bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
“Test me and treat me”—attitudes to vitamin D deficiency and supplementation: a qualitative study
Authors: Kotta Siddharth , Gadhvi Dev , Jakeways Niki , Saeed Maryum , Sohanpal Ratna , Hull Sally , Famakin Olufunke , Martineau Adrian , Griffiths Chris 
Published: July 2015

ObjectiveLay interest in vitamin D and the potential benefits of supplementation is considerable, but little information exists concerning lay knowledge, beliefs and attitudes towards vitamin D to inform public health initiatives and professional guidance.DesignQualitative focus group study.Participants58 adults capturing diversity in disease status, gender, age and ethnicity.SettingA large general practice in east London.ResultsMany respondents lacked knowledge about vitamin D, including dietary sources and government recommendations. Most were positive about sun exposure, but confused by ambiguous health messages about risks and benefits of sunshine. Medicalised views of vitamin D were prominent, notably from those in favour of supplementation, who talked of “doses”, “side effects” and “regular testing.” Fortification of food with vitamin D was controversial, with opposing utilitarian (better overall for the majority) and libertarian (freedom to choose) views.ConclusionsKnowledge about vitamin D was limited. Clearer messages are needed about risks and benefits of sun exposure. Testing and supplementation by health professionals, while potentially useful in some high-risk groups, have contributed to a medicalised view of vitamin D. Health policy should address the public's need for clear information on sources and effects of vitamin D, including risks and benefits of sun exposure, and take account of divergent views on fortification. Professional guidance is needed on testing and supplementation to counter inappropriate medicalisation.
Feedback facilitates transfer of training with US Hispanic workers in a healthcare laundry linen facility
Authors: Lebbon Angela R , Lee Sin Chien , Johnson Douglas A 
Published: July 2015

BackgroundThis study aimed to increase safety knowledge and behaviour of US Hispanic custodial workers in healthcare through a culturally appropriate training and monitoring process.MethodA single-group, repeated-measures, pre-test and post-test design was used to examine training effectiveness across four sets of behaviours with 23 Spanish-speaking workers.ResultsSmall group, lecture-style training in Spanish with pictures and video resulted in significant improvements in knowledge and behaviour. However, additional analyses show that behavioural feedback was the critical component in improving safety behaviour during transfer of training.DiscussionFindings from reaction, knowledge, behaviour and results measures suggest that group training and graphic feedback is culturally appropriate and effective with Hispanic workers. Further investigation is needed to understand cultural factors that facilitate effective development and delivery of safety training and feedback to US Hispanic workers.
ZBTB17
(
MIZ1
) Is Important for the Cardiac Stress Response and a Novel Candidate Gene for Cardiomyopathy and Heart Failure
Authors: Buyandelger Byambajav , Mansfield Catherine , Kostin Sawa , Choi Onjee , Roberts Angharad M. , Ware James S. , Mazzarotto Francesco , Pesce Francesco , Buchan Rachel , Isaacson Rivka L. , Vouffo Josée , Gunkel Sylvia , Knöll Gudrun , McSweeney Sara J. , Wei Heming , Perrot Andreas , Pfeiffer Conny , Toliat Mohammad Reza , Ilieva Kristina , Krysztofinska Ewelina , López-Olañeta Marina M. , Gómez-Salinero Jesús M. , Schmidt Albrecht , Ng Keat-Eng , Teucher Niels , Chen Ju , Teichmann Martin , Eilers Martin , Haverkamp Wilhelm , Regitz-Zagrosek Vera , Hasenfuss Gerd , Braun Thomas , Pennell Dudley J. , Gould Ian , Barton Paul J.R. , Lara-Pezzi Enrique , Schäfer Sebastian , Hübner Norbert , Felkin Leanne E. , O’Regan Declan P. , Brand Thomas , Milting Hendrik , Nürnberg Peter , Schneider Michael D. , Prasad Sanjay , Petretto Enrico , Knöll Ralph 
Published: July 2015

Background—
Mutations in sarcomeric and cytoskeletal proteins are a major cause of hereditary cardiomyopathies, but our knowledge remains incomplete as to how the genetic defects execute their effects.

