bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Alport syndrome with bilateral simultaneous anterior and posterior lenticonus with severe temporal macular thinning
Authors: Gupta Vinita , Jamil Mahsa , Luthra Saurabh , Puthalath Athul S
Published: August 2019

Alport syndrome (AS) is a hereditary disease with various modes of inheritance, X-linked being the the most common. Anterior lenticonus is the characteristic abnormality along with perimacular and peripheral fleck retinopathy. Our two cases of AS had simultaneous anterior and posterior lenticonus with severe temporal macular thinning on optical coherence tomography with no specific renal symptomatology and were diagnosed as AS without any invasive renal biopsy. First patient was a 19-year-old man who presented with compound myopia due to bilateral anterior and posterior lenticonus with perimacular fleck retinopathy and lozenge sign and bilateral moderate sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). Second patient was a 24-year-old man who presented with difficulty in vision due to bilateral anterior and posterior lenticonus with bilateral severe SNHL. Our cases emphasise the crucial role of an ophthalmologist in diagnosing AS before the onset of renal symptoms and prompting further nephrological work-up in the patient or the carrier.
An unusual presentation ofLegionellapneumonia in a returning traveller
Authors: Shorten Robert John , Norman Jane , Sweeney Louise C
Published: August 2019

A male patient in his mid-60s presented with a severe pneumonia following return to the UK after travel to Crete. He was diagnosed with Legionnaire’s disease (caused by an uncommon serogroup ofLegionella pneumophila). He was pancytopenic on admission, and during a long stay on critical care he was diagnosed with a disseminatedAspergillusinfection. Bone marrow aspiration revealed an underlying hairy cell leukaemia that undoubtedly contributed to his acute presentation and subsequent invasive fungal infection.
Severe acute toxoplasmosis infection following ustekinumab treatment in a patient with psoriasis vulgaris
Authors: Muslimani Muhammad A , Di Palma-Grisi James
Published: August 2019

A 26-year-old man undergoing therapy with 45 mg ustekinumab (Stelara) for chronic psoriasis vulgaris was referred by his general practitioner to an infectious diseases department for fatigue, fever, night sweating, generalised lymphadenomegaly and unexplained weight loss. Physical examination revealed bilateral occipital, cervical, axillary and inguinal lymphadenomegalies in addition to splenomegaly. Preliminary investigation revealed elevated Plasmodium lactate dehydrogenase and an inversion of the CD4/CD8 ratio. Whole-body spiral CT scanning with and without contrast showed splenomegaly and highlighted supradiaphragmatic and subdiaphragmatic lymphadenopathies. A complete Infectious Disease Test Panel revealed high levels of anti-Toxoplasma gondiiantibodies. Immunoglobulin G avidity was negative. Peripheral blood lymphocyte phenotyping was performed to exclude underlying lymphatic neoplasia. The diagnosis of severe acute toxoplasmosis infection in the setting of immune response modifiers was made. Ustekinumab was suspended indefinitely and the patient underwent monthly serological tests to monitor the immune response until all symptoms resolved and the serological testing was negative for Toxoplasma.
Paediatric severe chronic spontaneous urticaria: successful management through conventional drug therapy
Authors: Poddighe Dimitri , Brambilla Ilaria , Licari Amelia , Marseglia Gian Luigi
Published: August 2019

Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) can occur in children and the clinical management is quite challenging. Here, we described a paediatric clinical case of CSU successfully managed by conventional therapy, including systemic steroids, cetirizine, anti-leukotriene drug and dietary restriction (for histamine-releasing foods). This patient showed neither atopy nor any allergic sensitisation; moreover, the autologous serum skin test resulted negative. This category of patients with no comorbidity and no evidence of atopy might benefit from the conventional drug management; however, a protracted course of steroid treatment with very slow and gradual tapering may be needed. This approach was successful and safe in our clinical case, but a careful follow-up, due to the potential side effects of steroids, should be recommended.
Clinical trial registry use in minimally invasive surgical oncology systematic reviews and meta-analyses
Authors: Fuller Kaleb , Bowers Aaron , Vassar Matt
Published: August 2019

Publication bias can arise in systematic reviews when unpublished data are omitted and lead to inaccurate clinical decision making and adverse clinical outcomes. By conducting searches of clinical trial registries (CTRs), researchers can create more accurate systematic reviews and mitigate the risk of publication bias. The aims of this study are: to evaluate CTR use in systematic reviews and meta-analyses within the minimally invasive surgical oncology (MISO) literature; to conduct a search of ClinicalTrials.gov for a subset of reviews to determine if eligible trials exist that could have been used. This is a cross-sectional study of 197 systematic reviews and meta-analyses retrieved from PubMed. Of 137 included studies, 18 (13.1%) reported searching a CTR. Our ClinicalTrials.gov search revealed that of the 25 randomly selected systematic reviews that failed to conduct a trial registry search, 16 (64.0%) would have identified additional data sources. MISO systematic reviews and meta-analyses do not regularly use CTRs in their data collection, despite eligible trials being freely available.
Gun safety discussions with caregivers: timing and demographic associations in a retrospective study
Authors: Wallace Lacey N
Published: August 2019

