bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Video capsule endoscopy for previous overt obscure gastrointestinal bleeding in patients using anti‐thrombotic drugs
Authors: Van Weyenberg Stijn JB , Van Turenhout Sietze T , Jacobs Maarten AJM , Bouma Gerd , Mulder Chris JJ 
Published: December 2011

Background and Aim:  Little is known about the causes of overt obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (OGIB) in patients using anti‐thrombotic therapy. We aimed to describe video capsule endoscopy (VCE) findings and to identify factors associated with positive findings in these patients.Methods:  We carried out a retrospective study of 56 patients who underwent VCE for evaluation of previous overt OGIB during anti‐thrombotic therapy. VCE studies were re‐evaluated by a gastroenterologist blinded to clinical details. Clinical data included in the multivariate analysis were sex, age, indication for and type of anti‐thrombotic therapy, hemodynamic instability on admission, type of blood loss, hemoglobin on admission, use of a proton pump inhibitor, NSAID use, time between bleeding episodes and VCE, and whether or not anti‐thrombotic therapy was resumed before the VCE study.Results:  A probable cause for gastrointestinal bleeding was identified in 28 (50%) of the 56 studies. Angiodysplasia was found in 19 patients. Twenty‐two studies showed a possible cause in the small bowel. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that reinstitution of anti‐thrombotic therapy before VCE was carried out was the only independent predictor of positive VCE findings (OR: 8.61, 95% CI: 1.20–60.42, P = 0.032).Conclusions:  Small intestinal angiodysplasia was the most common cause for overt OGIB. Reinstitution of withdrawn anti‐thrombotic drugs before the VCE examination was carried out was associated with positive VCE findings in multivariate analysis.
Stochastic processes in the aetiopathogenesis of scleroderma
Authors: Roberts‐Thomson P. J. , Walker J. G. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractWe review the aetiology of scleroderma from an epidemiological perspective examining genetic, environmental and stochastic risk factors. The presence of familial clustering (but with low twin concordance) suggests a genetic contribution, and this has been confirmed with recent candidate gene and genome‐wide association screening demonstrating both major histocompatibility complex and non‐major histocompatibility complex genetic linkage. In contrast, environmental associations are weak or inconsistent. An examination of the age‐adjusted incidence curve of scleroderma is consistent with a stochastic process involving five to eight random events. In pathogenesis, scleroderma is best considered as an autoimmune disorder where genetic and environmental factors are both important variables, but random events are also likely to play a pivotal role. We suggest that these random events might result in acquired somatic mutations or epigenetic alterations involving genes coding for immune receptors, tolerogenic gates or proteins involved in immune regulation, inflammation and/or repair that, over time, might summate to form a requisite cassette (of genetic changes), which allows the initiation and progression of the autoimmune process.
Prospective randomised trial of endobronchial ultrasound‐guide sheath versus computed tomography‐guided percutaneous core biopsies for peripheral lung lesions
Authors: Fielding D. I. , Chia C. , Nguyen P. , Bashirzadeh F. , Hundloe J. , Brown I. G. , Steinke K. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractAim:  To determine diagnostic rate, complications and patient tolerability of endobronchial ultrasound‐guide sheath (EBUS‐GS) and computed tomography (CT)‐guided percutaneous core biopsy for peripheral lung lesions.Methods:  Lesions >1 cm diameter on CT were randomised to either EBUS‐GS or CT‐guided biopsy. Excluded were patients with severe chronic obstructive airway disease, lesions touching visceral pleura or hilum, and patients with symptoms needing bronchoscopic evaluation. Patients completed preprocedure and postprocedure questionnaires on tolerability.Results:  Of 64 participants (mean lesion size 29 ± 16 mm), 57 completed the study. Diagnostic sensitivity was 67% for EBUS‐GS and 78% for CT‐guided biopsy (P= not significant). In those with negative results, in the EBUS group, nine had a CT‐guided biopsy as a cross‐over, seven of which were positive. In the CT group, four had cross‐over EBUS‐GS of which three were diagnostic. Sensitivity for malignancy was 17/23 for EBUS‐GS (74%) and 23/26 (88%, P= not significant). For lesions <2 cm, CT‐guided biopsy had a significantly better diagnostic yield (80% vs 50%, P= 0.05). In EBUS‐GS cases, for lesions with an air bronchogram, sensitivity was 89%. Pneumothorax and intercostal catheter insertion occurred in three and two cases, respectively, for EBUS, and 10 and 3 cases for CT‐guided biopsy (P= 0.02 for pneumothorax). Nine unexpected admissions occurred after CT‐guided biopsy compared with three after EBUS‐GS. Overall, tolerability was high for both groups; however three patients had moderate‐to‐severe pain after CT‐guided biopsy.Conclusions:  In lesions <2 cm, CT‐guided biopsy had higher yields; however, EBUS‐GS had better tolerability and fewer complications.
