bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Gender Differences in Quality of Life among Community-Dwelling Older Adults in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: Results from the Study on Global AGEing and adult health (SAGE)
Authors: Lee Kyung Hee , Xu Hanzhang , Wu Bei 
Published: January 2020

Abstract

Background: Quality of life (QoL) is an important component of individuals’ general well-being, particularly in older adults. However, factors influencing QoL among older adults in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) have not been fully examined. Furthermore, the role of gender differences in relation to QoL in multiple LMICs has also not been examined in detail. Methods: This study used data from the World Health Organization’s Study on Global AGEing and adult health (SAGE), Wave-1. Based on a literature review of existing works, a set of variables—an independent variable and covariates—were selected. The study sample consisted of 33,019 participants aged 50 years and above from China, Ghana, India, Russia, and South Africa. Multivariate linear regression models were estimated with the World Health Organization QoL scores as the dependent variable. To preserve the analytical sample size, multiple imputation was used to account for missing data. Results: L The results showed that generally, male older adults reported a better QoL than female older adults across all of the countries. The associations between QoL and sociodemographic factors, health-related factors, and social support factors among older adults differed according to country. Conclusions: This study provides a better understanding of QoL among older adults in LMICs, which can help prepare LMICs to better address the QoL of older adults. The results of this study can be used to develop programs to promote better living standards and services to reduce gender disparities and ultimately, to improve the QoL among older adults in LMICs. Keywords: Quality of life, gender inequality, older adults, low- and middle-income country
Does the shoe really fit? Characterising ill-fitting footwear among community dwelling older adults: an observational cross-sectional study
Authors: O'Rourke Brian , Walsh Mary E , Brophy Rachael , Vallely Shanice , Murphy Niamh , Conroy Bronagh , Cunningham Conal , Horgan Frances 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background : Falls in older people are common and can result in loss of confidence, fear of falling, restriction in activity and loss of independence. Causes of falls are multi-factorial. There is a paucity of research assessing the footwear characteristics among older people who are at high risk of falls, internationally and in the Irish setting. The aim of this study was to examine the proportion of older adults attending a geriatric day hospital in Ireland who were wearing incorrectly sized shoes. Methods : A consecutive sample of 111 older adults aged 60 years and over attending a geriatric day hospital in a large Irish teaching hospital was recruited. Demographic data including age, mobility, medications, co-habitation status, footwear worn at home and falls history were recorded. Shoe size and foot length were measured in millimetres using an internal shoe gauge and SATRA shoe size stick, respectively. Participants’ self-reported shoe size was recorded. Footwear was assessed using the Footwear Assessment Form (FAF). A Timed Up and Go (TUG) score was recorded. Functional independence was assessed using the Nottingham Extended Activities of Daily Living (NEADL) Scale. The primary outcome of interest in this study was selected as having footwear within the suggested range (10 to 15mm) on at least one foot. Participants who met this definition were compared to those with ill-fitting footwear on both feet using Chi-square tests, T-tests or Mann–Whitney U tests. Results : The mean difference between shoe length and foot length was 18.6mm (SD: 9.6mm). Overall, 72% of participants were wearing footwear that did not fit correctly on both feet, 90% had shoes with smooth, partly worn or fully worn sole treading and 67% reported wearing slippers at home. Participant age, TUG score and NEADL score were not associated with ill-fitting footwear. Conclusions : Wearing incorrectly fitting shoes and shoes with unsafe features was common among older adults attending geriatric day services in this study. A large number of participants reported wearing slippers at home.
