bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Health Policy Performance in 16 Caribbean States, 2010–2015
Authors: Verstraeten Soraya P. A. , van Oers Hans A. M. , Mackenbach Johan P. 
Published: February 2019

Objectives. To determine whether Caribbean states vary in health policy performance in 11 different areas; to explore the association with sociodemographic, economical, and governance determinants; and to estimate the potential health gains of “best-practice” health policies. Methods. We selected 50 indicators that included data on mortality (latest available, 2010–2015), intermediate outcomes, and policy implementation to calculate a state’s health policy performance score. We related this score to country characteristics and calculated the potential number of avoidable deaths if the age-specific mortality rates of best-performer Martinique applied in all states. Results. We found large differences in health policy performance among Caribbean states. Martinique, Cuba, and Guadeloupe had the highest performance scores, and Guyana, Belize, and Suriname the lowest. Political affiliation, religious fractionalization, corruption, national income, and population density were associated with health policy performance. If the mortality rates of Martinique applied to all Caribbean states, an overall mortality reduction of 12% would be achieved. Conclusions. Differences in health outcomes between Caribbean states are partly attributable to variations in health policy implementation. Our results suggest that many deaths can be prevented if Caribbean governments adopt best-practice policies.
City-Level Measures of Health, Health Determinants, and Equity to Foster Population Health Improvement: The City Health Dashboard
Authors: Gourevitch Marc N. , Athens Jessica K. , Levine Shoshanna E. , Kleiman Neil , Thorpe Lorna E. 
Published: February 2019

Objectives. To support efforts to improve urban population health, we created a City Health Dashboard with area-specific data on health status, determinants of health, and equity at city and subcity (census tract) levels. Methods. We developed a Web-based resource that includes 37 metrics across 5 domains: social and economic factors, physical environment, health behaviors, health outcomes, and clinical care. For the largest 500 US cities, the Dashboard presents metrics calculated to the city level and, where possible, subcity level from multiple data sources, including national health surveys, vital statistics, federal administrative data, and state education data sets. Results. Iterative input from city partners shaped Dashboard development, ensuring that measures can be compared across user-selected cities and linked to evidence-based policies to spur action. Reports from early deployment indicate that the Dashboard fills an important need for city- and subcity-level data, fostering more granular understanding of health and its drivers and supporting associated priority-setting. Conclusions. By providing accessible city-level data on health and its determinants, the City Health Dashboard complements local surveillance efforts and supports urban population health improvement on a national scale.
Tibial Shaft Fractures in Children and Adolescents
Authors: Raducha Jeremy E. , Swarup Ishaan , Schachne Jonathan M. , Cruz Aristides I. , Fabricant Peter D. 
Published: February 2019

* Tibial shaft fractures are common in the pediatric population.* Traditionally, the majority of pediatric tibial fractures have been managed nonoperatively, but surgical rates are increasing.* Management includes closed reduction and casting, flexible nailing, plate osteosynthesis, external fixation, and rigid intramedullary nailing.* Gustilo-Anderson grade-2 and 3 open pediatric tibial shaft fractures have higher complication rates than closed fractures.* The majority of pediatric tibial shaft fractures have excellent outcomes with an expectation for return to full activities.
Techniques for Optimizing Acetabular Component Positioning in Total Hip Arthroplasty
Authors: Feng James E. , Anoushiravani Afshin A. , Eftekhary Nima , Wiznia Daniel , Schwarzkopf Ran , Vigdorchik Jonathan M. 
Published: February 2019

* Proper acetabular component positioning is dependent on multiple factors.* Proper preoperative templating is of utmost importance, and the surgeon must take care to determine acetabular position and location, orientation (anteversion and inclination), and size, while also focusing on limb length and offset.* Patient positioning on the operative table, whether in the supine or lateral position, can affect final acetabular component position.* Intraoperative execution with use of appropriate tools and techniques (e.g., anatomical landmarks, mechanical alignment guides, and computer-assisted or robotic navigation) allows for component positioning consistent with the preoperative plan.* It is important to understand the benefits and limitations of each tool, recognizing how to identify and remove the possibility of error.
Multimodal imaging of torpedo maculopathy in a Chinese woman: a case report
Authors: Ding Yuhua , Yao Bangtao , Ye Hui , Yu Yan 
Published: February 2019

