bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Government's Unequal Attentiveness to Citizens' Political Priorities
Authors: Flavin Patrick , Franko William W. 
Published: September 2016

AbstractAn accumulation of evidence suggests citizens with low incomes have relatively little influence over the policy decisions made by lawmakers in the United States. However, long before elected officials are asked to cast a final vote on a bill's passage, an equally important decision has already been made: the decision for government to focus its limited attention and agenda space on the issue at all. Therefore, it is possible that political inequality is infused earlier in the policymaking process at the agenda‐setting stage if the issues held important by some citizens are given attention while the issues held important by others are not. To investigate this question, we develop novel state‐level measures of citizens' issue priorities and find sizable differences in which issues poor and rich citizens think are most important and deserving of government attention. We then use bill introduction data from state legislatures to measure government attention and uncover evidence that state legislators are less likely to act on an issue when it is prioritized by low‐income citizens as compared to affluent citizens. These findings have important implications for our understanding of political equality and the functioning of American democracy.
Low‐cost grass restoration using erosion barriers in a degraded African rangeland
Authors: Kimiti David W. , Riginos Corinna , Belnap Jayne 
Published: September 2016

AbstractRangeland degradation, typified by extensive bare ground and soil erosion, is a serious problem around the world. In sub‐Saharan Africa, rangeland degradation threatens the food security of millions of people who depend on livestock and the region's large mammalian wildlife diversity. We tested the ability of five simple, low‐cost erosion barriers to promote grass and forb establishment in a bare ground‐dominated rangeland in Kenya. These treatments were: (1) trenches with small berms; (2) bundles of branches; and bundles of branches with (3) elephant dung balls, (4) burlap sacking, or (5) nylon mesh sacking inside them. We also tested whether barrier performance depended on (1) supplemental seeding with the grass Cenchrus ciliaris and (2) whether a barrier was located next to existing vegetation patches versus in the open. Within months, the trench and nylon mesh barriers had accumulated 20–50% more sediment than other treatments and had greater grass and forb seedling establishment. Seeding with Cenchrus resulted in higher herbaceous cover but was not necessary for other grasses to establish. After 3 years, the trench and nylon mesh barriers had created patches of new vegetation averaging 18–63% larger than patches created by the other treatments. Barriers that were initially adjacent to existing vegetation had created new vegetation patches averaging 65% larger than those created by solitary barriers. Results suggest that all barrier types increase grass cover but that trenches—especially if placed next to existing vegetation patches—are a particularly cost‐effective way to reduce bare ground and erosion in degraded rangelands.
Draft Genome Sequence of Ensifer adhaerens M78, a Mineral-Weathering Bacterium Isolated from Soil
Authors: Wang Yuanli , Chen Wei , He Linyan , Wang Qi , Sheng Xia-Fang 
Published: September 2016

ABSTRACT

Ensifer adhaerens
M78, a bacterium isolated from soil, can weather potash feldspar and release Fe, Si, and Al from rock under nutrient-poor conditions. Here, we report the draft genome sequence of strain M78, which may facilitate a better understanding of the molecular mechanism involved in mineral weathering by the bacterium.
Outcome of nutritional screening in the acute paediatric setting
Authors: Thomas P C , Marino L V , Williams S A , Beattie R M 
Published: September 2016