Does a ‘code stroke’ rapid access protocol decrease door‐to‐needle time for thrombolysis?
Authors: Tai Y. J. , Weir L. , Hand P. , Davis S. , Yan B. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractBackgroundTimely administration of intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (IVtPA) for acute ischaemic stroke is associated with better clinical outcomes. Therefore, a coordinated hospital system of acute clinical assessment and neuroimaging will likely avoid delays in IV‐tPA administration.AimIn July 2007, we implemented a ‘code stroke’ rapid access protocol at the Royal Melbourne Hospital with the aim of achieving rapid stroke assessment and treatment. This study investigates the quality of our ‘code stroke’ protocol and its impact on door‐to‐needle time and IV‐tPA usage.MethodsWe included patients thrombolysed with IV‐tPA from January 2003 to June 2007 (pre‐code stroke era) and patients thrombolysed from July 2007 to December 2010 (code stroke era). Data collected were demographics, time points (stroke symptom onset, presentation to emergency department, neuroimaging and thrombolysis) and clinical outcomes (modified Rankin Scale) at discharge, symptomatic, intracerebral haemorrhage and death during admission). We compared the door‐to‐needle time and usage of IV‐tPA between the two eras.ResultsPatient data on 98 ‘pre‐code stroke’ thrombolysed patients and 189 ‘code stroke’ thrombolysed patients were collected. The median age was 71 (60–79), 56% were males, and the median baseline National Institute of Health Stroke Scale score was 13 ± 6.3. There was an 18‐min reduction in the median door‐to‐needle time (90 min in ‘pre‐code stroke era’ vs 72 min in ‘code stroke era’, P < 0.001). The rate of IV‐tPA usage increased from 3.9% in 2004 to 17.3% in 2010.ConclusionOur study showed that ‘code stroke’ rapid access protocol decreased door‐to‐needle time and possibly contributed to the increased IV‐tPA usage.
Implantable cardioverter‐defibrillators: a long‐term view
Authors: Wilson D. , Shi B. , Harding S. , Lever N. , Larsen P. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractBackground:  No long‐term data on implantable cardioverter‐defibrillators (ICDs) exist in Australasia.Aims:  We examined all patients receiving a new ICD implant at Wellington Hospital between January 2001 and December 2005 to determine long‐term outcomes in this patient population.Methods:  Follow‐up data were collected and Kaplan–Meier curves were constructed for survival and long‐term outcomes, and Cox proportional hazard model was used for calculation of hazard ratio.Results:  In the study period, 138 new ICDs were implanted, and the mean follow‐up time was 84 ± 16 months. Patients were predominantly male (76%), 75% were European, 20% were Maori. Median age was 59 years (range 16–80 years). In 47% of patients, there was an ischaemic substrate. A secondary‐prevention indication was present in 77%. The 7‐year survival rate was 72%. No difference in mortality was observed between primary‐ and secondary‐prevention groups. The 7‐year appropriate therapy rate was 55%. The appropriate shock rate was greater in secondary prevention than in primary‐prevention patients was observed (hazard ratio = 2.11, 95% confidence interval 1.16–3.85, P= 0.01). Over the study period, inappropriate therapy rate was 25%. This was more common in patients with prior atrial fibrillation (hazard ratio = 3.57, 95% confidence interval 1.80–7.09, P < 0.001). The median device longevity was 6.8 years.Conclusions:  This is the first long‐term follow‐up study of ICD patients in New Zealand. We observed a low mortality rate when compared with other published registries, but a similar rate of both appropriate and inappropriate shock therapy.
Hearing loss and depressive symptoms in elderly patients
Authors: Boi Raffaella , Racca Luca , Cavallero Antonio , Carpaneto Veronica , Racca Matteo , Dall' Acqua Francesca , Ricchetti Michele , Santelli Alida , Odetti Patrizio 
Published: December 2011

