bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of spinal orthoses and postural taping on balance, gait and quality of life in older people with thoracic hyperkyphosis: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Aboutorabi Atefeh , Arazpour Mokhtar , Ahmadi Bani Monireh , Keshtkar Abbas Ali 
Published: February 2018

IntroductionThoracic hyperkyphosis is one of the most common spinal disorders in older people, creating impairment, postural instability, gait disorders and a reduced quality of life. The use of spinal orthoses and/or postural taping may be feasible conservative interventions, but their efficacy is uncertain. The aim of this review is therefore to investigate the effectiveness of spinal orthoses and taping on the balance and gait of older people with hyperkyphosis.Methods and analysisWe will include randomised controlled trials and clinical trial studies which assess the efficacy of spinal orthoses and taping using the WHO International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) outcome measures in older people with hyperkyphosis of the thoracic spine. A search will be performed in PubMed, SCOPUS, ISI Web of Knowledge, CENTRAL, EMBASE, CINAHL, AMED, PEDro, REHAB DATA and RECAL databases with no restriction of language. Two independent reviewers will perform the study selection and data extraction. Quality assessment will be implemented using modified Down and Black checklists. Publication bias and data synthesis will be assessed by funnel plots, Begg’s and Egger’s tests, and plots using STATA software V.12.1 version.Ethics and disseminationNo ethical issues are predicted. These findings will be published in a peer reviewed journal and presented at national and international conferences.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42016045880.
Are self-reported telemonitored blood pressure readings affected by end-digit preference: a prospective cohort study in Scotland
Authors: Parker Richard A , Paterson Mary , Padfield Paul , Pinnock Hilary , Hanley Janet , Hammersley Vicky S , Steventon Adam , McKinstry Brian 
Published: February 2018

ObjectiveSimple forms of blood pressure (BP) telemonitoring require patients to text readings to central servers creating an opportunity for both entry error and manipulation. We wished to determine if there was an apparent preference for particular end digits and entries which were just below target BPs which might suggest evidence of data manipulation.DesignProspective cohort studySetting37 socioeconomically diverse primary care practices from South East Scotland.ParticipantsPatients were recruited with hypertension to a telemonitoring service in which patients submitted home BP readings by manually transcribing the measurements into text messages for transmission (‘patient-texted system’). These readings were compared with those from primary care patients with uncontrolled hypertension using a system in which readings were automatically transmitted, eliminating the possibility of manipulation of values (‘automatic-transmission system’).MethodsA generalised estimating equations method was used to compare BP readings between the patient-texted and automatic-transmission systems, while taking into account clustering of readings within patients.ResultsA total of 44 150 BP readings were analysed on 1068 patients using the patient-texted system compared with 20 705 readings on 199 patients using the automatic-transmission system. Compared with the automatic-transmission data, the patient-texted data showed a significantly higher proportion of occurrences of both systolic and diastolic BP having a zero end digit (OR 2.1, 95% CI 1.7 to 2.6) although incidence was <2% of readings. Similarly, there was a preference for systolic 134 and diastolic 84 (the threshold for alerts was 135/85) (134 systolic BP OR 1.5, 95% CI 1.3 to 1.8; 84 diastolic BP OR 1.5, 95% CI 1.3 to 1.9).ConclusionEnd-digit preference for zero numbers and specific-value preference for readings just below the alert threshold exist among patients in self-reporting their BP using telemonitoring. However, the proportion of readings affected is small and unlikely to be clinically important.Trial registration numberISRCTN72614272; Post-results.
Protocol for Pertussis Immunisation and Food Allergy (PIFA): a case–control study of the association between pertussis vaccination in infancy and the risk of IgE-mediated food allergy among Australian children
Authors: Estcourt Marie J , Marsh Julie A , Campbell Dianne E , Gold Michael S , Allen Katrina J , Richmond Peter , Waddington Claire S , Snelling Thomas L 
Published: February 2018

