bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Review of Surgical Informed Consent: Past, Present, and Future. A Quest to Help Patients Make Better Decisions
Authors: Leclercq Wouter K. G. , Keulers Bram J. , Scheltinga Marc R. M. , Spauwen Paul H. M. , van der Wilt Gert‐Jan 
Published: April 2010

AbstractBackgroundInformed consent (IC) is a process requiring a competent doctor, adequate transfer of information, and consent of the patient. It is not just a signature on a piece of paper. Current consent processes in surgery are probably outdated and may require major changes to adjust them to modern day legislation. A literature search may provide an opportunity for enhancing the quality of the surgical IC (SIC) process.MethodsRelevant English literature obtained from PubMed, Picarta, PsycINFO, and Google between 1993 and 2009 was reviewed.ResultsThe body of literature with respect to SIC is slim and of moderate quality. The SIC process is an underestimated part of surgery and neither surgeons nor patients sufficiently realize its importance. Surgeons are not specifically trained and lack the competence to guide patients through a legally correct SIC process. Computerized programs can support the SIC process significantly but are rarely used for this purpose.ConclusionsIC should be integrated into our surgical practice. Unfortunately, a big gap exists between the theoretical/legal best practice and the daily practice of IC. An optimally informed patient will have more realistic expectations regarding a surgical procedure and its associated risks. Well‐informed patients will be more satisfied and file fewer legal claims. The use of interactive computer‐based programs provides opportunities to improve the SIC process.
Complications of Loop Ileostomy Closure in Patients with Rectal Tumor
Authors: Akiyoshi Takashi , Fujimoto Yoshiya , Konishi Tsuyoshi , Kuroyanagi Hiroya , Ueno Masashi , Oya Masatoshi , Yamaguchi Toshiharu 
Published: April 2010

AbstractBackgroundLoop ileostomy is customary after very low rectal anastomosis to reduce the rate of pelvic sepsis that can result from anastomotic leakage. To evaluate complications of stoma closure is important to maximize the benefit of making the defunctioning stoma. The aim of this study was to examine possible risk factors associated with complications, especially wound infections, after loop ileostomy closure in patients with rectal tumor.MethodsData from 125 consecutive patients who underwent an elective closure of loop ileostomy after primary rectal tumor resection from January 2005 and October 2009 at a single institution were prospectively collected. Nineteen independent clinical variables were examined by univariate and multivariate analyses.ResultsPostoperative complications developed in 21 (16.8%) patients, including 20 (16%) wound infections, 1 (0.8%) ileus, and 1 (0.8%) anastomotic bleeding. There was no postoperative mortality. Risk factors for wound infection included male gender (odds ratio = 5.30; 95% confidence interval 1.14–24.8; p = 0.0339) and surgical site infection (SSI) after primary surgery (odds ratio = 5.00; 95% confidence interval 1.24–20.1; p = 0.0234). Mean length of postoperative hospital stay was significantly longer in patients with complications than in patients without them (14.0 versus 11.0 days; p = 0.0078).ConclusionsThe present study showed that most complications associated with ileostomy closure in a homogeneous group of patients with rectal tumor were wound infections. Male gender and SSI after primary surgery were independent risk factors for the development of wound infections. Surgeons should be aware of such high‐risk patients, and techniques other than primary closure might need to be considered in high‐risk patients to reduce wound infections.
Management of Acute Sigmoid Volvulus: An Institution’s Experience Over 9 Years
Authors: Tan Ker‐Kan , Chong Choon‐Seng , Sim Richard 
Published: April 2010

