bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Gun Violence Restraining Order Laws and Firearm Suicide among Older Adults: A Longitudinal State-Level Analysis
Authors: Saadi Altaf , Choi Kristen R , Takada Sae , Zimmerman Fred J. 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Background: Older adults commit suicide at a disproportionately higher rate compared to the general population, with firearms the most common means of suicide. State gun laws may be a policy remedy. Less is known about Gun Violence Restricting Order (GVRO) laws, which allow for removal of firearms from people deemed to be a danger to themselves or others, and their effects on suicide rates among older adults. The purpose of this study was to examine the association of state firearm laws with the incidence of firearm, non-firearm-related, and total suicide among older adults, with a focus on GVRO laws. Methods: This is a longitudinal study of US states using data from 2012 to 2016. The outcome variables were firearm, non-firearm and total suicide rates among older adults. Predictor variables were (1) total number of gun laws to assess for impact of overall firearm legislation at the state level, and (2) GVRO laws. Results: The total number of firearm laws, as well as GVRO laws, were negatively associated with firearm-related suicide rate among older adults (p<0.001). There was a small but significant positive association of total number of firearm laws to non-firearm-related suicide rates and a negative association with total suicide rate. GVRO laws were not significantly associated with non-firearm-related suicide and were negatively associated with total suicide rate. Conclusion: Stricter firearm legislation, as well as GVRO laws, are protective against firearm-relate suicides among older adults.
An updated meta-analysis of XRCC4 rs1805377 polymorphism and the risk of cancer based on 23 case-control studies
Authors: Zhang Xin-yuan , Wei Xiao-han , Wang Bao-jie , Yao Jun 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Background The growing studies reports that the genes participating in repairing of DNA double-strand breaks may be cancer-susceptibility genes. Rs1805377 (A>G) is a functional single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the x-ray cross-complementing group 4 (XRCC4) gene that may be involved in the etiology of cancer. However, no conclusive results can be determined from individually published studies. Thus, we performed a meta-analysis to examine the association between XRCC4 rs1805377 polymorphism and cancer risk.Methods The potential literatures were searched using three online electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science). The available studies were included according to the inclusion criteria. The pooled analysis were performed to explore the association between XRCC4 rs1805377 locus and the risk of cancer. Additionally, we also performed subgroup analysis and sensitivity analysis.Results Twenty-three studies were included in our meta-analysis. It contained 9,433 cancer patients and 10,337 healthy controls. The pooled results showed that there was no association between rs1805377 and the risk of cancer. Under the dominant model, the final pooled odds ratios (ORs) was 1.115 (95% confidence intervals: 0.956-1.301; P = 0.165) in a random effects model without the statistical significance. The subgroup analysis by ethnicity and source of controls also didn’t find that rs1805377 polymorphism was related to cancer occurrence. In the subgroup by type of cancers, the significant association was only found in gastric antrum adenocarcinoma.Conclusions our meta-analysis suggested that there was no association between rs1805377 polymorphism and cancer occurrence. It may provide useful information for the relevant studies on the etiology of cancer in future.
