bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of introducing a faecal immunochemical test (FIT) for haemoglobin into primary care on the outcome of patients with new bowel symptoms: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Mowat Craig , Digby Jayne , Strachan Judith A , McCann Rebecca , Hall Christopher , Heather Duncan , Carey Francis , Fraser Callum G , Steele Robert J C 
Published: May 2019

ObjectiveTo determine whether a faecal immunochemical test (FIT) for faecal haemoglobin concentration (f-Hb) can be safely implemented in primary care as a rule-out test for significant bowel disease (SBD) (colorectal cancer (CRC), higher risk adenoma (HRA) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)) when used as an adjunct to the clinical assessment of new bowel symptoms.DesignSingle-centre prospective cohort study of all patients who attended primary care and submitted a FIT in the first calendar year of the service beginning December 2015. f-Hb was estimated using HM-JACKarc (Kyowa Medex) with a clinical cut-off of ≥10 µg Hb/g faeces. Incident cases of CRC were verified via anonymised record linkage to the Scottish Cancer Registry.Results5422 patients submitted 5660 FIT specimens, of which 5372 were analysed (positivity: 21.9%). 2848 patients were referred immediately to secondary care and three with f-Hb <10 µg/g presented acutely within days with obstructing CRC. 1447 completed colonoscopy in whom overall prevalence of SBD was 20.5% (95 CRC (6.6%), 133 HRA (9.2%) and 68 IBD (4.7%)); 6.6% in patients with f-Hb <10 µg/g vs 32.3% in patients with f-Hb ≥10 µg/g. One CRC was detected at CT colonoscopy. 2521 patients were not immediately referred (95.3% had f-Hb <10 µg/g) of which four (0.2%) later developed CRC. Record linkage identified no additional CRC cases within a follow-up period of 23–35 months.ConclusionIn primary care, measurement of f-Hb, in conjunction with clinical assessment, can safely and objectively determine a patient’s risk of SBD.
Evaluation of guidelines on the screening and diagnosis of gestational diabetes mellitus: systematic review
Authors: Li-zhen Liao , Yun Xu , Xiao-Dong Zhuang , Shu-bin Hong , Zi-lian Wang , Adrian Sandra Dobs , Bin Liu 
Published: May 2019

ObjectiveGuidelines for screening and diagnosis of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) have been updated in the past several years, and various inconsistencies exist across these guidelines. Moreover, the quality of these updated guidelines has not been clarified. We thus conducted this systematic review to evaluate the relationship between the quality and detailed recommendations of these guidelines.Data sourcesThe Guidelines International Network Library, the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) database, the Medline database, the Embase and the National Guidelines Clearinghouse were searched for guidelines containing recommendations on screening and diagnosis strategies for GDM between 2009 and November 2018.MethodsGuidelines included a target group of women with GDM, and contained recommendations for screening and diagnostic strategies for GDM were included in the present systematic review. Reviewers summarised recommendations on screening and diagnosis strategies from each guideline and rated the quality of guidelines by using the Appraisal of Guidelines Research and Evaluation (AGREE) criteria.ResultsA total of 459 citations were collected by the preliminary literature selection, and 16 guidelines that met the inclusion criteria were assessed. The inconsistencies of the guidelines mainly focus on the screening process (one step vs two step) and criteria of oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) (International Association of Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Groups [IADPSG] vs CarpenterandCoustan). Guidelines with higher AGREE scores usually recommend a one-step OGTT strategy with IADPSG criteria between 24 and 28 gestational weeks, and the majority of these guidelines likely to select evidence by Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation criteria.ConclusionsThe guidelines of WHO-2013, NICE-2015, American Diabetes Association-2018, Endocrine Society-2013, Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada-2016, International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics-2015, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists-2018, United States Preventive Services Task Force-2014 and IADPSG-2015 are strongly recommended in the present evaluation, according to the AGREE II criteria. Guidelines with higher quality tend to recommend a one-step 75 g OGTT strategy with IADPSG criteria between 24 and 28 gestational weeks.
Risk of bias assessment of randomised controlled trials referenced in the 2015 American Heart Association guidelines update for cardiopulmonary resuscitation and emergency cardiovascular care: a cross-sectional review
Authors: Cho Yongil , Kim Changsun , Kang Bossng 
Published: May 2019

