bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparative Toxicities of Salts on Microbial Processes in Soil
Authors: Rath Kristin M. , Maheshwari Arpita , Bengtson Per , Rousk Johannes 
Published: January 2016

ABSTRACT

Soil salinization is a growing threat to global agriculture and carbon sequestration, but to date it remains unclear how microbial processes will respond. We studied the acute response to salt exposure of a range of anabolic and catabolic microbial processes, including bacterial (leucine incorporation) and fungal (acetate incorporation into ergosterol) growth rates, respiration, and gross N mineralization and nitrification rates. To distinguish effects of specific ions from those of overall ionic strength, we compared the addition of four salts frequently associated with soil salinization (NaCl, KCl, Na
2
SO
4
, and K
2
SO
4
) to a nonsaline soil. To compare the tolerance of different microbial processes to salt and to interrelate the toxicity of different salts, concentration-response relationships were established. Growth-based measurements revealed that fungi were more resistant to salt exposure than bacteria. Effects by salt on C and N mineralization were indistinguishable, and in contrast to previous studies, nitrification was not found to be more sensitive to salt exposure than other microbial processes. The ion-specific toxicity of certain salts could be observed only for respiration, which was less inhibited by salts containing SO
4
2−
than Cl
−
salts, in contrast to the microbial growth assessments. This suggested that the inhibition of microbial growth was explained solely by total ionic strength, while ion-specific toxicity also should be considered for effects on microbial decomposition. This difference resulted in an apparent reduction of microbial growth efficiency in response to exposure to SO
4
2−
salts but not to Cl
−
salts; no evidence was found to distinguish K
+
and Na
+
salts.
Social, demographic and healthcare factors associated with stage at diagnosis of cervical cancer: cross-sectional study in a tertiary hospital in Northern Uganda
Authors: Mwaka Amos Deogratius , Garimoi Christopher Orach , Were Edward Maloba , Roland Martin , Wabinga Henry , Lyratzopoulos Georgios 
Published: January 2016

ObjectiveTo examine patient and primary healthcare factors and stage at diagnosis in women with cervical cancer in Northern Uganda with the intention to identify factors that are associated with advanced stages in order to inform policies to improve survival from cervical cancer in low income and middle income countries.DesignCross-sectional hospital-based study.SettingTertiary, not-for-profit private hospital in postconflict region.ParticipantsConsecutive tissue-diagnosed symptomatic patients with cervical attending care. Of 166 patients, 149 were enrolled and analysed.Primary outcomeCervical cancer stage at diagnosis.ResultsMost women were diagnosed at stages III (45%) or IV (21%). After controlling for age, marital status, educational attainment and number of biological children, there was evidence for association between advanced stage at diagnosis and pre-referral diagnosis of cancer by primary healthcare professionals (adjusted OR (AOR)=13.04:95% CI 3.59 to 47.3), and financial difficulties precluding prompt help seeking (AOR=5.5:95% CI 1.58 to 20.64). After adjusting for age, marital status and educational attainment, women with 5–9 biological children (AOR=0.27:95% CI 0.08 to 0.96) were less likely to be diagnosed with advanced stage (defined as stages III/IV) cancer. In this pilot study, there was no statistical evidence for associations between stage at diagnosis, and factors such as age at diagnosis and marital status.ConclusionsThis study is a first attempt to understand the descriptive epidemiology of cervical cancer in rural Ugandan settings. Understanding individual patient factors, patients’ behavioural characteristics and healthcare factors associated with advanced stage at diagnosis is essential for targeted effective public health interventions to promote prompt health seeking, diagnosis at early stage and improved survival from cervical cancer.
Patient characteristics associated with risk of first hospital admission and readmission for acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) following primary care COPD diagnosis: a cohort study using linked electronic patient records
Authors: Hunter L C , Lee R J , Butcher I , Weir C J , Fischbacher C M , McAllister D , Wild S H , Hewitt N , Hardie R M 
Published: January 2016

