bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Agreement on what to measure in randomised controlled trials in burn care: study protocol for the development of a core outcome set
Authors: Young Amber , Brookes Sara , Rumsey Nichola , Blazeby Jane 
Published: July 2017

IntroductionIn 2004, nearly 11 million severely burn-injured patients required medical care worldwide. Burns cause prolonged hospitalisation and long-term disability. Although mortality has been reduced, morbidity remains significant.Burn care is costly and decision-making is challenging. A range of procedures are performed at different times after injury; new technology is emerging and alternate care pathways are regularly introduced. Data to guide evidence-based decision-making are lacking. Researchers use different outcomes to assess recovery, so it is not possible to combine trial information to draw meaningful conclusions. Early recovery measures include length of hospital stay, healing time and treatment complications. Longer-term outcomes include issues with function, cosmesis and psychological health. Reporting an agreed set of the most important outcomes (core outcome set (COS)) in randomised controlled trials (RCTs) will allow effective evidence synthesis to support clinical decisions. Patient input will ensure relevance.Methods and analysisThe aim is to produce a burn COS for RCT reporting. A long list of outcomes will be identified through systematic reviews of clinical and patient-reported outcomes. Additional outcomes will be identified from interviews with patients over 10 years, parents of children of any age and multidisciplinary professionals. A two-stage modified Delphi exercise will be undertaken to prioritise and condense the list, with patients (n=150) at different stages of recovery. We will also include nursing, therapy (n=100) and medical staff (n=100). A reduced list will be taken to consensus meetings with families and clinical staff to achieve a final COS.Ethics and disseminationA COS will reduce outcome reporting heterogeneity in burn care research, allowing more effective use of research funding and facilitating evidence synthesis and evidence-based clinical decision-making. Stakeholders will include journal editors, health commissioners, researchers, patients and professionals. The study has ethical approval and is registered with Core Outcome Measures in Effectiveness Trials Initiative (http://www.comet-initiative.org/studies/details/798?result=true).
The More Extreme Nature of North American Monsoon Precipitation in the Southwestern United States as Revealed by a Historical Climatology of Simulated Severe Weather Events
Authors: Luong Thang M. , Castro Christopher L. , Chang Hsin-I , Lahmers Timothy , Adams David K. , Ochoa-Moya Carlos A. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractLong-term changes in North American monsoon (NAM) precipitation intensity in the southwestern United States are evaluated through the use of convective-permitting model simulations of objectively identified severe weather events during “historical past” (1950–70) and “present day” (1991–2010) periods. Severe weather events are the days on which the highest atmospheric instability and moisture occur within a long-term regional climate simulation. Simulations of severe weather event days are performed with convective-permitting (2.5 km) grid spacing, and these simulations are compared with available observed precipitation data to evaluate the model performance and to verify any statistically significant model-simulated trends in precipitation. Statistical evaluation of precipitation extremes is performed using a peaks-over-threshold approach with a generalized Pareto distribution. A statistically significant long-term increase in atmospheric moisture and instability is associated with an increase in extreme monsoon precipitation in observations and simulations of severe weather events, corresponding to similar behavior in station-based precipitation observations in the Southwest. Precipitation is becoming more intense within the context of the diurnal cycle of convection. The largest modeled increases in extreme-event precipitation occur in central and southwestern Arizona, where mesoscale convective systems account for a majority of monsoon precipitation and where relatively large modeled increases in precipitable water occur. Therefore, it is concluded that a more favorable thermodynamic environment in the southwestern United States is facilitating stronger organized monsoon convection during at least the last 20 years.
Developing a Weather Impact Index for O. R. Tambo International Airport, South Africa
Authors: Peck Lara , Hedding David William 
Published: July 2017