ObjectivesTo identify the risk of bias of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) referenced in the 2015 American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines update for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and emergency cardiovascular care (ECC).DesignA cross-sectional review.SettingAll RCTs cited as references in the 2015 AHA guidelines update for CPR and ECC were extracted. After excluding non-human trials, studies that analysed existing RCTs, and RCTs published in a letter format, two reviewers assessed the risk of bias among RCTs included in this study.Outcome measuresThe Cochrane Collaboration’s tool for assessing the risk of bias in six domains (random sequence generation, allocation concealment, blinding of participants and personnel, blinding of outcome assessment, incomplete outcome data and selective reporting) was used.ResultsTwo hundred seventy-three RCTs were selected for the analyses. Of these RCTs, 78.8% had a high risk of bias for blinding of participants and personnel, mostly (87.7%) non-drug trials. In drug trials, the proportion of trials with a low risk of bias for blinding of participants and personnel was 73.0%. The proportion of RCTs with an unclear risk of bias were higher for random sequence generation (38.5%) and allocation concealment (34.1%) than in other domains. Unclear risk of bias proportions was 65.4% for random sequence generation and 57.7% for allocation concealment before the introduction of Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) but decreased to 31.3% and 32.2% after the 2010 CONSORT update, respectively.ConclusionsThe proportion of RCTs with an unclear risk of bias was still high for random sequence generation and allocation concealment in the 2015 AHA guidelines for CPR and ECC. The risk of bias should be considered when interpreting and applying the CPR guidelines. Authors should plan and report their research using CONSORT guidelines and the Cochrane Collaboration’s tool to reduce the risk of bias.
Important food sources of fructose-containing sugars and incident gout: a systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies
Authors: Ayoub-Charette Sabrina , Liu Qi , Khan Tauseef A , Au-Yeung Fei , Blanco Mejia Sonia , de Souza Russell J , Wolever Thomas MS , Leiter Lawrence A , Kendall Cyril , Sievenpiper John L 
Published: May 2019

ObjectiveSugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) are associated with hyperuricaemia and gout. Whether other important food sources of fructose-containing sugars share this association is unclear.DesignTo assess the relation of important food sources of fructose-containing sugars with incident gout and hyperuricaemia, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies.MethodsWe searched MEDLINE, Embase and the Cochrane Library (through 13 September 2017). We included prospective cohort studies that investigated the relationship between food sources of sugar and incident gout or hyperuricaemia. Two independent reviewers extracted relevant data and assessed the risk of bias. We pooled natural-log transformed risk ratios (RRs) using the generic inverse variance method with random effects model and expressed as RR with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The overall certainty of the evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation system.ResultsWe identified three studies (1 54 289 participants, 1761 cases of gout), comparing the highest with the lowest level of exposure for SSBs, fruit juices and fruits. No reports were found reporting incident hyperuricaemia. Fruit juice and SSB intake showed an adverse association (fruit juice: RR=1.77, 95% CI 1.20 to 2.61; SSB: RR=2.08, 95% CI 1.40 to 3.08), when comparing the highest to lowest intake of the most adjusted models. There was no significant association between fruit intake and gout (RR 0.85, 95% CI 0.63 to 1.14). The strongest evidence was for the adverse association with SSB intake (moderate certainty), and the weakest evidence was for the adverse association with fruit juice intake (very low certainty) and lack of association with fruit intake (very low certainty).ConclusionThere is an adverse association of SSB and fruit juice intake with incident gout, which does not appear to extend to fruit intake. Further research is needed to improve our estimates.Trial registration numberNCT02702375; Results.
Association between parity and persistent weight gain at age 40–60 years: a longitudinal prospective cohort study
Authors: Zoet Gerbrand Albertus , Paauw Nina D , Groenhof Katrien , Franx Arie , Gansevoort Ron T , Groen Henk , Van Rijn Bas , Lely Titia 
Published: May 2019

