bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cluster randomised feasibility trial to improve the Control of Hypertension In Rural India (CHIRI): a study protocol
Authors: Riddell Michaela A , Joshi Rohina , Oldenburg Brian , Chow Clara , Thankappan K R , Mahal Ajay , Thomas Nihal , Srikanth Velandai K , Evans Roger G , Kalyanram Kartik , Kartik Kamakshi , Maulik Pallab K , Arabshahi Simin , Varma R P , Guggilla Rama K , Suresh Oduru , Mini G K , D'Esposito Fabrizio , Sathish Thirunavukkarasu , Alim Mohammed , Thrift Amanda G 
Published: October 2016

IntroductionHypertension is emerging in rural populations of India. Barriers to diagnosis and treatment of hypertension may differ regionally according to economic development. Our main objectives are to estimate the prevalence, awareness, treatment and control of hypertension in 3 diverse regions of rural India; identify barriers to diagnosis and treatment in each setting and evaluate the feasibility of a community-based intervention to improve control of hypertension.Methods and analysisThis study includes 4 main activities: (1) assessment of risk factors, quality of life, socioeconomic position and barriers to changes in lifestyle behaviours in ∼14 500 participants; (2) focus group discussions with individuals with hypertension and indepth interviews with healthcare providers, to identify barriers to control of hypertension; (3) use of a medicines-availability survey to determine the availability, affordability and accessibility of medicines and (4) trial of an intervention provided by Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs), comprising group-based education and support for individuals with hypertension to self-manage blood pressure. Wards/villages/hamlets of a larger Mandal are identified as the primary sampling unit (PSU). PSUs are then randomly selected for inclusion in the cross-sectional survey, with further randomisation to intervention or control. Changes in knowledge of hypertension and risk factors, and clinical and anthropometric measures, are assessed. Evaluation of the intervention by participants provides insight into perceptions of education and support of self-management delivered by the ASHAs.Ethics and disseminationApproval for the overall study was obtained from the Health Ministry's Screening Committee, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (India), institutional review boards at each site and Monash University. In addition to publication in peer-reviewed articles, results will be shared with federal, state and local government health officers, local healthcare providers and communities.Trial registration numberCTRI/2016/02/006678; Pre-results.
Impact of preterm birth on maternal well-being and women's perceptions of their baby: a population-based survey
Authors: Henderson Jane , Carson Claire , Redshaw Maggie 
Published: October 2016

BackgroundApproximately 15 million babies were born preterm worldwide in 2010 and in England in 2014 there were 52 249 preterm births. Preterm babies are at increased risk of poor outcomes and this can put enormous strain on the family.ObjectiveThis study aimed to test the hypothesis that giving birth preterm affects maternal health, mood and well-being, and alters women's feelings and perceptions about their baby.MethodsData collected in a population-based survey of maternity care in England in 2014 were used. Women were randomly selected and asked about their pregnancy, birth and postnatal experience when their babies were about 3 months of age. Descriptive statistics were produced, and logistic regression used to estimate ORs, adjusted for key confounders.Main outcome measures—Women's self-reported postnatal health, Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, women's perceptions of their baby.Results4578 women returned completed questionnaires. Of these, 42 (0.9%) had babies born before 32 weeks' gestation and 243 (5.5%) at 32–36 weeks. Comparing the three gestational age groups, no statistically significant differences in rates of depressive symptoms measured on the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale were found. However, using a health problems checklist, anxiety, fatigue and flash-backs were more common in mothers of preterm babies. Overall, mothers of preterm babies had less early contact with their baby, more postnatal health problems, substantially less positive feelings towards their baby and made less use of the support options available.ConclusionsWomen with preterm births are at increased risk of ill-health and negative feelings about their baby in the early months after birth. They make less use of postnatal services and support than other women and this may be an area where the use of specialist services would be appropriate.
First quality score for referral letters in gastroenterology—a validation study
Authors: Eskeland Sigrun Losada , Brunborg Cathrine , Seip Birgitte , Wiencke Kristine , Hovde Øistein , Owen Tanja , Skogestad Erik , Huppertz-Hauss Gert , Halvorsen Fred-Arne , Garborg Kjetil , Aabakken Lars , de Lange Thomas 
Published: October 2016

