bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Audience Type and Receptivity Affect Male–Female Interactions in Siamese Fighting Fish
Authors: Dzieweczynski Teresa L. , Walsh Meghan M. 
Published: November 2010

AbstractThe study of communication in a network setting has gained increasing popularity in recent years. While audience effects on aggressive interactions have been studied extensively, male–female interactions have often been overlooked. In addition, little is known about how reproductive status affects the nature of audience effects. Siamese fighting fish, Betta splendens, are a popular subject for communication network studies, but male–female interactions have not been explored in this setting. In this study, pairs of male and female Betta were presented with a male, female or no audience to determine whether the presence of an audience alters the behaviour of the interactants. Within these three audience types, there were four reproductive status conditions with receptivity indicated by nest presence for males and reproductive barring for females. It was predicted that male–female interactions would be affected by the presence of an audience, especially when both interactants are receptive as has been found in male–male interactions in this species. The results suggest that presence of an audience and reproductive status act in combination to influence male–female interactions, but only in interactant‐directed behaviours. Not all behaviours were equally affected by these factors. For example, while tail beats to the other interact were greatest when a female audience was present and both the interactants were receptive, this was not true for gill flaring. This study is among the first investigations into audience effects on male–female interactions including the first in Betta and suggests that courtship as well as aggression should be explored in a network setting.
Effects of Herbal Preparation on Libido and Semen Quality in Boars
Authors: Frydrychová S , Opletal L , Macáková K , Lustyková A , Rozkot M , Lipenský J 
Published: November 2010

ContentsThe objective of this study was to investigate the effects of a preparation from herbal extracts (PHE) on libido and semen quality in breeding artificial insemination boars. Ten fertile boars were divided into control and experimental groups according to significant difference of libido. There were no differences in semen quality between groups. Animals were fed a commercial feeding mixture for boars. The feeding mixture for the experimental group was enriched with PHE, which was prepared from Eurycoma longifolia, Tribulus terrestris and Leuzea carthamoides. Duration of the experiment was 10 weeks. Samples of ejaculate were collected weekly. Libido was evaluated according to a scale of 0–5 points. Semen volume, sperm motility, percentage of viable spermatozoa, sperm concentration, morphologically abnormal spermatozoa, daily sperm production and sperm survival were assessed. Amounts of mineral components and free amino acids were analysed in seminal plasma. Significant differences were found in these parameters: libido (4.05 ± 0.22 vs 3.48 ± 0.78; p < 0.001), semen volume (331.75 ± 61.91 vs 263.13 ± 87.17 g; p < 0.001), sperm concentration (386.25 ± 107.95 vs 487.25 ± 165.50 × 103/mm3; p < 0.01), morphologically abnormal spermatozoa (15.94 ± 11.08 vs 20.88 ± 9.19%; p < 0.001) and Mg concentration (28.36 ± 11.59 vs 20.27 ± 13.93 mm; p < 0.05). The experimental group’s libido was increased by 20% in comparison with the beginning of the experiment. Results of this study showed positive effect of PHE on libido and some parameters of boar semen quality.
Urocortin‐2 induces vasorelaxation of coronary arteries isolated from patients with heart failure
Authors: Smani Tarik , Calderon Eva , Rodriguez‐Moyano Maria , Dominguez‐Rodriguez Alejandro , Diaz Ignacio , Ordóñez Antonio 
Published: November 2010

