bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Preffi 2.0- a Quality Assessment Tool
Authors: Molleman Gerard R.M. , Ploeg Machteld A. , Hosman Clemens M.H. , Peters Louk H. M. 
Published: June 2018

The findings of many meta-studies into the effects of health promotion programmes indicate that there is still much room for improvement in the quality of these programmes. Insights gained from research are rarely applied in practice. Practitioners and policymakers often find it hard to assess the value of the many and sometimes contradictory research findings, partly because the necessary contextual information is usually lacking. Practical considerations force them to respond to specific problems at short notice in the form of programmes that are as effective as possible. Hence, effective health promotion requires not only the dissemination of effective programmes but also insights into principles of effectiveness and the way professionals use these insights. It is against this background that the Netherlands Institute for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention (NIGZ) has developed and implemented the Preffi instrument. Preffi consists of a set of guidelines with items relevant to the effectiveness of health promotion and prevention projects, reflecting scientific and practical knowledge about effect predictors. This article describes the systematic, seven-step development process of the second version of the instrument, Preffi 2.0, a process in which scientists and practitioners were closely involved throughout. The article also describes the Preffi model and its scoring method. The draft version of Preffi 2.0 was tested for usefulness among 35 experienced practitioners from a range of health promotion institutes. They were asked to use the draft version to assess two project descriptions and to comment on their experiences using Preffi 2.0. They gave the instrument an average overall mark of 7.7 on a scale of 10, and the large majority of them evaluated the instrument as valuable, complete, clear, well-organised and innovative. The findings of this trial implementation were used to construct the definitive version of Preffi 2.0. To an experienced user, applying Preffi to assess a project takes less than an hour. Preffi is used as a diagnostic quality assurance instrument at various stages of a project, either to critically evaluate one's own project or to comment on projects proposed by others. Assessing other people's projects may be difficult if the necessary information is lacking or unclear. A supplementary discussion with the project manager is always required. Users have commented that applying Preffi to a project yields a balanced and useful assessment, as well as a clear overview of points in the project that could be improved.
Health Promotion Competencies for the Israeli Workforce
Authors: Melville Lilach , Howat Peter , Shilton Trevor , Weinstein Ruth 
Published: June 2018

Health promotion competencies can help inform health promotion training and practice. Competency sets have been developed in countries with formal educational, professional and policy infrastructures for health promotion, but little action has occurred in countries where such infrastructures are only emerging. This study examines the views of Israeli health promotion practitioners about the competencies relevant for health promotion practice and compares them with the perceptions held by their Australian counterparts. This study builds on a growing body of literature addressing health promotion competencies and workforce planning. It examines the views of Israeli health promotion practitioners about the competencies relevant for health promotion practice in Israel, a country where health promotion is in its infancy and compares them with the perceptions held by their counterparts in Australia, another multi-cultural country, where health promotion practitioners are readily employed, academic teaching is established and discourse regarding health promotion competencies had been studied. Methodology used in a previous Australian study was adapted to suit Israeli requirements. A literature search was conducted and an expert panel recruited to review and amend the list of competencies compiled in Australia. The original questionnaire was modified to suit Israeli requirements. Several new competencies were added. The questionnaire was posted to 97 health promotion professionals. The returned questionnaires were analysed and compared to the Australian results. Differences were found mainly in areas requiring specific health promotion training.
New Horizons for Public Health in Kazakhstan
Authors: Aringazina Altyn , Macdonald Gordon 
Published: June 2018

This paper, the first ever to review and critique public health developments in Kazakhstan, suggests ways in which public health can be improved strategically. The paper outlines the main threats to health in a dynamic economically developing country, but argues that with a health care reform agenda in place, and the Governments apparent support of public health policy initiatives, the time is right for new opportunities in the promotion of health. The paper utilises the Ottawa Charter, but suggests novel, more appropriate headings for Kazakhstan, to galvanise policy makers and professionals into tackling the growing burden of disease. It concludes by calling for greater transparency in relation to Government policy initiatives, and the need for greater national and international collaboration.
Knowledge Synthesis, Translation and Exchange in Public Health and Health Promotion: The Role of a Cochrane Review Group
Authors: Waters Elizabeth , Armstrong Rebecca 
Published: June 2018