ObjectivesTo investigate patient characteristics of an unselected primary care population associated with risk of first hospital admission and readmission for acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD).DesignRetrospective open cohort using pseudonymised electronic primary care data linked to secondary care data.SettingPrimary care; Lothian (population approximately 800 000), Scotland.ParticipantsData from 7002 patients from 72 general practices with a COPD diagnosis date between 2000 and 2008 recorded in their primary care record. Patients were followed up until 2010, death or they left a participating practice.Main outcome measuresFirst and subsequent admissions for AECOPD (International Classification of Diseases (ICD) 10 codes J44.0, J44.1 in any diagnostic position) after COPD diagnosis in primary care.Results1756 (25%) patients had at least 1 AECOPD admission; 794 (11%) had at least 1 readmission and the risk of readmission increased with each admission. Older age at diagnosis, more severe COPD, low body mass index (BMI), current smoking, increasing deprivation, COPD admissions and interventions for COPD prior to diagnosis in primary care, and comorbidities were associated with higher risk of first AECOPD admission in an adjusted Cox proportional hazards regression model. More severe COPD and COPD admission prior to primary care diagnosis were associated with increased risk of AECOPD readmission in an adjusted Prentice-Williams-Peterson model. High BMI was associated with a lower risk of first AECOPD admission and readmission.ConclusionsSeveral patient characteristics were associated with first AECOPD admission in a primary care cohort of people with COPD but fewer were associated with readmission. Prompt diagnosis in primary care may reduce the risk of AECOPD admission and readmission. The study highlights the important role of primary care in preventing or delaying a first AECOPD admission.
Missed opportunities to offer HIV tests to high-risk groups during general practitioners’ STI-related consultations: an observational study
Authors: Joore I K , Reukers D F M , Donker G A , van Sighem A I , Op de Coul E L M , Prins J M , Geerlings S E , Barth R E , van Bergen J E A M , van den Broek I V 
Published: January 2016

ObjectivesPrior research has shown that Dutch general practitioners (GPs) do not always offer HIV testing and the number of undiagnosed HIV patients remains high. We aimed to further investigate the frequency and reasons for (not) testing for HIV and the contribution of GPs to the diagnosis of HIV infections in the Netherlands.DesignObservational study.Setting(1) Dutch primary care network of 42–45 sentinel practices where report forms during sexually transmitted infection (STI)-related consultations were routinely collected, 2008–2013. (2) Dutch observational cohort with medical data of HIV-positive patients in HIV care, 2008–2013.Outcome measuresThe proportion of STI-related consultations in patients from high-risk groups tested for HIV, with additional information requested from GPs on HIV testing preconsultation or postconsultation for whom HIV testing was indicated, but not performed. Next, information was collected on the profile of HIV-positive patients entering specialised HIV care following diagnosis by GPs.ResultsInitially, an HIV test was reported (360/907) in 40% of STI-related consultations in high-risk groups. Additionally, in 26% of consultations an HIV test had been performed in previous or follow-up consultations or at different STI-care facilities. The main reasons for not testing were perceived insignificant risk; ‘too’ recent risk according to GPs or the reluctance of patients. The initiative of the patient was a strong determinant for HIV testing. GPs diagnosed about one third of all newly found cases of HIV. Compared with STI clinics, HIV-positive patients diagnosed in general practice were more likely to be older, female, heterosexual male or sub-Saharan African.ConclusionsIn one-third of the STI-related consultations of persons from high-risk groups, no HIV test was performed in primary care, which is lower than previously reported. Risk-based testing has intrinsic limitations and implementation of new additional strategies in primary care is warranted.
Incidence of multiple myeloma in Great Britain, Sweden, and Malmö, Sweden: the impact of differences in case ascertainment on observed incidence trends
Authors: Vélez Ramón , Turesson Ingemar , Landgren Ola , Kristinsson Sigurdur Y , Cuzick Jack 
Published: January 2016

