bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Associations between indoor temperature, self-rated health and socioeconomic position in a cross-sectional study of adults in England
Authors: Sutton-Klein Joanna , Moody Alison , Hamilton Ian , Mindell Jennifer S 
Published: February 2021

ObjectiveExcess winter deaths are a major public health concern in England and Wales, with an average of 20 000 deaths per year since 2010. Feeling cold at home during winter is associated with reporting poor general health; cold and damp homes have greater prevalence in lower socioeconomic groups. Overheating in the summer also has adverse health consequences. This study evaluates the association between indoor temperature and general health and the extent to which this is affected by socioeconomic and household factors.DesignCross-sectional study.SettingEngland.ParticipantsSecondary data of 74 736 individuals living in England that took part in the Health Survey for England (HSE) between 2003 and 2014. The HSE is an annual household survey which uses multilevel stratification to select a new, nationally representative sample each year. The study sample comprised adults who had a nurse visit; the analytical sample was adults who had observations for indoor temperature and self-rated health.ResultsUsing both logistic and linear regression models to examine indoor temperature and health status, adjusting for socioeconomic and housing factors, the study found an association between poor health and higher indoor temperatures. Each one degree increase in indoor temperature was associated with a 1.4% (95% CI 0.5% to 2.3%) increase in the odds of poor health. After adjusting for income, education, employment type, household size and home ownership, the OR of poor health for each degree temperature rise increased by 19%, to a 1.7% (95% CI 0.7% to 2.6%) increase in odds of poor health with each degree temperature rise.ConclusionPeople with worse self-reported health had higher indoor temperatures after adjusting for household factors. People with worse health may have chosen to maintain warmer environments or been advised to. However, other latent factors, such as housing type and energy performance could have an effect.
What was the impact of a participatory research project in Australian Indigenous primary healthcare services? Applying a comprehensive framework for assessing translational health research to Lessons for the Best
Authors: Ramanathan Shanthi Ann , Larkins Sarah , Carlisle Karen , Turner Nalita , Bailie Ross Stewart , Thompson Sandra , Bainbridge Roxanne , Deeming Simon , Searles Andrew 
Published: February 2021

ObjectivesTo (1) apply the Framework to Assess the Impact from Translational health research (FAIT) to Lessons from the Best to Better the Rest (LFTB), (2) report on impacts from LFTB and (3) assess the feasibility and outcomes from a retrospective application of FAIT.SettingThree Indigenous primary healthcare (PHC) centres in the Northern Territory, Australia; project coordinating centre distributed between Townsville, Darwin and Cairns and the broader LFTB learning community across Australia.ParticipantsLFTB research team and one representative from each PHC centre.Primary and secondary outcome measuresImpact reported as (1) quantitative metrics within domains of benefit using a modified Payback Framework, (2) a cost-consequence analysis given a return on investment was not appropriate and (3) a narrative incorporating qualitative evidence of impact. Data were gathered through in-depth stakeholder interviews and a review of project documentation, outputs and relevant websites.ResultsLFTB contributed to knowledge advancement in Indigenous PHC service delivery; enhanced existing capacity of health centre staff, researchers and health service users; enhanced supportive networks for quality improvement; and used a strengths-based approach highly valued by health centres. LFTB also leveraged between $A1.4 and $A1.6 million for the subsequent Leveraging Effective Ambulatory Practice (LEAP) Project to apply LFTB learnings to resource development and creation of a learning community to empower striving PHC centres.ConclusionRetrospective application of FAIT to LFTB, although not ideal, was feasible. Prospective application would have allowed Indigenous community perspectives to be included. Greater appreciation of the full benefit of LFTB including a measure of return on investment will be possible when LEAP is complete. Future assessments of impact need to account for the limitations of fully capturing impact when intermediate/final impacts have not yet been realised and captured.
Closing the loop in child TB contact management: completion of TB preventive therapy outcomes in western Kenya
Authors: Amisi James A , Carter E Jane , Masini Enos , Szkwarko Daria 
Published: February 2021

