bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Perianal abscess in children: aiming for optimal management
Authors: Buddicom Emily , Jamieson Amy , Beasley Spencer , King Sebastian 
Published: January 2012

AbstractBackground:  Perianal abscess is common in infants and children, yet the optimal surgical management is argued: incision and drainage alone is a simple procedure but is associated with a much higher recurrence rate than incision and drainage with simultaneous laying open of the associated fistula. This retrospective review established the institutional recurrence rate and its close association with how the fistula was managed at the initial operation.Methods:  A retrospective review of all children requiring an operation for a perianal abscess over a 13‐year period from 1996 to 2009 was performed. Data were compared with published series.Results:  A fistula was sought in 89 of 91 (98%) patients, and identified in 66 (73%). Recurrence occurred in 5/66 (8%) in whom a fistula was identified at the initial operation, compared with 6/25 (24%) (P = 0.06) in whom a fistula was not identified.Conclusion:  Recurrence of perianal infection is influenced by whether a fistula was identified and laid open at the initial operation. The recurrence rate is higher when the abscess is treated with incision and drainage alone. Given the ease with which most fistulae may be identified, and laid open without morbidity, optimal treatment involves drainage of the abscess and laying open of the fistulous tract.
Lost opportunity cost of surgical training in the Australian private sector
Authors: Aitken R. James 
Published: January 2012

AbstractBackground:  To meet Australia's future demands, surgical training in the private sector will be required. The aim of this study was to estimate the time and lost opportunity cost of training in the private sector.Methods:  A literature search identified studies that compared the operation time required by a supervised trainee with a consultant. This time was costed using a business model.Results:  In 22 studies (34 operations), the median operation duration of a supervised trainee was 34% longer than the consultant. To complete a private training list in the same time as a consultant list, one major case would have to be dropped. A consultant's average lost opportunity cost was $1186 per list ($106 698 per year). Training in rooms and administration requirements increased this to $155 618 per year. To train 400 trainees in the private sector to college standards would require 54 000 training lists per year. The consultants' national lost opportunity cost would be $137 million per year. The average lost hospital case payment was $5894 per list, or $330 million per year nationally. The total lost opportunity cost of surgical training in the private sector would be about $467 million per year. When trainee salaries, other specialties and indirect expenses are included, the total cost will be substantially greater.Conclusion:  It is unlikely that surgeons or hospitals will be prepared to absorb these costs. There needs to be a public debate about the funding implications of surgical training in the private sector.
Anal duplex fails to show changes in vascular anatomy after the haemorrhoidal artery ligation procedure
Authors: Schuurman J.‐P. , Go P. M. N. Y. H. 
Published: January 2012

AbstractAim  The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate whether the beneficial effect of haemorrhoidal artery ligation/transanal haemorrhoidal dearterialization (HAL/THD) is attributable to a change in the vascular anatomy at the level of the corpus cavernosum recti.Method  Patients treated by HAL/THD for Grade II or Grade III haemorrhoids were scanned by anal colour Doppler endosonography before treatment and 6 weeks postoperatively. As part of a randomized controlled trial, patients were treated either with or without the Doppler scan. The number and diameter of vascular structures were measured at the distal, mid and proximal levels in the anal canal.Results  There were 30 patients in the non‐Doppler group and 34 in the Doppler group. The postoperative measurements of the anal colour Doppler endosonography did not show any significant differences in vascular anatomy compared with the preoperative measurements, regardless of whether the Doppler probe was used (P > 0.05).Conclusion  This study failed to show that the effect of HAL/THD is caused by alteration of the macroscopic vascular anatomy in the corpus cavernosum recti.
Ginsenoside‐Rd improves outcome of acute ischaemic stroke – a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, multicenter trial
Authors: Liu X. , Wang L. , Wen A. , Yang J. , Yan Y. , Song Y. , Liu X. , Ren H. , Wu Y. , Li Z. , Chen W. , Xu Y. , Li L. , Xia J. , Zhao G. 
Published: January 2012