Abstract
Background: Torpedo maculopathy is a rare, benign, and congenital macular lesion that typically appears in ‘torpedo-shape’ and located at the temporal macula region. The purpose of this article is to describe in detailed regarding the torpedo maculopathy in a Chinese woman using multimodal imaging.
Case presentation: A 30-year-old Chinese woman occasionally had an yellowish-white macular lesion in her right eye during a routine examination. She had no symptoms, and the best-corrected visual acuity of both eyes was 6/6. Funduscopic examination revealed a torpedo-shaped and mild hyperpigmentation lesion in the temporal macular area of her right eye. Infrared fundal (IR) photograph showed that the lesion contour was visible, transverse elliptical, a tip pointed towards the central fovea of the macula. Microperimetry visual field appeared normal. The spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) showed a normal inner, mildly thinned retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), and increased choroidal signal. OCT angiography (OCTA) choroid capillary segment revealed increased density of the choroidal vasculature. With fundus autofluorescence (FAF), the lesion showed slight hypoautofluorescence, and marginal mild hypoautofluorescence. Fundus fluorescence angiography (FFA) of the lesion showed variegated fluorescence and no leakage and change in the morphology during the whole imaging process.
Conclusions: This is the first report to put forward a thorough and detailed description of torpedo maculopathy simultaneously using fundal photograph, IR, microperimetry visual field, OCT, OCTA, FAF, and FFA. Multimodal imaging provides precious and detailed information to further clarify the characteristics and development of this rare disease.
Full A Call for Consensus in Defining Efficacy in Clinical Trials for Opioid Addiction: Combined Results from a Systematic Review and Qualitative Study in Patients Receiving Pharmacological Assisted Therapy for Opioid Use Disorder
Authors: Dennis Brittany B. , Sanger Nitika , Bawor Monica , Naji Leen , Worster Andrew , Baptist-Mohseni Natasha , Hillmer Alannah , Rice Danielle , Corace Kim , Hutton Brian , Tugwell Peter , Thabane Lehana , Samaan Zainab 
Published: February 2019

Abstract
Background

Given the complex nature of opioid addiction treatment and the rising number of available opioid substitution and antagonist therapies (OSAT), there is no ‘gold standard’ measure of treatment effectiveness, and each successive trial measures a different set of outcomes which reflect success in arbitrary or opportune terms.We sought to describe the variation in current outcomes employed across clinical trials for opioid addiction, as well as determine whether a discrepancy exists between the treatment targets that patients consider important and how treatment effectiveness is measured in the literature.

Methods

We searched nine commonly used databases (e.g. EMBASE, MEDLINE) from inception to August 1, 2015. Outcomes used across trials were extracted and categorized according to previously established domains. To evaluate patient reported goals of treatment, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 18 adults undergoing methadone treatment.

Results

We identified 60 trials eligible for inclusion. Once outcomes were categorized into eight broad domains (e.g. abstinence/substance abuse), we identified 21 specific outcomes with furthermore 53 subdomains and 118 measurements. Continued opioid use and treatment retention were the most commonly reported measures (46%, n=28). The majority of patients agreed that abstinence from opioids was a primary goal in their treatment, however they also stressed goals under-reported in clinical trials.

Conclusion

There is inconsistency in the measures used to evaluate the effectiveness of OSATs. Individual and population level decision making is being guided by a standard of effect considered useful to researchers yet in direct conflict with what patients deem important.

PROSPERO ID

CRD42013006507
Dexmedetomidine added to ropivacaine for transversus abdominis plane block inhibits stress response in laparoscopic surgery: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Qin Zhaojun , Xiang Chunyan , Li Hongbo , Liu Tingting , Zhan Leyun , Xia Zhengyuan , Zhang Min , Lai Jianpin 
Published: February 2019

