bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Heat Maps of Hypertension, Diabetes Mellitus, and Smoking in the Continental United States
Authors: Loop Matthew Shane , Howard George , de los Campos Gustavo , Al-Hamdan Mohammad Z. , Safford Monika M. , Levitan Emily B. , McClure Leslie A. 
Published: January 2017

Background—
Geographic variations in cardiovascular mortality are substantial, but descriptions of geographic variations in major cardiovascular risk factors have relied on data aggregated to counties. Herein, we provide the first description of geographic variation in the prevalence of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and smoking within and across US counties.

Methods and Results—
We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of baseline risk factor measurements and latitude/longitude of participant residence collected from 2003 to 2007 in the REGARDS study (Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke). Of the 30 239 participants, all risk factor measurements and location data were available for 28 887 (96%). The mean (±SD) age of these participants was 64.8(±9.4) years; 41% were black; 55% were female; 59% were hypertensive; 22% were diabetic; and 15% were current smokers. In logistic regression models stratified by race, the median(range) predicted prevalence of the risk factors were as follows: for hypertension, 49% (45%–58%) among whites and 72% (68%–78%) among blacks; for diabetes mellitus, 14% (10%–20%) among whites and 31% (28%–41%) among blacks; and for current smoking, 12% (7%–16%) among whites and 18% (11%–22%) among blacks. Hypertension was most prevalent in the central Southeast among whites, but in the west Southeast among blacks. Diabetes mellitus was most prevalent in the west and central Southeast among whites but in south Florida among blacks. Current smoking was most prevalent in the west Southeast and Midwest among whites and in the north among blacks.

Conclusions—
Geographic disparities in prevalent hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and smoking exist within states and within counties in the continental United States, and the patterns differ by race.
Impact of Beta‐Blocker Initiation Timing on Mortality Risk in Patients With Diabetes Mellitus Undergoing Noncardiac Surgery: A Nationwide Population‐Based Cohort Study
Authors: Chen Ray‐Jade , Chu Hsi , Tsai Lung‐Wen 
Published: January 2017

Background
Relevant clinical studies have been small and have not convincingly demonstrated whether the perioperative initiation of beta‐blockers should be considered in patients with diabetes mellitus undergoing noncardiac surgery.

Methods and Results
In this nationwide propensity score–matched study, we included patients with diabetes mellitus undergoing noncardiac surgery between 2000 and 2011 from Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database. Patients were classified as beta‐blocker and non–beta‐blocker cohorts. We further stratified beta‐blocker users into cardioprotective beta‐blocker (atenolol, bisoprolol, metoprolol, or carvedilol) and other beta‐blocker users. To investigate time of initiation of beta‐blocker use, initiation time was stratified into 2 periods (>30 and ≤30 days preoperatively). The outcomes of interest were in‐hospital and 30‐day mortality. After propensity score matching, we identified 50 952 beta‐blocker users and 50 952 matched controls. Compared with non–beta‐blocker users, cardioprotective beta‐blocker users were associated with lower risks of in‐hospital (odds ratio 0.75, 95% CI 0.68–0.82) and 30‐day (odds ratio 0.75, 95% CI 0.70–0.81) mortality. Among initiation times, only the use of cardioprotective beta‐blockers for >30 days was associated with decreased risk of in‐hospital (odds ratio 0.72, 95% CI 0.65–0.78) and 30‐day (odds ratio 0.72, 95% CI 0.66–0.78) mortality. Of note, use of other beta‐blockers for ≤30 days before surgery was associated with increased risk of both in‐hospital and 30‐day mortality.

Conclusions
The use of cardioprotective beta‐blockers for >30 days before surgery was associated with reduced mortality risk, whereas short‐term use of beta‐blockers was not associated with differences in mortality in patients with diabetes mellitus.
Mean Dietary Salt Intake in Urban and Rural Areas in India: A Population Survey of 1395 Persons
Authors: Johnson Claire , Mohan Sailesh , Rogers Kris , Shivashankar Roopa , Thout Sudhir Raj , Gupta Priti , He Feng J. , MacGregor Graham A. , Webster Jacqui , Krishnan Anand , Maulik Pallab K. , Reddy K. Srinath , Prabhakaran Dorairaj , Neal Bruce 
Published: January 2017

Background
The scientific evidence base in support of population‐wide salt reduction is strong, but current high‐quality data about salt intake levels in India are mostly absent. This project sought to estimate daily salt consumption levels in selected communities of Delhi and Haryana in north India and Andhra Pradesh in south India.

