bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Time trends and heterogeneity in the disease burden of trachoma, 1990–2019: a global analysis
Authors: He Jingxin , Chen Aiming , Zou Minjie , Young Charlotte Aimee , Jin Ling , Zheng Danying , Jin Guangming , Congdon Nathan 
Published: September 2021

PurposeTo evaluate the epidemiological trends and associated risk factors of disease burden due to trachoma.MethodsData for the country-specific disability-adjusted life year (DALY) number, rate and age-standardised rate of trachoma together with related data of other common eye diseases were acquired from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019 database. The Socio-Demographic Index (SDI), Human Development Index (HDI), inequality-adjusted HDI and other related indices were obtained from published data or publicly available databases. Regression analyses were conducted to evaluate the associations between potential risk factors and the age-standardised DALY burden of trachoma.ResultsThe global DALY burden due to trachoma decreased by 37% from 1990 to 2019 and decreased by 69.8% after adjusting for age and population growth, and, in available 1990–2019 data, had the greatest reduction in attributable DALYs of all common eye disease, with the others analysed being cataract, glaucoma, refractive disorders and age-related macular degeneration. Women had higher age-standardised DALY burden due to trachoma than men (p<0.001). The African region (p<0.001) had the heaviest burden among global regions. The age-standardised DALY rate was higher in countries with lower income (p<0.001) and lower SDI (p<0.001). Higher disease burden due to trachoma was associated with lower HDI (β=−48.102, 95% CI −86.888 to −9.316, p=0.016), lower SDI (β=−48.063, 95% CI −83.702 to −12.423, p<0.001) and lower expected years of schooling (β=−2.352, 95% CI −3.756 to −0.948, p=0.002).ConclusionsThe global disease burden due to trachoma decreased from 1990 to 2019 and it had the greatest reduction compared with other common eye diseases. Lower HDI, socioeconomic status and educational level were related to a higher national disease burden of trachoma. Our findings could provide necessary information for trachoma control and prevention.
Cohort profile: Prematurity Immunology in Mothers living with HIV and their infants Study (PIMS)
Authors: Malaba Thokozile R , Myer Landon , Gray Clive , Newell Marie-Louise 
Published: September 2021

PurposePrematurity Immunology in Mothers living with HIV and their infants Study (PIMS) is a prospective cohort study in South Africa investigating the association between antiretroviral therapy (ART) use, preterm delivery (PTD) and small-for-gestational age (SGA) live births. PIMS main hypotheses are that ART initiation in pregnancy and ART-induced hypertension are associated with PTD and SGA respectively and that reconstitution of cellular immune responses in women on ART from before pregnancy results in increases in PTD of GA infants.ParticipantsPregnant women (n=3972) aged ≥18 years regardless of HIV status recruited from 2015 to 2016 into the overall PIMS cohort (2517 HIV-negative, 1455 living with HIV). A nested cohort contained 551 women living with HIV who were ≤24 weeks’ GA on ultrasound: 261 initiated ART before pregnancy, 290 initiated during the pregnancy.Findings to dateWomen in the overall cohort were followed antenatally through to delivery using routine clinical records; further women in the nested cohort were actively followed up until 12 months post partum, with data collected on maternal health (HIV care and ART use, clinical care and intercurrent clinical history). Other procedures conducted on the nested cohort included physical examinations (anthropometry, blood pressure measurement), assessment of fetal growth (ultrasound), maternal and infant phlebotomy for storage of plasma, RNA and peripheral blood mononuclear cells, collection of delivery specimens (placenta and cord blood) and infant 12-month developmental assessment. Preliminary findings have contributed to our understanding of risk factors for adverse birth outcomes, and the relationship between pregnancy immunology, HIV/ART and adverse birth outcomes.Future plansUsing specimens collected from study participants living with HIV throughout pregnancy and first year of life, the PIMS provides a valuable platform for answering a variety of research questions focused on temporal changes of immunology markers in women whose immune status is altered by HIV infection, and how ART initiated during the pregnancy affects immune responses. The relationship between these immunological changes with adverse birth outcomes as well as possible longer-term impact of exposure to ART in fetal and early life will be explored. Additionally, further active and passive follow-up of mothers and their infants is planned at school-going age and beyond to chart growth, morbidity and development, as well as changes in family circumstances.
ReIMAGINE Prostate Cancer Screening Study: protocol for a single-centre feasibility study inviting men for prostate cancer screening using MRI
Authors: Marsden Teresa , Lomas Derek J , McCartan Neil , Hadley Joanna , Tuck Steve , Brown Louise , Haire Anna , Moss Charlotte Louise , Green Saran , Van Hemelrijck Mieke , Coolen Ton , Santaolalla Aida , Isaac Elizabeth , Brembilla Giorgio , Kopcke Douglas , Giganti Francesco , Sidhu Harbir , Punwani Shonit , Emberton Mark , Moore Caroline M 
Published: September 2021