Summary1. Urocortin‐2 (Ucn2) is a vasoactive peptide belonging to the corticotrophin‐releasing factor (CRF) family that has potent cardiovascular actions. It has been suggested that Ucn2 participates in the pathophysiology of heart failure. However, little is known about the mechanisms underlying the action of Ucn2 in human coronary arteries. The aim of the present study was to assess the effects of Ucn2 on the vascular tone of human coronary arteries dissected from heart failure patients.2. Human coronary arteries were dissected from the hearts of patients subjected to orthotopic heart transplantation. Coronary arteries were obtained from 17 patients with heart failure due to dilated cardiomyopathy of ischaemic origin in Stage III–IV of the New York Heart Association classification. Changes in tone were measured in arterial rings using force transducers.3. Application of increasing concentrations of Ucn2 (5–20 nmol/L) to arterial rings precontracted with agonists induced dose‐dependent relaxation of the coronary artery, which was independent of endothelial cell activation. Furthermore, the inhibition of the adenylyl cyclase by MDL‐12 (100 nmol/L) and protein kinase A (PKA) by H89 (1 μmol/L) prevented Ucn2‐mediated relaxation of coronary artery rings.4. The results of the present study suggest that, in heart failure patients, Ucn2 could be useful in modulating coronary artery circulation independent of endothelial integrity through mechanisms that involve adenylyl cyclase activation and PKA stimulation. The findings warrant further investigation of the role of Ucn2 in circulatory regulation and its potential therapeutic application in heart disease.
The Australian cerebral palsy research study – Protocol for a national collaborative study investigating genomic and clinical associations with cerebral palsy
Authors: O'Callaghan Michael E , MacLennan Alastair H , Gibson Catherine S , McMichael Gai L , Haan Eric A , Broadbent Jessica , Priest Kevin , Goldwater Paul N , Dekker Gustaaf A ,   for the Australian Collaborative Cerebral Palsy Research Group
Published: November 2010

Aim:  Previous studies have proposed a link between the presence of specific single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and cerebral palsy and the majority of these associations remain to be confirmed or rejected by prospective studies with sufficient statistical power. Prior studies have also given little attention to the interaction of genomic characteristics and clinical risk factors.Methods:  This paper describes the design of a prospective case‐control study to test these genetic associations in conjunction with more stringent data collection in respect to clinical features associated with pregnancy, particularly maternal infection. Here we consider the ethical requirements, our hypothesis that genetic susceptibility modifies the risk of cerebral palsy in the presence of perinatal environmental triggers, a priori primary and secondary aims, power calculations, participant recruitment strategies, data linkage, sampling methods of genetic material and subsequent SNP analysis, collection of clinical data and the proposed final statistical analysis.
Post‐natal growth of 157 children born as extremely premature neonates
Authors: Jitka Kytnarova , Blanka Zlatohlavková , Ales Kubena , Daniela Markova , Milena Dokoupilova , Richard Plavka , Jiri Zeman 
Published: November 2010

Aim:  With increasing survival rate of extremely premature neonates, their long‐term outcomes including growth and risk factors for later disorders need to be considered. We prospectively evaluated anthropometric parameters in children born as extremely premature neonates.Methods:  Anthropometric parameters were measured at the ages of 2 and 5 years in 72 extremely premature children born between the 22nd and 25 + 6th weeks of gestation (group I) and 85 children born between the 26th and 27 + 6th weeks of gestation (group II).Results:  Although catch‐up in the postnatal growth was observed in both groups of children, resulting in growth improvement, the height of the extremely premature children at the ages of 2 and 5 years remains lower (P < 0.01) compared with the control population. A decline in head growth was observed in both groups between the ages of 2 and 5 years, resulting in decrease of standard deviation score (SDS) for head circumference (HC) in comparison with that of the control population, accompanied by an increased number of children with microcephaly, defined as HC < −2 SD. At the age of five, microcephaly was found in 18% of children from group I and 11.7% of children from group II. At the age of 5 years, the waist and hip circumferences and ten skinfolds were not different between both groups of children.Conclusion:  Long‐term follow‐up of extremely premature neonates is important not only to establish their growth patterns but also for risk factors assessment including adiposity for later development of adult‐onset diseases.
Early development of children with major birth defects requiring newborn surgery
Authors: Laing Sharon , Walker Karen , Ungerer Judy , Badawi Nadia , Spence Kaye 
Published: November 2010