Methods and Results

In this study, 24‐hour urine samples were collected using an age‐ and sex‐stratified sampling strategy in rural, urban, and slum areas. Salt intake estimates were made for the overall population of each region and for major subgroups by weighting the survey data for the populations of Delhi and Haryana, and Andhra Pradesh. Complete 24‐hour urine samples were available for 637 participants from Delhi and Haryana and 758 from Andhra Pradesh (65% and 68% response rates, respectively). Weighted mean population 24‐hour urine excretion of salt was 8.59 g/day (95%
CI
7.68–9.51) in Delhi and Haryana and 9.46 g/day (95%
CI
9.06–9.85) in Andhra Pradesh (
P
=0.097). Estimates inflated to account for the minimum likely nonurinary losses of sodium provided corresponding estimates of daily salt intake of 9.45 g/day (95%
CI
8.45–10.46) and 10.41 g/day (95%
CI
9.97–10.84), respectively.

Conclusions
Salt consumption in India is high, with mean population intake well above the World Health Organization recommended maximum of 5 g/day. A national salt reduction program would likely avert much premature death and disability.
Climatology of Westerly Wind Events in the Lee of the Sierra Nevada
Authors: Serafin Stefano , Strauss Lukas , Grubišić Vanda 
Published: January 2017

AbstractA 5-yr climatology of westerly wind events in Owens Valley, California, is derived from data measured by a mesoscale network of 16 automatic weather stations. Thermally driven up- and down-valley flows are found to account for a large part of the diurnal wind variability in this approximately north–south-oriented deep U-shaped valley. High–wind speed events at the western side of the valley deviate from this basic pattern by showing a higher percentage of westerly winds. In general, strong westerly winds in Owens Valley tend to be more persistent and to display higher sustained speeds than strong winds from other quadrants. The highest frequency of strong winds at the valley floor is found in the afternoon hours from April to September, pointing to thermal forcing as a plausible controlling mechanism. However, the most intense westerly wind events (westerly windstorms) can happen at any time of the day throughout the year. The temperature and humidity variations caused by westerly windstorms depend on the properties of the approaching air masses. In some cases, the windstorms lead to overall warming and drying of the valley atmosphere, similar to foehn or chinook intrusions. The key dynamical driver of westerly windstorms in Owens Valley is conjectured to be the downward penetration of momentum associated with mountain waves produced by the Sierra Nevada ridgeline to the west of the valley.
Sialendoscopy for Sublingual Gland Sialolithiasis
Authors: Goodstein Lindsay , Galinat Lauren , Curry Joseph , Luginbuhl Adam , Cognetti David 
Published: January 2017

Objectives: To present a unique series of sublingual gland sialolithiasis treated with sialendoscopy. Methods: A retrospective chart review of patients at a single tertiary care academic center undergoing sialendoscopy. Results: We present a series of 4 patients who presented with 1 episode each of sialadenitis without preceding postprandial symptoms. In each case, sialendoscopy identified the calculi embedded within the sublingual duct of Bartholin at its emptying point into Wharton’s duct. The large size of the stones did not permit endoscopic removal, and transoral excision was performed via a floor of mouth incision. All patients recovered well with resolution of preoperative symptoms. Conclusions: Sublingual gland sialolithiasis has a distinct presentation that is not associated with obstructive symptoms and may be successfully treated with a combined endoscopic and transoral approach. Sialendoscopy allows identification of the location of the sialolith to guide removal and helps identify stone fragments and additional stones remaining after sialolithotomy. Transoral resection of the sublingual gland in this scenario facilitates stone removal and may minimize long-term chance of ranula formation.
Evaluating the Effect of Spreader Grafting on Nasal Obstruction Using the NOSE Scale
Authors: Standlee Aurora G. , Hohman Marc H. 
Published: January 2017

