bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Validity of three asthma-specific quality of life questionnaires: the patients' perspective
Authors: Apfelbacher Christian J , Jones Christina J , Frew Anthony , Smith Helen 
Published: December 2016

ObjectivesIt is not known which of the many asthma-specific quality of life (QoL) questionnaires best capture the lived experience of people with asthma. The objective of this study was to explore patients' views of three commonly used asthma-specific QoL questionnaires.DesignQualitative study using semistructured interviews.SettingPrimary and secondary care in Brighton and Hove, UK.Participants30 adult people with a physician-diagnosis of asthma who were asked to complete the Juniper Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (AQLQ-J), the Sydney Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (AQLQ-S) and the Living with Asthma Questionnaire (LWAQ) to elicit their views on the content validity of these.ResultsThematic content analysis revealed a lack of congruence between the concerns of people with asthma and the questionnaire content in terms of missing (eg, allergies) and irrelevant (eg, smoky restaurants) content. The AQLQ-J was perceived as a ‘narrow’, ‘medical’ questionnaire focused on symptoms, the environment and functional ability. In contrast, the LWAQ and the AQLQ-S were perceived to be ‘non-medical’. The LWAQ was described as a ‘test’ and as a wide-ranging, embracing and holistic questionnaire. Its strong emotional focus was irritating to some. The AQLQ-S was described as a simple, quick and easy questionnaire, although there was a perception that it was lacking in depth.ConclusionsPatient interviews highlighted strengths and shortcomings in the content validity of these three asthma-specific questionnaires. For patients, the AQLQ-S content seemed to be the most pertinent in its adequacy of coverage of medical, social and emotional aspects of health-related QoL in asthma.
Nationwide cross-sectional study of the impact of chronic pain on an individual’s employment: relationship with the family and the social support
Authors: de Sola Helena , Salazar Alejandro , Dueñas María , Ojeda Begoña , Failde Inmaculada 
Published: December 2016

ObjectivesTo determine the prevalence and the factors related to sick leave and job loss among individuals suffering from chronic pain (CP), and to analyse specifically the effect of family and social support on the individual's employment.DesignObservational cross-sectional study.SettingData were collected using structured computer-assisted telephone interviews between February and June 2011.ParticipantsA nationwide study of 1543 Spanish adults of working age (<65), 213 of whom suffered from CP (pain suffered at least 4 or 5 days a week during the past 3 months, according to the criteria of the International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP)).Main outcome measureInformation was collected regarding the individual's sociodemographic status, pain characteristics, healthcare use and satisfaction, limitations in daily activities, mood status, perception of the impact of pain on their families, and their satisfaction with the family and social support. To identify factors associated with sick leave and job loss among those suffering CP, 2 logistic regression models were generated.ResultsThe prevalence of sick leave due to CP in the general Spanish population was 4.21% (95% CI 3.2% to 5.2%). Sick leave were more likely for individuals who considered their family were affected by their pain (OR=2.18), needed help to dressing and grooming (OR=2.98), taking medication (OR=2.18), had a shorter pain duration (OR=0.99) and higher educational level. The prevalence of job loss due to CP was 1.8% (95% CI 1.1% to 2.5%). It was related to feelings of sadness (OR=4.25), being unsatisfied with the care provided by health professionals (OR=2.60) and consulting a doctor more often due to CP (OR=1.09).ConclusionsCP is negatively associated with an individual's employment. This detrimental effect could be ameliorated if the factors related to sick leave and job loss provoked by CP are identified, especially those related to the effect of CP on the family and social environment.
Efficacy and safety of Wuling San for treatment of breast-cancer-related upper extremity lymphoedema: study protocol for a pilot trial
Authors: Zhu Huiru , Peng Zheng , Dai Meiyu , Zou Yan , Qin Fengxian , Chen Jifei , Song Liuying , He Baoyu , Lv Xiaolan , Dai Shengming 
Published: December 2016

