bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Global debt dynamics: The elephant in the room
Authors: Antoniades Andreas , Griffith‐Jones Stephany 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThis introduction analyses the nature and characteristics of global debt dynamics in the post global financial crisis period. First, we attempt to map the ways in which debt has been moving from sector to sector and from one group of countries to another within the global economy. By capturing this intersectorial, international, inter‐regional movements of global debt, we aspire to contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of global debt and its mode of operation. Second, we attempt to analyse what is wrong with global debt dynamics, that is, we examine the broken link between what global debt was supposed to do and what it does. Here, we point to three interrelated dynamics: the accumulation of unproductive debt, growing inequalities of income and wealth and the increase in privately created, interest‐bearing money. We conclude by discussing how each paper in this special issue contributes to the current state of the art on the analysis of global debt dynamics in emerging and developing economies.
Impact of Oral Fidaxomicin Administration on the Intestinal Microbiota and Susceptibility to Clostridium difficile Colonization in Mice
Authors: Ajami N. J. , Cope J. L. , Wong M. C. , Petrosino J. F. , Chesnel L. 
Published: February 2018

ABSTRACTClostridium difficileinfection (CDI), a common cause of hospital-acquired infections, typically occurs after disruption of the normal gut microbiome by broad-spectrum antibiotics. Fidaxomicin is a narrow-spectrum antibiotic that demonstrates a reduced impact on the normal gut microbiota and is approved for the treatment of CDI. To further explore the benefits of this property, we used a murine model to examine the effects of fidaxomicin versus vancomycin on gut microbiota and susceptibility toC. difficilecolonization while tracking microbiota recovery over time. Mice were exposed to fidaxomicin or vancomycin by oral gavage for 3 days and subsequently challenged withC. difficilespores at predetermined time points up to 21 days postexposure to antibiotics. Fecal samples were subsequently collected for analysis. Twenty-four hours postchallenge, mice were euthanized and the colon contents harvested. The microbiota was characterized using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. All fidaxomicin-exposed mice (except for one at day 8) were resistant toC. difficilecolonization. However, 9 of 15 vancomycin-exposed mice were susceptible toC. difficilecolonization until day 12. All vancomycin-exposed mice recovered colonization resistance by day 16. Bacterial diversity was similar prior to antibiotic exposure in both arms and decreased substantially after exposure. A shift in taxonomic structure and composition occurred after both exposures; however, the shift was greater in vancomycin-exposed than in fidaxomicin-exposed mice. In summary, compared with vancomycin, fidaxomicin exposure had less impact on microbiota composition, promoted faster microbial recovery, and had less impact on the loss ofC. difficilecolonization resistance.
Comparing video consultation with inperson assessment for Swedish patients with hard-to-heal ulcers: registry-based studies of healing time and of waiting time
Authors: Wickström Hanna L , Öien Rut Frank , Fagerström Cecilia , Anderberg Peter , Jakobsson Ulf , Midlöv Patrik J 
Published: February 2018

ObjectivesTo investigate differences in ulcer healing time and waiting time between video consultation and inperson assessment for patients with hard-to-heal ulcers.SettingPatients treated at Blekinge Wound Healing Centre, a primary care centre covering the whole of Blekinge county (150 000 inhabitants), were compared with patients registered and treated according to the Registry of Ulcer Treatment, a Swedish national web-based quality registry.ParticipantsIn the study for analysing ulcer healing time, the study group consisted of 100 patients diagnosed through video consultation between October 2014 and September 2016. The control group for analysing healing time consisted of 1888 patients diagnosed through inperson assessment during the same period. In the study for analysing waiting time, the same study group (n=100) was compared with 100 patients diagnosed through inperson assessment.Primary and secondary outcome measuresDifferences in ulcer healing time were analysed using the log-rank test. Differences in waiting time were analysed using the Mann-Whitney U test.ResultsMedian healing time was 59 days (95% CI 40 to 78) in the study group and 82 days (95% CI 75 to 89) in the control group (P<0.001). Median waiting time was 25 days (range: 1–83 days) in the study group and 32 days (range: 3–294 days) for patients diagnosed through inperson assessment (P=0.017). There were no significant differences between the study group and the control group regarding age, gender or ulcer size.ConclusionsHealing time and waiting time were significantly shorter for patients diagnosed through video consultation compared with those diagnosed through inperson assessment.
Linkage of Maternity Hospital Episode Statistics data to birth registration and notification records for births in England 2005-2014: methods. A population-based birth cohort study
Authors: Dattani Nirupa , Macfarlane Alison 
Published: February 2018