Objective: The Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) scale has been used to demonstrate that surgery improves nasal obstruction, but no study has directly compared surgical techniques. We performed a retrospective study comparing NOSE scores to quantify the effects of spreader grafting on postoperative nasal patency. Methods: We compared NOSE scores of patients who underwent septoturbinoplasty to open septorhinoplasty with spreader graft placement. We used a paired samples t test to evaluate the difference between pre- and postoperative NOSE scores and the improvement in NOSE score between patients who underwent septoturbinoplasty and those who underwent open septorhinoplasty with spreader graft placement. Results: Surgery reduced NOSE scores by an average of 46 points ( P < .001). The mean differences in NOSE score across all time points after septoturbinoplasty and septorhinoplasty with spreader graft placement was 40 and 49, respectively. The mean improvement in NOSE score at the second follow-up appointment was 27 for patients who had undergone septoturbinoplasty and 51 for patients who had undergone septorhinoplasty with spreader graft placement ( P = .04). Conclusion: This is the largest study quantifying the effect of spreader grafting. Greater improvement was observed from septorhinoplasty with spreader graft placement than septoturbinoplasty, and this improvement persisted over time.
Suprafascial Harvest of the Radial Forearm Free Flap Decreases the Risk of Postoperative Tendon Exposure
Authors: Shonka David C. , Kohli Nikita V. , Milam Benjamin M. , Jameson Mark J. 
Published: January 2017

Objective: To determine if suprafascial harvest of the radial forearm free flap improves postoperative donor site outcomes compared to subfascial harvest. Methods: Retrospective chart review. Results: Forty-six patients underwent reconstruction of a head and neck defect with a radial forearm free flap (RFFF). Subfascial harvest of the RFFF was performed in 25 (53%) patients and suprafascial harvest performed in 22 (47%) patients. All donor sites were covered with a split thickness skin graft and a bolster that remained in place for 6 days. Postoperative tendon exposure at the donor site occurred in 5 (20%) of the patients in the subfascial group and in 0 (0%) of the patients in the suprafascial group ( P = .05; Fisher’s exact test). Average tourniquet time was 117 minutes in the subfascial group and 102 minutes in the suprafascial group. Hematoma formation occurred at the donor site in 2 (8%) and 1 (5%) patients in the subfascial and suprafascial groups, respectively. There were no complete or partial flap losses in either group. Conclusions: Suprafascial harvest of the RFFF decreases the risk of postoperative tendon exposure. The suprafascial harvest technique does not increase harvest time or donor site complications, nor does it negatively impact flap vascularity.
New Problems—Old Solutions
Authors: Skagestad Gunnar , Traavik Kim 
Published: January 2017

The verdict in 1933 by the Permanent International Court of Justice in the so-called ‘Eastern Greenland Case’ brought to the fore the dilemma of adapting the traditional sovereignty concept to the novel political/legal problems characterizing the ‘new territories’. With the opening up of other ‘new territories’ for exploration and subsequent exploitation, this dilemma has grown ever more acute in recent years. This chapter highlights some general regulation problems in ‘new territories’, gives a description of attempts made to solve such problems in the past, and identifies the key elements in the various ‘solution models’ (notably the Svalbard Treaty, the Antarctic Treaty and the Continental Shelf Convention). These elements are described and analysed comparatively, with a certain emphasis on the somewhat divergent preconditions prevalent in the three separate examples. In the final section, the authors proceed to discuss the applicability of the old solution models to the present and emerging regulation problems in the new territories.
Attitudes of health professionals towards the stigma surrounding depression in times of economic crisis
Authors: Saridi Maria , Kordosi Aikaterini , Toska Aikaterini , Peppou Lily Evangelia , Economou Marina , Souliotis Kyriakos 
Published: January 2017