Aims:  Hearing loss is a common disability that has a profound impact on communication and daily functioning in the elderly. The present study assesses the effects of hearing aids on mood, quality of life and caregiver burden when hearing loss, comorbidity and depressive symptoms coexist in the elderly.Methods:  A total of 15 patients aged older than 70 years suffering from hearing loss and depressive mood were recruited. Comorbidity was evaluated by the Cumulative Illness Rating Scale, functional ability by the Activities of Daily Living scale and the Lawton Instrumental Activities of Daily Living scale, cognitive capacity by the Mini‐mental State Examination and the Clock Drawing Test, psychological status by the Center for Epidemiological Studies‐Depression scale, and quality of life by the Short Form (36) Health Survey. Caregiver burden was appraised by the Caregiver Burden Inventory. Testing was carried out at baseline and at 1‐, 3‐ and 6‐month intervals, assessing the use of binaural digital and programmable hearing aids.Results:  Reduction in depressive symptoms and improved quality of life at statistically significant levels were observed early on with the use of hearing aids. In particular, general health (P < 0.02), vitality (P < 0.03), social functioning (P < 0.05), emotional stability (P < 0.05) and mental health (P < 0.03) all changed for the better, and were maintained for the study duration. The degree of caregiver burden also declined, remaining low throughout the study.Conclusions:  The benefits of digital hearing aids in relation to depressive symptoms, general health and social interactivity, but also in the caregiver – patient relationship, were clearly shown in the study. The elderly without cognitive decline and no substantial functional deficits should be encouraged to use hearing aids to improve their quality of life. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2012; 12: 440–445.
Effect of vitamin D on insulin sensitivity in elderly patients with impaired fasting glucose
Authors: Naharci Ilkin , Bozoglu Ergun , Kocak Necmettin , Doganci Suat , Doruk Huseyin , Serdar Muhittin 
Published: December 2011

Aim:  Recent data has shown that vitamin D increases insulin sensitivity; however, there is little evidence about the effects of this treatment on elderly people with impaired fasting glucose. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of vitamin D treatment on insulin sensitivity and metabolic parameters in elderly people with impaired fasting glucose.Methods:  A total of 28 elderly patients were enrolled into the vitamin D treatment group. The control group included 23 age‐, sex‐ and body mass index‐matched elderly participants. The vitamin D treatment group was treated with vitamin D3 according to serum concentrations of 25(OH)D.Results:  With supplementation, 96.0% of patients achieved a mean serum 25(OH)D concentration of 123.2 ± 59.9 nmol/L. After 4.7 ± 2.5 months of treatment, there was a significant decrease in homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, insulin and glucose concentrations in the vitamin D treatment group (P = 0.007, P = 0.007, P = 0.037, respectively). Vitamin D treatment significantly increased high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (P = 0.037), but did not cause statistically significant differences in other lipid parameters.Conclusion:  We found that vitamin D treatment might modify insulin sensitivity in the elderly with impaired fasting glucose. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2012; 12: 454–460.
Complex obstacle negotiation exercise can prevent falls in community‐dwelling elderly Japanese aged 75 years and older
Authors: Yamada Minoru , Aoyama Tomoki , Arai Hidenori , Nagai Koutatsu , Tanaka Buichi , Uemura Kazuki , Mori Shuhei , Ichihashi Noriaki 
Published: December 2011

Objectives:  The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether a complex course obstacle negotiation exercise (CC), a 24‐week exercise program, can reduce falls and fractures in older adults, as compared with a simple course obstacle negotiation exercise (SC).Methods:  This trial was carried out on older adults, aged 75 years and above in Japan. In total, 157 participants were randomized into the CC group (n = 78) and the SC group (n = 79). Participants were enrolled in the exercise class using the CC program or the SC program for 24 weeks. The outcome measure was the number of falls and fracture rates in CC and SC groups for 12 months after the completion of the 24‐week exercise class.Results:  Two participants (2.8%) in the CC group and 19 (26.0%) in the SC group experienced falls during 12 months. During the 12‐month follow‐up period after the intervention, the incidence rate ratio (IRR) of falls in the SC group against the CC group was 9.37 (95% CI = 2.26–38.77). One participant (1.4%) in the CC group and eight (10.9%) in the SC group had experienced fractures during 12 months after the exercise class. The IRR of fractures in the SC group compared with the CC group was 7.89 (95% CI = 1.01–61.49).Conclusions:  The results of the present trial show that the participants who received individualized obstacle avoidance training under complex tasks combined with a traditional intervention had a lower incidence rate of falls and fractures during the 12 months after the intervention. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2012; 12: 461–467.
Population genetics of Tuberolachnus salignus, an obligate parthenogenetic aphid
Authors: Aradottir Gudbjorg I. , Hanley Steven J. , Collins C. Matilda , Dawson Kevin J. , Karp Angela , Leather Simon R. , Shield Ian , Harrington Richard 
Published: December 2011