ObjectivesThe increased incidence of multiple myeloma (MM) across China and East Asia stimulated us to examine the current rates in Great Britain, where rates increased dramatically in the second half of the 20th century. However, rates have been stable and high during this period in Malmö, Sweden, where there is a keen interest in MM. We thus assessed recent changes in MM incidence in Great Britain, Sweden overall, and Malmö, Sweden, and examined how these changes might explain recent reports of increased MM incidence across Asia.DesignEstimation of MM incidence for Great Britain, Sweden overall, and Malmö, Sweden.PopulationsMM incidence data for Great Britain (1975–2009) were obtained from Cancer Research UK and for Sweden (1970–2009) from the Swedish Cancer Registry. MM incidence data from Malmö, Sweden, were available from 1950 to 2012.Main outcome measuresAge-specific incidence of MM in Great Britain, Sweden overall, and Malmö, Sweden.ResultsMM incidence in Great Britain, Sweden overall, and Malmö increased progressively with age, even among the oldest group. The MM age-adjusted incidence (European standard population) increased by 69% from 1975–1979 to 2005–2009 in Great Britain, from 3.2/100 000 to 5.4/100 000. The largest increases occurred among those 70–79 years of age, for whom rates increased from 17.9/100 000 to 33.6/100 000; reflecting an increase of 69%. During this same period, the age-adjusted incidence (European stand population) in Sweden overall remained stable, at approximately 4.7/100 000.ConclusionsMM age-specific incidence is now similar in Great Britain, Sweden overall, and Malmö. We believe this is a result of improvements in case ascertainment in Great Britain, particularly among the elderly. Similar changes can be predicted to occur across Asia as improved access to healthcare contributes to better diagnosis of MM.
Pregnancy hypertensive disease and risk of dementia and cardiovascular disease in women aged 65 years or older: a cohort study
Authors: Nelander M , Cnattingius S , Åkerud H , Wikström J , Pedersen N L , Wikström A-K 
Published: January 2016

ObjectiveThe primary aim was to study pregnancy hypertensive disease and subsequent risk of dementia. The second aim was to study if the increased risks of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and stroke after pregnancy hypertensive disease persist in an elderly population.DesignCohort study.SettingSweden.Population or sample3232 women 65 years or older (mean 71 years) at inclusion.MethodsCox proportional hazards regression analyses were used to calculate risks of dementia, CVD and/or stroke for women exposed to pregnancy hypertensive disease. Exposure data were collected from an interview at inclusion during the years 1998–2002. Outcome data were collected from the National Patient Register and Cause of Death Register from the year of inclusion until the end of 2010. Age at inclusion was set as a time-dependent variable, and adjustments were made for body mass index, education and smoking.Main outcome measuresDementia, CVD, stroke.ResultsDuring the years of follow-up, 7.6% of the women exposed to pregnancy hypertensive disease received a diagnosis of dementia, compared with 7.4% among unexposed women (HR 1.19; 95% CI 0.79 to 1.73). The corresponding rates for CVD were 22.9% for exposed women and 19.0% for unexposed women (HR 1.29; 95% CI 1.02 to 1.61), and for stroke 13.4% for exposed women and 10.7% for unexposed women (HR 1.36; 95% CI 1.00 to 1.81).ConclusionsThere was no increased risk of dementia after self-reported pregnancy hypertensive disease in our cohort. We found that the previously reported increased risk of CVD and stroke after pregnancy hypertensive disease persists in an older population.
Tablet computers for implementing NICE antenatal mental health guidelines: protocol of a feasibility study
Authors: Marcano-Belisario José S , Gupta Ajay K , O'Donoghue John , Morrison Cecily , Car Josip 
Published: January 2016

