bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Contemporary trends of in‐hospital complications and mortality for radical cystectomy
Authors: Kim Simon P. , Boorjian Stephen A. , Shah Nilay D. , Karnes R. Jeffrey , Weight Christopher J. , Moriarty James P. , Tollefson Matthew K. , Shippee Nathan D. , Frank Igor 
Published: March 2012

Study Type – Therapy (trend analysis)Level of Evidence 2bWhat's known on the subject? and What does the study add?Radical cystectomy (RC) carries significant risks of morbidity and mortality. Little is known whether in‐hospital outcomes are improving for RC.Using a contemporary population‐based cohort, the present study suggests minimal improvement in postoperative complications and mortality overall or by hospital‐volume category from 2001 to 2008. About 29% and 2% of patients undergoing RC will experience a postoperative complication or die during hospitalisation, respectively.OBJECTIVE
To characterise the contemporary trends of in‐hospital complications and mortality for radical cystectomy (RC) from a contemporary population‐based cohort, as patients undergoing RC for bladder cancer are at significant risk for complications and mortality and the degree to which in‐hospital outcomes have changed over time is unknown.
PATIENTS AND METHODS
We identified 50 625 individuals who underwent RC for bladder cancer between 2001 and 2008 from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample.
Multivariable regression models were used to identify hospital and patient covariates associated with in‐hospital complications and mortality and to estimate predicted probabilities of each outcome.
Temporal trends of in‐hospital mortality and complications were assessed by Wilcoxon rank‐sum test.
RESULTS
The proportion of patients with in‐hospital complications remained stable at 28.3% in 2001–2002 compared with 28.0% in 2007–2008 (P= 0.81 for trend).
In‐hospital mortality was also unchanged from 2.4% in 2001–2002 compared with 2.3% in 2007–2008 (P= 0.87 for trend).
While high‐volume hospitals were associated with lower odds of in‐hospital complications (odds ratio [OR] 0.77, P= 0.01) and mortality (OR 0.60, P= 0.02) compared with low‐volume hospitals, the predicted probabilities of in‐hospital complications or mortality were unchanged within each volume category between 2001 and 2008.
CONCLUSIONS
In‐hospital complications and mortality for RC remain unchanged from 2001 to 2008.
While high‐volume hospitals continue to have better outcomes, there is little evidence that postoperative mortality and morbidity are improving among low‐, medium‐ and high‐volume hospitals.
Increased attention is needed to identify the modifiable aspects of postoperative care to improve in‐hospital outcomes and safety for patients undergoing RC.
International networking: connecting midwives through social media
Authors: Stewart S. , Sidebotham M. , Davis D. 
Published: March 2012

STEWART S., SIDEBOTHAM M. & DAVIS D. (2012) International networking: connecting midwives through social media. International Nursing Review59, 431–434Purpose:  This article reports on the ‘Virtual International Day of the Midwife E‐vent’, an innovative initiative that uses social media to provide opportunities for learning and networking internationally.Background:  This e‐vent was conceived of and initiated in 2009 by a small group of midwives with an interest in social media. The e‐vent uses web conferencing software and schedules a presentation every hour for a 24‐h period so as to reach midwives or other interested parties in all time zones of the globe.Methods:  The authors draw on their experiences to describe the e‐vent including the e‐vent aims and organizing processes, and to report on participation trends over the 3‐year period.Findings:  The e‐vent has seen significant growth over a 3‐year period with participation increasing from an average of five participants per session to 50. The organizing committee has expanded to include an international team and they have extended the reach of the project by establishing a Facebook page.Conclusions:  While the use of social media has its limitations, projects such as the International Day of the Midwife E‐vent have real potential to increase access to educational materials and provide opportunities for international networking.
Kosovo – Winning its Independence but Losing its People? Recent Evidence on Emigration Intentions and Preparedness to Migrate
Authors: Ivlevs Artjoms , King Roswitha M. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractKosovo declared its independence from Serbia in February 2008, but substantial proportions of its population are expressing their lack of confidence by preparing to emigrate. In this paper, we present evidence from a customized post‐independence survey (1,367 face‐to face interviews) on emigration intentions in Kosovo, carried out in June 2008. Thirty per cent of the respondents from the Albanian‐speaking majority have taken concrete steps to move abroad, and emigration intentions have again risen to their pre‐independence peak. Strikingly, it is the better educated and those with higher incomes that are more likely to exit. Ethnic Serbs (the largest minority group) are less likely to emigrate than Kosovo’s ethnic majority.
Consumer involvement and marketing in Africa: some directions for future research
Authors: Gbadamosi Ayantunji 
Published: March 2012