Abstract
Weather-related delays in the aviation sector will always occur; however, through effective delay management, the impact and duration of delays can be reduced. Part of delay management is thoroughly assessing adverse weather risks. A weather impact index was specifically designed for O. R. Tambo International Airport, in Kempton Park, South Africa, the busiest airport in Africa, in order to identify the level of risk forecasted adverse weather will have on departure delays. The index is based on a study of all departure delays due to adverse weather over the aerodrome for the period 2010–13. The index is marked for use on 30-h terminal aerodrome forecasts (TAFs) as a planning tool.
Speech Analysis and Mental Processes
Authors: Goldman-Eisler Frieda 
Published: July 2017

The contribution of speech analysis to the scientific study of the processes involved in psychotherapy is reviewed. Objective measures of the mental processes underlying the act of speech resulting from speech analysis are reported, the problem of linking these to physiological states discussed, and examples presented of such relationships. The analysis of the rate and nature of speech production in particular is shown to have led to the isolation of speech parameters which are relevant to the investigation of speech as a process reflecting affective and cognitive experiences.
Using Technical Assistance to Strengthen Tobacco Control Capacity: Evaluation Findings from the Tobacco Technical Assistance Consortium
Authors: Kegler Michelle Crozier , Redmon Pamela Buffington 
Published: July 2017

Immediately following the Master Settlement Agreement of 1998 and the corresponding growth of new and existing tobacco control programs, it became clear that tobacco prevention and control organizations required technical assistance to help them carry out their missions. The Tobacco Technical Assistance Consortium (TTAC) was established at the Rollins School of Public Health in 2001 to provide tailored technical assistance services to meet the needs of the expanded workforce and to build tobacco control capacity. To understand whether and how TTAC's technical assistance enhanced capacity, TTAC conducted an evaluation of its services through semi-structured telephone interviews with the primary contacts and one to two additional informants for each of 48 technical assistance services provided over an 18-month period. The majority of respondents reported they had increased knowledge and skills in tobacco control, strengthened leadership skills, developed or strengthened partnerships with other tobacco control organizations, and changed the way they practice tobacco control following the assistance. More modest improvements were noted in the areas of increased organizational support and policy change at the local or state level.
The Meanings and Context of Smoking among Mexican University Students
Authors: Thrasher James F. , Bentley Margaret E. 
Published: July 2017

Objectives. We sought to describe the dominant social contexts and meanings of smoking among Mexican university students. Methods. Structured observations were made and individual in-depth interviews were conducted with 43 university students who were at five levels of involvement with smoking (i.e., never smoker; ex-smoker; experimenter; regular smoker; frequent smoker). Content analysis of interview transcripts was used to distill the primary settings and themes that students associated with smoking. Results. Outside their homes and away from the purview of their parents, the environments that students frequented were permissive of smoking, supporting their perceptions of smoking behavior, cigarettes, and the tobacco industry as normal and socially acceptable. Cigarette smoking was a highly social practice, with students practicing simultaneous smoking and cigarette sharing to underscore bonds with others. Moreover, the leisure times and places in which students smoked appeared to bolster their perceptions of cigarettes as offering them pleasurable relaxation and escape from boredom and conflictual social relations. All students believed that smoking was addictive and that second-hand smoke was dangerous to non-smokers. The short-term negative outcomes of smoking appeared more salient to students than either the longer-term health outcomes of smoking or the practices of the tobacco industry. Conclusions. The meanings and context of smoking were comparable to those found among youth in other parts of the world. Successful tobacco prevention messages and policies to prevent smoking in other youth populations may also succeed among Mexican youth.
Smokers' Beliefs and Attitudes about Purchasing Cigarettes on the Internet
Authors: Kim Annice E. , Ribisl Kurt M. , Delnevo Cristine D. , Hrywna Mary 
Published: July 2017

