocellular carcinoma resected patients with chronic hepatitis C
Authors: Konishi Hideyuki , Shirabe Ken , Yoshiya Shohei , Ikeda Tetsuo , Ikegami Toru , Yoshizumi Tomoharu , Ikawa‐Yoshida Ayae , Motomura Takashi , Fukuhara Takasuke , Maehara Yoshihiko 
Published: January 2013

AimSingle nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) around IL‐28B and interferon (IFN)‐stimulated gene (ISG) expression are predictors of response to standard therapy involving IFN for chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. We analyzed the association between these predictors to improve the prediction of the response to IFN therapy after liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).MethodsData were collected from 74 patients with HCV‐induced HCC. The IL‐28B genotype and hepatic ISG mRNA levels were analyzed to clarify their association, focusing on the progression of liver fibrosis.ResultsFifty patients were identified as having major alleles (rs8099917 TT) and the remaining 24 patients had minor alleles (rs8099917 TG or GG). Hepatic ISG15 expression was lower in the IL‐28B major group than that in the IL‐28B minor group (P < 0.005). IP‐10 expression was similar between the IL‐28B major and minor groups (P = 0.44). IP‐10 expression was elevated with advancing stages of liver fibrosis in HCV infected patients (P = 0.005). In patients with mild or no fibrosis, the IL‐28B major group had lower IP‐10 expression than the IL‐28B minor group (P = 0.02). However, in patients with advanced fibrosis, IP‐10 expression was not different between the IL‐28B major and minor groups (P = 0.66).ConclusionHepatic ISG15 expression is associated with IL‐28B polymorphisms, while IP‐10 is strongly affected by liver fibrosis.
What is the evidence that poster presentations are effective in promoting knowledge transfer? A state of the art review
Authors: Ilic Dragan , Rowe Nicholas 
Published: January 2013

AbstractBackgroundPoster presentations are a common form of presenting health information at conferences and in the community. Anecdotal evidence within the discipline indicates that health information framed in a poster presentation may be an effective method of knowledge transfer.ObjectivesA state of the art review of the literature was performed to determine the effectiveness of poster presentations on knowledge transfer.MethodsElectronic searches of various electronic databases were performed for studies published until 2012. Studies were eligible for inclusion if they provided empirical data on the effectiveness of poster presentations on changes in participant knowledge, attitude or behaviour.ResultsA total of 51 studies were identified through the database searches, of which 15 met the inclusion criteria. No study evaluated the effectiveness of posters in comparison with other educational interventions. Most studies utilised a before/after methodology, with the common conclusion that posters elicit greatest effectiveness in knowledge transfer when integrated with other educational modalities.ConclusionsThe poster presentation is a commonly used format for communicating information within the academic and public health fields. Evidence from well‐designed studies comparing posters to other educational modalities is required to establish an evidence base on the effectiveness of utilising posters in achieving knowledge transfer.
Moral distress and its correlates among mental health nurses in Jordan
Authors: Hamaideh Shaher H. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractMoral distress has received much attention in international nursing published work in recent years. However, in the published work, little is known about the moral distress of mental health nurses. The aims of this study were to examine the intensity level of moral distress, to identify the best predictors of moral distress, and to examine relationships of moral distress with burnout, job satisfaction, intention to leave the current job, and both demographic and work‐related variables of that group. Employing a descriptive correlational cross‐section design and a convenience sampling method, data were collected using the Moral Distress Scale for Psychiatric Nurses, Maslach Burnout Inventory, and Job Satisfaction Scale from 130 Jordanian mental health nurses working in the largest psychiatric hospital in Jordan. Results showed that the intensity level of moral distress was found to be moderately high, especially in an ‘unethical conduct by caregivers’ subscale. Age, income level, nurses' years of experience, and caseloads correlated significantly and negatively with moral distress, while educational level and intention to leave the current job correlated significantly and positively with moral distress. Interestingly, job satisfaction did not significantly correlate with moral distress. Income level, caseloads, burnout level, attending workshops in mental health, and educational level were the best predictors of moral distress. More studies on moral distress and continuing educational interventional programs aimed at minimizing the levels of moral distress and burnout at institutional and individual level are required.
Working hours in Chinese enterprises: evidence from matched employer–employee data
Authors: Mishra Vinod , Smyth Russell 
Published: January 2013