Background and purpose:  Ginsenoside‐Rd is a receptor‐operated calcium channel antagonist and has shown promise as a neuroprotectant in our phase II study. As an extended work, we sought to confirm its efficacy and safety of Ginsenoside‐Rd in patients with acute ischaemic stroke.Methods:  We conducted a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial involving 390 patients with acute ischaemic stroke in a 3:1 ratio to receive a 14‐day intravenous infusion of Ginsenoside‐Rd or placebo within 72 h after the onset of stroke. Our primary end‐point was the distribution of disability scores on the modified Rankin scale (mRs) at 90 days.Results:  The efficacy analysis was based on 386 patients (Ginsenoside‐Rd group: 290; placebo group: 96). Ginsenoside‐Rd significantly improved the overall distribution of scores on the mRs, as compared with the placebo (P = 0.02; odds ratios [OR], 1.74; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.08–2.78). There were significant differences between the two groups when we categorized the scores into 0–1 vs. 2–5 (P = 0.01; OR, 2.32; 95% CI, 1.23–4.38; 66.8% vs. 53.1%). It also improved the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) at 15 days [P < 0.01; least squares mean (LSM), −0.77; 95% CI, −1.31 to −0.24]. Mortality and rates of adverse events were similar in the two groups.Conclusions:  Ginsenoside‐Rd improved the primary outcome of acute ischaemic stroke and had an acceptable adverse‐event profile.
A novel µ‐conopeptide, CnIIIC, exerts potent and preferential inhibition of NaV1.2/1.4 channels and blocks neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors
Authors: Favreau Philippe , Benoit Evelyne , Hocking Henry G , Carlier Ludovic , D' hoedt Dieter , Leipold Enrico , Markgraf René , Schlumberger Sébastien , Córdova Marco A , Gaertner Hubert , Paolini‐Bertrand Marianne , Hartley Oliver , Tytgat Jan , Heinemann Stefan H , Bertrand Daniel , Boelens Rolf , Stöcklin Reto , Molgó Jordi 
Published: January 2012

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSEThe µ‐conopeptide family is defined by its ability to block voltage‐gated sodium channels (VGSCs), a property that can be used for the development of myorelaxants and analgesics. We characterized the pharmacology of a new µ‐conopeptide (µ‐CnIIIC) on a range of preparations and molecular targets to assess its potential as a myorelaxant.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACHµ‐CnIIIC was sequenced, synthesized and characterized by its direct block of elicited twitch tension in mouse skeletal muscle and action potentials in mouse sciatic and pike olfactory nerves. µ‐CnIIIC was also studied on HEK‐293 cells expressing various rodent VGSCs and also on voltage‐gated potassium channels and nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) to assess cross‐interactions. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) experiments were carried out for structural data.KEY RESULTSSynthetic µ‐CnIIIC decreased twitch tension in mouse hemidiaphragms (IC50= 150 nM), and displayed a higher blocking effect in mouse extensor digitorum longus muscles (IC = 46 nM), compared with µ‐SIIIA, µ‐SmIIIA and µ‐PIIIA. µ‐CnIIIC blocked NaV1.4 (IC50= 1.3 nM) and NaV1.2 channels in a long‐lasting manner. Cardiac NaV1.5 and DRG‐specific NaV1.8 channels were not blocked at 1 µM. µ‐CnIIIC also blocked the α3β2 nAChR subtype (IC50= 450 nM) and, to a lesser extent, on the α7 and α4β2 subtypes. Structure determination of µ‐CnIIIC revealed some similarities to α‐conotoxins acting on nAChRs.CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONSµ‐CnIIIC potently blocked VGSCs in skeletal muscle and nerve, and hence is applicable to myorelaxation. Its atypical pharmacological profile suggests some common structural features between VGSCs and nAChR channels.
Learning the Hard Way: Expectations and Experiences of Infant Feeding Support
Authors: Redshaw Maggie , Henderson Jane 
Published: January 2012