Influence of CMTM8 polymorphisms on Lung cancer susceptibility in the Chinese Han population
Authors: Wu Jiamin , Wang Xiang , Sun Yao , Xiong Zichao , Niu Fanglin , Liu Yuanwei , Li Haiyue , Liu Jianfeng , Liu Qiufang , Ding Yipeng , Jin Tianbo 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background: Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide and CMTM8 is a potential tumor suppressor gene, which is down-regulated in lung cancer. The objective of this research was to assess the association of CMTM8 genetic polymorphisms with lung cancer risk in Chinese Han population. Methods: To evaluate the correlation between CMTM8 polymorphisms and lung cancer risk, Agena MassArray platform was used for genotype determination among 509 lung cancer patients and 506 controls. Multiple genetic models, stratification analysis and haplotype analysis were used by calculating odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: Significant associations were detected between CMTM8 rs6771238 and an increased lung cancer risk ( p < 0.05). In stratified analysis, rs6771238 was related to an increased risk of lung squamous cell carcinoma ( p < 0.05), rs6771238 was associated with an increased risk of lung adenocarcinoma ( p < 0.05), rs9835916 and rs1077868 were correlated with lung cancer staging ( p < 0.05), and rs9835916 was correlated with an increased risk of lymph node metastasis in lung cancer patients ( p < 0.05). Additionally, Haplotype analysis illuminated that haplotypes GG and AG were closely correlated with lung cancer staging, and haplotype AG was correlated with an increased lung cancer risk among individuals older than 50 years ( p < 0.05). Conclusions: Our study firstly reported that the CMTM8 polymorphisms were risk factors for lung cancer in Chinese Han population. These findings also suggested the potential roles of CMTM8 in the development of lung cancer.
The effect of season and post-fire on habitat preferences of the endangered Swayne’s hartebeest (Alcelaphus buselaphus swaynei) in Maze National Park, Ethiopia
Authors: Tamrat Misganaw , Atickem Anagaw , Tsegaye Diress , Evangelista Paul , Bekele Afework , Stenseth Nils Christian 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background: The availability of preferred habitats determines the spatial and temporal distribution of herbivores in savanna ecosystems. Understanding habitat preference of a targeted wildlife species is crucial for developing effective conservation strategies. Habitat preference of large grazers in connection to grass height and post-fire effect has been debated for the last century. Here, we examined the effects of season, grass height and burning on the habitat preference on Swayne’s hartebeest ( Alcelaphus buselaphus swaynei ) in Maze National Park. Data for seasonal habitat selection were collected using both direct observation along established transect lines and pellet counting using permanently established plots. Every month, we measured grass height commonly preferred by Swayne’s hartebeest in grassland habitat. Starting from the first week of burning, we recorded the abundance of Swayne’s hartebeest in both burned and unburned grassland patches. Results: From detected pellets, 94.3% were recorded in the grassland habitat indicating that other habitat types are less used despite their extensive cover > 50% of the Park. During wet and early dry seasons, Swayne’s hartebeest exclusively preferred grassland habitat. We found that 85.2% (n=1,079) and 85.3% (n=593) of individuals observed in areas with a grass height below 30 cm during wet and early-dry seasons, respectively; while 70.9% (n=2,288) preferred grass height below 30 cm during the dry season. The density of Swayne’s hartebeest in burned grassland area was higher than unburned grassland areas up to 150 days since burning. However, in unburned grassland areas, the density was initially low but showed increasing trend for consecutive days, reaching similar density with burned areas after 150 days since burning. Conclusion: Swayne’s hartebeest exclusively preferred grassland habitat, particularly during wet and early-dry seasons, shortest available grass height in all seasons and were attracted to burned grassland areas. Our results suggested that fire played an important role in maintaining habitat quality in grassland, and that management should continue using controlled burning as a tool for the conservation of Swayne’s hartebeest. However, we remain cautious of our findings given the paucity of information regarding other confounding factors and the absence of long-term data on fire disturbance.