Objectives. Our objectives were to explore qualitatively how smokers find out about Internet cigarette sales and what factors motivate them to purchase cigarettes on-line, and to quantitatively describe the Internet cigarette purchasing behaviors and attitudes of Internet cigarette buyers. Methods. Qualitative in-depth telephone interviews were conducted with 21 adult smokers who had purchased or contemplated purchasing cigarettes on-line. Findings from the qualitative study were used to develop a survey module on Internet cigarette purchasing behavior that was administered to 187 New Jersey adult smokers. Results. Smokers who purchased cigarettes on-line were primarily motivated by lower prices, which occur because Internet vendors generally sell cigarettes without paying excise taxes for the destination state. Most Internet cigarette buyers first learned about on-line cigarette sales from interpersonal sources who had purchased on-line. New Jersey adult smokers who purchased cheaper cigarettes from the Internet and other lower-taxed sources significantly increased their consumption over time, compared to smokers who reported paying full-price at traditional bricks-and-mortar retail stores. Conclusions. Policies that have the effect of equalizing Internet cigarette prices with those at retail stores will likely deter smokers from purchasing cigarettes on-line. Internet cigarette vendors should be required to comply with the same provisions that apply to bricks-and-mortar retail vendors and charge appropriate state and local cigarette excise taxes. In the absence of such policies, the sales of cheaper, tax-free cigarettes on-line will undermine the public health benefit of raising cigarette prices.
Strengthening the Capacity of Local Health Agencies through Community-Based Assessment and Planning
Authors: Orians Carlyn , Rose Shyanika , Hubbard Brian , Sarisky John , Reason Letitia , Bernichon Tiffiny , Liebow Edward , Skarpness Bradley , Buchanan Sharunda 
Published: July 2017

Objectives. We evaluated the effectiveness of the Protocol for Assessing Community Excellence in Environmental Health (PACE EH) in building competency in essential environmental health services and renewing efforts to engage the community in problem solving. Competency and community engagement have been identified by environmental health practitioners as important to meet new threats to public health. Methods. We conducted a national survey and 24 case studies of public health agencies. We invited 917 organizations to participate in the national survey because they had requested a copy of the protocol. Results. We received 656 total responses: 354 had not considered implementation, 302 had considered implementation, and 66 had implemented PACE EH. For the 24 case studies, we interviewed 206 individuals in communities implementing PACE EH. We found that PACE EH has had a positive effect on building community and professional networks, enhancing leadership, developing workforce competence, and expanding definitions of environmental health practice. Conclusions. With appropriate investments, PACE EH can be an effective tool to meet the environmental health challenges identified by local environmental health practitioners and state, tribal, and federal agencies.
Influenza Vaccination Rates of Children in Households with High-Risk Adults
Authors: Chi Ru-Chien , Reiber Gayle E. , Lipsky Benjamin A. , Boyko Edward J. , Neuzil Kathleen M. 
Published: July 2017

Objectives. Household contacts of people at high risk for influenza complications should receive yearly influenza vaccination to reduce potential viral transmission. We evaluated influenza vaccine coverage among children to determine whether or not living with a high-risk adult predicts the likelihood of being vaccinated. Methods. Using the 2006 National Health Interview Survey, we examined influenza vaccination rates among children (aged 1–17 years) who did and did not reside in a household with an adult at high risk for influenza-related complications. Results. Among 24,195 sampled families, there were 8,976 high-risk adults, 18.9% of whom reported living with a person 17 years of age of younger. Influenza vaccination rates by age group among children living with high-risk adults were 41.7% (1 year), 30.3% (2–4 years), and 20.0% (5–17 years). Unadjusted influenza vaccination rates were significantly higher for school-aged children who lived with a high-risk adult compared with those who did not (20.0% vs. 15.0%, p<0.001). Among children younger than 5 years of age, for whom vaccination was universally recommended at the time of the survey, the rates did not differ. After adjusting for the child's age, gender, race, insurance coverage, medical visits, and chronic conditions, children who lived with a high-risk adult were not statistically more likely than those who did not live with a high-risk adult to receive influenza vaccination (odds ratio = 1.16, 95% confidence interval 0.99, 1.36). Conclusions. Children had low rates of influenza vaccination, and those who lived with high-risk adults were not significantly more likely to be vaccinated. Clinicians caring for high-risk adults should remind eligible household contacts to receive influenza vaccine.
Condoms for Dual Protection: Patterns of Use with Highly Effective Contraceptive Methods
Authors: Pazol Karen , Kramer Michael R. , Hogue Carol J. 
Published: July 2017