AbstractThe purpose of this article is to explore the factors that are correlated with hours worked in China. A distinguishing feature of the study is that we used representative‐matched employer and employee data. Hence, in addition to the usual worker characteristics examined in conventional economic models of labour supply, we also took into account the influence of firm characteristics and policies on the number of hours worked. The results suggested that in addition to the hourly wage rate, labour supply characteristics and human capital characteristics of the individual, firm‐level differences are important in explaining variation in weekly hours worked in Chinese firms. In particular, our results suggested that there is a norm of longer working hours in firms that employ a high proportion of female and migrant workers, that hours worked are less in firms which pay overtime and that hours worked are less in firms in which labour disputes have disrupted production. The policy implications of Chinese firms reducing hours worked were discussed.
New species of the genus Plesiolacerta (Squamata: Lacertidae) from the upper Oligocene (MP28) of Southern Germany and a revision of the type species Plesiolacerta lydekkeri
Authors: ČERŇANSKÝ ANDREJ , AUGÉ MARC LOUIS 
Published: January 2013

Abstract:  The lacertid material from the locality of Herrlingen 8 (upper Oligocene, MP28) is described as a new species of the genus Plesiolacerta. The material is disarticulated and comprises isolated elements including parietal, frontal, maxilla and dentary. It can be assigned to a single species on the basis of the external surface ornamentation. This morphology is typical for the genus Plesiolacerta, but the material differs in detail from the type species P. lydekkeri. The most significant feature of the new species is that the occipital scute of the parietal bone is narrow, rectangular in shape and anteroposteriorly short. Hitherto, the last occurrence of this genus was in the lower Oligocene. This material represents the first evidence of the existence of this genus in the upper Oligocene. Therefore, our knowledge of its evolution is expanded by providing new data on its spatial and temporal ranges and morphology. This taxon has a much longer history than we thought. In addition, the Eocene species, P. lydekkeri, is reviewed here. P. lydekkeri shares the most lacertid synapomorphies and, given our present knowledge, Plesiolacerta is a taxon very close to or possibly within crown Lacertidae. The frontal and postorbitofrontal of Plesiolacerta are described for the first time. In view of the primitive morphology and early occurrence of Plesiolacerta, it seems that the feature of a longer anterior region of the frontal could be considered as a plesiomorphic feature within lacertid lizards, and the condition in Timon (approximately the same length) as derived.
Hepatic and Extrahepatic Malignancies in Cirrhosis Caused by Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis and Alcoholic Liver Disease
Authors: Kodama Kazuhisa , Tokushige Katsutoshi , Hashimoto Etsuko , Taniai Makiko , Shiratori Keiko 
Published: January 2013

