bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Intimate partner violence among pregnant women in Rwanda, its associated risk factors and relationship to ANC services attendance: a population-based study
Authors: Rurangirwa Akashi Andrew , Mogren Ingrid , Ntaganira Joseph , Krantz Gunilla 
Published: March 2017

ObjectivesTo investigate the prevalence of four forms of intimate partner violence during pregnancy in Rwandan women, associated sociodemographic and psychosocial factors and relationship to antenatal care service usage.DesignThis was a cross-sectional population-based study conducted in the Northern province of Rwanda and in Kigali city.Participants and settingsA total of 921 women who gave birth within the past 13 months were included. Villages in the study area were selected using a multistage random sampling technique and community health workers helped in identifying eligible participants. Clinical psychologists, nurses or midwives carried out face-to-face interviews using a structured questionnaire. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression were used to assess associations.ResultsThe prevalence rates of physical, sexual, psychological violence and controlling behaviour during pregnancy were 10.2% (95% CI 8.3 to 12.2), 9.7% (95% CI 7.8 to 11.6), 17.0% (95% CI 14.6 to 19.4) and 20.0% (95% CI 17.4 to 22.6), respectively. Usage of antenatal care services was less common among women who reported controlling behaviour (OR) 1.93 (95% CI 1.34 to 2.79). No statistically significant associations between physical, psychological and sexual violence and antenatal care usage were found. Low socioeconomic status was associated with physical violence exposure (OR) 2.27 (95% CI 1.29 to 3.98). Also, young age, living in urban areas and poor social support were statistically significant in their associations with violence exposure during pregnancy.ConclusionsIntimate partner violence inquiry should be included in the standard antenatal care services package and professionals should be trained in giving support, advice and care to those exposed. Gender-based violence is criminalised behaviour in Rwanda; existing policies and laws must be followed and awareness raised in society for preventive purposes.
Assessing dose–response effects of national essential medicine policy in China: comparison of two methods for handling data with a stepped wedge-like design and hierarchical structure
Authors: Ren Yan , Yang Min , Li Qian , Pan Jay , Chen Fei , Li Xiaosong , Meng Qun 
Published: March 2017

ObjectivesTo introduce multilevel repeated measures (RM) models and compare them with multilevel difference-in-differences (DID) models in assessing the linear relationship between the length of the policy intervention period and healthcare outcomes (dose–response effect) for data from a stepped-wedge design with a hierarchical structure.DesignThe implementation of national essential medicine policy (NEMP) in China was a stepped-wedge-like design of five time points with a hierarchical structure. Using one key healthcare outcome from the national NEMP surveillance data as an example, we illustrate how a series of multilevel DID models and one multilevel RM model can be fitted to answer some research questions on policy effects.SettingRoutinely and annually collected national data on China from 2008 to 2012.Participants34 506 primary healthcare facilities in 2675 counties of 31 provinces.Outcome measuresAgreement and differences in estimates of dose–response effect and variation in such effect between the two methods on the logarithm-transformed total number of outpatient visits per facility per year (LG-OPV).ResultsThe estimated dose–response effect was approximately 0.015 according to four multilevel DID models and precisely 0.012 from one multilevel RM model. Both types of model estimated an increase in LG-OPV by 2.55 times from 2009 to 2012, but 2–4.3 times larger SEs of those estimates were found by the multilevel DID models. Similar estimates of mean effects of covariates and random effects of the average LG-OPV among all levels in the example dataset were obtained by both types of model. Significant variances in the dose–response among provinces, counties and facilities were estimated, and the ‘lowest’ or ‘highest’ units by their dose–response effects were pinpointed only by the multilevel RM model.ConclusionsFor examining dose–response effect based on data from multiple time points with hierarchical structure and the stepped wedge-like designs, multilevel RM models are more efficient, convenient and informative than the multilevel DID models.
Study protocol for a natural experiment in a lower socioeconomic area to examine the health-related effects of refurbishment to parks including built-shade (ShadePlus)
Authors: Dobbinson S J , Veitch J , Salmon J , Wakefield M , Staiger P K , MacInnis R J , Simmons J 
Published: March 2017

