bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Occurrence of depressive tendency and associated social factors among elderly persons forced by the Great East Japan Earthquake and nuclear disaster to live as long-term evacuees: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Kuroda Yujiro , Iwasa Hajime , Goto Aya , Yoshida Kazuki , Matsuda Kumiko , Iwamitsu Yumi , Yasumura Seiji 
Published: September 2017

PurposeThis study examined the incidence of depression and associated factors among elderly persons from Iitate village after the March 2011 earthquake.MethodThis was a prospective cohort study. As a baseline survey, in May 2010 a self-assessment Basic Checklist (BCL) was distributed to 1611 elderly villagers, of which 1277 responded. Of these respondents, 885 without a tendency to depression (69.3%) were given a follow-up survey in May 2013. The BCL was used to assess depression tendency, instrumental activities of daily living (IADL), physical function, nutritional status, oral function, homeboundness, cognitive function and social activities. Univariate analysis was used to examine differences in risk between those with a presence of depression tendency (PDT) and those without (non-PDT) depending on demographic and BCL variables. Variables found to be significant were analysed by Poisson regression analysis.ResultsOf the 438 respondents in the second survey, 163 (37.2%) showed depression tendency. PDT risk was significantly increased by female gender, age, history of diabetes and cognitive disorder. It was significantly reduced by increased IADL. Engagement in social activities decreased PDT risk in rental accommodation.DiscussionRenters faced a higher risk of PDT than persons evacuated in groups to purpose-built housing. The inclusion of social activities in the multivariate Poisson regression analysis weakened this effect. Female gender, a history of diabetes, reduced IADL and a tendency to cognitive disorder each independently affected PDT risk. These findings may inform future responses to earthquakes and the technical disasters that may accompany them.
The economic impact of childhood acute gastroenteritis on Malawian families and the healthcare system
Authors: Hendrix Nathaniel , Bar-Zeev Naor , Atherly Deborah , Chikafa Jean , Mvula Hazzie , Wachepa Richard , Crampin Amelia C , Mhango Themba , Mwansambo Charles , Heyderman Robert S , French Neil , Cunliffe Nigel A , Pecenka Clint 
Published: September 2017

ObjectivesThis prospective cohort study sought to estimate health system and household costs for episodes of diarrhoeal illness in Malawi.SettingData were collected in two Malawian settings: a rural health centre in Chilumba and an urban tertiary care hospital in Blantyre.ParticipantsChildren under 5 years of age presenting with diarrhoeal disease between 1 January 2013 and 21 November 2014 were eligible for inclusion. Illnesses attributed to other underlying causes were excluded, as were illnesses commencing more than 2 weeks prior to presentation. Complete data were collected on 514 cases at both the time of the initial visit to the participating healthcare facility and 6 weeks after discharge.Primary and secondary outcome measuresThe primary outcome measure was the total cost of an episode of illness. Costs to the health system were gathered from chart review (drugs and diagnostics) and actual hospital expenditure (staff and facility costs). Household costs, including lost income, were obtained by interview with the parents/guardians of patients.ResultsTotal costs in 2014 US$ for rural inpatient, rural outpatient, urban inpatient and urban outpatient were $65.33, $8.89, $60.23 and $14.51, respectively (excluding lost income). Mean household contributions to these costs were 15.8%, 9.8%, 21.3% and 50.6%.ConclusionThis study found significant financial burden from childhood diarrhoeal disease to the healthcare system and to households. The latter face the risk of consequent impoverishment, as the study demonstrates how the costs of seeking treatment bring the income of the majority of families in all income strata below the national poverty line in the month of illness.
The role of pragmatism in explaining heterogeneity in meta-analyses of randomised trials: a protocol for a cross-sectional methodological review
Authors: Aves Theresa , Allan Katherine S , Lawson Daeria , Nieuwlaat Robby , Beyene Joseph , Mbuagbaw Lawrence 
Published: September 2017

