bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Distribution, Determinants, and Prevention of Falls among the Elderly in the 2011–2012 California Health Interview Survey
Authors: Qin Zijian , Baccaglini Lorena
Published: June 2016

Objectives.

Falls in the geriatric population are a major public health issue. With the anticipated aging of the population, falls are expected to increase nationally and globally. We estimated the prevalence and determinants of falls in adults aged ≥65 years and calculated the proportion of elderly who fell and made lifestyle changes as a result of professional recommendations.

Methods.

We included adults aged ≥65 years from the 2011–2012 California Health Interview Survey (CHIS) and categorized them into two groups based on whether or not they had had at least two falls in the previous 12 months. We performed logistic regression analysis adjusted for the complex survey design to determine risk factors for falls and compare the odds of receiving professional recommendations among elderly with vs. without falls.

Results.

Of an estimated 4.3 million eligible elderly participants in the CHIS (2011–2012), an estimated 527,340 (12.2%) fell multiple times in the previous 12 months. Of those, 204,890 (38.9%) were told how to avoid falls by a physician and 211,355 (40.1%) received medical treatment, although fewer than 41.0% had made related preventive changes to avoid future falls. Falls were associated with older age, less walking, and poorer physical or mental health. Non-Asians had higher odds of falling compared with Asians (adjusted odds ratio 5 1.69, 95% confidence interval 1.16, 2.45). Most participants reported changing medications, home, or daily routines on their own initiative rather than after professional recommendations.

Conclusion.

Patients with a history of falls did not consistently receive professional recommendations on fall prevention-related lifestyle or living condition changes. Given the high likelihood of a serious fall, future interventions should focus on involving primary care physicians in active preventive efforts before a fall occurs.
Understanding Non-Completion of the Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Series: Parent-Reported Reasons for Why Adolescents Might Not Receive Additional Doses, United States, 2012
Authors: Clark Sarah J. , Cowan Anne E. , Filipp Stephanie L. , Fisher Allison M. , Stokley Shannon
Published: June 2016

Completion rates of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine series among U.S. adolescents are below public health targets. We explored parent-reported reasons for their children's non-completion of the HPV vaccine series using a nationally representative online survey of parents of children aged 9–17 years, fielded in October 2012. Among the 1,653 parents who responded, the proportion reporting that their child would definitely continue with the HPV vaccine series among those who had started the series ranged from 28% to 54%. The most common reason cited by parents for non-completion of the series was their child's fear of needles, followed by lack of awareness about additional doses and safety concerns. These findings demonstrate the need to encourage adoption of strategies addressing needle fears, utilize reminders for parents about subsequent doses, and emphasize recent HPV vaccine safety data in discussions with parents.
Using Hospital Inpatient Discharge Data to Supplement Active Surveillance for Invasive Pneumococcal Disease: Is the Extract Worth the Exertion?
Authors: Nichols Megin C. , Bareta Joseph , Coyle Alexander , Landen Michael
Published: June 2016

Objective.

Invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) surveillance systems monitor morbidity, mortality, and vaccine impact; accurate surveillance is important to detect changes in epidemiology. We evaluated completeness of IPD reporting in New Mexico by comparing data from the Hospital Inpatient Discharge Database (HIDD) and the New Mexico Active Bacterial Core Surveillance (ABCs) program.

Methods.

We linked data from the HIDD and the ABCs program. We defined cases of IPD in the HIDD among New Mexico residents with hospitalizations during 2007–2009 as specific (320.1 or 038.2) or nonspecific (481, 320.2, or 041.2) using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) codes. To validate if HIDD records that could not be matched to ABCs data were true IPD cases, we reviewed laboratory data and determined if Streptococcus pneumoniae ( S. pneumoniae) had been isolated from a sterile body site.

Results.

We examined 732 HIDD records for cases that were not matched in the ABCs database; of such records, S. pneumoniae was isolated from a sterile body site in 10 HIDD records.

Conclusion.

ABCs data detected the majority of IPD cases in New Mexico. Laboratory and medical record review is essential when using HIDD data because ICD-9-CM coding alone does not ensure data accuracy. The addition of IPD cases to the ABCs program from the HIDD was minimally beneficial to active surveillance and reporting completeness in New Mexico. States that rely exclusively on passive reporting and that have access to HIDD data might use linkages of pneumococcal and IPD-specific ICD-9-CM–coded HIDD data to improve IPD surveillance and case ascertainment.
Barriers to Treatment among New York City Residents with Chronic Hepatitis C Virus Infection, 2014
Authors: King Andrea , Bornschlegel Katherine , Johnson Nirah , Rude Eric , Laraque Fabienne
Published: June 2016

Objective.

New, highly effective hepatitis C virus (HCV) medications recently changed the landscape of HCV treatment. Access to treatment, however, is limited. The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene conducted an enhanced surveillance project to better understand the reasons patients are not treated for HCV.

Methods.

In June 2014, we randomly selected 300 adults who were reported through routine surveillance as having a positive HCV ribonucleic acid test result and who had seen a medical provider since June 2012. We collected information on demographics, treatment, and barriers to treatment from these 300 patients and their providers by telephone, fax, mail, and medical record review.

Results.