BackgroundTo clarify the carcinogenic factors associated with steatohepatitis, we investigated the characteristic features of hepatic and extrahepatic malignancies in patients with cirrhotic nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH‐LC) and cirrhotic alcoholic liver disease (ALD‐LC).MethodsA total of 72 patients with NASH‐LC and 85 with ALD‐LC (both biopsy‐proven steatohepatitis without hepatocellular carcinoma [HCC]) were assessed with regard to the development of hepatic and extrahepatic malignancies. Risk factors for HCC were analyzed.ResultsDuring follow‐up, 10 NASH‐LC patients and 6 ALD‐LC patients developed HCC. The 5‐year HCC development rate was similar for these 2 groups, being 10.5% in the NASH‐LC group and 12.3% in the ALD‐LC group. After adjusting for age and gender, the HCC development rates were also similar. Risk factors for HCC in the NASH‐LC group were older age, higher γ‐GTP level, and higher Child–Pugh score as determined by Cox hazards analysis. Regarding risk factors in the ALD‐LC group, no risk factor was found by Cox hazards analysis, although diabetes mellitus led to a significantly higher HCC rate by log‐rank test (p = 0.013). Regarding extrahepatic cancer, only 1 NASH‐LC patient (1.4%) developed endometrial cancer. In contrast, 7 ALD‐LC patients (8.2%) had other cancers (p = 0.052).ConclusionsComparison between NASH‐LC and ALD‐LC revealed similar HCC development curves. However, the risk factors for HCC and extrahepatic malignancies differed between the 2 diseases. In ALD‐LC, the incidences of HCC and extrahepatic cancer are similar. When treating LC patients with NASH or ALD, the risk factors and extrahepatic malignancies associated with ALD‐LC should be assessed.
Frontier America's Health System Challenges and Population Health Outcomes
Authors: Nayar Preethy , Yu Fang , Apenteng Bettye A. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractPurposeThe objective of this cross‐sectional descriptive study was to examine and compare the county‐level characteristics including demographic factors, health system factors, and population health outcomes of frontier and nonfrontier counties in the United States. All counties in the United States were studied using the merged County Health Rankings 2011 and the Area Resource File 2009 databases. Of a total of 3,141 counties in the County Health Rankings 2011 database, 438 were identified as frontier counties using the conventional definition of fewer than 7 persons per square mile.FindingsFrontier counties were found to have a significantly higher proportion of elderly, Hispanic, and Native American residents than nonfrontier counties. Frontier counties have lower household income and lower levels of illiteracy. Frontier counties also have significantly fewer primary care physicians and higher uninsurance rates. Although frontier counties have a lower percentage of ZIP codes with healthy food and recreational facilities, the incidence of obesity is lower in frontier areas.ConclusionsEmpirical literature on the population health outcomes and health system factors of frontier areas is limited. Frontier communities in the United States face significant challenges in terms of having populations with a higher need for primary care such as the elderly and poor. In addition, they face access barriers due to geographic remoteness. The availability of reliable data on population outcomes will enable policy makers to monitor the health status of frontier populations and to design solutions to the access issues that these populations face.
Hydrostrategy, Hydropolitics, and Security in the Kura‐Araks Basin of the South Caucasus
Authors: Campana Michael E. , Vener Berrin Basak , Lee Baek Soo 
Published: January 2013

Abstract:After the Soviet Union's dissolution, the Kura‐Araks Basin became an international river basin with respect to the South Caucasus states of Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia. Despite differences among these countries, they depend greatly on the Kura‐Araks Basin. They proposed to jointly monitor Kura‐Araks Basin surface water quality and obtained funding to do so from the North Atlantic Treaty Organization's Science for Peace Programme. Thus, the South Caucasus River Monitoring Project was born in late 2002. The South Caucasus River Monitoring Project formally ended in December 2009, and was a model of collaboration and cooperation in a region where such traits have at times been in short supply. Not only were valuable data collected, but collegial professional relationships also were forged among the participants. In the long run, this latter aspect will likely prove to be the most important product, not just for the South Caucasus, but for others as well.
Associations between perinatal factors and adiponectin and leptin in 9‐year‐old Mexican–American children
Authors: Volberg Vitaly , Harley Kim G. , Aguilar Raul S. , Rosas Lisa G. , Huen Karen , Yousefi Paul , Davé Veronica , Phan Nguyet , Lustig Robert H. , Eskenazi Brenda , Holland Nina 
Published: January 2013

Summary
What is already known about this subject
Mexican–American children are at particularly high risk of obesity.
Features of the perinatal environment, including maternal nutrition, anthropometry, glucose tolerance and growth rate during infancy are implicated in programming of obesity in the offspring.

