bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Access to alcohol outlets and harmful alcohol consumption: a multi‐level study in Melbourne, Australia
Authors: Kavanagh Anne M. , Kelly Mary T. , Krnjacki Lauren , Thornton Lukar , Jolley Damien , Subramanian S. V. , Turrell Gavin , Bentley Rebecca J. 
Published: May 2011

ABSTRACTAims  To assess the association between access to off‐premises alcohol outlets and harmful alcohol consumption.Design, setting and participants  Multi‐level study of 2334 adults aged 18–75 years from 49 census collector districts (the smallest spatial unit in Australia at the time of survey) in metropolitan Melbourne.Measurements  Alcohol outlet density was defined as the number of outlets within a 1‐km road network of respondents' homes and proximity was the shortest road network distance to the closest outlet from their home. Using multi‐level logistic regression we estimated the association between outlet density and proximity and four measures of harmful alcohol consumption: drinking at levels associated with short‐term harm at least weekly and monthly; drinking at levels associated with long‐term harm and frequency of consumption.Findings  Density of alcohol outlets was associated with increased risk of drinking alcohol at levels associated with harm. The strongest association was for short‐term harm at least weekly [odds ratio (OR) 1.10, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.04–1.16]. When density was fitted as a categorical variable, the highest risk of drinking at levels associated with short‐term harm was when there were eight or more outlets (short‐term harm weekly: OR 2.36, 95% CI 1.22–4.54 and short‐term harm monthly: OR 1.80, 95% CI 1.07–3.04). We found no evidence to support an association between proximity and harmful alcohol consumption.Conclusions  The number of off‐premises alcohol outlets in a locality is associated with the level of harmful alcohol consumption in that area. Reducing the number of off‐premises alcohol outlets could reduce levels of harmful alcohol consumption.
Platelet transfusions for patients with haematological malignancies: who needs them?
Authors: Estcourt Lise J. , Stanworth S. J. , Murphy M. F. 
Published: May 2011

SummaryThe goal of platelet transfusions is to prevent severe and life‐threatening bleeding in patients with thrombocytopenia. This aim needs to be balanced against the risks associated with platelet transfusions as well as the challenge of maintaining an adequate supply. This review summarizes the recent evidence regarding the clinical use of platelet transfusions in haematology patients, concentrating on the topics that still continue to provoke debate. These include the optimal dose for platelet transfusions and the relative safety of a ‘therapeutic only’ platelet transfusion strategy compared to the use of prophylactic platelet transfusions. The type of platelet product has been the subject of two recent systematic reviews. The results of these reviews will be discussed as well as their implications for current practice.
Effect of ultrasound transmission gel on ultrasound‐guided fine needle aspiration cytological specimens of thyroid
Authors: Lalzad A. , Ristitsch D. , Downey W. , Little A. F. , Schneider‐Kolsky M. E. 
Published: May 2011

A. Lalzad, D. Ristitsch, W. Downey, A. F. Little and M. E. Schneider‐Kolsky  Effect of ultrasound transmission gel on ultrasound‐guided fine needle aspiration cytological specimens of thyroidObjective:  To investigate prospectively the diagnostic impact of ultrasound coupling gel on thyroid specimens obtained under ultrasound guidance.Methods:  Patients presenting for ultrasound‐guided fine needle aspiration (USG‐FNA) of the thyroid were invited to participate in the study. Four specimens per nodule were collected: two using chlorhexdine wash and two using sterile, colourless ultrasound gel as couplant according to routine protocol. All slides were analysed in a blinded fashion by two senior cytologists for the presence or absence of ultrasound gel‐induced artefacts. The presence of gel‐induced artefacts between the two groups was analyzed using Pearson’s chi‐square test. Kappa statistics were used to measure the inter‐rater agreement between the cytologists.Results:  Twenty thyroid nodules comprising 80 specimen slides were collected. On slides collected with gel, cytological artefacts were detected in 60–65% of cases compared with 10–15% of cases without gel (P < 0.001). The inter‐rater agreement between the two observers was very good (κ = 0.84). Two of the 14 patients required repeat FNA due to non‐diagnostic cytology results caused by inadequate sampling and gel‐induced artefacts.Conclusions:  Clinical cytopathologists, radiologists and sonographers should be aware of the potential for ultrasound gel to cause significant artefacts on cytological specimens. Our findings suggest that staff involved in USG‐FNA cytology should remove the gel carefully before taking the aspirate.
Depressive symptoms predict mortality in elderly subjects with chronic heart failure
Authors: Testa Gianluca , Cacciatore Francesco , Galizia Gianluigi , Della‐Morte David , Mazzella Francesca , Gargiulo Gaetano , Langellotto Assunta , Raucci Carolina , Ferrara Nicola , Rengo Franco , Abete Pasquale 
Published: May 2011

