bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Health aid projects have both expanded and constrained the capacity of health facilities to deliver malaria services to under-five children in Malawi
Authors: Dolan Carrie B 
Published: May 2020

ObjectiveThis article examines the potential pathways health aid may use to influence the availability of malaria services at a facility level and the utilisation of malaria services for children under five in Malawi.MethodsThis work is grounded in a health services research theoretical model and combines a subnational census of health services available at Malawi health facilities with individual-level data on health service utilisation and the Government of Malawi’s official source of data about health aid allocation at a child-level (n=2171). Logistic and multinomial logistic models were used to assess the relationship between health aid, malaria service readiness and malaria service utilisation. Models were adjusted for predisposing, enabling and need factors and accounted for the complex relationship using a mediation approach.ResultsThe evidence presented suggests that health aid translates into increased diagnostic capacity, but not overall or training readiness. Results indicate that increasing aid projects in a region boost its facilities’ diagnostic readiness, increasing each facility’s relative likelihood of having a medium level of diagnostic readiness by 12% (relative risk (RR)=1.118; 95% CI 1.060 to 1.179) and its likelihood of having a high level of readiness by 23% (RR=1.230; 95% CI 1.161 to 1.303), but decreasing its readiness to provide training by 8% (RR=0.925; 95% CI 0.879 to 0.974).ConclusionThe results of this research highlight the fact that health aid is working to increase malaria diagnostic capacity at a facility level, but that increasing facility readiness to implement the diagnostic tests has been neglected.
Different suturing techniques in thoracic incision: protocol for a feasibility randomised controlled trial
Authors: Liu Zonghui , Liu Xiangyu , He Lin , Yu Xueyuan , Wang Lu , Wang Rui , He Youcheng , Hao Xiaoyan , Tang Zhishui , Su Yingjun , Shu Maoguo 
Published: May 2020

IntroductionBased on the principles of the ideal skin closure technique, we previously described a suture technique (wedge-shaped excision and modified buried vertical mattress suture (WE-MBVMS)) that could provide excellent outcomes for the most demanding surfaces. However, adequate clinical comparative evidence supporting improved outcomes is lacking. Thus, the purpose of this protocol is to establish the feasibility of conducting a fully randomised controlled trial (RCT) comparing the clinical effectiveness of WE-MBVMS with a buried intradermal suture (BIS) in closing thoracic incision.Methods and analysisThis study is a feasibility RCT of WE-MBVMS and BIS in patients undergoing surgery for costal cartilage harvesting. Seventy-eight participants are expected to participate in the study and will be randomised in a ratio of 1:1 to WE-MBVMS or BIS. Trial feasibility will be assessed by the number of participants assessed for eligibility, recruitment rates, reasons for ineligibility or non-participation, time for interventions, withdrawal and retention at all follow-up points (3, 6 and 12 months), follow-up rates and reasons for withdrawing from the trial. In addition, clinical data regarding the cosmetic results of scars will be collected to inform the sample size for a fully powered RCT.Ethics and disseminationThis study has been approved by The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University Institutional Review Board (XJTU1AF2017LSK-120). The findings will be published in peer-reviewed journals.Trial registration numberChiCTR-INR-17013335; Pre-results.
Study protocol for a cohort study of patients with advanced heart failure in Singapore
Authors: Malhotra Chetna , Foo Renette , Singh Ratna , Ozdemir Semra , Teo Irene , Sim David , Jaufeerally Fazlur , Aung Than , Keong Yeo Khung , Nadkarni Nivedita , Finkelstein Eric Andrew 
Published: May 2020

