bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An Exploratory Statistical Analysis of the effect of Demographic risk factors on uterine Cervical squamous Intraepithelial Lesion
Authors: Sengupta D. , Duttagupta C. , Bandyopadhyay S. , Jana R. , Sarma J. Das , Sengupta S. , Ray M. 
Published: August 2016

Pap Smear test (Pap test), a cytological screening test of the cervical squamous intraepithelial lesion (SIL) is a widely accepted screening technique for uterine cervical cancer (UCC). UCC is a major canter burden for Indian women. In this article, we present an in-depth exploratory analysis on various statistical relationships between the Pap test and a set of demographic risk factors, such as Age, Age at consummation of marriage [ACM], parity [PAR] etc. The data had been collected from the Calcutta Medical College Hospital (CMCH) on 308 subjects. Major statistical findings in this article include a possible Age dependent association between PAR and the SIL-status. It seems that a high value of parity at a relatively young age is an important risk factor for developing SIL in future. This finding may be useful in relating to overall female helath issues in developing and underdeveloped country-senario. AMS (2000) Subject Classification: Primary 62-07, 62Pl0, 92C60, Secondary 92C50, 62F03, 62F10.
A Unified Approach to Factorial Designs with Randomization Restrictions
Authors: Ranjan Pritam , Spencer Neil 
Published: August 2016

Abtsrcat Factorial designs are commonly used to assess the impact of factors and factor combinations in industrial and agricultural experiments. Though preferred, complete randomization of trials is often infeasible, and randomization restrictions are imposed. In this paper, we discuss a finite projective geometric (PG) approach to unify the existence, construction and analysis of multistage factorial designs with randomization restrictions using randomization defining contrast subspaces (or flats of a PG). Our main focus will be on the construction of such designs, and developing a word length pattern scheme that can be used for generalizing the traditional design rank- ing criteria for factorial designs. We also present a novel isomorphism check algorithm for these designs.
Book Review: Nirupama Dutt, The Ballad of Bant Singh: A Qissa of Courage and Mohammad Aamir Khan and Nandita Haksar, Framed as a Terrorist: My 14-Year Struggle to Prove My Innocence
Authors: Jamil Ghazala 
Published: September 2016

Nirupama Dutt, The Ballad of Bant Singh: A Qissa of Courage, New Delhi, Speaking Tiger Publishing Pvt Limited, 2016, Paperback, 213 pp., ₹250.00, ISBN: 9789385288302. Mohammad Aamir Khan and Nandita Haksar, Framed as a Terrorist: My 14-Year Struggle to Prove My Innocence, New Delhi, Speaking Tiger Publishing Pvt Limited, 2016, Paperback, 248 pp., ₹250.00, ISBN: 9789385755224.
“We Are All Chávez”
Authors: Michelutti Lucia 
Published: September 2016

The current chaotic post-Chávez political and economic scenario affords a little certainty: Chávez is still very present in the everyday life of contemporary Venezuelans. Chávez as a martyr, as the second Bolívar, as a saint, as a spirit, is becoming part of the religious and social life of a great number of people. Despite being dead, he continues to shape Venezuelan revolutionary selves. An examination of Chávez’s legacy through the lens of divine kinship provides important clues to understanding how charisma is embodied in people and things and circulates through networks of kinship (and fictive kinship) from gods, spirits, and ancestors to democratically appointed leaders and their ordinary followers. El caos que permea el panorama político y económico post-Chávez ofrece cierta certeza: Chávez todavía está muy presente en la vida cotidiana de los venezolanos. Chávez se está convirtiendo en parte de la vida religiosa y social de un gran número de personas: Chávez como mártir, como el segundo Bolívar, como santo, como espíritu. A pesar de que está muerto, Chávez sigue moldeando la personalidad revolucionaria venezolana. Un examen del legado de Chávez a través del prisma del parentesco divino nos ofrece claves importantes para entender cómo el carisma se encarna en la gente y en los objetos y circula a través de redes de parentesco (y parentesco ficticio) de los dioses, espíritus y ancestros a los líderes elegidos democráticamente y sus seguidores.
Relationship Between Humeral Retroversion and Length of Baseball Career Before the Age of 16 Years
Authors: Nakase Chihiro , Mihata Teruhisa , Itami Yasuo , Takeda Atsushi , Neo Masashi 
Published: September 2016