AbstractDespite an ongoing debate, authors agree that factors that determine consumers' involvement in any goal object are the characteristics of the object, the characteristics of the customer involved and the situational context of the decision. With this as the theoretical background, this paper advocates the need to study African‐specific contextual factors to gain a thorough understanding of consumer involvement and successful marketing practice in this society. An extensive review of the extant literature was done to provide a relevant framework for exploring consumer involvement and African‐related issues. The paper concludes that existing postulations on the subject matter could not robustly capture consumer involvement in Africa due to pertinent influences of cultural values and mores that do not apply elsewhere in the world. Hence, empirical studies to gauge the context‐specific application of the subject in relation to Africa are suggested as imperative. This paper advocates a society‐oriented consciousness for marketing activities in relation to consumer involvement with specific reference to Africa. Therefore, it cautions against undue generalization about the existing postulations on the subject, and provides directions for future research towards updating the literature.
Consumer reactions to the availability of organic food in discount supermarkets
Authors: Gottschalk Ingrid , Leistner Tabea 
Published: March 2012

AbstractThe market for organic food products in industrial countries has changed significantly. Conventional grocery stores have entered this market in recent years and now present an alternative point of purchase to farmers’ markets and specialized health food shops. In Germany, the main newcomers in this field are the discount supermarkets. The question is whether the increased supply of organic food products leads to sustained effects on consumer behaviour. In other words, can a first‐time purchase of organic products at a discounter act as an ‘icebreaker’ and induce further purchases? This question is addressed here. A consumer survey (n = 231) indicates that an initial purchase of organic food in a discount store is indeed very likely to lead to follow‐up purchases. The link shown is statistically significant. Furthermore, customers are very interested in the availability of locally grown products, reliable information and easy comparison with non‐organic products. Important recommendations concerning organic product range, display and information, especially for retailers, can be deducted.
The Impairing Effect of Acute Ethanol on Spreading Depression is Antagonized by Astaxanthin in Rats of 2 Young‐Adult Ages
Authors: Abadie‐Guedes Ricardo , Guedes Rubem C. A. , Bezerra Ranilson S. 
Published: March 2012

BackgroundEthanol (EtOH) abuse and insufficient ingestion of antioxidants are external factors that can alter brain electrophysiology. Our previous studies have demonstrated that the excitability‐related brain electrophysiological phenomenon known as cortical spreading depression (CSD) was facilitated by chronic EtOH intake, and chronic treatment with carotenoids attenuated this effect. Here, we investigated the acute effect of a single EtOH administration on CSD in young and adult rats previously (1 hour) treated with 10 μg/kg of astaxanthin.MethodsMale Wistar rats (5 young‐ and 5 adult groups, 60 to 80 and 150 to 180 days of age, respectively) were treated by 2 gavage procedures at 1‐hour interval as follows: groups 1 and 2 received astaxanthin in gavage I combined with EtOH (group 1) or water (group 2) in gavage II; groups 3 and 4 received olive oil (the vehicle in which astaxanthin was dissolved) in gavage I combined with EtOH (group 3) or water (group 4) in gavage II; group 5 received water in gavage I combined with EtOH in gavage II. CSD was recorded on the cortical surface for 4 hours.ResultsCompared to the respective water and oil controls (groups 2 and 4; CSD velocities: 3.73 ± 0.09 and 3.78 ± 0.07 mm/min in the young groups; 2.99 ± 0.10 and 3.05 ± 0.19 mm/min in the adult groups), a single dose of EtOH (groups 3 and 5) decreased CSD propagation velocities (3.29 ± 0.23 and 3.16 ± 0.10 mm/min in the young groups; 2.71 ± 0.27 and 2.75 ± 0.31 mm/min in the adult groups). Astaxanthin antagonized the impairing effect of acute EtOH on CSD (group 1; mean velocity: 3.70 ± 0.19 and 3.13 ± 0.16 mm/min for the young and adult groups, respectively).ConclusionsThe results showed an antagonistic effect of acute EtOH treatment on CSD propagation that was reverted by astaxanthin. The EtOH–astaxanthin interaction was not influenced by the age, as it was found in both young and adult animals.
Crocodile Oil Enhances Cutaneous Burn Wound Healing and Reduces Scar Formation in Rats
Authors: Li Hua‐Liang , Chen Li‐Ping , Hu Yong‐Hua , Qin Yan , Liang Ge , Xiong You‐Xiong , Chen Qing‐Xi 
Published: March 2012

ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE 2012; 19:265–273 © 2012 by the Society for Academic Emergency MedicineAbstractObjectives:  This study was performed to evaluate the burn wound–healing efficacy of crocodile oil from Crocodylus siamensis by employing deep second‐degree burns in a Wistar rat model.Methods:  Twenty‐four rats were assigned equally into four groups using a random‐number table, and two burns were created on the dorsum of each animal except for the sham group. The three treatment groups received with saline solution (12 burns, served as negative control), silver sulfadiazine (12 burns, served as positive control), or crocodile oil (12 burns). Silver sulfadiazine cream was used as standard care, and the treatments were repeated twice daily for 28 days. After day 28 the animals were euthanized and the wounds were removed for quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction, histologic, and immunohistochemical study.Results:  Crocodile oil accelerated the wound‐healing process as indicated by a significant decrease in wound closure time in comparison to the burn control and silver sulfadiazine treatment groups. Histologic results showed well‐organized and distributed skin structure and collagen deposition in the animals treated with crocodile oil. Transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1), a key cytokine promoting scarring, was also observed to play a role in the burn wound healing. Immunohistochemical staining results showed the negative expression of TGF‐β1 and Smad3 in the 28‐days‐postburn skin of crocodile oil group versus positive in the epidermis of burn controls. Compared to the burn control group, expressions of TGF‐β1 and Smad3 mRNA decreased significantly (p < 0.01) in the 28‐days‐postburn skin of the crocodile oil group.Conclusions:  Our results showed that crocodile oil could enhance cutaneous burn wound healing and reduce scar formation in rats, which might be related to TGF‐β1/Smad3 signaling.
Twin births: cesarean section or vaginal delivery?
Authors: HOFFMANN ELISE , OLDENBURG ANNA , RODE LINE , TABOR ANN , RASMUSSEN STEEN , SKIBSTED LILLIAN 
Published: March 2012

AbstractObjective. To assess morbidity and mortality in twin pregnancy deliveries, according to chorionicity and mode of delivery. Design. Population‐based retrospective cohort. Setting. Fourteen obstetric departments in Denmark. Population. One thousand one hundred and seventy‐five twin pregnancies with two live fetuses at 36+0 weeks of gestation. Methods. Pregnancy outcomes assessed according to chorionicity and mode of delivery. Main outcome measures. Poor outcome defined as five min Apgar score ≤ 7, umbilical artery pH < 7.10, admission to neonatal unit for more than three days or death. Results. Dichorionic (DC) twins, delivered after 36 gestational weeks, with intended vaginal delivery (n= 689) compared with DC twins with planned cesarean section (n= 371) had an increased risk of poor outcome [odds ratio (OR) 1.47, p= 0.037] after adjustment for body mass index, parity and weight discordance. There was no increased risk for poor outcome in monochorionic (MC) twins with intended vaginal delivery (n= 63) compared with planned cesarean section (n= 52; OR 0.87, 95% confidence interval 0.26–2.96). Nulliparity increased the risk of poor outcome in DC (OR 1.5, p= 0.03) and in MC twins (OR 4.01, p= 0.02), as well as birthweight discordance >300 g (DC, OR 1.50, p= 0.02; and MC, OR 6.02, p= 0.002). For DC twins, we found a significantly higher risk of poor outcome of the second‐born twin compared with the first (OR 1.64, p= 0.001). Conclusions. Dichorionic twins born after 36 weeks of gestation had a higher risk of poor outcome by intended vaginal delivery than by planned cesarean section. For MC twins, statistical differences in outcome by mode of delivery could not be seen.
The role of the skin irritation response in polysensitization to fragrances
Authors: Nagtegaal Mariette J. C. , Pentinga Stefanie E. , Kuik Joop , Kezic Sanja , Rustemeyer Thomas 
Published: March 2012