IntroductionAtopic diseases, including food allergy, have become a predominant cause of chronic illness among children in developed countries. In Australia, a rise in hospitalisations among infants coded as anaphylaxis to foods coincided with the replacement of whole-cell pertussis (wP) vaccine with subunit acellular pertussis (aP) vaccine on the national immunisation schedule in the late 1990s. Atopy is characterised by a tendency to mount T helper type 2 (Th2) responses to otherwise innocuous environmental antigens. Compared with infants who receive aP as their first pertussis vaccine, those who receive wP appear less likely to mount Th2 immune responses to either vaccine or extraneous antigens. We therefore speculate that removal of wP from the vaccine schedule contributed to the observed rise in IgE-mediated food allergy among Australian infants.Methods and analysisThis is a retrospective individually matched case–control study among a cohort of Australian children born from 1997 to 1999, the period of transition from wP to aP vaccines; we include in the cohort children listed on Australia’s comprehensive population-based immunisation register as having received a first dose of either pertussis vaccine by 16 weeks old. 500 cohort children diagnosed as having IgE-mediated food allergy at specialist allergy clinics will be included as cases. Controls matched to each case by date and jurisdiction of birth and regional socioeconomic index will be sampled from the immunisation register. Conditional logistic regression will be used to estimate OR (±95% CI) of receipt of wP (vs aP) as the first vaccine dose among cases compared with controls.Ethics and disseminationThe study is approved by all relevant human research ethics committees: Western Australia Child and Adolescent Health Services (2015052EP), Women’s and Children’s Hospital (HREC/15/WCHN/162), Royal Children’s Hospital (35230A) and Sydney Children’s Hospital Network (HREC/15/SCHN/405). Outcomes will be disseminated through publication and scientific presentation.Trial registration numberNCT02490007.
Investigating the long-term impact of a childhood sun-exposure intervention, with a focus on eye health: protocol for the Kidskin-Young Adult Myopia Study
Authors: Lingham Gareth , Milne Elizabeth , Cross Donna , English Dallas R , Johnston Robyn S , Lucas Robyn M , Yazar Seyhan , Mackey David A 
Published: February 2018

IntroductionExcessive and insufficient sun exposure during childhood have been linked to serious diseases in later life; for example, insufficient sun exposure during childhood may increase the risk of developing myopia. The Kidskin-Young Adult Myopia Study (K-YAMS) is a follow-up of participants in the Kidskin Study, a non-randomised controlled trial that evaluated the effect of a 4-year educational intervention on sun-protection behaviours among primary school children in the late 1990s. Children who received the Kidskin intervention had lower levels of sun exposure compared with peers in the control group after 2 and 4 years of the intervention, but this was not maintained 2  years after the intervention had ceased. Thus, a follow-up of Kidskin Study participants provides a novel opportunity to investigate the associations between a childhood sun-exposure intervention and potentially related conditions in adulthood.Methods and analysisThe K-YAMS contacts Kidskin Study participants and invites them to participate using a variety of methods, such as prior contact details, the Australian Electoral Roll and social media. Self-reported and objective measures of sun-exposure and sun-protection behaviours are collected as well as a number of eye measurements including cycloplegic autorefraction and ocular biometry. Data will be analysed to investigate a possible association between myopic refractive error and Kidskin intervention group or measured sun exposure.Ethics and disseminationThe K-YAMS is approved by the Human Research Ethics Committee of the University of Western Australia (RA/4/1/6807). Findings will be disseminated via scientific journals and conferences.Trial registration numberACTRN12616000812392; Pre-results.
Supplemental surveillance: a review of 2015 and 2016 agricultural injury data from news reports on AgInjuryNews.org
Authors: Weichelt Bryan , Gorucu Serap 
Published: February 2018

BackgroundAgriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting industry is the most hazardous occupational sector in the USA. Even with this level of occupational risk, several national and state-level occupational injury surveillance programmes have been eliminated, leaving regional efforts to analyse multiple sources and compile data on agricultural injuries and fatalities. No up-to-date centralised national database for agricultural injuries/fatalities in the USA currently exists.ObjectiveUsing the public data on AgInjuryNews.org, this study considered a wide range of variables to examine fatalities and injuries of the industry in 2015 and 2016. The results reported in this paper sought to explore and understand common data elements of US news reports.MethodsAs of 5 April 2017, more than 3000 articles across 36 years were contained in the dataset. We selected 2 years to review, 2015 and 2016, which represented the most complete years to date; 2015 was the first year in which systematic collection was initiated by the AgInjuryNews.org team. Data were coded based on the Occupational Injury and Illness Classification System source and event/exposure types.ResultsA total of 1345 victims were involved in 1044 incidents. Leading sources of injuries were vehicles and machinery, and the most common event/exposure type was transportation.ConclusionsThis study demonstrated that data from AgInjuryNew.org is consistent with previous literature, and it can supply up-to-date data as an open-source surveillance supplement, disseminated for health and safety stakeholders.
Effects of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecumL.) seed extract supplementation in different energy density diets on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, blood characteristics, fecal microbiota, and fecal gas emission in growing pigs
Authors: Hossain M.M. , Begum M. , Kim I.H. 
Published: February 2018

This study evaluated the efficacy of fenugreek seed extract (FSE) in growing pigs. About 140 growing pigs [(Yorkshire × Landrace) × Duroc] with an average body weight (BW) of 23.70 ± 2.80 kg were used in a 6 wk trial. Treatments were (on as-fed basis) two levels of FSE (FSE0, 0 or FSE0.2, 2 g kg−1basal diet), and two levels of energy [low-energy diet (LED); 3160 or high-energy diet (HED); 3260 kcal kg−1metabolizable energy (ME)]. Pigs in HED and FSE0.2 diets had higher final BW, average daily gain, and gain:feed ratio (G:F) compared with in LED, and FSE0 diets, respectively (P < 0.05). Pigs fed the FSE0.2 and HED diets had higher energy (E) digestibility than the FSE0 and LED diets, respectively (P < 0.05). Pigs fed the FSE0.2 diet increased serum immunoglobulin G (IgG), and reduced total cholesterol (TC) concentration than the FSE0 diet (P < 0.05). Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and ammonia (NH3) gas emission in FSE0.2 diet were lower than that in FSE0 group (P < 0.05). In conclusion, results indicated that dietary supplementation of FSE improved growth performance, digestibility, serum IgG, reduced serum TC, and noxious gas emission in growing pigs.
A Proof of Donsker’s Invariance Principle Based on Support Functions of Fuzzy Random Vectors
Authors: Schneider Jan , Urban Roman 
Published: February 2018

In this note — starting from d-dimensional (with d > 1) fuzzy vectors — we prove Donsker’s classical invariance principle. We consider a fuzzy random walk [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is a sequence of mutually independent and identically distributed d-dimensional fuzzy random variables whose α-cuts are assumed to be compact and convex. Our reasoning and technique are based on the well known conjugacy correspondence between convex sets and support functions, which allows for the association of an appropriately normalized and interpolated time-continuous fuzzy random process with a real valued random process in the space of support functions. We show that each member of the associated family of dual sequences tends in distribution to a standard Brownian motion.
Minimally Invasive Salvage Operations for Esophageal Cancer after Definitive Chemoradiotherapy
Authors: Nakajima Masanobu , Kato Hiroyuki , Muroi Hiroto , Kikuchi Maiko , Takahashi Masakazu , Yamaguchi Satoru , Sasaki Kinro , Ishikawa Hitoshi , Sakurai Hideyuki , Kuwano Hiroyuki 
Published: February 2018