IntroductionMultiple nutritional risk assessment tools are available, but there are limited data on their application in the acute setting. We explored the validity of two tools in a tertiary Children's Hospital's acute unit and the cohort's nutritional status using WHO definitions.MethodsProspective study n=300 (median 38 months; 44.6% female; 25.7% ≤12 months). Participants had standard anthropometry measured, all were screened using the Screening Tool for the Assessment of Malnutrition in Paediatrics (STAMP), the Paediatric Malnutrition Screening Tool (PMST) (modified STAMP) and 125 were additionally screened using the Paediatric Yorkhill Malnutrition Screening (PYMS) tool.ResultsThe percentages with medium/high nutritional risk were as follows: STAMP 73.1%, PMST 79.3% and PYMS 30%. Height/weight were normally distributed with: 3.4% stunted (height-for-age z-score <−2); aged ≤ 5 years, 6.8% wasted (weight-for-height z-score (WHZ) <−2), 17.9% overweight (WHZ 1–2) and 6.2% obese (WHZ >2); aged >5 years, 5.8% thin (body mass index (BMI)-z-score (BAZ) <−2), 17.3% overweight (BAZ 1–2) and 5.8% obese (BAZ >2). The tools showed poor specificity and variable sensitivities when compared with WHO malnutrition criteria, with positive predictive values of <50%. κ-Analysis also showed poor agreement between the tools and the WHO cut-offs.ConclusionThese results suggest that nutritional screening tools have poor sensitivity and are difficult to interpret in the acute setting. It may be more effective to include the assessment of weight and height and nutritional intake in the context of the acute presentation as part of routine clinical assessment rather than relying on screening tools to identify those at risk.
Systemic inflammatory responses in patients with type 2 diabetes with chronic periodontitis
Authors: Mesia Ruben , Gholami Fatemeh , Huang Hong , Clare-Salzler Michael , Aukhil Ikramuddin , Wallet Shannon M , Shaddox Luciana M 
Published: September 2016

ObjectiveThe objective of this case–control study was to quantify the immune responsiveness in individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D) as compared with patients without diabetes (NT2D) diagnosed with periodontitis.Research Design and MethodsPeripheral blood was collected from 20 patients with moderate-to-severe chronic periodontitis (10 T2D, 10 NT2D). Blood samples were stimulated with ultrapurePorphyromonas gingivalisandEscherichia colilipopolysaccharide (LPS) for 24 hours. 14 cytokines/chemokines were quantified in culture supernatants using multiplex technology.ResultsT2D individuals demonstrated higher unstimulated levels of interleukin 6 (IL-6), IL-1β, tumor necrosis factor α, interferon γ, IL-10, IL-8, macrophage inflammatory protein 1α (MIP1α), and 1β (MIP1β), and higher stimulated levels of IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, MIP1α and MIP1β, along with lower unstimulated and stimulated levels of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) when compared with NT2D (p<0.05). Importantly, the LPS-induced levels of IL-6, IL-8, IL-10 and MIP1α strongly correlated with severity of disease, measured by pocket depths (PD), within the T2D group (r2≥0.7, p<0.05), but not within NT2D.ConclusionsAmong patients with chronic periodontitis, patients with T2D seem to have an enhanced LPS-induced immune responsiveness than individuals without diabetes, which correlates with periodontal disease severity, concomitant with a less robust GM-CSF response. This data may in part explain the higher predisposition to periodontitis in this population.
Self-reported knowledge on diabetes and its related factors among Chinese college students: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Xu Ying , Zhang Dongdong , Liu Kaiqian , Guo Yanfang , Yang Yi 
Published: September 2016

ObjectivesAn increasing trend in the prevalence of type 2 diabetes has been observed among youths; however, little is known about how informed young people are of its existence and dangers. This study is to assess the level of knowledge on type 2 diabetes among Chinese college students and to explore related factors influencing the knowledge.SettingA cross-sectional survey was conducted among college students in Guangzhou, China, from September to November 2013.ParticipantsA total of 658 students were randomly recruited using a multistage sampling method and were invited to participate in the confidential interviews.Primary and secondary outcome measuresSelf-reported knowledge on diabetes and its main sources were measured by a self-designed questionnaire.ResultsA total of 521 students participated in this study. The mean total score of knowledge was 13.3±3.44 of 22. Less than 50% of participants could correctly answer the questions about the onset of type 2 diabetes, the adverse effects of sedentary lifestyles, the complications, the therapeutic methods and the monitoring index of diabetes. The factors associated with higher levels of knowledge about type 2 diabetes in stepwise regression models were: being in a high grade, having a better academic performance, having a medical specialty and having relatives or friends with diabetes. Newspapers and books (61.4%), television and the Internet (46.3%) were the major sources of knowledge about type 2 diabetes, and more than half of the participants (55.9%) considered that medical staff was the most reliable source.ConclusionsThe college students had limited knowledge about type 2 diabetes. Public education, especially among individuals with non-medical specialties, a low-level grade, poor academic performance or no relatives and friends with diabetes, would be extremely beneficial.
What is the role of a specialist regional mesothelioma multidisciplinary team meeting? A service evaluation of one tertiary referral centre in the UK
Authors: Bibby Anna C , Williams Katie , Smith Sarah , Bhatt Nidhi , Maskell Nick A 
Published: September 2016