Abstract
Background: Intravenous dexmedetomidine is known to attenuate stress response in patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery. We investigated whether the addition of the highly selective alpha-2 adrenergic agonist dexmedetomidine into ropivacaine for ultrasound-guided transversus abdominis plane block could inhibit stress response during laparoscopic surgery, and determined the optimal dose of dexmedetomidine in it. Methods: One hundred and twenty-five patients undergoing laparoscopic gynecological surgery were included in this prospective and randomized double-blind study. Patients received general anesthesia with or without a total of 60 ml of 0.2% ropivacaine in combination with low (0.25 µg/kg), medium (0.50 µg/kg) or high dose (1.0 µg/kg) of dexmedetomidine for the four-quadrant transversus abdominis plane block( n = 25). The primary outcomes were stress marker levels during the operation. Results: One hundred and twenty patients completed the study protocol. Dexmedetomidine added to ropivacaine for transversus abdominis plane block significantly reduced serum levels of cortisol, norepinephrine, epinephrine, interleukin-6, blood glucose, mean arterial pressure and heart rate in a dose-dependent manner (P < 0.05), accompanied with decreased anesthetic and opioid consumption during the operation (P < 0.05), but the high dose of dexmedetomidine induced higher incidences of bradycardia than low or medium dose of dexmedetomidine (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The addition of dexmedetomidine at the dose of 0.5 µg/kg into ropivacaine for ultrasound-guided transversus abdominis plane block is the optimal dose to inhibit stress response in patients undergoing laparoscopic gynecological surgery.
Anterior ischemic optic neuropathy after transvenous coiling of dural arteriovenous fistulas: A case report
Authors: Majima Kazuyuki , Fujita Kyoko , Miyachi Shigeru , Kamei Motohiro 
Published: February 2019

Abstract
Background

A dural arteriovenous fistula (dAVF) is defined as an abnormal arteriovenous direct connection in the dura mater, with the cavernous sinus (CS) being one of the most common locations. Transarterial or transvenous embolization remains the first-line treatment for most dAVF, although these procedures are associated with rare sight-threatening ophthalmic complications. We report a case of nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (nAION) following successful treatment of dAVF with a coil embolization.

Case presentation

A 76-year-old woman complained of conjunctival hyperemia in both eyes 1 month prior to visiting our hospital. She was diagnosed with bilateral dAVF based on magnetic resonance angiography (MRA). On ophthalmic examination, her best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 0.8 in the right eye and 0.7 in the left. Intraocular pressure was 27 mmHg in the right and 24 mmHg in the left. Extraocular movements were limited in all directions. Slit lamp examination disclosed red eyes with dilated corkscrew vessels. Funduscopic examination revealed normal findings in both eyes except a partial chorioretinal atrophy in the left eye. Goldmann perimetry revealed an inferior nasal defect corresponding to the chorioretinal atrophy in the left eye and normal visual field in the right eye. Transvenous coil embolization of the right CS was performed. The dAVF was completely embolized and there was no intraoperative complication. Follow-up brain MRA showed no evidence of residual dural fistula. Ten days after embolization, she developed double vision and visual disturbance in the right eye. Her right BCVA was 0.8. Fundus examination revealed pallor papilledema and splinter hemorrhages at the optic disc edge in her right eye. Fluorescein angiography showed hypofluorescence around the optic disc and a nasal lesion in the early phase. Goldman perimetry revealed lower altitudinal hemianopsia in the right eye. From these findings, nAION was diagnosed. During hospitalization, her right BCVA decreased to 0.08. Ten months later, funduscopy revealed right temporal optic disc pallor without edema, and her right visual acuity remained at 0.08.

Conclusions

We report a case of nAION after embolization of dAVF located in CS. This complication should be considered after embolization for dAVF.
Improvements in Grain Yield and Nitrogen Use Efficiency of Summer Maize by Optimizing Tillage Practice and Nitrogen Application Rate
Authors: Zhai Lichao , Xu Ping , Zhang Zhengbin , Wei Benhui , Jia Xiuling , Zhang Lihua 
Published: February 2019