The Cochrane Collaboration is an international non-profit organisation that aims to produce high quality systematic reviews of the effectiveness of health interventions. This work is conducted by 51 Review Groups that span a range of topics (e.g. pregnancy and childbirth, HIV/AIDS). The role of Fields within the Collaboration has been to actively engage relevant stakeholders internationally to improve the quality and relevance of reviews. Since the inception in 1996 of the Cochrane Public Health and Health Promotion Field, the Cochrane Collaboration has begun to embrace reviews related to public health and health promotion and is adapting to the changing needs of end-users. The introduction of a Cochrane health promotion and public health review group will help ensure that reviews will be oriented towards building evidence for equity and reducing inequalities and best meet the needs of decision-makers, practitioners and consumers. Our role as a Field has led to us working with a range of partners including reviewers, researchers, practitioners and consumers. Knowledge synthesis, translation and exchange (KST&E) has emerged as an issue in need of further exploration for practice to influence decision-makers and for policy to influence practitioners. 2007 will be an exciting year for evidence-informed Health Promotion and Public Health (HPPH) both within the Cochrane Collaboration and for our partners in policy, practice and research.
Survivin and cortactin expression in sinonasal schneiderian (inverted) papilloma and associated carcinoma
Authors: Marioni Gino , Brescia Giuseppe , Nicolè Lorenzo , Marchese-Ragona Rosario , Barion Umberto , Giacomelli Luciano , Marino Filippo , Martini Alessandro , Ottaviano Giancarlo 
Published: June 2018

Background: Sinonasal inverted (schneiderian) papilloma (IP) is histologically benign but shows a propensity for malignant transformation. Survivin, a member of the inhibitor of the apoptosis family of proteins that controls cell division, apoptosis, metastasis, and, probably, also neoangiogenesis, is overexpressed in essentially all human cancers. Overexpression of the multidomain protein cortactin has also been associated with increased cell migration, invasion, and metastatic potential in several malignancies. Objective: The aim of the present study was to preliminarily investigate survivin and cortactin expression in a consecutive series of sinonasal IPs, and IP-associated squamous cell carcinomas (SCC). Methods: Immunohistochemical expression of nuclear survivin and cortactin was measured in 19 consecutive sinonasal IPs and 3 IP-associated SCCs. Results: The mean ± standard deviation nuclear survivin expression was 9.4 ± 9.2% and 31.7% ± 15.4% in sinonasal IPs and SCCs, respectively (p < 0.0001). Results of cortactin immunostaining was strongly positive in the cytoplasm of both sinonasal IPs and SCCs: no significant difference emerged between the IP and SCC epithelial components. Conclusion: Nuclear survivin expression was significantly higher in SCCs than in IPs. Prospective, multi-institutional prognostic studies, preferably on an international scale (given the few cases treated at single institutions), are needed to confirm the role of survivin in IP malignant transformation.
Discordance in Preoperative and Postoperative Histopathology of Sinonasal Tumors
Authors: Ganti Ashwin , Tajudeen Bobby A. , Plitt Max A. , Rossi Isolina , Gattuso Paolo , Batra Pete S. 
Published: June 2018

Background Head and neck surgical pathology has been shown to be prone to histopathologic diagnostic error that can adversely impact patient care due to inappropriate management. Sinonasal tumors, in particular, present a diagnostic challenge given the relative rarity and diversity in histology and thus may have higher rates of discordant histology. Objective The purpose of this study is to determine the rate of discrepancy between preoperative and postoperative diagnoses of sinonasal tumors. Methods Retrospective chart review was performed on 52 patients treated for sinonasal tumors between January 2013 and December 2016. Initial diagnosis on preoperative biopsy was compared to postoperative diagnosis rendered at a single tertiary care referral center. A discrepant diagnosis was regarded as any change in diagnosis that resulted in further refinement of therapy or prognosis. Results Eleven (21.2%) patients had discrepancy between the preliminary pathology and postsurgical diagnosis. Of these diagnoses, four involved a change from a benign to a more aggressive benign or malignant process, three involved reclassification of a malignant tumor to a more aggressive histology, and four involved change from an aggressive process to benign histology. In all 11 cases, alteration in management strategy was rendered. The majority of discordant diagnoses were of fibro-osseous lesions and small round blue cell tumors. Conclusion Sinonasal tumors exhibit a high degree of discordance from preoperative to postoperative diagnosis. Critical decision-making should be reserved until careful review of operative specimens is performed to minimize patient morbidity and unnecessary interventions.
Does Heating up Saline for Nasal Irrigation Improve Mucociliary Function in Chronic Rhinosinusitis?
Authors: Nimsakul Suthanma , Ruxrungtham Saran , Chusakul Supinda , Kanjanaumporn Jesada , Aeumjaturapat Songklot , Snidvongs Kornkiat 
Published: June 2018