A Transcriptomic Meta-Analysis Identifies Differentially Expressed Genes across Different Types of Cancer and Their Association with Checkpoint Inhibitor Immunotherapy
Authors: Al-Khudhair Ahmed , Dar Pervaiz , Imam Shahnawaz , SA Khuder , Jaume Juan C. 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Background Checkpoint inhibitor, anti-Programmed cell death protein1/Ligand (PD1 / PDL1) immunotherapy achieved great success in modulating the immune system to reinvigorate targeted immune fight against several types of cancer. However, patients’ clinical response to this cancer immunotherapy varies widely. Biomarkers that can predict the greatest response to the anti-PD1 immunotherapy could help to personalize the maximum benefit for the right patient.Results This study explored transcriptomic biomarkers that were associated with the response (or no-response) to the anti-PD1/PDL1 immunotherapy in seven types of cancer [Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma (n=8), Head and Neck cancer (n=3), Lung Non-Squamous cancer (n=15), Squamous Lung cancer (n=8), Melanoma (n=23), Melanoma Skin Metastasis (n=10), and Renal Cell Carcinoma (n=11)]. The most common differentially expressed genes (105 genes) were between melanoma skin metastasis and renal cell carcinoma; followed by malignant pleural mesothelioma and renal cell carcinoma, which had 79 common differentially expressed genes; then malignant pleural mesothelioma and melanoma skin metastasis, which had 46 differentially expressed genes in common. Many similar (parallel) and dissimilar (anti-parallel) gene expression signatures were identified in this study. Parallel signature Differentially Expressed Genes (DEGs) are genes up-regulated together in either response or no-response group of different types of cancer, while the anti-parallel DEGs show up-regulation in the response group of one type of cancer while same genes are up-regulated in the no-response group of another different type of cancers. Target of Myb1 like 1 Membrane Trafficking Protein gene (TOM1L1) was found to be common among malignant pleural mesothelioma, melanoma skin metastasis, and renal cell carcinoma and was up-regulated in the cancer patients’ samples that did not respond to the anti-PD1/PDL1 immunotherapy. This study also found that differentially expressed Plasminogen Activator, Urokinase Receptor gene (PLAUR), was common among squamous lung cancer, melanoma and melanoma skin metastasis, and was up-regulated in the patients’ samples that responded to the anti-PD1/PDL1 immunotherapy.Conclusion In summary, this study identified DEGs biomarkers that can predict the response or no-response to the anti-PD1 immunotherapy across seven types of cancer. It also affirms the attention to important genes like TOM1L1 and PLAUR for their potential function in the cancer dissemination and metastasis.
Quality Use Of Medicines In Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Castelino Ronald L , Saunder Timothy , Kitsos Alex , Peterson Greg , Jose Matthew , Wimmer Barbara , Khanam Masuma , Bezabhe Woldesellassie , Stankovich Jim , Radford Jan 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Objective: To determine the extent of potentially inappropriate prescribing (PIP; defined as the use of a contraindicated medication or inappropriately high dose according to the kidney function) of renally-cleared medications commonly prescribed in Australian primary care, based on two measures of kidney function. A secondary aim was to assess agreement between the two measures. Design: Retrospective analysis of routinely collected de-identified Australian general practice patient data (NPS MedicineWise MedicineInsight from January 1, 2013, to June 1, 2016; collected from 329 general practices). Setting & Participants: All adults (aged ≥18 years) with chronic kidney disease (CKD) presenting to general practices across Australia. Results: A total of 48,731 patients met the Kidney Health Australia (KHA) definition for CKD and had prescriptions recorded within 90 days of measuring serum creatinine (SCr)/estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Overall, 28,729 patients were prescribed one or more of the 49 medications of interest. Approximately 35% (n=9,926) of these patients had at least one PIP based on either the Cockcroft-Gault (CG) equation or eGFR (CKD-EPI; CKD-Epidemiology Collaboration Equation). There was good agreement between CG and eGFR while determining the appropriateness of medications, with approximately 97% of the medications classified as appropriate by eGFR also being considered appropriate by the CG equation. Conclusion: This study highlights that PIP commonly occurs in primary care patients with CKD and the need for further research to understand why and how this can be minimised. The findings also show that the eGFR provides clinicians a potential alternative to the CG formula when estimating kidney function to guide drug appropriateness and dosing.
Measuring the effectiveness of digital nursing technologies: Development of a comprehensive digital nursing technology outcome framework based on a scoping review
Authors: Krick Tobias , Huter Kai , Seibert Kathrin , Domhoff Dominik , Wolf-Ostermann Karin 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Background: Digital nursing technologies (DNT) comprise an expanding, highly diverse field of research, explored using a wide variety of methods and tools. Study results are therefore difficult to compare, which raises the question how effectiveness of DNT can be adequately measured. Methods currently used might not be sufficient for certain specific nursing contexts. A comprehensive outcome framework that shows the multitude of possible outcome areas could be useful to generate more comparable results. The aim of the present study is to develop an outcome framework for DNT and to indicate which outcome areas have been most frequently evaluated in previous studies and how this has been done.