AbstractIntroductionManagement of sigmoid volvulus is often challenging because of its prevalence in high‐risk patients and the associated perioperative morbidity and mortality rates. This study was designed to review the management and outcome of all patients admitted with sigmoid volvulus.MethodsA retrospective review of all patients who were admitted for sigmoid volvulus from October 2001 to June 2009 was performed. Diagnosis was confirmed on clinical evaluation, radiological studies, and/or intraoperative findings.ResultsSeventy‐one patients, median age 73 (range, 17–96) years, were admitted a total of 134 times for acute sigmoid volvulus during the study period. The majority (n = 51, 71.8%) were older than aged 60 years, and 41 (57.7%) had at least one premorbid condition. Seven (9.9%) patients underwent emergency surgery on presentation. The remaining 64 (90.1%) patients were initially managed conservatively using a flatus tube and/or sigmoidoscopic decompression. One patient had an endoscopic‐related perforation and required emergency surgery. Another ten patients failed conservative management for which nine underwent operative intervention. The last patient refused surgery and died subsequently. Fifty‐three (74.6%) patients had successful conservative management; seven of them underwent elective surgery subsequently. Of the remaining 46 patients, 28 (60.9%) were admitted for recurrent sigmoid volvulus. Of these 28 patients, 12 eventually had elective surgery after successful decompression, whereas the remaining 16 were not operated. In our series, three patients died after emergency surgery and there was no mortality after elective surgery. Another six patients died from medical conditions that were unrelated to sigmoid volvulus.ConclusionsAcute sigmoid volvulus is a surgical emergency, although the majority (75%) can be successfully decompressed nonoperatively. Emergency surgery in these patients is associated with a mortality of 17.6% in our series. Elective definitive surgery is suggested in view of the high recurrence rate (>60%) and the considerable risks of emergency surgery.
Prognostic Impact of Para‐aortic Lymph Node Metastasis in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Murakami Yoshiaki , Uemura Kenichiro , Sudo Takeshi , Hashimoto Yasushi , Yuasa Yoshio , Sueda Taijiro 
Published: April 2010

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of the present study was to clarify the prognostic impact of para‐aortic lymph node metastasis in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.MethodsMedical records of 103 consecutive patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, who underwent pancreatic resection with regional and para‐aortic lymph node dissection were reviewed retrospectively. Clinicopathological factors and survival were compared between patients with and without para‐aortic lymph node metastasis.ResultsTumor size (p = 0.045), extrapancreatic nerve plexus invasion (p = 0.043), UICC pT factor (p = 0.026), and surgical margin status (p = 0.002) were associated significantly with para‐aortic lymph node metastasis. Postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy (p < 0.001) and absence of extrapancreatic nerve plexus invasion (p = 0.041) were associated independently with longer survival, but para‐aortic lymph node metastasis (p = 0.078) was not associated significantly with survival by multivariate analysis. The 2‐ and 5‐year survival rates and median survival time of patients with and without para‐aortic lymph node metastasis were 12, 0%, 12.4 months and 49, 23%, 14.5 months, respectively, and there was a significant difference in survival between the two groups by a log‐rank test (p < 0.001). Postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy significantly improved the survival of patients with para‐aortic lymph node metastasis (p = 0.025).ConclusionsThe prognosis of patients with para‐aortic lymph node metastasis is poor in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. However, postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy may improve survival.
The outcomes of methicillin‐resistantStaphylococcus aureusinfection after living donor liver transplantation in a Japanese center
Authors: Takatsuki Mitsuhisa , Eguchi Susumu , Yamanouchi Kosho , Hidaka Masaaki , Soyama Akihiko , Miyazaki Kensuke , Tajima Yoshitsugu , Kanematsu Takashi 
Published: April 2010

AbstractObjectiveThe objective of this study is to present results from our review of methicillin‐resistantStaphylococcus aureus(MRSA) infection in living‐donor liver transplant (LDLT) recipients.MethodsSeventy patients with primary LDLT between August 1997 and May 2007 were retrospectively reviewed.ResultsOverall, 9 patients (12.9%) encountered various kinds of MRSA infection after transplantation [peritonitis (6), bacteremia (6), pneumonia (3), wound infection (3), cholangitis (1)]; 4 of these 9 patients died. Of these 4 expired patients, 3 were highly urgent cases with very poor pretransplant status under ventilator support. In one patient, linezolid was effective after teicoplanin failure for severe systemic MRSA infections (bacteremia, peritonitis, cholangitis, pneumonia, and enteritis). Of the 4 patients in whom MRSA was isolated only in a nasal swab before transplantation, none developed MRSA infection after transplantation with a 3‐day course of mupirocin prophylaxis.ConclusionsMRSA infection was a contributing factor in death after transplantation in cases with poor pretransplant status. Linezolid was effective even for treating systemic MRSA infection after LDLT. A short course of mupirocin prophylaxis seemed to be effective and did not have any adverse effects.
Does regulatory impact assessment lead to better policy?
Authors: Carroll Peter 
Published: April 2010