IntroductionThere has been increasing interest in pragmatic trials methodology. As a result, tools such as the Pragmatic-Explanatory Continuum Indicator Summary-2 (PRECIS-2) are being used prospectively to help researchers design randomised controlled trials (RCTs) within the pragmatic-explanatory continuum. There may be value in applying the PRECIS-2 tool retrospectively in a systematic review setting as it could provide important information about how to pool data based on the degree of pragmatism.ObjectivesTo investigate the role of pragmatism as a source of heterogeneity in systematic reviews by (1) identifying systematic reviews with meta-analyses of RCTs that have moderate to high heterogeneity, (2) applying PRECIS-2 to RCTs of systematic reviews, (3) evaluating the inter-rater reliability of PRECIS-2, (4) determining how much of this heterogeneity may be explained by pragmatism.MethodsA cross-sectional methodological review will be conducted on systematic reviews of RCTs published in the Cochrane Library from 1 January 2014 to 1 January 2017. Included systematic reviews will have a minimum of 10 RCTs in the meta-analysis of the primary outcome and moderate to substantial heterogeneity (I2≥50%). Of the eligible systematic reviews, a random selection of 10 will be included for quantitative evaluation. In each systematic review, RCTs will be scored using the PRECIS-2 tool, in duplicate. Agreement between raters will be measured using the intraclass correlation coefficient. Subgroup analyses and meta-regression will be used to evaluate how much variability in the primary outcome may be due to pragmatism.DisseminationThis review will be among the first to evaluate the PRECIS-2 tool in a systematic review setting. Results from this research will provide inter-rater reliability information about PRECIS-2 and may be used to provide methodological guidance when dealing with pragmatism in systematic reviews and subgroup considerations. On completion, this review will be submitted to a peer-reviewed journal for publication.
miR-194 as predictive biomarker of responsiveness to neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy in patients with locally advanced rectal adenocarcinoma
Authors: D’Angelo Edoardo , Zanon Carlo , Sensi Francesca , Digito Maura , Rugge Massimo , Fassan Matteo , Scarpa Marco , Pucciarelli Salvatore , Nitti Donato , Agostini Marco 
Published: September 2017

AimsCurative surgery remains the primary form of treatment for locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC). Recent data support the use of preoperative chemoradiotherapy (pCRT) to improve the prognosis of LARC with a significant reduction of local relapse and an increase of overall survival. Unfortunately, only 20% of the patients with LARC present complete pathological response after pCRT, whereas in 20%–40%, the response is poor or absent.MethodsWe investigated the expression level of miR-194 in n=38 patients with LARC using our public microRNA (miRNA) expression dataset. miR-194 expression was further validated by real-time quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) and in situ hybridisation (ISH). Protein–protein interaction network and pathway enrichment analysis were performed on miR-194 targets.Results and discussionUsing biopsy samples collected at diagnosis, mir-194 was significantly upregulated in patients responding to treatment (p value=0.016). The data was confirmed with qRT-PCR (p value=0.0587) and ISH (p value=0.026). Protein–protein interaction network and pathway enrichment analysis reveal a possible mechanism of susceptibility to pCRT involving Wnt pathway via its downstream mediator TRAF6. Finally, we interrogated the Comparative Toxicogenomics Database database in order to identify those chemical compounds able to mimic the biological effects of miR-194 as new possible therapeutic option in LARC treatment. The present study combining miRNA expression profiling with integrative computational biology identified miR-194 as predictive biomarker of response to pCRT. Using known and predicted drug mechanism of action, we then identified possible chemical compounds for further in vitro validation.
Influence of disease activity on RA treatment choices in countries with restricted access to expensive, innovative drugs: a discrete choice experiment among rheumatologists
Authors: Hifinger Monika , Hiligsmann Mickael , Ramiro Sofia , Watson Verity , Berghea Florian , Péntek Márta , Keat Andrew , Severens Johan L , Fautrel Bruno , Boonen Annelies 
Published: September 2017