Background: Humeral retroversion physiologically decreases during growth. However, in throwing athletes, the external forces caused by repetitive throwing are thought to increase humeral retroversion on the dominant side compared with that on the nondominant side. Purpose: To investigate the correlation between humeral retroversion and length of baseball career before age 16 years. Study Design: Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: A total of 112 high school baseball players (32 pitchers and 80 position players) with a mean age of 15.6 years (range, 15-16 years) were enrolled in the study. All participants completed questionnaires regarding their player position and the age when they started baseball and were given physical examinations. Shoulder range of motion and humeral retroversion were assessed on the dominant and nondominant sides. Humeral retroversion (rotation angle of the proximal humerus relative to the distal humerus) was measured ultrasonographically. Results: Humeral retroversion was significantly greater on the dominant side than on the nondominant side in both pitchers ( P < .0001) and position players ( P = .0005). The side-to-side difference in humeral retroversion in pitchers (13.9° ± 11.2°) was significantly greater than that in position players (9.0° ± 11.1°, P = .0361). In pitchers, there was a significant negative correlation between humeral retroversion and the age at which the players had started baseball ( P = .033, β = −2.494). Conclusion: These results suggest that humeral retroversion increases with decreasing age at commencement of a baseball career before age 16 years in pitchers.
The Impact of Palliative Care Consultation in the ICU on Length of Stay
Authors: Kyeremanteng Kwadwo , Gagnon Louis-Philippe , Thavorn Kednapa , Heyland Daren , D’Egidio Gianni 
Published: September 2016

Introduction: The intensive care unit (ICU) consumes 20% of hospital expenditures and 1% of gross domestic product. Many strategies have been attempted to reduce ICU costs. A systematic review was conducted to evaluate the effect of palliative care (PC) consultations in the ICU on length of stay (LOS) and costs. Methods: A literature search was performed using PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs), prospective, and retrospective cohort studies looking at PC consultations in adult ICUs published between January 2000 and February 2016 were selected. Independent reviewers assessed the eligibility of studies, extracted data on ICU, hospital LOS, and mortality, and rated each study’s quality. The cost was derived from an existing model in the literature; the primary outcome was ICU LOS and the secondary outcomes were direct variable costs, mortality, and hospital LOS. Results: We reviewed 814 abstracts, but only 8 studies met inclusion criteria and were included. The patients with a PC consultation in the ICU, when compared to those who did not, showed a trend toward reduced LOS. This reduction was statistically significant in the higher quality studies. Mortality was similar in both groups. Palliative care consultations also lead to a reduction in costs in 5 of the 8 eligible trials. On average, ICU costs were USD7533 and USD6406 (control vs PC, P < .05) and hospital direct variable costs were USD9518 and USD8971 ( P < .05) per admission. Due to interstudy heterogeneity, all outcomes were described narratively. Conclusion: This review demonstrates a trend that PC consultations reduce LOS and costs without impacting mortality. However, due to the small sample sizes and varying degrees of quality of evidence, many questions remain. A large multicenter RCT and formal economic evaluation would be needed for more definitive results.
Palliative Care in Critical Care Settings: A Systematic Review of Communication-Based Competencies Essential for Patient and Family Satisfaction
Authors: Schram Andrew W. , Hougham Gavin W. , Meltzer David O. , Ruhnke Gregory W. 
Published: September 2016