This study examined individuals’ recollection of gun safety conversations during childhood, and with whom these conversations occurred. Data were collected using a retrospective survey of 298 college students aged 18–54 from three campuses of a university in the USA. Respondents reported whether they recalled discussing guns or gun safety with a parent, doctor, or school official in childhood as well as what age they recalled first discussing guns or gun safety with this adult. Those growing up in gun-owning households were more likely to report gun safety conversations with parents and to report having these conversations at earlier ages. More affluent youth were more likely to report gun safety conversations with school officials and to report having gun safety discussions with adults in a variety of roles. Few respondents recalled discussing guns with a doctor or paediatrician. Future investigations are needed to assess the content and form of gun safety conversations between children and caregivers.
Real-world comorbidities and treatment patterns among patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease receiving phosphatidylcholine as adjunctive therapy in Russia
Authors: Maev Igor V , Samsonov Aleksey A , Palgova Liudmila K , Pavlov Chavdar S , Shirokova Elena , Starostin Kirill M
Published: August 2019

Objective

Previous research conducted in Russia showed that the number of patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and associated metabolic comorbidities is large. We conducted an observational study to describe the management of NAFLD in patients with metabolic syndrome in Russia.

Design

A total of 2843 adult patients from 174 medical sites across 6 federal districts of Russia with newly diagnosed NAFLD, who had at least one of four comorbidities, namely overweight/obesity, hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and hypercholesterolaemia, and who received phosphatidylcholine (PPC) as an adjunctive treatment to standard care, were enrolled during 2015–2016.

Results

Overall, 2263 patients (79.6%) had at least two metabolic comorbidities associated with NAFLD; overweight/obesity was the most common comorbidity reported in 2298 patients (80.8%). Simple steatosis was the most frequently identified clinical form of NAFLD, diagnosed in 2128 patients (74.9%). Among hypertensive patients, ACE inhibitors, statins, and sartans were most commonly prescribed. Biguanides were administered in more than half of diabetic patients. In patients with overweight/obesity and hypercholesterolaemia, statins were the most frequently prescribed medications. Almost all patients (2837/2843; 99.8%) were treated with 1.8 g of PPC three times per day. PPC therapy was associated with a 90.5% 6-month compliance rate, high treatment satisfaction, and a favourable safety profile. However, almost 15% of diabetic patients and 40% of overweight/obese patients received no further treatment.

Conclusions

In Russia, patients with newly diagnosed NAFLD represent a population heavily burdened by comorbidities, mainly overweight/obesity and hypercholesterolaemia. A significant part of these patients did not receive a comprehensive pharmacotherapy, highlighting the existing unmet need in the current management of NAFLD patients with metabolic syndrome in Russia.
Evidence gap map of performance measurement and management in primary healthcare systems in low-income and middle-income countries
Authors: Munar Wolfgang , Snilstveit Birte , Aranda Ligia Esther , Biswas Nilakshi , Baffour Theresa , Stevenson Jenniffer
Published: August 2019

Introduction

We mapped available evidence on performance measurement and management (PMM) strategies in primary healthcare (PHC) systems of low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs). Widely used, their effectiveness remains inconclusive. This evidence gap map characterises existing research and evidence gaps.

Methods

Systematic mapping of performance measurement and management research in LMICs from 2000 to mid-2018; literature searches of seven academic databases and institutional repositories of impact evaluations and systematic reviews. Using a combination of manual screening and machine learning, four reviewers appraised 38 088 titles and abstracts, and extracted metadata from 137 impact evaluations and 18 systematic reviews that met the inclusion criteria. The resulting visual representation of the evidence base was uploaded to a web-based platform.

Results

Since 2000, the number of studies has increased; the first systematic reviews were completed in 2010. Two-thirds of the studies were conducted in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. Randomised controlled trials were the most frequently used study design. The evidence is concentrated in two types of PMM strategies: implementation strategies (in-service training, continuing education, supervision) and performance-based financing. Major gaps exist in accountability arrangements particularly the use of audit and feedback. The least studied types of outcomes were unintended effects, harm and social equity.

Conclusions

The evidence is clustered around interventions that are unlikely to achieve transformational change in health outcomes. The gaps identified suggest that routinely used PMM strategies are implemented without sufficient knowledge of their effects. Future efforts at redesigning PHC systems need to be informed by evidence on the most effective approaches for using PMM strategies.
Primary health care financing interventions: a systematic review and stakeholder-driven research agenda for the Asia-Pacific region
Authors: Angell Blake , Dodd Rebecca , Palagyi Anna , Gadsden Thomas , Abimbola Seye , Prinja Shankar , Jan Stephen , Peiris David
Published: August 2019

Introduction

Interventions targeting the financing of primary health care (PHC) systems could accelerate progress towards universal health coverage; however, there is limited evidence to guide best-practice implementation of these interventions. This study aimed to generate a stakeholder-led research agenda in the area of PHC financing interventions in the Asia-Pacific region.