Abstract:  Background:  Breastfeeding involves learning for women and their infants. For emotional, social, and developmental reasons this type of feeding is recommended for all newborn infants but for those in exceptional circumstances. The objective of this study was to gain a better understanding of what is needed in the early days to enable women to initiate and continue breastfeeding their infants.Methods:  Data from a large‐scale national survey of women’s experience of maternity care in England were analyzed using qualitative methods, focusing on the feeding‐related responses.Results:  A total of 2,966 women responded to the survey (62.7% response rate), 2,054 of whom wrote open text responses, 534 relating to infant feeding. The main themes identified were “the mismatch between women’s expectations and experiences” and “emotional reactions” at this time, “staff behavior and attitudes,” and “the organization of care and facilities.” Subthemes related to seeking help, conflicting advice, pressure to breastfeed, the nature of interactions with staff, and a lack of respect for women’s choices, wishes, previous experience, and knowledge.Conclusions:  Many women who succeeded felt that they had “learned the hard way” and some of those who did not, felt they were perceived as “bad mothers” and women who had in some way “failed” at one of the earliest tasks of motherhood. What women perceived to be staff perceptions affected how they saw themselves and what they took away from their early experience of infant feeding. (BIRTH 39:1 March 2012)
Uncertainty and Variability in Product Carbon Footprinting
Authors: Weber Christopher L. 
Published: January 2012

SummaryRecent years have seen increasing interest in life cycle greenhouse gas emissions accounting, also known as carbon footprinting, due to drivers such as transportation fuels policy and climate‐related eco‐labels, sometimes called carbon labels. However, it remains unclear whether applications of greenhouse gas accounting, such as carbon labels, are supportable given the level of precision that is possible with current methodology and data. The goal of this work is to further the understanding of quantitative uncertainty assessment in carbon footprinting through a case study of a rackmount electronic server. Production phase uncertainty was found to be moderate (±15%), though with a high likelihood of being significantly underestimated given the limitations in available data for assessing uncertainty associated with temporal variability and technological specificity. Individual components or subassemblies showed varying levels of uncertainty due to differences in parameter uncertainty (i.e., agreement between data sets) and variability between production or use regions. The use phase displayed a considerably higher uncertainty (±50%) than production due to uncertainty in the useful lifetime of the server, variability in electricity mixes in different market regions, and use profile uncertainty. Overall model uncertainty was found to be ±35% for the whole life cycle, a substantial amount given that the method is already being used to set policy and make comparative environmental product declarations. Future work should continue to combine the increasing volume of available data to ensure consistency and maximize the credibility of the methods of life cycle assessment (LCA) and carbon footprinting. However, for some energy‐using products it may make more sense to increase focus on energy efficiency and use phase emissions reductions rather than attempting to quantify and reduce the uncertainty of the relatively small production phase.
Novel Sialon‐Based Ceramics Toughened by Ferro‐Molybdenum Alloy
Authors: Huang Zhao‐Hui , Yang Jing‐Zhou , Liu Yan‐Gai , Fang Ming‐Hao , Huang Jun‐Tong , Sun Hao‐Ran , Huang Sai‐Fang 
Published: January 2012

High‐toughness Sialon ceramic matrix composites containing alloy second‐phase particles were fabricated by hot pressing at a relatively low temperature of 1600°C. Substantially improved fracture toughness of 8.0 MPa·m1/2 was achieved through the addition of varying amounts of ferro‐molybdenum alloy particles. The microstructure of the composites was characterized and crack propagation behavior was observed to understand the toughening mechanisms. The results showed that crack deflection and crack bridging are the principal mechanisms in the toughening of these types of ceramic composites.
Thrombophylaxis and bleeding complications after cesarean section
Authors: SNIJDER CLAUDIA A. , CORNETTE JERÔME M.W. , HOP WIM C.J. , KRUIP MARIEKE J.H.A. , DUVEKOT JOHANNES J. 
Published: January 2012