Navigating complexity through intuition and evidence-based guidelines: a mix-methods study among child and youth healthcare practitioners
Authors: Erisman Jetske Charlotte , de Sabbata Kevin , Zuiderent-Jerak Teun , Syurina Elena V 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background Dutch child and youth health care (CYHC) practitioners monitor and assess the well-being of all children. One of their main concerns is identifying cases of child abuse, which is an arduous and sensitive task. They use both evidence-based guidelines aimed at increasing the quality of care through rationalised decision-making, and intuition. These two practices are seen as being at odds with each other, yet empirical research has shown that both are needed in healthcare. This study aims to understand how Dutch CYHC-practitioners perceive the role of intuition in their work and in relation to evidence-based medicine, in the case of child abuse. Methods A sequential exploratory mixed-methods design: in-depth semi-structured interviews with CYHC-practitioners focused on perceptions on intuition, which were followed by a survey amongst CYHC-professionals on the recognition and use of the concept. Results The majority of CYHC-practitioners and professionals recognise and use intuition in their daily work, stating that it is necessary in their profession. CYHC-practitioners use intuition: 1) to sense that something is off, 2) to differentiate between ‘normal’ and ‘abnormal’, 3) to assess risks, 4) to weigh secondary information and 5) to communicate with parents. At the same time, they warn for its dangers as it may lead to tunnel vision and false accusations. Their ways of working with intuition show parallels to the practices that evidence-based guidelines try to support. Conclusion Intuition is experienced as an integral part of the work of CYHC-practitioners. It is stated to be particularly useful in the case of child abuse, which is inherently complex as signs and evidence of abuse are hidden, subtle and unique in each case. CYHC-practitioners use intuition to manage and navigate this complexity. As there is a lack of guidance on how to practice intuition, there is a need for support through guidelines.
Assessing Quality of Newborn Care at District Facilities in Malawi
Authors: Kawaza Kondwani , Kinshella Mai-Lei Woo , Hiwa Tamanda , Njirammadzi Jenala , Banda Mwai , Vidler Marianne , Newberry Laura , Nyondo-Mipando Alinane Linda , Dube Queen , Molyneux Elizabeth , Goldfarb David M. 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background: Malawi is celebrated as one of the few countries in sub-Saharan Africa to meet the Millennium Development Goal of reducing under-5 mortality by two-thirds between 1990 and 2015. However, within this age range neonatal mortality rates are the slowest to decline, even though rates of facility births are increasing. Examining the quality of neonatal care at district-level facilities where most deliveries occur is warranted. Objective: The objective of this paper is to evaluate the quality of neonatal care in three district hospitals and one primary health centre in southern Malawi as well as to report the limitations and lessons learned on using the WHO integrated quality of care assessment tool. Methodology: These facility assessments were part of the “Integrating a neonatal healthcare package for Malawi” project, a part of the Innovating for Maternal and Child Health in Africa (IMCHA) initiative. The WHO integrated quality of care assessment tool was used to assess quality of care and availability and quantity of supplies and resources. The modules on infrastructure, neonatal care and labour and delivery were included. Facility assessments were administered in November 2017 and aspects of care were scored on a Likert scale from one to five (a score of 5 indicating compliance with WHO standards of care; one as lowest indicating inadequate care). Results: The continuum of labour, delivery and neonatal care were assessed to identify areas that required improvements to meet standards of care. Critical areas for improvements included infection control (mean score 2.9), equipment, supplies and setup for newborn care in the labor ward (2.3), in the surgical theater (3.3), and nursery (3.4 nursery facilities, 3.0 supplies and equipment), as well as for management of sick newborns (3.2), monitoring and follow-up (3.6). Only one of the 12 domains, laboratory, met the standards of care with only minor improvements needed (4.0). Conclusion: The WHO integrated quality of care assessment tool is a validated tool that can shed light on the complex quality of care challenges faced by district-level health facilities. The results reveal that the quality of care needs improvement, particularly for sick and vulnerable newborns.
Risk factors for HIV infection among married couples in Rakai, Uganda: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Nabukenya Anne M. , Nambuusi Aminah , Matovu Joseph KB 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background: Although married couples can be at an elevated risk of HIV infection, few studies have explored the risk factors for HIV infection at the couple-level. We explored the risk factors for HIV infection among married couples in settings with differing HIV prevalence levels in Rakai, Uganda.
Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted among 664 heterosexual couples living in three HIV prevalence strata (low: 9-11.2%; medium: 11.4-20% or high HIV prevalence: 21-43%) in Rakai District, south-western Uganda, between November 2013 and February 2014. Data were collected on socio-demographic and behavioural characteristics from all consenting adults and aggregated to allow for couple-level analyses. We conducted bivariate and multivariable Logistic regression to assess the factors that were independently associated with HIV infection among married couples. Data were analysed using STATA statistical software (version 14.1).