Abstract
Regulatory impact assessment systems bring evidence to bear on how to improve the quality of new or modified regulations. In the last 30 years they have become increasingly common in OECD countries. Regulatory proposals put forward by government agencies are now required to have a firm evidence base that clearly supports the new or modified regulation. However, in all jurisdictions actual practice has shown that the performance of the impact assessment systems has been very limited, with proposed regulation continuing to offer little in the way of a rigorous and convincing evidence base. This paper explores the reasons for the poor performance of evidence-based approaches. Reasons include the varying levels of ministerial and head of department/agency commitment, poor integration of impact assessment systems with existing policy development processes, variable capacity for rigorous, evidence-based policy in departments, and a lack of data on which evidence-based policy can be developed.
FAMILIES OF FRACTIONAL FANTAPPIÈ TRANSFORMS
Authors: DOUBTSOV EVGUENI 
Published: April 2010

AbstractLet Bn denote the unit ball in ℂn, n≥1. Given an α>0, let ℱα(n) denote the class of functions defined for z∈Bn by integrating the kernel (1−〈z,w〉)−α against a complex Borel measure dμ(w), w∈Bn. The family ℱ0(n) corresponds to the logarithmic kernel log (1/(1−〈z,w〉)). Various properties of the spaces ℱα(n), α≥0, are obtained. In particular, pointwise multiplies for ℱα(n) are investigated.
Scottish Labour, Race, and Southern African Empire c.1880–1922: A Reply to Kenefick
Authors: Hyslop Jonathan 
Published: April 2010

SummaryIn his article in the current edition of International Review of Social History, the Scottish historian, Billy Kenefick, argues against my thesis that the labour force of the United Kingdom and the settler colonies in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries can be understood as having constituted a linked “imperial working class” in which an ideology of racialized white labour protectionism predominated. Kenefick believes that in South Africa British socialists challenged white labourism, and that Scottish immigrants played a very prominent role in this anti-racist project. My reply traces the relationship between Scottish national identity, imperialism, and the labour movement. It then examines the evidence on the racial politics of Scottish trade unionists in South Africa and argues that, with a very few individual exceptions, they did buy into the ideas of white labourism. Finally, the article considers Scottish labour attitudes to race in the home country, and demonstrates that there was strong sympathy for the racial labour politics of the settler colonies.
Holmium:YAG laser: 12-year study of indications for use and outcomes in benign and malignant otolaryngological conditions
Authors: Joseph J , Jaberoo M-C , Dilkes M 
Published: April 2010

AbstractBackground:We present the largest recorded case series of holmium:YAG laser use in otolaryngology. This laser's hand-held delivery device is easier to manipulate compared with other ENT lasers, and its pulsed delivery mode gives it enhanced cutting and coagulation properties.Methods and results:We conducted a 12-year, retrospective study of holmium:YAG laser use in a tertiary referral centre. Sixty-eight patients were included. Nineteen received primary laser treatment of squamous cell carcinoma of the upper aerodigestive tract (nine with simultaneous neck dissection), and 49 underwent either palatine or lingual tonsillectomy for benign disease. One cancer patient developed a pharyngo-cutaneous fistula, and a second suffered a secondary haemorrhage. No other complications were recorded. There were no local recurrences.Conclusions:The holmium:YAG laser is safe and effective for benign and malignant otolaryngological conditions. In cancer treatment, it may be best to delay neck dissection until the primary site has healed, in order to avoid fistula formation.
Lymphoproliferative disorder of nasopharynx after long-standing cyclosporin therapy for psoriatic arthritis
Authors: Leong A C , Yong J , Salama N 
Published: April 2010