IntroductionParks in disadvantaged suburbs often have low quality and few amenities, which is likely to result in them being underutilised for recreation and physical activity. Refurbishment of parks, including shade, walking paths and other amenities, may have broad health-related benefits.Methods and analysisThe study design, methods and planned analyses for a natural experiment examining the effects of refurbishments including built-shade added to parks in disadvantaged outer suburbs of Melbourne are described. Three intervention parks and three comparison parks matched for equivalence of park and neighbourhood characteristics were selected. Using mixed methods, the outcomes will be assessed during three consecutive spring–summer periods (T1: 2013–2014; T2: 2014–2015: T3: 2015–2016). Primary outcomes included: observed park use, physical activity and shade use. Self-reported social connectedness, community engagement and psychological well-being were assessed as secondary outcomes.Ethics and disseminationThis study was approved by Cancer Council Victoria's Human Research Ethics Committee. Studies such as ShadePlus can improve understanding of the broader effects of park refurbishments (including physical activity levels and sun protection behaviours, as well as social connectedness and psychological well-being). The study findings will be disseminated through established urban planning and parks and recreation networks, peer review publications and conference presentations.
Healthcare professionals’ views of the use and administration of two salvage therapy drugs for acute ulcerative colitis: a nested qualitative study within the CONSTRUCT trial
Authors: Clement Clare , Rapport Frances , Seagrove Anne , Alrubaiy Laith , Williams John 
Published: March 2017

ObjectivesInsight into healthcare professionals’ views and experiences of the use of ciclosporin and infliximab as salvage therapies for acute ulcerative colitis (UC) and how this may affect participation in a comparison trial is lacking. The study aimed to capture views and opinions of healthcare professionals about the two drugs within the CONSTRUCT trial.DesignAn interview-based qualitative study using Framework Analysis embedded within an open-label, pragmatic randomised trial.SettingNational Health Service Health Boards and Trusts, including large teaching and district hospitals in England, Scotland and Wales.ParticipantsPrincipal Investigators (PIs) for trial sites (who were all consultant gastroenterologists) and nurses responsible for administering and monitoring the salvage therapy drugs across trial sites. 15 PIs and 8 nurses recruited from a range of sites stratified by site recruitment rates were interviewed.ResultsInterviews revealed that professionals made judgements regarding the salvage therapies largely based on experience of giving the two drugs and perceptions of effectiveness and adverse side effects. A clear preference for infliximab among nurses was revealed, largely based on experiences of administration and drug handling, with some doctors strongly favouring infliximab based on experience of prescribing the drug as well as patient views and the existing evidence base. Most doctors were more equivocal, and all were prepared to suspend preferences and wait for evidence of effectiveness and safety from the CONSTRUCT trial. PIs also questioned guidelines around drug use and restrictions placed on personal autonomy in delivering best patient care.ConclusionsFindings highlight healthcare professionals’ preference for the salvage treatment, infliximab in treating steroid-resistant UC, largely based on resource intensive nursing requirements of intravenous administration of ciclosporin. Not all doctors expressed this preference, being more equivocal, and all professionals were content to suspend preferences within the CONSTRUCT trial and recognised the importance of establishing relative effectiveness and safety.Trial registration numberISRCTN 22663589.
High-Resolution Statistical Downscaling in Southwestern British Columbia
Authors: Sobie Stephen R. , Murdock Trevor Q. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractKnowledge from high-resolution daily climatological parameters is frequently sought after for increasingly local climate change assessments. This research investigates whether applying a simple postprocessing methodology to existing statistically downscaled temperature and precipitation fields can result in improved downscaled simulations useful at the local scale. Initial downscaled daily simulations of temperature and precipitation at 10-km resolution are produced using bias correction constructed analogs with quantile mapping (BCCAQ). Higher-resolution (800 m) values are then generated using the simpler climate imprint technique in conjunction with temperature and precipitation climatologies from the Parameter-Elevation Regression on Independent Slopes Model (PRISM). The potential benefit of additional downscaling to 800 m is evaluated using the “Climdex” set of 27 indices of extremes established by the Expert Team on Climate Change Detection and Indices (ETCCDI). These indices are also calculated from weather station observations recorded at 22 locations within southwestern British Columbia, Canada, to evaluate the performance of both the 10-km and 800-m datasets in replicating the observed quantities. In a 30-yr historical evaluation period, Climdex indices computed from 800-m simulated values display reduced error relative to local station observations than those from the 10-km dataset, with the greatest reduction in error occurring at high-elevation sites for precipitation-based indices.
A System for Retrieval and Incubation of Benthic Sediment Cores at In Situ Ambient Pressure and under Controlled or Manipulated Environmental Conditions
Authors: Jackson Keith , Witte Ursula , Chalmers Stewart , Anders Erik , Parkes John 
Published: March 2017