IntroductionDepression is one of the most common mental health disorders that may affect women during pregnancy. The prompt identification of this disorder, and the provision of treatment, may help to reduce the likelihood of post-partum depression, prevent severe forms of the disease, and reduce its intergenerational impact. Despite women's repeated encounters with health services throughout their antenatal care, depression often goes undiagnosed. This is one area where mobile health could prove useful. We will assess the feasibility of using tablets to incorporate depression screening into antenatal pathways. We will also assess if survey layout could affect the quality of the data collected through these devices.Methods and analysisWe will test the feasibility of using iPad Airs for the administration of the Whooley questions and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) to pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in England. We will assess the impact of survey layout on the quality of the responses given to these screening scales using a parallel, randomised controlled study design. We will calculate the positive predictive value, the negative predictive value and the false omission rate of the Whooley questions in comparison with the EPDS. We will calculate differences in data equivalence, time needed to complete the surveys, break-off rates, data completeness and requests for help between the 2 experimental groups: using all questions in one screen and navigation by vertical scrolling, or a single question per screen and navigation by multiple pages.Ethics and disseminationThis study has been approved by the National Research Ethics Service Committee South East Coast—Surrey. Our findings will be disseminated through academic peer-reviewed publications, conferences and discussion with peers.
Bias in dissemination of clinical research findings: structured OPEN framework of what, who and why, based on literature review and expert consensus
Authors: Bassler Dirk , Mueller Katharina F , Briel Matthias , Kleijnen Jos , Marusic Ana , Wager Elizabeth , Antes Gerd , von Elm Erik , Altman Douglas G , Meerpohl Joerg J 
Published: January 2016

ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to review highly cited articles that focus on non-publication of studies, and to develop a consistent and comprehensive approach to defining (non-) dissemination of research findings.SettingWe performed a scoping review of definitions of the term ‘publication bias’ in highly cited publications.ParticipantsIdeas and experiences of a core group of authors were collected in a draft document, which was complemented by the findings from our literature search.InterventionsThe draft document including findings from the literature search was circulated to an international group of experts and revised until no additional ideas emerged and consensus was reached.Primary outcomesWe propose a new approach to the comprehensive conceptualisation of (non-) dissemination of research.Secondary outcomesOur ‘What, Who and Why?’ approach includes issues that need to be considered when disseminating research findings (What?), the different players who should assume responsibility during the various stages of conducting a clinical trial and disseminating clinical trial documents (Who?), and motivations that might lead the various players to disseminate findings selectively, thereby introducing bias in the dissemination process (Why?).ConclusionsOur comprehensive framework of (non-) dissemination of research findings, based on the results of a scoping literature search and expert consensus will facilitate the development of future policies and guidelines regarding the multifaceted issue of selective publication, historically referred to as ‘publication bias’.
Theory-driven group-based complex intervention to support self-management of osteoarthritis and low back pain in primary care physiotherapy: protocol for a cluster randomised controlled feasibility trial (SOLAS)
Authors: Hurley Deirdre A , Hall Amanda M , Currie-Murphy Laura , Pincus Tamar , Kamper Steve , Maher Chris , McDonough Suzanne M , Lonsdale Chris , Walsh Nicola E , Guerin Suzanne , Segurado Ricardo , Matthews James ,   SOLAS Trial team
Published: January 2016

IntroductionInternational clinical guidelines consistently endorse the promotion of self-management (SM), including physical activity for patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP) and osteoarthritis (OA). Patients frequently receive individual treatment and advice to self-manage from physiotherapists in primary care, but the successful implementation of a clinical and cost-effective group SM programme is a key priority for health service managers in Ireland to maximise long-term outcomes and efficient use of limited and costly resources.Methods/analysisThis protocol describes an assessor-blinded cluster randomised controlled feasibility trial of a group-based education and exercise intervention underpinned by self-determination theory designed to support an increase in SM behaviour in patients with CLBP and OA in primary care physiotherapy. The primary care clinic will be the unit of randomisation (cluster), with each clinic randomised to 1 of 2 groups providing the Self-management of Osteoarthritis and Low back pain through Activity and Skills (SOLAS) intervention or usual individual physiotherapy. Patients are followed up at 6 weeks, 2 and 6 months. The primary outcomes are the (1) acceptability and demand of the intervention to patients and physiotherapists, (2) feasibility and optimal study design/procedures and sample size for a definitive trial. Secondary outcomes include exploratory analyses of: point estimates, 95% CIs, change scores and effect sizes in physical function, pain and disability outcomes; process of change in target SM behaviours and selected mediators; and the cost of the intervention to inform a definitive trial.Ethics/disseminationThis feasibility trial protocol was approved by the UCD Human Research Ethics—Sciences Committee (LS-13-54 Currie-Hurley) and research access has been granted by the Health Services Executive Primary Care Research Committee in January 2014. The study findings will be disseminated to the research, clinical and health service communities through publication in peer-reviewed journals, presentation at national and international academic and clinical conferences.Trial registration numberISRCTN 49875385; Pre-results.
Attribution of cause of end-stage renal disease among patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: the Georgia Lupus Registry
Authors: Plantinga Laura C , Drenkard Cristina , Pastan Stephen O , Lim S Sam 
Published: January 2016