AbstractBackground:The increased risk of developing lymphoproliferative disorders, mainly linked with Epstein–Barr virus infection, is well documented in patients with cyclosporin-induced immunosuppression following organ transplantation. Lymphoproliferative disease is extremely rare in the non-transplant setting.Methods:We present the first published case of non-Epstein–Barr virus associated lymphoproliferative disease in a patient receiving long-standing cyclosporin therapy for psoriatic arthritis, which presented as a recurrent nasopharyngeal mass.Results:Histological examination showed lymphoid hyperplasia in repeated biopsies. Macroscopic clearance was persistently followed by aggressive recurrence. Spontaneous regression occurred upon cyclosporin withdrawal.Conclusion:This rare complication of cyclosporin therapy in non-transplant patients is highlighted from an otolaryngological perspective, as the sole presentation may be a recurrent nasopharyngeal mass. Repeated biopsies showing lymphoid hyperplasia, together with aggressive recurrence, should prompt immediate drug withdrawal to reduce immunosuppression and promote spontaneous regression.
Ultralight aircraft surveys reveal marine turtle population increases along the west coast of Reunion Island
Authors: Jean Claire , Ciccione Stéphane , Ballorain Katia , Georges Jean-Yves , Bourjea Jérôme 
Published: April 2010

AbstractReunion Island in the south-west Indian Ocean once had significant nesting populations of marine turtles but they declined rapidly after human colonization. In 1996, after regular sightings of turtles offshore, an aerial survey programme was initiated to monitor the occurrence of marine turtles and their distribution along the west coast of the island. Between 1998 and 2008, along a 30-km coastline transect between Saint Leu and Saint Paul, a total of 1,845 marine turtle sightings were recorded during 146 flights with an ultralight aircraft. The mean number of turtle sightings per survey increased significantly between 1998 and 2008, and a variety of sizes were recorded throughout the year. Marine turtles were found over coral reef zones and on the outer reef slopes. Spatial distribution may be linked to the topography and substrate of the bottom, which determine the availability of food and shelter. The marine protected area located off Saint Paul seems to have benefited marine turtles as they frequent this area more than other regions on the west coast. These results are encouraging for local organizations working for the conservation of marine turtles on Reunion Island.
Rapid decline of the endemic giant land snailArchachatina bicarinataon the island of Príncipe, Gulf of Guinea
Authors: Dallimer Martin , Melo Martim 
Published: April 2010

AbstractTerrestrial and freshwater molluscs are amongst the most threatened of all taxa, yet data exist on the distribution and status of only a small proportion of the species. Here we present the results of the first systematic survey of a terrestrial mollusc on the island of Príncipe in the Gulf of Guinea.Archachatina bicarinatahas never been previously surveyed, despite being categorized as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List and suffering from unregulated harvesting for food. We found thatA. bicarinatais restricted to primary rainforest and its abundance and probability of occurrence increased as surveyed sites became less accessible. Additional anecdotal evidence from the observations of previous scientific expeditions, local guides and snail harvesters suggested that the species has suffered a dramatic decline in population size and distribution in recent years. We therefore recommend that immediate action be taken to prevent its imminent extinction on Príncipe. The collection ofA. bicarinatafrom protected areas should be banned, as should commercial harvesting and sales. Subsistence collecting should be limited to larger individuals. Our data have been used to inform the management plans for the protected areas on Príncipe and São Tomé, and this should help to ensure the future ofA. bicarinataon both islands.
Population estimates of Endangered Mongolian saigaSaiga tatarica mongolica: implications for effective monitoring and population recovery
Authors: Young Julie K. , Murray Kim M. , Strindberg Samantha , Buuveibaatar Bayarbaatar , Berger Joel 
Published: April 2010

AbstractThe global population of saigaSaiga tatarica, categorized as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List, declined by > 95% at the end of the 20th century, resulting in several conservation initiatives to protect the species. Previously used methods to monitor population trends were inadequate to assess numbers of saiga properly. We report findings from the first survey for Mongolian saigaS. tatarica mongolicato utilize statistically rigorous methodology, using line transect distance sampling in 2006 and 2007 to obtain population estimates in and around the Sharga Nature Reserve, the southern part of the species' current range. We estimate a density of 0.54 and 0.78 saiga km-2in 2006 and 2007, respectively. Our best models suggest that 4,938 (95% confidence interval, CI = 2,762–8,828) saiga occupied the 4,524-km2study area in 2006 and 7,221 (95% CI = 4,380–11,903) occupied the 4,678-km2study area in 2007. Although these estimates, with their large confidence intervals, preclude an assessment of the impacts of conservation initiatives on population trends, they suggest that the Mongolian saiga population is larger than previous reports based on minimum counts, and adequate to support in situ population recovery. Modifications to the survey protocol hold promise for improving the precision of future estimates. Distance sampling may be a useful, scientifically defensible method for monitoring saiga population trends and assessing the effectiveness of conservation efforts to stabilize and recover populations.
The importance of human–macaque folklore for conservation in Lore Lindu National Park, Sulawesi, Indonesia
Authors: Riley Erin P. 
Published: April 2010