IntroductionMaternity Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) data for 2005–2014 were linked to birth registration and birth notification data (previously known as NHS Numbers for Babies or NN4B) to bring together some key demographic and clinical data items not otherwise available at a national level. The linkage algorithm that was previously used to link 2005–2007 data was revised to improve the linkage rate and reduce the number of duplicate HES records.MethodsBirth registration and notification linked records from the Office for National Statistics (‘ONS birth records’) were further linked to Maternity HES delivery and birth records using the NHS Number and other direct identifiers if the NHS Number was missing.ResultsFor the period 2005–2014, over 94% of birth registration and notification records were correctly linked to HES delivery records. Two per cent of the ONS birth records were incorrectly linked to the HES delivery record and 5% of ONS birth records were linked to more than one HES delivery record. Therefore, a considerable amount of time was spent in quality assuring these files.ConclusionThe linkage rate for birth registration and notification records to HES delivery records steadily improved from 2005 to 2014 due to improvement in the quality and completeness of patient identifiers in both HES and birth notification data.
Adapting and enhancing PAX Good Behavior Game for First Nations communities: a mixed-methods study protocol developed with Swampy Cree Tribal Council communities in Manitoba
Authors: Fortier Janique , Chartier Mariette , Turner Sarah , Murdock Nora , Turner Frank , Sareen Jitender , Afifi Tracie O , Katz Laurence Y , Brownell Marni , Bolton James , Elias Brenda , Isaak Corinne , Woodgate Roberta , Jiang Depeng 
Published: February 2018

IntroductionHigh rates of mental health problems, such as suicidal behaviours, among First Nations youth in Canada are a major public health concern. The Good Behavior Game (GBG) is a school-based intervention that provides a nurturing environment for children and has been shown to promote positive outcomes. PAX Good Behavior Game (PAX GBG) is an adaptation and enhancement of the GBG. While PAX GBG has been implemented in Indigenous communities, little research exists examining the cultural and contextual appropriateness and effectiveness of the intervention in First Nations communities.Methods and analysisThe present paper describes a protocol of the mixed-methods approach guided by an Indigenous ethical engagement model adopted to implement, adapt and evaluate PAX GBG in First Nations communities in Manitoba, Canada. First, implementation outcomes (eg, acceptability, adoption) of PAX GBG will be evaluated using qualitative interviews with teachers, principals and community members from Swampy Cree Tribal Council (SCTC) communities. Second, by linking administrative databases to programme data from schools in 38 First Nations communities, we will compare PAX GBG and control groups to evaluate whether PAX GBG is associated with improved mental health and academic outcomes. Third, the qualitative results will help inform a cultural and contextual adaptation of PAX GBG called First Nations PAX (FN PAX). Fourth, FN PAX will be implemented in a few SCTC communities and evaluated using surveys and qualitative interviews followed by the remaining communities the subsequent year.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval was obtained from the University of Manitoba Health Research Ethics Board and will be obtained from the Health Information Privacy Committee and respective data providers for the administrative database linkages. Dissemination and knowledge translation will include community and stakeholder engagement throughout the research process, reports and presentations for policymakers and community members, presentations at scientific conferences and journal publications.
Management of type 2 diabetes mellitus in people with severe mental illness: an online cross-sectional survey of healthcare professionals
Authors: McBain Hayley , Lamontagne-Godwin Frederique , Haddad Mark , Simpson Alan , Chapman Jacqui , Jones Julia , Flood Chris , Mulligan Kathleen 
Published: February 2018