Core Ideas

Compared with no tillage and subsoiling, deep vertical rotary tillage significantly increased grain yield of densely planted summer maize.
Compared with no tillage, subsoiling and deep vertical rotary tillage significantly increased N use efficiency of densely planted summer maize.
The T × N interaction showed that the grain yield of T3–N225 was the highest; however, T3–N150 or T2–N225 has better N use efficiency
In light of the economic benefits, the optimal cultivation practice was deep vertical rotary tillage with N rate of 225 kg ha–1.
Long periods of single tillage practice combined with excessive nitrogen (N) application are major factors restricting high yield and high efficiency production in the North China Plain. Field experiments were conducted by using a split‐plot design. Main plots included three different tillage practices: no tillage (T1), subsoiling tillage (T2), and deep vertical rotary tillage (T3). Subplots consisted of four different N application rates (N300: 300 kg ha−1; N225: 225 kg ha−1; N150: 150 kg ha−1; N0: 0 kg ha−1) with a plant density of 90,000 plants ha−1. Under the same N rate, T3 increased grain yield by 19.1 and 13.4% compared with that of T1 and T2. Under the same tillage practice, grain yield decreased with the reduced N rate, but the difference between N225 and N300 was not significant in most cases. Nitrogen agronomic efficiency (AEN), N recovery efficiency (REN), and partial factor productivity of applied N (PFPN) of T3 and T2 were higher than that of T1. Compared with T1, T2 increased AEN, REN, and PFPN by 6.5, 139.2, 6.1%, respectively, and T3 increased AEN, REN, and PFPN by 36.2, 82.1, and 20.1%, respectively. Levels of AEN, REN, and PFPN reduced with increasing N application rate in 2016, but N225 has the highest AEN and REN in 2017. The T × N interaction showed that the grain yield of T3–N225 was the highest; however, T3–N150 (2016) and T2–N225 (2017) had the highest AEN and REN. In light of the economic benefit, the optimal management strategy was 225 kg N ha−1 paired with deep vertical rotary tillage.
Assessing and Modeling Pasture Growth under Different Nitrogen Fertilizer and Defoliation Rates in Argentina and the United States
Authors: Insua Juan R. , Utsumi Santiago A. , Basso Bruno 
Published: February 2019

Core Ideas

Model‐based approach identified sets of adaptive practices for pasture management across seasons.
Suitable combinations of N rate and residual heights can improve the use of N fertilizer and water.
The increment in residual pasture mass and N fertilizer may be crucial for more efficient use of water.
Pasture growth responses to residual leaf area increased with N fertilization.
The objectives of this research were to (i) evaluate the effects of N fertilizer, irrigation, and residual pasture heights on pasture growth, (ii) validate the ability of the SALUS model to predict dynamics of pasture growth, and (iii) evaluate during long‐term period the effects of using different N fertilizer levels and defoliation strategies on pasture growth, N fertilizer use, and water use efficiency (WUE). Eight single‐season experiments were performed at plot scale (8 m2) in Buenos Aires (Argentina, ARG) and Michigan. In ARG different N fertilizer rates (from 0–500 kg N ha−1) were imposed on both rainfed and irrigated tall fescue [Lolium arundinaceum (Schreb.) Darbysh.] pasture during autumn, spring, and summer. In the United States, three residual pasture height treatments (30, 60, and 120 mm) were imposed on both tall fescue and ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) pasture in the spring and summer. The SALUS was parameterized to simulate tall fescue and ryegrass growth using soil, weather, and different pasture treatments previously tested in ARG and the United States. Results showed that the SALUS accurately represented the response of herbage mass to irrigation and added N in the ARG site (RMSE < 650 kg DM ha−1) and to differences in residual pasture heights in the U.S. experiment (RMSE < 509 kg DM ha−1). Ten‐year simulations (2000–2010) demonstrated that suitable combinations of N fertilizer and residual pasture heights can significantly improve the use of N fertilizer by ∼300% and water by ∼230% through increases in herbage production.
Composted Cattle Manure as a Nitrogen Source for Sugar Beet Production
Authors: Maharjan Bijesh , Hergert Gary W. 
Published: February 2019

Core Ideas

Composted cattle manure has no detrimental effect on sugar beet root yield or sugar quality.
Composted cattle manure is a potential nitrogen source for sugar beet production
Besides a proper N rate, crop stand, and previous crop are also important to maximize beet yield and quality.
Nitrogen management is key to achieving profitable sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) yield and quality. When commercial fertilizer prices increase significantly, producers often consider alternatives, including fresh or composted manure. A 3‐yr field trial was conducted in western Nebraska to evaluate the effects of different rates of composted beef (Bos taurus L.) manure (CManure), and urea on sugar beet yield, sucrose content, and quality. Sugar beet followed maize (Zea mays L.) in 2009 and 2010 and dry bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) in 2011. Agronomic efficiency (AE) of N applied as CManure or urea was also evaluated in this study. There was a trend for reduced AE with increasing rate of N input. Beet yield response to composted manure rates plateaued at 23.0 Mg ha−1 (in 2009–2010) and 13.9 Mg ha−1 (in 2011) with corresponding fresh beet yields of 62.2 and 77.9 Mg ha−1. Composted manure treatments at application rates of 18 and 36 Mg ha−1 statistically matched what urea rates of 67 and 134 kg N ha−1 achieved in terms of beet yield. These findings found no adverse effect of composted manure in beet production and underscore the potential of solely depending on composted manure to meet N requirement in beet production.
Density Effects on Soil‐Water Characteristics, Soil‐Gas Diffusivity, and Emissions of N2O and N2 from a Re‐packed Pasture Soil
Authors: Chamindu Deepagoda T. K. K. , Clough T. J. , Thomas S. M. , Balaine N. , Elberling B. 
Published: February 2019