Background/Aims: Because salvage surgery after definitive chemoradiotherapy for esophageal cancer is associated with high postoperative mortality and morbidity, minimally invasive methods are desirable. We analyzed the validity of minimally invasive salvage operations (MISO). Methods: Twenty-five patients underwent salvage operation between 2010 and 2016 in our institution, 10 having undergone right transthoracic salvage esophagectomy (TTSE group), 6 transhiatal salvage esophagectomy (THSE), 6 salvage lymphadenectomy (SLA), and 3 salvage endoscopic submucosal dissection (SESD). Patients who had undergone THSE, SLA, or SESD were categorized as the MISO group. Short- and long-term outcomes were assessed. Results: The mean duration of surgery was significantly shorter in the SLA groups than in the TTSE group (p = 0.0248). Blood loss was significantly less in the SLA than the TTSE group (p = 0.0340). Intensive care unit stay was shorter in the THSE than the TTSE group (p = 0.0412). There was no significant difference in postoperative mortality between the MISO and THSE groups. Postoperative hospital stay was significantly shorter in the SLA than the TTSE group (p = 0.0061). Patients’ survivals did not differ significantly between the MISO and TTSE groups (p = 0.752). Multivariate analysis revealed that residual disease (R0; HR 4.872, 95% CI 1.387–17.110, p = 0.013) was the only independent factor influencing overall survival. Conclusion: MISO is preferable because short-term outcomes are better and long-term outcomes do not differ from those of TTSE.
Patient-Specific Computer Simulation to Elucidate the Role of Contact Pressure in the Development of New Conduction Abnormalities After Catheter-Based Implantation of a Self-Expanding Aortic Valve
Authors: Rocatello Giorgia , El Faquir Nahid , De Santis Gianluca , Iannaccone Francesco , Bosmans Johan , De Backer Ole , Sondergaard Lars , Segers Patrick , De Beule Matthieu , de Jaegere Peter , Mortier Peter 
Published: February 2018

Background—
The extent to which pressure generated by the valve on the aortic root plays a role in the genesis of conduction abnormalities after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is unknown. This study elucidates the role of contact pressure and contact pressure area in the development of conduction abnormalities after TAVR using patient-specific computer simulations.

Methods and Results—

Finite-element computer simulations were performed to simulate TAVR of 112 patients who had undergone TAVR with the self-expanding CoreValve/Evolut R valve. On the basis of preoperative multi-slice computed tomography, a patient-specific region of the aortic root containing the atrioventricular conduction system was determined by identifying the membranous septum. Contact pressure and contact pressure index (percentage of area subjected to pressure) were quantified and compared in patients with and without new conduction abnormalities. Sixty-two patients (55%) developed a new left bundle branch block or a high-degree atrioventricular block after TAVR. Maximum contact pressure and contact pressure index (median [interquartile range]) were significantly higher in patients with compared with those without new conduction abnormalities (0.51 MPa [0.43–0.70 MPa] and 33% [22%–44%], respectively, versus 0.29 MPa [0.06–0.50 MPa] and 12% [1%–28%]). By multivariable regression analysis, only maximum contact pressure (odds ratio, 1.35; confidence interval, 1.1–1.7;
P
=0.01) and contact pressure index (odds ratio, 1.52; confidence interval, 1.1–2.1;
P
=0.01) were identified as independent predictors for conduction abnormalities, but not implantation depth.

Conclusions—
Patient-specific computer simulations revealed that maximum contact pressure and contact pressure index are both associated with new conduction abnormalities after CoreValve/Evolut R implantation and can predict which patient will have conduction abnormalities.
Transplant-Free Survival and Interventions at 6 Years in the SVR Trial
Authors: Newburger Jane W. , Sleeper Lynn A. , Gaynor J. William , Hollenbeck-Pringle Danielle , Frommelt Peter C. , Li Jennifer S. , Mahle William T. , Williams Ismee A. , Atz Andrew M. , Burns Kristin M. , Chen Shan , Cnota James , Dunbar-Masterson Carolyn , Ghanayem Nancy S. , Goldberg Caren S. , Jacobs Jeffrey P. , Lewis Alan B. , Mital Seema , Pizarro Christian , Eckhauser Aaron , Stark Paul , Ohye Richard G. ,   On behalf of the Pediatric Heart Network Investigators*
Published: February 2018

Background:
In the SVR trial (Single Ventricle Reconstruction), 1-year transplant-free survival was better for the Norwood procedure with right ventricle-to-pulmonary artery shunt (RVPAS) compared with a modified Blalock–Taussig shunt in patients with hypoplastic left heart and related syndromes. At 6 years, we compared transplant-free survival and other outcomes between the groups.

Methods:
Medical history was collected annually using medical record review, telephone interviews, and the death index. The cohort included 549 patients randomized and treated in the SVR trial.