Methods and Results—

We used cysteine and glycine-rich protein 3, a known cardiomyopathy gene, in a yeast 2-hybrid screen and identified zinc-finger and BTB domain-containing protein 17 (
ZBTB17
) as a novel interacting partner.
ZBTB17
is a transcription factor that contains the peak association signal (rs10927875) at the replicated 1p36 cardiomyopathy locus.
ZBTB17
expression protected cardiac myocytes from apoptosis in vitro and in a mouse model with cardiac myocyte–specific deletion of
Zbtb17
, which develops cardiomyopathy and fibrosis after biomechanical stress.
ZBTB17
also regulated cardiac myocyte hypertrophy in vitro and in vivo in a calcineurin-dependent manner.

Conclusions—

We revealed new functions for
ZBTB17
in the heart, a transcription factor that may play a role as a novel cardiomyopathy gene.
Carvedilol Compared With Metoprolol Succinate in the Treatment and Prognosis of Patients With Stable Chronic Heart Failure
Authors: Fröhlich Hanna , Zhao Jingting , Täger Tobias , Cebola Rita , Schellberg Dieter , Katus Hugo A. , Grundtvig Morten , Hole Torstein , Atar Dan , Agewall Stefan , Frankenstein Lutz 
Published: July 2015

Background—
β-Blockers exert a prognostic benefit in the treatment of chronic heart failure. Their pharmacological properties vary. The only substantial comparative trial to date—the Carvedilol or Metoprolol European Trial—has compared carvedilol with short-acting metoprolol tartrate at different dose equivalents. We therefore addressed the relative efficacy of equal doses of carvedilol and metoprolol succinate on survival in multicenter hospital outpatients with chronic heart failure.

Methods and Results—

Four thousand sixteen patients with stable systolic chronic heart failure who were using either carvedilol or metoprolol succinate were identified in the Norwegian Heart Failure Registry and The Heart Failure Registry of the University of Heidelberg, Germany. Patients were individually matched on both the dose equivalents and the respective propensity scores for β-blocker treatment. During a follow-up for 17 672 patient-years, it was found that 304 (27.2%) patients died in the carvedilol group and 1066 (36.8%) in the metoprolol group. In a univariable analysis of the general sample, metoprolol therapy was associated with higher mortality compared with carvedilol therapy (hazard ratio, 1.49; 95% confidence interval, 1.31–1.69;
P
<0.001). This difference was not seen after multivariable adjustment (hazard ratio, 0.93; 95% confidence interval, 0.57–1.50;
P
=0.75) and adjustment for propensity score and dose equivalents (hazard ratio, 1.06; 95% confidence interval, 0.94–1.20;
P
=0.36) or in the propensity and dose equivalent–matched sample (hazard ratio, 1.00; 95% confidence interval, 0.82–1.23;
P
=0.99). These results were essentially unchanged for all prespecified subgroups.

Conclusions—
In outpatients with chronic heart failure, no conclusive association between all-cause mortality and treatment with carvedilol or metoprolol succinate was observed after either multivariable adjustment or multilevel propensity score matching.
Association of Physical Activity or Fitness With Incident Heart Failure
Authors: Echouffo-Tcheugui Justin B. , Butler Javed , Yancy Clyde W. , Fonarow Gregg C. 
Published: July 2015

Background—
Previous studies have shown that high levels of physical activity are associated with lower risk of risk factors for heart failure (HF), such as coronary heart disease, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus. However, the effects of physical activity or fitness on the incidence of HF remain unclear.

Methods and Results—

MEDLINE and EMBASE were systematically searched until November 30, 2014. Prospective cohort studies reporting measures of the association of physical activity (n=10) or fitness (n=2) with incident HF were included. Extracted effect estimates from the eligible studies were pooled using a random-effects model meta-analysis, with heterogeneity assessed with the
I
2
statistic. Ten cohort studies on physical activity eligible for meta-analysis included a total of 282 889 participants followed for 7 to 30 years. For the physical activity studies, maximum versus minimal amount of physical activity groups were used for analyses; with a total number of participants (n=165 695). The pooled relative risk (95% confidence interval [CI]) for HF among those with a regular exercise pattern was 0.72 (95% CI, 0.67–0.79). Findings were similar for men (0.71 [95% CI, 0.61–0.83]) and women (0.72 [95% CI, 0.67–0.77]) and by type of exercise. There was no evidence of publication bias (
P
value for Egger test=0.34). The pooled associated effect of physical fitness on incident HF was 0.79 (95% CI, 0.75–0.83) for each unit increase in metabolic equivalent of oxygen consumption.