ObjectivesPhysiological metabolic adaptations occur in the pregnant woman. These may persist postpartum and thereby contribute to an unfavourable cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk profile in parous women. The aim of the current study is to assess time-dependent changes of cardiometabolic health in parous women compared with nulliparous women.Design and settingWe studied data of 2459 women who participated in the Prevention of Renal and Vascular End-stage Disease study, a population-based prospective longitudinal cohort for assessment of CVD and renal disease in the general population.ParticipantsWe selected women ≥40 years at the first visit, who reported no new pregnancies during the four follow-up visits. All women were categorised in parity groups, and stratified for age.Outcome measuresWe compared body mass index (BMI), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, blood pressure as continuous measurements and as clinical relevant CVD risk factors among parity groups over the course of 6 years using generalised estimating equation models adjusted for age.ResultsThe BMI was significantly higher in women para 2 or more in all age categories: per child, the BMI was 0.6 kg/m2higher. corresponding with 1.5–2.0 kg weight gain per child. HDL cholesterol was significantly lower in women para 2 or more aged 40–49 and 50–59 years: per child, the HDL cholesterol was up to 0.09 mmol/L lower. Blood pressure did not differ among parity groups in any of the age categories.ConclusionsHigher parity is associated with higher BMI, lower HDL cholesterol and a higher prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors, which is constant over time. These findings warrant for prospective research assessing determinants of cardiometabolic health at earlier age to understand the role of pregnancy in the development of CVD in women.
Characteristics and factors associated with post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) treatment of dog and cat bites among left-behind children: a cross-sectional study in two cities of China
Authors: Yan Shuzhen , Chen Ying , Ye Wanbao , Chen Fuxiang , Li Liping 
Published: May 2019

ObjectiveAnimal injury is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Dog bites account for tens of millions of injuries annually and the highest risk is among children. However, children may not receive postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) treatment timely and appropriately after rabies exposure. This study aimed to investigate the characteristics and factors associated with PEP treatment of dog and cat bites among left-behind children.DesignA cross-sectional study using questionnaire was conducted in primary and high schools.SettingShenzhen and Shantou cities, Guangdong Province, China.ParticipantsA total of 9380 participants were included and 2236 of them were with a history of dog and cat bites.Results1188 (53.1%) boys and 1048 (46.9%) girls suffered from animal bites. Bitten in holidays was less likely to receive PEP treatment (OR 0.512, 95% CI 0.377 to 0.695) than those bitten in school days. Bitten while being with family (OR 1.418, 95% CI 1.040 to 1.934) and bitten at roadside (OR 1.842, 95% CI 1.297 to 2.171), bitten by unvaccinated animals (OR 1.745, 95% CI 1.246 to 2.443) tended to receive PEP treatment. Compared with unbroken skin, bleeding (OR 1.789, 95% CI 1.165 to 2.745) and laceration (OR 3.834, 95% CI 2.310 to 6.366) were showed as treatment prompting factors.ConclusionsBitten in holidays was found as a risk factor of receiving PEP treatment of animal bites. Certain measures should be taken to raise left-behind children’s awareness of receiving PEP treatment timely and appropriately after dog and cat bites.
Comparing the variants of takotsubo syndrome: an observational study of the ECG and structural changes from a New Zealand tertiary hospital
Authors: Watson George M , Chan Christina W , Belluscio Laura , Doudney Kit , Lacey Cameron J , Kennedy Martin A , Bridgman Paul 
Published: May 2019

