bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
HEIA tools: inclusion of migrants in health policy in Canada
Authors: Pottie Kevin , Agic Branka , Archibald Douglas , Ratnayake Ayesha , Tapia Marcela , Thanos Joanne 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
This paper introduces the Migrant Populations Equity Extension for Ontario’s Health Equity Impact Assessment (HEIA) initiatives. It provides a mechanism to address the needs of migrant populations, within a program and policy framework. Validation of an equity extension framework using community leaders and health practitioners engaged in HEIA workshops across Ontario. Participants assessed migrants’ health needs and discussed how to integrate these needs into health policy. The Migrant Populations Equity Extension’s framework assists decision makers assess relevant populations, collaborate with immigrant communities, improve policy development and mitigate unintended negative impacts of policy initiatives. The tool framework aims to build stakeholder capacity and improve their ability to conduct HEIAs while including migrant populations. The workshops engaged participants in equity discussions, enhanced their knowledge of migrant policy development and promoted HEIA tools in health decision-making. Prior to these workshops, many participants were unaware of the HEIA tool. The workshops informed the validation of the equity extension and support materials for training staff in government and public health. Ongoing research on policy implementation would be valuable. Public health practitioners and migrant communities can use the equity extension’s framework to support decision-making processes and address health inequities. This framework may improve policy development and reduce health inequities for Ontario’s diverse migrant populations. Many countries are now using health impact assessment and health equity frameworks. This migration population equity extension is an internationally unique framework that engages migrant communities.
In vitro activity of the novel triazaacenaphthylene gepotidacin (GSK2140944) against MDR Neisseria gonorrhoeae
Authors: Jacobsson Susanne , Golparian Daniel , Scangarella-Oman Nicole , Unemo Magnus 
Published: April 2018

Abstract

Objectives
Increased antimicrobial resistance surveillance and new effective antimicrobials are crucial to maintain treatable gonorrhoea. We examined the in vitro activity of gepotidacin, a novel triazaacenaphthylene, and the effect of efflux pump inactivation on clinical Neisseria gonorrhoeae isolates and international reference strains (n = 252) and compared gepotidacin with antimicrobials currently or previously recommended for gonorrhoea treatment.

Methods
MICs (mg/L) were determined by agar dilution (gepotidacin) or by Etest (seven other antimicrobials). The gyrA and parC genes were sequenced and the impact of inactivation of the MtrCDE, MacAB and NorM efflux pumps on gepotidacin MICs was examined.

Results
Gepotidacin showed potent in vitro activity against all gonococcal isolates (n = 252; MIC ≤4 mg/L). The modal MIC, MIC50, MIC90 and MIC range of gepotidacin were 0.5, 0.5, 1 and 0.032–4 mg/L, respectively. Inactivation of the MtrCDE efflux pump, but not MacAB or NorM, decreased the gepotidacin MICs for most strains. No significant cross-resistance between gepotidacin and any other antimicrobials, including the fluoroquinolone ciprofloxacin, was identified. However, the ParC D86N mutation (possibly together with additional antimicrobial resistance mutation), which is associated with fluoroquinolone resistance, was associated with increased gepotidacin MICs.