AbstractThe emerging field of ethnoprimatology focuses on the conservation implications of ecological and cultural interconnections between humans and other primates. The ethnoprimatological research reported here examined how the Tonkean macaqueMacaca tonkeanais situated in the folklore of villagers in Lore Lindu National Park, Sulawesi, Indonesia. Data were collected using ethnographic interview techniques. The interviews revealed that villagers envision monkeys and humans as biologically, ecologically and culturally interrelated. The perceived cultural linkages between humans and macaques, however, are more salient among the indigenousTo Linduthan among migrants. For manyTo Linduthe folklore has resulted in a taboo that prevents them harming the macaques, despite the species’ frequent crop-raiding behaviour. The conservation significance of the taboo is therefore the local protection it affords this endemic primate. This research lends support for the incorporation of informal institutions, such as taboos, in the conservation management of protected areas.
Population status and distribution of freshwater turtles in Taiwan
Authors: Chen Tien-Hsi , Lue Kuang-Yang 
Published: April 2010

AbstractBecause of burgeoning demand in the Chinese market and extensive habitat loss more than half of the freshwater turtle and tortoise species in Asia are categorized as Endangered or Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List. To investigate the distribution and status of the native freshwater turtle species of Taiwan a trapping programme was conducted during 2001–2007, yielding a total of 1,828 individuals of four native species at 103 sites.Mauremys sinensiswas the most abundant and widely distributed species; it was collected from 70 sites and accounted for 78.6% of all turtles captures.Mauremys muticacomprised 17.8% at 46 sites.Pelodiscus sinensiswere captured in low numbers at 19 sites. NoMauremys reevesiiwere collected on the main island of Taiwan but the species was found on Kinmen Island near mainland China. Capture success was low at most sites and overall sex ratios were significantly male-biased in all species, suggesting that the freshwater turtles have suffered from the negative effects of habitat disturbance and extensive exploitation. Effective conservation measures are urgently required to ensure the viability of the native freshwater turtle species of Taiwan.
Community protection of the Manas Biosphere Reserve in Assam, India, and the Endangered golden langurTrachypithecus geei
Authors: Horwich Robert H. , Islari Rajen , Bose Arnab , Dey Bablu , Moshahary Mahesh , Dey Nirmal Kanti , Das Raju , Lyon Jonathan 
Published: April 2010

AbstractThe Golden Langur Conservation Project in Assam, India, was initiated to involve local NGOs and communities in protecting the Endangered golden langurTrachypithecus geeiand its habitat on a regional basis within a complex political situation. Since langurs are leaf eaters they are dependent on forests. The Project area, once dominated by militant action and ethnic violence, is in a densely populated area and formerly suffered much illegal deforestation and accompanying reduction in the golden langur population. The Project began with two NGOs and evolved into the formation of a forum of five NGOs focusing on a large proportion of the golden langur range in Assam, and eventually included > 11 newly formed community-based organizations. Each NGO focused on nearby Reserve Forests and their resident langur populations and adjacent human communities. The community-conservation tools used included (1) initial local community awareness campaigns, (2) formation of local Forest Committees and Self Help Groups, (3) a major regional awareness campaign about the golden langur and its forested habitat in the Manas Biosphere Reserve, and (4) creation of a number of village-based Forest Protection Forces. The Golden Langur Conservation Project has resulted in an increase in the total Indian population of golden langurs, control of illegal logging and poaching in two isolated Reserve Forests by formation of a protection force of surrounding village groups, and curtailing illegal logging and increasing forest protection in the Reserve Forests of the Manas Biosphere Reserve by the formation of 10 tribal, government-sanctioned volunteer Forest Protection Forces. The Project created an atmosphere of community awareness of the golden langur and its forests and community interest within the region, with communities taking responsibility for protection of regional forests.