Background Mucociliary function is affected by temperature. Exposure to cold air may impair ciliary beat frequency. While saline nasal irrigation improves in ciliary beat activity, there is no evidence supporting the use of heated saline irrigation in treating patients with chronic rhinosinusitis. Objective To compare the effects of heated saline to room-temperature saline nasal irrigation on mucociliary clearance in chronic rhinosinusitis patients. Methods Adult patients with chronic rhinosinusitis were randomized into two groups receiving either heated saline or room-temperature saline nasal irrigation. Healthy subjects were included as control. Saccharin transit time was measured before and after nasal irrigation. Nasal patency was assessed by peak nasal inspiratory flow, anterior rhinomanometry, acoustic rhinometry, nasal obstruction score, and breathe-comfort score. Any adverse events were reported. Results Twenty-three patients with chronic rhinosinusitis and nine healthy subjects were enrolled. Saccharin transit time was decreased after nasal irrigation in both heated saline subgroup (baseline 12.3 ± 4.5 min vs. postirrigation 8.4 ± 4.9 min, p = 0.05) and room-temperature subgroup (baseline 12.8 ± 5.0 min vs. postirrigation 8.9 ± 4.2 min, p = 0.01). The saccharin transit time improvement was not different between heated saline (3.8 ± 6.2 min) and room-temperature saline (3.8 ± 4.0 min), p = 0.13. Postheated saline irrigation saccharin transit time of chronic rhinosinusitis patients (8.4 ± 4.9 min) was not different to healthy subjects (9.2 ± 3.7 min), p = 0.69. Nasal patency was not different between groups. There was no adverse event reported. Conclusion Nasal saline irrigation is beneficial to patients with chronic rhinosinusitis on mucociliary improvement. Warming saline is not necessary and adds no additional benefit to room-temperature saline irrigation.
Effects of a Thermosensitive In Situ Gel Containing Mometasone Furoate on a Rat Allergic Rhinitis Model
Authors: Altuntaş Ebru , Yener Gülgün , Doğan Remzi , Aksoy Fadlullah , Şerif Aydın Mehmet , Karataş Ersin 
Published: June 2018

Background Mometasone furoate, one of the second generation intranasal corticosteroids, is currently used in suspension form due to its poor solubility. However, this is not favorable for nasal application because of the rapid elimination of the instilled drug from the nasal cavity by mucociliary clearance and delayed onset of action due to the slow dissolution of drug in suspension. Objective The aim of this study was to determine the antiallergic effects of mucoadhesive thermosensitive in situ gel containing mometasone furoate that we developed previously to prolong the contact between the drug and nasal mucosa and to prevent drainage of the formulation in an ovalbumin-induced rat model of allergic rhinitis. Methods An experimental allergic rhinitis model was developed in female Wistar albino rats by intraperitoneal injection of ovalbumin every 2 days for 14 days followed by its repeated intranasal instillation for 7 consecutive days. Intranasal instillation of ovalbumin was continued every other day for 14 days. Mometasone furoate in situ gel (5 μg/10 µl), mometasone furoate suspension (5 μg/10 µl), and physiological saline (10 µl) were administered into the bilateral nasal cavities from day 22 to day 35. Antiallergic effects were evaluated through histopathological evaluation, analysis of ovalbumin-specific serum immunoglobulin E, and a symptom score. Results Mometasone furoate in situ gel significantly decreased the nasal symptoms and ovalbumin-specific serum immunoglobulin E level as compared with mometasone furoate suspension and physiological saline. Additionally, inflammatory histological symptoms such as mucosal edema, vascular dilatation, eosinophil infiltration, and loss of cilia within the nasal mucosa of allergic rhinitis model rats were remarkably improved with the treatment of mometasone furoate in situ gel. Conclusion These results suggest that mometasone furoate in situ gel has a better therapeutic potential for the treatment of allergic rhinitis compared to mometasone furoate suspension.
A Pilot Comparison between Caregiver’s and Patient’s Perceived Quality of Life in Chronic Rhinosinusitis
Authors: Adams Katherine N. , Farquhar Douglas , Senior Brent A. , Thorp Brian D. , Zanation Adam M. , Ebert Charles S. 
Published: June 2018