Conclusions
Gepotidacin demonstrated high in vitro activity against gonococcal strains, indicating that gepotidacin could potentially be an effective option for gonorrhoea treatment, particularly in a dual antimicrobial therapy regimen and for patients with resistance or allergy to extended-spectrum cephalosporins. Nevertheless, elucidating in vitro and in vivo resistance emergence and mechanisms in detail, together with further gonorrhoea clinical studies, ideally also including chlamydia and Mycoplasma genitalium are essential.
Effect of standardized ileal digestible lysine on growth and subsequent performance of weanling pigs1
Authors: Nemechek Jeremiah E , Wu Fangzhou , Tokach Mike D , Dritz Steve S , Goodband Robert D , DeRouchey Joel M , Woodworth Jason C 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
A total of 320 weanling pigs (all barrows, initially 5.71 kg BW; Line 1050, PIC Hendersonville, TN) were used to determine whether the Lys level fed during one phase of the nursery influences the response to Lys during subsequent phases. Our hypothesis was that feeding decreasing dietary Lys concentration in early phases, but feeding adequate concentrations in later phases might result in similar pig growth as those fed a more conventional approach with step-wise decreases in dietary Lys as pigs become heavier. Eight dietary regimens were used in a split-plot design. There were three dietary phases, and within phase, a high or low standardized ileal digestible (SID) Lys diet was fed. Pigs were fed either 1.35% or 1.55% SID Lys during phase 1 (days 0 to 7), 1.15% or 1.35% SID Lys in phase 2 (days 7 to 21), and 1.05 or 1.25% SID Lys during phase 3 (days 21 to 35). The low dietary Lys concentrations were achieved by reducing both crystalline Lys and intact protein sources from the high Lys diets. From days 0 to 7, feeding high SID Lys improved (P &lt; 0.01) G:F, but no evidence for differences in ADG or ADFI were observed. Similarly, from days 7 to 21, there were no evidence for differences in ADG or ADFI among pigs fed the two Lys levels, but those fed high SID Lys had improved (P &lt; 0.03) G:F. From days 21 to 35, pigs fed the high Lys diet had increased (P &lt; 0.01) ADG and G:F compared with those fed low SID Lys, but there were no effects on ADFI. For the overall trial (days 0 to 35), there were no dietary interactions among phases, indicating that the Lys level fed in each phase did not influence the response to Lys in subsequent phases. Thus, pigs fed the high Lys level during phase 3, regardless of previous Lys levels in phases 1 and 2, had greater (P &lt; 0.05) overall ADG and G:F compared with other treatment groups. In conclusion, relatively low dietary Lys concentrations can be fed in the early nursery phases (approximately 6 to 12 kg) without any negative impact on overall growth performance provided that adequate Lys levels are fed thereafter (12 to 20 kg).
Evaluation of a partially de-oiled microalgae product in nursery pig diets1
Authors: Urriola Pedro E , Mielke Joey A , Mao Qingqing , Hung Yuan-Tai , Kurtz John F , Johnston Lee J , Shurson Gerald C , Chen Chi , Saqui-Salces Milena 
Published: April 2018

AbstractAlthough microalgae can be used as a source of energy and macronutrients in pig diets, there is limited information on the use of partially de-oiled microalgae coproducts in swine feeding programs. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effects of a partially de-oiled microalgae extract (MAE) in nursery pig diets on growth performance and health status. A total of 300 pigs (initial BW = 6.3 ± 2.1 kg) were used in a 42-d experiment. Treatments included a standard corn-soybean meal control diet, and diets containing 1, 5, 10, or 20% MAE replacing primarily corn. The ME content of MAE was calculated from the chemical composition, and diets were formulated to meet or exceed nutrient requirements for nursery pigs. Pigs were stratified by weaning BW into 12 blocks in a randomized complete block design, with sex distributed evenly among blocks. Pens of pigs (5 pigs/pen) were assigned randomly within block to one of five dietary treatments. Pig BW and feed disappearance were recorded weekly. On day 42, 30 pigs were harvested and sections of the jejunum and ileum were collected for gut morphology analysis, and a liver sample was collected for metabolomic analysis using liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy. Data were analyzed by ANOVA with diet as treatment effect, and contrasts were used to test linear or quadratic effects of dietary MAE inclusion level. Overall, pigs fed 1% and 5% MAE had the greatest (quadratic P &lt; 0.05) ADG, resulting from greater (quadratic P &lt; 0.05) ADFI. There was a tendency for a greater number of pigs requiring injectable treatments (P = 0.16) and a greater mortality (P = 0.14) in pigs fed the control diet than pigs in any of the diets with the MAE. Final BW increased (P &lt; 0.05) for pigs fed 1% and 5% MAE diets. The improvements in ADG were not explained by differences in mucosa height or goblet cell count among dietary treatments. Pigs fed diets containing 1% or 5% MAE had relatively less concentration (P &lt; 0.05) of ammonia in the liver and had changes in metabolites associated with the urea cycle. In conclusion, feeding MAE resulted in increased growth responses and may have beneficial health effects when fed to nursery pigs.
Meta-Analysis of the Association Between FAS Ligand and TRAIL Genetic Polymorphisms and Intervertebral Disc Degeneration Susceptibility in Chinese Han population
Authors: Huang Xin , Zhang Weiyue , Shao Zengwu 
Published: April 2018

Study Design.
Meta-analysis to collect all the relevant studies to further investigate whether or not the FAS ligand (FASL) and tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) genetic polymorphisms are associated with susceptibility to intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) in Chinese Han population.

