bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Should lymphadenectomy be performed in early stage I and II sarcomas of the corpus uteri
Authors: Tsikouras Panagiotis , Dafopoulos Alexandros , Ammari Alexandros , Dislian Valentin , Liatsikos Spyros , Zografou Christos , Dafopoulos Konstantinos , Galazios Georgios , Maroulis Georgios , Liberis Vasileios , Teichmann Alexander Tobias 
Published: July 2011

AbstractAim:  The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of radical lymphadenectomy as a prognostic factor in the management of uterine sarcomas.Methods:  Sixty patients with histologically‐proven uterine sarcomas were recruited for this study. The patients were evaluated retrospectively, during the time period from September 1990 to June 2008, in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of Aschaffenburg Clinic in Germany. The normality of the quantitative variables was tested using the Kolmogorov–Smirnov test.Results:  Of 60 patients, 35 (58.3%) underwent total abdominal hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo‐oophorectomy and pelvic or para‐aortic lymphadenectomy. The excision of iliac nodes was the strongest and most independent factor (β = 0.64, P = 0.000) associated with survival. Recurrence of disease developed in 14 out of 25 patients (56%) who did not receive lymphadenectomy, but in only 10 out of 35 patients (29%) who underwent lymphadenectomy. The mean survival in years after surgery plus lymphadenectomy was 5.28 years, while in patients who did not undergo lymphadenectomy it was 1.56 years.Conclusions:  Removal of lymphatic tissue in patients with early‐stage uterine sarcoma significantly decreases the recurrence rate of the disease and improves the postoperative survival. However, there is a need for further prospective randomized controlled trials to investigate the adequate surgical management of uterine sarcomas and to clarify the prognostic value of lymphadenectomy at the initial surgery.
Prevalence of celiac disease in parents of preterm or low birthweight newborns
Authors: Özgör Bilge , Selimoğlu Mukadder Ayşe , Temel İsmail , Seçkin Yüksel , Kafkaslı Ayşe 
Published: July 2011

AbstractAim:  Celiac disease (CD) may present with atypical symptoms, including poor pregnancy outcomes, such as preterm and low birthweight (LBW) deliveries, thus we aimed to investigate the frequency of CD in mothers and fathers of preterm or LBW newborns.Materials and Methods:  In this study, 316 parents of 164 preterm or LBW newborns and 246 parents of 123 healthy newborns were included. CD was screened using tissue transglutaminase immunoglobulin A. Endoscopic duodenal biopsy was provided in the seropositive cases.Results:  Positive tissue transglutaminase immunoglobulin A was found in six (1.1%; 1/94) individuals (three mothers and three fathers); five were from the study group (1.6%; 1/63) and one was from the control group (0.4%; 1/246). CD prevalence in mothers, fathers and parents of preterm newborns was 1/57 (1.8%), 1/57 (1.8%) and 1/29 (3.5%), respectively. In the LBW group, seropositivity in fathers was 1/50 (2%) with no seropositive mothers. Biopsy‐proven CD was found in 1/159 mothers (0.6%) and 1/79 fathers (1.3%). Mean birthweights of the newborns of seropositive mothers and fathers were 214 g (P < 0.05) and 320 g lower than those of seronegative ones, respectively. However, in logistic regression analysis it was found that seropositivity of mothers or fathers did not affect gestational age or birthweight of the newborns.Conclusion:  Because the prevalence of CD in parents of preterm or LBW newborns is not statistically higher than the healthy population, routine CD screening in that group cannot be recommended at the time being. For more definite conclusions further studies are needed.
Effects on in vitro fertilization–embryo transfer outcomes of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor‐1, ‐2 and ‐3 in eutopic endometrial tissue of women with endometriosis
Authors: Kim Chung‐Hoon , Ahn Jun‐Woo , Kim Sung‐Hoon , Chae Hee‐Dong , Kang Byung‐Moon 
Published: July 2011