ObjectivesTo establish healthcare professionals’ (HCPs) views about clinical roles, and the barriers and enablers to delivery of diabetes care for people with severe mental illness (SMI).DesignCross-sectional, postal and online survey.SettingTrusts within the National Health Service, mental health and diabetes charities, and professional bodies.ParticipantsHCPs who care for people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and/or SMI in the UK.Primary and secondary outcome measuresThe barriers, enablers and experiences of delivering T2DM care for people with SMI, informed by the Theoretical Domains Framework.ResultsRespondents were 273 HCPs, primarily mental health nurses (33.7%) and psychiatrists (32.2%). Only 25% of respondents had received training in managing T2DM in people with SMI. Univariate analysis found that mental health professionals felt responsible for significantly fewer recommended diabetes care standards than physical health professionals (P<0.001). For those seeing diabetes care as part of their role, the significant barriers to its delivery in the multiple regression analyses were a lack of knowledge (P=0.003); a need for training in communication and negotiation skills (P=0.04); a lack of optimism about the health of their clients (P=0.04) and their ability to manage T2DM in people with SMI (P=0.003); the threat of being disciplined (P=0.02); fear of working with people with a mental health condition (P=0.01); a lack of service user engagement (P=0.006); and a need for incentives (P=0.04). The significant enablers were an understanding of the need to tailor treatments (P=0.04) and goals (P=0.02) for people with SMI.ConclusionsThis survey indicates that despite current guidelines, diabetes care in mental health settings remains peripheral. Even when diabetes care is perceived as part of an HCP’s role, various individual and organisational barriers to delivering recommended T2DM care standards to people with SMI are experienced.
TEXT messages to improve MEDication adherence and Secondary prevention (TEXTMEDS) after acute coronary syndrome: a randomised clinical trial protocol
Authors: Chow Clara K , Thiagalingam Aravinda , Santo Karla , Kok Cindy , Thakkar Jay , Stepien Sandrine , Billot Laurent , Jan Stephen , Joshi Rohina , Hillis Graham S , Brieger David , Chew Derek P , Rådholm Karin , Atherton John J , Bhindi Ravinay , Collins Nicholas , Coverdale Steven , Hamilton-Craig Christian , Kangaharan Nadarajah , Maiorana Andrew , McGrady Michelle , Shetty Pratap , Thompson Peter , Rogers Anthony , Redfern Julie 
Published: February 2018

BackgroundIdentifying simple, low-cost and scalable means of supporting lifestyle change and medication adherence for patients following a cardiovascular (CV) event is important.ObjectiveThe TEXTMEDS (TEXT messages to improve MEDication adherence and Secondary prevention) study aims to investigate whether a cardiac education and support programme sent via mobile phone text message improves medication adherence and risk factor levels in patients following an acute coronary syndrome (ACS).Study designA single-blind, multicentre, randomised clinical trial of 1400 patients after an ACS with 12 months follow-up. The intervention group will receive multiple weekly text messages that provide information, motivation, support to adhere to medications, quit smoking (if relevant) and recommendations for healthy diet and exercise. The primary endpoint is the percentage of patients who are adherent to cardioprotective medications and the key secondary outcomes are mean systolic blood pressure (BP) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Secondary outcomes will also include total cholesterol, mean diastolic BP, the percentage of participants who are adherent to each cardioprotective medication class, the percentage of participants who achieve target levels of CV risk factors, major vascular events, hospital readmissions and all-cause mortality. The study will be augmented by formal economic and process evaluations to assess acceptability, utility and cost-effectiveness.SummaryThe study will provide multicentre randomised trial evidence of the effects of a text message-based programme on cardioprotective medication adherence and levels of CV risk factors.Ethics and disseminationPrimary ethics approval was received from Western Sydney Local Health District Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC2012/12/4.1 (3648) AU RED HREC/13/WMEAD/15). Results will be disseminated via peer-reviewed publications and presentations at international conferences.Trial registration numberACTRN12613000793718; Pre-results.
GP and parent dissonance about the assessment and treatment of childhood eczema in primary care: a qualitative study
Authors: Powell Kingsley , Le Roux Emma , Banks Jonathan , Ridd Matthew J 
Published: February 2018