ObjectiveTo create and validate an objective and reliable score to assess referral quality in gastroenterology.DesignAn observational multicentre study.Setting and participants25 gastroenterologists participated in selecting variables for a Thirty Point Score (TPS) for quality assessment of referrals to gastroenterology specialist healthcare for 9 common indications. From May to September 2014, 7 hospitals from the South-Eastern Norway Regional Health Authority participated in collecting and scoring 327 referrals to a gastroenterologist.Main outcome measureCorrelation between the TPS and a visual analogue scale (VAS) for referral quality.ResultsThe 327 referrals had an average TPS of 13.2 (range 1–25) and an average VAS of 4.7 (range 0.2–9.5). The reliability of the score was excellent, with an intra-rater intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) of 0.87 and inter-rater ICC of 0.91. The overall correlation between the TPS and the VAS was moderate (r=0.42), and ranged from fair to substantial for the various indications. Mean agreement was good (ICC=0.47, 95% CI (0.34 to 0.57)), ranging from poor to good.ConclusionsThe TPS is reliable, objective and shows good agreement with the subjective VAS. The score may be a useful tool for assessing referral quality in gastroenterology, particularly important when evaluating the effect of interventions to improve referral quality.
Muscle function is associated with future patient-reported outcomes in young adults with ACL injury
Authors: Flosadottir Vala , Roos Ewa M , Ageberg Eva 
Published: October 2016

Background/aimConsequences of an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury include worse patient-reported outcomes (PROs) and a decrease in activity level. Muscle function can be improved by targeted exercise. Our aims were to investigate cross-sectional and longitudinal associations among lower extremity muscle function and PROs after ACL injury.MethodsFifty-four participants (15 women, mean 30 years) with ACL injury or reconstruction, from the Knee Anterior Cruciate Ligament, Nonsurgical versus Surgical Treatment (KANON) trial (ISRCTN84752559), were assessed with hop performance, muscle power and postural orientation 3 years (SD 0.85) after ACL injury. PROs at 3 and 5 years after injury included Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) subscales Function in sport and recreation (KOOS Sport/rec) and Knee-related Quality of life (KOOS QoL), KOOS item Q3 (KOOS Q3), Tegner Activity Scale and Activity Rating Scale (ARS). Partial Spearman's rank-order correlation was used to analyse correlations between muscle function and PROs, controlling for gender and treatment.ResultsNumerous cross-sectional correlations were observed between muscle function and PROs (rsp≈0.3–0.5, p≤0.045). Worse hop performance and worse postural orientation were associated with worse KOOS scores 2 years later (rsp≥0.280, p≤0.045). Worse muscle power was associated with lower future ARS scores (rsp=0.281, p=0.044).ConclusionsThe moderate associations suggest that improving muscle function during rehabilitation could improve present and future PROs.
Interplay of host genetics and gut microbiota underlying the onset and clinical presentation of inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Imhann Floris , Vich Vila Arnau , Bonder Marc Jan , Fu Jingyuan , Gevers Dirk , Visschedijk Marijn C , Spekhorst Lieke M , Alberts Rudi , Franke Lude , van Dullemen Hendrik M , Ter Steege Rinze W F , Huttenhower Curtis , Dijkstra Gerard , Xavier Ramnik J , Festen Eleonora A M , Wijmenga Cisca , Zhernakova Alexandra , Weersma Rinse K 
Published: October 2016

