bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exploring geographic variation in acute appendectomy in Ireland: results from a national registry study
Authors: Ahmed Ola , Mealy Ken , Sorensen Jan 
Published: August 2019

ObjectiveTo explore geographic variations in Irish laparoscopic and open appendectomy procedures.DesignAnalysis based on 2014–2017 administrative hospital data from public hospitals.SettingCounties of Ireland.ParticipantsIrish residents with hospital admissions for an appendectomy as the principal procedure.Main outcome measuresAge and gender standardised laparoscopic and open appendectomy rates for 26 counties. Geographic variation measured with the extremal quotient (EQ), coefficient of variation (CV) and the systematic component of variation (SCV).Results23 684 appendectomies were included. 77.6% (n= 18,387) were performed laparoscopically. An EQ of 8.3 for laparoscopy and 10.0 for open appendectomy was determined. A high CV was demonstrated with a value of 36.7 and 80.8 for laparoscopic and open appendectomy, respectively. An SCV of 14.2 and 124.8 for laparoscopic and open appendectomy was observed. A wider variation was determined when children and adults were assessed separately.ConclusionsThe geographic distribution in rates of appendectomy varies considerably across Irish counties. Our data suggest that a patient’s likelihood of undergoing a laparoscopic or open appendectomy is associated with their county of residence.
PCASTt/SPCG-17—a randomised trial of active surveillance in prostate cancer: rationale and design
Authors: Ahlberg Mats Steinholtz , Adami Hans-Olov , Beckmann Kerri , Bertilsson Helena , Bratt Ola , Cahill Declan , Egevad Lars , Garmo Hans , Holmberg Lars , Johansson Eva , Rannikko Antti , Van Hemelrijck Mieke , Jäderling Fredrik , Wassberg Cecilia , Åberg Ulrika W N , Bill-Axelson Anna 
Published: August 2019

IntroductionOvertreatment of localised prostate cancer is substantial despite increased use of active surveillance. No randomised trials help define how to monitor patients or when to initiate treatment with curative intent.Methods and analysisA randomised, multicentre, intervention trial designed to evaluate the safety of an MRI-based active surveillance protocol, with standardised triggers for repeated biopsies and radical treatment. The aim is to reduce overtreatment of prostate cancer. 2000 men will be randomly allocated to either surveillance according to current practice or to standardised triggers at centres in Sweden, Norway, Finland and the UK. Men diagnosed in the past 12 months with prostate cancer, ≤T2a, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) <15 ng/mL, PSA density ≤0.2 ng/mL/cc, any International Society of Urological Pathology (ISUP) grade 1 are eligible. Men with ISUP grade 2 in <30% of cores on systematic biopsy and <10 mm cancer in one core on systematic or targeted biopsy are also eligible. Men diagnosed on systematic biopsy should have an MRI and targeted biopsies against Prostate Imaging and Reporting Data System V.2 3–5 lesions before inclusion. Identical follow-up in the two study arms: biannual PSA testing, yearly clinical examination and MRI every second year. In the experimental arm, standardised triggers based on MRI and PSA density elicit repeated biopsies. MRI and histopathological progression trigger radical treatment. Primary outcome measure is progression-free survival. Secondary outcome measures are cumulative incidence of metastatic disease, treatments with curative intent, pT3-4 at radical prostatectomy, switch to watchful waiting, prostate cancer mortality and quality of life. Inclusion started in October 2016 and in October 2018; 275 patients have been enrolled.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval was obtained in each participating country. Results for the primary and secondary outcome measures will be submitted for publication in peer-reviewed journals.Trial registration numberNCT02914873.
Associations between contraception and stunting in Guatemala: secondary analysis of the 2014–2015 Demographic and Health Survey
Authors: Flood David , Petersen Ashley , Martinez Boris , Chary Anita , Austad Kirsten , Rohloff Peter 
Published: August 2019