Of 179 providers, 74 (41%) cited co-occurring conditions and 50 (28%) cited patients not keeping follow-up or referral appointments with specialists as common barriers to treatment. Forty providers (22%) reported that they do not prescribe HCV medications and instead refer patients to specialists for treatment. Of 89 patients citing barriers to treatment, 30 (34%) cited co-occurring conditions, 26 (29%) cited concerns about side effects, 21 (24%) indicated not feeling sick, 15 (17%) cited waiting for a better treatment regimen, and 12 (13%) cited medication costs or insurance issues. Only 11 providers and 10 patients denied any barriers to treatment.

Conclusion.

Increasing the number of New York City residents with HCV infection who are treated and cured will require programs to increase provider capacity, change provider behavior in treating patients with substance use and medical conditions, improve patient awareness of new medications, provide patient navigation and care coordination support through treatment, and initiate advocacy and policy work.
County Health Factors Associated with Avoidable Deaths from Cardiovascular Disease in the United States, 2006–2010
Authors: Greer Sophia , Schieb Linda J. , Ritchey Matthew , George Mary , Casper Michele
Published: June 2016

Objective.

Many cardiovascular deaths can be avoided through primary prevention to address cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors or better access to quality medical care. In this cross-sectional study, we examined the relationship between four county-level health factors and rates of avoidable death from CVD during 2006–2010.

Methods.

We defined avoidable deaths from CVD as deaths among U.S. residents younger than 75 years of age caused by the following underlying conditions, using International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-10-CM) codes: ischemic heart disease (I20–I25), chronic rheumatic heart disease (I05–I09), hypertensive disease (I10–I15), or cerebrovascular disease (I60–I69). We stratified county-level death rates by race (non-Hispanic white or non-Hispanic black) and age-standardized them to the 2000 U.S. standard population. We used County Health Rankings data to rank county-level z scores corresponding to four health factors: health behavior, clinical care, social and economic factors, and physical environment. We used Poisson rate ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to compare rates of avoidable death from CVD by health-factor quartile.

Results.

In a comparison of worst-ranked and best-ranked counties, social and economic factors had the strongest association with rates of avoidable death per 100,000 population from CVD for the total population (RR=1.49; 95% CI 1.39, 1.60) and for each racial/ethnic group (non-Hispanic white: RR=1.37; 95% CI 1.29, 1.45; non-Hispanic black: RR=1.54; 95% CI 1.42, 1.67). Among the non-Hispanic white population, health behaviors had the next strongest association, followed by clinical care. Among the non-Hispanic black population, we observed a significant association with clinical care and physical environment in a comparison of worst-ranked and best-ranked counties.

Conclusion.

Social and economic factors have the strongest association with rates of avoidable death from CVD by county, which reinforces the importance of social and economic interventions to address geographic disparities in avoidable deaths from CVD.
Dual-Routine HCV/HIV Testing: Seroprevalence and Linkage to Care in Four Community Health Centers in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Authors: Coyle Catelyn , Kwakwa Helena
Published: June 2016

Objective.

Despite common risk factors, screening for hepatitis C virus (HCV) and HIV at the same time as part of routine medical care (dual-routine HCV/HIV testing) is not commonly implemented in the United States. This study examined improvements in feasibility of implementation, screening increase, and linkage to care when a dual-routine HCV/HIV testing model was integrated into routine primary care.

Methods.

National Nursing Centers Consortium implemented a dual-routine HCV/HIV testing model at four community health centers in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on September 1, 2013. Routine HCV and opt-out HIV testing replaced the routine HCV and opt-in HIV testing model through medical assistant-led, laboratory-based testing and electronic medical record modification to prompt, track, report, and facilitate reimbursement for tests performed on uninsured individuals. This study examined testing, seropositivity, and linkage-to-care comparison data for the nine months before (December 1, 2012–August 31, 2013) and after (September 1, 2013–May 31, 2014) implementation of the dual-routine HCV/HIV testing model.

Results.

A total of 1,526 HCV and 1,731 HIV tests were performed before, and 1,888 HCV and 3,890 HIV tests were performed after dual-routine testing implementation, resulting in a 23.7% increase in HCV tests and a 124.7% increase in HIV tests. A total of 70 currently HCV-infected and four new HIV-seropositive patients vs. 101 HCV-infected and 13 new HIV-seropositive patients were identified during these two periods, representing increases of 44.3% for HCV antibody-positive and RNA-positive tests and 225.0% for HIV-positive tests. Linkage to care increased from 27 currently infected HCV-positive and one HIV-positive patient pre-dual-routine testing to 39 HCV-positive and nine HIV-positive patients post-dual-routine testing.

Conclusion.

The dual-routine HCV/HIV testing model shows that integrating dual-routine testing in a primary care setting is possible and leads to increased HCV and HIV screening, enhanced seropositivity diagnosis, and improved linkage to care.
Ten Sites, 10 Years, 10 Lessons: Scale-up of Routine HIV Testing at Community Health Centers in the Bronx, New York
Authors: Futterman Donna , Stafford Stephen , Meissner Paul , Lyle-Gassama Michelle , Blank Arthur , DuBois Lindsay , Swartz Jonathan
Published: June 2016

Objective.

In response to the current CDC recommendations for routine HIV testing in clinical settings, the Adolescent AIDS Program at Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx, New York, developed the Advise, Consent, Test, Support routine HIV testing model (ACTS) in 2003. ACTS was piloted in 10 community health centers operated by Montefiore because they serve populations most at risk for HIV/AIDS.