IntroductioUnderstanding the symptom and health expenditure burden among patients with advanced congestive heart failure (CHF) and their family caregivers is essential to reform policy and practice needed to provide quality care to these patients at affordable prices. The proposed cohort study titled Singapore Cohort of Patients with Advanced Heart Failure aims to describe trajectories of quality of life among patients and their primary informal caregivers, quantify healthcare utilisation and expenditures, assess changes in patient and caregiver awareness of and preferences for knowing diagnostic and prognostic information, awareness and utilisation of palliative care services, preferences for treatments and decision making, perceived quality of care, self-care, caregiver psychological distress and caregiver burden.MethodsThis cohort study will recruit 250 patients with New York Heart Association Classification class III and IV CHF from inpatient wards at two public tertiary healthcare institutions in Singapore. Patients and their primary informal caregiver are being surveyed every 4 months until patients’ death; caregivers are followed until 8 weeks postpatient death. Medical and billing records of patients are obtained and merged with patients’ survey data.Ethics and disseminationThe study has been approved by an ethics board. Results from the study will be disseminated through publications and presentations targeting researchers, policy makers and clinicians interested in understanding and improving care for patients with advanced CHF.Trial registration numberNCT03089034.
Predicting intrapartum fetal compromise at term using the cerebroplacental ratio and placental growth factor levels (PROMISE) study: randomised controlled trial protocol
Authors: Sherrell Helen , Clifton Vicky , Kumar Sailesh 
Published: May 2020

IntroductionIntrapartum complications are a major contributor to adverse perinatal outcomes, including stillbirth, hypoxic–ischaemic brain injury and subsequent longer term disability. In many cases, hypoxia develops as a gradual process due to the inability of the fetus to tolerate the stress of parturition suggesting reduced fetoplacental reserve before labour commences. The fetal cerebroplacental ratio (CPR) is an independent predictor of intrapartum fetal compromise, poor acid base status at birth and of neonatal unit admission at term. Similarly, circulating maternal levels of placental growth factor (PlGF) are lower in pregnancies complicated by placental dysfunction. This paper outlines the protocol for the PROMISE Study, which aims to determine if the introduction of a prelabour screening test for intrapartum fetal compromise combining the CPR and maternal PlGF level results in a reduction of adverse perinatal outcomes.Methods and analysisThis is a single-site, non-blinded, individual patient randomised controlled trial of a screening test performed at term, combining the fetal CPR and maternal serum PlGF. Women with a singleton, non-anomalous pregnancy will be recruited after 34 weeks’ gestation and randomised to either receive the screening test or not. Screened pregnancies determined to be at risk will be recommended induction of labour. Demographic, obstetric history and antenatal data will be collected at enrolment, and perinatal outcomes will be recorded after delivery. Relative risks and 95% CIs will be reported for the primary outcome. Regression techniques will be used to examine the influence of prognostic factors on the primary and secondary outcomes.Ethics and disseminationThis study has been reviewed and approved by the Mater Human Research Ethics Committee (Reference: HREC EC00332) and will follow the principles of Good Clinical Practice. The study results will be disseminated at national and international conferences and published in peer-reviewed journals.Trial registration numberACTRN12616001009404; Pre-results.
Quantity of opioids consumed following an emergency department visit for acute pain: a Canadian prospective cohort study
Authors: Daoust Raoul , Paquet Jean , Cournoyer Alexis , Piette Éric , Morris Judy , Gosselin Sophie , Émond Marcel , Lavigne Gilles , Lee Jacques , Chauny Jean-Marc 
Published: May 2020