BackgroundMultidisciplinary team meetings are standard care for cancer in the UK and Europe. Professional bodies recommend that mesothelioma cases should be discussed at specialist multidisciplinary team meetings. However, no evidence exists exploring the role of the specialist mesothelioma multidisciplinary team meeting.ObjectivesTo evaluate the clinical activity of 1 specialist mesothelioma multidisciplinary team meeting and to determine how often a definitive diagnosis was made, whether the core requirements of the meeting were met and whether there was any associated benefit or detriment.Design and settingA service evaluation using routinely collected data from 1 specialist mesothelioma multidisciplinary team meeting in a tertiary referral hospital in the South-West of England.ParticipantsAll cases discussed between 1/1/2014 and 31/12/2015.Outcome measuresThe primary outcome measure was whether a definitive diagnosis was made. Secondary outcomes included whether treatment advice was offered, information on clinical trials provided or further investigations suggested. Additional benefits of the multidisciplinary team meeting and time taken from referral to outcome were also collected.ResultsA definitive diagnosis was reached in 171 of 210 cases discussed (81%). Mesothelioma was diagnosed in 153/210 (73%). Treatment advice was provided for 127 of 171 diagnostic cases (74%) and further investigations suggested for all 35 non-diagnostic cases. 86/210 cases (41%) were invited to participate in a trial, of whom 43/86 (50%) subsequently enrolled. Additional benefits included the avoidance of postmortem examination if the coroner was satisfied with the multidisciplinary team decision. The overall process from referral to outcome dispatch was <2 weeks in 75% of cases.ConclusionsThis specialist mesothelioma multidisciplinary team meeting was effective at making diagnoses and providing recommendations for further investigations or treatment. The core requirements of a specialist mesothelioma multidisciplinary team meeting were met. The process was timely, with most outcomes returned within 2 weeks of referral.
Study protocol of a randomised controlled trial of intranasal ketamine compared with intranasal fentanyl for analgesia in children with suspected, isolated extremity fractures in the paediatric emergency department
Authors: Reynolds Stacy L , Studnek Jonathan R , Bryant Kathleen , VanderHave Kelly , Grossman Eric , Moore Charity G , Young James , Hogg Melanie , Runyon Michael S 
Published: September 2016

IntroductionFentanyl is the most widely studied intranasal (IN) analgesic in children. IN subdissociative (INSD) ketamine may offer a safe and efficacious alternative to IN fentanyl and may decrease overall opioid use during the emergency department (ED) stay. This study examines the feasibility of a larger, multicentre clinical trial comparing the safety and efficacy of INSD ketamine to IN fentanyl and the potential role for INSD ketamine in reducing total opioid medication usage.Methods and analysisThis double-blind, randomised controlled, pilot trial will compare INSD ketamine (1 mg/kg) to IN fentanyl (1.5 μg/kg) for analgesia in 80 children aged 4–17 years with acute pain from a suspected, single extremity fracture. The primary safety outcome for this pilot trial will be the frequency of cumulative side effects and adverse events at 60 min after drug administration. The primary efficacy outcome will be exploratory and will be the mean reduction of pain scale scores at 20 min. The study is not powered to examine efficacy. Secondary outcome measures will include the total dose of opioid pain medication in morphine equivalents/kg/hour (excluding study drug) required during the ED stay, number and reason for screen failures, time to consent, and the number and type of protocol deviations. Patients may receive up to 2 doses of study drug.Ethics and disseminationThis study was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration, the local institutional review board and the study data safety monitoring board. This study data will be submitted for publication regardless of results and will be used to establish feasibility for a multicentre, non-inferiority trial.Trial registration numberNCT02521415.
Burn injury and long-term nervous system morbidity: a population-based cohort study
Authors: Vetrichevvel Thirthar P , Randall Sean M , Fear Mark W , Wood Fiona M , Boyd James H , Duke Janine M 
Published: September 2016

