bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A functional comparison of the hyolingual complex in pygmy and dwarf sperm whales (Kogia breviceps and K. sima), and bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus)
Authors: Bloodworth Brian E. , Marshall Christopher D. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractThe function of the hyolingual complex in three odontocete species was investigated to compare adaptations of divergent feeding strategies, suction and ram feeding. Pygmy and dwarf sperm whales, members of the genus Kogia (or kogiids), are known to be strong suction feeders. We tested the hypotheses that kogiids would have a larger, more robust hyolingual complex, and that hyolingual muscles would have a greater maximum theoretical muscle tension compared with ram‐based feeders such as bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). A robustness index and surface area was calculated for bony hyoid elements in kogiids and bottlenose dolphins. The anatomy, muscle architecture, pinnation, two‐dimensional angle of attachment and maximum theoretical muscle tension were measured in each hyolingual muscle. A functional model incorporating vector analyses of hyolingual musculature was created for kogiids and bottlenose dolphins to assess differences in function of their hyolingual complexes. Kogiid hyoid surface areas were significantly greater (P = 0.01) than in bottlenose dolphins. Most maximum theoretical muscle tensions of hyolingual complexes were not significantly different within or between species. The data suggest that associated orofacial and tongue morphology, particularly the relationship of hyoid shape and tongue retractor muscles, greatly influences suction capability in odontocetes. Kogiids demonstrated adaptations that occlude lateral gape, including a novel vertical ridge on each side of the mandible, and a shortened mandible that is capable of a large gape, and gape angle. These adaptations presumably assist in maintaining negative intraoral pressure generated by the depression and retraction of the relatively short and wide kogiid tongue. The tongues of kogiids should be capable of generating greater intraoral volume changes compared with the long, narrow tongue of bottlenose dolphins.
Work satisfaction, career preferences and unpaid household work among recently graduated health‐care professionals – a gender perspective
Authors: Enberg Birgit , Stenlund Hans , Sundelin Gunnevi , Öhman Ann 
Published: June 2007

Aim:  This study investigated perceptions of recently graduated health‐care professionals towards healthcare work, preferences for future careers, work organisation and management. In addition, it scrutinised the impact of unpaid household work on work satisfaction using a gender theoretical analysis.Method:  A questionnaire was distributed to 1035 nurses, occupational therapists and physiotherapists who graduated in the semester of spring 1999 in Sweden. The response rate was 81% and the respondents represent 3338 graduates. When estimating proportions and means, sampling weights reflecting the sampling design were used.Results:  Among both men and women, there was a high satisfaction with work in general, but a great dissatisfaction with work management and organisation. Multiple logistic regression analyses revealed a significant association between dissatisfaction with the work organisation and age groups and type of employment among the women. Younger women were more dissatisfied than older, and public employees were more dissatisfied than private employees. The women in the study did more unpaid household work than the men did. The data suggest that this can be of importance for the dissatisfaction at work, although this was not statistically significant. Working conditions and career preferences differ between the three professions as well as among men and women in the same profession. Geriatrics was not a preferred area for future work, although it is an area with predicted increasing personnel needs in the future. The results are discussed in relation to future needs for health‐care personnel, gender and organisation theory.Conclusions:  Because of the predicted scarcity of health‐care personnel in Sweden, it is of importance that healthcare organisations address the issues of work satisfaction as well as possible competence drain. Gender equality in terms of working conditions is another important aspect that needs to be highlighted.
Psychometric properties of the Swedish version of the Resilience Scale
Authors: Lundman Berit , Strandberg Gunilla , Eisemann Martin , Gustafson Yngve , Brulin Christine 
Published: June 2007