Methods: A mixed method design was used to develop the DNT outcome framework. The numerical analysis is based on a scoping review focussing on the effectiveness of DNT for persons in need of care, formal or informal caregivers or care institutions. Nine databases were included in the screening: Medline, Scopus, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, ACM Digital Library, IEEE Xplore, the Collection of Computer Science Bibliographies, GeroLit and CareLit. Additional literature searches and expert interviews were included.
Results: The developed framework comprises four outcome target groups and 47 outcome areas. There are considerable differences in the researched outcome areas for the individual outcome target groups. Persons in need of care were by far the most frequently surveyed, particularly with respect to their psychological health. There are much fewer studies on formal and informal caregivers, and it is particularly noticeable that the quality of life of both groups has rarely been investigated. Care process quality was most frequently researched for organisations.
Conclusion: We were able to provide a comprehensive DNT outcome framework, thereby identifying the outcome tools used and the less researched outcome areas. We recommend a detailed investigation of all areas and tools in future research projects with a view to initiating a discussion on the differing importance of existing outcome areas and on a standardisation of outcome tools. We also recommend the development of outcome areas for the macro level of effectiveness assessment.
Keywords: Technology, Care, Nursing, Framework, Effectiveness, Effect, Digital, Outcome, Evidence
Evaluation of dialysis centres: Values and criteria of the stakeholders
Authors: Parra Eduardo , Arenas María Dolores , Luis María José Fernandez-Reyes , Forcén Angel Blasco , Alvarez-Ude Fernando , Joven Juan Aguarón , Casas Alfredo Altuzarra , Moreno-Jiménez José María 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Bacground Evaluation of renal replacement therapy with haemodialysis is essential for its improvement. However, the methods used have important epistemological limitations. The present study aimed to determine the opinions and preferences of stakeholders (patients, clinicians, and managers) and establish their relative importance to facilitating an adequate evaluation. Methods Successive working groups (WGs) were established using a multicriteria methodology. WG1 created a draft of criteria and sub-criteria, WG2 agreed, and WG3 was composed of three face-to-face subgroups (WG3-A, WG3-B, and WG3-C) that weighted them using two methodologies: weighting sum (WS) and analytic hierarchy process (AHP). Subsequently, they determined a preference for the WS or AHP results. Finally, via the Internet, WG4 weighted the criteria and sub-criteria by the method preferred by WG3, and WG5 analysed the results. Results WG1 and WG2 identified and agreed on the following evaluation criteria: evidence-based variables (EBVs), annual morbidity, annual mortality, PROMs, and PREMs. The EBVs consisted of five sub-criteria: type of vascular access, dialysis dose, haemoglobin concentration, ratio of catheter bacteraemia, and bone mineral disease. The patients rated the PROMs with greater weight than the other stakeholders in both face-to-face WG3 (WS and AHP) and WG4 via the Internet. The type of vascular access was the most valued sub-criterion. A performance matrix of each criterion and sub-criterion is presented as a reference for assessing the results based on the preferences of the stakeholders. Conclusions The use of a multicriteria methodology allows the relative importance of the indicators to be determined, reflecting the values of the different stakeholders. In a performance matrix, the inclusion of values and intangible aspects in the evaluation could help in making clinical and organizational decisions.