Methods.

ACTS streamlined and codified the counseling and testing process, provided a routine HIV testing practice change plan, and provided training and communication materials that promoted routine HIV testing. To determine program success, we measured the number of patients seen at the clinics, the number of HIV test-eligible patients (those aged 13–64 years and not pregnant), the number and percent of patients receiving HIV testing, HIV test results, and the number of patients linked to care.

Results.

HIV testing in the 10 sites increased nearly threefold during the pilot period (2003–2007), from 3,944 of 49,125 eligible patients (8%) tested in 2003 to 11,212 of 55,629 eligible patients (20%) tested in 2007. With little ongoing support, the sites continued or maintained improvements: 13,226 of 56,686 eligible patients (23%) were tested in 2008, 15,965 of 57,025 eligible patients (28%) were tested in 2011, 17,483 of 60,514 eligible patients (29%) were tested in 2012, and 17,971 of 63,172 eligible patients (28%) were tested in 2013. Sites identified 433 HIV-positive patients from 2006 to 2013 (0.2%–0.6% annual seropositivity), and 96% of them were linked to care within 90 days of HIV diagnoses (range: 92% to 98% annually).

Conclusion.

ACTS demonstrated that substantial and sustained increases in routine HIV testing can be achieved in health-care settings, not by adding personnel or financial resources, but by using the model's practice change plan and streamlined HIV testing approach.
Costs of Expanded Rapid HIV Testing in Four Emergency Departments
Authors: Schackman Bruce R. , Eggman Ashley A. , Leff Jared A. , Braunlin Megan , Felsen Uriel R. , Fitzpatrick Lisa , Telzak Edward E. , El-Sadr Wafaa , Branson Bernard M.
Published: June 2016

Objective.

The HIV Prevention Trials Network (HPTN) 065 trial sought to expand HIV screening of emergency department (ED) patients in Bronx, New York, and Washington, D.C. This study assessed the testing costs associated with different expansion processes and compared them with costs of a hypothetical optimized process.

Methods.

Micro-costing studies were conducted in two participating EDs in each city that switched from point-of-care (POC) to rapid-result laboratory testing. In three EDs, laboratory HIV testing was only conducted for patients having blood drawn for clinical reasons; in the other ED, all HIV testing was conducted with laboratory testing. Costs were estimated through direct observation and interviews to document process flows, time estimates, and labor and materials costs. A hypothetical optimized process flow used minimum time estimates for each process step. National wage and fringe rates and local reagent costs were used to determine the average cost (excluding overhead) per completed nonreactive and reactive test in 2013 U.S. dollars.

Results.

Laboratory HIV testing costs in the EDs ranged from $17.00 to $23.83 per completed nonreactive test, and POC testing costs ranged from $17.64 to $37.60; cost per completed reactive test ranged from $89.29 to $123.17. Costs of hypothetical optimized HIV testing with automated process steps were approximately 45% lower for nonreactive tests and 20% lower for reactive tests. The cost per ED visit to conduct expanded HIV testing in each hospital ranged from $1.21 to $3.96.

Conclusion.

An optimized process could achieve additional cost savings but would require an investment in electronic system interfaces to further automate testing processes.
Expanded HIV Testing and Linkage to Care: Conventional vs. Point-of-Care Testing and Assignment of Patient Notification and Linkage to Care to an HIV Care Program
Authors: Bares Sara , Eavou Rebecca , Bertozzi-Villa Clara , Taylor Michelle , Hyland Heather , McFadden Rachel , Shah Sachin , Pho Mai T. , Walter James , Badlani Sameer , Schneider John , Prachand Nik , Benbow Nanette , Pitrak David
Published: June 2016

Objective.

The University of Chicago Medicine (UCM) led the Expanded Testing and Linkage to Care (X-TLC) program for disproportionately affected populations on the South Side of Chicago. The X-TLC program aimed to expand routine HIV testing to high-prevalence communities with disproportionately affected populations (i.e., minority men and women, men who have sex with men, and intravenous drug users) according to CDC guidelines at multiple clinical sites.

Methods.

The X-TLC program used standard blood-based laboratory testing vs. point-of-care rapid testing or rapid laboratory testing with point-of-care results notification. Site coordinators and the linkage-to-care coordinator at UCM oversaw testing, test notification, and linkage to care.

Results.

From February 1, 2011, through December 31, 2013, the X-TLC program completed 75,345 HIV tests on 67,153 unique patients. Of the total tests, 48,044 (63.8%) were performed on patients who self-identified as African American and 6,606 (8.8%) were performed on patients who self-identified as Hispanic. Of the 67,153 patients tested, 395 (0.6%) tested positive and 176 (0.3%) were previously unaware of their HIV-positive status. Seroprevalence was even higher for EDs, where 127 of 12,957 patients tested positive for HIV (1.0% seroprevalence), than for other patient care sites, including for new diagnoses, where 50 of 12,957 patients tested positive for HIV (0.4% seroprevalence). Of the 176 newly diagnosed patients, 166 of 173 (96.0%) patients who were still alive when testing was complete received their test results, and 148 of the 166 patients who were eligible for care (89.0%) were linked to care. Patients linked to X-TLC physicians did well with respect to the continuum of care: 77 of 123 (62.6%) patients achieved HIV viral load of <200 copies/milliliter.