Conclusions—
Published literature support a significant association between increased physical activity or fitness and decreased incidence of HF.
First Ischemic Stroke in Sickle-Cell Disease
Authors: Calvet David , Bernaudin Françoise , Gueguen Antoine , Hosseini Hassan , Habibi Anoosha , Galactéros Frédéric , Bartolucci Pablo 
Published: July 2015

Background and Purpose—
There is little evidence about characteristics of ischemic stroke (IS) occurring in adults with sickle-cell disease (SCD). The objective of this study was to assess characteristics of first-ever IS in adults with SCD and to assess whether they differ from those occurring in child patients with SCD.

Methods—
Adult and child individuals with SCD who had a first-ever IS were identified from cohorts of patients followed up in an adult and a child sickle cell referral center. Mechanisms of IS were determined by consensus meeting from all available explorations using the following predefined classification: Vasculopathy, cardioembolism, other defined cause, and undetermined. Treatment and stroke recurrences were recorded from prospective follow-up performed in the referral centers.

Results—

Twenty-nine adults and 26 children had a first-ever IS; mean age (SD) was 7.1 (4.3) and 32.3 (11.6), respectively. With regard to IS mechanism, vasculopathy was less often the cause of IS in adults (12/29, 41%) than in children (24/26, 92%;
P
<0.001). Other causes of IS in adults were cardioembolism in 7, antiphospholipid syndrome in 1, toxic (cocaine) in 1, and undetermined in 8. Adults with SCD had a higher risk of recurrent stroke (23.1% [7.0–39.2] at 5 years) compared with children (1 recurrence only;
P
log rank=0.046) despite exchange-blood transfusion in patients with vasculopathy.

Conclusions—
First-ever IS occurring in adults with SCD has specificities that justify further studies conducted in adults with SCD to improve understanding and management.
Patterns of Asian Winter Climate Variability and Links to Arctic Sea Ice
Authors: Wu Bingyi , Su Jingzhi , D’Arrigo Rosanne 
Published: July 2015

Abstract
This paper describes two dominant patterns of Asian winter climate variability: the Siberian high (SH) pattern and the Asia–Arctic (AA) pattern. The former depicts atmospheric variability closely associated with the intensity of the Siberian high, and the latter characterizes the teleconnection pattern of atmospheric variability between Asia and the Arctic, which is distinct from the Arctic Oscillation (AO). The AA pattern plays more important roles in regulating winter precipitation and the 850-hPa meridional wind component over East Asia than the SH pattern, which controls surface air temperature variability over East Asia.
In the Arctic Ocean and its marginal seas, sea ice loss in both autumn and winter could bring the positive phase of the SH pattern or cause the negative phase of the AA pattern. The latter corresponds to a weakened East Asian winter monsoon (EAWM) and enhanced winter precipitation in the midlatitudes of the Asian continent and East Asia. For the SH pattern, sea ice loss in the prior autumn emerges in the Siberian marginal seas, and winter loss mainly occurs in the Barents Sea, Labrador Sea, and Davis Strait. For the AA pattern, sea ice loss in the prior autumn is observed in the Barents–Kara Seas, the western Laptev Sea, and the Beaufort Sea, and winter loss only occurs in some areas of the Barents Sea, the Labrador Sea, and Davis Strait. Simulation experiments with observed sea ice forcing also support that Arctic sea ice loss may favor frequent occurrence of the negative phase of the AA pattern. The results also imply that the relationship between Arctic sea ice loss and winter atmospheric variability over East Asia is unstable, which is a challenge for predicting the EAWM based on Arctic sea ice loss.
Assessment of Regional Drought Trend and Risk over China: A Drought Climate Division Perspective
Authors: Li Xiuzhen , Zhou Wen , Chen Yongqin David 
Published: July 2015