Objective.
To investigate whether or not the FASL and TRAIL genetic polymorphisms are associated with susceptibility to IDD in Chinese Han population.

Summary of Background Data.
FASL and TRAIL are both apoptotic gene. Several studies have assessed the associations of FASL and TRAIL gene with risk of IDD in Chinese Han population, but the results are inconsistent.

Methods.
We systematically searched the PubMed, EMBASE, Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, CBM, and the Cochrane Library databases. Eligible studies assessing the polymorphisms in the FASL and TRAIL gene and risk of IDD were incorporated. The pooled odds ratio (OR) with its 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) was used.

Results.
Six studies with a total of 1766 IDD cases and 1533 controls were finally included in the meta-analysis. Meta-analysis of FASL-844C/T (rs763110) polymorphism was statistically associated with decreased IDD risk under all genetic models (allele model: OR = 0.68, 95% CI 0.59–0.80, P = 0.000; homozygote model: OR = 0.35, 95% CI 0.25–0.53, P = 0.000; dominant model: OR = 0.38, 95% CI 0.25–0.58, P = 0.000; recessive model: OR = 0.69, 95% CI 0.58–0.84, P = 0.000). There was a significant association between TRAIL-1595C/T (rs1131580) polymorphism with increased IDD risk under each genetic model (allele model: OR = 1.77, 95% CI 1.47–2.13, P = 0.000; homozygote model: OR = 2.44, 95% CI 1.70–3.51, P = 0.000; dominant model: OR = 1.67, 95% CI 1.22–2.29, P = 0.002; recessive model: OR = 3.13, 95% CI 2.40–4.08, P = 0.000). In addition, the association between TRAIL-1525G/A (rs1131568) polymorphism and the susceptibility of IDD was statistically significant under all genetic models.

Conclusion.
The present meta-analysis demonstrated that FASL and TRAIL polymorphisms were significantly associated with susceptibility to IDD in Chinese Han population.

Level of Evidence: 1
A Prospective, Randomized, Multicenter Study Comparing Silicated Calcium Phosphate versus BMP-2 Synthetic Bone Graft in Posterolateral Instrumented Lumbar Fusion for Degenerative Spinal Disorders
Authors: Coughlan Marc , Davies Mark , Mostert Adriaan K. , Nanda Dharmin , Willems Paul C. , Rosenberg Geoffrey , Ferch Richard 
Published: April 2018

Study Design.
A prospective, Phase IV, multicenter, randomized study.

Objective.
The aim of this study was to compare vertebral fusion success rates following posterolateral fusion [(PLF)/posterolateral intertransverse fusion (PITF)] surgery. The surgical procedure combined posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) and PLF with internal fixation over one or two levels using silicated calcium phosphate (SiCaP) or bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-2 as graft material in patients with a degenerative disorder of the lumbar spine.

Summary of Background Data.
Few controlled trials have evaluated the bone graft materials available to surgeons treating patients with spinal disorders, including degenerative disc disease, spondylolisthesis, and disc herniation.

Methods.
Following randomization, the surgical procedure consisting of PLIF and PLF with internal fixation over one or two levels was performed using SiCaP or BMP-2. No other osteoconductive/osteoinductive graft materials were permitted. Spinal fusion was assessed radiographically at ≤24 months. Clinical outcomes (pain on visual analog scale, Oswestry Disability Index, SF-36) and adverse events (AEs) were monitored.

Results.
One hundred three patients were enrolled. At 12 months, fusion was achieved in 25 of 35 (71.4%) of the SiCaP and 20 of 27 (74.1%) of the BMP-2 group, respectively (P = 1.000). At 24 months, the fusion rate was 78.6% and 84.8% for SiCaP and BMP-2, respectively (P = 0.5613). Clinical outcomes improved similarly in both groups over time. AEs were consistent with this surgical population.

Conclusion.
SiCaP was safe and well tolerated in patients with degenerative spinal disorders requiring PLF and provided fusion rates similar to BMP-2.