Methods

We adopted a two-stage process: (1) a systematic review of financing interventions targeting PHC service delivery in the Asia-Pacific region was conducted to develop an evidence gap map and (2) an electronic-Delphi (e-Delphi) exercise with key national PHC stakeholders was undertaken to prioritise these evidence needs.

Results

Thirty-one peer-reviewed articles (including 10 systematic reviews) and 10 grey literature reports were included in the review. There was limited consistency in results across studies but there was evidence that some interventions (removal of user fees, ownership models of providers and contracting arrangements) could impact PHC service access, efficiency and out-of-pocket cost outcomes. The e-Delphi exercise highlighted the importance of contextual factors and prioritised research in the areas of: (1) interventions to limit out-of-pocket costs; (2) financing models to enhance health system performance and maintain PHC budgets; (3) the design of incentives to promote optimal care without unintended consequences and (4) the comparative effectiveness of different PHC service delivery strategies using local data.

Conclusion

The research questions which were deemed most important by stakeholders are not addressed in the literature. There is a need for more research on how financing interventions can be implemented at scale across health systems. Such research needs to be pragmatic and balance academic rigour with practical considerations.
Characteristics of stakeholder involvement in systematic and rapid reviews: a methodological review in the area of health services research
Authors: Feldmann Jonas , Puhan Milo Alan , Mütsch Margot
Published: August 2019

Objective

Engaging stakeholders in reviews is considered to generate more relevant evidence and to facilitate dissemination and use. As little is known about stakeholder involvement, we assessed the characteristics of their engagement in systematic and rapid reviews and the methodological quality of included studies. Stakeholders were people with a particular interest in the research topic.

Design

Methodological review.

Search strategy

Four databases (Medline, Embase, Cochrane database of systematic reviews, databases of the University of York, Center for Reviews and Dissemination (CRD)) were searched based on an a priori protocol. Four types of reviews (Cochrane and non-Cochrane systematic reviews, rapid and CRD rapid reviews) were retrieved between January 2011 and October 2015, pooled by potential review type and duplicates excluded. Articles were randomly ordered and screened for inclusion and exclusion criteria until 30 reviews per group were reached. Their methodological quality was assessed using AMSTAR and stakeholder characteristics were collected.

Results

In total, 57 822 deduplicated citations were detected with potential non-Cochrane systematic reviews being the biggest group (56 986 records). We found stakeholder involvement in 13% (4/30) of Cochrane, 20% (6/30) of non-Cochrane, 43% (13/30) of rapid and 93% (28/30) of CRD reviews. Overall, 33% (17/51) of the responding contact authors mentioned positive effects of stakeholder involvement. A conflict of interest statement remained unmentioned in 40% (12/30) of non-Cochrane and in 27% (8/30) of rapid reviews, but not in Cochrane or CRD reviews. At most, half of non-Cochrane and rapid reviews mentioned an a priori study protocol in contrast to all Cochrane reviews.

Conclusion

Stakeholder engagement was not general practice, except for CRD reviews, although it was more common in rapid reviews. Reporting factors, such as including an a priori study protocol and a conflict of interest statement should be considered in conjunction with involving stakeholders.
Factors associated with accelerometer measured movement behaviours among White British and South Asian children aged 6–8 years during school terms and school holidays
Authors: Nagy Liana Carmen , Faisal Muhammad , Horne Maria , Collings Paul , Barber Sally , Mohammed Mohammed
Published: August 2019

Objectives

To investigate factors associated with movement behaviours among White British (WB) and South Asian (SA) children aged 6–8 years during school terms and holidays.

Design

Cross-sectional.

Setting

Three primary schools from the Bradford area, UK.

Participants

One hundred and sixty WB and SA children aged 6–8 years.

Primary and secondary outcomes

Sedentary behaviour (SB), light physical activity (LPA) and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) measured by accelerometry during summer, winter and spring and during school terms and school holidays. Data were analysed using multivariate mixed-effects multilevel modelling with robust SEs. Factors of interest were ethnicity, holiday/term, sex, socioeconomic status (SES), weight status, weekend/weekday and season.

Results

One hundred and eight children (67.5%) provided 1157 valid days of data. Fifty-nine per cent of children were WB (n=64) and 41% (n=44) were SA. Boys spent more time in MVPA (11 min/day, p=0.013) compared with girls and SA children spent more time in SB (39 min, p=0.017) compared with WB children in adjusted models. Children living in higher SES areas were more sedentary (43 min, p=0.006) than children living in low SES areas. Children were more active during summer (15 min MVPA, p<0.001; 27 LPA, p<0.001) and spring (15 min MVPA, p=0.005; 38 min LPA, p<0.001) and less sedentary (−42 min and −53 min, p<0.001) compared with winter. Less time (8 min, p=0.012) was spent in LPA during school terms compared with school holidays. Children spent more time in MVPA (5 min, p=0.036) during weekend compared with weekdays. Overweight and obese children spent more time in LPA (21 min, p=0.021) than normal-weight children.