Background. Contact allergy to fragrance chemicals is an increasing problem. Polysensitization is likely to be a phenotype of increased susceptibility to contact allergy. The factors that play a role in polysensitization are largely unknown. Identifying these risk factors is important with regard to future studies on the aetiology of contact allergy.Objectives. To investigate whether enhanced skin irritability is a risk factor for the development of polysensitization to fragrance chemicals.Methods. One hundred participants characterized by fragrance contact allergy were included in our study. The participants were patch tested on the back with 25 individual fragrance chemicals and fragrance mixes I and II, and on the upper arm with sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) (consisting of SLS concentrations of 0.45%, 0.67%, 1%, and 1.5%). Reading of both tests was performed during the following visits at days 2, 3, and 7. The response to SLS was monitored by measuring transepidermal water loss (TEWL). Polysensitization was defined as three or more allergic reactions to non‐cross‐reacting fragrance chemical allergens.Results. Individuals with polysensitization showed significantly higher irritation responses to SLS 1% and 1.5% as assessed by TEWL.Conclusions. We found an enhanced skin irritation response to be a risk factor for the development of polysensitization to fragrance chemicals.
A rare case of primary cutaneous plasmacytoma‐like lymphoproliferative disorder following renal transplantation
Authors: Molina‐Ruiz Ana M. , Pulpillo Águeda , Lasanta Begoña , Zulueta Teresa , Andrades Rocío , Requena Luis 
Published: March 2012

Post‐transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) is a lymphoid proliferation that develops as a complication of solid organ or bone marrow transplants. PTLD limited to the skin is very rare. Plasmacytoma‐like PTLD is an uncommon variant of monomorphic PTLD. Its presentation in the skin is extraordinary with very few cases reported in the literature. We report a new case of plasmacytoma‐like PTLD presenting as multiple skin nodules on the leg of a 74‐year‐old kidney transplant recipient. Histopathologic and immunohistochemical examination of one nodule revealed atypical plasmacytoid and plasmablastic cells that showed kappa light chain restriction and stained positive for CD138. Staging investigations excluded extracutaneous manifestations of the disease. This case is unusual for several reasons including involvement limited to the skin, plasmacytoid phenotype of the tumor, presentation 18 years following transplantation and Epstein–Barr virus negativity.Molina‐Ruiz AM, Pulpillo A, Lasanta B, Zulueta T, Andrades R, Requena L. A rare case of primary cutaneous plasmacytoma‐like lymphoproliferative disorder following renal transplantation.
Integration Technologies for Silicon Carbide‐Based Ceramics for Micro‐Electro‐Mechanical Systems‐Lean Direct Injector Fuel Injector Applications
Authors: Halbig Michael C. , Singh Mrityunjay , Tsuda Hiroshi 
Published: March 2012

Advanced joining approaches are critically needed for the fabrication and integration of silicon carbide‐based micro‐electro‐mechanical systems lean direct fuel injectors for jet engines. Diffusion bonding of silicon carbide with titanium interlayers offers advantages such as uniform application/surface coverage and no flow of the interlayer or the reaction formed phases during joint processing. The resulting joints were uniform, stable, leak free, and had high strength. Titanium interlayers with 10 and 20 μm thicknesses were obtained from physical vapor deposition (PVD) and pure metallic foils. The effects of the interlayer type and thickness and processing time on the resultant microstructures were investigated. The joints and their reaction‐formed phases were analyzed with electron microprobe analysis and scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy‐dispersive spectroscopy, ultrasonic immersion nondestructive evaluation method, and transmission electron microscopy. For the physical vapor deposition Ti interlayers, the 10 μm coating gave the best results yielding a joint that did not have intermediate phases or microcracking. For the Ti foil interlayers, the joint processed with a 4 h‐hold time had more stable phases and less microcracking than those with 1 and 2 h‐hold times. The average tensile strength of the diffusion bonds was 14.2 MPa which was 2–3 times higher than the application requirements. The diffusion bonding approach was shown to meet the requirements for SiC‐based fuel injector fabrication.
Not Just “Another Woman”: Femicide and Representation in Guatemala
Authors: Godoy‐Paiz Paula 
Published: March 2012