ObjectivesPrescription opioid diversion is a significant contributor to the opioid misuse epidemic. We examined the quantity of opioids consumed by emergency department (ED) discharged patients after treatment for an acute pain condition (musculoskeletal, fracture, renal colic, abdominal pain and other), and the percentage of unused opioids available for potential misuse.DesignProspective cohort study.SettingTertiary care trauma centre academic hospital.ParticipantsA convenience sample of patients ≥18 years who visited the ED for an acute pain condition (≤2 weeks) and were discharged with an opioid prescription. Patients completed a 14-day paper diary of daily pain medication use. To reduce lost to follow-up, participants also responded to standardised phone interview questions about their previous 14-day pain medication use.OutcomesQuantity of morphine 5 mg tablets (or equivalent) prescribed, consumed and unused during a 14-day follow-up. Quantity of opioids to adequately supply 80% of patients for 2 weeks and 95% of patients for the first 3 days was also calculated.ResultsResults for 627 patients were analysed (mean age ±SD: 51±16 years, 48% women). Patients consumed a median of seven tablets of morphine 5 mg (32% of the total prescribed opioids). The quantity of opioids to adequately supply 80% of patients for 2 weeks was 20 tablets of morphine 5 mg for musculoskeletal pain, 30 for fracture, 15 for renal colic or abdominal pain and 20 for other pain conditions. The quantity to adequately supply 95% of patients for the first 3 days was 15 tablets of morphine 5 mg.ConclusionsPatients discharged from the ED with an acute pain condition consumed a median of fewer than 10 tablets of morphine 5 mg (or equivalent). ED physicians should consider prescribing a smaller quantity of opioids and asking the pharmacist to dispense them in portions to minimise unused opioids.Trial registration numberNCT02799004; Results.
Obstructive sleep apnoea and the risk for coronary heart disease and type 2 diabetes: a longitudinal population-based study in Finland
Authors: Strausz Satu , Havulinna Aki S. , Tuomi Tiinamaija , Bachour Adel , Groop Leif , Mäkitie Antti , Koskinen Seppo , Salomaa Veikko , Palotie Aarno , Ripatti Samuli , Palotie Tuula 
Published: May 2020

ObjectiveTo evaluate if obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) modifies the risk of coronary heart disease, type 2 diabetes (T2D) and diabetic complications in a gender-specific fashion.Design and settingA longitudinal population-based study with up to 25-year follow-up data on 36 963 individuals (>500 000 person years) from three population-based cohorts: the FINRISK study, the Health 2000 Cohort Study and the Botnia Study.Main outcome measuresIncident coronary heart disease, diabetic kidney disease, T2D and all-cause mortality from the Finnish National Hospital Discharge Register and the Finnish National Causes-of-Death Register.ResultsAfter adjustments for age, sex, region, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and total cholesterol, current cigarette smoking, body mass index, hypertension, T2D baseline and family history of stroke or myocardial infarction, OSA increased the risk for coronary heart disease (HR=1.36, p=0.0014, 95% CI 1.12 to 1.64), particularly in women (HR=2.01, 95% CI 1.31 to 3.07, p=0.0012). T2D clustered with OSA independently of obesity (HR=1.48, 95% CI 1.26 to 1.73, p=9.11×10−7). The risk of diabetic kidney disease increased 1.75-fold in patients with OSA (95% CI 1.13 to 2.71, p=0.013). OSA increased the risk for coronary heart disease similarly among patients with T2D and in general population (HR=1.36). All-cause mortality was increased by OSA in diabetic individuals (HR=1.35, 95% CI 1.06 to 1.71, p=0.016).ConclusionOSA is an independent risk factor for coronary heart disease, T2D and diabetic kidney disease. This effect is more pronounced even in women, who until now have received less attention in diagnosis and treatment of OSA than men.
Which treatment is most effective for patients with patellofemoral pain? A protocol for a living systematic review including network meta-analysis
Authors: Winters Marinus , Holden Sinead , Vicenzino Bill , Welton Nicky J , Caldwell Deborah M , Lura Carolina Bryne , Weir Adam , Rathleff Michael Skovdal 
Published: May 2020

IntroductionPatellofemoral pain (PFP) affects 1 in every 14 adults. Many treatments for PFP have been evaluated, but the comparative effectiveness of all available treatments has never been examined. Network meta-analysis is the only design to study the comparative effectiveness of all available treatments in one synthesis. This protocol describes the methods for a systematic review including network meta-analysis to assess which treatment is most likely to be effective for patients with PFP.Methods and analysisThe primary outcome measures of this network meta-analysis are the global rating of change scale at 6–12 weeks, 13–52 weeks and >52 weeks. The secondary outcome measures are patient-rated pain scales at 6–12 weeks, 13–52 weeks and >52 weeks. Completed published and unpublished randomised controlled trials with full-text reports are eligible for inclusion. We will search Embase, PubMed (including MEDLINE), CENTRAL, Scopus, Web of Science, and CINAHL, SPORTDiscus, OpenGrey, WorldCat, conference Proceedings and multiple trial registers for relevant reports. Two researchers will appraise the study eligibility and perform data extraction. Risk of bias will be assessed with the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool V.2.0.Bayesian network meta-analyses will be constructed for global rating of change scale and patient-rated pain. Consistency between direct and indirect comparisons will be assessed. Between study variability will be explored, and a threshold analysis for the credibility of the network meta-analyses’ conclusions will be performed.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval is not required, as this study will be based on published data. The study commenced at 1 February 2018, and its expected completion date is 15 January 2019. Full publication of the work will be sought in an international peer-reviewed journal, as well as translational articles to disseminate the work to clinical practitioners.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42018079502.
How do general practitioners and pharmacists experience antibiotic use in out-of-hours primary care? An exploratory qualitative interview study to inform a participatory action research project
Authors: Colliers Annelies , Coenen Samuel , Remmen Roy , Philips Hilde , Anthierens Sibyl 
Published: May 2020