AbstractAim:  This study was performed to assess the expression levels of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR)‐1, ‐2 and ‐3 mRNA in eutopic endometrial tissue and their effects on in vitro fertilization–embryo transfer (IVF‐ET) outcomes in women with endometriosis.Materials and Methods:  Twenty women with endometriosis III or IV (study group) and 20 with tubal infertility only (control group) were evaluated. Controlled ovarian stimulation in all patients consisted of the long protocol using gonadotrophin‐releasing hormone agonist. Prior to the administration of 0.1 mg triptorelin daily in the mid‐luteal phase of the preceding menstrual cycle, a biopsy specimen was taken from the endometrial cavity, and the expression levels of VEGFR‐1, ‐2 and ‐3 mRNA were analyzed with real‐time reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction.Results:  There were no significant differences in the numbers of retrieved oocytes and mature oocytes, fertilization rate and clinical pregnancy rate between the study and control groups. However, the implantation rate was significantly lower in the study group (P < 0.05). The relative amounts of VEGFR‐1, ‐2 and ‐3 mRNA were significantly higher in the study group than in the control group (P < 0.001 each). The relative amounts of VEGFR‐1 and ‐3 mRNA were significantly higher in the non‐pregnant than in the pregnant subgroup of the study group (P < 0.01, P < 0.05, respectively).Conclusions:  Increased expression of VEGFR in the endometrium, especially VEGFR‐1 and ‐3, may be related to the development of endometriosis and may reduce the receptivity of the endometrium.
Nutrition and income from molluscs today imply vulnerability to ocean acidification tomorrow
Authors: Cooley Sarah R , Lucey Noelle , Kite‐Powell Hauke , Doney Scott C 
Published: July 2011

AbstractAtmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from human industrial activities are causing a progressive alteration of seawater chemistry, termed ocean acidification, which has decreased seawater pH and carbonate ion concentration markedly since the Industrial Revolution. Many marine organisms, like molluscs and corals, build hard shells and skeletons using carbonate ions, and they exhibit negative overall responses to ocean acidification. This adds to other chronic and acute environmental pressures and promotes shifts away from calcifier‐rich communities. In this study, we examine the possible implications of ocean acidification on mollusc harvests worldwide by examining present production, consumption and export and by relating those data to present and future surface ocean chemistry forecast by a coupled climate‐ocean model (Community Climate System 3.1; CCSM3). We identify the ‘transition decade’ when future ocean chemistry will distinctly differ from that of today (2010), and when mollusc harvest levels similar to those of the present cannot be guaranteed if present ocean chemistry is a significant determinant of today’s mollusc production. We assess nations’ vulnerability to ocean acidification‐driven decreases in mollusc harvests by comparing nutritional and economic dependences on mollusc harvests, overall societal adaptability, and the amount of time until the transition decade. Projected transition decades for individual countries will occur 10–50 years after 2010. Countries with low adaptability, high nutritional or economic dependence on molluscs, rapidly approaching transition decades or rapidly growing populations will therefore be most vulnerable to ocean acidification‐driven mollusc harvest decreases. These transition decades suggest how soon nations should implement strategies, such as increased aquaculture of resilient species, to help maintain current per capita mollusc harvests.
Success Without ‘A’ Pass: an Educational Experiment Revisited
Authors: Nash Mary 
Published: July 2011

AbstractIn 1963, the University of Sussex inaugurated an innovative Early Leavers Scheme in response to two government reports which confirmed that it was still the norm for talented working‐class children to leave school aged 15 or 16 and indicated that the hopes of the 1944 Education Act were as yet unfulfilled. This article explores what the scheme has meant to some of the people who got to university because of it. Research on relevant documentation of the scheme and its outcomes held in the University of Sussex archives and information gathered from four people admitted to the scheme and its impact on them inform this article. The scheme is contextualised with relevant policy documents, government reports and academic publications to provide a framework for the accounts of those who took part in it and it is tentatively suggested that these have implications for higher education policy today.
Filial norms and intergenerational support to aging parents in China and Taiwan
Authors: Lin Ju‐Ping , Yi Chin‐Chun 
Published: July 2011