Conclusion

The results of our study suggest that significant child level factors associated with movement behaviours are ethnicity, sex, weight-status and area SES. Significant temporal factors are weekends, school holidays and seasonality. Interventions to support health enhancing movement behaviours may need to be tailored around these factors.
Disparities of infant and neonatal mortality trends in Greece during the years of economic crisis by ethnicity, place of residence and human development index: a nationwide population study
Authors: Siahanidou Tania , Dessypris Nick , Analitis Antonis , Mihas Constantinos , Evangelou Evangelos , Chrousos George , Petridou Eleni
Published: August 2019

Objective

To study trends of infant mortality rate (IMR) and neonatal mortality rate in Greece during the period 2004–2016 and explore the role of sociodemographic factors in the years of crisis.

Design

Nationwide individual data for live births and infant (0–11 months) deaths provided by the Hellenic Statistical Authority were examined using Poisson, joinpoint regression and interrupted time series (ITS) analyses.

Setting

Greece.

Participants

All infant deaths (n=4862) over the 13-year period, of which 87.2% were born to Greek mothers, and respective live births.

Main outcome measures

Evolution of IMR (0–364 days), early (<7 days) neonatal mortality rate (ENMR), late (7–27 days) neonatal mortality rate (LNMR) and post neonatal (28–364 days) mortality rate (PNMR) trends, by maternal nationality, place of residence and Human Development Index (HDI).

Results

By Poisson regression, overall, during the study period, among infants of Greek mothers, IMR and PNMR declined significantly (−0.9%; 95% CI −1.7% to −0.1% and −1.6%; −3.0% to −0.2% annually, respectively), although differentially by place of residence (IMRurban: −2.1%; −2.9% to −1.3%, IMRrural: +10.6%; 7.6% to 13.6%). By contrast, among infants of non-Greek mothers, the low starting IMR/ENMR/LNMR/PNMR increased significantly (max ENMR:+12.5%; 8.6% to 16.5%) leading to a non-significant time–trend pattern overall in Greece. The inverse associations of HDI with IMR, ENMR and PNMR were restricted to Greek mothers’ infants. Joinpoint regression analyses among Greek mothers’ infants indicated non-significant increasing trends of IMR and ENMR following the crisis (+9.3%, 2012–2016, p=0.07 and +10.2%, 2011–2016, p=0.06, respectively). By contrast, the high (+17.1%; 8.1% to 26.9%, p=0.002) IMR increases among non-Greek infants were restricted to 2004–2011 and equalised to those of Greek mothers’ infants thereafter. ITS analyses in preset years (2008, 2010, 2012) identified significantly increasing trends in IMR, LNMR and PNMR after 2012, and in ENMR after 2010, among Greek mothers’ infants.

Conclusions

HDI and rural residence were significantly associated with IMR. The strongly decreasing IMR trends among Greek-mothers’ infants were stagnated after a lag time of ~4 years of crisis approximating the previously sharply increasing trends among non-Greeks.
Patient journey following lumbar discectomy surgery: protocol for a single-centre qualitative analysis of the patient rehabilitation experience (DiscJourn)
Authors: White Louise , Heneghan Nicola R , Furtado Navin , Masson Annabel , Rushton Alison B
Published: August 2019

Introduction

Lumbar discectomy is a widely used surgical procedure internationally with the majority of patients experiencing significant benefit. However, approximately 20% of patients report suboptimal functional recovery and quality of life. The impact and meaning of the surgical experience from the patients’ perspective are not fully understood. Furthermore, there is limited evidence guiding postoperative management with significant clinical practice variation and it is unclear if current postoperative support is valued, beneficial or meets patients’ needs and expectations. This study aims to address the evidence gap by moving beyond current knowledge to gain insight into the lived experiences relating to patients’ lumbar discectomy surgery journey. Results will inform more meaningful and specific care, thus, enhance rehabilitation and outcomes.