Background:There is an emerging literature on the physician competencies most meaningful to patients and their families. However, there has been no systematic review on physician competency domains outside direct clinical care most important for patient- and family-centered outcomes in critical care settings at the end of life (EOL). Physician competencies are an essential component of palliative care (PC) provided at the EOL, but the literature on those competencies relevant for patient and family satisfaction is limited. A systematic review of this important topic can inform future research and assist in curricular development.Methods:Review of qualitative and quantitative empirical studies of the impact of physician competencies on patient- and family-reported outcomes conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines for systematic reviews. The data sources used were PubMed, MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Google Scholar.Results:Fifteen studies (5 qualitative and 10 quantitative) meeting inclusion and exclusion criteria were identified. The competencies identified as critical for the delivery of high-quality PC in critical care settings are prognostication, conflict mediation, empathic communication, and family-centered aspects of care, the latter being the competency most frequently acknowledged in the literature identified.Conclusion:Prognostication, conflict mediation, empathic communication, and family-centered aspects of care are the most important identified competencies for patient- and family-centered PC in critical care settings. Incorporation of education on these competencies is likely to improve patient and family satisfaction with EOL care.
Association of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Venous Thromboembolism in Women With Endometrial Cancer
Authors: Moeini Aida , Machida Hiroko , Takiuchi Tsuyoshi , Blake Erin A. , Hom Marianne S. , Miki Toshio , Matsuo Osamu , Matsuo Koji 
Published: September 2016

Objective: Recent studies have demonstrated that surgical menopause results in a significantly increased risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in women with endometrial cancer. In addition, venous thromboembolism (VTE) is known to be one of the major prognostic factors for decreased survival in endometrial cancer. Given the fact that coagulation factors are produced in the liver, the correlation between NAFLD and VTE was examined in endometrial cancer. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted to examine patients with endometrial cancer who underwent surgical staging including oophorectomy between 2000 and 2013 (n = 714). Cumulative risk of VTE was examined based on the NAFLD status. A Cox proportional hazard regression model was used to determine the independent risk predictors of VTE. Results: Venous thromboembolism and NAFLD were seen in 57 (8.0%) and 181 (25.4%) cases, respectively. Two-year cumulative risks of VTE and NAFLD were 7.9% and 19.3%, respectively. In univariate analysis, VTE was significantly associated with decreased disease-free survival (2-year rate, 43.6% vs 91.4%, P < .001) and overall survival (65.8% vs 96.8%, P < .001), whereas NAFLD was associated with decreased risk of VTE (1.7% vs 10.4%, P < .001). In multivariate analysis controlling for clinicopathological factors, NAFLD remained an independent predictor of decreased risk of VTE (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.24, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.07-0.79, P = .02). Thrombocytosis (HR: 2.30, 95% CI: 1.22-4.35, P = .01), cancer antigen 125 ≥ 35 (HR: 3.81, 95% CI: 1.78-8.17, P < .001), and recurrent disease (HR: 4.57, 95% CI: 1.97-10.6, P < .001) remained as independent predictors of increased risk of VTE. Conclusion: Our results suggest that NAFLD may be associated with decreased VTE risk in women with endometrial cancer.
Does categorisation of lymphoma subtypes according to the World Health Organization classification predict clinical outcome in cats?
Authors: Wolfesberger Birgitt , Skor Ondrej , Hammer Sabine E , Flickinger Irene , Kleiter Miriam , Rütgen Barbara C , Schwendenwein Ilse , Tichy Alexander , Hittmair Katharina M , Degasperi Brigitte , Fuchs-Baumgartinger Andrea 
Published: August 2016