Objectives. U.S. women experience high rates of unplanned pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), yet they seldom combine condoms with highly effective contraceptives for optimal protection. Because oral contraceptives (OCs) have been the predominant form of highly effective contraception in the U.S., it is unknown whether condom use is similarly low with increasingly promoted user-independent methods. Methods. We used weighted data from the National Survey of Family Growth to assess condom use odds among women relying on OCs vs. user-independent methods (i.e., injectibles, intrauterine devices, and implants). We also estimated the expected reduction in unplanned pregnancies and abortions if half or all of the women currently using a single highly effective method also used condoms. Results. Across every demographic subgroup based on age, partner status, race/ethnicity, household income, and education, condom use prevalence was lower for women relying on user-independent methods vs. OCs. Multivariable models for adult women also revealed a significant reduction within most demographic subgroups in the odds of condom use among women relying on user-independent methods vs. OCs. Population estimates suggested that if half of all women using highly effective methods alone also used condoms, approximately 40% of unplanned pregnancies and abortions among these women could be prevented, for an annual reduction of 393,000 unplanned pregnancies and nearly 76,000 abortions. If all highly effective method users also used condoms, approximately 80% of unplanned pregnancies and abortions among these women could be prevented, for an annual reduction of 786,000 unplanned pregnancies and nearly 152,000 abortions. Conclusions. Adding condoms to other methods should be considered seriously as the first line of defense against unplanned pregnancy and STIs. This analysis can serve to target interventions where dual-method promotion is needed most.
The Association of Workplace Hazards and Smoking in a U.S. Multiethnic Working-Class Population
Authors: Okechukwu Cassandra A. , Krieger Nancy , Chen Jarvis , Sorensen Glorian , Li Yi , Barbeau Elizabeth M. 
Published: July 2017

Objective. We investigated the extent to which smoking status was associated with exposure to occupational (e.g., dust, chemicals, noise, and ergonomic strain) and social (e.g., abuse, sexual harassment, and racial discrimination) workplace hazards in a sample of U.S. multiethnic working-class adults. Methods. United for Health is a cross-sectional study designed to investigate the combined burden of occupational and social workplace hazards in relation to race/ethnicity, gender, and wage and to evaluate related health effects in a working-class population. Using validated measures, we collected data from 1,282 multiethnic working-class participants using audio computer-assisted interviews. We used multiple imputation methods to impute data for those missing data. Crude and adjusted logistic odds ratios (ORs) were modeled to estimate ORs and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results. The prevalence of smoking was highest among non-Hispanic white workers (38.3%) and lowest for foreign-born workers (13.1%). We found an association between racial discrimination and smoking (OR=1.12, 95% CI 1.01, 1.25). The relationship between smoking and sexual harassment, although not significant, was different for black women compared with men (OR=1.79, 95% CI 0.99, 3.22). We did not find any associations by workplace abuse or by any of the occupational hazards. Conclusion. These results indicate that racial discrimination might be related to smoking in working-class populations and should be considered in tobacco-control efforts that target this high-risk population.
Epidemiology of West Nile Virus in the Highly Epidemic State of North Dakota, 2002–2007
Authors: Borchardt Stephanie M. , Feist Michelle A. , Miller Tracy , Lo Tze Shien 
Published: July 2017