Abstract
A combination of Ward’s and k-means clustering was applied to a 3-month standardized precipitation index (SPI-03), and eight divisions of homogeneous drought variation throughout China were identified from the perspective of meteorological and agricultural droughts. A greater meridional gradient appeared over eastern China (six divisions) than over western China (two divisions).
The climate division facilitated the evaluating of not only regional but also widespread droughts. Trend evaluation showed that western north China (WNC) has become increasingly wet in recent decades, while northern northeast China (NNE) has become increasingly dry. The Yangtze River valley (YZ) tended to experience less and weaker drought after the late 1970s. Southern northeast China (SNE) and the southwestern China–Tibetan Plateau (SW-TP) showed a decreasing trend in long-term but not short-term SPIs, implying that long-term drought conditions might develop continuously, thus allowing the following droughts to develop more rapidly and with a stronger intensity. Examination of the drought risk under El Niño revealed that northern regions were likely to suffer from drought rather than flood in the developing phase and the reverse in the decaying phase. Southeastern China (SE) and the YZ were vulnerable to flood rather than drought in the mature and decaying spring, with SE subjected to drought in the decaying summer. Such a distinctive regional pattern of drought risks was closely connected with the abnormal moisture supply patterns modulated by ENSO in different phases.
A Hybrid Global Ocean Data Assimilation System at NCEP
Authors: Penny Stephen G. , Behringer David W. , Carton James A. , Kalnay Eugenia 
Published: July 2015

Abstract
Seasonal forecasting with a coupled model requires accurate initial conditions for the ocean. A hybrid data assimilation has been implemented within the National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) Global Ocean Data Assimilation System (GODAS) as a future replacement of the operational three-dimensional variational data assimilation (3DVar) method. This Hybrid-GODAS provides improved representation of model uncertainties by using a combination of dynamic and static background error covariances, and by using an ensemble forced by different realizations of atmospheric surface conditions. An observing system simulation experiment (OSSE) is presented spanning January 1991 to January 1999, with a bias imposed on the surface forcing conditions to emulate an imperfect model. The OSSE compares the 3DVar used by the NCEP Climate Forecast System (CFSv2) with the new hybrid, using simulated in situ ocean observations corresponding to those used for the NCEP Climate Forecast System Reanalysis (CFSR).
The Hybrid-GODAS reduces errors for all prognostic model variables over the majority of the experiment duration, both globally and regionally. Compared to an ensemble Kalman filter (EnKF) used alone, the hybrid further reduces errors in the tropical Pacific. The hybrid eliminates growth in biases of temperature and salinity present in the EnKF and 3DVar, respectively. A preliminary reanalysis using real data shows that reductions in errors and biases are qualitatively similar to the results from the OSSE. The Hybrid-GODAS is currently being implemented as the ocean component in a prototype next-generation CFSv3, and will be used in studies by the Climate Prediction Center to evaluate impacts on ENSO prediction.
Ensemble Filtering and Low-Resolution Model Error: Covariance Inflation, Stochastic Parameterization, and Model Numerics
Authors: Grooms I. , Lee Y. , Majda A. J. 
Published: July 2015

Abstract
The use of under-resolved models in ensemble data assimilation schemes leads to two kinds of model errors: truncation errors associated with discretization of the large-scale dynamics and errors associated with interactions with subgrid scales. Multiplicative and additive covariance inflation can be used to account for model errors in ensemble Kalman filters, but they do not reduce the model error. Truncation errors can be reduced by increasing the accuracy of the numerical discretization of the large-scale dynamics, and subgrid-scale parameterizations can reduce errors associated with subgrid-scale interactions. Stochastic subgrid-scale parameterizations both reduce the model error and inflate the ensemble spread, so their effectiveness in ensemble assimilation schemes can be gauged by comparing with covariance inflation techniques. The effects of covariance inflation, stochastic parameterizations, and model numerics in two-layer periodic quasigeostrophic turbulence are compared on an f plane and on a β plane. The stochastic backscatter schemes used here model backscatter in the inverse cascade regime of quasigeostrophic turbulence, as appropriate to eddy-permitting ocean models. Covariance inflation improves the performance of a benchmark model with no parameterizations and second-order numerics. Fourth-order spatial discretization and the stochastic parameterizations, alone and in combination, are superior to covariance inflation. In these experiments fourth-order numerics and stochastic parameterizations lead to similar levels of improvement in filter performance even though the climatology of models without stochastic parameterizations is poor.
Community College Students’ Assessments of the Costs and Benefits of Borrowing to Finance Higher Education
Authors: McKinney Lyle , Mukherjee Moumita , Wade Jerrel , Shefman Pamelyn , Breed Rachel 
Published: July 2015