Introduction Chronic rhinosinusitis negatively impacts a patient’s quality of life, but current studies only address the patient’s perception of their disease. Caregivers living with the patient may have an alternative perception of the severity of the quality of life disturbance that patient’s experience with chronic rhinosinusitis. Methods This was a prospective cohort study that enrolled patients with a confirmed chronic rhinosinusitis diagnosis who presented to clinic with a caregiver. At the initial visit, patients completed a Rhinosinusitis Disability Index. The caregiver completed a Rhinosinusitis Disability Index based on their perception of the patient’s symptoms in addition to a Modified Caregiver Strain Index and a Short Form-36 to assess caregiving strain and overall health, respectively. Statistical analyses were performed with significance defined as P < 0.05 a priori. Results A total of 44 total subjects (22 patient and caregiver pairs) were enrolled. Patients reported a total Rhinosinusitis Disability Index of 36.8 (confidence interval: 26.9, 46.6), and caregivers reported a total Rhinosinusitis Disability Index of 50.4 [confidence interval: 38.8, 61.9] ( P = 0.02). The principal differences between patient and caregiver scores were noted in the emotional and physical domains ( P = 0.01 and P = 0.05, respectively). Only the functional domain was not statistically different ( P = 0.20). The patient’s total Rhinosinusitis Disability Index is positively correlated with the caregiver’s total Modified Caregiver Strain Index with a spearman coefficient of .60 (p ≤ 0.005). Conclusions Caregivers experience greater strain as the patient’s quality of life declines. Caregivers perceive patients to have worse quality of life than patients report. Based on these data, caregivers may provide additional insight to the quality of life disturbance of chronic rhinosinusitis. In addition, the societal impact of chronic rhinosinusitis may be underestimated.
Remodeling of the Paradoxical Middle Turbinate: Preserving Function While Gaining Access
Authors: Belcher Ryan H. , Ikeda Allison K. , DelGaudio John M. 
Published: June 2018

Background Endoscopic sinus surgery is performed for many reasons, most commonly for chronic rhinosinusitis refractory to medical treatment. A paradoxical middle turbinate is an anatomic variant that can hinder endoscopic access to the sinuses. No publication has addressed how to surgically treat a paradoxical middle turbinate. Method We present a basic endoscopic surgical approach to conservatively resect a paradoxical middle turbinate in order to improve access to the middle meatus and the sinuses while preserving support and function. Conclusion Conservative remodeling of the paradoxical middle turbinate can provide access to the sinuses while maintaining a significant portion of the middle turbinate.
Endoscopic Resection of Sinonasal Inverted Papilloma: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Goudakos John K. , Blioskas Sarantis , Nikolaou Angelos , Vlachtsis Konstantinos , Karkos Peter , Markou Konstantinos D. 
Published: June 2018

