bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A slice‐to‐volume registration method based on real‐time magnetic resonance imaging for measuring three‐dimensional kinematics of the knee
Authors: Lin Cheng‐Chung , Zhang Shuo , Frahm Jens , Lu Tung‐Wu , Hsu Chao‐Yu , Shih Ting‐Fang 
Published: September 2013

Purpose:This study developed and assessed a slice‐to‐volume registration method that integrated three‐dimensional (3D) static MRI volumes of the bones with a novel single‐slice, real‐time radial fast low‐angle shot MRI for measuring the 3D kinematics of the knee.Methods:Multislice 3D images (for establishing bone models) and 2D real‐time images of the knee at five static positions, and 2D real‐time images of the knee during flexion/extension were acquired from three healthy adults. The 3D bone poses, and thus the 3D kinematics of the knee, were obtained by registering the real‐time images to a reformed slice interpolated from the bone models according to theWEMS similarity measure. The ensemble means (biases) and standard deviations (precisions) of the measurement errors of the proposed measurement method, i.e., differences between the 3D images and the registered poses, were calculated across all the static trials of all subjects. Ensemble standard deviations of all the repeated registrations for the dynamic data of all subjects were obtained to indicate the repeatability of the registration method.Results:The ensemble means (standard deviations) of the measurement errors of the femoral poses were less than 0.6 (0.6) mm for translations and −0.2° (1.3°) degrees for rotations. The corresponding values for the tibia were 0.5 (0.7) mm and −0.4° (1.1°), respectively. The ensemble means (standard deviations) of the measurement errors of knee joint poses were less than 0.9 (1.4) mm for translations and −0.3° (1.8°) degrees for rotations. For registration repeatability of dynamic tests, the ensemble standard deviations were all less than 1.2 mm for translations and 1.5° for rotations.Conclusions:With the accuracy and repeatability achieved, and without the use of ionizing radiation and multiple repetitive motions, the proposed method combining the novel real‐time MR imaging promises to be a valuable tool for studying 3D knee kinematics noninvasively.
Colorectal cancer survival in the USA and Europe: a CONCORD high-resolution study
Authors: Allemani Claudia , Rachet Bernard , Weir Hannah K , Richardson Lisa C , Lepage Côme , Faivre Jean , Gatta Gemma , Capocaccia Riccardo , Sant Milena , Baili Paolo , Lombardo Claudio , Aareleid Tiiu , Ardanaz Eva , Bielska-Lasota Magdalena , Bolick Susan , Cress Rosemary , Elferink Marloes , Fulton John P , Galceran Jaume , Góźdź Stanisław , Hakulinen Timo , Primic-Žakelj Maja , Rachtan Jadwiga , Diba Chakameh Safaei , Sánchez Maria-José , Schymura Maria J , Shen Tiefu , Tagliabue Giovanna , Tumino Rosario , Vercelli Marina , Wolf Holly J , Wu Xiao-Cheng , Coleman Michel P 
Published: September 2013

ObjectivesTo assess the extent to which stage at diagnosis and adherence to treatment guidelines may explain the persistent differences in colorectal cancer survival between the USA and Europe.DesignA high-resolution study using detailed clinical data on Dukes’ stage, diagnostic procedures, treatment and follow-up, collected directly from medical records by trained abstractors under a single protocol, with standardised quality control and central statistical analysis.Setting and participants21 population-based registries in seven US states and nine European countries provided data for random samples comprising 12 523 adults (15–99 years) diagnosed with colorectal cancer during 1996–1998.Outcome measuresLogistic regression models were used to compare adherence to ‘standard care’ in the USA and Europe. Net survival and excess risk of death were estimated with flexible parametric models.ResultsThe proportion of Dukes’ A and B tumours was similar in the USA and Europe, while that of Dukes’ C was more frequent in the USA (38% vs 21%) and of Dukes’ D more frequent in Europe (22% vs 10%). Resection with curative intent was more frequent in the USA (85% vs 75%). Elderly patients (75–99 years) were 70–90% less likely to receive radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Age-standardised 5-year net survival was similar in the USA (58%) and Northern and Western Europe (54–56%) and lowest in Eastern Europe (42%). The mean excess hazard up to 5 years after diagnosis was highest in Eastern Europe, especially among elderly patients and those with Dukes’ D tumours.ConclusionsThe wide differences in colorectal cancer survival between Europe and the USA in the late 1990s are probably attributable to earlier stage and more extensive use of surgery and adjuvant treatment in the USA.Elderly patients with colorectal cancer received surgery, chemotherapy or radiotherapy less often than younger patients, despite evidence that they could also have benefited.
Sex work and HIV in Cambodia: trajectories of risk and disease in two cohorts of high-risk young women in Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Authors: Page Kimberly , Stein Ellen , Sansothy Neth , Evans Jennifer , Couture Marie-Claude , Sichan Keo , Cockroft Melissa , Mooney-Somers Julie , Phlong Pisith , Kaldor John , Maher Lisa ,   on behalf of the Young Women's Health Study Collaborative*
Published: September 2013