ObjectiveTo investigate if children and adults who are hospitalised for a burn injury have increased long-term hospital use for nervous system diseases.DesignA population-based retrospective cohort study using linked administrative health data from the Western Australian Data Linkage System.ParticipantsRecords of 30 997 persons hospitalised for a first burn injury in Western Australia during the period 1980–2012, and 123 399 persons who were age and gender frequency matched with no injury admissions randomly selected from Western Australia's birth registrations and electoral roll.Main outcome measuresAdmission rates and summed length of stay for nervous system diseases. Negative binomial and Cox proportional hazards regression modelling were used to generate incidence rate ratios (IRRs) and HRs with 95% CIs, respectively.ResultsAfter adjustment for demographic factors and pre-existing health status, the burn injury cohort had 2.20 times (95% CI 1.86 to 2.61) as many nervous system admissions and 3.25 times the number of days in hospital (95% CI: 2.28 to 4.64) than the uninjured cohort. This increase was found for those who had sustained burns during childhood (<15 years: IRR, 95% CI: 1.97, 1.49 to 2.61) and early to mid-adulthood (15–45 years: IRR, 95% CI: 2.70, 2.06 to 3.55) and older adults (≥45 years: IRR, 95% CI: 1.62, 1.33 to 1.97). Significantly elevated first-time postburn admissions were observed for children for 15 years postburn discharge (0–5 years: HR, 95% CI: 1.97, 1.75 to 2.22; 5–15 years: HR, 95% CI: 1.44, 1.28 to 1.63) and for adults 45 years and older at index burn for 5 years postburn only (HR, 95% CI: 1.72, 1.42 to 2.09).ConclusionsBurn injury appears to be associated with increased nervous system-related morbidity for many years after burn injury. Further work into the mechanisms and possible treatments to reduce this morbidity are warranted in light of these findings.
Imaging Tumor Metabolism to Assess Disease Progression and Treatment Response
Authors: Timm Kerstin N. , Kennedy Brett W.C. , Brindle Kevin M. 
Published: September 2016

Abstract
Changes in tumor metabolism may accompany disease progression and can occur following treatment, often before there are changes in tumor size. We focus here on imaging methods that can be used to image various aspects of tumor metabolism, with an emphasis on methods that can be used for tumor grading, assessing disease progression, and monitoring treatment response. Clin Cancer Res; 22(21); 5196–203. ©2016 AACR.
Contralaterally Controlled Functional Electrical Stimulation Improves Hand Dexterity in Chronic Hemiparesis
Authors: Knutson Jayme S. , Gunzler Douglas D. , Wilson Richard D. , Chae John 
Published: September 2016

Background and Purpose—
It is unknown whether one method of neuromuscular electrical stimulation for poststroke upper limb rehabilitation is more effective than another. Our aim was to compare the effects of contralaterally controlled functional electrical stimulation (CCFES) with cyclic neuromuscular electrical stimulation (cNMES).

Methods—
Stroke patients with chronic (>6 months) moderate to severe upper extremity hemiparesis (n=80) were randomized to receive 10 sessions/wk of CCFES- or cNMES-assisted hand opening exercise at home plus 20 sessions of functional task practice in the laboratory for 12 weeks. The task practice for the CCFES group was stimulation assisted. The primary outcome was change in Box and Block Test (BBT) score at 6 months post treatment. Upper extremity Fugl–Meyer and Arm Motor Abilities Test were also measured.