ObjectiveTo assess the influence of disease activity of patients with rheumatoid arthritis on treatment choices of rheumatologists in countries with restricted access to expensive, innovative drugs.MethodsRheumatologists from Hungary, Romania and UK were invited to complete two consecutive discrete choice experiments with hypothetical drug treatments for two different patient profiles: high and moderate disease activity. Rheumatologists were asked to choose repeatedly between two unlabelled treatment options that differed in five attributes: efficacy (expected improvement and achieved disease activity state), safety (probability of serious adverse events), patient's preference (level of agreement), total medication costs and cost-effectiveness. A heteroscedastic discrete choice model using interaction terms between attribute levels and patient profiles (binary variable) was used to assess the preferences of rheumatologists towards each attribute and the influence of the patient profile.ResultsOverall, 148 rheumatologists completed the survey (46% females, mean age 49 years, 49% academic). For both patient profiles, efficacy dominated the treatment choice over patient's preference, safety and economic aspects. However, for patients with high compared with moderate disease activity, the importance of drug efficacy significantly increased (from 48% for moderate to 57% for high disease activity), whereas the importance of patient's preference significantly decreased (from 15% to 11%). No significant differences were observed for economic and safety considerations.ConclusionRheumatologists were willing to give up some efficacy to account for patient's preference when choosing treatments for patients with moderate compared to high disease activity. Disease activity however did not influence importance of economic aspects in treatment choices.
Accuracy of Parental Perception of Nighttime Breathing in Children with Down Syndrome
Authors: Friedman Norman R. , Ruiz Amanda G. , Gao Dexiang , Ingram David G. 
Published: September 2017

ObjectiveIn 2011, the American Academy of Pediatrics published a guideline for children with Down syndrome (DS), recommending a polysomnogram (PSG) by age 4 years regardless of symptoms. Their rationale was based on 2 publications with small cohorts, where at least 50% of the children had no obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) symptoms but their PSG results were abnormal. The American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery Foundation published a clinical practice guideline recommending PSG prior to adenotonsillectomy for these children. This study aimed to assess parents’ accuracy of their children’s breathing patterns as compared with PSGs in a larger cohort of children with DS.Study DesignCase series with chart review.SettingTertiary care academic pediatric hospital.Subjects and MethodsSleep intake forms assessing frequency of parent‐observed apnea, snoring, and restless sleep were analyzed. None of the children had a previous tonsillectomy. Two groups were analyzed according to symptoms: infrequent (<3 nights per week on all questions answered) and frequent (≥6 nights per week on at least 1 question). OSA severity was categorized as follows: normal, <2 events per hour; mild, 2 to 4.9; moderate, 5 to 9.9; and severe, ≥10.ResultsA total of 113 children met inclusion criteria: 34% (n = 38) had infrequent symptoms, and 66% (n = 75) had frequent symptoms. Parents were unable to predict the presence or absence of OSA by nighttime symptoms (P =. 60). The risk of OSA for children with frequent symptoms versus those with infrequent symptoms was 1.04 (95% CI, 0.89‐1.3).ConclusionParents of DS children are unable to predict the presence or absence of OSA by nighttime symptoms, nor are they able to determine its severity.
Vocal Fold Immobility due to Birth Trauma: A Systematic Review and Pooled Analysis
Authors: Jabbour Jad , North Lauren M. , Bougie David , Robey Thomas 
Published: September 2017

ObjectivesTo describe the present understanding of birth trauma–related vocal fold immobility and quantitatively compare it with idiopathic congenital vocal fold immobility to explore whether it is a discrete entity.Data SourcesPubMed, Ovid, and Cochrane databases.Review MethodsEnglish‐language, observational, or experimental studies involving infants with idiopathic congenital or birth trauma–related vocal fold immobility were included. Data from these studies were pooled with our institution’s vocal fold immobility database, with the resultant idiopathic congenital and birth trauma cohorts compared regarding patterns and outcomes of immobility.ResultsThe search returned 288 articles, with 24 meeting inclusion criteria. Of studies reviewing all‐cause immobility, 8 of 9 (88.9%) identified birth trauma as an etiology, although birth trauma definitions and proposed mechanisms of immobility varied. The study subjects, combined with our institution’s database, yielded 188 idiopathic congenital and 113 birth trauma cases. Compared with idiopathic congenital cases, birth trauma cases had a higher proportion of unilateral immobility (72 of 113 [63.7%] vs 52 of 188 [27.7%], P <. 001) and rate of resolution (41 of 51 [80.4%] vs 91 of 159 [57.2%], P =. 003). Resolution occurred in 24 of 26 (91.3%) unilateral and 17 of 25 (68.0%) bilateral birth trauma cases and in 30 of 40 (75.0%) unilateral and 59 of 109 (54.1%) bilateral idiopathic congenital cases (P =. 11 and. 20, respectively).ConclusionWhile the definition and mechanism of birth trauma–related vocal fold immobility warrant further investigation, these findings suggest that it is distinct from idiopathic congenital vocal fold immobility, with a unique presentation and potentially more favorable outcomes. This can inform counseling and management for infants with otherwise unexplained immobility but known birth trauma.
Development of EirV3: A Computer-Based Tool for Patient-Reported Outcome Measures in Cancer
Authors: Krogstad Hilde , Brunelli Cinzia , Sand Kari , Andersen Eivind , Garresori Herish , Halvorsen Tarje , Haukland Ellinor C. , Jordal Frode , Kaasa Stein , Loge Jon Håvard , Løhre Erik Torbjørn , Raj Sunil X. , Hjermstad Marianne Jensen 
Published: September 2017

