bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prognostic models for the clinical management of malaria and its complications: a systematic review
Authors: Njim Tsi , Tanyitiku Bayee Swiri 
Published: November 2019

ObjectiveMalaria infection could result in severe disease with high mortality. Prognostic models and scores predicting severity of infection, complications and mortality could help clinicians prioritise patients. We conducted a systematic review to assess the various models that have been produced to predict disease severity and mortality in patients infected with malaria.DesignA systematic review.Data sourcesMedline, Global health and CINAHL were searched up to 4 September 2019.Eligibility criteria for selecting studiesPublished articles on models which used at least two points (or variables) of patient data to predict disease severity; potential development of complications (including coma or cerebral malaria; shock; acidosis; severe anaemia; acute kidney injury; hypoglycaemia; respiratory failure and sepsis) and mortality in patients with malaria infection.Data extraction and synthesisTwo independent reviewers extracted the data and assessed risk of bias using the Prediction model Risk Of Bias Assessment Tool.ResultsA total of 564 articles were screened and 24 articles were retained which described 27 models/scores of interests. Two of the articles described models predicting complications of malaria (severe anaemia in children and development of sepsis); 15 articles described original models predicting mortality in severe malaria; 3 articles described models predicting mortality in different contexts but adapted and validated to predict mortality in malaria; and 4 articles described models predicting severity of the disease. For the models predicting mortality, all the models had neurological dysfunction as a predictor; in children, half of the models contained hypoglycaemia and respiratory failure as a predictor meanwhile, six out of the nine models in adults had respiratory failure as a clinical predictor. Acidosis, renal failure and shock were also common predictors of mortality. Eighteen of the articles described models that could be applicable in real-life settings and all the articles had a high risk of bias due to lack of use of consistent and up-to-date methods of internal validation.ConclusionEvidence is lacking on the generalisability of most of these models due lack of external validation. Emphasis should be placed on external validation of existing models and publication of the findings of their use in clinical settings to guide clinicians on management options depending on the priorities of their patients.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42019130673.
Sex differences in the association between ideal cardiovascular health and biomarkers of cardiovascular disease among adults in the United States: a cross-sectional analysis from the multiethnic study of atherosclerosis
Authors: Osibogun Olatokunbo , Ogunmoroti Oluseye , Tibuakuu Martin , Benson Eve-Marie , Michos Erin D 
Published: November 2019

ObjectivesThis study investigated the sex differences in the associations between ideal cardiovascular health (CVH), measured by the American Heart Association’s Life’s Simple 7 metrics, and cardiovascular disease (CVD)-related biomarkers among an ethnically diverse cohort of women and men free of clinical CVD at baseline.SettingWe analysed data from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis conducted in six centres across the USA (Baltimore, Maryland; Chicago, Illinois; Forsyth County, North Carolina; Los Angeles, California; New York, New York; and St Paul, Minnesota).ParticipantsThis is a cross-sectional study of 5379 women and men, aged 45–84 years old. Mean age (SD) was 62 (10), 52% were women, 38% White, 11% Chinese American, 28% Black and 23% Hispanic.Primary measuresThe seven metrics (smoking, body mass index, physical activity, diet, total cholesterol, blood pressure and blood glucose) were each scored as 0 points (poor), 1 point (intermediate) or 2 points (ideal). The total CVH score ranged from 0 to 14. The CVD-related biomarkers studied were high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, D-dimer, fibrinogen, homocysteine, high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T, N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and interleukin 6. We examined the association between the CVH score and each biomarker using multivariable linear regression, adjusting for age, race/ethnicity, education, income and health insurance status.ResultsHigher CVH scores were associated with lower concentrations of all biomarkers, except for NT-proBNP where we found a direct association. There were statistically significant interactions by sex for all biomarkers (p<0.001), but results were qualitatively similar between women and men.ConclusionA more favourable CVH score was associated with lower levels of multiple CVD-related biomarkers for women and men, except for NT-proBNP. These data suggest that promotion of ideal CVH would have similarly favourable impact on the reduction of biomarkers of CVD risk for both women and men.
Completeness and validity of alcohol recording in general practice within the UK: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Mansfield Kathryn , Crellin Elizabeth , Denholm Rachel , Quint Jennifer K , Smeeth Liam , Cook Sarah , Herrett Emily 
Published: November 2019