The aim of this study was to investigate resilience in relation to age and gender, and to elucidate the underlying structure of the Swedish version of the Resilience Scale (RS). The RS, originally created by Wagnild and Young is a 25 items scale of Lickert type with possible scores ranges from 25 to 175, the higher the score, the stronger resilience. A standardized procedure was used for translation. The analysis was based on 1719 participants, 1248 women and 471 men, from eight different samples, aged from 19 to 103 years. We found that the participants estimated their resilience as relatively high. There was a significant relationship between age and resilience, for every year RS score increased with 0.134 units. There was no relation between gender and resilience. From a factor analyses five factors emerged, equanimity, meaningfulness, perseverance, existential aloneness and self‐reliance reflecting the five dimensions described by Wagnild and Young.We concluded that the resilience is related to age, the older, the stronger resilience. Five underlying dimensions was identified, which can be seen as reflection of the theoretical assumptions behind the RS scale. The RS scale seems applicable to a Swedish population.
Psychometric properties of the Swedish Diabetes Empowerment Scale
Authors: Leksell Janeth , Funnell Martha , Sandberg Gun , Smide Bibbi , Wiklund Gunnel , Wikblad Karin 
Published: June 2007

Objective:  This study was conducted to determine the psychometric properties of the Swedish version of the Diabetes Empowerment Scale (Swe‐DES‐23).Research design and methods:  A convenience sample of 195 patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes completed the Swe‐DES‐23 questionnaire. To establish discriminant validity, Swe‐DES subscales were compared with the Semantic Differential in Diabetes scale (SDD) and a general health scale (EVGFP). Construct validity was tested using factor analyses. To determine unidimensionality of the subscales, inter‐item correlations were calculated. Internal consistency was tested by the use of the Crohnbach‐α coefficient.Results:  The factor analysis resulted in four factors (empowerment subscales) with eigenvalues >1.0, explaining 60% of the variance. The four empowerment subscales: goal achievement, self‐awareness, stress management and readiness to change showed Crohnbach‐α values ranging from 0.68 to 0.91. Patients with good self‐reported health and low burden of diabetes scored significantly higher on almost all empowerment subscales. Only weak correlations were found between metabolic control and the empowerment subscales.Conclusions:  The SWE‐DES‐23 scale had acceptable validity and reliability and, thus, could be a suitable tool in evaluating empowerment‐based education programmes. Further testing is needed to shorten the questionnaire.
Thirty‐eight single nucleotide polymorphism markers for high‐throughput genotyping of chum salmon
Authors: ELFSTROM CARITA M. , SMITH CHRISTIAN T. , SEEB LISA W. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractWe characterize 38 single nucleotide polymorphism genotyping assays for chum salmon (Oncorhynchus keta), an important species for both commercial and subsistence fisheries in western Alaska. These assays are based on the 5′‐nuclease reaction and thus facilitate high‐throughput genotyping with minimal optimization time. Minor allele frequency differences (Δq) among collections were between 0.01 and 0.50 resulting in per locus FST estimates of 0.00–0.08 with an average of 0.03.
Microsatellite markers for the invasive plant species white sweetclover (Melilotus alba) and yellow sweetclover (Melilotus officinalis)
Authors: WINTON L. M. , KROHN A. L. , CONN J. S 
Published: June 2007

AbstractWe describe specific primers that amplify nine microsatellite DNA loci from Melilotus alba and Melilotus officinalis, both invasive plant species (Fabaceae) throughout North America. Allelic diversity was slightly lower for M. alba than for M. officinalis, as was expected heterozygosity. For both species, heterozygote deficit was observed at several loci. Genotypic diversity was very high for both species; the 29 plant samples of each species all had different multilocus genotypes. These markers will be used to determine the origins of the sweetclover invasion in Alaska and to compare patterns of diversity between subarctic and lower latitude populations.
Development of EST‐SSRs in the Mediterranean blue mussel, Mytilus galloproviancialis
Authors: YU HONG , LI QI 
Published: June 2007

AbstractEight polymorphic microsatellite repeat markers were identified from Mytilus galloproviancialis, expressed sequence tags (EST) deposited in public sequence database. Number of alleles per locus ranged from two to 10, and the observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.029 to 0.872 and from 0.031 to 0.811, respectively. Three additional Mytiloida species assessed for cross‐species amplification revealed four loci could give positive amplifications. EST‐derived simple sequence repeats provide robust, informative and potentially transferable polymorphic markers suitable for population genetic, parentage, and mapping studies of M. galloproviancialis.
Women's Preconceptional Health and Use of Health Services: Implications for Preconception Care
Authors: Hillemeier Marianne M. , Weisman Carol S. , Chase Gary A. , Dyer Anne‐Marie , Shaffer Michele L. 
Published: June 2007