BackgroundThere has been limited research on the relationship between contraception and child growth in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs). This study examines the association between contraception and child linear growth in Guatemala, an LMIC with a very high prevalence of child stunting. We hypothesise that contraceptive use is associated with better child linear growth and less stunting in Guatemala.MethodsUsing representative national data on 12 440 children 0–59 months of age from the 2014–2015 Demographic and Health Survey in Guatemala, we constructed multivariable linear and Poisson regression models to assess whether child linear growth and stunting were associated with contraception variables. All models were adjusted for a comprehensive set of prespecified confounding variables.ResultsContraceptive use was generally associated with modest, statistically significant greater height-for-age z-score. Current use of a modern method for at least 15 months was associated with a prevalence ratio of stunting of 0.87 (95% CI 0.81 to 0.94; p<0.001), and prior use of a modern method was associated with a prevalence ratio of stunting of 0.93 (95% CI 0.87 to 0.98; p<0.05). The severe stunting models found generally similar associations with modern contraceptive use as the stunting models. There was no significant association between use of a modern method for less than 15 months and the prevalence ratio of stunting or severe stunting.ConclusionsContraceptive use was associated with better child linear growth and less child stunting in Guatemala. In addition to the human rights imperative to expand contraceptive access and choice, family planning merits further study as a strategy to improve child growth in Guatemala and other countries with high prevalence of stunting.
Prognostic value of long non-coding RNA 01296 expression in human solid malignant tumours: a meta-analysis
Authors: Dai Chen , Dai Chenguang , Ni Hao , Xu Zhihua 
Published: August 2019

AbstractLong intergenic non-coding RNA 01296 (LINC01296) has been reported to play an important role in many human malignancies, but a consistent perspective has not been established now. To explore the prognostic value of LINC01296 in different types of human solid malignant tumours, we performed this meta-analysis.An electronic search of PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Cochrane Library, Chinese Biological Medical Literature database and WanFang database was applied to select eligible literatures. Pooled ORs or HRs with their 95% CIs were calculated to estimate the effects.A total of 559 patients from nine eligible studies were enrolled in this meta-analysis. The results revealed that high LINC01296 expression was significantly related to larger tumour size (OR 3.42, 95% CI 2.08 to 5.63), lymph node metastasis (OR 3.03, 95% CI 2.01 to 4.57) and advanced tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) stage (OR 4.41, 95% CI 2.65 to 7.34). Moreover, we found that elevated LINC01296 expression predicted a poor outcome for overall survival (HR 1.78, 95% CI 1.48 to 2.14) and recurrence-free survival (HR 4.00, 95% CI 1.04 to 15.67).High expression levels of LINC01296 were associated with unfavourable clinical outcomes of patients with cancer. Our results indicated that LINC01296 could serve as a prognostic predictor in human solid malignant tumours.
China’s Implementation of Goal 9 of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development: International Capacity Cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative
Authors: LIU Yanhong 
Published: August 2019

The experience in reform and opening up shows that China’s achievements in industrialization are largely attributed to its industrial openness towards the outside world and the international cooperation. As it enters the second decade of the 21st century, China’s industry has stepped into a new era of leading international development cooperation and promoting inclusive and sustainable growth in global industry, namely a period of developing international capacity cooperation supported by the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). As vigorously driven by the BRI, the international capacity cooperation has not only pushed forward the creation of new industrial cooperation models among developing countries, but also opened new paths and contributed Chinese approaches to regional and global industrial cooperations under the new situation, in particular for the implementation of the inclusive and sustainable industrial development goal set in the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. This mainly manifests as: dovetailing the top-level design with planning to build new mechanism-based capacity cooperation models, achieving cross-border infrastructure connectivity to promote trade, investment and industrial cooperation, constructing cooperation zones as an important platform for small and medium-sized enterprises to participate in capacity cooperation, breaking the financial bottleneck of regional development through diversified and open financial cooperation, and leading the leapfrog development of countries along the Belt and Road through technological cooperation and collaborative innovation.
Thumb Carpometacarpal Arthroplasty with Dynamic Suspension Sling Using Extensor Carpi Radialis Tendon
Authors: Takagi Takehiko , Kobayashi Yuka , Watanabe Masahiko 
Published: August 2019