BackgroundSince 2010 the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence has recommended screening adults for excessive alcohol consumption to try and help prevent alcohol-use disorders. Little is known about the extent to which these recommendations are followed, and the resulting completeness and validity of alcohol-related data recording in primary care.ObjectiveTo investigate the completeness and accuracy of recording of alcohol use within primary care records in the UK.Design and settingCross-sectional study in the Clinical Practice Research Datalink.ParticipantsWe included all adult patients registered on 1stJanuary 2018 with ≥1 year of follow-up.Primary and secondary outcome measuresWe calculated prevalence of alcohol consumption recording overall and within patient groups. We then validated alcohol consumption data against recommended screening tools (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT)) as the gold standard. We also calculated how prevalence of alcohol recording changed over the preceding decade.ResultsIn 2018, among 1.8 million registered adult patients, just over half (51.9%) had a record for a code related to alcohol in the previous 5 years. Recording of alcohol consumption was more common among women, older people, ex-smokers and those from more deprived areas, who were overweight/obese, or with comorbidities. A quarter of patients had units per week recorded in the last 5 years, but <10% had an AUDIT or Fast Alcohol Screening Test (FAST) alcohol screening test score. The recorded alcohol measures corresponded to results from gold standard AUDIT scores. The distribution of consumption among current drinkers was similar to the Health Survey for England.ConclusionsHalf of adults in UK primary care have no recorded alcohol consumption data. When consumption is recorded, we have demonstrated internal and external validity of the data, suggesting greater recording may help identify opportunities for interventions to reduce harms.
From ‘screen time’ to the digital level of analysis: protocol for a scoping review of digital media use in children and adolescents
Authors: Browne Dillon Thomas , May Shealyn , Hurst-Della Pietra Pamela , Christakis Dimitri , Asamoah Tracy , Hale Lauren , Delrahim-Howlett Katia , Emond Jennifer A , Fiks Alexander G , Madigan Sheri , Prime Heather , Perlman Greg , Rumpf Hans-Jürgen , Thompson Darcy , Uzzo Stephen , Stapleton Jackie , Neville Ross 
Published: November 2019

IntroductionResearch on the relationship between digital media exposure and child development is complex, inconsistent and fraught with debate. A highlighted area of inadequacy surrounds the methodological limitations of measuring digital media use for both researchers and clinicians, alike. This protocol aims to (1) identify core concepts in the area of screen time and digital media use in children and adolescents (2) map existing research paradigms and screening/measurement tools that serve to underpin and operationalise core concepts and (3) provide an initial step in integrating these findings into a consolidated screening toolkit. It is expected this enterprise will help advance research and clinical evaluation in fields concerned with digital media use, namely medicine, child development and the social sciences.Methods and analysisThe planned scoping review will search relevant electronic databases, including Ovid MEDLINE, PsycINFO and Scopus, in addition to grey literature. All empirical investigations and presentation of original research will be considered, and measurement/screening tools for digital media usage in children and adolescents will be identified and reported on. Two reviewers will pilot test the screening criteria, and data extraction forms prior to independently screening all relevant literature and extracting the data. A three-stage synthesis process will be used to map the existent measurement and screening tools for digital media usage in children and adolescents.Ethics and disseminationThere are no ethical considerations for this scoping review. Plans for dissemination include publication in a top-tier, open-access journal, public presentations and conference proceedings. Presentation of the full scoping review has been accepted to the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry 66th Annual Meeting.
Workplace violence among prehospital care providers in India: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Lindquist Benjamin , Koval Kathryn , Mahadevan Aditya , Gennosa Christine , Leggio William , Niknam Kian , Rao G V Ramana , Newberry Jennifer A , Strehlow Matthew 
Published: November 2019

ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was twofold: (1) establish the prevalence of safety threats and workplace violence (WPV) experienced by emergency medical technicians (EMTs) in a low/middle-income country with a new prehospital care system, India and (2) understand which EMTs are at particularly high risk for these experiences.SettingEMTs from four Indian states (Gujarat, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Telangana) were eligible to participate during the study period from July through November 2017.MethodsCross-sectional survey study.Participants386 practicing EMTs from four Indian states.ResultsThe overall prevalence of any WPV was 67.9% (95% CI 63.0% to 72.5%). The prevalence of physical assault was 58% (95% CI 52.5% to 63.4%) and verbal assault was 59.8% (95% CI 54.5% to 65%). Of physical assault victims, 21.7% were injured and 30.2% sought medical attention after the incident. Further, 57.3% (n=216) of respondents reported they were ‘somewhat worried’ and 28.4% (n=107) reported they were ‘very worried’ about their safety at work.ConclusionWPV and safety fears were found to be common among EMTs in India. Focused initiatives to counter WPV in countries developing prehospital care systems are necessary to build a healthy and sustainable prehospital healthcare workforce.
Healthcare Complaints Analysis Tool: reliability testing on a sample of Danish patient compensation claims
Authors: Bogh Soren Bie , Kerring Jonas Harder , Jakobsen Katrine Prisak , Hilsøe Camilla Hagemann , Mikkelsen Kim , Birkeland Søren Fryd 
Published: November 2019

ObjectiveThe study aim was to test the intra-assessor and interassessor reliability of the Healthcare Complaints Analysis Tool (HCAT) for categorising the information in the claim letters in a sample of Danish patient compensation claims.Design, setting and participantsWe used a random sample of 140 compensation cases completed by the Danish Patient Compensation Association that were filed in the field of acute medicine at Danish hospitals from 2007 to 2018. Four assessors were trained in using the HCAT manual before assessing the claim letters independently.Main outcome measuresIntra-assessor and interassessor reliability was tested at domain, problem category and subcategory levels of the HCAT. We also investigated the reliability of ratings on the level of harm and of the descriptive details contained in the claim letters.ResultsThe HCAT was reliable for identifying problem categories, with reliability scores ranging from 0.55 to 0.99. Reliability was lower when coding the ‘severity’ of the problem. Interassessor reliability was generally lower than intra-assessor reliability. The categories of ‘quality’ and ‘safety’ were the least reliable of the seven HCAT problem categories. Reliability at the subcategory level was generally satisfactory, with only a few subcategories having poor reliability. Reliability was at least moderate when coding the stage of care, the complainant and the staff group involved. However, the coding of ‘level of harm’ was found to be unreliable (intrareliability 0.06; inter-reliability 0.29).ConclusionOverall, HCAT was found to be a reliable tool for categorising problem types in patient compensation claims.
Refused and referred-persistent stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV/AIDS in Bihar: a qualitative study from India
Authors: Nair Mohit , Kumar Pragya , Pandey Sanjay , Harshana Amit , Kazmi Shahwar , Moreto-Planas Laura , Burza Sakib 
Published: November 2019