Objective. To improve understanding of women's use of health care before pregnancy, by analyzing how the health status and health risks of pre‐ and interconceptional women are associated with health services use.Data Source. Data are from a cross‐sectional random‐digit dial telephone survey of a representative sample of 2002 women ages 18–45 years from the Central Pennsylvania Women's Health Study (CePAWHS). A subsample of 1,325 respondents with current reproductive capacity, classified by reproductive life stage (preconceptional or interconceptional), was analyzed.Study Design. Bivariate and multiple logistic regression analyses were conducted to determine how health needs (including indices of health status and health risks related to adverse pregnancy outcomes) are associated with five indicators of health services use (receipt of a regular physical exam, obstetrician–gynecologist [ob/gyn] visit, receipt of a set of recommended screening services, receipt of health counseling services on general health topics, and receipt of pregnancy‐related counseling), controlling for predisposing and enabling variables.Principal Findings. Only half of women at risk of pregnancy report receiving counseling about pregnancy planning in the past year. One‐third of women surveyed did not receive routine physical examinations and screening services, and over half received little or no health counseling. Multivariate analyses showed that all the measures of health needs except for negative health behavior were related to some type of health services use. Psychosocial stress was associated with having a recent ob/gyn visit, with receiving general health counseling, and with receiving pregnancy planning counseling. Cardiovascular risk was positively associated with receiving general health counseling and a regular physical exam, but negatively associated with seeing an ob/gyn. Positive health behaviors were associated with receiving screening services and with receiving general health counseling. Preconceptional reproductive life stage was positively associated with receiving a regular physical exam and negatively associated with having an ob/gyn visit.Conclusions. Pre‐ and interconceptional women with specific health care needs may not receive appropriate health care before pregnancy. Improving pregnancy experiences and outcomes requires more comprehensive preconception health care and more preventive care before the first pregnancy.
Twin‐to‐twin transfusion syndrome: Is the future getting brighter?
Authors: WALKER Susan P. , COLE Stephen A. , EDWARDS Andrew G. ,   Victorian Fetal Therapy Service
Published: June 2007

AbstractThe twin‐to‐twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) continues to pose a major challenge in the area of fetal therapy. Untreated, the mortality and morbidity are extremely high, and the fact that there are two structurally normal fetuses at risk makes the case for effective in utero therapy even more compelling. Advances in therapeutic procedures, in particular the development of selective laser photocoagulation of intertwin vascular anastomoses, have improved outcomes, both in terms of survival and survival free of disability. This review examines the pathophysiology, diagnosis, surveillance, contemporary therapies, expected outcomes and ongoing challenges in TTTS.
Getting an evidence‐based post‐partum haemorrhage policy into practice
Authors: CAMERON Carolyn A. , ROBERTS Christine L. , BELL Jane , FISCHER Wendy 
Published: June 2007

AbstractBackground:  Post‐partum haemorrhage (PPH) is a potentially life‐threatening complication of childbirth occurring in up to 10% of births. The NSW Department of Health (DoH) issued a new evidence‐based policy (Framework for Prevention, Early Recognition and Management of Post‐partum Haemorrhage) in November 2002. Feedback from maternity units indicated that there were deficiencies in the skills and experience is needed to develop the written protocols and local plans of action required by the Framework.Methods:  All 96 hospitals in NSW that provide care for childbirth were surveyed. A senior midwife completed a semistructured telephone interview.Results:  Ninety four per cent of hospitals had PPH policies. Among hospitals that provided a copy of their policy, 83% were dated after the release of the DoH's Framework, but 22% contained an incorrect definition of PPH. Only 71% of respondents in small rural and urban district hospitals recalled receiving a copy of the Framework. There was considerable variation in the frequency of postnatal observations. Key factors that impede local policy development were resources, entrenched practices and centralised policy development. Enabling factors were effective relationships, the DoH policy directive (Framework), education and organisational issues/time.Conclusions:  Greater assistance is needed to ensure that hospitals have the capacity to develop a policy applicable to local needs. Maternity hospitals throughout the state provide different levels of care and NSW DoH policy directives should not be ‘one size fits all’ documents. Earlier recognition of PPH may be facilitated by routine post‐partum monitoring of all women and should be consistent throughout the state, regardless of hospital level.
Screening for gestational diabetes at antenatal booking in a Malaysian university hospital: The role of risk factors and threshold value for the 50‐g glucose challenge test
Authors: TAN Peng Chiong , LING Liza Ping , OMAR Siti Zawiah 
Published: June 2007