Results: Of the 664 couples, 6.4% (n=42) were in HIV-discordant relationships; 5.8% (n=39) were in concordant HIV-positive relationships while 87.8% (n=583) were in concordant HIV-negative relationships. At the bivariate analysis, we found that residing in a high HIV prevalence stratum, reporting extra-marital relations, age difference between partners and number of previous marriages were significantly associated with being part of an HIV infected couple. After adjusting for potential cofounders, living in a high HIV prevalence stratum (Adjusted OR [AOR] =2.31, 95% CI: 1.52, 3.52), being in a third or higher order relationship (AOR=3.80, 95% CI: 2.30, 6.28), and engagement in extra-marital relations (AOR= 1.75; 95% CI: 1.19, 2.59) were associated with couple HIV infection. Individuals that had stayed together for six or more years had 28% odds of being part of an HIV infected couple (AOR = 0.28; 95%CI: 0.18, 0.43).
Conclusion: Living in a high HIV prevalence stratum, engagement in extra-marital relations and having a higher number of previous marriages were significant risk factors for HIV infection among married couples. Long marital duration was associated with reduced risk of HIV infection. Interventions that increase marital stability and those that promote pre-marital couples’ HIV testing before marital formation, particularly among previously married individuals, can reduce HIV transmission risk among married couples in this setting.
Serum osteocalcin may serve as a predictor for the mortality in FOP patients aged ≤18 years at diagnosis
Authors: She Dunmin , Li Ran , Fang Ping , Zong Guannan , Xue Ying , Zhang Keqin 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressive (FOP) is an ultra-rare genetic disorder characterized by extraskeletal heterotopic ossification. It is well recognized that FOP can lead to a devastating condition of disability. However, the mortality rate of FOP patients in China and risk factors for mortality are still largely unclear.
Methods We conducted a retrospective research on a cohort of 65 cases of FOP patients in China from 2008 to 2018. We reviewed medical records of these FOP patients to retrieve information such as date of birth/death, gender, clinical features, genotypes and biochemical parameters and analyze the correlation of these parameters with the mortality.
Results 92.3% (60/65 cases) patients were classic FOP patients, 3.1% (2/65 cases) were FOP-plus and 4.6% (3/65 cases) were FOP variants. 9 cases of this cohort were dead during the ten-year period, and the overall mortality rate was 13.8%. c.617G>A mutation was confirmed in all non-survivors. In FOP patients≤18 years at diagnosis, non-survivors demonstrated significantly lower blood osteocalcin and alkaline phosphatase levels compared with survivors ( P <0.05), and spearman correlation and logistic regression analysis indicated that serum osteocalcin and alkaline phosphatase levels were negatively correlated with the mortality. Furthermore, the receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis showed serum osteocalcin had the largest area under the curve of 0.855 among four biochemical parameters, and serum osteocalcin < 65.9 ng/ml displayed a good capacity to discriminate the non-survivors from survivors in FOP patients aged 18 years and younger at diagnosis.
Conclusions Our findings showed that the mortality rate of FOP was 13.8% in China. Serum osteocalcin may serve as a clinical predictor for the mortality in FOP patients aged ≤18 years at diagnosis in China.
【 Key words 】Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressive (FOP); mortality; risk factors; osteocalcin
Does long-term recreational gymnastics prevent injurious falls in older women? A prospective 20-year follow-up
Authors: Uusi-Rasi Kirsti , Karinkanta Saija , Kannus Pekka , Tokola Kari , Sievänen Harri 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background : Exercise interventions focused on balance and strength training have been shown to be effective for falls prevention. The aim of this 20-year register-based follow-up was to examine whether long-term participation in recreational female gymnastics is associated with a lower risk of medically-attended injurious falls. Methods : Health care register data of 187 women (103 recreational gymnasts and 84 sedentary controls) from the original cohort of 243 women were assessed. The mean age (sd) at baseline was 62.8 (5.4) years and the mean follow-up time was 19.4 (2.7) years (range from 5.6 to 21.0 years). Injurious falls were scrutinized from medical records. An injurious fall was defined as an event in which falling was mentioned as a reason for making contact with the health-care professionals. Negative binomial regression was used to estimate incidence rate ratios (IRR) for injurious falls, and Cox-regression models for calculating hazard ratios (HR) for injured fallers with the control group as reference. Results Recreational gymnasts had about 30% less injurious falls compared to controls, the mean IRR (95% CI) being 0.71 (0.51 to 0.96). Regarding injured fallers, the HR was 0.73 (0.52 to 1.02) favoring the recreational gymnasts. There were no statistically significant between-group differences for fractures. Conclusion s: Long-term recreational gymnastics appears to reduce the risk of injurious falls in old age.