Methods and analysis

A qualitative investigation using interpretative phenomenology analysis (IPA) will provide a flexible inductive research approach. A purposive sample (n=20) of patients undergoing primary discectomy will be recruited from one UK NHS secondary care centre. Semi-structured interviews will be conducted postsurgery discharge. A topic guide, developed from the literature and our previous work with input from two patient co-investigators, will guide interviews with the flexibility to explore interesting or patient-specific points raised. Providing longitudinal data, patients will keep weekly diaries capturing experiences and change over time throughout 12 months following surgery. A second interview will be completed 1 year postsurgery with its topic guide informed by initial findings. This combination of patient interviews and diaries will capture patients’ attitudes and beliefs regarding surgery and recovery, facilitators and barriers to progress, experiences regarding return to activities/function and interactions with healthcare professionals. The rich density of data will be thematically analysed in accordance with IPA, supported by NVivo software.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval has been granted by the London-Bloomsbury Research Ethics Committee (18/LO/0459; IRAS 241345). Conclusions will be disseminated through conferences and peer-reviewed journals.
Area level impacts on emergency hospital admissions of the integrated care and support pioneer programme in England: difference-in-differences analysis
Authors: Keeble Eilís , Bardsley M , Durand Mary Alison , Hoomans Ties , Mays Nicholas
Published: August 2019

Objective

To examine whether any differential change in emergency admissions could be attributed to integrated care by comparing pioneer and non-pioneer populations from a pre-pioneer baseline period (April 2010 to March 2013) over two follow-up periods: to 2014/2015 and to 2015/2016.

Design

Difference-in-differences analysis of emergency hospital admissions from English Hospital Episode Statistics.

Setting

Local authorities in England classified as either pioneer or non-pioneer.

Participants

Emergency admissions to all NHS hospitals in England with local authority determined by area of residence of the patient.

Intervention

Wave 1 of the integrated care and support pioneer programme announced in November 2013.

Primary outcome measure

Change in hospital emergency admissions.

Results

The increase in the pioneer emergency admission rate from baseline to 2014/2015 was smaller at 1.93% and significantly different from that of the non-pioneers at 4.84% (p=0.0379). The increase in the pioneer emergency admission rate from baseline to 2015/2016 was again smaller than for the non-pioneers but the difference was not statistically significant (p=0.1879).

Conclusions

It is ambitious to expect unequivocal changes in a high level and indirect indicator of health and social care integration such as emergency hospital admissions to arise as a result of the changes in local health and social care provision across organisations brought about by the pioneers in their early years. We should treat any sign that the pioneers have had such an impact with caution. Nevertheless, there does seem to be an indication from the current analysis that there were some changes in hospital use associated with the first year of pioneer status that are worthy of further exploration.
Effect of computerised cognitive training on cognitive outcomes in mild cognitive impairment: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zhang Haifeng , Huntley Jonathan , Bhome Rohan , Holmes Benjamin , Cahill Jack , Gould Rebecca L , Wang Huali , Yu Xin , Howard Robert
Published: August 2019

Objectives

To determine the effect of computerised cognitive training (CCT) on improving cognitive function for older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI).

Design

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Data sources

PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and the Cochrane Library were searched through January 2018.

Eligibility criteria

Randomised controlled trials comparing CCT with control conditions in those with MCI aged 55+ were included.

Data extraction and synthesis

Two independent reviewers extracted data and assessed the risk of bias. Effect sizes (Hedges’ g and 95% CIs) were calculated and random-effects meta-analyses were performed where three or more studies investigated a comparable intervention and outcome. Heterogeneity was quantified using the I2statistic.

Results

18 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the analyses, involving 690 participants. Meta-analysis revealed small to moderate positive treatment effects compared with control interventions in four domains as follows: global cognitive function (g=0.23, 95% CI 0.03 to 0.44), memory (g=0.30, 95% CI 0.11 to 0.50), working memory (g=0.39, 95% CI 0.12 to 0.66) and executive function (g=0.20, 95% CI −0.03 to 0.43). Statistical significance was reached in all domains apart from executive function.

Conclusions

This meta-analysis provides evidence that CCT improves cognitive function in older people with MCI. However, the long-term transfer of these improvements and the potential to reduce dementia prevalence remains unknown. Various methodological issues such as heterogeneity in outcome measures, interventions and MCI symptoms and lack of intention-to-treat analyses limit the quality of the literature and represent areas for future research.
Cost-effectiveness of physical activity interventions in adolescents: model development and illustration using two exemplar interventions
Authors: Gc Vijay S , Suhrcke Marc , Atkin Andrew J , van Sluijs Esther , Turner David
Published: August 2019

Objective

To develop a model to assess the long-term costs and health outcomes of physical activity interventions targeting adolescents.

Design

A Markov cohort simulation model was constructed with the intention of being capable of estimating long-term costs and health impacts of changes in activity levels during adolescence. The model parameters were informed by published literature and the analysis took a National Health Service perspective over a lifetime horizon. Univariate and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were undertaken.

Setting

School and community.

Participants

A hypothetical cohort of adolescents aged 16 years at baseline.

Interventions

Two exemplar school-based: a comparatively simple, after-school intervention and a more complex multicomponent intervention compared with usual care.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Incremental cost-effectiveness ratio as measured by cost per quality-adjusted life year gained.

Results

The model gave plausible estimates of the long-term effect of changes in physical activity. The use of two exemplar interventions suggests that the model could potentially be used to evaluate a number of different physical activity interventions in adolescents. The key model driver was the degree to which intervention effects were maintained over time.