RationaleAntibiotics (ABs) are one of the most prescribed medications in out-of-hours (OOH) care in Belgium. Developing a better understanding of why ABs are prescribed in this setting is essential to improve prescribing habits.ObjectivesTo assess AB prescribing and dispensing challenges for general practitioners (GPs) and pharmacists in OOH primary care, and to identify context-specific elements that can help the implementation of behaviour change interventions to improve AB prescribing in this setting.DesignThis is an exploratory qualitative study using semistructured interviews. This study is part of a participatory action research project.Setting and participantsParticipants include 17 GPs and 1 manager, who work in a Belgian OOH general practitioners cooperative (GPC), and 5 pharmacists of the area covered by the GPC. The GPC serves a population of more than 187 000 people.ResultsGPs feel the threshold to prescribe AB in OOH care is lower in comparion to office hours. GPs and pharmacists talk about the difference in their professional identity in OOH (they define their task differently, they feel more isolated, insecure, have the need to please and so on), type of patients (unknown patients, vulnerable patients, other ethnicities, demanding patients and so on), workload (they feel time-pressured) and lack of diagnostic tools or follow-up. They are aware of the problem of AB overprescribing, but they do not feel ownership of the problem.ConclusionThe implementation of behaviour change interventions to improve AB prescribing in OOH primary care has to take these context specifics into account and could involve interprofessional collaboration between GPs and pharmacists.Trial registration numberNCT03082521; Pre-results.
Protocol for a longitudinal cohort study: determination of risk factors for the development of first venous leg ulcer in people with chronic venous insufficiency, the VEINS (venous insufficiency in South Florida) cohort
Authors: Mervis Joshua S , Kirsner Robert S , Lev-Tov Hadar 
Published: May 2020

IntroductionChronic venous insufficiency (CVI) affects up to one-third of the adult population yet venous leg ulcers (VLU), a significant complication of CVI, only affect 1%–2% of adults in the USA. Why some develop VLU and others do not is unclear. VLU have a significant impact on quality of life and are extremely costly and difficult to treat. Moreover, VLU prevalence is increasing, doubling in the last 20 years. In order to characterise the differences between people with CVI and those who ultimately develop VLU, we aim to set up the unique venous insufficiency in South Florida cohort.Methods and analysisSubjects will be recruited from the University of Miami Hospital and Clinic’s vascular laboratory database, which began in July 2011. Any adult age 18–95 who has had venous reflux detected on duplex ultrasound of the lower extremities is included. Approximately 2500 patients are already in the database that meet these criteria, with an estimated 2500 additional potential subjects to be recruited from the vascular laboratory database over the next 5 years. Subjects with a history of VLU prior to the duplex study date will be excluded. Data will be collected via review of the Doppler study report, patient phone interview and review of the electronic medical record. Subjects will be contacted for follow-up every 3 months for at least 5 years until the study endpoint, development of first VLU (fVLU), is reached. In order to estimate the time from reflux documentation to fVLU, Kaplan-Meier survival curves will be constructed. Cox proportional hazard regression models will be constructed to investigate possible risk factors.Ethics and disseminationThis study is approved by the University of Miami’s Institutional Review Board. We hope to present the results of this study to the scientific community at conferences and in peer-reviewed journals.
Integrating nurses’ experiences with supporting behaviour change for cardiovascular prevention into a self-management internet platform in Finland and the Netherlands: a qualitative study
Authors: Beishuizen Cathrien RL , Akenine Ulrika , Barbera Mariagnese , Rosenberg Anna , Fallah Pour Mandana , Richard Edo , Soininen Hilkka , Mangialasche Francesca , Kivipelto Miia , Pols A Jeannette , Moll van Charante Eric 
Published: May 2020