ObjectivesTo compare parents’ and clinicians’ perspectives on the assessment and treatment of children with eczema in primary care.DesignQualitative interview study with purposive and snowball sampling and thematic analysis.Setting14 general practices in the UK.Participants11 parents of children with eczema and 15 general practitioners (GPs) took part in semistructured individual interviews.ResultsWe identified several areas of dissonance between parents and GPs. First, parents sought a ‘cause’ of eczema, such as an underlying allergy, whereas GPs looked to manage the symptoms of an incurable condition. Second, parents often judged eczema severity in terms of psychosocial impact, while GPs tended to focus on the appearance of the child’s skin. Third, parents sought ‘more natural’ over-the-counter treatments or complementary medicine, which GPs felt unable to endorse because of their unknown effectiveness and potential harm. Fourth, GPs linked poor outcomes to unrealistic expectations of treatment and low adherence to topical therapy, whereas parents reported persisting with treatment and despondency with its ineffectiveness. Consultations were commonly described by parents as being dominated by the GP, with a lack of involvement in treatment decisions. GPs’ management of divergent views varied, but avoidance strategies were often employed.ConclusionsDivergent views between parents and clinicians regarding the cause and treatment of childhood eczema can probably only be bridged by clinicians actively seeking out opinions and sharing rationale for their approach to treatment. Together with assessing the psychosocial as well as the physical impact of eczema, asking about current or intended use of complementary therapy and involving parents in treatment decisions, the management of eczema and patient outcomes could be improved.
Delivering safe and effective test-result communication, management and follow-up: a mixed-methods study protocol
Authors: Dahm Maria R , Georgiou Andrew , Westbrook Johanna I , Greenfield David , Horvath Andrea R , Wakefield Denis , Li Ling , Hillman Ken , Bolton Patrick , Brown Anthony , Jones Graham , Herkes Robert , Lindeman Robert , Legg Michael , Makeham Meredith , Moses Daniel , Badmus Dauda , Campbell Craig , Hardie Rae-Anne , Li Julie , McCaughey Euan , Sezgin Gorkem , Thomas Judith , Wabe Nasir 
Published: February 2018

IntroductionThe failure to follow-up pathology and medical imaging test results poses patient-safety risks which threaten the effectiveness, quality and safety of patient care. The objective of this project is to: (1) improve the effectiveness and safety of test-result management through the establishment of clear governance processes of communication, responsibility and accountability; (2) harness health information technology (IT) to inform and monitor test-result management; (3) enhance the contribution of consumers to the establishment of safe and effective test-result management systems.Methods and analysisThis convergent mixed-methods project triangulates three multistage studies at seven adult hospitals and one paediatric hospital in Australia.Study 1 adopts qualitative research approaches including semistructured interviews, focus groups and ethnographic observations to gain a better understanding of test-result communication and management practices in hospitals, and to identify patient-safety risks which require quality-improvement interventions.Study 2 analyses linked sets of routinely collected healthcare data to examine critical test-result thresholds and test-result notification processes. A controlled before-and-after study across three emergency departments will measure the impact of interventions (including the use of IT) developed to improve the safety and quality of test-result communication and management processes.Study 3 adopts a consumer-driven approach, including semistructured interviews, and the convening of consumer-reference groups and community forums. The qualitative data will identify mechanisms to enhance the role of consumers in test-management governance processes, and inform the direction of the research and the interpretation of findings.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval has been granted by the South Eastern Sydney Local Health District Human Research Ethics Committee and Macquarie University. Findings will be disseminated in academic, industry and consumer journals, newsletters and conferences.
Clinical validation of a public health policy-making platform for hearing loss (EVOTION): protocol for a big data study
Authors: Dritsakis Giorgos , Kikidis Dimitris , Koloutsou Nina , Murdin Louisa , Bibas Athanasios , Ploumidou Katherine , Laplante-Lévesque Ariane , Pontoppidan Niels Henrik , Bamiou Doris-Eva 
Published: February 2018