Introduction: The stigma of mental illness and the ensuing social exclusion are due to the lack of knowledge on the causality of mental illness. Aim: The purpose of this study was to record the stigmatic attitudes of health professionals towards depression, patients suffering from it and the available therapeutic approaches. Material and Methods: The sample of the study included 609 health professionals working in the General Hospital of Corinth. The collection of the empirical material was performed using an anonymous questionnaire. The statistical analysis was performed with the statistical program SPSS 17.0. Results: Although the health professionals showed more optimistic attitudes towards the abilities of the mentally ill, they seem to maintain stereotypes, proving that stigmatization of the mentally ill and prejudice around mental illness continue to exist. Participants identified psychosocial and psychotherapeutic interventions as the most effective forms of therapy, such as supportive social destination (74.4%), healthy eating and physical activity (67.9%), psychoanalysis (60.6%), relaxation techniques (60.5%) and counselling (53.2%), recording ambivalent attitudes towards psychiatric medicines, questioning their effectiveness. The economic crisis has had a direct impact on health professionals as well burdened their psyche (78.3%) and created problems in everyday work (86.7%). Conclusion: Health professionals must be protagonists, free from the stigma attached to mental illness as only in this way will they be able to transmit optimism and feelings of acceptance.
Matricide: The Schizophrenic Crime?
Authors: Clark S A 
Published: January 2017

The aim of the study was to further examine the view that matricide is ‘the schizophrenic crime’ (Gilles, 1965). This report represents a comprehensive, retrospective and national study of all individuals in Scotland who, between 1957 and 1987 inclusive, were charged with the murder or the culpable homicide of their biological mother. Files of High Court indictments were examined for the relevant years to identify offenders prior to disposal, and individuals were followed up with respect to diagnosis and disposal. Twenty-six (twenty-three men and three women) were convicted of the murder or culpable homicide of their biological mother. Only 50 per cent (thirteen subjects) were known to the State Hospital, Carstairs. Six (24 per cent) subjects suffered from schizophrenia, seven (24 per cent) were given no diagnosis, five (20 per cent) suffered from personality disorder, four (16 per cent) from the alcohol dependence syndrome, three (12 per cent) from depressive illness, and one (4 per cent) from hypomania. Thus, whilst schizophrenia is over-represented in this subgroup of offenders, matricide should not be viewed as the schizophrenic crime. Given the prevalence of mental disorder in this group, pre-trial assessment by a Forensic Psychiatrist should be mandatory.
A Randomized, Controlled Intervention of Machine Guarding and Related Safety Programs in Small Metal-Fabrication Businesses
Authors: Parker David L. , Brosseau Lisa M. , Samant Yogindra , Xi Min , Pan Wei , Haugan David ,   The Study Advisory Board
Published: January 2017

Objectives. Metal fabrication employs an estimated 3.1 million workers in the United States. The absence of machine guarding and related programs such as lockout/tagout may result in serious injury or death. The purpose of this study was to improve machine-related safety in small metal-fabrication businesses. Methods. We used a randomized trial with two groups: management only and management-employee. We evaluated businesses for the adequacy of machine guarding (machine scorecard) and related safety programs (safety audit). We provided all businesses with a report outlining deficiencies and prioritizing their remediation. In addition, the management-employee group received four one-hour interactive training sessions from a peer educator. Results. We evaluated 40 metal-fabrication businesses at baseline and 37 (93%) one year later. Of the three nonparticipants, two had gone out of business. More than 40% of devices required for adequate guarding were missing or inadequate, and 35% of required safety programs and practices were absent at baseline. Both measures improved significantly during the course of the intervention. No significant differences in changes occurred between the two intervention groups. Machine-guarding practices and programs improved by up to 13% and safety audit scores by up to 23%. Businesses that added safety committees or those that started with the lowest baseline measures showed the greatest improvements. Conclusions. Simple and easy-to-use assessment tools allowed businesses to significantly improve their safety practices, and safety committees facilitated this process.
Engineering Control Technologies to Reduce Occupational Silica Exposures in Masonry Cutting and Tuckpointing
Authors: Meeker John D. , Cooper Michael R. , Lefkowitz Daniel , Susi Pam 
Published: January 2017