ObjectivesHIV prevalence among Cambodian female sex workers (FSW) is among the highest in Southeast Asia. We describe HIV prevalence and associated risk exposures in FSW sampled serially in Phnom Penh, Cambodia (Young Women's Health Study (YWHS)), before and after the implementation of a new law designed to combat human trafficking and sexual exploitation.DesignCross-sectional analysis of baseline data from two prospective cohorts.SettingCommunity-based study in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.ParticipantsWomen aged 15–29 years, reporting ≥2 sexual partners in the last month and/or engaged in transactional sex in the last 3 months, were enrolled in the studies in 2007 (N=161; YWHS-1), and 2009 (N=220; YWHS-2) following information sessions where 285 and 345 women attended.Primary outcomesHIV prevalence, sexual risk behaviour, amphetamine-type stimulant (ATS) and alcohol use, and work-related factors were compared in the two groups, enrolled before and after implementation of the new law.ResultsParticipants in the two cohorts were similar in age (median 25 years), but YWHS-2 women reported fewer sex partners, more alcohol use and less ATS use. A higher proportion of YWHS-2 compared with YWHS-1 women worked in entertainment-based venues (68% vs 31%, respectively). HIV prevalence was significantly lower in the more recently sampled women: 9.2% (95% CI 4.5% to 13.8%) vs 23% (95% CI 16.5% to 29.7%).ConclusionsSex work context and risk have shifted among young FSW in Phnom Penh, following implementation of anti-prostitution and anti-trafficking laws. While both cohorts were recruited using the same eligibility criteria, more recently sampled women had lower prevalence of sexual risk and HIV infection. Women engaging more directly in transactional sex have become harder to sample and access. Future prevention research and programmes need to consider how new policies and demographic changes in FSW impact HIV transmission.
Trajectories of recovery among homeless adults with mental illness who participated in a randomised controlled trial of Housing First: a longitudinal, narrative analysis
Authors: Patterson Michelle L , Rezansoff Stefanie , Currie Lauren , Somers Julian M 
Published: September 2013

ObjectivesThis study used longitudinal, narrative data to identify trajectories of recovery among homeless adults with mental illness alongside the factors that contribute to positive, negative, mixed or neutral trajectories over time. We expected that participants who received Housing First (HF) would describe more positive trajectories of recovery than those who were assigned to Treatment as Usual (TAU; no housing or support provided through the study).DesignNarrative interview data were collected from participants at baseline and 18 months after random assignment to HF or TAU.SettingParticipants were sampled from the community in Vancouver, British Columbia.ParticipantsFifty-four participants were randomly and purposively selected from the larger trial; 52 were interviewed at baseline and 43 were reinterviewed 18 months after randomisation.MethodSemistructured interviews were conducted at both time points. For each participant, paired baseline and follow-up narratives were classified as positive, negative, mixed or neutral trajectories of recovery, and thematic analysis was used to identify the factors underlying different trajectories.ResultsParticipants assigned to HF (n=28) were generally classified as positive or mixed trajectories; those assigned to TAU (n=15) were generally classified as neutral or negative trajectories. Positive trajectories were characterised by a range of benefits associated with good-quality, stable housing (eg, reduced substance use, greater social support), positive expressions of identity and the willingness to self-reflect. Negative, neutral and mixed trajectories were characterised by hopelessness (‘things will never get better’) related to continued hardship (eg, eviction, substance use problems), perceived failures and loss.ConclusionsHF is associated with positive trajectories of recovery among homeless adults with mental illness. Those who did not receive housing or support continued to struggle across a wide range of life domains. Findings are discussed with implications for addressing services and broader social change in order to benefit this marginalised population.
Long-term sustained remission in a cohort study of patients with rheumatoid arthritis: choice of remission criteria
Authors: Svensson Björn , Andersson Maria L E , Bala Sidona-Valentina , Forslind Kristina , Hafström Ingiäld ,   on behalf of the BARFOT study group
Published: September 2013