Conclusions

The model developed here has the potential to assess long-term value for money of physical activity interventions in adolescents. The two applications of the model indicate that complex interventions may not necessarily be the ones considered the most cost-effective when longer-term costs and consequences are taken into account.
Variability in the burden of disease estimates with or without age weighting and discounting: a methodological study
Authors: Egunsola Oluwaseun , Raubenheimer Jacques , Buckley Nicholas
Published: August 2019

Objectives

This study examines the impact of the type of method used on the estimation of the burden of diseases.

Design

Comparison of methods of estimating disease burden.

Setting

Four metrics of burden of disease estimation, namely, years of potential life lost (YPLL), non-age weighted years of life lost (YLL) without discounting and YLL with uniform or non-uniform age weighting and discounting were used to calculate the burden of selected diseases in three countries: Australia, USA and South Africa.

Participants

Mortality data for all individuals from birth were obtained from the WHO database.

Outcomes

The burden of 10 common diseases with four metrices, and the relative contribution of each disease to the overall national burden when each metric is used.

Results

There were variations in the burden of disease estimates with the four methods. The standardised YPLL estimates were higher than other methods of calculation for diseases common among young adults and lower for diseases common among the elderly. In the three countries, discounting decreased the contributions of diseases common among younger adults to the total burden of disease, while the contributions of diseases of the elderly increased. After discounting with age weighting, there were no distinct patterns for diseases of the elderly and young adults in the three countries.

Conclusions

Given the variability in the estimates of the burden of disease with different approaches, there should be transparency regarding the type of metric used and a generally acceptable method that incorporates all the relevant social values should be developed.
Theory-based electronic learning intervention to support appropriate antibiotic prescribing by nurses and pharmacists: intervention development and feasibility study protocol
Authors: Courtenay Molly , Lim Rosemary , Deslandes Rhian , Ferriday Rebecca , Gillespie David , Hodson Karen , Reid Nicholas , Thomas Neil , Chater Angel
Published: August 2019

Introduction

Nurse and pharmacist independent prescribers manage patients with respiratory tract infections and are responsible for around 8% of all primary care antibiotic prescriptions. A range of factors influence the prescribing behaviour of these professionals, however, there are no interventions available specifically to support appropriate antibiotic prescribing behaviour by these groups. The aims of this paper are to describe (1) the development of an intervention to support appropriate antibiotic prescribing by nurse and pharmacist independent prescribers and (2) an acceptability and feasibility study designed to test its implementation with these prescribers.

Method and analysis

Development of intervention:a three-stage, eight-step method was used to identify relevant determinants of behaviour change and intervention components based on the Behaviour Change Wheel. The intervention is an online resource comprising underpinning knowledge and an interactive animation with a variety of open and closed questions to assess understanding.Acceptability and feasibility of intervention:nurse and pharmacist prescribers (n=12–15) will use the intervention. Evaluation includes semi-structured interviews to capture information about how the user reacts to the design, delivery and content of the intervention and influences on understanding and engagement, and a pre-post survey to assess participants’ perceptions of the impact of the intervention on knowledge, confidence and usefulness in terms of application to practice. Taking an initial inductive approach, data from interview transcripts will be coded and then analysed to derive themes. These themes will then be deductively mapped to the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation-Behaviour model. Descriptive statistics will be used to analyse the survey data, and trends identified.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval for the study has been provided by the School of Healthcare Sciences Research Governance and Ethics Committee, Cardiff University. The findings will be disseminated via publication in peer-reviewed journals and through conference presentations.
Study protocol for ‘The Project About Loneliness and Social networks (PALS)’: a pragmatic, randomised trial comparing a facilitated social network intervention (Genie) with a wait-list control for lonely and socially isolated people
Authors: Band Rebecca , Ewings Sean , Cheetham-Blake Tara , Ellis Jaimie , Breheny Katie , Vassilev Ivaylo , Portillo Mari Carmen , Yardley Lucy , Blickem Christian , Kandiyali Rebecca , Culliford David , Rogers Anne
Published: August 2019

Introduction

Loneliness and social isolation have been identified as significant public health concerns, but improving relationships and increasing social participation may improve health outcomes and quality of life. The aim of the Project About Loneliness and Social networks (PALS) study is to assess the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a guided social network intervention within a community setting among individuals experiencing loneliness and isolation and to understand implementation of Generating Engagement in Network Involvement (Genie) in the context of different organisations.