Objectives. West Nile virus (WNV) continues to cause seasonal epidemics of neuroinvasive disease and febrile illness, which have been most dramatic in the central plains states. We studied the epidemiology of WNV disease in North Dakota (ND), a highly epidemic state, six years following its first appearance in the state. Methods. We analyzed information from cases of WNV disease reported to the ND Department of Health during August 2002 through December 2007. Results. A total of 1,246 cases of WNV disease were reported in ND; 183 cases experienced neuroinvasive disease, including meningitis, encephalitis, or acute flaccid paralysis. Risk factors associated with developing neuroinvasive disease rather than West Nile fever included older age, male gender, and residence in a rural area. Annual cumulative incidence of neuroinvasive disease in ND ranged from 0.3 per 100,000 population to 14.6 per 100,000 population. Conclusions. Annual cumulative incidence rates of West Nile neuroinvasive disease suggest that this region offers favorable conditions for its continued enzootic transmission, which highlights the need for improved targeted prevention measures, particularly for rural areas of the state.
Trends in Oral Health by Poverty Status as Measured by Healthy People 2010 Objectives
Authors: Dye Bruce A. , Thornton-Evans Gina 
Published: July 2017

Objective. Poverty is a significant social determinant for oral health, yet Healthy People 2010 ( HP 2010) does not monitor changes in oral health status by poverty. We assessed recent trends for six HP 2010 oral health objectives by poverty status. Methods. We used data from the 1988–1994 and 1999–2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys to analyze trends for HP 2010 age-specific objectives relating to caries experience, untreated tooth decay, dental sealants, periodontal disease, tooth retention, and complete tooth loss by poverty status. Results. Dental caries significantly increased from 19% to 24% for children aged 2–4 years, but when stratified by poverty, caries only increased significantly for non-poor 2- to 4-year-old children (10% to 15%) (Objective 21–1a). The largest percentage point increase in dental caries was for non-poor boys (9% to 18%). The use of dental sealants continues to grow in the U.S. The largest percentage point increase in sealant use (Objective 21–8) between the two survey periods was for all poor children aged 8 years (3% to 21%). Among adults aged 35–44 years, periodontal disease significantly declined in the U.S. from 22% to 16% (Objective 21–5b) and more adults retained all of their natural teeth (30% to 38%) (Objective 21–3). However, the increase in tooth retention was significant only for non-poor adults, particularly non-poor men (34% to 48%). Conclusions. Overall, the oral health status of Americans as measured by HP 2010 objectives mostly showed improvement or remained unchanged between 1998–1994 and 1999–2004. However, some changes in oral health status for some traditionally low-risk groups, such as non-poor children, may be reversing improvements in oral health that have consistently been observed in previous decades. These results suggest that poverty status is an important factor for planning and monitoring future national oral health goals.
Exploring Geographic Variation in Lung Cancer Incidence in Kentucky Using a Spatial Scan Statistic: Elevated Risk in the Appalachian Coal-Mining Region
Authors: Christian W. Jay , Huang Bin , Rinehart John , Hopenhayn Claudia 
Published: July 2017

Objectives. We examined geographic patterns of lung cancer incidence in Kentucky. Recent research has suggested that the coal-mining industry contributes to lung cancer risk in Appalachia. We focused on the southeastern portion of the state, which has some of the highest lung cancer rates in the nation. Methods. We implemented a spatial scan statistic to identify areas with lung cancer incidence rates that were higher than expected, after adjusting for age, gender, and smoking. The Kentucky Cancer Registry supplied information on cases (1995–2007). The U.S. Census (2000) and several years of Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data (1996–2006) provided county-level population and smoking data. We compared the results with coal-mining data from the Mining Safety and Health Administration and public water utility data from the Kentucky Division of Water. Results. We identified three clusters of counties with higher-than-expected rates. Cluster 1 (relative risk [RR] = 1.21, p<0.01) included 12 counties in southeastern Kentucky. Cluster 2 (RR=1.17, p<0.01) included three nearby counties in the same region. Several of the 15 counties in Cluster 3 (RR=1.04, p=0.01) were part of the Louisville, Kentucky, or Cincinnati, Ohio, metropolitan areas. All of the counties in Clusters 1 and 2 produced significant amounts of coal. Conclusion. Environmental exposures related to the coal-mining industry could contribute to the high incidence of lung cancer in southeastern Kentucky. Lack of evidence for this effect in western Kentucky could be due to regional differences in mining practices and access to public water utilities. Future research should collect biological specimens and environmental samples to test for the presence of trace elements and other lung carcinogens.