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the safety of different regimes of thromboprophylaxis with low molecular weight heparins (LMWHs) in women undergoing cesarean section. Design: Retrospective single‐center cross‐sectional study. Setting: University Medical Center, The Netherlands. Population: All women that delivered by cesarean section in the Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, between January 2004 and December 2007 received thromboprophylaxis. We included women who received thromboprophylaxis according to the routine administration schedule at that time. Methods: Three different consecutive regimes of thromboprophylaxis were used. In the first period, women received dalteparin 5000IU pre‐ and postoperatively (group A), in the second period, nadroparin 5700IU was administered pre‐ and postoperatively (group B), and in the third period, nadroparin 2850IU was administered not earlier than 6–12 hours postoperatively (group C). Detailed information on individual characteristics, cesarean section and postpartum period were extracted from patient files. Main outcome measures: Postoperative bleeding complications. Results: A total of 1527 women were eligible and included. In group B, significantly more women experienced bleeding complications (necessitating either conservative treatment or re‐laparotomy) compared with the other two groups (19/574 women in group B vs. 9/647 in group A and 1/306 in group C). After adjusting for potential confounders (maternal age, body mass index, and occurrence of preeclampsia/hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes and low platelet count) these effects remained significant (p=0.005). The incidence of thromboembolism was not different in the three groups. Conclusions: Different regimes of thromboprophylaxis in women with cesarean section influenced the occurrence of bleeding complications.
Update on in vitro allergy diagnostics
Authors: Treudler Regina 
Published: January 2012

SummaryComponent‐resolved diagnostics (CRD) have become of growing importance in clinical investigation of IgE‐mediated allergies. This review updates the current use of CRD in respiratory allergies (e. g. to pollen, animal dander, mites, latex), as well as in allergies to hymenoptera venom or in food allergies to plants (e. g. Bet v 1 homologues, lipid transfer proteins, storage proteins) or to animal‐derived food allergens (e. g. milk, meat, fish). CRD may help to elucidate the clinical relevance of an allergic sensitization. In some cases, CRD may also be useful in predicting either severity of clinical reactions or the therapeutic effect of specific immunotherapy.
SENSORY ATTRIBUTES AND CONSUMER ACCEPTANCE OF SWEET POTATO CULTIVARS WITH VARYING FLESH COLORS
Authors: LEKSRISOMPONG P.P. , WHITSON M.E. , TRUONG V.D. , DRAKE M.A. 
Published: January 2012

ABSTRACTThe sensory characteristics of sweet potatoes (n = 12 cultivars) with varying flesh color (orange, purple, yellow) and the impact of flesh colors on consumer acceptance were evaluated. A lexicon was developed for sweet potato flavor followed by consumer acceptance testing conducted with and without blindfold conditions to identify if color or visual cues impacted consumer acceptance. Cluster analysis was performed on overall liking scores followed by external preference mapping to identify the drivers of liking for sweet potatoes. The lexicon differentiated sweet potatoes. Appearance (visual appearance) positively impacted liking scores of products that were not well liked but had a lower impact on liking when the sweet potato was well liked suggesting that flavor and texture were the driving attributes for liking. Three consumer clusters were found for overall liking. All clusters liked smooth texture, brown sugar and dried apricot flavor and sweet taste and disliked bitter, umami, astringent mouthfeel, vanilla aroma and residual fibers. Clusters were differentiated by the liking of visual moistness and color homogeneity, white potato, canned carrot and dried apricot flavors, chalky, firmness, denseness and fibrous texture. Sweet potatoes with unfamiliar colors were accepted by all consumers but different sensory characteristics appealed to different consumer groups.PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSSweet potatoes (Ipomoea batata) are nutritious and have numerous health benefits. The orange‐fleshed cultivars are the most familiar to consumers, but other cultivars with varying flesh color have been identified. The sensory properties of these various sweet potatoes and the drivers of liking are not established. The development of a sensory lexicon for sweet potatoes allowed for characterization of sensory properties and assisted in the understanding of key consumer liking attributes for sweet potatoes. These results can assist sweet potato breeders or marketers in understanding the impact of color and the importance of flavor and texture of sweet potatoes for the consumer fresh market.
Once‐daily versus multiple‐daily mesalamine for patients with ulcerative colitis: A meta‐analysis
Authors: TONG Jin Lu , HUANG Mei Lan , XU Xi Tao , QIAO Yu Qi , RAN Zhi Hua 
Published: January 2012