This study reports the results obtained in an investigation of the putatively parthenogenetic aphid species Tuberolachnus salignus Gmelin. Tuberolachnus salignus is one of the largest aphid species in the world but where and how it overwinters is not known. It has recently become noteworthy because it is increasingly found on commercially grown willows used in bioenergy production.
Seven newly‐developed polymorphic microsatellite markers were used to investigate the genetic diversity of the species, and also to confirm its reproduction strategy.
Tuberolachnus salignus shows very low clonal diversity; only 16 genotypes were found in 660 specimens from 27 populations in five countries.
There was limited geographical structuring in the samples, although the two most common genotypes, which comprised more than half of the specimens collected, had a very wide distribution.
Furthermore, we determined that these aphids, which live in very dense colonies, can consist of more than one genotype, suggesting aggregation of colonizing T. salignus. These results confirm the parthenogenetic nature of T. salignus and demonstrate the presence of common genotypes that are widespread in time and space.
Phylogenetic position of gastrostomobdellid leeches (Hirudinida, Arhynchobdellida, Erpobdelliformes) and a new family for the genus Orobdella
Authors: Nakano Takafumi , Ramlah Zainudin , Hikida Tsutomu 
Published: December 2011

Nakano, T., Ramlah, Z. & Hikida, T. (2012). Phylogenetic position of gastrostomobdellid leeches (Hirudinida, Arhynchobdellida, Erpobdelliformes) and a new family for the genus Orobdella. —Zoologica Scripta, 41, 177–185.The leech family Gastrostomobdellidae is characterized by its possession of an agnathous and euthylaematous pharynx, a ventral gastropore and a gastroporal duct. In this study, the phylogenetic position of two gastrostomobdellid genera, Gastrostomobdella and Orobdella, was investigated using partial nucleic 18S, 28S rDNA and mitochondrial 12S rDNA sequences. Our phylogenetic analyses showed that both Gastrostomobdella and Orobdella are nested within Erpobdelliformes, but Gastrostomobdellidae is not a monophyletic taxon. Orobdella is a sister taxon of the other Erpobdelliformes taxa. The phylogenetic position of Gastrostomobdella within the clade of Gastrostomobdella, Erpobdellidae and Salifidae still remains uncertain. According to the reconstruction of the ancestral state of the pharynx in Erpobdelliformes, a euthylaematous pharynx is considered to be plesiomorphic in this taxon. Examination of Gastrostomobdella and Orobdella specimens indicates that the morphology of the gastroporal duct of Orobdella is quite different from that of Gastrostomobdella. A new family, Orobdellidae fam. nov., was therefore erected for the genus Orobdella. Orobdellidae is characterized by its possession of a generally tubular gastroporal duct, lying on the female organ.
Australian evidence on the implementation of the size and value premia
Authors: Docherty Paul , Chan Howard , Easton Steve 
Published: December 2011