Progression of Endothelial Dysfunction, Atherosclerosis, and Arterial Stiffness in Stable Kidney Transplant Patients: A Pilot Study
Authors: Junarta Joey , Hojs Nina , Ramphul Robin , Lowe-Jones Racquel , Kaski Juan C , Banerjee Debasish 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Background
Kidney transplant patients suffer from vascular abnormalities and high cardiovascular event rates, despite initial improvements post-transplantation. The nature of the progression of vascular abnormalities in the longer term is unknown. This pilot study investigated changes in vascular abnormalities over time in stable kidney transplant patients long after transplantation.
Methods
Brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD), nitroglycerin-mediated dilation, carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cf-PWV), ankle-brachial pressure index, and common carotid artery intima-media thickness (CCA-IMT) were assessed in 18 kidney transplant patients and 17 controls at baseline and 3-6 months after.
Results
There was no difference in age (51±13 vs. 46±11; P=0.19), body mass index (26±5 vs. 25±3; P=0.49), serum cholesterol (4.54±0.96 vs. 5.14±1.13; P=0.10), systolic blood pressure (BP) (132±12 vs. 126±12; P=0.13), diastolic BP (82±9 vs. 77±8; P=0.10), or diabetes status (3 vs. 0; P=0.08) between transplant patients and controls. No difference existed in vascular markers between patients and controls at baseline. In transplant patients, FMD decreased (-1.52±2.74; P=0.03), cf-PWV increased (0.62±1.06; P=0.03), and CCA-IMT increased (0.35±0.53; P=0.02). No changes were observed in controls.
Conclusions
Markers of vascular structure and function worsen in the post-transplant period on long-term follow-up, which may explain the continued high cardiovascular event rates in this population.
Facilitators and barriers to advancing binational health coverage strategies for undocumented Mexican migrants in the United States of America
Authors: Arredondo Armando , Orozco Emanuel , Recaman Ana Lucia , Azar Alejandra 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Background: Within the framework of a new national health program with emphasis on universal coverage strategies and in the context of revision/adjustments to the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA/TEMEC), the present study aimed to identify barriers, facilitators and challenges for the development of strategies on social protection in the health of migrants and their families. Material and methods: Evaluative research based on a qualitative analysis with a cross-sectional design. The techniques of documentary analysis, applied political analysis (mapping of actors), in-depth interviews and case studies were used. In the first stage, key actors were mapped at the federal level and senior executives and health officials, federal deputies, senators and members of the Mexican foreign service were interviewed. In the second stage, field work was carried out in the state of Guanajuato and California; State health service officials, state government officials, municipal officials, health unit workers, representatives of CSOs and relatives of migrants were interviewed. The analysis of the interviews was carried out through the ATLAS-Ti software, as well as the mapping of actors and feasibility analysis through the POLICY MAKER software. Results: The main results allowed to identify indicators on barriers and facilitators regarding social actors, binational agreements under NAFTA/TEMEC, institutional spaces, interaction between social actors, as well as the impact and type of relations for a greater advance in binational health policies. Several obstacles were reported, including the fears that undocumented emigrants have in the U.S. of being arrested and deported if they use public health services in the U.S. The stakeholders also believed that many Mexican emigrants do not have a culture that values health insurance. Conclusions: In the context of reforms and adjustments of health systems that are being discussed in parallel in the revision and adjustments of NAFTA/TEMEC (United States of America, Mexico and Canada), the facilitators and barriers identified can be used to strengthen the development of bi-national strategies with different schemes of social protection in the health of undocumented migrants and their families on both sides of the border.