Level of Evidence: 2
Shoulder Morbidity in Patients after Head and Neck Reconstruction with the Pedicled Supraclavicular Island Flap
Authors: Spiegel Jennifer L. , Pilavakis Yiannis , Canis Martin , Welz Christian 
Published: April 2018

Background:
The pedicled supraclavicular artery island flap (SCAIF) for reconstruction of the head and neck has been shown to be a pliable alternative to established pedicled flaps, such as the pectoralis major myocutaneous flap. Because there are limited published data regarding shoulder morbidity after SCAIF procedure, we aimed to investigate it with 2 established questionnaires for the upper extremity [Constant-Murley score and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand Outcome Measure (DASH) score].

Methods:
The authors designed and implemented a retrospective cohort study of patients who received a defect reconstruction by SCAIF. Analyzed parameters were demographics, comorbidities, donor-site morbidity and shoulder morbidity in terms of range of motion, pain, strength, and daily activities evaluated and compared between the donor site and contralateral arm.

Results:
Of the 61 consecutively performed head and neck reconstructions with SCAIF, 20 met inclusion criteria (curative intended treatment, head and neck squamous cell cancer, follow-up time more than 4 months). Mean follow-up was 17.3 months (±10.4 months) ranging from 4–35 months. Donor-site complication rate was low with 5% major (surgical revision) and 30% minor complications (conservative management). Overall Constant-Murley-Score (P = 0.334), pain (P = 0.150), overall range of motion (P = 0.861), and strength of the extremity (P = 0.638) of the shoulder receiving a SCAIF showed no significant differences to the contralateral extremity. Mean of Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand Outcome Measure score was 32.5 (±28.6).

Conclusion:
The results of the present study suggest very low shoulder morbidity in patients after SCAIF procedure with no significant functional impairment of the donor shoulder compared with the contralateral side.
Attitudes Toward Disclosing a Mental Health Problem and Reemployment
Authors: Rüsch Nicolas , Corrigan Patrick W. , Waldmann Tamara , Staiger Tobias , Bahemann Andreas , Oexle Nathalie , Wigand Moritz , Becker Thomas 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
Despite low unemployment rates, individuals with mental health problems often struggle to gain reemployment. Many face the decision whether to disclose their mental illness to employers. This study therefore examined the role of disclosure attitudes for reemployment over time. Clinical and job search variables as well as attitudes toward disclosing a mental health issue to an employer were assessed among 301 unemployed individuals with mental health problems. Predictors of reemployment at 6-month follow-up were assessed using multiple regression, adjusted for sociodemographic variables, unemployment length, and depressive symptoms. Greater reluctance to disclose mental health problems at baseline predicted reemployment after 6 months. Reemployment was also associated with male sex, better education, lower disability levels, and more job offers at baseline. Therefore, a cautious approach toward disclosing a mental health problem may facilitate short-term reemployment. It is unclear whether this is a successful long-term strategy in employment settings.
A Lonely Search?
Authors: Vittengl Jeffrey R. 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
This study clarified longitudinal relations of spirituality and religiosity with depression. Spirituality's potential emphasis on internal (e.g., intrapsychic search for meaning) versus religiosity's potential emphasis on external (e.g., engagement in socially-sanctioned belief systems) processes may parallel depression-linked cognitive-behavioral phenomena (e.g., rumination and loneliness) conceptually. Thus, this study tested the hypothesis that greater spirituality than religiosity, separate from the overall level of spirituality and religiosity, predicts longitudinal increases in depression. A national sample of midlife adults completed diagnostic interviews and questionnaires of spiritual and religious intensity up to three times over 18 years. In time-lagged multilevel models, overall spirituality plus religiosity did not predict depression. However, in support of the hypothesis, greater spirituality than religiosity significantly predicted subsequent increases in depressive symptoms and risk for major depressive disorder (odds ratio = 1.34). If replicated, the relative balance of spirituality and religiosity may inform depression assessment and prevention efforts.
Analysis of Intercanine Distance and Dimensional Changes in Bite Marks on Foodstuffs Using Cone Beam Computed Tomography
Authors: Ali Ibrahim K. , Sansare Kaustubh , Karjodkar Freny R. 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
Bite marks on foodstuff at the crime scene provide a 3-dimensional imprint of the suspect's dentition. The bite mark analysis can provide useful evidences, leading to the inclusion or exclusion of the individual under investigation. This study was designed to assess bite marks on various common foodstuffs (chocolate, apple, chewing gum, cheese) for different time intervals using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) to evaluate the dimensional changes in the foodstuffs. Analysis of variance test was used to compare the bite marks measured using CBCT in maxillary and mandibular arches with significance set at P < 0.05. The results show that teeth can transfer their characteristics to the bitten foodstuffs. The highest accuracy for comparative bite mark analysis was observed in chocolate followed by cheese, chewing gum, and apple. The CBCT-assisted analysis of bite marks is a nondestructive, accurate, and efficient method. The CBCT documentation has no distortion artifacts, and subsequent analysis in 3-dimensional space is possible.
Special considerations in conducting clinical trials of chronic pain management interventions in children and adolescents and their families
Authors: Palermo Tonya M. , Kashikar-Zuck Susmita , Friedrichsdorf Stefan J. , Powers Scott W. 
Published: April 2018