Objectives The purpose of this study was to specify lymphoma subtypes according to the World Health Organization (WHO) classification in a group of cats and to investigate their potential prognostic value. Methods Records of cats from the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna suffering from lymphoma were reviewed in this retrospective study. To diagnose various subtypes specified in the WHO classification, histopathological and immunohistochemical examinations, as well as clonality assays in some cases, were performed. Results Of the 30 cats included in this study and classified according to the WHO guidelines, peripheral T-cell lymphoma was the most prevalent lymphoma subtype (37% of cases; n = 11), followed by diffuse large B-cell (23%; n = 7), intestinal T-cell (10%; n = 3), T-cell-rich B-cell (10%; n = 3), large granular lymphocytic (7%; n = 2), anaplastic large T-cell (7%; n = 2), B-cell small lymphocytic (3%; n = 1) and T-cell angiotropic lymphoma (3%; n = 1). The median survival time (MST) was 5.4 months (range 6 days to 2.2 years), with two cats still alive after 1.7 and 2.0 years, respectively. Treating cats prior to chemotherapy with glucocorticoids did not worsen their prognosis. Adding to chemotherapy, radiotherapy or surgery did not improve the clinical outcome. We observed that patients with intestinal T-cell lymphoma lived significantly longer (MST 1.7 years) than those with a diffuse large B-cell (MST 4.5 months) or peripheral T-cell lymphoma (MST 6.1 months). Cats with T-cell-rich B-cell lymphoma survived significantly longer (MST 1.2 years) than those with a diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Conclusions and relevance A detailed diagnosis of feline lymphoma can be obtained by allocating different subtypes according to the WHO classification. From the eight detected lymphoma subtypes, two, intestinal T-cell lymphoma and T-cell-rich B-cell lymphoma, showed promising survival times in cats.
Depression and Pain in Heart Transplant Recipients
Authors: Conway Aaron , Sheridan Judith , Maddicks-Law Joanne , Fulbrook Paul , Ski Chantal F. , Thompson David R. , Clark Robyn A. , Doering Lynn V. 
Published: September 2016

Characterizing how physical and psychological symptoms interact in heart transplant recipients may lead to advances in therapeutic options. This study examined associations between pain and major depression. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted with adult heart transplant recipients. Pain was measured with the bodily pain domain of the Short Form-36 Health Survey and psychological distress with the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K-10). The Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview, version 6.0, was used to identify participants meeting the criteria for major depression. Hierarchical linear regression was used to determine if there was an association between pain and major depression, controlling for pharmacological treatment of depression, severity of psychological distress, and clinical characteristics including immunosuppression medication which may induce pain as a side effect. Results: Average pain score of the 48 heart transplant recipients was 43 ( SD ± 10, range 0–100, lower scores indicate worse pain), with moderate pain reported by 39% ( n = 19). Major depression was associated with worse pain ( R2 change = 36%, β = −16, 95% confidence interval [CI] = [−30, −4], p = .012). Pharmacological treatment for depression was associated with better pain scores ( R2 change = 1.5%, β = 13, 95% CI [4, 23], p = .006). Conclusions: Heart transplant recipients with major depression had worse pain after controlling for pharmacological treatment of depression, severity of psychological distress, and clinical characteristics. Thus, it is imperative that clinicians devising a treatment regimen for pain in heart transplant recipients take into account co-occurring depression and vice versa.
Safety and Effectiveness of the Denali Inferior Vena Cava Filter
Authors: Reis Stephen P. , Kovoor Jerry , Sutphin Patrick D. , Toomay Seth , Trimmer Clayton , Pillai Anil , Reddick Mark , Kalva Sanjeeva P. 
Published: September 2016

Purpose: The purpose of the study is to evaluate the clinical safety and effectiveness of the Denali (Bard, Tempe, Arizona) retrievable inferior vena cava (IVC) filter. Materials and Methods: In this retrospective study, authors reviewed the data of Denali IVC filters placed at their institution between 2013 and 2015. The clinical presentation, indications, and procedure-related complications during placement and retrieval were evaluated. The frequency of post filter pulmonary embolism (PE) and filter-related complications was assessed. Results: Denali filters were placed in 87 patients (47 males; mean age: 56 years). Twenty patients presented with PE, 45 with deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and 21 with both PE and DVT, 1 filter was placed prophylactically before surgery. Indications for filter placement included contraindications to anticoagulation (AC; n = 80), failure of AC (n = 4), and complications of AC (n = 3). No patients had PE on follow-up imaging after filter placement. Retrieval was attempted in 31 patients after a mean period of 125 days (range: 34-324 days). The filter was successfully removed in 31 (100%) patients. Follow-up imaging, available in 71 (82%) patients (range: 2-538 days), demonstrated penetration of 15 legs in 5 patients, caval thrombus in 3, 1 resulting in caval occlusion, <15° filter tilt in 5, and no leg fractures or crossed legs. Conclusion: The Denali filter is safe during deployment and readily retrievable. The overall safety following deployment is similar to those reported in the literature, and the incidence of filter fractures and migration appears to be less than the previous generation of Bard devices.
Retrospective Preevaluation-Postevaluation in Health Design
Authors: Malagon-Maldonado Gabriella 
Published: September 2016