IntroductionBreast-cancer-related upper extremity lymphoedema (BCUL), a common complication of mastectomy, can cause physical discomfort, psychological distress, cosmetic defects, functional disability and chronic recurrent erysipelas in the affected arm(s). It is a challenge to physicians involved in the management of these patients. Wuling San, a classic prescription in Traditional Chinese Medicine used in treating oedema for thousands of years, is reported by many Chinese journals to perform well in BCUL. Therefore, the aim of this study is to verify its efficacy and evaluate its safety using rigorous methodological designs in patients with BCUL.Methods and analysisTo verify the efficacy and assess the safety of Wuling San over a placebo, this double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled, multicentre trial will be carried out in three hospitals. A total of 200 eligible patients with BCUL will be randomly allocated, in a ratio of 1:1, to either the experimental medicine group or the placebo group. The primary outcome measure will be the proportion of absolute reduced limb volume, as measured by perometry. The second outcome measure will be the number of participants with adverse events. The assessment will be carried out at the following time points: before enrolment (baseline) and 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks after treatment.Ethics and disseminationThis trial will be conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki and supervised by the institutional review board of the Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University (approval number PJK2016088). All patients will receive information about the trial in verbal and written forms and will give informed consent before enrolment. This trial will help to demonstrate whether Wuling San is effective in the treatment of patients with BCUL. The results will be published in peer-reviewed journals or disseminated through conference presentations.Trial registration numberNCT02726477; Pre-results.
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study investigating the effects of inorganic nitrate on vascular function, platelet reactivity and restenosis in stable angina: protocol of the NITRATE-OCT study
Authors: Rathod Krishnaraj S , Jones Daniel A , Van-Eijl T J A , Tsang Hilda , Warren Helen , Hamshere Stephen M , Kapil Vikas , Jain Ajay K , Deaner Andrew , Poulter Neil , Caulfield Mark J , Mathur Anthony , Ahluwalia Amrita 
Published: December 2016

IntroductionThe mainstay treatment for reducing the symptoms of angina and long-term risk of heart attacks in patients with heart disease is stent implantation in the diseased coronary artery. While this procedure has revolutionised treatment, the incidence of secondary events remains a concern. These repeat events are thought to be due, in part, to continued enhanced platelet reactivity, endothelial dysfunction and ultimately restenosis of the stented artery. In this study, we will investigate whether a once a day inorganic nitrate administration might favourably modulate platelet reactivity and endothelial function leading to a decrease in restenosis.Methods and designNITRATE-OCT is a double-blind, randomised, single-centre, placebo-controlled phase II trial that will enrol 246 patients with stable angina due to have elective percutaneous coronary intervention procedure with stent implantation. Patients will be randomised to receive 6 months of a once a day dose of either nitrate-rich beetroot juice or nitrate-deplete beetroot juice (placebo) starting up to 1 week before their procedure. The primary outcome is reduction of in-stent late loss assessed by quantitative coronary angiography and optical coherence tomography at 6 months. The study is powered to detect a 0.22±0.55 mm reduction in late loss in the treatment group compared with the placebo group. Secondary end points include change from baseline assessment of endothelial function measured using flow-mediated dilation at 6 months, target vessel revascularisation (TVR), restenosis rate (diameter>50%) and in-segment late loss at 6 months, markers of inflammation and platelet reactivity and major adverse cardiac events (ie, myocardial infarction, death, cerebrovascular accident, TVR) at 12 and 24 months.Ethics and disseminationThe study was approved by the Local Ethics Committee (15/LO/0555). Trial results will be published according to the CONSORT statement and will be presented at conferences and reported in peer-reviewed journals.Trial registration numbersNCT02529189andISRCTN17373946, Pre-results.
Relationship of social and economic factors to mental disorders among population-based samples of Jamaicans and Guyanese
Authors: Lacey Krim K , Powell Sears Karen , Crawford Tazhmoye V , Matusko Niki , Jackson James S 
Published: December 2016