ObjectivesGlobal ageing is linked to an increased burden of cardiovascular disease and dementia, which calls for better prevention strategies. Self-management and eHealth applications are regarded as promising strategies to support prevention. The aim of this study was to explore nurses’ best practices concerning behaviour change guidance for cardiovascular (CV) prevention in order to learn how to optimally integrate them into a coach-supported internet platform for CV self-management.DesignQualitative focus group study in Finland and the Netherlands. Discussions were audiotaped and transcribed. Data were thematically analysed following principles of grounded theory.SettingDutch and Finnish primary care settings.ParticipantsSix Finnish and seven Dutch primary care nurses with experience in CV prevention.ResultsSimilar best practices were found in both countries and comprised of (1) establishing a relationship of trust, (2) managing awareness and expectations and (3) appropriate timing and monitoring of the process of behaviour change. However, the Finnish and Dutch nurses used different approaches for accomplishment of these practices, which was reflected in their recommendations for online support. Both groups emphasised that online support should be combined with human support and integrated into regular care. Finnish nurses had more confidence in patient self-management and remote communication than Dutch nurses, who emphasised the importance of face-to-face contact and preferred to keep control of medical aspects of prevention.ConclusionsDifferences in Dutch and Finnish’s nurses’ practices for supporting CV prevention appear to reflect their local healthcare practices, which should be taken into account when designing internet platforms for health self-management. Including cognitive health as a goal of CV prevention might stimulate motivation for health behaviour change.Trial registration numberISRCTN48151589; Pre-results.
Renal hypothermia during partial nephrectomy for patients with renal tumours: a randomised controlled clinical trial protocol
Authors: Breau Rodney H , Cagiannos Ilias , Knoll Greg , Morash Christopher , Cnossen Sonya , Lavallée Luke T , Mallick Ranjeeta , Finelli Antonio , Jewett Michael , Leibovich Bradley C , Cook Jonathan , LeBel Louise , Kapoor Anil , Pouliot Frederic , Izawa Jonathan , Rendon Ricardo , Fergusson Dean A 
Published: May 2020

IntroductionPartial nephrectomy is a standard of care for non-metastatic renal tumours when technically feasible. Despite the increased use of partial nephrectomy, intraoperative techniques that lead to optimal renal function after surgery have not been rigorously studied. Clamping of the renal hilum to prevent bleeding during resection causes temporary renal ischaemia. The internal temperature of the kidney may be lowered after the renal hilum is clamped (renal hypothermia) in an attempt to mitigate the effects of ischaemia. Our objective is to determine if renal hypothermia during open partial nephrectomy results in improved postoperative renal function at 12 months following surgery as compared with warm ischaemia (no renal hypothermia).Methods and analysesThis is a multicentre, randomised, single-blinded controlled trial comparing renal hypothermia versus no hypothermia during open partial nephrectomy. Due to the nature of the intervention, complete blinding of the surgical team is not possible; however, surgeons will be blinded until the time of hilar clamping. Glomerular filtration will be based on plasma clearance of a radionucleotide, and differential renal function will be based on renal scintigraphy. The primary outcome is overall renal function at 12 months measured by the glomerular filtration rate (GFR). Secondary outcomes include change in GFR, GFR of the affected kidney, change in GFR of the affected kidney, serum creatinine, haemoglobin, spot urine albumin to creatinine ratio, quality of life and postoperative complications. Data will be collected at baseline, immediately postoperatively and at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months postoperatively.Ethics and disseminationEthics approval was obtained for all participating study sites. Results of the trial will be submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal.Trial registration numberNCT01529658; Pre-results.