ObjectivesRemission is a widely accepted goal for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) but has to be sustained to arrest joint damage and disability. However, appropriate criteria for the assessment of sustained remission in long-term studies are not established. Therefore, we have compared the disease activity score calculated on 28 joints (DAS28) remission criterion, the Simplified Disease Activity Index less than 3.3 remission criterion (SDAI Cr) and the new Boolean-based set of criteria (Boolean Cr), and assessed the association of these criteria with radiographic and functional outcome.DesignProspective, long-term observational study of patients with early RA.SettingSecondary level of care; six participating centres from southern Sweden; both urban and rural populations.Participants698 patients were consecutively included in the study and 527 remained at the 8-year follow-up visit. Almost all patients were Caucasians, of which 64% were women. To be included, a patient, 18 years or older, had to fulfil the 1987 American College of Rheumatology criteria for RA and have a disease duration of no more than 1 year.ResultsSustained remission was most common by the DAS28 Cr (14%), while 3% met the Boolean Cr and 5% the SDAI Cr, the latter figures increasing to 9% and 8%, respectively, when the patient’s global assessment was excluded. Radiographic joint damage was common but least pronounced in patients in sustained remission by all criteria. Sustained remission was associated with rapid and lasting improvement in function assessed by the Health Assessment questionnaire, irrespective of criteria.ConclusionsThe DAS28 Cr acquired more patients in sustained remission compared with the other criteria. In spite of that, radiographic damage and disability were not worse than that seen by other criteria and the patients’ perspective was preserved. The DAS28 Cr may therefore still be used in long-term observational studies until more accurate criteria are available.
Offering fragile X syndrome carrier screening: a prospective mixed-methods observational study comparing carrier screening of pregnant and non-pregnant women in the general population
Authors: Martyn M , Anderson V , Archibald A , Carter R , Cohen J , Delatycki M , Donath S , Emery J , Halliday J , Hill M , Sheffield L , Slater H , Tassone F , Younie S , Metcalfe S 
Published: September 2013

IntroductionFragile X syndrome (FXS) is the leading cause of inherited intellectual and developmental disability. Policy development relating to carrier screening programmes for FXS requires input from large studies examining not only test uptake but also psychosocial aspects. This study will compare carrier screening in pregnant and non-pregnant populations, examining informed decision-making, psychosocial issues and health economics.Methods and AnalysisPregnant and non-pregnant women are being recruited from general practices and obstetric services. Women receive study information either in person or through clinic mail outs. Women are provided pretest counselling by a genetic counsellor and make a decision about testing in their own time. Data are being collected from two questionnaires: one completed at the time of making the decision about testing and the second 1 month later. Additional data are gathered through qualitative interviews conducted at several time points with a subset of participating women, including all women with a positive test result, and with staff from recruiting clinics. A minimum sample size of 500 women/group has been calculated to give us 88% power to detect a 10% difference in test uptake and 87% power to detect a 10% difference in informed choice between the pregnant and non-pregnant groups. Questionnaire data will be analysed using descriptive statistics and multivariate logistic regression models. Interview data will be thematically analysed. Willingness-to-pay and cost effectiveness analyses will also be performed. Recruitment started in July 2009 and data collection will be completed by December 2013.Ethics and DisseminationEthics approval has been granted by the Universities of Melbourne and Western Australia and by recruiting clinics, where required. Results will be reported in peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations and through a websitehttp://www.fragilexscreening.net.au. The results of this study will make a significant contribution to discussions about the wider introduction of population carrier screening for FXS.
Insights on the effects of patient perceptions and awareness on ambulance usage in Karachi, Pakistan
Authors: Chandran Aruna , Ejaz Kiran , Karani Rabia , Baqir Muhammad , Razzak Junaid , Hyder Adnan A 
Published: September 2013