Conclusion.

Lead organizations such as UCM were able to assist and oversee HIV screening and linkage to care for HIV patients diagnosed at community sites. HIV screening and linkage to care can be accomplished by incorporating standard testing for HIV into routine medical care.
Implementing Routine HIV Screening in Three Chicago Hospitals: Lessons Learned
Authors: Rucker Monique Glover , Eavou Rebecca , Allgood Kristi L. , Sinclair Donna , Lawal Rukiyat , Tobin Audra , Pitrak David , Glick Nancy R.
Published: June 2016

Objective.

This study describes routine HIV screening implementation and outcomes in three hospitals in Chicago, Illinois.

Methods.

Retrospective data from three hospitals were examined, and routine testing procedures, testing volume, reactive test results, and linkage-to-care outcomes were documented.

Results.

From January 2012 through March 2014, 40,788 HIV tests were administered at the three hospitals: 18,603 (46%) in the emergency department (ED), 7,546 (19%) in the inpatient departments, and 14,639 (36%) in outpatient clinics. The screened patients varied from 1% to 22% of the total eligible patient population across hospitals. A total of 297 patients tested positive for HIV for a seropositivity rate of 0.7%; 129 (43%) were newly diagnosed and 168 (57%) were previously diagnosed, with 64% of those previously diagnosed out of care at the time of screening. The inpatient areas had the highest seropositivity rate (0.6%). The percentage of newly diagnosed patients overall who were linked to care was 77%. Of newly diagnosed patients, 51% had ≥1 missed opportunity for testing (with a mean of 3.8 visits since 2006), and 30% of patients with missed opportunities were late testers (baseline CD4+ counts <200 cells per cubic millimeter).

Conclusion.

Routine screening is an essential tool for identifying new infections and patients with known infection who are out of care. Hospitals need to provide HIV screening in inpatient and outpatient settings—not just EDs—to decrease missed opportunities. Routine screening success will be driven by how notification and testing are incorporated into the normal medical flow, the level of leadership buy-in, the ability to conduct quality assurance, and local testing laws.
Pharmacy Intervention to Improve HIV Testing Uptake Using a Comprehensive Health Screening Approach
Authors: Crawford Natalie D. , Dean Trevano , Rivera Alexis V. , Guffey Taylor , Amesty Silvia , Rudolph Abby , DeCuir Jennifer , Fuller Crystal M.
Published: June 2016

Objective.

HIV testing is increasingly available, yet barriers to HIV testing persist for low-income black and Latino people, especially those who use illicit drugs. HIV exceptionalism, or the idea that a positive HIV diagnosis is drastically different from a diagnosis for any other disease, may influence HIV testing-related stigma, resulting in reduced willingness to undergo HIV testing. This pharmacy-based intervention combined HIV testing with less stigmatized chronic disease screening tests (e.g., blood pressure, glucose, and cholesterol) to equate the concept of an HIV diagnosis with other diagnoses.

Methods.

Three pharmacies located in low-income, minority neighborhoods in New York City were enrolled in an intervention to provide ( 1) HIV testing, chronic disease screening, and a healthy lifestyles video that normalized all screening tests and destigmatized HIV as a fatal disease (comprehensive arm); ( 2) HIV testing and the video (video arm); and ( 3) HIV testing only (control arm). Injection drug users (IDUs) and pharmacy staff recruited un- and under-insured pharmacy customers, IDUs, and IDU peers from 2010 to 2012. Participants in the control group were compared with those in the comprehensive and video intervention groups.

Results.

Participants in the comprehensive arm (prevalence ratio [PR] = 1.61, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.03, 2.49, p=0.08) and the video arm (PR=1.59, 95% CI 1.00, 2.53, p=0.09) were marginally significantly more likely to receive an HIV test in the pharmacy compared with those in the control arm after adjustment.

Conclusions.

These findings suggest that adoption of strategies that destigmatize and normalize HIV testing can improve uptake. Implementation of this strategy in low-access, minority communities with high HIV prevalence and among high-risk populations may help reduce racial/ethnic disparities in HIV.
Results of Hepatitis C Birth-Cohort Testing and Linkage to Care in Selected U.S. Sites, 2012–2014
Authors: Patel Rajiv C. , Vellozzi Claudia , Smith Bryce D.
Published: June 2016

Objective.

Following its recommendation for one-time hepatitis C virus (HCV) testing of people born between 1945 and 1965, CDC implemented the Hepatitis Testing and Linkage to Care (HepTLC) initiative to conduct birth-cohort hepatitis testing in U.S. health-care settings. We describe demographic characteristics, HCV infection prevalence, and HCV-related risk factors among people born between 1945 and 1965 who were tested as part of the program, which ran from 2012 to 2014.

Methods.

As part of the HepTLC initiative, 14 grantees supporting 104 health-care sites in 21 U.S. municipalities tested participants born between 1945 and 1965 for HCV antibody (anti-HCV). Demographic characteristics and HCV risk factors were reported for people tested for anti-HCV and who were anti-HCV or HCV RNA positive. We evaluated outcomes along the HCV testing-to-care continuum using the following indicators: anti-HCV positive, HCV RNA test offered, HCV RNA positive, referred to care, and attended first medical appointment.

Results.