Eur J Clin Invest 2011; 41 (12): 1310–1317AbstractBackground  Chronic heart failure (CHF) is characterized by a high mortality in the elderly. Moreover, depression status is also related to poor prognosis in advancing age. Thus, we sought to determine whether depressive status predicts long‐term mortality in subject with or without CHF.Methods and results  Long‐term mortality after 12‐year follow‐up in 125 elderly subjects with CHF and 1143 elderly subjects without CHF was studied. Depression was evaluated using the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), and all subjects were stratified in tertiles according to GDS score (0–10, 11–20 and 21–30). With increasing GDS score, long‐term mortality at the end of follow‐up increased from 43·4% to 72·0% in subjects without (P < 0·001) and from 52·6% to 83·9% in subjects with (P < 0·007) CHF. In multivariate analysis, GDS appeared to be predictive of long‐term mortality in the absence (Hazard ratio = 1·01; confidence interval 95% 1·00–1·05; P = 0·04) and, even more, in the presence of CHF (Hazard ratio = 1·08; confidence interval 95% 1·01–1·15; P < 0·01).Conclusions  Depression symptoms predict long‐term mortality in elderly subjects without and, even more, with CHF. Thus, depression can be considered a strong predictor of death in CHF elderly subjects.
Predominant role of obesity/insulin resistance in oxidative stress development
Authors: D’Archivio Massimo , Annuzzi Giovanni , Varì Rosaria , Filesi Carmelina , Giacco Rosalba , Scazzocchio Beatrice , Santangelo Carmela , Giovannini Claudio , Rivellese Angela A. , Masella Roberta 
Published: May 2011

Eur J Clin Invest 2012; 42 (1): 70–78AbstractBackground  Hyperlipidaemia, hyperglycaemia and hyperinsulinaemia, hallmarks of the postprandial state, have been also associated with increased oxidative stress and lipoprotein oxidation contributing to vascular injury and atherosclerosis. However, the specific links among metabolic disorders, postprandial state, insulin resistance and oxidative stress are still to be clarified. This study aimed at investigating the individual role played by obesity, insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes in the occurrence of fasting and postprandial oxidative stress.Design  Biomarkers of oxidative stress [F2‐isoprostanes and circulating oxidized low‐density lipoproteins (LDL)], LDL oxidability (conjugated diene kinetic, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARs) formation and electronegativity increase) and antioxidant vitamins (β‐carotene, α‐tocopherol and retinol) were evaluated at fasting and 6 h after a standard fat‐rich meal in 10 obese diabetic (ObD), 11 obese and 11 normal‐weight control men. Insulin sensitivity was evaluated by euglycaemic hyperinsulinaemic clamp.Results  ObD and obese subjects, characterized by a similar level of adiposity and insulin resistance, showed higher urinary F2‐isoprostanes and circulating oxidized LDL, an increased susceptibility to oxidation of plasma LDL (lower lag phase, higher TBARs formation, and higher relative electrophoretic mobility), and lower plasma content of β‐carotene and retinol than control subjects, both at fasting and after the test meal.Conclusions  Obesity and insulin resistance, more than type 2 diabetes, play the most relevant role in oxidative stress development. The correction of obesity and insulin resistance might be a useful strategy in counteracting systemic oxidative stress.
Testicular biopsy for early cancer detection – objectives, technique and controversies
Authors: Dieckmann K.‐P. , Kulejewski M. , Heinemann V. , Loy V. 
Published: May 2011

SummaryThis review highlights the usefulness of testicular biopsy for early detection of testicular germ cell tumour (GCT). GCT develops through a precursor stage, called testicular intraepithelial neoplasia (TIN; also called intratubular germ cell neoplasia or carcinoma in situ, CIS), which is present many years before invasive malignancy occurs. TIN/CIS is safely detected histologically. TIN is usually widely but non‐randomly distributed within the testicle, thus, a biopsy of 3 mm size usually indicates the presence of TIN. Surgically, testicular biopsy should be performed at the cranial pole. Two‐site biopsies provide an 18% diagnostic yield over single biopsy. Surgical complications occur in about 2.8%, most of which are managed conservatively. Serial scrotal imaging studies after biopsies revealed significant early changes. Eighteen months thereafter, less than 5% of cases have changes detectable. False‐negative biopsies are extremely rare. Biopsy also provides information regarding spermatogenesis. In case of diagnosis of TIN, orchiectomy is rarely required. Low‐dose radiotherapy eradicates TIN. In conclusion, testicular biopsy is useful in patients with unilateral GCT to explore the opposite testis, and in patients with retroperitoneal GCT to look for occult testicular primary. Further candidates for biopsy are selected patients with sonographic testicular microlithiasis. Despite its usefulness, the procedure has been implemented in clinical routine only in few countries thus far.
Predictors of exercise frequency in breast cancer survivors in Taiwan
Authors: Hsu Hsin‐Tien , Dodd Marylin J , Guo Su‐Er , Lee Kathryn A , Hwang Shiow‐Li , Lai Yu‐Hung 
Published: May 2011