SettingChildren especially those <5 years of age exposed to pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) are at a high risk of severe TB disease and death. Isoniazid preventive therapy (IPT) has been shown to decrease disease progression by up to 90%. Kenya, a high TB burden country experiences numerous operational challenges that limit implementation of TB preventive services. IPT completion in child contacts is not routinely reported in Kenya.ObjectiveThis study aims to review the child contact management (CCM) cascade and present IPT outcomes across 10 clinics in western Kenya.DesignA retrospective chart review of programmatic data of a TB Reach-funded active, clinic-based CCM strategy.ResultsOf 553 child contacts screened, 231 (42%) were reported symptomatic. 74 (13%) of the child contacts were diagnosed with active TB disease. Of those eligible for IPT, 427 (90%) initiated IPT according to TB REACH project data while 249 (58%) were recorded in the IPT register with 49 (11%) recorded as a transfer to other facilities. Of the 249 recorded in the IPT register, 205 (82%) were documented to complete therapy (48% of project initiation children).ConclusionOur evaluation shows gaps in the routine CCM care cascade related to completeness of documentation that require further programmatic monitoring and evaluation to improve CCM outcomes.
Examining Australian’s beliefs, misconceptions and sources of information for COVID-19: a national online survey
Authors: Thomas Rae , Greenwood Hannah , Michaleff Zoe A , Abukmail Eman , Hoffmann Tammy C , McCaffery Kirsten , Hardiman Leah , Glasziou Paul 
Published: February 2021

ObjectivePublic cooperation to practise preventive health behaviours is essential to manage the transmission of infectious diseases such as COVID-19. We aimed to investigate beliefs about COVID-19 diagnosis, transmission and prevention that have the potential to impact the uptake of recommended public health strategies.DesignAn online cross-sectional survey.ParticipantsA national sample of 1500 Australian adults with representative quotas for age and gender provided by an online panel provider.Main outcome measureProportion of participants with correct/incorrect knowledge of COVID-19 preventive behaviours and reasons for misconceptions.ResultsOf the 1802 potential participants contacted, 289 did not qualify, 13 declined and 1500 participated in the survey (response rate 83%). Most participants correctly identified ‘washing your hands regularly with soap and water’ (92%) and ‘staying at least 1.5 m away from others’ (90%) could help prevent COVID-19. Over 40% (incorrectly) considered wearing gloves outside of the home would prevent them from contracting COVID-19. Views about face masks were divided. Only 66% of participants correctly identified that ‘regular use of antibiotics’ would not prevent COVID-19.Most participants (90%) identified ‘fever, fatigue and cough’ as indicators of COVID-19. However, 42% of participants thought that being unable to ‘hold your breath for 10 s without coughing’ was an indicator of having the virus. The most frequently reported sources of COVID-19 information were commercial television channels (56%), the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (43%) and the Australian Government COVID-19 information app (31%).ConclusionsPublic messaging about hand hygiene and physical distancing to prevent transmission appears to have been effective. However, there are clear, identified barriers for many individuals that have the potential to impede uptake or maintenance of these behaviours in the long term. We need to develop public health messages that harness these barriers to improve future cooperation. Ensuring adherence to these interventions is critical.
Impact of levothyroxine in women with positive thyroid antibodies on pregnancy outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials
Authors: Lau Lorraine , Benham Jamie L , Lemieux Patricia , Yamamoto Jennifer , Donovan Lois E 
Published: February 2021