Aim:  To describe neurodevelopmental outcomes of neonates following cardiac or non‐cardiac surgery for major birth defects.Methods:  From 1 June 2002 to 31 July 2004, infants born ≥33 weeks gestation who underwent major birth defect surgery were enrolled prospectively. Infants were assessed at a mean corrected age of 24 months (standard deviation (SD) = 8 months, range 18–36 months) using the Bayley Scales of Infant Development: Second Edition.Results:  Of the 118 study infants, 79 (66%) were male, the mean gestation was 38.5 weeks (SD 1.9 weeks) and mean birthweight was 3194 g (SD 653 g). Forty‐five infants (47%) had undergone general surgery for non‐cardiac defects. The majority of infants (73%) performed below average in cognitive and language skills. Mental delay was found in 41% of infants; 16% were significantly delayed. Fine and gross motor skills were below average in 60% of infants. Twenty‐six percent of infants had motor delay; 9% were significantly delayed. Both the mean Mental Development Index (M = 88, SD = 19.8) and mean Psychomotor Development Index (M = 93, SD = 19.3) were significantly below the normative mean (d = 0.8, P < 0.001 and d = 0.5, P < 0.001, respectively). One in five children had global developmental delay. There was no significant difference in outcome between the cardiac and general surgery groups.Conclusions:  The majority of infants performed below average on a standardised test of infant development. Our results show that infants requiring newborn surgery for major birth defects are at high risk of adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes. We recommend that follow‐up programmes include systematic multidisciplinary developmental monitoring and early intervention.
National survey of childhood febrile illness cases with fever of unknown origin in Japan
Authors: Kasai Kazuko , Mori Masaaki , Hara Ryoki , Miyamae Takako , Imagawa Tomoyuki , Yokota Shumpei 
Published: November 2010

AbstractBackground:  In Japan, an actual condition survey on childhood febrile diseases with fever of unknown origin has never been performed. We carried out a national survey on childhood febrile illnesses in order to collect useful information for the differential diagnosis.Methods:  A nationwide survey using questionnaires was performed on febrile illness cases with fever of unknown origin (FUO) experienced by 2843 pediatrics institutions with sick beds during a 5‐year period before 2007. FUO was defined as a febrile illness of at least 2 weeks' duration with a temperature ≥38°C, and failure to establish a diagnosis in spite of intensive evaluation during seven days' hospitalization.Results:  Two hundred fifty‐five of 2843 questionnaire‐surveyed institutions had 960 FUO cases, of which 132 could not be diagnosed, and 828 could be diagnosed after detailed medical examinations. The diagnoses they clarified included infectious diseases in 190 cases (23%), rheumatic diseases in 448 cases (54%), neoplasms in 67 cases (8%), and others in 123 cases (15%).Conclusion:  Clarification of illnesses that ought to be differentiated in the diagnostic approach to an FUO case is essential for arriving at its definitive diagnosis by exclusion.
Coordination of outreach eye services in remote Australia
Authors: Turner Angus W , Mulholland Will J , Taylor Hugh R 
Published: November 2010

AbstractBackground:  This paper aims to describe models for service integration between ophthalmology and optometry when conducting outreach eye services. The effect of good coordination on clinical activity and cost‐effectiveness is examined.Design:  Cross‐sectional case study based on remote outreach ophthalmology services in Australia.Participants:  Key stake‐holders from eye services in nine outreach regions participated in the study.Methods:  Semistructured interviews were conducted to perform a qualitative assessment of outreach eye services' levels of coordination. Records of clinical activity were used to statistically compare the effects of good coordination.Main Outcome Measures:  Clinical activity (surgery and clinic consultation rates), waiting times and costs per attendance. Surgical case rate being the proportion of surgery that results from a clinic.Results:  Service integration between optometry and ophthalmology resulted in an increased surgical case rate for ophthalmology clinics (R2 = 0.57). There were trends towards increased clinical activity and reduced waiting times, and costs/attendance were stable.Conclusions:  Coordination of eye services with better integration of ophthalmology and optometry roles may improve efficiency of services for patients. Coordination of eye services has multiple facets including facilitating engagement with the local community, eye professions and health facilities. The varied roles of eye health coordination require further definition and appropriate funding.
Funding models for outreach ophthalmology services
Authors: Turner Angus W , Mulholland Will , Taylor Hugh R 
Published: November 2010