IntroductionThe primary objective of the ReIMAGINE Prostate Cancer Screening Study is to explore the uptake of an invitation to prostate cancer screening using MRI.Methods and analysisThe ReIMAGINE Prostate Cancer Screening Study is a prospective single-centre feasibility study. Eligible men aged 50–75 years with no prior prostate cancer diagnosis or treatment will be identified through general practitioner practices and randomly selected for invitation. Those invited will be offered an MRI scan and a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test. The screening MRI scan consists of T2-weighted, diffusion-weighted and research-specific sequences, without the use of intravenous contrast agents. Men who screen positive on either MRI or PSA density will be recommended to have standard of care (National Health Service) tests for prostate cancer assessment, which includes multiparametric MRI. The study will assess the acceptability of an MRI-based prostate screening assessment and the prevalence of cancer detected in MRI-screened men. Summary statistics will be used to explore baseline characteristics in relation to acceptance rates and prevalence of cancer.Ethics and disseminationReIMAGINE Prostate Cancer Screening is a single-site screening study to assess the feasibility of MRI as a screening tool for prostate cancer. Ethical approval was granted by London–Stanmore Research Ethics Committee Heath Research Authority (reference 19/LO/1129). Study results will be published in peer-reviewed journals after completion of data analysis and used to inform the design of a multicentre screening study in the UK.Trial registration numberClinicalTrials.gov Registry (NCT04063566).
Under-5 mortality in sub-Saharan Africa: is maternal age at first childbirth below 20 years a risk factor?
Authors: Ahinkorah Bright Opoku 
Published: September 2021

ObjectivesThis study aimed at examining the association between young maternal age at first childbirth and under-5 mortality in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).Design and settingThis cross-sectional study pooled nationally-representative data from the most recent Demographic and Health Surveys conducted in 30 countries in SSA from 2010 to 2019.Participants116 379 mothers of children under 5.ResultsThe prevalence of adolescent childbirth and death in children under 5 in SSA were 57.36% (95% CI 53.73% to 60.99%) and 4.10% (95% CI 3.65% to 4.54%), respectively. Children born to mothers whose first childbirth occurred at <20 years were 11% more likely to die before the age of 5 compared with those whose mothers’ first childbirth occurred at age ≥20 years (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.11; 95% CI 1.05 to 1.18). In terms of the covariates, the likelihood of under-5 mortality was higher among children born to single (aOR 1.54; 95% CI 1.41 to 1.67) and cohabiting mothers (aOR 1.10; 95% CI 1.01 to 1.21) compared with married mothers. Children born to mothers who were obese were more likely to die before the age of 5 compared with those born to mothers with normal body weight (aOR 1.17; 95% CI 1.09 to 1.26). The odds of under-5 mortality were higher among children whose weight at birth was <2500 g compared with those whose weight was ≥2500 g at birth (aOR 1.83; 95% CI 1.64 to 2.03).ConclusionsThe findings call for the need to enhance policies aimed at reducing under-5 mortality in SSA by reducing adolescent pregnancy and childbirth through family planning, comprehensive sexuality education, and the elimination of child marriage. Again, Since under-5 mortality among adolescent mothers is linked with their poor socio-economic status, there is the need for government and non-governmental organisations in SSA to introduce poverty alleviation programmes and improve access to both formal and informal education as a way of enhancing the socioeconomic status of adolescent mothers. Public health education, through continuous advocacy programmes should be done to encourage adolescent mothers to access antenatal care and health facility deliveries as a way of enhancing the survival status of their children. These interventions should be implemented, taking into consideration other characteristics of mothers such marital status and BMI and child’s characteristics such as child’s weight, which were found to be associated with high under-5 mortality.
Global access to COVID-19 vaccines: a scoping review of factors that may influence equitable access for low and middle-income countries
Authors: Peacocke Elizabeth F , Heupink Lieke Fleur , Frønsdal Katrine , Dahl Elin Hoffmann , Chola Lumbwe 
Published: September 2021