Lin J‐P, Yi C‐C. Filial norms and intergenerational support to aging parents in China and TaiwanInt J Soc Welfare 2011: 20: S109–S120 © 2011 The Author(s), International Journal of Social Welfare © 2011 Blackwell Publishing Ltd and the International Journal of Social Welfare.This study compared intergenerational relations in China and Taiwan. It has been assumed that cultural homogeneity results in filial norms being the shared dominant family value. However, due to different socio‐economic experiences, other situational factors could produce different effects in China and Taiwan. Specifically, geographical distance, parental demands, and children's resources were incorporated in the analysis. We suspected that different situational factors might interact with filial norms in producing varying effects on intergenerational support. Data were taken from the 2006 East Asian Social Survey. Results confirmed that the patriarchal family model of intergenerational support remains strong in both China and Taiwan. The traditional Chinese filial norms significantly accounted for all aspects of intergenerational support examined.
Attachment security as a mechanism linking foster care placement to improved mental health outcomes in previously institutionalized children
Authors: McLaughlin Katie A. , Zeanah Charles H. , Fox Nathan A. , Nelson Charles A. 
Published: July 2011

Background:  Children reared in institutions experience elevated rates of psychiatric disorders. Inability to form a secure attachment relationship to a primary caregiver is posited to be a central mechanism in this association. We determined whether the ameliorative effect of a foster care (FC) intervention on internalizing disorders in previously institutionalized children was explained by the development of secure attachment among children placed in FC. Second we evaluated the role of lack of attachment in an institutionalized sample on the etiology of internalizing disorders within the context of a randomized trial.Methods:  A sample of 136 children (aged 6–30 months) residing in institutions was recruited in Bucharest, Romania. Children were randomized to FC (n = 68) or to care as usual (CAU; n = 68). Foster parents were recruited, trained, and overseen by the investigative team. Attachment security at 42 months was assessed using the Strange Situation Procedure, and internalizing disorders at 54 months were assessed using the Preschool Age Psychiatric Assessment.Results:  Girls in FC had fewer internalizing disorders than girls in CAU (OR = 0.17, p = .006). The intervention had no effect on internalizing disorders in boys (OR = 0.47, p = .150). At 42 months, girls in FC were more likely to have secure attachment than girls in CAU (OR = 12.5, p < .001), but no difference was observed in boys (OR = 2.0, p = .205). Greater attachment security predicted lower rates of internalizing disorders in both sexes. Development of attachment security fully mediated intervention effects on internalizing disorders in girls.Conclusion:  Placement into FC facilitated the development of secure attachment and prevented the onset of internalizing disorders in institutionalized girls. The differential effects of FC on attachment security in boys and girls explained gender differences in the intervention effects on psychopathology. Findings provide evidence for the critical role of disrupted attachment in the etiology of internalizing disorders in children exposed to institutionalization.
Multicriteria path and tree problems: discussion on exact algorithms and applications
Authors: Clímaco João C. N. , Pascoal Marta M. B. 
Published: July 2011

AbstractMulticriteria/multiobjective path and tree models are useful in many applications. Particularly, in Internet routing problems they seem to lead to promising approaches. In the first part of this paper, we classify and present the main exact approaches dealing with several multicriteria path problems putting in evidence the shortest path problem. In the second part, we review exact algorithms dedicated to some multicriteria tree problems, namely the minimum spanning tree and the minimum cost/minimum label spanning tree problems. Finally, the application of these models is exemplified.
Tissue Engineering Human Small‐Caliber Autologous Vessels Using a Xenogenous Decellularized Connective Tissue Matrix Approach: Preclinical Comparative Biomechanical Studies
Authors: Heine Jörg , Schmiedl Andreas , Cebotari Serghei , Karck Matthias , Mertsching Heike , Haverich Axel , Kallenbach Klaus 
Published: July 2011