Background: Despite various treatment methods, complications are reported with ligament reconstruction for thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) arthropathy, such as proximal migration, dorsal subluxation of the first metacarpal base, and hyperextension of the first CMC joint. The flexor carpi radialis (FCR) tendon is, in some cases, too thin to maintain suspension on the first metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint. We used one-half of the extensor carpi radialis longus (ECRL) tendon instead of the FCR tendon, and compared this method with conventional reconstruction using the FCR tendon. Methods: The procedures were performed during 12 thumb CMC arthropathies. One-half of the ECRL tendon was passed and then wrapped around the intact FCR tendon several times for 6 cases (ECRL group). One-half of the FCR tendon was passed for 6 cases (FCR group). On radiography, we compared the thumb to index finger metacarpal angle (M1M2) and the first MCP angle (P1M1) between groups. Grip strength, pinch strength, and DASH score were also evaluated up to 2 years post-surgery. Results: In the ECRL group, M1M2 and P1M1 1 year post-surgery showed significant improvements compared to those before surgery; they showed no significant difference in the FCR group, although they achieved a peak at 3 months post-surgery in both groups. Both groups showed improvements in other parameters from 3 months to 1 year post-surgery. Conclusions: Postoperative progression of hyperextension of the first CMC joint was significantly reduced in the ECRL group. The ECRL tendon is thicker than the FCR tendon. In addition, the insertion site of the ECRL tendon is at the dorsal side of the second metacarpal, and the tendon can extend from the dorsal side to the volar side to stabilize the first metacarpal. Thumb CMC arthroplasty using one-half of the ECRL tendon is a useful reconstruction method.
Demo hour
Authors: van Dijk Dick , Dulake Nick , Petrelli Daniela , Marshall Mark T. , Kockelkorn Hub , Not Elena , Cavada Dario , Maule Stefano , Pisetti Anna , Venturini Adriano 
Published: August 2019

Over four years, meSch produced over a dozen demos: small experiments focused on a specific technology or place; interactive stations designed as part of large exhibitions open to the public; and tangible interaction and data souvenirs that bridge the physical-digital divide. The four projects presented here offer a sample of visitor experiences we created, deployed, and evaluated.
Daniela Petrelli, Director of the meSch project
La justice balzacienne: des tables de la loi aux tables de l’aloi
Authors: Lévêque Laure 
Published: August 2019

C’est l’œuvre de Balzac qui signe véritablement l’entrée de la justice en littérature, laquelle fournit la matière d’une multitude d’intrigues. Nostalgique d’une société organique dont il réfère la perte à l’événement révolutionnaire, Balzac conçoit la justice rapportée à ce moment, synonyme pour lui de bascule d’une société de droit à un ordre de fait que symbolise le contrat, garant d’un nouveau pacte social dont La Comédie humaine passe au scalpel tous les dysfonctionnements. Dès lors, la justice dit-elle le droit ? Pas sûr, à lire les avertissements que professe le duc de Chaulieu dans Les Mémoires de deux jeunes mariées : « Il n’y aura plus que des lois pénales ou fiscales, la bourse ou la vie ». Et l’on peut d’autant plus en douter à voir Vautrin devenir chef de la police ce que le précédent de Vidocq ne peut suffire à expliquer : au-delà du cas particulier, ce sont bien des mutations structurelles que désignent Balzac, celles qui accompagnent l’entrée dans la société civile.
Association Between Meteorological Factors and the Rupture of Intracranial Aneurysms
Authors: Li MeiHua , Hu Si , Yu NianZu , Zhang Ying , Luo Muyun 
Published: August 2019

Background
Both meteorological factors and morphological factors are important factors to predict intracranial aneurysm rupture. This study investigated the relationship between meteorological factors and aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). Additionally, the morphological differences between ruptured and unruptured aneurysms under these high‐risk meteorological conditions were assessed.

Methods and Results

The records of 1751 patients with aSAH with 2124 intracranial aneurysms were retrospectively analyzed. Spearman rank correlation analysis was used to assess the risks of incident
aSAH
on the basis of daily meteorological data. Morphological parameters were analyzed using 1‐way
ANOVA
tests, and significant parameters (
P
<0.05) were further examined using a multivariable logistic regression analysis. Daily
aSAH
incidence had significant negative correlations with daily mean, maximum, and minimum temperature (
P
<0.001) and a significant positive correlation with daily mean atmospheric pressure (
P
<0.001). Additionally, 58 patients with multiple aneurysms were assessed to determine morphological differences. There were significant differences in the mean values for aneurysm size, neck width, length, height, width, parent artery diameter, shape of the aneurysm, aspect ratio, size ratio, and bottleneck factor (
P
<0.05). The multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that aspect ratio (β=1.277, odds ratio=3.585, 95%
CI
, 1.588–8.090;
P
=0.002) was an independent risk factor for aneurysm rupture. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis indicated that the ruptured aneurysm threshold of size was 3.45 mm and aspect ratio was 1.05.