Objective: The purpose of this study was to understand how community college students assess the risks and rewards of using personal loans to achieve their higher education goals. Method: Interviews were conducted with 12 federal loan borrowers attending a large, urban community college in Texas during the Spring 2013 semester. Results: Findings from thematic analysis of the data revealed that although these students typically viewed borrowing as a last resort, they believed that loans had contributed to their academic momentum and success. However, these borrowers had many misconceptions about debt management and loan repayment. Many of the students expressed a willingness to borrow US$100,000 or more to achieve their educational goals. Collectively, our results suggest that community college students often borrow out of necessity to address immediate liquidity constraints without the requisite information needed to adequately assess the long-term implications of this financial decision. Contributions: Our findings serve as the basis for recommended changes to federal loan policies and financial aid counseling practices that could better protect community college borrowers, and help these students more accurately assess the costs and benefits of using loans.
An occupational therapy intervention for residents with stroke living in care homes in the United Kingdom: A content analysis of occupational therapy records from the OTCH trial
Authors: Sands Gina , Kelly Debbie , Fletcher-Smith Joanna , Birt Linda , Sackley Catherine 
Published: July 2015

Introduction This study aimed to describe the content of occupational therapy delivered in a randomized controlled trial of United Kingdom care home residents with stroke (The Occupational Therapy in Care Homes (OTCH) trial). The trial intervention aimed to maintain or improve residents’ activity levels in relation to personal activities of daily living and mobility. Method A qualitative design was adopted using content analysis to thematically code and analyse the occupational therapy notes of residents in the intervention arm of the trial. Treatment notes comprised of an initial assessment, a goal and treatment plan and a description of activities at each visit. A purposive sample of 50 sets of therapy notes was selected reflecting the geographical locations, care home types and resident characteristics observed in the OTCH trial intervention group. Findings Occupational therapists individually assessed residents’ function and goals. Planning was sometimes client-centred, but not all residents were able to share personal goals. Carers impacted on the success of the intervention. Treatment outcomes in relation to increasing functional activity were noted in some cases, but not always fully realized in this frail population. Conclusion Increasing functional activity is challenging in care home populations; future studies should assess occupational therapy for residents in relation to leisure or social activities.
Gender differences of foot characteristics in older Japanese adults using a 3D foot scanner
Authors: Saghazadeh Mahshid , Kitano Naruki , Okura Tomohiro 
Published: July 2015

AbstractBackgroundKnowledge of gender differences in foot shape assists shoe manufactures with designing appropriate shoes for men and women. Although gender differences in foot shapes are relatively known among young men and women, less is known about how the older men and women's feet differ in shape. A recent development in foot shape assessment is the use of 3D foot scanners. To our knowledge this technology has yet to be used to examine gender differences in foot shape of Japanese older adults.MethodsThis cross‐sectional study included 151 older men (74.5 ± 5.6 years) and 140 older women (73.9 ± 5.1 years) recruited in Kasama City, Japan. Foot variables were measured in sitting and standing positions using Dream GP Incorporated's 3D foot scanner, Footstep PRO (Osaka, Japan). Scores were analyzed as both raw and normalized to truncated foot length using independent samples t‐test and analysis of covariance, respectively.ResultsIn men, the measurement values for navicular height, first and fifth toe and instep heights, ball and heel width, ball girth, arch height index (just standing), arch rigidity index and instep girth were significantly greater than the women's, whereas the first toe angle, in both sitting and standing positions was significantly smaller. However, after normalizing, the differences in ball width, heel width, height of first and fifth toes in both sitting and standing and ball girth in sitting position were nonsignificant. According to Cohen's d, among all the foot variables, the following had large effect sizes in both sitting and standing positions: truncated foot length, instep, navicular height, foot length, ball girth, ball width, heel width and instep girth.ConclusionThis study provides evidence of anthropometric foot variations between older men and women. These differences need to be considered when manufacturing shoes for older adults.