AbstractSuggesting that bioartificial vascular scaffolds cannot but tissue‐engineered vessels can withstand biomechanical stress, we developed in vitro methods for preclinical biological material testings. The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of revitalization of xenogenous scaffolds on biomechanical stability of tissue‐engineered vessels. For measurement of radial distensibility, a salt‐solution inflation method was used. The longitudinal tensile strength test (DIN 50145) was applied on bone‐shaped specimen: tensile/tear strength (SigmaB/R), elongation at maximum yield stress/rupture (DeltaB/R), and modulus of elasticity were determined of native (NAs; n = 6), decellularized (DAs; n = 6), and decellularized carotid arteries reseeded with human vascular smooth muscle cells and human vascular endothelial cells (RAs; n = 7). Radial distensibility of DAs was significantly lower (113%) than for NAs (135%) (P < 0.001) or RAs (127%) (P = 0.018). At levels of 120 mm Hg and more, decellularized matrices burst (120, 160 [n = 2] and 200 mm Hg). Although RAs withstood levels up to 300 mm Hg, ANOVA revealed a significant difference from NA (P = 0.018). Compared with native vessels (NAs), SigmaB/R values were lower in DAs (44%; 57%) (P = 0.014 and P = 0.002, respectively) and were significantly higher in RAs (71%; 83%) (both P <  0.001). Similarly, DeltaB/R values were much higher in DAs compared with NAs (94%; 88%) (P < 0.001) and RAs (87%; 103%) (P <  0.001), but equivalent in NAs and RAs. Modulus of elasticity (2.6/1.1/3.7 to 16.6 N/mm2) of NAs, DAs, RAs was comparable (P = 0.088). Using newly developed in vitro methods for small‐caliber vascular graft testing, this study proved that revitalization of decellularized connective tissue scaffolds led to vascular graft stability able to withstand biomechanical stress mimicking the human circulation. This tissue engineering approach provides a sufficiently stable autologized graft.
Timing of Do‐Not‐Resuscitate Orders for Hospitalized Older Adults Who Require a Surrogate Decision‐Maker
Authors: Torke Alexia M. , Sachs Greg A. , Helft Paul R. , Petronio Sandra , Purnell Christianna , Hui Siu , Callahan Christopher M. 
Published: July 2011

OBJECTIVES: To examine the frequency of surrogate decisions for in‐hospital do‐not‐resuscitate (DNR) orders and the timing of DNR order entry for surrogate decisions.DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study.SETTING: Large, urban, public hospital.PARTICIPANTS: Hospitalized adults aged 65 and older over a 3‐year period (1/1/2004–12/31/2006) with a DNR order during their hospital stay.MEASUREMENTS: Electronic chart review provided data on frequency of surrogate decisions, patient demographic and clinical characteristics, and timing of DNR orders.RESULTS: Of 668 patients, the ordering physician indicated that the DNR decision was made with the patient in 191 cases (28.9%), the surrogate in 389 (58.2%), and both in 88 (13.2%). Patients who required a surrogate were more likely to be in the intensive care unit (62.2% vs 39.8%, P<.001) but did not differ according to demographic characteristics. By hospital Day 3, 77.6% of patient decisions, 61.9% of surrogate decisions, and 58.0% of shared decisions had been made. In multivariable models, the number of days from admission to DNR order was higher for surrogate (odds ratio (OR)=1.97, P<.001) and shared decisions (OR=1.48, P=.009) than for patient decisions. The adjusted hazard ratio for hospital death was higher for patients with surrogate than patient decisions (2.61, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.56–4.36). Patients whose DNR orders were written on Day 6 or later were twice as likely to die in the hospital (OR=2.20, 95% CI=1.45–3.36) than patients with earlier DNR orders.CONCLUSION: For patients who have a DNR order entered during their hospital stay, order entry occurs later when a surrogate is involved. Surrogate decision‐making may take longer because of the greater ethical, emotional, or communication complexity of making decisions with surrogates than with patients.
Presurgical Hand Antisepsis: Concepts and Current Habits of Veterinary Surgeons
Authors: Verwilghen Denis , Grulke Sigrid , Kampf Günter 
Published: July 2011

Objective: To assess current habits for surgical hand preparation among veterinary surgical specialists and to compare data with current guidelines for hand asepsis techniques.Study design: Survey of veterinary surgical specialists.Sample Population: Diplomates of the American (ACVS) and European Colleges of Veterinary Surgeons (ECVS).Methods: An internet‐based survey of hand preparation methods before surgical procedures was conducted of 1300 listed ACVS and ECVS Diplomates.Results: A 42.6% response rate was obtained. Approximately, 80% of respondents use disinfecting soaps as a primary method for hand antisepsis. Of those, 81% use chlorhexidine‐based scrubs and 7% use a neutral soap followed by a hydroalcoholic solution.Conclusions: Contrary to current recommendations of the World Health Organization and scientific evidence supporting use of hydro‐alcoholic rubs for presurgical hand preparation, veterinary surgical specialists still use surgical scrub solutions containing disinfecting soaps.
An analysis of mobile whole blood collection labor efficiency
Authors: Rose William N. , Dayton Paula J. , Raife Thomas J. 
Published: July 2011