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effect of levothyroxine therapy on pregnancy outcomes compared with placebo or no treatment in women without overt hypothyroidism with presence of thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPOAb) and/or thyroglobulin antibodies (TgAb).DesignSystematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trialsStudy eligibility criteriaPrespecified criteria for inclusion were: randomised trials of levothyroxine versus control (placebo or no treatment) among women with positive TPOAb or TgAb who were pregnant or considering conception.Data sourcesOvid MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched from 1980 to 5 November 2020.Outcome measuresPrespecified data elements were extracted and where appropriate, meta-analyses were conducted. Main outcomes include pregnancy achieved, miscarriage, preterm delivery and live birth.Risk of bias assessmentCochrane Risk of Bias Tool for Quality Assessment of Randomised Controlled Trials.ResultsFrom 3023 citations, 79 citations were identified for full-text review. Of these, six trials (total of 2263 women) were included for qualitative and quantitative analyses. Risk of bias was deemed low for only one trial. There was no significant difference in the relative risk (RR) of pregnancy achieved (RR 1.03; 95% CI 0.93 to 1.13), miscarriage (RR 0.93; 95% CI 0.76 to 1.14), preterm delivery (RR 0.66; 95% CI 0.39 to 1.10) or live births (RR 1.01; 95% CI 0.89 to 1.16) in thyroid autoimmune women treated with levothyroxine compared with controls. Sensitivity analyses of preterm birth identified study quality and timing of levothyroxine initiation as sources of heterogeneity.ConclusionsAmong pregnant women or women planning conception, with thyroid autoimmunity, there is a lack of evidence of benefit for levothyroxine use (moderate to high Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations). Recommendations to use levothyroxine in this setting need to be reconsidered.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42019130459.
KAP-COVIDGLOBAL: a multinational survey of the levels and determinants of public knowledge, attitudes and practices towards COVID-19
Authors: Masoud Ahmed Taher , Zaazouee Mohamed Sayed , Elsayed Sarah Makram , Ragab Khaled Mohamed , Kamal Esraa M , Alnasser Yusra T , Assar Ahmed , Nourelden Anas Z , Istatiah Loai J , Abd-Elgawad Mohamed M , Abdelsattar Ahmed T , Sofy Ahmed A , Hegazy Doaa G , Femía Victor Z , Mendonça Adriana R , Sayed Fatma M , Elmoursi Ahmed , Alareidi Alaa , Abd-Eltawab Ahmed K , Abdelmonem Mohamed , Mohammed Omar M , Derballa EzzEldeen A , El-Fas Kareem A , Abdel-Daim Mohamed M. , Abushouk Abdelrahman I. 
Published: February 2021

ObjectiveThe adherence to public health recommendations to control COVID-19 spread is influenced by public knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP). We performed this cross-sectional study to assess the levels and determinants of public KAP towards COVID-19 in a large, multinational sample.DesignCross-sectional study (survey).SettingThe questionnaire was distributed to potential respondents via online platforms.Participants71 890 individuals from 22 countries.MethodsWe formulated a four-section questionnaire in English, followed by validation and translation into seven languages. The questionnaire was distributed (May to June 2020) and each participant received a score for each KAP section.ResultsOverall, the participants had fair knowledge (mean score: 19.24±3.59) and attitudes (3.72±2.31) and good practices (12.12±1.83) regarding COVID-19. About 92% reported moderate to high compliance with national lockdown. However, significant gaps were observed: only 68.2% knew that infected individuals may be asymptomatic; 45.4% believed that antibiotics are an effective treatment; and 55.4% stated that a vaccine has been developed (at the time of data collection). 71.9% believed or were uncertain that COVID-19 is a global conspiracy; 36.8% and 51% were afraid of contacting doctors and Chinese people, respectively. Further, 66.4% reported the pandemic had moderate to high negative effects on their mental health. Female gender, higher education and urban residents had significantly (p≤0.001) higher knowledge and practice scores. Further, we observed significant correlations between all KAP scores.ConclusionsAlthough the public have fair/good knowledge and practices regarding COVID-19, significant gaps should be addressed. Future awareness efforts should target less advantaged groups and future studies should develop new strategies to tackle COVID-19 negative mental health effects.
Relationships between social spending and childhood obesity in OECD countries: an ecological study
Authors: Miyawaki Atsushi , Evans Charlotte Elizabeth Louise , Lucas Patricia Jane , Kobayashi Yasuki 
Published: February 2021