ResúmenEste artículo analiza el fenómeno social del feminicidio, el asesinato de mujeres por su género, el cual ha crecido en Guatemala en los años siguientes al fin de la guerra. Basado en mi investigación etnográfica de un año en Guatemala, analizo las diferentes perspectivas que discuten el tema, tales como la académica, la oficial del gobierno, la del los medios de comunicación, y la de las organizaciones no gubernamentales. Además, contrasto los discursos “oficiales” sobre el feminicidio con las experiencias de una familia que actualmente sufre las consecuencias de la pérdida de un familiar, lo cual desenmascara las brechas entre las respuestas institucionales a la violencia y la vida diaria de los guatemaltecos. Finalmente, argumento que para entender mejor la profundidad y las consecuencias de largo plazo de la violencia feminicida, es necesario enfocar la discusión en las voces y experiencias de las mujeres, así como en las redes sociales.
Reliability of high‐ and low‐field magnetic resonance imaging systems for detection of cartilage and bone lesions in the equine cadaver fetlock
Authors: Smith M. A. , Dyson S. J. , Murray R. C. 
Published: March 2012

SummaryReasons for performing study:To determine the reliability of 2 magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) systems for detection of cartilage and bone lesions of the equine fetlock.Objectives:To test the hypotheses that lesions in cartilage, subchondral and trabecular bone of the equine fetlock verified using histopathology can be detected on high‐ and low‐field MR images with a low incidence of false positive or negative results; that low‐field images are less reliable than high‐field images for detection of cartilage lesions; and that combining results of interpretation from different pulse sequences increases detection of cartilage lesions.Methods:High‐ and low‐field MRI was performed on 19 limbs from horses identified with fetlock lameness prior to euthanasia. Grading systems were used to score cartilage, subchondral and trabecular bone on MR images and histopathology. Sensitivity and specificity were calculated for images.Results:High‐field T2*‐weighted gradient echo (T2*W‐GRE) and low‐field T2‐weighted fast spin echo (T2W‐FSE) images had high sensitivity but low specificity for detection of cartilage lesions. All pulse sequences had high sensitivity and low–moderate specificity for detection of subchondral bone lesions and moderate sensitivity and moderate–high specificity for detection of trabecular bone lesions (histopathology as gold standard). For detection of lesions of trabecular bone low‐field T2*W‐GRE images had higher sensitivity and specificity than T2W‐FSE images.Conclusions:There is high likelihood of false positive results using high‐ or low‐field MRI for detection of cartilage lesions and moderate–high likelihood of false positive results for detection of subchondral bone lesions compared with histopathology. Combining results of interpretation from different pulse sequences did not increase detection of cartilage lesions. MRI interpretation of trabecular bone was more reliable than cartilage or subchondral bone in both MR systems.Potential relevance:Independent interpretation of a variety of pulse sequences may maximise detection of cartilage and bone lesions in the fetlock. Clinicians should be aware of potential false positive and negative results.
Nephroprotective efficacy of chrysin against cisplatin-induced toxicity via attenuation of oxidative stress
Authors: Sultana Sarwat , Verma Kriti , Khan Rehan 
Published: March 2012

Abstract

Objectives
Cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity is the main cause for its dose-limited use in the treatment of various cancers and results in acute renal cell injury through generation of reactive oxygen species. Chrysin possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. The aim of this study was to investigate the protective efficacy of chrysin against cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity.

Methods
Thirty male Wistar rats were divided into five groups with six rats in each group. Group I served as control and received corn oil (vehicle of chrysin) for 14 days and 0.9% saline (vehicle of cisplatin) on day 14 only. Group II received a single intraperitoneal injection of cisplatin on day 14. Group III and IV were pretreated with two different doses of chrysin in addition to cisplatin and group V received chrysin only. Rats were examined for the effect of chrysin on cisplatin induced depletion of antioxidant enzymes, induction of lipid peroxidation and DNA damage in the kidney, utilizing a well-established model of cisplatin-induced nephropathy.

Key findings
Pretreatment with chrysin significantly attenuated cisplatin-induced renal oxidative damage by diminishing the DNA damage and toxicity markers, such as creatinine and blood urea nitrogen, lipid peroxidation and xanthine oxidase activity, accompanied by increase in enzymatic (catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase and glutathione-S-transferase) and non-enzymatic (reduced glutathione) antioxidant status. Histological findings further substantiated the protective efficacy of chrysin, which reduced cisplatin-induced renal damage.

Conclusions
The data of the present study suggest that chrysin effectively suppress cisplatin-induced renal injury by ameliorating oxidative stress.