BackgroundThere have been growing concerns about increasing mental health problems in the Caribbean region. This study explores rates and factors associated with selected mental health disorders within 2 Caribbean countries: Jamaica and Guyana.MethodsProbability samples of 1218 Jamaicans and 2068 Guyanese participants were used. A modified version of the WHO Composite International Diagnostic Interview (WHO CIDI) defined by the Diagnostic Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV) was administered in order to assess lifetime mental disorders. Descriptive statistics, χ2and hierarchical regression analytic procedures were used to examine rates and factors associated with mental disorders.ResultsRates of mental health conditions were different across contexts and were generally higher for Guyanese compared with Jamaicans for alcohol abuse (3.6% vs 2.2%), drug abuse (1.4% vs 1.3%), substance abuse (4.7% vs 2.7%) and mania (0.4% vs 0.1%). The rate of depression, however, was higher among Jamaicans than Guyanese (7.4% vs 4.1%). There were also noticeable differences in rates in both countries, due to social and economic factors, with social factors playing a larger contributory role in the mental health status of individuals across countries.ConclusionsThe results of this study suggest the need for more indepth analyses of factors contributing to mental health conditions of peoples within the Caribbean region, including the influence of additional sources of stress, quality of care and help-seeking behaviours of individuals.
Cognitive bias modification for interpretation with and without prior repetitive negative thinking to reduce worry and rumination in generalised anxiety disorder and depression: protocol for a multisession experimental study with an active control condition
Authors: Krahé Charlotte , Mathews Andrew , Whyte Jessica , Hirsch Colette R 
Published: December 2016

IntroductionWorry and rumination are two forms of repetitive thinking characterised by their negative content and apparently uncontrollable nature. Although worry and rumination share common features and have been conceptualised as part of a transdiagnostic repetitive negative thinking (RNT) process, it remains unclear whether they share the same underlying cognitive mechanisms. This multisession experimental study investigates the tendency to make negative interpretations regarding ambiguous information as a cognitive mechanism underlying RNT. We compare multisession cognitive bias modification for interpretations (CBM-I) with an active control condition to examine whether repeatedly training positive interpretations reduces worry and rumination in individuals with generalised anxiety disorder or depression, respectively. Further, we examine the potential modulatory effects of engaging in RNT immediately prior to CBM-I.Design, methods and analysisA community sample of individuals meeting diagnostic criteria for either generalised anxiety disorder (n=60) or current major depressive episode (n=60) will be randomly allocated to CBM-I with prior RNT, CBM-I without prior RNT (ie, standard CBM-I), or an active control (no resolution of ambiguity) condition. All conditions receive a 3-week internet-based intervention consisting of one initial session at the first study visit and nine home-based sessions of CBM-I training (or active control). We will assess and compare the effects of CBM-I with and without prior RNT on ‘near-transfer’ measures of interpretation bias closely related to the training as well as ‘far-transfer’ outcomes related to RNT and emotional distress. Impact on questionnaire measures will additionally be assessed at 1-month follow-up. Multigroup analyses will be conducted to assess the impact of CBM-I on near-transfer and far-transfer outcome measures.
Prevalence and correlates of sexual and gender-based violence against Chinese adolescent women who are involved in commercial sex: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Zhang Xu-Dong , Myers Sierra , Yang Hong-Juan , Li Yun , Li Ji-Hong , Luo Wei , Luchters Stanley 
Published: December 2016