Core Ideas
A predictive gas diffusivity model for undisturbed soils was modified for sieved‐repacked pasture soils.
Density‐induced changes in soil physical attributes along with gaseous fluxes help identify N2O mitigation.
Maintaining well‐aerated conditions and a soil‐gas diffusivity of >0.038 may be a mechanism for keeping N2O and N2 fluxes low.
Density‐induced soil structural changes may potentially alter both soil total porosity and soil pore size distribution, and thus change the soil's water retention characteristics, gas diffusion and transport properties, and subsequent greenhouse emissions. In this study, we characterized and parameterized water retention, pore size distribution, gas diffusivity and cumulative emissions of nitrous oxide (N2O) and nitrogen (N2) fluxes in a differently compacted silt‐loam sampled from a grazed pasture in Lincoln, New Zealand. The soils used for the simulations were subjected to five different density treatments (1.1, 1.2, 1.3. 1.4, 1.5 Mg m−3), subsequently saturated and successively drained to 11 matric potentials at which water retention, gas diffusivity and flux measurements were performed. Results show strong correlations between best‐fit soil‐water characteristic parameters and the density levels. A recent predictive gas diffusivity model developed for undisturbed soils was modified to better characterize the measured gas diffusivity data in sieved‐repacked pasture soils. Further, two exponential and linear parametric models were developed to adequately parameterize the observed fingerprints of cumulative (35‐d) N2O and N2 fluxes, respectively. Results clearly distinguished the density‐induced changes in pore structure, pore size distribution, gas diffusivity and emission of gas fluxes and hence provide useful implications for pasture management to reduce future emission of greenhouse gases. Results particularly highlighted the importance of ensuring a diffusivity ≥0.038 to limit extensive emission of N2O and N2 fluxes. The improved parametric models and parameter correlations provide valuable numerical insight to better characterize density‐dependent behavior in soil physical properties and functions.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions from an Irrigated Crop Rotation Utilizing Dairy Manure
Authors: Leytem A. B. , Moore A. D. , Dungan R. S. 
Published: February 2019

Core Ideas
Manure addition enhanced N2O losses.
0.13 to 0.24% of total N added was lost as N2O.
Overall, global warming potential was lower in manure treatments than in fertilizer treatments.
Information on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from manure application in cropping systems of the irrigated mountain west region is needed. The objectives of this study were to (i) determine the effect of manure application rate and frequency (annual vs. biennial) on GHG losses compared to synthetic fertilizer, (ii) determine the effect of irrigation on GHG losses and (iii) determine the overall global warming potential (GWP) of using manure vs. synthetic fertilizer. Treatments included dry manure rates of 18 or 52 Mg ha−1 applied annually or 36 Mg ha−1 applied biennially as well as synthetic fertilizer and control treatments. Cumulative losses of N2O‐N over the rotation ranged from 1.4 to 8.4 kg ha−1 with the 52 Mg ha−1 manure application losing the greatest amount of N2O‐N. Emission factors for the growing season indicated that 0.13 to 0.24% of total N applied was lost as N2O‐N. Cumulative CO2–C losses were greatest in the manure treatments, with approximately 7% of carbon added lost as CO2–C. Maximum N2O‐N fluxes occurred at soil moisture contents of 0.3 to 0.4 m3 m−3 and temperature near 25°C, while CO2–C emissions occurred over broader soil moisture and temperature conditions. The overall GWP associated with manure application indicated a net negative GWP for manure treatments while the synthetic fertilizer treatment was near neutral. Including manure in cropping system rotations can lead to enhanced GHG emission, however the benefits of enhanced SOC can outweigh these losses leading to lower GWP than use of synthetic fertilizer alone.