Methods and analysis

The PALS trial will be a pragmatic, randomised controlled trial comparing participants receiving the Genie intervention to a wait-list control group. Eligible participants will be recruited from organisations working within a community setting: any adult identified as socially isolated or at-risk of loneliness and living in the community will be eligible. Genie will be delivered by trained facilitators recruited from community organisations. The primary outcome will be the difference in the SF-12 Mental Health composite scale score at 6-month follow-up between the intervention and control group using a mixed effects model (accounting for clustering within facilitators and organisation). Secondary outcomes will be loneliness, social isolation, well-being, physical health and engagement with new activities. The economic evaluation will use a cost-utility approach, and adopt a public sector perspective to include health-related resource use and costs incurred by other public services. Exploratory analysis will use a societal perspective, and explore broader measures of benefit (capability well-being). A qualitative process evaluation will explore organisational and environmental arrangements, as well as stakeholder and participant experiences of the study to understand the factors likely to influence future sustainability, implementation and scalability of using a social network intervention within this context.

Ethics and dissemination

This study has received NHS ethical approval (REC reference: 18/SC/0245). The findings from PALS will be disseminated widely through peer-reviewed publications, conferences and workshops in collaboration with our community partners.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN19193075
Prevalence and factors associated with suicide among medical professionals in low/middle-income countries: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Rukundo Godfrey Zari , Byakwaga Helen , Kinengyere Alison , Bapolisi Achille Mwira , Betancourt Miriela , Akena Dickens
Published: August 2019

Introduction

A number of studies in low/middle-income countries (LMICs) have reported varying prevalence of suicide among medical professionals with low rates. This may be because of the methods used in suicide assessment and the stigma associated with it. For this study, the prevalence of suicidal ideation, attempt and completed suicide, as well as the factors associated with suicidality and methods used during suicidal acts, will be documented.

Methods and analysis

Studies published in peer-reviewed journals in which the prevalence and factors associated with suicidal ideation, attempt and completion among medical professionals in LMICs will be included. The Cochrane Library (CENTRAL), PsychINFO, PubMed and Embase will be systematically searched. We will search for all the papers available in the databases up to March 31 2019. Methodological quality of the articles will be assessed using the quality in prognostic studies tool. The risk of bias of the articles will be assessed using Cochrane risk of bias assessment tool for non-randomised studies. In the event of no statistical heterogeneity, a meta-analysis of the findings will be conducted.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical permission will not be required since this work does not involve the use of participant data that can be used to identify individuals. Findings from this study will be available for clinicians and other medical professionals, scientists and policy makers. On request, a data set of the study can be provided.

Trial registration number

CRD42018095990.
A population-based retrospective study comparing cancer mortality between Moluccan migrants and the general Dutch population: equal risk 65 years after immigration?
Authors: van der Wal Junus M. , Bodewes Adee , Agyemang Charles , Kunst Anton
Published: August 2019

Objective

To test the hypothesis that cancer mortality rates among the Moluccan–Dutch, the oldest non-Western migrant group to arrive in the Netherlands after the Second World War, are similar to those in the general Dutch population.

Design

Population-based retrospective study.

Setting

Data from the national cause of death registry in the Netherlands and municipal registries.

Participants

Using historic records containing family names of all Moluccan–Dutch who arrived in the Netherlands in 1951, we identified 81 591 Moluccan–Dutch persons in the national cause of death registry of the Netherlands. The reference group consisted of 15 866 538 persons of the general Dutch population.

Outcome measures

Mortality data were linked to demographic data from municipal registries. We calculated all-cancer and cancer-specific mortality and measured differences between the two groups using Poisson regression, adjusting for sex, age and area socioeconomic status. We conducted a sub-analysis for the first-generation and second-generation Moluccan–Dutch.

Results

There was no difference in all-cancer mortality between Moluccan–Dutch and the general Dutch population. Mortality was higher among Moluccan–Dutch for liver, cervix and corpus uteri cancers, but lower for stomach, oesophagus, kidney and nervous system cancers. For most cancers, mortality risk as compared with the general Dutch population varied between different generations of Moluccan–Dutch.

Conclusions

Several decades after migration, the Moluccan–Dutch show similar all-cancer mortality, but different cancer-specific mortality rates, when compared with the general Dutch population.
Intensity and duration of lifestyle interventions for long-term weight loss and association with mortality: a meta-analysis of randomised trials
Authors: Singh Navneet , Stewart Ralph Alan Huston , Benatar Jocelyne Rachelle
Published: August 2019

Objectives

To evaluate the importance of the frequency and duration of lifestyle interventions for achieving weight loss over ≥1 year and associations with all-cause mortality.

Design

Meta-analysis of randomised trials using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines and RevMan software version 5·2 (The Nordic Cochrane Centre, The Cochrane Collaboration, Copenhagen).

Data sources

MEDLINE, CENTRAL, Google and Science Direct databases alongside reference lists of appropriate articles and meta-analyses.

Eligibility criteria

Randomised studies published in English-language journals from 1980 to June 2018 that assessed lifestyle compared with control interventions on weight loss and that included ≥100 subjects and reported weight change and mortality for ≥1 year.