Results—

At 6 months post treatment, the CCFES group had greater improvement on the BBT, 4.6 (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.2–7.0), than the cNMES group, 1.8 (95% CI, 0.6–3.0), between-group difference of 2.8 (95% CI, 0.1–5.5),
P
=0.045. No significant between-group difference was found for the upper extremity Fugl–Meyer (
P
=0.888) or Arm Motor Abilities Test (
P
=0.096). Participants who had the largest improvements on BBT were <2 years post stroke with moderate (ie, not severe) hand impairment at baseline. Among these, the 6-month post-treatment BBT gains of the CCFES group, 9.6 (95% CI, 5.6–13.6), were greater than those of the cNMES group, 4.1 (95% CI, 1.7–6.5), between-group difference of 5.5 (95% CI, 0.8–10.2),
P
=0.023.

Conclusions—
CCFES improved hand dexterity more than cNMES in chronic stroke survivors.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00891319.
Impact of a clinical pathway on appropriate empiric vancomycin use in cancer patients with febrile neutropenia
Authors: Vicente Mildred , Al-Nahedh Mohammad , Parsad Sandeep , Knoebel Randall W , Pisano Jennifer , Pettit Natasha N 
Published: September 2016

Objectives Febrile neutropenia management guidelines recommend the use of vancomycin as part of an empiric antimicrobial regimen when specific criteria are met. Often, vancomycin use among patients with febrile neutropenia is not indicated and may be over utilized for this indication. We sought to evaluate the impact of implementing a febrile neutropenia clinical pathway on empiric vancomycin use for febrile neutropenia and to identify predictors of vancomycin use when not indicated. Methods Adult febrile neutropenia patients who received initial therapy with an anti-pseudomonal beta-lactam with or without vancomycin were identified before (June 2008 to November 2010) and after (June 2012 to June 2013) pathway implementation. Patients were assessed for appropriateness of therapy based on whether the patient received vancomycin consistent with guideline recommendations. Using a comorbidity index used for risk assessment in high risk hematology/oncology patients, we evaluated whether specific comorbidities are associated with inappropriate vancomycin use in the setting of febrile neutropenia. Results A total of 206 patients were included in the pre-pathway time period with 35.9% of patients receiving vancomycin therapy that was inconsistent with the pathway. A total of 131 patients were included in the post-pathway time period with 11.4% of patients receiving vancomycin inconsistent with the pathway ( p = 0.001). None of the comorbidities assessed, nor the comorbidity index score were found to be predictors of vancomycin use inconsistent with guideline recommendations. Conclusion Our study has demonstrated that implementation of a febrile neutropenia pathway can significantly improve adherence to national guideline recommendations with respect to empiric vancomycin utilization for febrile neutropenia.
Reducing Surgical Site Infection with Negative-Pressure Wound Therapy After Open Abdominal Surgery: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Study
Authors: Li P.-Y. , Yang D. , Liu D. , Sun S.-J. , Zhang L.-Y. 
Published: September 2016

Background and Aims: Surgical site infection, in particular superficial incision infection, is a common type of complication following abdominal surgery. Negative-pressure wound therapy has been confirmed to reduce the incidence of surgical site infection in various surgeries, but there are few prospective randomized studies into its application to abdominal surgery. Material and Methods: A prospective randomized controlled study was conducted in which patients with abdominal surgery and open surgery were randomly divided into a negative-pressure wound therapy experimental group and a gauze-covering control group. Information about demographic data, type of surgery, surgical sites, incision treatment outcomes, surgical site infection factors, and follow-up was recorded. Results: From May 2015 to December 2015, 71 patients were enrolled in this study, including 33 in the experimental group and 38 in the control group. There were 10 cases of incision complications, all superficial infections, with an incidence of 14.1%. The surgical site infection incidence was statistically different between the experimental and control groups (3.0% vs 23.7%, p = 0.031). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that incision length ⩾20 cm increased the surgical site infection incidence (odds ratio value of 15.576, p = 0.004) and that the application of negative-pressure wound therapy reduced the surgical site infection incidence (odds ratio value of 0.073, p = 0.029). Conclusion: Negative-pressure wound therapy can reduce the incidence of surgical site infection in open abdominal surgery.