ObjectivesDespite the vast quantity of research among Chinese female sex workers (FSWs) to address concerns regarding HIV/sexually transmitted infection (STI) risk, there is a paucity of research on issues of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) and the missed opportunity for sexual and reproductive health (SRH) promotion among young FSWs. Our research aimed to assess the prevalence and correlates of SGBV among Chinese adolescent FSWs, and to explore SRH service utilisation.Design and methodsA cross-sectional study using a one-stage cluster sampling method was employed. A semistructured questionnaire was administered by trained peer educators or health workers. Multivariable logistic regression was conducted to determine individual and structural correlates of SGBV.Setting and participantsBetween July and September 2012, 310 adolescent women aged 15–20 years, and who self-reported having received money or gifts in exchange for sex in the past 6 months were recruited and completed their interview in Kunming, Yunnan Province, China.ResultsFindings confirm the high prevalence of SGBV against adolescent FSWs in China, with 38% (118/310) of participants affected in the past year. Moreover, our study demonstrated the low uptake of public health services and high rates of prior unwanted pregnancy (52%; 61/118), abortion (53%; 63/118) and self-reported STI symptoms (84%; 99/118) in participants who were exposed to SGBV. Forced sexual debut was reported by nearly a quarter of FSWs (23%; 70/310) and was independently associated with having had a drug-using intimate partner and younger age (<17 years old) at first abortion. When controlling for potential confounders, having experienced SGBV was associated with frequent alcohol use, having self-reported symptoms of STI, having an intimate partner and having an intimate partner with illicit drug use.ConclusionsThis study calls for effective and integrated interventions addressing adolescent FSWs' vulnerability to SGBV and broader SRH consequences.
Cancer risk awareness and screening uptake in individuals at higher risk for colon cancer: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Salimzadeh Hamideh , Bishehsari Faraz , Delavari Alireza , Barzin Gilda , Amani Mohammad , Majidi Azam , Sadjadi Alireza , Malekzadeh Reza 
Published: December 2016

ObjectiveWe aimed to measure cancer knowledge and feasibility of a screening colonoscopy among a cohort of individuals at higher risk of colon cancer.MethodsThis study was conducted as part of an ongoing screening cohort, in which first degree relatives (FDRs) of patients with colon cancer are invited to participate in a free of charge screening colonoscopy. We enrolled 1017 FDRs in the study between 2013 and 2014 measuring their data on demographics, cancer knowledge and colonoscopy uptake. A p value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant.ResultsThe relative's mean age was 48.7 years. Only about 28% of FDRs were aware of their increased risk for cancer, near 35.0% had ever heard about colonoscopy with 22% aware of the correct age to start screening. Comparing cancer knowledge of FDRs at high risk versus those at moderate risk, we recorded non-significant differences (p>0.05). Almost two-thirds of FDRs expressed willingness to undergo a colonoscopy and 49.2% completed the procedure, of which 12.8% had advanced neoplasm.ConclusionsOur data indicated that remarkable numbers of FDRs were not still informed of their cancer risk or never received a physician recommendation for screening. The desirable uptake at first invitation, which would be higher over successive invitations, supports the feasibility of a family-based recruitment approach for early screening. This has promising implications to introduce targeted screening colonoscopy into the healthcare system in Iran and other developing nations.
Validity of the Manchester Triage System in patients with sepsis presenting at the ED: a first assessment
Authors: Gräff Ingo , Goldschmidt Bernd , Glien Procula , Dolscheid-Pommerich Ramona C , Fimmers Rolf , Grigutsch Daniel 
Published: December 2016

BackgroundThe Manchester Triage System (MTS) does not have a specific presentational flow chart for sepsis. The goal of this investigation was to determine adequacy of acuity assignment for patients with sepsis presenting at the ED and triaged using the MTS.Materials and methodsThis retrospective analysis included patients >16 presenting to an ED in Bonn, Germany, on the first 12 days of each month between June 2012 and March 2014. Patients were classified into one of three septic groups, or no sepsis. For those with sepsis, adequacy of acuity assignment was based on the criteria of the first consensus conference of the American College of Chest Physicians and Society of Critical Care Medicine, first published in 1992. Adequacy of prioritisation is expressed as sensitivity and likelihood ratio (LR–).ResultsAmong 20 836 patients evaluated, 801 (3.8%) were septic; of these, 581 (72.5%) had sepsis, 194 (24.2%) had severe sepsis and 26 (3.2%) had severe sepsis with circulation dysfunction. Patients who met the criteria for sepsis were correctly prioritised with a sensitivity of 70.4% (95% CI 66.5 to 74.0). The LR– was 0.628 (95% CI 0.564 to 0.698). Patients with severe sepsis were appropriately prioritised with a sensitivity of 84.5% (95% CI 78.1 to 89.4), and LR– was 0.330 (95% CI 0.243 to 0.450). In the group with severe sepsis and circulation dysfunction, sensitivity of MTS was 61.5% (95% CI 39.3 to 79.8), and LR– was 0.466 (95% CI 0.286 to 0.757).ConclusionsThe MTS has some weaknesses regarding priority levels in emergency patients with septic illness. Overall, target key symptoms (discriminators) which aim at identifying systemic infection and ascertaining vital parameters are insufficiently considered.
Demographic factors, workplace factors and active transportation use in the USA: a secondary analysis of 2009 NHTS data
Authors: Quinn Tyler D , Jakicic John M , Fertman Carl I , Barone Gibbs Bethany 
Published: December 2016