AbstractBackground:  The best method of screening for gestational diabetes (GDM) remains unsettled. The 50‐g glucose challenge test (GCT) is used in a two‐stage screening process but its best threshold value can vary according to population.Aims:  To evaluate the role of risk factors in conjunction with GCT and to determine an appropriate threshold for the one‐hour venous plasma glucose with the GCT.Method:  In a prospective study, 1600 women at antenatal booking without a history of diabetes mellitus or GDM filled a form on risk factors before GCT. Women who had GCT ≥ 7.2 mmol/L underwent the 75‐g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). GDM was diagnosed according to WHO (1999) criteria.Result:  Thirty‐five per cent had GCT ≥ 7.2 mmol/L, 32.6% underwent OGTT and 34.5% of OGTT confirmed GDM. The GDM rate in our population was at least 11.4%. Examination of the receiver operator characteristic curve suggested that the best threshold value for the GCT in our population was ≥ 7.6 mmol/L. Multivariable logistic regression demonstrated that only GCT ≥ 7.6 mmol/L was an independent predictor for GDM (adjusted odds ratio 3.7: P < 0.001). After GCT, maternal age and anthropometry, OGTT during the third trimester, family history, obstetric history and glycosuria were not independent predictors of GDM.Conclusions:  Risk factors were not independent predictors of GDM in women with GCT ≥ 7.2 mmol/L. GCT threshold value ≥ 7.6 mmol is appropriate for the Malaysian population at high risk of GDM.
The ADIPS pilot National Diabetes in Pregnancy Audit Project
Authors: SIMMONS David , CHEUNG N. Wah , McINTYRE H. David , FLACK Jeff R. , LAGSTROM Janet , BOND Dianne , JOHNSON Elizabeth , WOLMARANS Louise , WEIN Peter , SINHA Ashim K. ,   ADIPS National Diabetes in Pregnancy Audit Project Team
Published: June 2007

AbstractBackground:  Limited resources are available to compare outcomes of pregnancies complicated by diabetes across different centres.Aims:  To compare the use of paper, stand alone and networked electronic processes for a sustainable, systematic international audit of diabetes in pregnancy care.Methods:  Development of diabetes in pregnancy minimum dataset using nominal group technique, email user survey of difficulties with audit tools and collation of audit data from nine pilot sites across Australia and New Zealand.Results:  Seventy‐nine defined data items were collected: 33 were for all women, nine for those with gestational diabetes (GDM) and 37 for women with pregestational diabetes. After the pilot, four new fields were requested and 18 fields had queries regarding utility or definition. A range of obstacles hampered the implementation of the audit including Medical Records Committee processes, other medical/non‐medical staff not initially involved, temporary staff, multiple clinical records used by different parts of the health service, difficulty obtaining the postnatal test results and time constraints. Implementation of electronic audits in both the networked and the stand‐alone settings had additional problems relating to the need to nest within pre‐existing systems. Among the 496 women (45 type 1; 43 type 2; 399 GDM) across the nine centres, there were substantial differences in key quality and outcome indicators between sites.Conclusions:  We conclude that an international, multicentre audit and benchmarking program is feasible and sustainable, but can be hampered by pre‐existing processes, particularly in the initial introduction of electronic methods.
Social influences for smoking in pregnancy in south western Sydney antenatal clinic attendees
Authors: MOHSIN Mohammed , FORERO Roberto , BERTHELSEN Angela , BAUMAN Adrian , JALALUDIN Bin , GYANESHWAR Rajanishwar 
Published: June 2007