ObjectivesIn takotsubo syndrome, QTc prolongation is a measure of risk of potentially fatal arrhythmia. It is not known how this risk, or derangement of other markers, differs across the echo variants of takotsubo syndrome. Therefore, we sought to explore whether apical takotsubo syndrome differs from the variants of the syndrome in more ways than just regional wall motion pattern. As the region of affected myocardium is usually larger, we hypothesised that patients with the classic apical ballooning form of takotsubo syndrome would have more severe derangement of their markers.DesignObservational study of patients gathered from a prospective database (2010–2018) and by retrospective review (2006–2009).SettingThe sole tertiary hospital from a New Zealand region in which case clusters of takotsubo syndrome were precipitated by large earthquakes in 2010, 2011 and 2016.ParticipantsA total of 222 patients who met a modified version of the Mayo criteria for takotsubo syndrome were included. All patients had digitally archived echocardiograms that were over-read by a second echocardiologist blinded to the clinical report.Primary outcome measuresEjection fraction, peak troponin and QTc interval.ResultsPatients with the apical form were older (p=0.011), had a lower initial left ventricular ejection fraction (35% vs 44%, p<0.0001) and a higher peak high-sensitivity troponin I (hsTnI) (p=0.01) than those with variant forms. There was no difference in the electrical abnormalities between the variants (QTc interval, heart rate, PR interval, QRS duration or T-wave axis). There was also no correlation between any of peak hsTnI, peak QTc and ejection fraction. QTc interval increased on day 2 and peaked on day 3 before falling steeply (p<0.0001).ConclusionsThe variants of takotsubo syndrome differ in more ways than just their echo pattern but do not differ in their electrical abnormalities. There is a dissociation between the structural and electrical abnormalities. QTc peaks on day 3 and then falls steeply.
Cohort Profile: Perinatal depression and child socioemotional development ; the Bachpan cohort study from rural Pakistan
Authors: Sikander Siham , Ahmad Ikhlaq , Bates Lisa M , Gallis John , Hagaman Ashley , O’Donnell Karen , Turner Elizabeth Louise , Zaidi Ahmed , Rahman Atif , Maselko Joanna 
Published: May 2019

PurposeThis is a prospective pregnancy–birth cohort designed to investigate the effects of depression on socioemotional development of children. Perinatal depression is a risk factor for poor child development and for many it has a recurring chronic course. Thus, the exposure to depression can continue through the early years of the child with detrimental developmental outcomes.ParticipantsBetween October 2014 and February 2016, we recruited 1154 pregnant women from a rural subdistrict of Pakistan. Data include longitudinal and repeated measures of maternal psychosocial measures and child growth, cognitive and socioemotional measures. Follow-up include mother–child dyad assessments at 3rd, 6th, 12th, 24th and 36th months of child age. All these follow-ups are community based at the household level. We have competed baseline assessment.Findings to dateOf the eligible dyads, we followed 885 (76.6%), 929 (91%) and 940 (93.3%) at 3, 6 and 12 months post-childbirth. We include a subsample mother–child dyad DNA and inflammatory biomarkers, 73 and 104, respectively.Future plansWhile we continue to do 24-month and 36-month follow-up assessments, we plan to follow these mother–child dyads up to the age of 7–8 years with some children being exposed to at least 1 year of school environment. Investigators interested in learning more about the study can contact (jmaselko@unc.edu) and (siham.sikander@hdrfoundation.org).
Factors associated with possession of accurate knowledge regarding occupational health management among operations leaders of radiation decontamination workers in Fukushima, Japan: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Hidaka T , Kakamu T , Endo S , Kasuga H , Masuishi Y , Kumagai T , Sato S , Sasaki T , Fukushima T 
Published: May 2019

ObjectivesAn operations leader (OL) takes an important role in occupational health management for radiation decontamination workers in Japan, and candidates for the position must participate in a training session to acquire the necessary knowledge as required by law. However, it has not been clarified whether the candidates for the OL position actually possess accurate knowledge regarding occupational health management for such work after the training session. We, therefore, aimed at examining the current occupational health management knowledge among the candidates and investigating factors related to the knowledge, with hypothesis that possession of accurate knowledge is associated with prior experience of having worked in radiation decontamination.DesignA cross-sectional study.SettingThe training sessions held by Fukushima Prefecture Labor Standard Associations in Fukushima, Japan, in 2017.ParticipantsEighty male candidates participated in the training sessions.OutcomeThe number/proportion of correct answers to the questions regarding occupational health management, such as those on working environment management, control of operations and health management.ResultsThe proportion of those who possessed accurate knowledge regarding working environment management, control of operations and health management was 68.8%, 55.0% and 51.2%, respectively. Experience of radiation decontamination work was associated with the possession of inaccurate knowledge regarding working environment management (OR 0.140 (95% CI 0.042 to 0.464)), and the uncertainty of future radiation decontamination work schedules in difficult-to-return zones was associated with the possession of accurate knowledge regarding health management (OR 4.344 (95% CI 1.509 to 12.50)).ConclusionsPrevious experience in radiation decontamination work may hinder the ability to acquire accurate information regarding working environment management among candidates for an OL position. To promote adequate occupational health management for radiation decontamination workers, it is required to establish an effective instructional method for the OL candidate training sessions with consideration of previous relevant experience.
In-hospital mortality of cardiogenic shock complicating ST-elevation myocardial infarction in Malaysia: a retrospective analysis of the Malaysian National Cardiovascular Database (NCVD) registry
Authors: Venkatason Padmaa , Zubairi Yong Z , Wan Ahmad Wan Azman , Hafidz Muhammad Imran , Ismail Muhammad Dzafir , Hadi Mohd Firdaus , Zuhdi Ahmad Syadi Mahmood 
Published: May 2019