ObjectivesThis study aimed to explore barriers to accessing care, if any, among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHA) in two districts of Bihar. We also aimed to assess attitudes towards PLHA among healthcare providers and community members.DesignThis qualitative study used an exploratory study design through thematic analysis of semistructured, in-depth interviews.SettingTwo districts were purposively selected for the study, namely the capital Patna and a peripheral district located approximately 100 km from Patna, in order to glean insights from a diverse sample of respondents.ParticipantsOur team purposively selected 71 participants, including 35 PLHA, 10 community members and 26 healthcare providers.ResultsThe overarching theme that evolved from these data through thematic coding identified that enacted stigma and discrimination interfere with each step in the HIV care continuum for PLHA in Bihar, India, especially outside urban areas. The five themes that contributed to these results include: perception of HIV as a dirty illness at the community level; non-consensual disclosure of HIV status; reliance on identifying PLHA to guide procedures and resistance to universal precautions; refusal to treat identified PLHA and referrals to other health centres for treatment; and inadequate knowledge and fear among health providers with respect to HIV transmission.ConclusionsThe continued presence of discriminatory and stigmatising attitudes towards PLHA negatively impacts both disclosure of HIV status as well as access to care and treatment. We recognise a pressing need to improve the knowledge of HIV transmission, and implement universal precautions across all health facilities in the state, not just to reduce stigma and discrimination but also to ensure proper infection control. In order to improve treatment adherence and encourage optimal utilisation of services, it is imperative that the health system invest more in stigma reduction in Bihar and move beyond more ineffective, punitive approaches.
Admissions for orthostatic hypotension: an analysis of NHS England Hospital Episode Statistics data
Authors: Duggan Eoin , Romero-Ortuno Roman , Kenny Rose Anne 
Published: November 2019

ObjectivesTo determine whether admissions for orthostatic hypotension (OH) and its consequences, such as falls, have changed over the past 10 years in the National Health Service (NHS) England.SettingData from NHS England Hospital Episode Statistics, a database containing details of all admissions, accident and emergency attendances and outpatient appointments at NHS hospitals in England, were obtained and analysed.ParticipantsData on hospital admissions in NHS England, as defined by finished consultant episodes (FCEs), were examined between 2008 and 2017.Main outcome measuresFCEs for the following International Classification of Disease codes were examined: OH (I95.1), tendency to fall (R29.6), epilepsy (G40) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (J44). The total number of FCEs was also examined.ResultsBetween 2008 and 2017, FCEs for OH rose from 14 658 to 30 759, a 110% increase. The greatest increase was in the over 75 years age group where FCEs went from 10 639 to 22 756, a 114% rise. The number of falls related FCEs in this age group rose from 61 841 to 89 622 (45%). Admissions for epilepsy and COPD rose by 7% and 35%, respectively.ConclusionsThe number of admissions for OH has risen dramatically over the past 10 years, as have admissions for falls and related disorders. This rise is out of proportion with admissions for other conditions such as epilepsy and COPD. We postulate that this relates to tighter blood pressure (BP) targets. This suggests caution in the application of recent BP targets to older, frailer adults.
More aware, more protected: a cross-sectional study on road safety skills predicting the use of passive safety elements among Spanish teenagers
Authors: Useche Sergio , Alonso Francisco , Montoro Luis , Garrigós Leandro 
Published: November 2019

ObjectiveThis study had two objectives: first, to test the effects of sociodemographic variables, and the effects of three key road safety skills (knowledge–risk perception–attitudes) on the use of passive safety elements (PSEs) among teenagers; and second, to assess the differential impact of the study variables on PSEs use from a gender-based perspective.Setting and participantsThis cross-sectional study was framed in the paradigm of primary care, and it involved students from several educational centres in Spain. A sample of 827 Spanish teenagers (52.4% females and 47.6% males) with a mean age of M=14.41–7 (12–19) years was used.ResultsThrough SEM modelling, we found that the use of PSEs is largely explained by psychosocial variables through the mediation of three road safety skills: risk perception (β=0.103***), rule knowledge (β=0.095*) and attitudes towards road safety (β=0.186***). Furthermore, multigroup analyses showed that, although most variables explain the use of PSEs among teenagers in a similar way, key gender-based differences exist in this regard.ConclusionsRoad safety skills have a significant effect on the use of PSEs among Spanish teenagers, and gender explains some differences in the mechanisms which predict them. Also, in the study we discuss the need for strengthening school-based interventions aimed at helping this vulnerable group of road users acquire and develop positive behavioural competences.
Cattle and sheep farmers’ opinions on the provision and use of abattoir rejection data in the United Kingdom
Authors: Hanley James , Garcia‐Ara Amelia , Wapenaar Wendela 
Published: November 2019