Aim.  To apply social cognitive theory to elucidate factors that motivate change in exercise frequency in breast cancer survivors during the six months after completing cancer treatment.Background.  Exercise is now a well‐recognised quality‐of‐life intervention in breast cancer survivors. However, only regular exercise yields long‐term benefits. Motivations for exercise have not been analysed in Taiwan patients with cancer.Design.  A prospective, longitudinal and repeated measures design was used.Methods.  A convenience sample of 196 breast cancer survivors was recruited from hospitals in metropolitan areas of north and south Taiwan. Study participants were allowed to select their preferred exercised activities. Exercise behaviour and other factors were then recorded using various standardised instruments. Medical charts were also reviewed. Data were analysed by a linear mixed model and by hierarchical multiple regression equations.Results.  Exercise frequency significantly changed over time. Explained variance in exercise frequency change was modest. Baseline exercise frequency was the best significant predictor of exercise frequency during the six‐month study. The study also identified possible age‐related differences in the effect of social support on exercise. The effect of social support for exercise on exercise frequency was apparently larger in older subjects, especially those over 40 years old, than in younger subjects. Mental health, exercise barriers and exercise outcome expectancy significantly contributed to change in exercise frequency during the six‐month study.Conclusions.  The analytical results revealed several ways to increase exercise frequency in breast cancer survivors: (1) encourage exercise as early as possible; (2) improve health status and provide social support for exercise, especially in women aged 40 years or older; (3) reduce exercise barriers and promote mental health; (4) reinforce self‐efficacy and positive expectations of exercise outcomes and (5) provide strategies for minimising fatigue in early stages of rehabilitation.Relevance to clinical practice.  Social cognitive theory provides a useful framework for understanding the motivation to exercise in breast cancer survivors.
Prospective observational study of postoperative epidural analgesia for major abdominal surgery
Authors: Duncan Fiona 
Published: May 2011

Aims.  To describe the incidence and intensity of pain, hypotension and other epidural‐related side‐effects after major abdominal surgery and to identify factors associated with effective epidural analgesia.Background.  Evidence exists that up to 30% of patients with epidural analgesia still experience severe pain in clinical practice. When epidurals produce good pain relief, potentially harmful side effects can result.Methods.  Data were collected prospectively from 480 consecutive general surgical patients in a large District General Hospital in the UK.Results.  Fifty‐six per cent of patients were hypotensive on day one. Low pain scores were found to be a predicator for postoperative hypotension. Severe pain was associated with emergency patients, male gender, the absence of hypotension and an epidural that did not continue until planned removal. Significantly lower mean pain scores were found in patients who were 70 years of age and over. No correlation exists between chronic pain before surgery and the level of postoperative pain.Conclusion.  This study contributes to the epidural versus standard analgesia debate by describing the population in whom epidurals are used and identifies factors associated with both the success and failure of the technique in everyday practice. The Audit Commission has proposed a standard whereby less than 5% of patients should suffer severe pain following surgery. This may prove to be an unrealistic goal with currently available techniques.Relevance to clinical practice.  As it is ward nursing staff who are primarily responsible for monitoring the effectiveness of the technique, it is important for nursing professionals to know the potential risks of postoperative epidural analgesia to be able to respond appropriately. The important measurements of an optimum acute pain assessment have been identified, based on the study results, allowing the development of a national acute pain registry to inform future practice.
Agreement between child and parent reports of 10‐ to 12‐year‐old children’s meal pattern and intake of snack foods
Authors: Persson Osowski C. , Fjellström C. , Olsson U. , Göranzon H. 
Published: May 2011

AbstractBackground:  Dietary assessment in children is associated with misreporting, which is a problem with both child and parent reports. Therefore, it is of interest to study how children and parents report children’s eating, respectively, although comparative studies are rare. The aim of the present article was to study the meal patterns and intake of certain snack foods of 10‐ to 12‐year‐old children as reported by the children and their parents, respectively, and to determine whether there was agreement between the child and parent reports. An additional aim was to study what factors might influence rater agreement.Methods:  School children aged 10–12 years and their parents were given parallel questionnaires regarding the children’s meal pattern. Matched pairs (n = 147) were analysed for agreement. Descriptive statistics were used to study all variables. Rater agreement and whether agreement depends on the age and the sex of the child, the sex of the parent and household type were analysed using ordinal regression models. Correlations between the child and parent assessments were estimated as polychoric correlations.Results:  There was a general agreement between child and parent reports, except with respect to sweets and chocolate, where children reported less frequent consumption than the parents did (P = 0.0001). The sex of the child was a significant factor regarding consumption of in‐between meals (P = 0.0001) and soft drinks (P = 0.01). Most children had breakfast, school lunch and dinner every day, whereas it was less common to report daily consumption of in‐between meals.Conclusions:  There was a general agreement between children’s and parents’ reports, and most children were reported to have a regular meal pattern.
Neighbourhood socio‐economic characteristics and the risk of preterm birth for migrant and non‐migrant women: a study in a French district
Authors: Zeitlin Jennifer , Combier Evelyne , Levaillant Marc , Lasbeur Linda , Pilkington Hugo , Charreire Helene , Rivera Lucile 
Published: May 2011