BACKGROUND: Labor efficiency is desirable in mobile blood collection. There are few published data on labor efficiency. The variability in the labor efficiency of mobile whole blood collections was analyzed. We determined to improve our labor efficiency using lean manufacturing principles.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Workflow changes in mobile collections were implemented with the goal of minimizing labor expenditures. To measure success, data on labor efficiency measured by units/hour/full‐time equivalent (FTE) were collected. The labor efficiency in a 6‐month period before the implementation of changes, and in months 1 to 6 and 7 to 12 after implementation was analyzed and compared.RESULTS: Labor efficiency in the 6‐month period preceding implementation was 1.06 ± 0.4 units collected/hour/FTE. In months 1 to 6, labor efficiency declined slightly to 0.92 ± 0.4 units collected/hour/FTE (p = 0.016 vs. preimplementation). In months 7 to 12, the mean labor efficiency returned to preimplementation levels of 1.09 ± 0.4 units collected/hour/FTE. Regression analysis correlating labor efficiency with total units collected per drive revealed a strong correlation (R2 = 0.48 for the aggregate data from all three periods), indicating that nearly half of labor efficiency was associated with drive size. The lean‐based changes in workflow were subjectively favored by employees and donors.CONCLUSIONS: The labor efficiency of our mobile whole blood drives is strongly influenced by size. Larger drives are more efficient, with diminishing returns above 40 units collected. Lean‐based workflow changes were positively received by employees and donors.
Knowledge of food and drug administration reportable deviations
Authors: Lam Rebecca , Bryant Barbara J. 
Published: July 2011

BACKGROUND: As early as 2001, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) required blood centers and hospital transfusion services to report events associated with testing, storage, or distribution of blood products that deviated from current good manufacturing practices or affected the safety, purity, or potency of the product. Between 2004 and 2009, an average of only 8.6% of hospitals reported blood product deviations.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Case scenarios designed to evaluate knowledge of FDA reportable deviations were developed and sent for evaluation to the Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER) and FDA division directors for FDA reportable deviations. A final survey containing eight cases was launched in a web‐based online survey tool and sent to blood bank medical technologists. Additional information was queried regarding job title/responsibilities and the size of the blood center and/or transfusion service.RESULTS: There were 176 respondents to the survey. Only 5.7% (10/176) answered all questions correctly. Analysis by job title and place of employment revealed no correlation to the number of correct responses. More importance was attached to deviations involving quality control, blood bank identification, unit specifications, and antibody identification. Less importance was attached to deviations involving phlebotomist's initials, failure to issue units in the computer, and using a recent sample from a previous hospitalization.CONCLUSION: This study revealed that blood bankers did not have clear understanding of what constituted an FDA reportable occurrence. Size or type of blood establishment or individual job title was not associated with more knowledge of FDA reportable deviations.
Phase Transformation Behavior and Electrical Properties of Pb(Zr0.56Ti0.44)O3–Bi(Zn0.5Ti0.5)O3 Solid Solution Ceramics
Authors: Zuo Ruzhong , Liu Yi , Su Shi , Chu Xiangcheng , Wang Xiaohui 
Published: July 2011

The solid solutions of (1−x)Pb(Zr0.56Ti0.44)O3–xBi(Zn0.5Ti0.5)O3 ((1−x)PZ56T44–xBZT) were synthesized via a solid‐state reaction method. X‐ray diffraction results indicated that the tetragonality of (1−x)PZ56T44–xBZT was enhanced with increasing the BZT content, and a morphotropic phase boundary (MPB) between rhombohedral and tetragonal ferroelectric phases was identified to be in the range of 0.15 < x < 0.18. In addition, the dielectric diffuseness and frequency dispersion behavior were induced with increasing the BZT content, owing to increased disorder degree of both A‐site and B‐site cations in (1−x)PZ56T44–xBZT perovskite lattice. Contrary to the case in PT–BZT, the increased tetragonality accompanies reduced Curie temperatures (Tc) as PZ56T44 was substituted by BZT. The electrical properties of solid solutions exhibit obviously compositional dependence. The optimum dielectric and piezoelectric properties of = 1430, d33 = 365 pC/N, kp = 50%, Qm = 32, and Tc = 260°C were achieved in (1−x)PZ56T44–xBZT ceramics with x = 0.18 owing to the co‐existence of two ferroelectric phases near the MPB.