BackgroundCommunication between farmers and veterinary surgeons is reported to differ when involving abattoir rejection data on cattle or sheep.MethodsUsing surveys, distributed online and on paper at livestock markets, this study describes the interest and positive opinion of a sample of UK cattle and sheep farmers in receiving abattoir data.ResultsForty‐nine per cent of respondents always received abattoir data (n=37/76). Over 80 per cent of respondents were interested in all suggested rejection conditions and particularly liver fluke and respiratory conditions. Eighty‐two per cent of farmers were willing to share data with their veterinary surgeon as the information could be used to inform health plans.ConclusionThe study findings indicate that having an accurate and consistent data system, which is easily accessible to farmers and veterinary surgeons, appears an essential next step to improve the use of existing abattoir data and enhance animal health, welfare and production.
Modeling and simulation of power consumption and execution times for real-time tasks on embedded heterogeneous architectures
Authors: Balsini Alessio , Pannocchi Luigi , Cucinotta Tommaso 
Published: November 2019

In this work, we introduce a power-consumption model for heterogeneous multicore architectures that captures the variability of energy consumption based on processing workload type, in addition to the classical variables considered in the literature, like type and frequency of the CPU.
We motivate the approach presenting experimental results gathered on a Odroid-XU3 board equipped with an Arm big.LITTLE CPU, showing that power consumption has a non-negligible dependency on the workload type. We also present a model to define the execution time of the tasks, which depends on both the workload, and the CPU frequency and architecture. We present our modifications to the open-source RTSIM real-time scheduling simulator to extend its CPU power consumption and execution time duration models, integrating results taken from the real platform.
The presented work constitutes a useful base for future research in power-aware real-time scheduling on heterogeneous platforms.
From “Every Day” Hormonal to Oxidative Stress Biomarkers in Blood and Follicular Fluid, to Embryo Quality and Pregnancy Success?
Authors: Olszak-Wąsik Katarzyna , Bednarska-Czerwińska Anna , Olejek Anita , Tukiendorf Andrzej 
Published: November 2019

Background. Oxidative stress appears to be involved in oocyte growth and maturation that when impaired results in poor embryo quality and lower potential to implant. The biochemical microenvironment of the oocyte (follicular fluid (FF)) consists of hormones and other various substances regulating the balance between oxidants and antioxidants. Aim. The aim of this study was to examine the possible impact of selected biomarkers (“every day,” hormonal biomarkers, enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidants, and also oxidative stress markers) in serum and FF, on embryo quality and pregnancy success in infertile women undergoing infertility treatment. Methods. All 53 patients, mean age 34.7±4.1 years, with serum AMH level≥0.7 ng/mL, were diagnosed with idiopathic infertility. They were stimulated in short antagonist protocol, followed by in vitro fertilization (IVF-ICSI intracytoplasmatic sperm injection) and a single embryo transfer. Follicular fluid was aspirated from the first mature follicle. In statistical analyses the R software was used, then all data was assessed with the Shapiro-Wilk test, logistic regression, and later the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was applied using “pROC” R package. Results. We did not observe any correlation between AMH and embryo quality and pregnancy rate. Statistically significant results were only found for biomarkers examined in follicular fluid. Greater levels of GPX in FF were associated with the increased chance of producing a high quality embryo (the optimal cut-off concentration was established at over 450 lU/L.) Regarding pregnancy success, increasing levels of GR (cut-off at 21 IU/L), CuZnSOD (cut-off at 9NU/mL), and GST (cut-off at 2.5 IU/L) resulted in lower chances of a successful pregnancy. Conclusion. Our results indicate that FF markers may have some advantages in predicting embryo quality and pregnancy over AMH. The GPX system seems to be mostly related to embryo quality and pregnancy.