Results:

Transplant-free survival for the RVPAS versus modified Blalock–Taussig shunt groups did not differ at 6 years (64% versus 59%,
P
=0.25) or with all available follow-up of 7.1±1.6 years (log-rank
P
=0.13). The RVPAS versus modified Blalock–Taussig shunt treatment effect had nonproportional hazards (
P
=0.009); the hazard ratio (HR) for death or transplant favored the RVPAS before stage II surgery (HR, 0.66; 95% confidence interval, 0.48–0.92). The effect of shunt type on death or transplant was not statistically significant between stage II to Fontan surgery (HR, 1.36; 95% confidence interval, 0.86–2.17;
P
=0.17) or after the Fontan procedure (HR, 0.76; 95% confidence interval, 0.33–1.74;
P
=0.52). By 6 years, patients with RVPAS had a higher incidence of catheter interventions (0.38 versus 0.23/patient-year,
P
<0.001), primarily because of more interventions between the stage II and Fontan procedures (HR, 1.72; 95% confidence interval, 1.00–3.03). Complications did not differ by shunt type; by 6 years, 1 in 5 patients had had a thrombotic event, and 1 in 6 had had seizures.

Conclusions:
By 6 years, the hazards of death or transplant and catheter interventions were not different between the RVPAS versus modified Blalock–Taussig shunt groups. Children assigned to the RVPAS group had 5% higher transplant-free survival, but the difference did not reach statistical significance, and they required more catheter interventions. Both treatment groups have accrued important complications.

Clinical Trial Registration:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00115934.
Comparing the Teachings of ʿAbd al-Qādir al-Jīlānī and Abū Madyan
Authors: Held Pascal 
Published: February 2018

Abstract
This study looks to identify commonalities between the ideas of the prominent sixth/twelfth-century mystics ʿAbd al-Qādir al-Jīlānī (d. 561/1166) and Abū Madyan (d. 594/1198). As will be shown, they not only overlap in their emphasis and interpretations of certain features of the mystical path, but in fact rely on a common basic understanding as regards mystical endeavors overall.
International Human Rights Law and Discrimination Protections
Authors: Mwakagali Mpoki 
Published: February 2018

Abstract
Non-discrimination is a fundamental principle of international human rights law. This volume discusses the international legal framework on this principle and comparatively elaborates the definition of discrimination as well as the grounds of discrimination in the various general and specialised international human rights treaties, including the International Labour Organisation conventions. The element of special measures as an integral aspect of this principle is also raised. A comparative discussion on the incorporation of international standards on the principle of non-discrimination established in the international treaties in regional as well as national human rights frameworks is also set forth to provide practical illustrations of the application of these standards in more specific and localised perspectives. Selected regional frameworks discussed are the African, American and European human rights regional frameworks and the national frameworks are South Africa and Brazil.
Fish Catch Is Related to the Fluctuations of a Western Boundary Current
Authors: Oey Lie-Yauw , Wang Jia , Lee M.-A. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractIn eastern boundary upwelling ecosystems, substantial variance of biological productivity (~50%) can often be related to physical forcing such as winds and ocean temperatures. Robust biophysical connections are less clear-cut in western boundary currents. Here the authors show that interannual variation of fish catch along the western boundary current of the North Pacific, the Kuroshio, significantly correlates (r = 0.67; p < 0.001) with the current’s off-slope (more fish) and on-slope (less fish) sideways shifts in the southern East China Sea. Remotely, transport fluctuations and fish catch are related to the oscillation of a wind stress-curl dipole in the tropical–subtropical gyre of the western North Pacific. Locally, the current’s sideways fluctuations are driven by transport fluctuations through a feedback process between along-isobath pressure gradients and vertical motions: upwelling (downwelling) during the off-slope (on slope) shift, which in turn significantly enhances (depresses) the chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) concentration in winter and early spring. The authors hypothesize that changes in the phytoplankton biomass as indicated by the Chl-a lead to changes in copepodites, the main food source of the fish larvae, and hence also to the observed variation in fish catch.