AbstractBackground:  This paper aims to describe funding models used and compare the effects of funding models for remuneration on clinical activity and cost‐effectiveness in outreach eye services in Australia.Design:  Cross‐sectional case study based in remote outreach ophthalmology services in Australia.Participants:  Key stake‐holders from eye services in nine outreach regions participated in the study.Methods:  Semistructured interviews were conducted to perform a qualitative assessment of outreach eye services' funding mechanisms. Records of clinical activity were used to statistically compare funding models.Main Outcome Measures:  Workforce availability (supply of ophthalmologists), costs of services, clinical activity (surgery and clinic consultation rates) and waiting times.Results:  The supply of ophthalmologists (full‐time equivalence) to all remote regions was below the national average (up to 19 times lower). Cataract surgery rates were also below national averages (up to 10 times lower). Fee‐for‐service funding significantly increased clinical activity. There were also trends to shorter waiting times and lower costs per attendance.Conclusions:  For outreach ophthalmology services, the funding model used for clinician reimbursement may influence the efficiency and costs of the services. Fee‐for‐service funding models, safety‐net funding options or differential funding/incentives need further exploration to ensure isolated disadvantaged areas prone to poor patient attendance are not neglected. In order for outreach eye health services to be sustainable, remuneration rates need to be comparable to those for urban practice.
A microanatomical and histological study of the fin long bones of the Devonian sarcopterygianEusthenopteron foordi
Authors: Meunier François J. , Laurin Michel 
Published: November 2010

AbstractMeunier F.J. and Laurin M. 2012. A microanatomical and histological study of the fin long bones of the Devonian sarcopterygianEusthenopteron foordi. —Acta Zoologica(Stockholm)93: 88–97.A paleohistological study of the endoskeletal bones of the dorsal and pelvic fins shows thatEusthenopteron foordihad true long bones that grew in length and thickness through endochondral and periosteal ossification, respectively. Endochondral ossification required cartilaginous epiphyses with a growth plate system whose presence is confirmed by both calcified cartilage and thin endochondral bony trabeculae that overlaid the erosive bays located in hypertrophic calcified cartilage. Articulations between axial mesomeres in paired fins were diarthroses. This microanatomical organization, i.e. longitudinal growth of diaphysis and articulations between epiphyses, can be considered an exaptation for terrestrial locomotion as it can produce skeletal elements able to support strong mechanical stress.
Photoselective vaporization of the prostate using the 120‐W lithium triborate laser in enlarged prostates (>120 cc)
Authors: Woo Henry H. 
Published: November 2010

Study Type – Therapy (case series)Level of Evidence 4OBJECTIVE

To evaluate experience with high power LBO laser for large prostates

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Prospective database of 288 men treated with PVP from November 2006–2009
33 men identified to have transrectal ultrasound measured prostate size >120 cc
All but 9 men not in urinary retention or on anticoagulant medications
Average ASA Score 2.25 (range 1–4) with 11 having an ASA Score of 3 or more

RESULTS

Mean operating time and laser time 109 and 86 minutes respectively
IPSS, QoL and Qmax changes from baseline to 3 months for those not in retention were 24 to 8.6, 5.0 to 1.8 and 7.5 mL/s to 19.6 mL/s respectively
Post void residual in these men fell from a mean of 235 mL to 88 mL
Average fall in PSA was 38% for 22 men with paired PSA data
Post operative urinary retention in 4 men resolved. 2 late onset clot urinary retention

CONCLUSION

Early results demonstrate PVP to be safe and efficacious on early follow up in a high risk group of patients with significantly enlarged prostates, anticoagulation and urinary retention
Decision‐making in localized prostate cancer: lessons learned from an online support group
Authors: Huber Johannes , Ihrig Andreas , Peters Tim , Huber Christian G. , Kessler Anja , Hadaschik Boris , Pahernik Sascha , Hohenfellner Markus 
Published: November 2010