Abstract

Introduction:
Disabling chronic pain is a common experience for children and adolescents. However, the evidence base for chronic pain interventions for youth is extremely limited, which has hindered the development of evidence-based practice guidelines for most pediatric chronic pain conditions.

Objectives:
To review and provide recommendations on clinical trial design and evaluation in children and adolescents with chronic pain.

Methods:
In this article, we summarize key issues and provide recommendations for addressing them in clinical trials of chronic pain interventions in children and adolescents and their families.

Results:
To stimulate high-quality trials of pediatric chronic pain management interventions, attention to key issues including sample characterization, trial design and treatment administration, outcome measurement, and the ethics of intervening with children and adolescents, as opposed to adults with chronic pain, is needed.

Conclusion:
Future research to develop interventions to reduce or prevent childhood chronic pain is an important priority area, and requires special considerations in implementation and evaluation in clinical trials.
Evaluation of Virtual Monoenergetic Images on Pulmonary Vasculature Using the Dual-Layer Detector-Based Spectral Computed Tomography
Authors: Ghandour Abed , Sher Andrew , Rassouli Negin , Dhanantwari Amar , Rajiah Prabhakar 
Published: April 2018

Objective
To evaluate the ability of retrospectively generated virtual monoenergetic images (VMIs) from the detector-based spectral computed tomography (SDCT) to augment pulmonary artery enhancement in CT and if iodine map can predict the optimal monoenergetic level.

Methods
The study included 79 patients with contrast-enhanced chest CT scans on an SDCT scanner. Conventional 120-kVp images and VMI from 40 to 80 keV were generated. Attenuation, noise, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) were measured at 7 different locations in the pulmonary arterial system. The iodine concentration (in milligrams per milliliter) was calculated using the iodine-density images. The overall image quality was subjectively graded on a 5-point scale, with 1 being the worst and 5 the best. Fifty-four patients with suboptimal pulmonary enhancement (<200 Hounsfield units [HU]) were then identified. From the VMIs, an ideal set was chosen that maintained mean vascular attenuation greater than 200 HU while maintaining at least diagnostically acceptable quality (ie, IQ score ≥3). At this ideal energy level, quantitative and qualitative parameters were compared with the standard 120-kVp polyenergetic study. Average iodine concentrations were correlated with the optimal keV levels used for salvaging suboptimal studies.

Results
The mean attenuation of all the measured pulmonary arterial regions in the suboptimal cases was 136.1 ± 18.1 HU in conventional 120-kVp images. Attenuations of the VMIs at 40, 50, and 60 keV were significantly higher than conventional images measuring 357.5 ± 19.5, 243.6 ± 16.7, and 176.6 ± 15.0 HU, respectively (P < 0.001). Similar results were seen with SNR and CNR. In total, 50 studies can be salvaged, with 50 keV being the optimal energy for 21, 60 keV optimal for 17, and 40 keV optimal for 12 studies. At the optimal energy level, there were improvements of attenuation, SNR, and CNR by 71%, 63%, and 137% compared with conventional images. There was a positive correlation between iodine value and optimal reconstruction energy with a linear equation y = 5.9539x + 27.434 and R
2 = 0.8093.

Conclusions
Suboptimal enhanced pulmonary arterial CT studies can be salvaged using low-energy VMI generated from the SDCT scanner. There were significant improvements of attenuation, SNR, and CNR at the optimal monoenergetic level.