Background: Retrospective preevaluation-postevaluation (RPPEs) in health design is a methodology allowing designers and healthcare providers to evaluate the effectiveness of the enhancements to the care environment. Purpose: This article presents an overview of the nature of RPPE and addresses its usefulness in health design. Methods: A description of the RPPE method with examples are provided to illustrate how these methods can be used to evaluate healthcare projects during and after the design and the implications to consider on patient, provider, and organizational outcomes. Outcomes: The RPPE process can be very useful when evaluating health design. It is imperative for design and healthcare professionals to use the RPPE methods to gain factual knowledge, skills, and/or attitudes of how the built environment influences a respondent’s life, health, and illness and be able to translate these findings into effective healthcare designs.
Conotruncal Heart Defect Repair in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Edwin Frank , Entsua-Mensah Kow , Sereboe Lawrence A. , Tettey Mark M. , Aniteye Ernest A. , Tamatey Martin M. , Adzamli Innocent , Akyaa-Yao Nana , Gyan Kofi B. , Ofosu-Appiah Ernest , Kotei David 
Published: September 2016

Background: The outcome of children born with conotruncal heart defects may serve as an indication of the status of pediatric cardiac care in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). This study was undertaken to determine the outcome of children born with conotruncal anomalies in SSA, regarding access to treatment and outcomes of surgical intervention. Methods: From our institution in Ghana, we retrospectively analyzed the outcomes of surgery, in the two-year period from June 2013 to May 2015. The birth prevalence of congenital heart defects (CHDs) in SSA countries was derived by extrapolation using an incidence of 8 per 1,000 live births for CHDs. Results: The birth prevalence of CHDs for the 48 countries in SSA using 2013 country data was 258,875; 10% of these are presumed to be conotruncal anomalies. Six countries (Nigeria, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Uganda, and Kenya) accounted for 53.5% of the birth prevalence. In Ghana, 20 patients (tetralogy of Fallot [TOF], 17; pulmonary atresia, 3) underwent palliation and 50 (TOF, 36; double-outlet right ventricle, 14) underwent repair. Hospital mortality was 0% for palliation and 4% for repair. Only 6 (0.5%) of the expected 1,234 cases of conotruncal defects underwent palliation or repair within two years of birth. Conclusion: Six countries in SSA account for more than 50% of the CHD burden. Access to treatment within two years of birth is probably <1%. The experience from Ghana demonstrates that remarkable surgical outcomes are achievable in low- to middle-income countries of SSA.
Improving Quality of Care in Primary Health-Care Facilities in Rural Nigeria
Authors: Ugo Okoli , Ezinne Eze-Ajoku , Modupe Oludipe , Nicole Spieker , Winifred Ekezie , Kelechi Ohiri 
Published: September 2016

Background: Nigeria has a high population density but a weak health-care system. To improve the quality of care, 3 organizations carried out a quality improvement pilot intervention at the primary health-care level in selected rural areas. Objective: To assess the change in quality of care in primary health-care facilities in rural Nigeria following the provision of technical governance support and to document the successes and challenges encountered. Method: A total of 6 states were selected across the 6 geopolitical zones of the country. However, assessments were carried out in 40 facilities in only 5 states. Selection was based on location, coverage, and minimum services offered. The facilities were divided randomly into 2 groups. The treatment group received quality-of-care assessment, continuous feedback, and improvement support, whereas the control group received quality assessment and no other support. Data were collected using the SafeCare Healthcare Standards and managed on the SafeCare Data Management System—AfriDB. Eight core areas were assessed at baseline and end line, and compliance to quality health-care standards was compared. Result: Outcomes from 40 facilities were accepted and analyzed. Overall scores increased in the treatment facilities compared to the control facilities, with strong evidence of improvement ( t = 5.28, P = .0004) and 11% average improvement, but no clear pattern of improvement emerged in the control group. Conclusion: The study demonstrated governance support and active community involvement offered potential for quality improvement in primary health-care facilities.