Conclusions

Lower daily mean, maximum, and minimum temperatures and a higher daily mean atmospheric pressure were associated with an increased rate of
aSAH
. Additionally, under these meteorological conditions, the aneurysm size and aspect ratio thresholds for predicting rupture of an aneurysm may be lower.
Effects of 6 Months of Exercise‐Based Cardiac Rehabilitation on Autonomic Function and Neuro‐Cardiovascular Stress Reactivity in Coronary Artery Disease Patients
Authors: Badrov Mark B. , Wood Katelyn N. , Lalande Sophie , Sawicki Carolyn P. , Borrell Lindsay J. , Barron Carly C. , Vording Jennifer L. , Fleischhauer Arlene , Suskin Neville , McGowan Cheri L. , Shoemaker J. Kevin 
Published: August 2019

Background

Autonomic dysregulation represents a hallmark of coronary artery disease (
CAD
). Therefore, we investigated the effects of exercise‐based cardiac rehabilitation (
CR
) on autonomic function and neuro‐cardiovascular stress reactivity in
CAD
patients.

Methods and Results

Twenty‐two
CAD
patients (4 women; 62±8 years) were studied before and following 6 months of aerobic‐ and resistance‐training–based
CR
. Twenty‐two similarly aged, healthy individuals (
CTRL
; 7 women; 62±11 years) served as controls. We measured blood pressure, muscle sympathetic nerve activity, heart rate, heart rate variability (linear and nonlinear), and cardiovagal (sequence method) and sympathetic (linear relationship between burst incidence and diastolic blood pressure) baroreflex sensitivity during supine rest. Furthermore, neuro‐cardiovascular reactivity during short‐duration static handgrip (20s) at 40% maximal effort was evaluated. Six months of
CR
lowered resting blood pressure (
P
<0.05), as well as muscle sympathetic nerve activity burst frequency (48±8 to 39±11 bursts/min;
P
<0.001) and burst incidence (81±7 to 66±17 bursts/100 heartbeats;
P
<0.001), to levels that matched
CTRL
and improved sympathetic baroreflex sensitivity in
CAD
patients (
P
<0.01). Heart rate variability (all
P
>0.05) and cardiovagal baroreflex sensitivity (
P
=0.11) were unchanged following
CR
, yet values were not different pre‐
CR
from
CTRL
(all
P
>0.05). Furthermore, before
CR
,
CAD
patients displayed greater blood pressure and muscle sympathetic nerve activity reactivity to static handgrip versus
CTRL
(all
P
<0.05); yet, responses were reduced following
CR
(all
P
<0.05) to levels observed in
CTRL
.

Conclusions

Six months of exercise‐based
CR
was associated with marked improvement in baseline autonomic function and neuro‐cardiovascular stress reactivity in
CAD
patients, which may play a role in the reduced cardiac risk and improved survival observed in patients following exercise training.
Anticoagulant Prescribing for Non‐Valvular Atrial Fibrillation in the Veterans Health Administration
Authors: Rose Adam J. , Goldberg Robert , McManus David D. , Kapoor Alok , Wang Victoria , Liu Weisong , Yu Hong 
Published: August 2019

Background

Direct acting oral anticoagulants (
DOAC
s) theoretically could contribute to addressing underuse of anticoagulation in non‐valvular atrial fibrillation (
NVAF
). Few studies have examined this prospect, however. The potential of
DOAC
s to address underuse of anticoagulation in
NVAF
could be magnified within a healthcare system that sharply limits patients’ exposure to out‐of‐pocket copayments, such as the Veterans Health Administration (
VA
).

Methods and Results

We used a clinical data set of all patients with
NVAF
treated within
VA
from 2007 to 2016 (n=987 373). We examined how the proportion of patients receiving any anticoagulation, and which agent was prescribed, changed over time. When first approved for
VA
use in 2011,
DOAC
s constituted a tiny proportion of all prescriptions for anticoagulants (2%); by 2016, this proportion had increased to 45% of all prescriptions and 67% of new prescriptions. Patient characteristics associated with receiving a
DOAC
, rather than warfarin, included white race, better kidney function, fewer comorbid conditions overall, and no history of stroke or bleeding. In 2007, before the introduction of
DOAC
s, 56% of
VA
patients with
NVAF
were receiving anticoagulation; this dipped to 44% in 2012 just after the introduction of
DOAC
s and had risen back to 51% by 2016.