AbstractThe investigation of benthic biodiversity and biogeochemical processes in the deep sea is complicated by the need to conduct experiments at in situ pressures. Recovery of sediment samples to the surface without maintaining full-depth ambient pressure may damage the organisms that are of interest or cause physiological changes that could influence the processes being studied. It is possible to carry out in situ experiments using remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) or lander systems. However, the costs and complexity of ROV operations are significant and, for both ROVs and landers, the complexity and repeatability of the experiments are subject to the limitations imposed by these platforms. A system is described—the Multi-Autoclave Corer Experiment (MAC-EXP)—that has been developed with the aim of offering a new experimental approach to investigators. The MAC-EXP system is designed to retrieve sediment cores from depths down to 3500 m and to seal them into pressure chambers before being recovered so that they are maintained at their normal ambient pressure. After recovery the core chambers can be connected to a laboratory incubation system that allows for experimentation on the sediment without loss of pressure and under controlled conditions of temperature and oxygen concentration. The system is relatively low cost when compared to ROV systems and can be deployed using methods and equipment similar to those used for routine deployments of small unpressurized multicorers. The results of sea trials are detailed.
African American Social Work Faculty
Authors: Allen Junior Lloyd , Huggins-Hoyt Kimberly Y. , Holosko Michael J. , Briggs Harold E. 
Published: March 2017

Purpose: This study explored the scholarship experiences of top-ranked African American faculty in schools of social work. Method: Qualitative interviews were conducted with N = 10 top-ranked African American faculty identified as achieving considerable productivity and impact of scholarship. Findings: Four major themes were identified, each of which had 2–3 subcategories. These included (1) mentorship, (2) collaboration, (3) time, and (4) strategic planning. The data revealed that of these identified themes, mentorship was the most prominent, and collaboration, although important, was the least. Implications: The noted experiences and strategies highlighted in this study could be of great utility for those seeking to enhance their scholarly productivity and impact, particularly for (a) junior faculty, (b) African American faculty, and (c) doctoral student researchers and candidates.
Casting and Splinting Management for Hand Injuries in the In-Season Contact Sport Athlete
Authors: Carruthers Katherine H. , O’Reilly Olivia , Skie Martin , Walters John , Siparsky Patrick 
Published: March 2017