AbstractThis study examined the needs of and barriers to smoking cessation of 677 women who attended antenatal clinics in south‐west Sydney. More than a quarter (26.3%) of the mothers reported smoking at their first antenatal visit. Smokers were more likely to be teenagers, single mothers and less likely to have formal education or employment. They were less aware of the potential health risks of smoking in pregnancy (SIP). High levels of SIP remain a public health problem, and effective interventions are needed.
Reduction in protein S activity during normal pregnancy
Authors: KURASAWA Gotaro , KOTANI Kazuhiko , ITO Yuji , SAIGA Kyoko , IIJIMA Kenji 
Published: June 2007

AbstractWe investigated the serial changes in blood protein S (PS) and related proteins in 11 normal pregnant women. The PS activity decreased significantly in the third trimester and reached minimum levels (23.3%) one hour after delivery. Although the PS activity was reduced markedly below the normal limits, all the women delivered safely. The mechanisms that cause the reduction in PS activity and the clinically dangerous conditions involving PS activity during pregnancy warrant further investigation.
A randomised trial of two regimens of vaginal misoprostol to manage termination of pregnancy of up to 16 weeks
Authors: KHAZARDOOST Soghra , HANTOUSHZADEH Sedigheh , MADANI Marjan Moezi 
Published: June 2007

AbstractObjective:  The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy and side‐effects of two regimens of vaginal misoprostol for pregnancy termination of up to 16 weeks.Methods:  A randomised clinical trial of medical pregnancy termination of up to 16 weeks was conducted. A hundred pregnant women requesting legal termination of pregnancy were randomised into two groups to receive either 200 µg (50 women) or 400 µg (50 women) – vaginal misoprostol every six hours up to four doses. Outcome of abortion and side‐effects were assessed.Results:  The groups were similar in maternal age, gestational age, parity and indication for pregnancy termination. There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in abortion (P = 0.084) and mean induction to abortion time (P = 0.35). However, the side‐effects in the 400 µg group were significantly higher than in the 200 µg group (P = 0.000).Conclusion:  In pregnancy termination of up to 16 weeks, 200 µg vaginal misoprostol every six hours up to four doses was as effective as 400 µg, but side‐effects were more common in 400 µg regimen.
Letrozole and desogestrel‐only contraceptive pill for the treatment of stage IV endometriosis
Authors: REMORGIDA Valentino , ABBAMONTE Luiza Helena , RAGNI Nicola , FULCHERI Ezio , FERRERO Simone 
Published: June 2007

AbstractBackground:  It has recently been suggested that aromatase inhibitors may effectively reduce pain symptoms related to the presence of endometriosis both in postmenopausal women and in subjects of reproductive age.Aims:  This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a combination of letrozole and desogestrel in the treatment of pain symptoms related to the presence of endometriosis.Methods:  This open‐label prospective study included 12 women with endometriosis‐related pain symptoms that were refractory to previous medical and surgical treatments. All women had previous laparoscopy documenting stage IV endometriosis. The treatment protocol included the daily oral administration of letrozole 2.5 mg (Femara®), desogestrel 75 µg (Cerazette®), elemental calcium 1000 mg and vitamin D 880 I.U. The scheduled treatment period was six months.Results:  None of the women included in the study completed the six‐month treatment because all patients developed ovarian cysts; the median length of treatment was 84 days (range, 56–112). At interruption of treatment, all women reported significant improvements in dysmenorrhoea and dyspareunia. Pain symptoms quickly recurred at three‐month follow up. There were no severe adverse effects of treatment; no significant change in the mineral bone density was observed during treatment.Conclusions:  The combination of letrozole and desogestrel induces a relief of pain symptoms in women with endometriosis but it causes the development of ovarian cysts. Pain symptoms quickly recur after the completion of treatment.
Simultaneous use of a levonorgestrel intrauterine system and an etonogestrel subdermal implant for debilitating adolescent endometriosis
Authors: AL‐JEFOUT Moamar , PALMER John , FRASER Ian S. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractAdolescent familial endometriosis may cause severe and persistent symptoms that are disruptive to lifestyle. Treatment may be difficult in many cases. We describe the novel and successful first use of a simultaneous combination of a levonorgestrel intrauterine system and an etonogestrel subdermal implant in a teenager with severe pain symptoms as a result of laparoscopically confirmed endometriosis, which was refractory to other treatments.