What this study adds
Greater rate of weight or length gain in the first 6 months of life is associated with lower 9‐year child adiponectin levels, adjusting for 9‐year child BMI.
Nine‐year‐old child adipokine levels are strongly related to those of their mothers’.
ObjectivesTo (i) determine whether perinatal factors (including maternal anthropometry and nutrition and early life growth measures) are associated with adiponectin and leptin levels in 9‐year‐old children, and (ii) assess relationships between adiponectin, leptin and concurrent lipid profile in these children.MethodsWe measured plasma adiponectin and leptin for 146 mothers–9‐year‐old child pairs from the ongoing longitudinal birth cohort followed by the Center for the Health Assessment of Mothers and Children of Salinas. Data on perinatal factors, including sociodemographics, maternal anthropometry and nutrition, and early life child growth were collected during pregnancy, birth and 6‐month visits.ResultsGreater rate of weight and length gain during the first 6 months of life were associated with lower adiponectin in 9‐year‐olds (β = −2.0, P = 0.04; β = −8.2, P = 0.02, respectively) adjusting for child body mass index (BMI). We found no associations between child adipokine levels and either maternal calorie, protein, total fat, saturated fat, fibre, sugar‐sweetened beverage consumption during pregnancy or children's concurrent sugar‐sweetened beverage and fast food intake. Lipid profile in 9‐year‐old children closely reflected adiponectin but not leptin levels after adjustment for child BMI. Additionally, we report that child adipokine levels were closely related to their mothers’ levels at the 9‐year visit.ConclusionOverall, our results support the hypothesis that early life factors may contribute to altered adipokine levels in children.
Dispersal patterns in space and time: a case study of Apiaceae subfamily Apioideae
Authors: Banasiak Łukasz , Piwczyński Marcin , Uliński Tomasz , Downie Stephen R. , Watson Mark F. , Shakya Bandana , Spalik Krzysztof 
Published: January 2013

AbstractAimTo analyse spatial and temporal patterns of dispersal events in the euapioids (Apiaceae subfamily Apioideae).LocationWorldwide, with an emphasis on the Northern Hemisphere.MethodsA phylogeny of euapioids was inferred from 1194 nuclear ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacer (nrDNA ITS) sequences using Bayesian methods. The reconstruction of ancestral areas was performed simultaneously with phylogenetic inference using a Markov discrete phylogeographical model with Bayesian stochastic search variable selection (BSSVS). Routes with significant non‐zero migration rates were identified using Bayes factors. For each significant track and each tree, the distribution of dispersals in time was scored and the asymmetry of dispersals was evaluated.ResultsThe root of the euapioid umbellifers was reconstructed at c. 44.51 Ma (95% highest posterior density interval: 39.11–51.55 Ma). The Eastern Asiatic Region was reconstructed as the most probable ancestral area for the root of the tree. Seventeen migration routes have significant non‐zero migration rates. Five of these tracks represent long‐distance transoceanic routes: (1) western Eurasia–North America, (2) Eastern Asiatic Region–North America, (3) Australia–Neotropical Kingdom, (4) Australia–Neantarctic, and (5) Neotropical Kingdom–sub‐Saharan Africa. Most dispersal events occurred among the areas that comprise the major diversification centres of apioid umbellifers: western Eurasia and the Mediterranean, Irano‐Turanian and Eastern Asiatic regions. The floristic exchange among these regions was more or less symmetrical in all directions and continuous in time. The exchange between North America and the Eastern Asiatic Region was asymmetrical; the asymmetry of dispersals between western Eurasia and North America was less pronounced and not statistically significant. Floristic exchange was significantly asymmetrical for the Nearctic–Neotropical Kingdom, Nearctic–Neantarctic, western Eurasia–sub‐Saharan Africa, and western Eurasia–Siberia migration tracks.Main conclusionsThe observed dispersal pattern – intense and symmetrical within the same climatic zone versus scarce and often unidirectional between climatic zones or along long‐distance transoceanic tracks – suggests that both the availability of suitable habitats and geographical barriers have played crucial roles in determining the present distribution of euapioid umbellifers.