Context: Upper extremity injuries are extremely common in contact sports such as football, soccer, and lacrosse. The culture of competitive athletics provides an environment where hand injuries are frequently downplayed in an effort to prevent loss of game time. However, studies have shown that many sport-induced hand injuries do not actually require immediate surgical attention and can be safely treated through immobilization so that the athlete may complete the athletic season. In these cases, appropriate casting and splinting measures should be taken to ensure protection of the injured player and the other competitors without causing loss of game time. Evidence Acquisition: Articles published between 1976 and 2015 were reviewed to capture historical and current views on the treatment of hand injuries in the in-season athlete. Study Design: Clinical review. Level of Evidence: Level 5. Results: Although traditionally many sports-induced traumatic injuries to the hand held the potential to be season-ending injuries, experience has shown that in-season athletes do not necessarily need to lose game time to receive appropriate treatment. A thorough knowledge of converting everyday splints and casts into game day, sport-approved protective immobilization devices is key to safely allowing athletes with select injuries to play while injured. Conclusion: Protective techniques allow for maximum functionality during gameplay while safely and effectively protecting the injury from further trauma while bony healing takes place.
Effect of ulexite concentrator waste on the physical and mechanical properties and sintering behaviour of floor tile bodies
Authors: Köseoğlu K. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractThe effect of ulexite concentrator waste on the physical and mechanical properties and sintering behaviour of a standard floor tiles (FT) body fired at 1080°C was studied. The linear firing shrinkage, water absorption and fired bending strength of the floor tile/tiles were determined. X-ray diffraction analyses identified quartz, albite, mullite and hematite phases in the floor tiles containing 3 wt.% waste material. The FT body with the smallest water absorption (∼0.2%), the greatest bending strength (∼335 kgf/cm2) and the second greatest linear firing shrinkage values had optimal composition. In light of the excellent physical-mechanical properties and the results of the scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray analyses, the authors determined that the sintering temperature of the FT body containing 3 wt.% ulexite concentrator waste was reduced by 100°C.
Moderate Hypofractionation in High-Risk, Organ-Confined Prostate Cancer: Final Results of a Phase III Randomized Trial
Authors: Arcangeli Giorgio , Saracino Biancamaria , Arcangeli Stefano , Gomellini Sara , Petrongari Maria Grazia , Sanguineti Giuseppe , Strigari Lidia 
Published: March 2017

Purpose To report the final results on treatment outcomes of a randomized trial comparing conventional and hypofractionated radiotherapy in high-risk, organ-confined prostate cancer (PCa). Patients and Methods This single-institution, randomized clinical trial, conducted from January 2003 to December 2007, enrolled 168 patients with high-risk PCa who were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to conventional (80 Gy in 40 fractions in 8 weeks) or hypofractionated radiotherapy (62 Gy in 20 fractions in 5 weeks) to prostate and seminal vesicles. The primary outcome measure was late toxicity. Additional outcomes were freedom from biochemical failure (FFBF), prostate cancer–specific survival (PCaSS), and overall survival (OS), evaluated on an intention-to-treat basis. Results A total of 85 patients were assigned to conventional and 83 to hypofractionated radiotherapy. At a median follow-up of 9 years (interquartile range, 7.5 to 10.1 years), no differences was observed in physician-assessed late gastro intestinal and genitourinary toxicity greater than or equal to grade 2 ( P = .68 and .57, respectively) were found between the two arms. The 10-year FFBF rate was 72% in the hypofractionation group and 65% in the conventional fractionation group ( P = .148). Ten-year OS rates were 75% in the hypofractionation group and 64% in the conventional group, respectively ( P = .22). The same features for 10-year PCaSS were 95% and 88%, respectively ( P = .066). Hypofractionation, pretreatment prostate-specific antigen level, Gleason score, and clinical tumor stage for FFBF, and hypofractionation and Gleason score for PCaSS were significant prognostic variables on the multivariate analysis. Conclusion Long-term findings showed that hypofractionated radiotherapy failed the intent of either reducing physician-assessed late toxicity or maintaining the same efficacy. A postrandomization analysis, however, revealed that hypofractionation was a significant prognostic factor for FFBF and PCaSS, when adjusted for clinical prognostic variables.
Implications of prostate cancer with diabetes mellitus on patient outcomes and care: A matched case-control study.
Authors: Karlin Nina J. , Kosiorek Heidi , Verona Patricia M. , Amin Shailja , Cook Curtiss B. 
Published: March 2017