Among 24,966 people tested for HCV infection, 2,900 (11.6%) were anti-HCV positive. Anti-HCV positivity was highest among those who self-identified as non-Hispanic black ( n=1,701 of 12,202, 13.9%), men ( n=2,073 of 12,130, 17.1%), and people born between 1951 and 1955 ( n=795 of 5,768, 13.8%). Of the 2,900 people testing anti-HCV positive, 2,108 (72.7%) received an HCV RNA test, 1,497 (51.6%) were HCV RNA positive, 1,201 (41.4%) were referred to care, and 938 (32.3%) attended their first appointment.

Conclusion.

Testing for HCV infection among those born between 1945 and 1965 without soliciting HCV risk factors was successful. Providers implementing birth-cohort testing should develop and evaluate strategies to improve outcomes along the testing-to-care continuum.
Testing and Linking Foreign-Born People with Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Infection to Care at Nine U.S. Programs, 2012–2014
Authors: Harris Aaron M. , Schoenbachler Ben T. , Ramirez Gilberto , Vellozzi Claudia , Beckett Geoff A.
Published: June 2016

Objective.

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection continues to be a public health threat in the United States. As many as 2.2 million people are infected, approximately 70% of whom are foreign-born, and fewer than one-third are aware of their infection. We launched an HBV testing and linkage-to-care initiative among foreign-born people.

Methods.

As part of the Hepatitis Testing and Linkage to Care (HepTLC) initiative, which promoted viral hepatitis B and hepatitis C screening, posttest counseling, and linkage to care at 34 U.S. sites, nine U.S. programs in seven states conducted HBV screening from October 2012 to September 2014. The nine programs partnered with health-care centers and community-based organizations to recruit foreign-born people recommended for HBV testing. We assessed patient characteristics, region of origin, risk factors, hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) status, and referral to medical care.

Results.

Of 23,144 participants tested for HBV, 1,317 (5.7%) were HBsAg positive. Of these, the median age was 47 years, 1,205 (91%) had at least one risk factor for HBV infection, 1,117 (85%) received posttest counseling, 1,098 (83%) were referred to care, and 606 (46%) attended a first medical appointment. The proportion of HBsAg-positive participants by region of origin included Africa (10%, 206/2,129), Western Pacific (6%, 616/9,673), Eastern Mediterranean (5%, 174/3,337), Southeast Asia (5%, 191/3,891), South America (2%, 6/252), Eastern Europe (2%, 6/262), and North America (1%, 17/1,936).

Conclusion.

Community-based HBV testing initiatives can identify substantial numbers of people with chronic HBV infection, inform them of their infection status, and provide posttest counseling and linkage to care. However, strategies are needed to improve linkage to HBV-directed medical care for foreign-born individuals living with chronic HBV infection.
The Hepatitis Testing and Linkage-to-Care Data Review Process: An Approach to Ensuring the Quality of Program Data
Authors: Mezzo Jennifer L. , Lamia Tamara L. , Danelski Lisa L. , Schipani Anne Marie , Stokes Scott A. , Jacobs-Ware Elizabeth D.
Published: June 2016

Objective.

CDC's 2012 Hepatitis Testing and Linkage to Care (HepTLC) initiative was a nationally coordinated effort to conduct hepatitis B and hepatitis C screening, posttest counseling, and linkage to care at 34 U.S. sites. This project provided support for data management and monthly data reviews between awardees and a data manager, which facilitated monitoring of awardee progress and regular program improvement opportunities.

Methods.

CDC provided technical assistance to awardees for testing processes and program improvement, including Internet-based data submission, reporting software and data management to awardees, offering assistance with submitting, and reviewing data in real time. We describe how one awardee, AIDS Resource Center of Wisconsin (ARCW), used the data management process to improve data quality, inform testing processes and implementation, and measure and report missing variables from an online database.

Results.

From October 2012 through July 2014, ARCW performed 2,255 HCV antibody (anti-HCV) tests and 244 HCV ribonucleic acid (RNA) tests as part of the HepTLC initiative. Participants who tested HCV RNA positive ( n=189) were referred to medical care. At the end of the study, no records were missing for the anti-HCV test result or HCV RNA test result variables, and only one record was missing for those who were referred to medical care.

Conclusion.

Regular data review and monitoring by awardees and CDC-supported data managers provided opportunities for data quality and program improvement. Through regular data review, ARCW reduced the amount of missing data and promoted timely follow-up with participants testing positive for HCV to ensure receipt of results and linkage to care. Other programs can adopt a similar data management model.
Increasing Hepatitis B Testing and Linkage to Care of Foreign-Born Asians, Sacramento, California, 2012–2013
Authors: Dang Julie H.T. , Chen Jr. Moon S.
Published: June 2016

Objective.

Without medical intervention, about one-quarter of the 1.4–2.2 million Americans chronically infected with the hepatitis B virus (HBV) will die of HBV-associated conditions, including liver failure and hepatocellular carcinoma. We report on a program in Sacramento County, California, that offered HBV screening to at-risk adults, referred infected individuals to care, and vaccinated uninfected adults who were susceptible to HBV infection (i.e., individuals who tested negative for hepatitis B surface antigen and who were never vaccinated against HBV).

Methods.