Purpose Immediate transfer of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) for use in medical consultations is facilitated by electronic assessments. We aimed to describe the rationale and development of Eir version 3 (EirV3), a computer-based symptom assessment tool for cancer, with emphasis on content and user-friendliness. Methods EirV3’s specifications and content were developed through multiprofessional, stepwise, and iterative processes (from 2013 to 2016), with literature reviews on traditional and electronic assessment and classification methods, formative iterative usability tests with end-users, and assessment of patient preferences for paper versus electronic assessments. Results EirV3 has the following two modules: Eir-Patient for PROMs registration on tablets and Eir-Doctor for presentation of PROMs in a user-friendly interface on computers. Eir-Patient starts with 19 common cancer symptoms followed by specific, in-depth questions for endorsed symptoms. The pain section includes a body map for pain location and intensity, whereas physical functioning, nutritional intake, and well-being are standard questions for all. Data are wirelessly transferred to Eir-Doctor. Symptoms with intensity scores ≥ 3 (on a 0 to 10 scale) are marked in red, with brighter colors corresponding to higher intensity, and supplemented with graphs displaying symptom development over time. Usability results showed that patients and health care providers found EirV3 to be intuitive, easy to use, and relevant. When comparing PROM assessments on paper versus tablets (n = 114), 19% of patients preferred paper, 41% preferred tablets, and 40% had no preference. Median intraclass correlation coefficient between paper and tablets (0.815) was excellent. Conclusion Iterative test rounds followed by continuous improvements led to a user-friendly, applicable symptom assessment tool, EirV3, developed for and by end-users. EirV3 is undergoing international testing of clinical and cross-cultural adaptability.
Evaluation of the Luminex xTAG Respiratory Viral Panel FAST v2 assay for detection of multiple respiratory viral pathogens in nasal and throat swabs in Vietnam
Authors: Thi Ty Hang Vu , Thi Han Ny Nguyen , My Phuc Tran , Thi Thanh Tam Pham , Thao Huong Dang , Dang Trung Nghia Ho , Tran Anh Vu Nguyen , Thi Hong Phuong Pham , Van Xang Nguyen , Dong Nguyen , Nhu Hiep Pham , Van Hung Nguyen , Tinh Hien Tran , Rabaa Maia , Thwaites Guy E. , Baker Stephen , Van Tan Le , van Doorn H.Rogier ,   VIZIONS consortium
Published: September 2017

Background: Acute respiratory infections (ARI) are among the leading causes of hospitalization in children ≤5 years old. Rapid diagnostics of viral pathogens is essential to avoid unnecessary antibiotic treatment, thereby slowing down antibiotic-resistance. We evaluated the diagnostic performance of the Luminex xTAG Respiratory Viral Panel FAST v2 against viral specific PCR as reference assays for ARI in Vietnam.Methods: Four hundred and forty two nose and throat swabs were collected in viral transport medium, and were tested with Luminex xTAG Respiratory Viral Panel FAST v2. Multiplex RT-PCR and single RT-PCR were used as references. Results: Overall, viral pathogens were detected in a total count of 270/294 (91.8%, 95% CI 88.1-94.7) by the Luminex among reference assays, whilst 112/6336 (1.8%, 95% CI, 1.4-2.1) of pathogens were detected by the Luminex, but not by reference assays. Frequency of pathogens detected by Luminex and reference assays was 379 and 292, respectively. The diagnostic yield was 66.7% (295/442, 95%CI 62.1-71.1%) for the Luminex assay and 54.1% (239/442, 95% CI, 49.3-58.8%) for reference assays. The Luminex kit had higher yields for all viruses except influenza B virus, respiratory syncytial virus, and human bocavirus. High agreements between both methods [mean (range): 0.91 (0.83-1.00)] were found for 10/15 viral agents.Conclusions: The Luminex assay is a high throughput multiplex platform for rapid detection of common viral pathogens causing ARI. Although the current high cost may prevent Luminex assays from being widely used, especially in limited resource settings where ARI are felt most, its introduction in clinical diagnostics may help reduce unnecessary use of antibiotic prescription.
Technology of composite erosion-radiation coating
Authors: Смоленцев Владислав , Smolentsev Vladislav , Кондратьев Михаил , Kondratiev Mihail , Смоленцев Евгений , Smolentsev Evgeny 
Published: September 2017