101 Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) has been associated with an increased risk of mortality among patients with many types of cancers. The aim of this case-control study was to determine the impact of DM on short-term overall survival in prostate cancer patients, and to examine the impact of prostate cancer on glycemic control in DM. Methods: 276 patients with newly diagnosed prostate cancer from 2007-2014 with DM were identified from the Institutional Cancer Registry and matched to 276 prostate cancer patients without DM according to age and year of prostate cancer diagnosis. The file was linked to the electronic medical record to obtain information on DM and cancer therapies, and laboratory results. Results: The mean age of the entire prostate cancer cohort was 72 years, most (93%) were white, the most common Gleason score (in 52%) was 7, and the majority (56%) were tumor stage 2. No differences in age, race/ethnicity, Gleason score, or tumor stage were detected between patients with and without DM, although DM patients had higher body mass index (P = .031). Among those with DM the mean hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) was 6.7%. In Kaplan-Meier survival analysis (median follow-up time of 43.7 months), 5-year overall survival was estimated at 88% for DM patients versus 93% in non-DM patients. Hazard ratio (for matched pairs) was 1.64 (95% CI: 0.77-3.46, P = .20). Moreover, mean HbA1c and glucose values among DM cases did not significantly change over 1 year (P ≥ .13). Mean glucose among DM patients was significantly (p < 0.01) higher compared to non-DM patients. Conclusions: DM did not adversely impact survival in prostate cancer patients. In addition, prostate cancer or its treatment does not appear to affect glycemic control. Both patients and their providers can be reassured that the two concurrent diagnoses do not adversely interact to worsen short term outcomes.
Long-term aspirin use and intratumoral gene expression in prostate cancer.
Authors: Stopsack Konrad Hermann , Ebot Ericka M. , Downer Mary K , Rider Jennifer R. , Mucci Lorelei 
Published: March 2017

106 Background: Pharmacoepidemiologic studies suggest prognostic benefits of aspirin in prostate cancer. We hypothesized that prostate cancer tissue from regular aspirin users at cancer diagnosis compared to nonusers is characterized by specific transcriptional changes. Methods: We analyzed tumor whole-transcriptome data from men diagnosed with prostate cancer during prospective follow up of the Physicians Health Study 1 (PHS1, n1 = 150), initially a randomized-controlled trial of aspirin for prevention of cardiovascular disease and cancer. We compared the expression of putative aspirin target genes ( PTGS2, CTNNB1, MYC, AXIN2, PTGER3) between regular aspirin users ( ≥ 3 x 324 mg/week) and non-users at cancer diagnosis. We used Gene Set Enrichment Analysis to identify Gene Ontology biological process gene sets (total, 3609) associated with aspirin use. Leading edge genes of ≥ 3 functionally related gene sets were summarized in a meta-gene score. Results were validated among prostate cancer patients from the Health-Professionals Follow-up Study (HPFS, n2 = 254; aspirin use, ≥ 2 x/week). Results: Regular aspirin use was common (65% in PHS1; 45% in HPFS) and not associated with age, stage, and Gleason grade. In PHS1, none of the predefined genes were associated with aspirin use (all p > 0.05). 26 gene sets were downregulated in aspirin users at a false discovery rate (FDR) < 0.25 (9 at FDR < 0.05). 11 gene sets were clustered functionally around ribosome function and protein translation. A “ribosome” score of 96 genes was higher in aspirin users compared to nonusers (difference, 35.5 standard deviations [SD]; p = 0.0001). There was no dose-dependency for cumulative duration of aspirin use before cancer diagnosis ( ptrend = 0.17) or time since stopping use among non-users at diagnosis ( p = 0.32). In HPFS, neither the pre-defined target genes (all p > 0.18) nor the score were associated with aspirin use (difference, –9.8 SD; p = 0.18). Conclusions: Although RNA acetylation and resulting intratumoral gene expression changes due to aspirin use may be biologically plausible, we were unable to corroborate this association in two-long term prospective studies. Short-term trials might assess if aspirin has direct effects on tumor gene expression.