Background Pure endoscopic surgery (functional endoscopic sinus surgery) has been increasingly replacing external approaches in the management of sinonasal inverted papillomas. Objective To analyze and compare the effectiveness of pure endoscopic procedure with external or combined procedures to paranasal inverted papillomas, including the experience from two institutions in North Greece, over a 20-year period. Methods Systematic literature searches of MEDLINE (1952–2016), EMBASE (1974–2016), and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. Review of all English-language studies comparing endoscopic and open techniques. Odds ratios (ORs), risk ratio, 95% confidence intervals (CIs), and tests for heterogeneity were reported. Recurrence rates according to initial tumor stage. Results In total, 2451 patients had been enrolled in the 23 studies, published between 1992 and 2014. All the included articles are graded as level IV evidence. Among the 1526 patients of the endoscopic group, 212 (13.8%) had recurrence, with the mean time of recurrence to range from 14 to 46.6 months. In the external approach group, 111 (18.7%) of the 592 patients had recurrence, with the time of recurrence to range from 7 to 92 months. The recurrence rate in the combined approach group was 12.9%. The occurrence rate of recurrence attributable to the surgical choice was significantly different between endoscopic and external group (OR: 0.61; 95% CI: 0.40–0.92; P = 0.02; 14.9% vs. 18.8% in endoscopic and external group, respectively). Conclusions The present systematic review and meta-analysis indicates that endoscopic approach seems a favorable treatment option of sinonasal inverted papillomas and confirms the global recommendation that is the gold standard in the treatment of such nose lesions, revealing a lower recurrence rate compared to external approaches.
Bevacizumab for Epistaxis in Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia: An Evidence-based Review
Authors: Halderman Ashleigh A. , Ryan Matthew W. , Marple Bradley F. , Sindwani Raj , Reh Douglas D. , Poetker David M. 
Published: June 2018

Objective Epistaxis is a primary complaint in 90% to 96% of patients with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT). Numerous surgical and medical treatments aim to decrease the frequency and severity of epistaxis in this patient population. Bevacizumab is a recombinant, humanized monoclonal antibody to vascular endothelial growth factor, an angiogenic factor elevated in HHT. It has been used in several forms to treat epistaxis in HHT but thus far, evidence-based recommendations are limited. Study Design Systematic review with evidence-based recommendations. Methods A systematic review of the literature following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines was performed using Embase, MEDLINE, MEDLINE In-Process/Epub, and Cochrane databases. English language abstracts were reviewed for relevance. Results Eleven manuscripts met inclusion criteria and were analyzed. Submucosal injection, submucosal injection plus laser coagulation, intravenous (IV), and topical formulations of bevacizumab were evaluated for their therapeutic impact on epistaxis in patients with HHT. Three randomized controlled trials failed to show topical bevacizumab to be more effective in controlling epistaxis than saline or other moisturizers. Conclusions The use of submucosal and IV bevacizumab shows promise, but further study is necessary to determine the true efficacy in the treatment of epistaxis as only grade C level exists currently. Based on the available literature, the use of topical bevacizumab is not recommended (grade B).
Blood Eosinophil and Basophil Values Before and After Surgery for Eosinophilic-type Sinonasal Polyps
Authors: Brescia Giuseppe , Parrino Daniela , Zanotti Claudia , Tealdo Giulia , Barion Umberto , Sfriso Paolo , Marioni Gino 
Published: June 2018

Background Blood eosinophil and basophil levels have recently been considered for the purpose of endotyping chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP). Histologically, eosinophilic-type CRSwNPs have been associated with high recurrence rates after treatment. Objective The present study was the first to compare blood eosinophil and basophil counts in eosinophilic-type CRSwNP patients before and after endoscopic sinus surgery. Methods The study concerned 79 consecutive patients with histologically confirmed eosinophilic-type CRSwNP treated with endoscopic sinus surgery. Results A significant drop in mean blood eosinophil counts and percentages occurred from before to after endoscopic sinus surgery in the cohort as a whole. Mean blood eosinophil counts and percentages were also reduced after surgery in the subcohorts of CRSwNP patients with (i) asthma, (ii) aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD), and (iii) no allergy. Although blood eosinophil and basophil counts correlated directly before and after surgery, a statistical reduction in blood basophil counts and percentages after surgery emerged only in the subcohort of nonallergic CRSwNP patients. Conclusion Endoscopic sinus surgery can clear polyps, remove inflammatory tissue, and reduce inflammatory cytokine levels. Consistently with the biological mechanism described, endoscopic sinus surgery could coincide with a reduction in blood eosinophils in eosinophilic-type CRSwNP.