ObjectivesCardiogenic shock (CS) complicating ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) carries an extremely high mortality. The clinical pattern of this life threatening complication has never been described in Malaysian setting. This study is to investigate the incidence, clinical characteristics and outcome of STEMI patients with CS in our population.DesignA retrospective analysis of STEMI patients from 18 hospitals across Malaysia contributing to the Malaysian National Cardiovascular Database-acute coronary syndrome) registry (NCVD-ACS) year 2006–2013.Participants16 517 patients diagnosed of STEMI from 18 hospitals in Malaysia from the year 2006 to 2013.Primary outcome measuresIn-hospital and 30 day post-discharge mortality.ResultsCS complicates 10.6% of all STEMIs in this study. They had unfavourable premorbid conditions and poor outcomes. The in-hospital mortality rate was 34.1% which translates into a 7.14 times mortality risk increment compared with STEMI without CS. Intravenous thrombolysis remained as the main urgent reperfusion modality. Percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) in CS conferred a 40% risk reduction over non-invasive therapy but were only done in 33.6% of cases. Age over 65, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, chronic lung and kidney disease conferred higher risk of mortality.ConclusionMortality rates of CS complicating STEMI in Malaysia are high. In-hospital PCI confers a 40% mortality risk reduction but the rate of PCI among our patients with CS complicating STEMI is still low. Efforts are being made to increase access to invasive therapy for these patients.
Route to diagnosis of degenerative cervical myelopathy in a UK healthcare system: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Hilton Bryn , Tempest-Mitchell Jennifer , Davies Benjamin , Kotter Mark 
Published: May 2019

ObjectivesDegenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) presents insidiously, making initial diagnosis challenging. Surgery has been shown to prevent further disability but existing spinal cord damage may be permanent. Delays in surgery lead to increased disability and reduced postoperative improvements. Therefore, rapid surgical assessment is key to improving patient outcomes. Unfortunately, diagnosis of DCM in primary care is often delayed. This study aimed to characterise patients with DCM route to diagnosis and surgical assessment as well as to plot disease progression over time.DesignRetrospective, observational cohort study.SettingSingle, tertiary centre using additional clinical records from primary and secondary care centres.ParticipantsOne year of cervical MRI scans conducted at a tertiary neurosciences centre (n=1123) were screened for cervical cord compression, a corresponding clinical diagnosis of myelopathy and sufficient clinical documentation to plot a route to diagnosis (n=43).Primary outcome measuresTime to diagnosis from symptom onset, route to diagnosis and disease progression were the primary outcome measures in this study. Disease severity was approximated using a prospectively validated method for inferring modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association (i-mJOA) functional scoring from clinical documentation.ResultsPatients received a referral to secondary care 6.4±7.7 months after symptom onset. Cervical MRI scanning and neurosurgical review occurred 12.5±13.0 and 15.8±13.5 months after symptom onset, respectively. i-mJOA was 16.0±1.7 at primary care assessment and 14.8±2.5 at surgical assessment. 61.0% of patients were offered operations. For those who received surgery, time between onset and surgery was 22.1±13.2 months.ConclusionsRoute to surgical assessment was heterogeneous and lengthy. Some patients deteriorated during this period. This study highlights the need for a streamlined pathway by which patients with cervical cord compression can receive timely assessment and treatment by a specialist. This would improve outcomes for patients using existing treatments.