Data extraction and synthesis

Two independent reviewers extracted data and assessed risk of bias. Data were pooled using the generic inverse-variance method and expressed as mean differences (MDs) with 95% CI and OR with 95% CI as appropriate. Heterogeneity was assessed (Cochran Q statistic) and quantified (I2statistic). The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation score was used to assess the certainty of the evidence.

Results

31 randomised trials with a total of 20 816 overweight or obese participants were included. 70% of participants had cardiometabolic risk factors. Body weight was lower for lifestyle intervention compared with the control at 1 year (3.63 kg, 95% CI 2.58 to 4.67) and at 3 years (2.45 kg, 95% CI 1.17 to 3.73). Weight loss at 1 year was greater in studies with >28 compared with ≤28 interventions per year (4.50 kg, 95% CI 3.03, 5.97 vs 2.38, 95% CI 0.78 to 3.98 kg, p=0.001). In all studies, there were 593 deaths (~0.3%/year). The ORs for mortality for weight loss interventions compared with the controls was 0.86 (95% CI 0.73 to 1.02), p=0.09.

Conclusion

In predominantly healthy populations with risk factors, there is a dose response with number of lifestyle interventions and weight loss. Frequent and sustained interventions are needed to achieve a clinically significant 5% weight loss. There was insufficient evidence to reliably evaluate the benefits in persons with known cardiovascular disease or cancer.

Trial registration number

CRD42018095067.
Age-specific and sex-specific reference intervals for non-fasting lipids and apolipoproteins in 7260 healthy Chinese children and adolescents measured with an Olympus AU5400 analyser: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Liu Junjie , Dai Yanpeng , Yuan Enwu , Li Yushan , Wang Quanxian , Wang Linkai , Su Yanhua
Published: August 2019

Aims

Ethnic, demographic, lifestyle, genetic and environmental factors influence lipids and apolipoproteins. The aim of this study was to establish age-specific and gender-specific reference intervals for non-fasting lipids and apolipoproteins in healthy Chinese children and adolescents.

Methods

This study followed the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute EP28-A3c guidelines. Non-fasting samples were collected from 7260 healthy Chinese children and adolescents, and they were analysed using the Olympus AU5400 analyser for: triglycerides, total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), apolipoprotein A1 and apolipoprotein B (ApoB). The age-related and gender-related reference intervals were partitioned using the Harris-Boyd method. The non-parametric method was used to establish the lower limit (2.5th percentile) and the upper limit (97.5th percentile) for the reference intervals. The 90% CIs for the lower and upper limits were also calculated.

Results

Based on the Harris-Boyd method, gender partitions were required for TC, LDL-C and ApoB. Age differences were observed for all analytes. Paediatric reference intervals were established for non-fasting lipids and apolipoproteins based on a large population of healthy children and adolescents.

Conclusions

Previously used reference intervals did not take age and gender into account. These age-specific and gender-specific reference intervals established in this study may contribute to improved management and assessment of paediatric diseases.
Collaborative design of a decision aid for stroke survivors with multimorbidity: a qualitative study in the UK engaging key stakeholders
Authors: Porat Talya , Marshall Iain J , Sadler Euan , Vadillo Miguel A , McKevitt Christopher , Wolfe Charles D A , Curcin Vasa
Published: August 2019

Objectives

Effective secondary stroke prevention strategies are suboptimally used. Novel development of interventions to enable healthcare professionals and stroke survivors to manage risk factors for stroke recurrence are required. We sought to engage key stakeholders in the design and evaluation of an intervention informed by a learning health system approach, to improve risk factor management and secondary prevention for stroke survivors with multimorbidity.

Design

Qualitative, including focus groups, semistructured interviews and usability evaluations. Data was audio recorded, transcribed and coded thematically.

Participants

Stroke survivors, carers, health and social care professionals, commissioners, policymakers and researchers.

Setting

Stroke survivors were recruited from the South London Stroke Register; health and social care professionals through South London general practices and King’s College London (KCL) networks; carers, commissioners, policymakers and researchers through KCL networks.

Results

53 stakeholders in total participated in focus groups, interviews and usability evaluations. Thirty-seven participated in focus groups and interviews, including stroke survivors and carers (n=11), health and social care professionals (n=16), commissioners and policymakers (n=6) and researchers (n=4). Sixteen participated in usability evaluations, including stroke survivors (n=8) and general practitioners (GPs; n=8). Eight themes informed the collaborative design of DOTT (Deciding On Treatments Together), a decision aid integrated with the electronic health record system, to be used in primary care during clinical consultations between the healthcare professional and stroke survivor. DOTT aims to facilitate shared decision-making on personalised treatments leading to improved treatment adherence and risk control. DOTT was found acceptable and usable among stroke survivors and GPs during a series of evaluations.

Conclusions

Adopting a user-centred data-driven design approach informed an intervention that is acceptable to users and has the potential to improve patient outcomes. A future feasibility study and subsequent clinical trial will provide evidence of the effectiveness of DOTT in reducing risk of stroke recurrence.