Conclusions

These results do not suggest that the availability of
DOAC
s has led to an increased proportion of patients with
NVAF
receiving anticoagulation, even in the context of a healthcare system that sharply limits patients’ exposure to out‐of‐pocket copayments.
Seasonality and El Niño Diversity in the Relationship between ENSO and Western North Pacific Tropical Cyclone Activity
Authors: Choi Yumi , Ha Kyung-Ja , Jin Fei-Fei 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
Both the impacts of two types of El Niño on the western North Pacific (WNP) tropical cyclone (TC) activity and the seasonality in the relationship between genesis potential index (GPI) and El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) are investigated. The ENSO-induced GPI change over the northwestern (southeastern) part of the WNP is mostly attributed to the relative humidity (absolute vorticity) term, revealing a distinct meridional and zonal asymmetry in summer and fall, respectively. The seasonal change in ENSO (background states) from summer to fall is responsible for the seasonal change in GPI anomalies south of 20°N (over the northeastern part of the WNP). The downdraft induced by the strong upper-level convergence in the eastern Pacific (EP)-type El Niño and both the northwestward-shifted relative vorticity and northward-extended convection over the southeastern part of the WNP in the central Pacific (CP)-type El Niño lead to distinct TC impacts over East Asia (EA). The southward movement of genesis location of TCs and increased westward-moving TCs account for the enhanced strong typhoon activity for the EP-type El Niño in summer. In fall the downdraft and anomalous anticyclonic steering flows over the western part of the WNP remarkably decrease TC impacts over EA. The enhanced moist static energy and midlevel upward motion over the eastern part of the WNP under the northern off-equatorial sea surface temperature warming as well as longer passage of TCs toward EA are responsible for the enhanced typhoon activity for the CP-type El Niño. It is thus important to consider the seasonality and El Niño pattern diversity to explore the El Niño–induced TC impacts over EA.
Addressing adults with adverse childhood experiences requires a team approach
Authors: Valeras Aimee Burke , Cobb Erin , Prodger Mark , Hochberg Erica , Allosso Lucy , VandenHazel Haley 
Published: August 2019

Objective The primary care office is an ideal setting to identify and address adverse childhood experiences, which is a strong predictor of chronic health outcomes and morbidity. This study sought to understand the experiences of primary care from the perspective of patients who experienced trauma. Method Purposive sampling was used to select eligible and interested participants who identify a high adverse childhood experience score at a residency-based community health center, which offers integrated behavioral health services in primary care. Semistructured in-depth interviews conducted by doctoral-level behavioral health clinicians were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed thematically. Results Subjects ( n = 6) described aspects of medical setting, including removal of clothing or physical touch, that trigger their past trauma, which often resulted in maladaptive stress responses. Subjects also reported sensing when their complexity resulted in negative interpersonal dynamics between team members, and they described fearing abandonment from their team during these heightened stress states. The behavioral health clinician on the health care team served as an advocate, enhanced trust, and allowed for increased continuity and access to care. Conclusions Given the role of adverse childhood experiences in health outcomes and the results of this study, incorporating a trauma-informed approach is essential to treating patients with adverse childhood experiences. We propose that integrating mental health professionals into primary care settings better serves patients with trauma histories.
Managing the grand challenge of biological threats to food production: The importance of institutional logics for managing Australian biosecurity
Authors: Bryant Melanie , Higgins Vaughan 
Published: August 2019

This article argues that an institutional logics framework is critical for developing a shared responsibility approach to managing the grand challenge of biosecurity in Australian agriculture. We identify the dominant logics evident in the Australian biosecurity context. In doing so, we draw attention to how a shared responsibility approach is compromised by tensions created by multiple logics, such as varying interpretations of biosecurity roles and responsibilities that different actors hold. However, in reframing such tensions from an institutional ambidexterity framework, we argue that a shared responsibility approach is achievable and, through examples from the Australian context, highlight the sites and spaces through which it may be fostered. We argue that identifying these sites and spaces requires that scholars conceptualise logics as blended rather than as discrete modes of operation. JEL Classification: M19