BackgroundPrehospital care is a vital part of emergency medical care. Countries with decentralised ambulance systems, such as Pakistan, require patient knowledge as to when to call an ambulance and which service to call. Little is known about how patient perceptions of ambulance services affect ambulance usage in most low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). The purpose of our study was to analyse patient perspectives of the ambulance system in Karachi to understand how to improve ambulance use.MethodsIndepth interviews were conducted with 30 individuals selected by convenience sampling representing patients who came to the emergency department by private transport versus one of two of the main ambulance service providers in Karachi.ResultsSimilar to what has been shown in some LMIC contexts, two of the major themes that emerged which affect patient decision making with regard to ambulance use were a mistrust of the ambulance system or providers and a sense of inadequacy of the local system as compared with international standards. In addition, which has not been shown in previous studies, there was a fundamental misunderstanding of the role of ambulance services in the healthcare infrastructure.ConclusionsInsight into the main issues affecting patient decisions to use an ambulance service offers possible targets for patient education that could result in an increase in the proper usage of ambulances and thus optimise outcomes from serious injury and illness in an LMIC context.
The prospective association between childhood cognitive ability and somatic symptoms and syndromes in adulthood: the 1958 British birth cohort
Authors: Kingma Eva M , Rosmalen Judith G M , White Peter D , Stansfeld Stephen A , Clark Charlotte 
Published: September 2013

BackgroundCognitive ability is negatively associated with functional somatic symptoms (FSS) in childhood. Lower childhood cognitive ability might also predict FSS and functional somatic syndromes in adulthood. However, it is unknown whether this association would be modified by subjective and objective measures of parental academic expectations.Methods14 068 participants from the 1958 British birth cohort, whose cognitive ability was assessed at 11 years. Outcomes were somatic symptoms at 23, 33 and 42 years. Self-reported irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) and operationally defined CFS-like illness were measured at 42 years.ResultsLower cognitive ability at age 11 years was associated with somatic symptoms at ages 23, 33 and 42 years. Adjusting for sex, childhood internalising problems, previous somatic symptoms and concurrent psychological symptoms, childhood cognitive ability remained negatively associated with somatic symptoms at age 23 years (β=−0.060, 95% CI −0.081 to −0.039, p<0.01), 33 years (β = −0.031, 95% CI −0.050 to −0.011, p<0.01), but not with somatic symptoms at 42 years. Overall, we found no clear association between lower childhood cognitive ability and CFS/ME, CFS-like illness and IBS. Associations between cognitive ability and somatic symptoms at 23 years were moderated by low parental social class, but not by subjective indicators of parental academic expectations.ConclusionsLower childhood cognitive ability predicted somatic symptoms, but not CFS/ME, CFS-like illness and IBS in adulthood. While earlier research indicated an important role for high parental academic expectations in the development of early-life FSS, these expectations do not seem relevant for somatic symptoms or functional somatic syndromes in later adulthood.
PPO1 Predicting Future Coronary Heart Disease Mortality trends in England and Wales in 2020: a Bayesian age Period Cohort Approach
Authors: Castillo M Guzman , O’Flaherty M , Bandosz P , Capewell S 
Published: September 2013