ObjectiveTo identify the factors contributing to equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines for low and middle-income countries (LMIC).MethodsWe conducted a scoping review following the guidelines for Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews and a five-stage framework for scoping studies. We performed systematic searches for published peer-reviewed literature in five databases: Medline, Embase, Web of Science, Global Index Medicus and COVID-19 Evidence Epistemonikos (August 2020, updated May 2021).ResultsSystematic selection according to predefined criteria resulted in the final inclusion of 45 peer-reviewed articles, with no limitations on study design or publication type. We derived four key factors that potentially influence equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines in LMICs: (1) collectively agreed global mechanisms or frameworks; (2) bilateral purchasing, contracting, and vaccine prices; (3) vaccine manufacturing that is supported by sharing know-how; and (4) countries’ strength in implementing vaccination programmes.ConclusionsThis scoping review highlights the ongoing challenges for the international community in ensuring equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines for LMICs. The literature suggests that vaccine manufacturing can influence the supply of vaccines, as can the role of patent holders who can influence global governance through their role in the distribution of COVID-19 vaccines. Our findings indicate that including the principles of equitable access throughout vaccine research and development, procurement, scale-up and distribution processes can support equitable access for LMICs. Advances made with mRNA vaccines may have additional benefits in relation to expanding the manufacturing of other vaccine. Finally, the exploration and scale-up of such capacities of LMICs are likely to prove to be a valuable investment, even after the pandemic.
Assessment of difference in postpartum depression among caesarean and vaginally delivered women at 6-week follow-up in hospitals in Pune District, India: an observational cohort study
Authors: Doke Prakash P , Vaidya Varsha Mahesh , Narula Arvinder Pal Singh , Datar Manjiri Chaitanya , Patil Archana Vasantrao , Panchanadikar Tushar Madhav , Wagh Girija Narendrakumar 
Published: September 2021

ObjectivesTo compare the proportion of postpartum depression at 6 weeks among women who had caesarean delivery and women who had vaginal delivery and to assess its association with some sociodemographic factors.DesignThis is a descriptive comparative study with prospective enrolment. We followed the enrolled women and assessed them for postpartum depression 6 weeks after delivery.SettingWe conducted the study in Pune District, India from July 2017 to December 2018. The study sites were all non-teaching government hospitals performing five or more caesarean sections per month and two teaching hospitals: one government and one private.ParticipantsWe included in the study group women who have undergone caesarean section in the participating hospitals and were residents of Pune District. Women who delivered vaginally and matched in age and parity were included in the comparison group. We followed 1556 women in each group.Main outcome measuresAn Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale score of 10 or more for each woman was the primary outcome. χ2test and multivariable binary logistic regression were performed to assess the effect of mode of delivery on postpartum depression.ResultsThe proportion of postpartum depression at 6 weeks was 3.79% among women who had caesarean delivery and 2.35% among those who had vaginal delivery (χ2=4.50, p=0.03). The adjusted OR was 1.86 (95% CI 1.14 to 3.03). Women of age less than 25 years had higher risk of postpartum depression. The adjusted OR was 2.10 (95% CI 1.21 to 3.65). The study did not observe any association between postpartum depression and income, education, occupation or sex of the newborn child.ConclusionsWe conclude that young women particularly those who had caesarean delivery should be screened 6 weeks after delivery.
Remote mental health services: a mixed-methods survey and interview study on the use, value, benefits and challenges of a national video consulting service in NHS Wales, UK
Authors: Johns Gemma , Burhouse Anna , Tan Jacinta , John Oliver , Khalil Sara , Williams Jessica , Whistance Bethan , Ogonovsky Mike , Ahuja Alka 
Published: September 2021