A new method of composite treatment with the simultaneous impact of thermal energy of a current pulse and heat supply of a plasma beam is developed. The mechanism of a qualitative coating formation is shown at which the thick layer shaping with the improved micro-profile is achieved, where a micro-surface profile matching is achieved at the expense of the impact of concentrated energy supplied by a plasma beam to the surface of a molten coating causing an increased metal castability, its runoff from lugs into hollows and micro-irregularity height decrease.
A mechanism of combined process behavior is developed which allowed creating a procedure of the design of technological modes, defining their place in technological transitions and substantiating maximum accessible technological potentialities of the method offered at the realization of working matters for science intensive products.
The examples of the efficient use of a combined erosion-beam plasma treatment are shown, which extends a field of the method application and lightens a technological pre-production at the introduction into manufacturing science intensive products of new engineering generations.
Art in weightlessness: From outer space to virtual worlds
Authors: Murnik Maja 
Published: September 2017

Abstract
Space art and art within virtual worlds share conceptual and even ontological commonalities. There are three issues that can be examined in relation to these: the ‘problem of gravity’, the extensions of the body and the issue of scientific abstraction. Several art projects will be discussed relating to these themes including the Futurist manifestos of aerial art, space poetry, Babeli’s Come to Heaven, and Živadinov’s Biomechanics Noordung and Noordung:: 1995–2045.
Naïve subjects: Intra-actions and gravitational states
Authors: Wilson Louise K. 
Published: September 2017

Abstract
This article – comprising a series of notes − explores the field of contemporary artists’ research in(to) varying gravitational states. It is anchored in a discussion of zero gravity, derived from my own participation in a parabolic flight above Star City in Moscow in 2001 (Arts Catalyst MIR flight 001). The audio interviews, video documentation and e-mail correspondence gathered pre and post-flight, have variously informed my thinking into the unparalleled physical, psychological and philosophical effects that can be experienced. The notion of the MIR flight offering productive material for art making is contextualized within a longer timeline of my own personal experiences in specific research environments being subjected to (recorded) scientific study. This earlier lab activity initially resulted in artworks where the intersubjectivities of scientist and subject were foregrounded, however, a persistent consideration had been the agency of technology in effecting physical phenomena. As will be emphasized, the temporary transformative states experienced in a parabolic flight are strongly affective and meaningful. I will argue that parabolic flight produces ‘intra-action’ (to use physicist Karen Barad’s term), a process whereby bodies, technologies, discourses, gravitational variants and vibration momentarily come into being with enduring significance.
Valores de referência dos parâmetros hematológicos de Oreochromis niloticus (Linaeus 1758) cultivados em tanques-rede em Paulo Afonso, no Estado da Bahia, Brasil.
Authors: Azevedo Tatiana Maslowa Pegado de 
Published: September 2017

O nordeste brasileiro destaca-se na produção de tilápias do Nilo em tanques-rede e a região de Paulo Afonso como o quarto maior produtor. O conhecimento da fisiologia dos peixes, da influência do manejo e das condições ambientais é importante para garantir sucesso no cultivo. Este estudo teve como objetivo determinar valores dos parâmetros hematológicos em tilápias do Nilo cultivadas em tanques-rede na região de Paulo Afonso, Estado da Bahia, Brasil, avaliando-se o sob efeito da sazonalidade. Houve diferença significativa (p<0,05) do número de eritrócitos, do volume globular, da concentração da hemoglobina, do volume corpuscular médio, da concentração da hemoglobina corpuscular média, do número total de leucócitos, e do número relativo de linfócitos e neutrófilos. Os parâmetros hematológicos estudados apresentaram influência da sazonalidade. Os valores hematológicos obtidos podem ser utilizados em futuros estudos comparativos da saúde dos peixes em cultivos semelhantes. Palavras chave: hematologia, peixe, sazonalidade, sanidade