Effect and mechanism of YH0618 granule on chemotherapy- induced hair loss in patients with breast cancer: study protocol for a randomized, double-blind, multi-center clinical trial
Authors: You Jie-shu , Guo Li , Huang Mei , Shi Xin-lei , Lin Man-di , Guo Zhen , Cao Ya-li , Sun You-zhi , Xu Qian , Qu Wei-ling , Liu Huan-lan , Chen Jianping 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Background: Hair loss is one of the most common side effects of chemotherapy, which can cause persistent negative emotions, further affecting therapeutic effects and reducing the quality of life. However, there is no clinically safe and effective methods to solve the problem at present. Our previous clinical and animal studies showed that a medicinal and edible decoction YH0618 could significantly promote hair growth in cancer patients after chemotherapy, without interfering with the anti-tumor effect of chemotherapy. Besides, the theory of Chinese Medicine believes “Essence of the kidney is reflected on the hair”. Therefore, this study will further explore the efficacy of YH0618 granule on chemotherapy-induced hair loss in patients with breast cancer by a randomized, double-blind, multi-center clinical trial and elucidate the potential mechanism from the aspect of kidney deficiency or renal dysfunction. Methods/Design: Eligible breast cancer patients who will start chemotherapy will be randomly divided into group A (YH0618 granule) and group B (placebo). The chemotherapeutic agents contains Taxanes or/and Anthracyclines, and chemotherapy regimen will last at least 6 cycles with every three weeks a cycle. Subjects assigned to group A will receive YH0618 granules two times a day (6 g each time), 6 days a week, mixing with 300 ml warm water from the first to the fourth chemotherapy cycle. Subjects in group B will receive the placebo granule in the same manner. The primary outcome is the time point of occurrence of hair loss reaching grade II assessed by WHO Toxicity Grading Scale, and objective indexes of hair quality and hair follicle recorded by a hair and scalp detector before the fifth chemotherapy. Secondary outcomes include changes of facial color and thumbnails color, grading of thumbnails ridging, assessment of quality life, fatigue, routine blood test, hepatic and renal function, and some medical indicators which can reflect kidney deficiency in Chinese Medicine. Discussion: This research is of great significance for the treatment of cancer and improving the quality of life of patients. The study may provide the most direct evidence for meeting clinical needs and lay a solid scientific foundation for later product development. Trial registration: The trial was registered on 14 December 2018 at Chinese Clinical Trial Registry: ChiCTR1800020107.
KONTAKT© in Australian Adolescents on the Autism Spectrum: Protocol of a Randomized Control Trial
Authors: Afsharnejad Bahareh , Falkmer Marita , Black Melissa H , Alach Tasha , Lenhard Fabian , Fridell Anna M , Coco Christina , Milne Kelly , Chen Nigel TM , Bölte Sven , Girdler Sonya 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Background: Individuals diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) experience impairing challenges in social communication and interaction across multiple contexts. While social skills group training (SSGT) has shown moderate effects on various sociability outcomes in ASD, there is a need for (i) replication of effects in additional clinical and cultural contexts, (ii) designs which employ active control groups, (iii) calculation of health economic benefits, (iv) identification of the optimal training duration, and (v) measurement of individual goal and quality of life outcomes. Method/design: With the aim of investigating the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of a SSGT, KONTAKT©, a two-armed randomized control trial with adolescents aged 12 to17 years (N=90) with ASD and an intelligence quotient (IQ) of over 70 will be undertaken. Following stratification for centre and gender, participants will be randomly assigned to either KONTAKT© or to an active control group, a group-based cooking program. Participants will attend both programs in groups of 6 to 8 adolescents, over 16 one and a half hour sessions. The primary outcome examined is adolescent self-rated achievement of personally meaningful social goals as assessed via Goal Attainment Scaling during an interview with a blinded clinician. Secondary outcomes include adolescent self-reported interpersonal efficacy, quality of life, social anxiety, and loneliness, face emotion recognition performance and associated gaze behaviour, and parent proxy reports of autistic traits, quality of life, social functioning, emotion recognition and expression. Cost-effectiveness will be investigated in relation to direct and indirect societal and health care costs. Discussion: The primary outcomes of this study will be evidenced in the anticipated achievement of adolescents’ personally meaningful social goals following participation in KONTAKT© as compared to the active control group. This design will enable rigours evaluation of the efficacy of KONTAKT©, exercising control over the possibly confounding effect of exposure to a social context of peers with a diagnosis of ASD.