SummaryZeitlin J, Combier E, Levaillant M, Lasbeur L, Pilkington H, Charreire H, Rivera L. Neighbourhood socio‐economic characteristics and the risk of preterm birth for migrant and non‐migrant women: a study in a French district. Paediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology 2011; 25: 347–356.Neighbourhood‐level deprivation is associated with preterm birth; preterm birth rates are also higher for some, but not all migrant groups. We studied the impact of neighbourhood characteristics (a deprivation score and the proportion of foreign‐born residents) on singleton preterm birth in the French district of Seine‐Saint‐Denis for women born in France, North Africa, sub‐Saharan Africa and other countries. Multilevel logistic regression models were adjusted for maternal demographic and health care characteristics. For women born in France, the preterm birth rate rose with neighbourhood deprivation quintile (3.8% in the first to 5.7% in the fifth, adjusted odds ratio: 1.40 [95% confidence interval 1.14, 1.72]) and with increasing proportions of foreign‐born residents. Preterm birth rates were not higher in more deprived neighbourhoods for women born outside of France and were lower in neighbourhoods with more foreign‐born residents; in multilevel models, the inverse association with deprivation remained significant for women from sub‐Saharan Africa. Area‐based deprivation measures should be used with caution in populations with large numbers of migrants. These results raise questions about the health benefits of clustering for migrant communities as well as the negative consequences of acculturation.
Consumers’ interpretation and use of comparative information on the quality of health care: the effect of presentation approaches
Authors: Damman Olga C. , Hendriks Michelle , Rademakers Jany , Spreeuwenberg Peter , Delnoij Diana M. J. , Groenewegen Peter P. 
Published: May 2011

AbstractBackground  Public reports about health‐care quality have not been effectively used by consumers thus far. A possible explanation is inadequate presentation of the information.Objective  To assess which presentation features contribute to consumers’ correct interpretation and effective use of comparative health‐care quality information and to examine the influence of consumer characteristics.Design  Fictitious Consumer Quality Index (CQI) data on home care quality were used to construct experimental presentation formats of comparative information. These formats were selected using conjoint analysis methodology. We used multilevel regression analysis to investigate the effects of presenting bar charts and star ratings, ordering of the data, type of stars, number of stars and inclusion of a global rating.Setting and participants  Data were collected during 2 weeks of online questioning of 438 members of an online access panel.Results  Both presentation features and consumer characteristics (age and education) significantly affected consumers’ responses. Formats using combinations of bar charts and stars, three stars, an alphabetical ordering of providers and no inclusion of a global rating supported consumers. The effects of the presentation features differed across the outcome variables.Conclusions  Comparative information on the quality of home care is complex for consumers. Although our findings derive from an experimental situation, they provide several suggestions for optimizing the information on the Internet. More research is needed to further unravel the effects of presentation formats on consumer decision making in health care.
Close to the bench as well as at the bedside: involving service users in all phases of translational research
Authors: Callard Felicity , Rose Diana , Wykes Til 
Published: May 2011

AbstractAim  The paper aims to develop a model of translational research in which service user and other stakeholder involvement are central to each phase.Background  ‘Translational’ is the current medical buzzword: translational research has been termed ‘bench to bedside’ research and promises to fast‐track biomedical advances in the service of patient benefit. Models usually conceive of translational research as a ‘pipeline’ that is divided into phases: the early phase is characterized as the province of basic scientists and laboratory‐based clinical researchers; the later phases focus on the implementation, dissemination and diffusion of health applications. If service user involvement is mentioned, it is usually restricted to these later phases.Methods  The paper critically reviews existing literature on translational research and medicine. The authors develop a theoretical argument that addresses why a reconceptualization of translational research is required on scientific, ethical and pragmatic grounds.Results  The authors reconceptualize the model of translational research as an interlocking loop rather than as a pipeline, one in which service user and other stakeholder involvement feed into each of its elements. The authors demonstrate that for the ‘interlocking loop’ model of translational research to be materialized in practice will require changes in how health research is structured and organized.Conclusion  The authors demonstrate the scientific, ethical and pragmatic benefits of involving service users in every phase of translational research. The authors’ reconceptualized model of translational research contributes to theoretical and policy debates regarding both translational research and service user involvement.