ObjectivesThe burden of childhood obesity is clustered among children in low-socioeconomic groups. Social spending on children—public welfare expenditure on families and education—may curb childhood obesity by reducing socioeconomic disadvantages. The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between social spending on children and childhood obesity across the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries.DesignEcological study.SettingData on social spending on children were obtained from the OECD Social Expenditure Database and the OECD educational finance indicators dataset during 2000–2015. Data on childhood obesity were obtained from the NCD Risk Factor Collaboration database.ParticipantsAggregated statistics on obesity among children aged 5–19 years, estimated for OECD 35 countries based on the measured height and weight on 31.5 million children.Outcome measuresCountry-level prevalence of obesity among children aged 5–19 years.ResultsIn cross-sectional analyses in 2015, social spending on children was inversely associated with the prevalence of childhood obesity after adjusting for potential confounders (the gross domestic product per capita, unemployment rate, poverty rate, percentage of children aged <20 years and prevalence of childhood obesity in 2000). In addition, when we focused on changes from 2000 to 2015, an average annual increase of US$100 in social spending per child was associated with a decrease in childhood obesity by 0.6 percentage points for girls (p=0.007) and 0.7 percentage points for boys (p=0.04) between 2000 and 2015, after adjusting for the potential confounders. The dimensions of social spending that contributed to these associations between the changes in social spending on children and childhood obesity were early childhood education and care (ECEC) and school education for girls and ECEC for boys.ConclusionCountries that increase social spending on children tend to experience smaller increases in childhood obesity.
Relationships between changes due to COVID-19 pandemic and the depressive and anxiety symptoms among mothers of infants and/or preschoolers: a prospective follow-up study from pre-COVID-19 Japan
Authors: Kimura Miyako , Kimura Kazuki , Ojima Toshiyuki 
Published: February 2021

ObjectivesMothers with young children are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of the lifestyle changes brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the association between such changes and maternal mental health has not been examined, and comparable pre-COVID-19 baseline data were lacking. Thus, we aimed to examine the relationships between changes due to COVID-19 pandemic and the development of depressive and anxiety symptoms among mothers of infants and/or preschoolers in Japan.DesignProspective follow-up study. The baseline survey was conducted in February 2020, and the follow-up survey was conducted in June 2020.SettingAll 47 prefectures in Japan.ParticipantsAt the baseline, 4700 mothers of infants and/or preschoolers (0–6 years) participated in the online survey (100 respondents per prefecture); 2489 of them also participated in the follow-up survey. After excluding 203 participants with a higher risk of severe mental illness at the baseline, 2286 were included in the analysis.Outcome measuresThe Kessler Psychological Distress Scale was used to measure depressive and anxiety symptoms, with a cut-off point of 13 or more. We estimated the adjusted OR (AOR) using multiple logistic regression analysis.ResultsDuring the follow-up period, 151 (6.6%) of respondents newly developed depressive and anxiety symptoms. Participants who experienced a shortage of relaxation time (AOR 1.61, 95% CI 1.06 to 2.47), increased difficulty in child rearing (AOR 1.89, 95% CI 1.32 to 2.70), increased partner aggression (AOR 2.93, 95% CI 1.42 to 6.05) and an increased sense of unfairness (AOR 1.74, 95% CI 1.10 to 2.73) were more likely to develop these symptoms.ConclusionsChanges in circumstances and perceptions during COVID-19 outbreak were significantly related to the development of depressive and anxiety symptoms among mothers of young children. Strategies to reduce solo parenting and increase social awareness related to domestic violence are needed.
Short-term and long-term survival in critical patients treated by helicopter emergency medical services in Finland: a registry study of 36 715 patients
Authors: Björkman Johannes , Laukkanen-Nevala Päivi , Olkinuora Anna , Pulkkinen Ilkka , Nurmi Jouni 
Published: February 2021