A scoping review of initiatives to reduce inappropriate or non-beneficial hospital admission and bed days in people nearing the end of their life: Much innovation but limited supporting evidence
Authors: Taylor Ros , Ellis Jonathan , Gao Wei , Searle Liz , Heaps Kate , Davies Robert , Hawksworth Claire , Garcia-Perez Angela , Colclough Giles , Walker Steven , Wee Bee 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Objectives
Hospitalisation during the last weeks of life when there is no medical need or desire to be there is distressing and expensive. This study sought palliative care initiatives which may avoid or shorten hospital stay at the end of life and analysed their success in terms reducing bed days.
Methods
Part 1 included a search of literature in PubMed and Google Scholar between 2013 and 2018, an examination of governmental and organisational publications plus discussions with external and co-author experts regarding other sources. This initial sweep sought to identify and categorise relevant palliative care initiatives. In Part 2, we looked for publications providing data on hospital admissions and bed days for each category.
Results
A total of 1252 abstracts were reviewed, resulting in ten broad classes being identified. Further screening revealed 50 relevant publications describing a range of multi-component initiatives. Studies were generally small and retrospective. Most researchers claim their service delivered benefits. In descending frequency, benefits identified were support in the community, integrated care, out-of-hours telephone advice, care home education and telemedicine. Nurses and hospices were central to many initiatives. Barriers and factors underpinning success were rarely addressed.
Conclusions
A wide range of initiatives have been introduced to improve end-of-life experiences. Formal evidence supporting their effectiveness in reducing inappropriate/non-beneficial hospital bed days was generally limited or absent.
Predictive Value of Admission D-dimer for Contrast-induced Acute Kidney Injury and Poor Outcomes after Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: Lin Kai-Yang , Chen Han-Chuan , Jiang Hui , Wang Sun-Ying , Chen Hong-mei , Wu Zhi-Yong , Jiang Feng , Guo Yan-Song , ZHU PENG-LI 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background DD was found to be associated with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and renal insufficiency. However, it is uncertain whether DD is an independent risk factor of CI-AKI in patients undergoing pPCI.Methods We prospectively enrolled 550 consecutive patients with STEMI undergoing pPCI between January 2012 and December 2016. The predictive value of admission DD for CI-AKI was assessed by receiver operating characteristic(ROC) and multivariable logistic regression analysis. CI-AKI was defined as an absolute serum creatinine increase ≥0.3 mg/dl or a relative increase in serum creatinine ≥50% within 48 h of contrast medium exposure.Results Overall, the incidence of CI-AKI was 13.1%. The ROC analysis showed that the cutoff point of DD was 0.69 ug/ml for predicting CI-AKI with a sensitivity of 77.8% and a specificity of 57.3%. The predictive value of DD was similar to the Mehran score for CI-AKI (AUC DD =0.729 vs AUC Mehran =0.722; p =0.8298). Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that DD >0.69 ug/ml was an independent predictor of CI-AKI (odds ratio[OR]=3.37,95%CI:1.80-6.33, p <0.0001). Furthermore, DD >0.69 ug/ml was associated with an increased risk of long-term mortality during during a mean follow-up period of 16 months(hazard ratio=3.41, 95%CI:1.4-8.03, p =0.005).Conclusion admission DD >0.69 ug/ml is a significant and independent predictor of CI-AKI and long-term mortality in patients undergoing pPCI.