IntroductionThe holistic management of hearing loss (HL) requires an understanding of factors that predict hearing aid (HA) use and benefit beyond the acoustics of listening environments. Although several predictors have been identified, no study has explored the role of audiological, cognitive, behavioural and physiological data nor has any study collected real-time HA data. This study will collect ‘big data’, including retrospective HA logging data, prospective clinical data and real-time data via smart HAs, a mobile application and biosensors. The main objective is to enable the validation of the EVOTION platform as a public health policy-making tool for HL.Methods and analysisThis will be a big data international multicentre study consisting of retrospective and prospective data collection. Existing data from approximately 35 000 HA users will be extracted from clinical repositories in the UK and Denmark. For the prospective data collection, 1260 HA candidates will be recruited across four clinics in the UK and Greece. Participants will complete a battery of audiological and other assessments (measures of patient-reported HA benefit, mood, cognition, quality of life). Patients will be offered smart HAs and a mobile phone application and a subset will also be given wearable biosensors, to enable the collection of dynamic real-life HA usage data. Big data analytics will be used to detect correlations between contextualised HA usage and effectiveness, and different factors and comorbidities affecting HL, with a view to informing public health decision-making.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval was received from the London South East Research Ethics Committee (17/LO/0789), the Hippokrateion Hospital Ethics Committee (1847) and the Athens Medical Center’s Ethics Committee (KM140670). Results will be disseminated through national and international events in Greece and the UK, scientific journals, newsletters, magazines and social media. Target audiences include HA users, clinicians, policy-makers and the general public.Trial registration numberNCT03316287; Pre-results.
Integrating palliative care into neurology services: what do the professionals say?
Authors: Hepgul Nilay , Gao Wei , Evans Catherine J , Jackson Diana , van Vliet Liesbeth M , Byrne Anthony , Crosby Vincent , Groves Karen E , Lindsay Fiona , Higginson Irene J 
Published: February 2018

ObjectivesEvaluations of new services for palliative care in non-cancer conditions are few. OPTCARE Neuro is a multicentre trial evaluating the effectiveness of short-term integrated palliative care (SIPC) for progressive long-term neurological conditions. Here, we present survey results describing the current levels of collaboration between neurology and palliative care services and exploring the views of professionals towards the new SIPC service.MethodsNeurology and palliative care teams from six UK trial sites (London, Nottingham, Liverpool, Cardiff, Brighton and Chertsey) were approached via email to complete an online survey. The survey was launched in July 2015 and consisted of multiple choice or open comment questions with responses collected using online forms.Results33 neurology and 26 palliative care professionals responded. Collaborations between the two specialties were reported as being ‘good/excellent’ by 36% of neurology and by 58% of palliative care professionals. However, nearly half (45%) of neurology compared with only 12% of palliative care professionals rated current levels as being ‘poor/none’. Both professional groups felt that the new SIPC service would influence future collaborations for the better. However, they identified a number of barriers for the new SIPC service such as resources and clinician awareness.ConclusionsOur results demonstrate the opportunity to increase collaboration between neurology and palliative care services for people with progressive neurological conditions, and the acceptability of SIPC as a model to support this.Trial registration numberISRCTN18337380; Pre-results.