ObjectivePatients with IBD display substantial heterogeneity in clinical characteristics. We hypothesise that individual differences in the complex interaction of the host genome and the gut microbiota can explain the onset and the heterogeneous presentation of IBD. Therefore, we performed a case–control analysis of the gut microbiota, the host genome and the clinical phenotypes of IBD.DesignStool samples, peripheral blood and extensive phenotype data were collected from 313 patients with IBD and 582 truly healthy controls, selected from a population cohort. The gut microbiota composition was assessed by tag-sequencing the 16S rRNA gene. All participants were genotyped. We composed genetic risk scores from 11 functional genetic variants proven to be associated with IBD in genes that are directly involved in the bacterial handling in the gut: NOD2, CARD9, ATG16L1, IRGM and FUT2.ResultsStrikingly, we observed significant alterations of the gut microbiota of healthy individuals with a high genetic risk for IBD: the IBD genetic risk score was significantly associated with a decrease in the genus Roseburia in healthy controls (false discovery rate 0.017). Moreover, disease location was a major determinant of the gut microbiota: the gut microbiota of patients with colonic Crohn's disease (CD) is different from that of patients with ileal CD, with a decrease in alpha diversity associated to ileal disease (p=3.28×10−13).ConclusionsWe show for the first time that genetic risk variants associated with IBD influence the gut microbiota in healthy individuals. Roseburia spp are acetate-to-butyrate converters, and a decrease has already been observed in patients with IBD.
Sidewall cerebral aneurysms: effect of an outflow angle-assisted approach on diagnosis
Authors: Sun Ling-Jun , Li Yong-Dong , Yang Bao-Zhi , Li Ming-Hua , Wang Wu , Gu Bin-Xian 
Published: October 2016

BackgroundThe ability to diagnose sidewall cerebral aneurysms (SCAs) on an angle measurement basis may be useful in clinical practice. A study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of an outflow angle (OA)-assisted approach.MethodsMR angiography (MRA) images of 438 patients with suspected SCAs and other cerebrovascular diseases were separately evaluated using the subjective approach and the OA approach. The approaches were then exchanged for confirmation of unclear cases. An OA of ≥90° was considered to represent SCA positivity. The accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of the OA-assisted approach were determined using patient-based, aneurysm-based, and size-based evaluations.ResultsDigital subtraction angiography (DSA) detected 301 SCAs in 267 patients and no SCAs in 171. An OA of ≥90° was observed for 271 aneurysms in 244 patients (true positives); the OA approach misinterpreted OA as <90° for 29 aneurysms in 29 patients (false negatives) and missed one aneurysm. The subjective approach detected 309 SCAs in 273 patients. This approach misdiagnosed 10 patients (false positives) and missed two aneurysms in two patients (false negatives). The OA-assisted approach detected 300 SCAs in 267 patients and no SCAs in 171, overlooking one aneurysm. Patient-based evaluation yielded high accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values for the OA-assisted approach.ConclusionsThe OA-assisted approach for SCA diagnosis effectively reduced the false-positive rate obtained with the subjective approach with high accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity, suggesting that MRA based on this approach can be a reliable alternative to DSA in SCA screening and diagnosis.
Cardiovascular disease in cancer survivors
Authors: Okwuosa Tochi M , Anzevino Sarah , Rao Ruta 
Published: October 2016

ABSTRACTCertain cancer therapies, including radiation therapy and some types of chemotherapies, are associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and events. Some of these effects such as those presented by anthracyclines, radiation therapy, cisplatin, as well as those presented by hormone therapy for breast cancer—usually taken for many years for some breast and prostate cancers—are long-lasting and associated with cardiovascular events risk more than 20 years after cancer treatment. Cardiovascular testing, diagnostic assessment of suspected cardiovascular symptomatology, as well as laboratory tests for CVD risk factors are imperative. The early recognition and treatment of CVD processes that arise in survivorship years is pivotal, with specific attention to some CVD processes with specific suggested treatment modalities. Preventive measures include adequate screening, the use of medications such as ACE inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers and/or beta blockers, statin therapy and aspirin in persons who warrant these medications, as well as therapeutic lifestyle modifications such as exercise/physical activity, weight loss and appropriate diet for a healthy lifestyle. Periodic follow-up with a good primary care physician who understands the risks associated with cancer therapy is important, and referral to onco-cardiology for further management of cardiovascular risk in these survivors is based on a patient’s cardiovascular risk level and the type, amount and duration of cancer therapies received during the patient’s lifetime.
On the DIBL Reduction Effect of Short Channel Carbon Nanotube Field Effect Transistors
Authors: Aicha Khial , Djamil Rechem , Chrifa Azizi , Mourad Zaabat 
Published: October 2016