We engaged organizations linked to Chinese, Hmong, Korean, and Vietnamese communities to cosponsor HBV screenings of Asian Americans as part of the Hepatitis Testing and Linkage to Care initiative, which promoted viral hepatitis B and hepatitis C screening, posttest counseling, and linkage to care at 34 U.S. sites. We held 28 hepatitis B community screening events throughout Sacramento County, California, in collaboration with these groups from September 2012 to September 2013.

Results.

We screened 1,004 Asian American adults (i.e., 283 Koreans, 242 Chinese, 233 Vietnamese, 223 Hmong, and 23 people from other Asian communities) for HBV, of whom 98% were foreign born and 87% had a language preference other than English. Of the 76 participants who tested positive for HBV (31 Hmong, 23 Vietnamese, 17 Chinese, two Koreans, and three from other Asian communities), we provided posttest counseling to 51 participants.

Conclusion.

By collaborating with community groups and addressing barriers to screening, we highlighted the importance of disaggregating chronic HBV infection rates by Asian ethnicity and sex vs. aggregated Asian American rates. Future HBV screening initiatives should target Hmong and Vietnamese men.
Agent-based simulation of the dynamics of malware propagation in scale-free networks
Authors: Hosseini Soodeh , Abdollahi Azgomi Mohammad , Rahmani Torkaman Adel
Published: June 2016

Agent-based modeling and simulation (ABMS) has been used in wide range of application areas as an effective modeling paradigm. In this work, we have used ABMS to study the dynamics of malware propagation in scale-free networks (SFNs). Firstly, we use an analytical model to formulate the malware propagation process that considers the diversity of nodes in SFNs. Secondly, for the same problem, we use agent-based simulation to model the outbreak of malware based on the rumor diffusion process. The proposed agent-based model considers a set of heterogeneous agents and interactions between them that may allow malware transmission. This model helps us to study the effects of defense mechanisms, such as software diversity and immunization, in controlling the malware propagation and thereby reducing the impacts of attacks in networks. We also investigate the effect of the vulnerability function related to the degree of network nodes to explain the diversity of node anti-attack ability in the agent-based model. The results of the agent-based simulation are nearly the same as the analytical model, which can be used to validate the simulation model. However, the agent-based model has some notable advantages, such as flexibility and dynamic reconfiguration, over the analytical model.
Validation of the Scale of Positive and Negative Experience in a South African student sample
Authors: du Plessis Graham A , Guse Tharina
Published: June 2016

This study investigated the validity of the Scale of Positive and Negative Experience in a South Africa context using a sample of 992 university students. Item fit and unidimensionality of the Positive and Negative Experience subscales were examined using a process of Rasch analysis. Reliability of the subscales was evaluated, and correlations between the Scale of Positive and Negative Experience, the Mental Health Continuum – Short Form, and the Satisfaction with Life Scale were examined. In general, the Scale of Positive and Negative Experience exhibited good Rasch fit and reliability. However, there were two items, one from each Positive and Negative Experience subscales, respectively, that exhibited some problems with Rasch fit. While the substantive effect of these problematic items on reliability was marginal, their identification as problematic corroborated analysis in another study, enjoining, if not their removal, certainly a direction for future research. Overall, the findings serve to both support the notion that in its present form, the Scale of Positive and Negative Experience is a psychometrically sound instrument to measure positive and negative experiences as a facet of well-being among South African university students and to indicate directions for further research on the scale.
Migration and cultural flows between Vietnam and Poland
Authors: Szymanska-Matusiewicz Grazyna
Published: June 2016

Based on anthropological multi-sited fieldwork, this article examines the changing flows of Vietnamese migration to Poland, starting with educational migration in the 1950s up to the current economic-oriented migration. Changes in the geopolitical order, such as the collapse following the Cold War and the reorientation of foreign policy of both countries, affected the nature of Vietnamese migration and cultural transmission. The biographical narratives of Vietnamese migrants in Poland were examined to analyze the interconnections between macro-structural factors, micro-level individual experiences and meso-level of transnational connections maintained by the Vietnamese community in Poland with their country of origin.
Outside Directors, Corporate Social Responsibility Performance, and Corporate Tax Aggressiveness: An Empirical Analysis
Authors: Lanis Roman , Richardson Grant
Published: June 2016

This study examines the impact of outside directors on the association between corporate social responsibility (CSR) performance and tax aggressiveness. Based on a sample of 5,007 firm-year observations over the 2003-2009 period, we find that there is a negative association between the interaction effect of the proportion of outside directors on the board and CSR performance, and tax aggressiveness. Our additional tests confirm the reliability of our main regression results. Overall, our results indicate that the presence of outside directors on the board magnifies the negative association between CSR performance and tax aggressiveness.
Does Type and Severity of Violence Affect the Help-Seeking Behaviors of Victims of Intimate Partner Violence in Nigeria?
Authors: Tenkorang Eric Y. , Sedziafa Alice P. , Owusu Adobea Y.
Published: June 2016

Using data from the 2013 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey ( N = 6,013) and applying multinomial logit models, we examined whether type and severity of intimate partner violence (IPV) influence victims’ help-seeking behaviors. Results showed that about 65% of women did not seek help after experiencing IPV. However, most women who sought help did so from informal sources only (31.3%), compared with formal sources (1.9%). Type and severity of violence were significant predictors of the help-seeking behaviors of Nigerian women. Women who experienced severe forms of physical and emotional violence were more likely to seek help from formal and informal support services, than not seeking help. Sexual violence was not a significant predictor of women’s help-seeking behaviors. It is important to educate women on the relevance of seeking help, especially from formal support services after experiencing IPV.
A Prospective Assessment of Nasopharyngolaryngoscope Recording Adaptor Use in Residency Training
Authors: Liu Yuan F. , Kim Cherine H. , Bailey Traci W. , Hondorp Brian M. , Nguyen Khanh , Krishnan Miguel , Simental Alfred A. , Inman Jared C.
Published: June 2016