BackgroundWhile active transportation has health, economic and environmental benefits, participation within the USA is low. The purpose of this study is to examine relationships of demographic and workplace factors with health-enhancing active transportation and commuting.MethodsParticipants in the 2009 National Household Travel Survey reported demographics, workplace factors (time/distance to work, flextime availability, option to work from home and work start time) and active transportation (for any purpose) or commuting (to and from work, workers only) as walking or biking (≥10 min bouts only). Multiple logistic regression examined cross-sectional relationships between demographics and workplace factors with active transportation and commuting.ResultsAmong 152 573 participants, active transportation was reported by 1.11% by biking and 11.74% by walking. Among 111 808 working participants, active commuting was reported by 0.80% by biking and 2.76% by walking. Increased odds (p<0.05) of active commuting and transportation were associated with younger age, lower income, urban dwelling, and the highest and lowest education categories. Males had greater odds of commuting and transporting by bike but decreased odds of walk transporting. Inconsistent patterns were observed by race, but whites had greater odds of any biking (p<0.05). Odds of active commuting were higher with a flexible schedule (p<0.001), the option to work from home (p<0.05), shorter time and distance to work (both p<0.001), and work arrival time between 11:00 and 15:59 (walking only, p=0.001).ConclusionsActive transportation differed across demographic and workplace factors. These relationships could inform infrastructure policy decisions and workplace wellness programming targeting increased active transportation.
Optimising clinical performance during resuscitation using video evaluation
Authors: Lowe David J , Dewar Alistair , Lloyd Adam , Edgar Simon , Clegg Gareth R 
Published: December 2016

ABSTRACTVideo evaluation of resuscitation is becoming increasingly integrated into practice in a number of clinical settings. The purpose of this review article is to examine how video may enhance clinical care during resuscitation. As healthcare and available therapeutic interventions evolve, re-evaluation of accepted paradigms requires data to describe current practice and support change. Analysis of video recordings affords creation of a framework to evaluate individual and team performance and develop unique and tailored strategies to optimise care delivery. While video has been used in a number of non-clinical settings, there has been a recent increase of video systems in the prehospital and other clinical areas. This paper reviews the key opportunities in the emergency department-based resuscitation setting to enhance ergonomics, technical and non-technical skills—at both team and individual level—through video-assisted care performance analysis and feedback.
Management of bleeding in patients receiving non-vitamin K antagonists
Authors: Balla Sudarshan , Koerber Scott , Flaker Greg 
Published: December 2016

ABSTRACTAnticoagulation with non-vitamin K antagonists (Non vitamin K oral anticoagulant (NOACs)) including dabigatran, rivaroxaban, apixaban and edoxaban is at least as effective as warfarin, has fewer drug and food interactions and does not require monthly monitoring. Although major bleeding with NOACs is infrequent, there remains concern about the ability to effectively treat episodes of major bleeding. New agents have been developed that are capable of providing rapid reversal of the anticoagulation effect of NOACs. Idarucizumab normalises the dilute thrombin time and the ecarin clotting time, both of which are elevated with dabigatran. Andexanet alfa reduces increased anti-factor Xa activity seen with the use of rivaroxaban and apixaban. A universal reversal agent is in development. These agents, unlike agents to reverse the anticoagulation effect of vitamin K antagonists, appear to reverse the specific NOAC anticoagulant. The development of reversal agents is a major advancement in managing bleeding in the era of NOACs. Future studies will be required to determine the impact on important clinical outcomes.