The Drain Induced Barrier Lowering (DIBL), in carbon Nanotubes-Fet (CNTFETS), is a challenging study that still needs investigation. Based on a numerical model, the Non-Equilibrium Green’s Function (NEGF) approach was applied to simulate the DIBL effect in CNTFETS. In this study, the effect of the length gate ranging from 10 to 30 nm, for different temperatures (77K, 15K, 300K and 400K) on the DIBL was investigated. Then the variation of DIBL effect as a function of the nanotubes diameter varying over the following chiralities: (13, 0), (16, 0), (19, 0), (23, 0) and (25, 0) was undertaken. Afterworlds, we conducted the variation of DIBL impact as a function of the oxide thickness with the values: 1.5 nm, 3 nm, 4.5 nm, 6 nm and 7 nm. Moreover, the DIBL effect was carried at depending upon the high-k materials such as: SiO_2, HfO_2, ZrO_2, 〖Ta〗_2 O_2 and TiO_2. Finally, a conclusion is made basing at the different findings which revealed that the best reduce of DIBL impact was recorded under a liquid Nitrogen temperature of 77 K.
Novel Application of Steroid Eluting Stents in Choanal Atresia Repair
Authors: Bangiyev John N. , Govil Nandini , Sheyn Anthony , Haupert Michael , Thottam Prasad John 
Published: October 2016

Purpose: To describe the application of mometasone furoate eluting sinus stent technology in the treatment of choanal atresia (CA) in the hopes of preventing postsurgical stenosis. Methods: We analyzed 3 consecutive patients aged 4 days to 16 years undergoing repair of CA at a tertiary pediatric hospital. Mometasone furoate eluting sinus stents were placed intraoperatively. Postoperative need for revision surgery as well as routine surveillance endoscopy were used to determine success of surgery. Results: Three patients of varying age and etiology underwent successful repair of choanal atresia/stenosis. The steroid eluting sinus stent was deployed successfully in all 3 cases. There was no identifiable restenosis in any of the 3 patients with 12-month follow-up. There were no complications noted throughout the follow-up period. Conclusions: Choanal atresia is a rare disorder that can prove difficult in postsurgical management. In our case series, mometasone furoate eluting stents were effective and safe for the management of this disease process. Further prospective studies are needed to determine the exact safety profile, long-term consequences, and efficacy of steroid eluting sinus stents in the pediatric population.
Longitudinal Voice Outcomes After Type I Gore-tex Thyroplasty for Nonparalytic Glottic Incompetence
Authors: Overton Lewis , Adams Katherine , Shah Rupali N. , Buckmire Robert A. 
Published: October 2016

Objective: Type I Gore-tex thyroplasty (GTP) for nonparalytic glottic incompetence (GI) results in significantly improved subjective and perceptual voice outcomes. We endeavored to investigate the longitudinal course of voice outcomes measuring the same patients across time points stratified by diagnostic subgroup. Methods: Seventy-five patients with nonparalytic GI treated with GTP in the past 9 years were retrospectively reviewed and grouped according to their primary diagnoses (atrophy, scar, hypomobility, and paresis). Voice outcome measures, Voice-Related Quality of Life (VRQOL), Glottal Function Index (GFI), and GRBAS (grade, roughness, breathiness, asthenia, and strain) for each individual patient and diagnostic subgroup were grouped by time interval following surgery: 0 to 90 days, 3 to 9 months, 9 to 18 months, 18 to 36 months, 3 to 5 years, and 5 to 10 years. Results: Across all diagnoses, statistically significant improvement in VRQOL was maintained at 3 to 5 years ( P = .03) and GFI at 5 to 10 years ( P = .02). The GRBAS showed statistically significant improvements out to 18 to 36 months ( P = .02). In the subgroup analysis, hypomobility/paresis patients maintained significant improvement voice measures longer than patients with other diagnoses. As a group, scar patients did not show statistically significant postoperative improvement in VRQOL or GFI at any of the tested time points. Conclusions: Gore-tex thyroplasty provides durable improvement in subjective and perceptual voice outcomes for patients with nonparalytic GI. Patients treated for hypomobility/paresis have the most durable vocal outcomes followed by atrophy and lastly, scar.
Presentation and Management of Giant Fibrovascular Polyps of the Hypopharynx and Esophagus
Authors: Ongkasuwan Julina , Anzalone C. Lane , Salazar Esperanza , Donovan Donald T. 
Published: October 2016