Social distancing laws during the first year of the pandemic, and its unprecedented changes to the National Health Service (NHS) forced a large majority of services, especially mental health teams to deliver patient care remotely. For many, this approach was adopted out of necessity, rather than choice, thus presenting a true ‘testing ground’ for remote healthcare and a robust evaluation on a national and representative level.ObjectiveTo extract and analyse mental health specific data from a national dataset for 1 year (March 2020–March 2021).DesignA mixed-methods study using surveys and interviews.SettingIn NHS mental health services in Wales, UK.ParticipantsWith NHS patients and clinicians across child and adolescent, adult and older adult mental health services.Outcome measuresMixed methods data captured measures on use, value, benefits and challenges of video consulting (VC).ResultsA total of 3561 participants provided mental health specific data. These data and its findings demonstrate that remote mental health service delivery, via the method of VC is highly satisfactory, well-accepted and clinically suitable for many patients, and provides a range of benefits to NHS patients and clinicians. Interestingly, clinicians working from ‘home’ rated VC more positively compared with those at their ‘clinical base’.ConclusionsPost 1-year adoption, remote mental health services in Wales UK have demonstrated that VC is possible from both a technical and behavioural standpoint. Moving forward, we suggest clinical leaders and government support to sustain this approach ‘by default’ as an option for NHS appointments.
Prevalence and predictors of burnout among nurses during COVID-19: a cross-sectional study in hospitals in central Uganda
Authors: Kabunga Amir , Okalo Ponsiano 
Published: September 2021

ObjectiveTo determine the prevalence of burnout and associated factors among nurses during COVID-19 in central Uganda.DesignA cross-sectional design.SettingNurse from one referral and four general hospitals. These were reception centres and cared for patients with COVID-19 in central Uganda.Participants395 nurses.Main outcome measuresBurnout scores.ResultsOf the total 395 participants, 65.1% (n=257) were female; 40% (n=158) had a diploma; 47.1% (n=186) were single; and 39.2% (n=155) had worked for 11–15 years. The results show that 40% (n=158), 41.77% (n=165) and 18.23% (n=77) reported high, average and low levels of burnout, respectively. The results show that the predictors of nurses’ burnout were personal protective equipment (PPE) (OR: 7.1, 95% CI 4.08 to 12.31) and increased workload (OR 4.3, 95% CI 2.43 to 7.93).ConclusionThis study of nurses working in hospitals dealing with patients with COVID-19 in central Uganda reported high rates of burnout, and it was associated with PPE and workload. Interventions like contracting new nurses to reduce workload, the WHO guidelines on PPE, adjusting working hours and ensuring hours of effective rest should be adapted.
Long-term outcome of primary intraocular lens implantation in bilateral congenital cataract in infants with a median age of 35 days at surgery: a case series
Authors: Sand Mari Kathrine , Cholidis Symira , Rimstad Kjartan , Krekling Elise Dees , Kristianslund Olav , Drolsum Liv 
Published: September 2021

ObjectiveTo evaluate the long-term visual outcome and safety after bilateral cataract surgery with primary intraocular lens (IOL) implantation in infants with visually significant cataract at birth operated before 12 weeks of age.Methods and analysisMedical records of infants with congenital cataract who had bilateral surgery with primary IOL implantation before 12 weeks of age at Oslo University Hospital between 2007 and 2016 were retrospectively reviewed. Fifteen infants (30 eyes) were enrolled for a prospective study examination in 2017. Corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) and intraocular pressure (IOP) were assessed. Visual axis opacification (VAO) was defined as opacification on the anterior or posterior surface of the IOL, capsular phimosis or fibrinous membrane. Secondary glaucoma was evaluated according to international guidelines.ResultsMedian age at the time of primary surgery was 35 days (range, 15 to 70 days). There were no serious intraoperative complications, and all eyes had the IOL implanted in the capsular bag. After a median follow-up of 6.1 years (range, 1.5 to 10.2 years), the CDVA was 0.5 logMAR (range, 1.2 to 0.04). All eyes had surgery for VAO and the median number of surgical procedures was 2.0 (range, 1 to 5). The cumulative incidence of secondary glaucoma was 10% after 5 years of follow-up.ConclusionPrimary IOL implantation before 12 weeks of age gave a satisfactory visual outcome, and the incidence of secondary glaucoma was similar to that reported after primary IOL implantation in older infants. However, the risk of VAO was high.
Multidisciplinary team meetings in palliative care: an ethnographic study
Authors: Borgstrom Erica , Cohn Simon , Driessen Annelieke , Martin Jonathan , Yardley Sarah 
Published: September 2021