BackgroundAlthough Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) death rates have halved since the 1970s, CHD remains a major cause of mortality in the UK. Furthermore, population ageing plus recent increases in obesity and diabetes may soon increase total CHD deaths. Future CHD mortality predictions are thus potentially problematic. Our aim was therefore to explore future projections of CHD mortality in England & Wales under conventional but contrasting assumptions.MethodsIn SCENARIO 1, we assumed a conventional counterfactual, that recent CHD mortality rates (ONS, ICD10 codes I20-I25) in 2006 would persist unchanged. The future number of deaths was then calculated by projecting those rates into 2020 population estimates. In SCENARIO 2, we assumed that recent changes in CHD mortality rates would continue. We used a well-established hierarchical Bayesian Age Period Cohort (APC) model, which works under the assumption that variability in incidence data can be explained by age, period and cohort effects. We fitted this model to observed CHD mortality rate trends from 1982 to 2006. We then used the model to predict mortality rates in 2020, and then these rates applied to the 2020 population to compute future deaths.ResultsIn SCENARIO 1 by assuming that 2006 mortality rates would continue at that level to 2020, the number of CHD deaths would substantially increase: +49% in men and +25% women (104,500 total CHD deaths in 2020). In SCENARIO 2, assuming recent trends continued, the APC model suggested that number of deaths would decrease by -48% (95% CI -25%, -64% in men); and -59% (-39%, -73%) in women (36,425 total deaths in 2020, despite a predicted slowing of the mortality decline in groups aged 35-64 years).ConclusionThe decline in CHD mortality has been reasonably continuous since 1982, and there is little reason to believe it will soon abruptly halt, (the dubious underlying assumption of a commonly used mortality counterfactual). By contrast, the Bayesian APC model offers a far more plausible prediction of future trends by simultaneously considering age, period and cohort effects. Therefore, despite population ageing, the number of CHD deaths will most likely halve again between 2006 and 2020. However, CHD mortality rates elsewhere have previously shifted rapidly due to changes in population risk factors. There is thus no room for complacency.
PP13 The Association between Alcohol Calorie Intake and Overweight and Obesity in English Adults
Authors: Knott C S , Shelton N J 
Published: September 2013

BackgroundEpidemiological research suggests that alcohol consumption may represent a sizable risk factor for weight gain, though precise causal mechanisms remain unclear and associations inconsistent. Studies focussed on alcohol units have shown linear and J-shaped relationships, with low intensity alcohol consumption associated with lower levels of obesity.The strength of the alcohol-weight relationship has typically been strongest among men. This gender discrepancy is hypothesised to result from factors including differential drink type preference. While men favour beer, a carbohydrate-rich alcoholic drink, women are more likely to drink wine and therefore consume less energy per unit of alcohol than male drinkers.The role of alcohol calories has been explored little to date. This study thus set out to determine the association between drink-specific alcohol calorie intake and both overweight and obesity in adults in England.MethodsSurvey-adjusted logistic regression models were constructed using data from the Health Survey for England 2006, a nationally representative cross-sectional population survey of the general population resident in private households in England.Alcohol: Alcohol calories were calculated by multiplying each self-reported drink-specific consumption volume by the total number of calories they were estimated by Drinkaware to contain. Alcohol calories were then categorised according to the quartiles of a person’s sex-specific recommended daily calorie intake (RDA): 1–24%; 25-49%; 50-74%; 75%+ .Obesity: Body mass index (BMI) was selected as a marker for overweight (≥ 25 kg/m2) and obesity (≥ 30 kg/m2).Predictors: Risk factors likely to modify the relationship between alcohol calories and BMI were selected a priori. These included demographic variables (age, education, occupation, sex), health and lifestyle variables (physical activity, smoking status), and drink type.Analyses were restricted to individuals aged 18+ who provided valid data on drink type, alcohol consumption volume and BMI (8864 adults).ResultsMean calorie consumption derived from alcohol on their heaviest drink day in the last week equated to the equivalent of 27% of the RDA calorie intake in men and 19% in women. Individuals in the top alcohol calorie quartile had increased odds of obesity (OR 1.65 [95% CI 1.22, 2.22]) and overweight (1.47 [1.10, 1.97]) relative to the bottom quartile. Consumption only of beer was associated with increased odds of overweight and obesity.ConclusionSubstantial calorie intake is derived from alcohol consumption. This intake is associated with increased odds of overweight and obesity. Awareness of alcohol calories needs to be improved.