Objectives. A number of tasks in construction generate worker overexposures to respirable crystalline silica dust, which is a significant contributor to occupational mortality and morbidity. This study evaluated the performance of commercially available engineering controls used in dusty construction tasks commonly performed by bricklayers. Methods. Local exhaust ventilation (LEV) controls for a portable abrasive cutter and for tuckpointing grinders were examined at a bricklayers' training center, as were two stationary wet saws. Personal breathing zone air samples were collected with and without the use of LEV or water suppression during simulated concrete block cutting, brick cutting, and tuckpointing. Results. Compared with the use of no exposure control during block and brick cutting, the portable LEV unit significantly reduced mean respirable quartz exposures by 96% for block cutting and 91% for brick cutting ( p<0.01). The use of stationary wet saws was also associated with 91% reductions in exposure ( p<0.01). For tuckpointing, the reductions in mean respirable quartz concentrations were between 91% and 93% with the LEV controls ( p<0.05). Conclusions. Reductions of up to 96% in mean respirable quartz concentration were observed between control and no-control scenarios. These reductions with commercially available off-the-shelf tools demonstrate the effectiveness of engineering control interventions to reduce crystalline silica exposures in construction. Strategies to further improve control performance and approaches for increasing control interventions in construction are needed.
Socioeconomic Disadvantage as a Social Determinant of Teen Childbearing in the U.S.
Authors: Penman-Aguilar Ana , Carter Marion , Snead M. Christine , Kourtis Athena P. 
Published: January 2017

Objective. We reviewed the literature focused on socioeconomic influences on teen childbearing and suggested directions for future research and practice related to this important indicator of teen sexual health. Methods. We conducted an electronic search of Medline, ERIC, PsychLit, and Sociological Abstracts databases for articles published from January 1995 to November 2011. Selected articles from peer-reviewed journals included original quantitative analyses addressing socioeconomic influences on first birth among teen women in the U.S. Articles were abstracted for key information, ranked for quality according to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force guidelines, assessed for bias, and synthesized. Results. We selected articles with a range of observational study designs. Risk for bias varied across studies. All 12 studies that considered socioeconomic factors as influences on teen childbearing (vs. moderators or mediators of other effects) reported at least one statistically significant association relating low socioeconomic status, underemployment, low income, low education levels, neighborhood disadvantage, neighborhood physical disorder, or neighborhood-level income inequality to teen birth. Few reports included any associations contradicting this pattern. Conclusions. This review suggests that unfavorable socioeconomic conditions experienced at the community and family levels contribute to the high teen birth rate in the U.S. Future research into social determinants of sexual health should include multiple levels of measurement whenever possible Root causes of teen childbearing should be evaluated in various populations and contexts Interventions that address socioeconomic influences at multiple levels could positively affect large numbers of teens and help eliminate disparities in teen childbearing.
In Their Own Words: Romantic Relationships and the Sexual Health of Young African American Women
Authors: Murray Colleen Crittenden , Hatfield-Timajchy Kendra , Kraft Joan Marie , Bergdall Anna R. , Habel Melissa A. , Kottke Melissa , Diclemente Ralph J. 
Published: January 2017

Objective. We assessed young African American women's understanding of “dual protection” (DP) (i.e., strategies that simultaneously protect against unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases [STDs]) and how relationship factors influence their use of DP methods. Methods. We conducted 10 focus groups with African American women ( n=51) aged 15–24 years in Atlanta, Georgia, to identify barriers to and facilitators of their DP use. Focus group participants also completed a brief self-administered questionnaire that assessed demographics and sexual behaviors. We analyzed focus group data by theme: relationships, planning for sex, pregnancy intentions, STD worries, the trade-off between pregnancy and STDs, attitudes toward condoms and contraceptives, and understanding of DP. Results. From the questionnaire, 51% of participants reported that an STD would be the “worst thing that could happen,” and 26% reported that being pregnant would be “terrible.” Focus group data suggested that most participants understood what DP was but thought it was not always feasible. Relationship factors (e.g., trust, intimacy, length of relationship, and centrality) affected pregnancy intentions, STD concerns, and use of DP. Social influences (e.g., parents) and pregnancy and STD history also affected attitudes about pregnancy, STDs, and relationships. Conclusions. Although participants identified risks associated with sex, a complex web of social and relationship factors influenced the extent to which they engaged in protective behavior The extent to which relationship factors influence DP may reflect developmental tasks of adolescence and should be considered in any program promoting sexual health among young African American women.