Flexible fiberoptic nasopharyngolaryngoscope (FN) examinations are important to the practice of otolaryngology (ENT). We sought to assess whether a portable recording adaptor for the FN can enhance resident learning and improve patient management. The adaptor was used prospectively on consultations by first‐ and second‐year ENT residents, and changes in diagnosis and management were recorded in the patient care workflow. In 43 patients, we found a 23% change in diagnosis, 44% change in management, and 19% change in surgical management after an attending reviewed recorded videos. Residents and attendings reported that discussing the video enhanced learning in 88% and 81% of cases, respectively. A portable FN recording adaptor has the potential to improve resident training and perhaps lead to more prompt health care delivery.
Drawing on Media Studies, Gender Studies, and Media Literacy Education to Develop an Interdisciplinary Approach to Media and Gender Classes
Authors: Friesem Elizaveta
Published: June 2016

Media scholars see audiences as agentic, and people’s relationships with media texts and tools as complex and not easily predictable. At the same time, we are reminded that media representations of gender are ideological, and that media environment does contribute to the development of our gender identities. The article argues that it is crucial to help people understand this complexity through education and discusses the need to create an interdisciplinary approach to media and gender classes. This approach would combine a theoretical framework based on media studies and gender studies with best practices developed within media literacy education. The article offers analysis of educational materials created by three nonprofit organizations, in order to elucidate the main challenges that the interdisciplinary approach toward media and gender classes should address.
Book Review: Vinay Lal, Making and Unmaking the City: Politics, Culture and Life Forms and Vinay Lal, The City in its Plenitude
Authors: Nair Janaki
Published: June 2016

Vinay Lal, Making and Unmaking the City: Politics, Culture and Life Forms. The Oxford Anthology of the Modern Indian City, Oxford University Press, New Delhi, 2013, i–xlviii + 469 pp. ₹ 808.

Vinay Lal, The City in its Plenitude. The Oxford Anthology of the Modern Indian City, Oxford University Press, New Delhi, 2013, i–xlvi + 382 pp.
Do children with phonological delay have phonological short-term and phonological working memory deficits?
Authors: Waring Rebecca , Eadie Patricia , Rickard Liow Susan , Dodd Barbara
Published: June 2016

While little is known about why children make speech errors, it has been hypothesized that cognitive-linguistic factors may underlie phonological speech sound disorders. This study compared the phonological short-term and phonological working memory abilities (using immediate memory tasks) and receptive vocabulary size of 14 monolingual preschool children with phonological delay with individually matched peers with typical speech development. The immediate memory tasks examined forward recall of familiar words (pointing response), reverse recall of familiar words (pointing response), and reverse recall of digits (spoken response). The results indicated that children with typical speech development had larger receptive vocabularies and performed significantly better than children with phonological delay on all immediate memory tasks. Qualitative error analyses revealed that while the two groups made similar errors on the forward memory task, children with phonological delayed performed differently on reverse recall of spoken digits. These findings suggest a link between immediate memory and delayed phonological development.
Appropriation strategies and open innovation in SMEs
Authors: Freel Mark , Robson Paul J
Published: June 2016

Drawing upon data from the fifth UK Innovation Survey, this article sheds light on how management choices on the nature of appropriation relate to management choices on the degree of openness within small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). To this end, our findings indicate a threshold effect of both informal and formal appropriation mechanisms on the likelihood of engaging in both coupled and inbound open innovation. That is, an emphasis on appropriation appears to be important in shifting firms from a closed to an open strategy. There is, however, little evidence that either approach to appropriation increases the extent of open innovation. In this, only informal intellectual property (IP) protection mechanisms associate with an increasing extent of inbound open innovation.
The efficacy and safety of extended-release methylphenidate following traumatic brain injury: a randomised controlled pilot study
Authors: Dymowski Alicia R , Ponsford Jennie L , Owens Jacqueline A , Olver John H , Ponsford Michael , Willmott Catherine
Published: June 2016

Objective:

To investigate the feasibility, safety and efficacy of extended-release methylphenidate in enhancing processing speed, complex attentional functioning and everyday attentional behaviour after traumatic brain injury.

Design:

Seven week randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind, parallel pilot study.

Setting:

Inpatient and outpatient Acquired Brain Injury Rehabilitation Program.

Participants:

Eleven individuals with reduced processing speed and/or attention deficits following complicated mild to severe traumatic brain injury.

Interventions:

Participants were allocated using a blocked randomisation schedule to receive daily extended-release methylphenidate (Ritalin® LA at a dose of 0.6 mg/kg) or placebo (lactose) in identical capsules.

Main outcomes:

Tests of processing speed and complex attention, and ratings of everyday attentional behaviour were completed at baseline, week 7 (on-drug), week 8 (off-drug) and 9 months follow-up. Vital signs and side effects were monitored from baseline to week 8.