AbstractThis study investigates whether passive investment managers can exploit the size and value premia without incurring prohibitive transaction costs or being exposed to substantial tracking error risk. Returns on the value premium are shown to be pervasive across size groups, while the size premium is nonlinear and driven by microcaps. The value premium cannot be explained by the capital asset pricing model; however, returns on value portfolios do covary across monetary regimes. The substantial turnover required to achieve annual rebalancing and the relative illiquidity of Australian small‐cap firms means that investing in a portfolio of large‐cap value firms appears to be the best way for passive fund managers to exploit the Fama and French (1993) premia.
Herbert A. Simon on What Ails Business Schools: More than ‘A Problem in Organizational Design’
Authors: Khurana Rakesh , Spender J. C. 
Published: December 2011

abstractWe critically examine Herbert Simon's 1967 essay, ‘The business school: a problem in organizational design’. We consider this essay within the context of Simon's key ideas about organizations, particularly those closely associated with the ‘Carnegie perspective’ on organizations and how they influenced the reinvention of American business schools in the post‐Second World War era, and were deeply influenced by the post‐War context and also were appropriated by the Ford and Carnegie Foundations to reform business school teaching and research. We argue that management educators misappropriated Simon's concept of an intellectually robust and relevant research and educational agenda for business schools that has in part contributed to the intellectual stasis that now characterizes business education research and its capacity to inform management practice.
Economic impact of childhood obesity on health systems: a systematic review
Authors: Pelone F. , Specchia M. L. , Veneziano M. A. , Capizzi S. , Bucci S. , Mancuso A. , Ricciardi W. , de Belvis A. G. 
Published: December 2011

SummaryThe primary purpose of this study is to analyse the costs related to childhood obesity (CO) with reference to different models of healthcare systems. A systematic review of the economic impact of CO on healthcare systems was conducted by searching the main electronic scientific databases. Cost‐of‐illness (COI) analyses of children aged under 18 years who had been diagnosed as overweight or obese published up to July 2010 were considered. Short‐ and long‐term consequences of CO were taken into account. In order to appraise the quality of the included studies, the British Medical Journal referees' checklist was used. About 3,844 COI analyses were initially found and 10 were finally considered in the current review: two studies referred to Beveridge and eight referred to Voluntary health insurance models. No studies have been conducted within a Bismarck model. Six studies considered in‐patient costs, four studies estimated outpatient and primary care costs and seven studies considered pharmaceutical costs. The average quality of the included analyses was medium. The analysis confirmed the significance of CO related costs and the heterogeneity among available studies, which made it impossible to compare the different healthcare models.
The impact of extended care on the long‐term maintenance of weight loss: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Ross Middleton K. M. , Patidar S. M. , Perri M. G. 
Published: December 2011

SummaryBehavioural weight management interventions consistently produce 8–10% reductions in body weight, yet most participants regain weight after treatment ends. One strategy for extending the effects of behavioural interventions has been the provision of extended care. The current study is a systematic review and meta‐analysis of the literature on the effect of extended care on maintenance of weight loss. Through database searches (using PubMED, PsychInfo and Cochrane Reviews) and manual searches through reference lists of related publications, 463 studies were identified. Of these, 11 were included in the meta‐analysis and an additional two were retained for qualitative analysis. The average effect of extended care on weight loss maintenance was g = 0.385 (95% confidence interval: 0.281, 0.489; P < 0.0001). This effect would lead to the maintenance of an additional 3.2 kg weight loss over 17.6 months post‐intervention in participants provided extended care compared with control. There was no significant heterogeneity between studies, Q = 5.63, P = 0.845, and there was minimal evidence for publication bias. These findings suggest that extended care is a viable and efficacious solution to addressing long‐term maintenance of lost weight. Given the chronic disease nature of obesity, extended care may be necessary for long‐term health benefits.
Regulatory Self‐efficacy as a Moderator of Peer Socialization Relating to Italian Adolescents' Alcohol Intoxication
Authors: Rabaglietti Emanuela , Burk William J. , Giletta Matteo 
Published: December 2011

AbstractThe present study investigated regulatory self‐efficacy (RSE) as a predictor of friendship and adolescent alcohol intoxication and as a moderator of peer socialization processes related to alcohol intoxication. The longitudinal sample included 457 Italian adolescents (262 females and 195 males) ranging in age of 14 to 20 years (M = 16.1 years of age). Sociometric and behavioral data were collected at the beginning and end of the academic school year. Actor‐based models were applied to simultaneously estimate selection and socialization processes accounting for interdependencies among friends' drinking behaviors. The results indicated that adolescents did not select friends with similar levels of alcohol intoxication or RSE, but adolescents did adopt their friends' drinking behaviors. RSE was negatively associated with adolescent drinking behaviors and moderated socialization processes related to alcohol use, with adolescents reporting higher levels of RSE being less likely to adopt their friends' drinking behaviors than adolescents with lower levels of RSE.