Objective: Fibrovascular polyps of the hypopharynx and esophagus are rare, with few case reports in the literature. In this article, we present our institutional experience with a focus on airway and surgical management. Study Design: Case series. Setting: Tertiary academic institution. Methods: A retrospective review was conducted of 4 patients that presented to a tertiary medical center with fibrovascular polyps between 1990 and 2012. Patient demographics, clinical presentation, diagnostic studies, and surgical approaches were reviewed. A review of the published literature was also performed. Results: The average age at presentation was 72 years (range, 59-85 years). Among the 4 patients, 2 presented with airway compromise requiring tracheotomy. All patients had removal of the polyp shortly after presentation; 2 underwent transcervical approaches with lateral pharyngotomy/esophagotomy, and the other 2 had endoscopic removal. The polyps arose from the hypopharynx in 3 patients and upper esophagus in 1. Three patients had complete resolution of their symptoms and remained disease free. One patient had recurrence of the polyp 2 years later and is currently being observed. Conclusion: Fibrovascular polyps are rare tumors of the hypopharynx/esophagus that present in older adults. Although benign, they can cause life-threatening airway compromise that may necessitate tracheotomy. We present 4 cases of fibrovascular polyps and discuss our evolving surgical management, including endoscopic removal.
A draft genome sequence of Pseudomonas veronii R4: a grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) root-associated strain with high biocontrol potential
Authors: Montes Christian , Altimira Fabiola , Canchignia Hayron , Castro Álvaro , Sánchez Evelyn , Miccono María , Tapia Eduardo , Sequeida Álvaro , Valdés Jorge , Tapia Paz , González Carolina , Prieto Humberto 
Published: October 2016

AbstractA new plant commensal Pseudomonas veronii isolate (strain R4) was identified from a Xiphinema index biocontrol screen. Isolated from grapevine roots from vineyards in central Chile, the strain R4 exhibited a slower yet equivalently effective nematicide activity as the well-characterized P. protegens CHA0. Whole genome sequencing of strain R4 and comparative analysis among the available Pseudomonas spp. genomes allowed for the identification of gene clusters that encode putative extracellular proteases and lipase synthesis and secretion systems, which are proposed to mediate—at least in part—the observed nematicidal activity. In addition, R4 strain presented relevant gene clusters related to metal tolerance, which is typical in P. veronii. Bioinformatics analyses also showed gene clusters associated with plant growth promoting activity, such as indole-3-acetic acid synthesis. In addition, the strain R4 genome presented a metabolic gene clusters associated with phosphate and ammonia biotransformation from soil, which could improve their availability for plants.
Prospects for agricultural lands afforestation in Poland until 2020
Authors: Kaliszewski Adam , Młynarski Wojciech , Gołos Piotr 
Published: October 2016

Abstract
The aim of the paper is to present the potential for afforestation of agricultural lands under the ‘National Programme for Expanding of Forest Cover’ (KPZL) in Poland until 2020. The analysis is based on the ongoing social and economic changes in rural areas in the past decade as well as factors limiting implementation of the Programme. The data used have been derived from annual reports of the Agricultural Property Agency (ANR), the Central Statistical Office and also other official documents and legal acts related to the issue.
Assuming that the area of agricultural lands transferred by the ANR to the State Forests Holding – an institution responsible for implementing the KPZL on state-owned lands – remains approximately 350 ha per year, the overall extent of afforestation on state-owned lands will not exceed 4,500–4,600 ha until 2020. In case of private lands, a further decline in annual afforestation area will be observed. The lack of a stable financing system is a major reason for the decrease in the area of agricultural lands transferred for afforestation. The projections show that the average annual afforestation area on private lands will not exceed 2,500 ha until 2020. Altogether, it can be expected that during the period 2015–2020, approximately 20,000 ha of agricultural lands will be afforested.
The study shows that the current rate of afforestation is insufficient for reaching the target defined in the KPZL (afforestation of 680,000 ha of lands during the period 2001–2020). Low supply of private lands for afforestation and insufficient financial support for farmers are the most important factors limiting the implementation of the KPZL. The situation could be improved by free transfer of public lands for afforestation from the ANR to the State Forests Holding and by implementing financial instruments for afforestation of private lands from the Forest Fund resources.