Results:

Three percent ( n = 11) of individuals screened participated (mean post-traumatic amnesia duration = 63.80 days, SD = 45.15). Results were analysed for six and four individuals on methylphenidate and placebo, respectively. Groups did not differ on attentional test performance or relative/therapist ratings of everyday attentional behaviour. One methylphenidate participant withdrew due to difficulty sleeping. Methylphenidate was associated with trends towards increased blood pressure and reported anxiety.

Conclusion:

Methylphenidate was not associated with enhanced processing speed, attentional functioning or everyday attentional behaviour after traumatic brain injury. Alternative treatments for attention deficits after traumatic brain injury should be explored given the limited feasibility of methylphenidate in this population.
The effectiveness of supplementary arm and upper body exercises following total hip arthroplasty for osteoarthritis in the elderly: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Mitrovic Dragica , Davidovic Mladen , Erceg Predrag , Marinkovic Jelena
Published: June 2016

Objective:

To determine whether arm and upper body exercises in addition to the standard rehabilitation programme improve outcomes after hip arthroplasty.

Design:

Prospective, parallel, randomized, controlled trial.

Setting:

Orthopaedic and rehabilitation departments.

Subjects:

A total of 70 patients >60 years of age, who underwent hip replacement, out of 98 eligible candidates after exclusion criteria were implemented.

Interventions:

The study group took part in the supplementary arm and upper body exercise programme to be compared with the standard rehabilitation programme group.

Main outcome:

The primary outcome was a Harris Hip Score. Secondary outcomes were: Hand grip strength and Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey. Outcomes were assessed preoperatively, two weeks after surgery and at 12 weeks follow-up.

Results:

In the intervention group, significant improvements were found: in functional ability – Harris Hip Score after two (mean difference = 4.7 points) and 12 (mean difference = 5.85 points) weeks; in muscle strength – handgrip for both hands (mean difference for dominant hand = 4.16 and for the other hand = 2.8) after 12 weeks; and in role–physical dimension SF-36 Health Survey (mean difference = 6.42 points) after 12 weeks.

Conclusion:

Results of this study indicate that arm and upper body exercises in addition to the standard rehabilitation programme improve outcomes 12 weeks after hip arthroplasty.
Quantitative T1 mapping under precisely controlled graded hyperoxia at 7T
Authors: Bhogal Alex A , Siero Jeroen CW , Zwanenburg Jaco , Luijten Peter R , Philippens Marielle EP , Hoogduin Hans
Published: June 2016

Increasing the concentration of oxygen dissolved in water is known to increase the recovery rate (R1 = 1/T1) of longitudinal magnetization (T1 relaxation). Direct T1 changes in response to precise hyperoxic gas challenges have not yet been quantified and the actual effect of increasing arterial oxygen concentration on the T1 of brain parenchyma remains unclear. The aim of this work was to use quantitative T1 mapping to measure tissue T1 changes in response to precisely targeted hyperoxic respiratory challenges ranging from baseline end-tidal oxygen (PetO2) to approximately 500 mmHg. We did not observe measureable T1 changes in either gray matter or white matter parenchymal tissue. The T1 of peripheral cerebrospinal fluid located within the sulci, however, was reduced as a function of PetO2. No significant T1 changes were observed in the ventricular cerebrospinal fluid under hyperoxia. Our results indicate that care should be taken to distinguish actual T1 changes from those which may be related to partial volume effects with cerebrospinal fluid, or regions with increased fluid content such as edema when examining hyperoxia-induced changes in T1 using methods based on T1-weighted imaging.
NOS knockout or inhibition but not disrupting PSD-95-NOS interaction protect against ischemic brain damage
Authors: Kleinschnitz Christoph , Mencl Stine , Kleikers Pamela WM , Schuhmann Michael K , G López Manuela , Casas Ana I , Sürün Bilge , Reif Andreas , Schmidt Harald HHW
Published: June 2016

Promising results have been reported in preclinical stroke target validation for pharmacological principles that disrupt the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor–post-synaptic density protein-95–neuronal nitric oxide synthase complex. However, post-synaptic density protein-95 is also coupled to potentially neuroprotective mechanisms. As post-synaptic density protein-95 inhibitors may interfere with potentially neuroprotective mechanisms and sufficient validation has often been an issue in translating basic stroke research, we wanted to close that gap by comparing post-synaptic density protein-95 inhibitors with NOS1−/− mice and a NOS inhibitor. We confirm the deleterious role of NOS1 in stroke both in vivo and in vitro, but find three pharmacological post-synaptic density protein-95 inhibitors to be therapeutically ineffective.
Evidence for a “metabolically inactive” inorganic phosphate pool in adenosine triphosphate synthase reaction using localized 31P saturation transfer magnetic resonance spectroscopy in the rat brain at 11.7 T
Authors: Tiret Brice , Brouillet Emmanuel , Valette Julien
Published: June 2016

With the increased spectral resolution made possible at high fields, a second, smaller inorganic phosphate resonance can be resolved on 31P magnetic resonance spectra in the rat brain. Saturation transfer was used to estimate de novo adenosine triphosphate synthesis reaction rate. While the main inorganic phosphate pool is used by adenosine triphosphate synthase, the second pool is inactive for this reaction. Accounting for this new pool may not only help us understand 31P magnetic resonance spectroscopy metabolic profiles better but also better quantify adenosine triphosphate synthesis.