OBJECTIVE:  To systematically review the efficacy and safety of once‐daily (OD) mesalamine for the treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC) compared with multiple‐daily (MD) mesalamine.METHODS:  Electronic databases up to July 2011 were searched for related studies evaluating the efficacy of OD vs MD for treatment of UC. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were considered eligible. Remission rates or relapse rates were analyzed using intention‐to‐treat (ITT) and per‐protocol (PP) analysis. Pooled relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated. Publication bias was assessed with a funnel plot.RESULTS:  Overall 10 RCTs including 9 full‐text manuscripts and one abstract met the inclusion criteria. OD dosing of mesalamine was shown to be as effective as MD dosing for the maintenance of clinical remission in patients with quiescent UC (RR = 1.00, 95% CI 0.89–1.12) by ITT analysis. For active UC, a mild but significant benefit was achieved by OD dosing compared with MD dosing (RR = 0.80, 95% CI 0.64–0.99). Total adverse events were similar using OD and MD mesalamine in quiescent UC (RR = 1.06, 95% CI 0.93–1.20). Compliance with OD was slightly better than with MD (RR = 0.92, 95% CI 0.82–1.03).CONCLUSIONS:  OD mesalamine is as effective and has a comparable safety profile as MD regimens for the maintenance treatment of UC, and is even more effective for inducing remission in active UC.
Attention to body mass index by child psychiatry providers when prescribing second‐generation antipsychotic medication to children: a survey study using a clinical vignette
Authors: Fromson John A. , Sutton‐Skinner Kelly M. , Gorrindo Tristan , Baer Lee , Romeo Sarah A. , Rieu‐Werden Meghan L. , Birnbaum Robert J. 
Published: January 2012

AbstractAim: We sought to determine whether weight and body mass index measurement were taken into consideration when prescribing second‐generation antipsychotic (SGA) medication to a child.Methods: Two hundred clinicians were surveyed using a hypothetical clinical case vignette at a child psychopharmacology, postgraduate medical education course. The vignette described an overweight 10‐year‐old boy who was about to be prescribed an SGA medication to control psychotic symptoms. The reference to the patient's being ‘overweight’ was purposefully included to determine if providers would assess the patient's risk of morbidity from the metabolic side effects of the SGAs at the time of prescribing.Results: Only 7.0% of prescribers listed either ‘body mass index’ or a combination of ‘height’ and ‘weight’ as part of their next treatment steps for an overweight child before prescribing an SGA.Conclusions: These results suggest the need for education as to the importance of body mass index monitoring when prescribing second‐generation antipsychotic medications to children.
Modeling biogeochemical impacts of bioenergy buffers with perennial grasses for a row‐crop field in Illinois
Authors: Gopalakrishnan Gayathri , Cristina Negri MARIA , Salas William 
Published: January 2012

AbstractCurrent research on the environmental sustainability of bioenergy has largely focused on the potential of bioenergy crops to sequester carbon and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and possible impacts on water quality and quantity. A key assumption in these studies is that bioenergy crops will be grown in a manner similar to current agricultural crops such as corn and hence would affect the environment similarly. In this study, we investigate an alternative cropping system where bioenergy crops are grown in buffer strips adjacent to current agricultural crops such that nutrients present in runoff and leachate from the traditional row‐crops are reused by the bioenergy crops (switchgrass, miscanthus and native prairie grasses) in the buffer strips, thus providing environmental services and meeting economic needs of farmers. The process‐based biogeochemical model Denitrification‐Decomposition (DNDC) was used to simulate crop yield, nitrous oxide production and nitrate concentrations in leachate for a typical agricultural field in Illinois. Model parameters have been developed for the first time for miscanthus and switchgrass in DNDC. Results from model simulations indicated that growing bioenergy crops in buffer strips mitigated nutrient runoff, reduced nitrate concentrations in leachate by 60–70% and resulted in a reduction of 50–90% in nitrous oxide emissions compared with traditional cropping systems. While all the bioenergy crop buffers had significant positive environmental benefits, switchgrass performed the best with respect to minimizing nutrient runoff and nitrous oxide emissions, while miscanthus had the highest yield. Overall, our model results indicated that the bioenergy crops grown in these buffer strips achieved yields that are comparable to those obtained for traditional agricultural systems while simultaneously providing environmental services and could be used to design sustainable agricultural landscapes.