ObjectivesThis study aimed to describe the short-term and long-term mortality of patients treated by prehospital critical care teams in Finland.Design and settingWe performed a registry-based retrospective study that included all helicopter emergency medical service (HEMS) dispatches in Finland from 1 January 2012 to 8 September 2019. Mortality data were acquired from the national Population Register Centre to calculate the standardised mortality ratio (SMR).ParticipantsAll patients encountered by Finnish HEMS crews during the study period were included.Main outcomesMortalities presented at 0 to 1 day, 2 to 30 days, 31 days to 1 year and 1 to 3 years for different medical reasons following the prehospital care. Patients were divided into four groups by age and categorised by gender. The SMR at 2 to 30 days, 31 days to 1 year and 1 to 3 years was calculated for the same groups.ResultsPrehospital critical care teams participated in the treatment of 36 715 patients, 34 370 of whom were included in the study. The cumulative all-cause mortality at 30 days was 27.5% and at 3 years was 36.5%. The SMR in different medical categories and periods ranged from 23.2 to 72.2, 18.1 to 22.4, 7.7 to 9.2 and 2.1 to 2.6 in the age groups of 0 to 17 years, 18 to 64 years, 65 to 79 years and ≥80 years, respectively.ConclusionsWe found that the rate of mortality after a HEMS team provides critical care is high and remains significantly elevated compared with the normal population for years after the incident. The mortality is dependent on the medical reason for care and the age of the patient. The long-term overmortality should be considered when evaluating the benefit of prehospital critical care in the different patient groups.
Comparison of outcomes of neurosurgical operations performed before and during the COVID-19 pandemic: a matched cohort study
Authors: Toman Emma , Soon Wai Cheong , Thanabalasundaram Gopiga , Burns Daniel , Petrik Vladimir , Watts Colin , Wykes Victoria , White Anwen 
Published: February 2021

ObjectiveTo determine how the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic affected outcomes for all operatively managed neurosurgical patients, not only those positive for SARS-CoV-2.DesignMatched cohort (pairwise method).SettingA single tertiary neurosurgical referral centre at a large UK Major Trauma Centre.ParticipantsDuring the first COVID-19 wave, 231 neurosurgical cases were performed. These cases were matched to cases from 2019. Cases were matched for age (±10 years), primary pathology and surgical procedure. Cases were excluded from analysis if either the age could not be matched to within 10 years, or the primary pathology or procedure was too unique. After exclusions, 191 cases were included in final analysis.Outcome measuresPrimary outcomes were 30-day mortality and postoperative pulmonary complications. Secondary outcomes included Glasgow Outcome Score (GOS) on discharge, length of stay (LoS), operative and anaesthetic times and grade of primary surgeon. An exploratory outcome was the SARS-CoV-2 status of patients.ResultsThere was no significant difference between the pandemic and matched cohorts in 30-day mortality, pulmonary complications, discharge GOS, LoS, operative or anaesthetic times. There was a significant difference in the variation of grade of primary surgeon. Only 2.2% (n=5) of patients had a SARS-CoV-2 positive swab.ConclusionDuring the first UK wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, the mortality, morbidity and functional outcomes of operatively managed neurosurgical patients at University Hospitals Birmingham were not significantly affected compared with normal practice. The grade of primary surgeon was significantly more senior and adds to the growing body of evidence that demonstrates how the pandemic has negatively impacted UK surgical training. Mixing COVID-19 positive, unknown and negative cases did not significantly impact on outcomes and indicates that further research is required to support the implementation of evidence-based surgical pathways, such as COVID-light sites, throughout the next stage of the pandemic.
Effect of biofuel waste, urea, deer browsing, and vegetation control on Pinus banksiana seedling growth on a dry upland site in central Canada
Authors: Makar Jon , Markham John H. 
Published: February 2021

Ash from biofuels and nitrogen fertilizer are increasingly being used as soil amendments. While this can increase tree growth, it can also increase mammalian grazing and competition with vegetation. We applied moderate amounts of ash (1.5 t·ha−1·year−1) and urea (74 kg N·ha−1·year−1) in each of 2 years to a well-drained site in southeastern Manitoba, planted with Pinus banksiana Lamb. Subplots received deer browsing and (or) vegetation control. The ash resulted in an increase in pH in the upper 15 cm of mineral soil from ∼5.7 to 6.6, and the urea created short-term spikes in soil inorganic nitrogen (NH4 and NO3) levels. Urea combined with ash significantly increased seedling relative growth rates in the first 2 years, with seedlings being largest with urea, with or without ash. However, by the fourth year, seedling growth and size did not differ between the amendments. Urea application increased browsing damage to 91%, but only when vegetation was mowed. Browsing guards resulted in seedlings having 1.6 times greater shoot mass by the end of the fourth growing season. These results suggest that on sandy soils in the dry region of central Canada, P. banksiana may get little benefit from ash applications.