ObjectiveWhether using provider-attributed end-stage renal disease (ESRD) cause of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in national surveillance data captures the entire population of patients with SLE and ESRD remains uncertain. Our goal was to examine attributed cause of ESRD in US surveillance data among patients with SLE who have developed ESRD.MethodsData from a national registry of treated ESRD (United States Renal Data System (USRDS)) were linked to the population-based Georgia Lupus Registry (GLR). The provider-attributed cause of ESRD was extracted from the USRDS for each validated patient with SLE in the GLR (diagnosed through 2004) who initiated treatment for ESRD through 2012. The percentage of these patients with SLE whose ESRD was subsequently attributed to SLE in the USRDS was calculated, overall and by patient characteristics.ResultsAmong 251 patients with SLE who progressed to ESRD, 78.9% had SLE as their attributed cause of ESRD. Of the remaining 53 patients, 43.4%, 18.9% and 15.6% had ESRD attributed to hypertension, diabetes mellitus type II and non-SLE-related glomerulonephritis, respectively. Attribution of ESRD to SLE was higher among patients aged ≤30 (87.9–93.9%) vs >30 (52.6%; p<0.001) but did not differ by sex or race. Having Medicaid (86.2%) or no insurance (93.5%) was associated with greater attribution of ESRD to SLE than having private insurance (72.5%; p=0.02), as was having two or more providers state a diagnosis of SLE (89.0% vs 73.5% with a rheumatologist diagnosis alone; p=0.008).ConclusionsThese estimates indicate that USRDS-based studies may underreport ESRD among US patients with SLE. However, observed patterns of differential attribution of ESRD cause, particularly by age, suggest that providers may be correctly attributing ESRD to causes other than SLE among some patients with SLE.
WEB as part of a multimodality treatment in complex, large, and partially thrombosed intracranial aneurysms: a single-center observational study of technical success, safety, and recurrence
Authors: Kabbasch C , Mpotsaris A , Reiner M , Liebig T 
Published: January 2016

IntroductionComplex, large, wide-neck aneurysms, but particularly partially thrombosed intracranial aneurysms (PTIAs), have a greater tendency to recanalize after coil occlusion. The Woven Endovascular Bridge (WEB) combines shape memory wires braided to a relatively uniform, dense surface, which may limit its compaction and its incorporation into an existing aneurysm clot and may thus reduce PTIA recurrence.ObjectiveTo carry out a retrospective analysis of our experience with the WEB as part of a complex treatment in conjunction with other implants to assess the efficacy and safety of this technique.MethodsAmong 43 aneurysms treated with the WEB in our center, eight complex, large, wide-neck aneurysms were treated in conjunction with other implants (additional WEBs, coils, stents, flow diverters). Six of these eight aneurysms were PTIAs. All patients were followed up by DSA between 3½ and 38 months.ResultsAll eight (100%) of the complex, large, wide-neck aneurysms were treated successfully and without periprocedural adverse events (0%). At follow-up, the two non-thrombosed aneurysms were completely occluded, but all six PTIAs recurred (75%) and were re-treated. There was no morbidity or mortality in these eight patients.ConclusionsTreatment of large, complex aneurysms with the WEB in conjunction with other implants was technically successful and safe but did not prevent recurrence of partially thrombosed aneurysms in our center. PTIA re-treatment was possible and not limited by the previously placed WEB.