Study Type – Patient (preference/ecological)  Level of Evidence 2cWhat's known on the subject? and What does the study add?Social support plays a major role for decision‐making in localized prostate cancer and the importance of online resources has become increasingly recognized. However, so far most of the knowledge has been generated on formal and stylistic aspects. The study adds to understanding the content and the dynamics of peer‐to‐peer counselling in an online support group.OBJECTIVE• To investigate patient‐to‐patient communication with regard to decision‐making in localized prostate cancer; as most of it is done in private, online support groups are a unique means for this task.PATIENTS AND METHODS• Over a 32‐month period, we screened 501 threads in the largest German online support group for prostate cancer.• Threads started by questioners newly diagnosed with localized prostate cancer and stating decision‐making as the key topic were included; in all, 82 (16.4%) threads met these criteria.• Two independent investigators characterized every thread following a standardized protocol.• Fisher’s exact test and Mann–Whitney U‐test were applied for group analyses. A complementary qualitative linguistic approach was chosen.RESULTS• Threads were most commonly started to ask for therapy recommendations (66%), information on the course of treatment (46%) and emotional support (46%).• Answers consisted of treatment recommendations (40%), emotional support (37%) and personal experiences (28%).• A second opinion on the biopsy cores (51%) and additional imaging (40%) were common suggestions.• The rate of advice for radical prostatectomy (RP) vs radiotherapy was 67 vs 82%. Thus, surgery was less recommended in our sample (P= 0.01); 75% of the men with an initial therapeutic preference were finally confirmed herein.• Linguistic analysis showed that posters frequently use a tentative language style and that common language is avoided.CONCLUSIONS• Patients readily receive information, advice and emotional support as part of an online support group.• The scientific evaluation of an online support group is a complementary way of getting to know our patients’ needs and worries.• Patient–physician contact can benefit from this knowledge.
Preferences for antimuscarinic therapy for overactive bladder
Authors: Swinburn Paul , Lloyd Andrew , Ali Shehzad , Hashmi Noreen , Newal David , Najib Hiba 
Published: November 2010

Study Type – Preference (discrete choice experiment)Level of Evidence 2aWhat’s known on the subject? and What does the study add?Whilst antimuscarinic treatments are widely used little work has been done to understand how patients consider the relative benefits and costs associated with their use.This study provides data which demonstrates both the perceived value of symptom reduction and burden associated with common antimuscarinic AEs. These findings may prove useful in informing prescribing decisions.OBJECTIVE • To examine patient preferences and strength of preferences for treatment for the various symptoms of overactive bladder and adverse events associated with the use of antimuscarinic treatments.PATIENTS AND METHODS • A discrete choice experiment (DCE) survey was developed that detailed treatment choices in terms of attributes relating to their efficacy in reducing symptoms and the likelihood of experiencing typical adverse events. Levels for each attribute were based on a literature review, qualitative interviews and a meta‐analysis of clinical trial data.• Attributes were combined into choice sets using a fractional orthogonal design that had been folded over. Pairs of choice sets were presented to overactive bladder (OAB) patients (n= 332), who indicated which treatment alternative they preferred. Data were analysed using the conditional logit model.RESULTS • Participants expressed the strongest preference for the avoidance of urgency incontinence episodes, followed by preference for a reduction in the experience of urinary urgency and the number of micturition episodes. The influence of the likelihood of experiencing an adverse event on treatment preference was also estimated.• Finally, marginal rates of substitution were calculated to demonstrate the relative value of trade‐offs between the various attributes.• Treatment preferences were found to be broadly similar across two patient age groups (i.e. under 45 s and 45 and over).CONCLUSION • The study demonstrates that individuals with OAB place significant emphasis on the prospect of reduction in symptoms. Avoidance of incontinence episodes is particularly valued and equivalent to a much greater reduction in the frequency of micturition or experience of urgency. However, even a modest increase in the likelihood of experiencing an adverse event could easily motivate a change in treatment preference.
Comparative analysis of determinants of executive remuneration in the UK financial services sector
Authors: Shiwakoti Radha K. 
Published: November 2010

AbstractThis paper analyses the determinants of executive remuneration in the UK financial services sector. For this purpose, the determinants of executive remuneration of demutualized societies are compared with those of building societies, which have retained their mutual status, traditional retail banks, and their pre‐demutualization positions. The results show that the determinants of remuneration differ in the UK mutual and plc organizational forms, and that the role of the determinants changed after demutualization. In particular, the relationships between remuneration and size disappeared after demutualization. The results also imply that remuneration committees use only industry norms to attract and retain executives irrespective of performance.