ObjectivesMultidisciplinary team meetings are a regular feature in the provision of palliative care, involving a range of professionals. Yet, their purpose and best format are not necessarily well understood or documented. This article describes how hospital and community-based palliative care multidisciplinary team meetings operate to elucidate some of their main values and offer an opportunity to share examples of good practice.MethodsEthnographic observations of over 70 multidisciplinary team meetings between May 2018 and January 2020 in hospital and community palliative care settings in intercity London. These observations were part of a larger study examining palliative care processes. Fieldnotes were thematically analysed.ResultsThis article analyses how the meetings operated in terms of their setup, participants and general order of business. Meetings provided a space where patients, families and professionals could be cared for through regular discussions of service provision.ConclusionsMeetings served a variety of functions. Alongside discussing the more technical, clinical and practical aspects that are formally recognised aspects of the meetings, an additional core value was enabling affectual aspects of dealing with people who are dying to be acknowledged and processed collectively. Insight into how the meetings are structured and operate offer input for future practice.
Rotated twisted-mass: a convenient regularization scheme for isospin breaking QCD and QED lattice calculations
Authors: Frezzotti R. , Gagliardi G. , Lubicz V. , Sanfilippo F. , Simula S. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractWe propose a scheme of lattice twisted-mass fermion regularization which is particularly convenient for application to isospin breaking (IB) QCD and QED calculations, based in particular on the so called RM123 approach, in which the IB terms of the action are treated as a perturbation. The main, practical advantage of this scheme is that it allows the calculation of IB effects on some mesonic observables, like e.g. the$$\pi ^+ - \pi ^0$$π+-π0mass splitting, using lattice correlation functions in which the quark and antiquark fields in the meson are regularized with opposite values of the Wilson parameterr. These correlation functions are found to be affected by much smaller statistical fluctuations, with respect to the analogous functions in which quark and antiquark fields are regularized with the same value ofr. Two numerical application of this scheme, that we callrotated twisted-mass, within pure QCD and QCD + QED respectively, are also provided for illustration.
Ellis wormholes in anti-de Sitter space
Authors: Blázquez-Salcedo Jose Luis , Chew Xiao Yan , Kunz Jutta , Yeom Dong-han 
Published: September 2021

AbstractWe construct traversable wormholes with anti-de Sitter asymptotics supported by a phantom field. These wormholes are massless and symmetric with respect to reflection of the radial coordinate $$\eta \rightarrow - \eta $$

η
→
-
η

. Their circumferential radius decreases monotonically from radial infinity to their single throat. Analogous to their asymptotically flat counterparts, these anti-de Sitter wormholes possess an unstable radial mode.
A New Quest for Self-Reliance: East Asia and Indian Economic Nationalism
Authors: CHACKO PRIYA 
Published: September 2021

Since 2017, India has introduced an increasing number of protectionist economic policies including higher tariffs, import duties and production subsidies while also rejecting and reviewing free trade agreements and imposing new regulations on foreign companies. This paper seeks to make sense of India’s recent foreign economic policies and their potential impact on its relations with East Asia. It does so by analyzing the economic, political and geopolitical drivers of these policy changes and placing their emergence within a broader historical context. It is argued that India is entering a new period of “neo-mercantilist” economic nationalism that simultaneously seeks to protect and nurture industries while attracting foreign investment and integrating India into global value chains. This is the outcome of the consequences of “liberal” economic nationalist policies and a changing geopolitical environment — including a broader global impetus toward neo-mercantilist policies and conflict with China. The COVID-19 pandemic has intensified this pre-existing turn toward neo-mercantilism. India’s new economic nationalism has the potential to produce significant changes in India’s relations with East Asia but also faces significant challenges in its implementation in the post-COVID era.