bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of low birth weight and its association with maternal body weight status in selected countries in Africa: a cross-sectional study
Authors: He Zhifei , Bishwajit Ghose , Yaya Sanni , Cheng Zhaohui , Zou Dongsheng , Zhou Yan 
Published: August 2018

ObjectivesThe present study aimed to estimate the prevalence of low birth weight (LBW), and to investigate the association between maternal body weight measured in terms of body mass index (BMI) and birth weight in selected countries in Africa.SettingUrban and rural household in Burkina Faso, Ghana, Malawi, Senegal and Uganda.ParticipantsMothers (n=11 418) aged between 15 and 49 years with a history of childbirth in the last 5 years.ResultsThe prevalence of LBW in Burkina Faso, Ghana, Malawi, Senegal and Uganda was, respectively, 13.4%, 10.2%, 12.1%, 15.7% and 10%. Compared with women who are of normal weight, underweight mothers had a higher likelihood of giving birth to LBW babies in all countries except Ghana. However, the association between maternal BMI and birth weight was found to be statistically significant for Senegal only (OR=1.961 (95% CI 1.259 to 3.055)).ConclusionUnderweight mothers in Senegal share a greater risk of having LBW babies compared with their normal-weight counterparts. Programmes targeting to address infant mortality should focus on promoting nutritional status among women of childbearing age. Longitudinal studies are required to better elucidate the causal nature of the relationship between maternal underweight and LBW.
Weight loss surgery for obstructive sleep apnoea with obesity in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis protocol
Authors: Dong Zhiyong , Hong Brian Y , Yu Ashley M , Cathey John , Shariful Islam Sheikh Mohammed , Wang Cunchuan 
Published: August 2018

IntroductionObstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is caused by complete or partial obstruction of the upper airway resulting in repeated episodes of interrupted or shallow breaths. OSA is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The prevalence is estimated to range from 3% to 7% in the general population but may be much higher. Several studies show that weight loss or bariatric surgery may have a role in treating OSA. The aim of this systematic review is to assess the safety and efficacy of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of weight loss surgery for adults with OSA and comorbid obesity.Methods and analysisA search of the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PubMed, EMBASE and two major Chinese biomedical databases will be performed to identify related trials published as of October 2018. This study will include RCTs, comparing different types of weight loss surgery for OSA with obesity or weight loss surgery for OSA with obesity with other upper airway surgeries. The primary outcomes that will be measured are apnoea–hypopnoea index, excess weight loss and in-hospital mortality. The secondary outcomes will include duration of hospital stay, neck circumference, reoperation, waist circumference, body mass index, Epworth Sleepiness Scale score, overt complications (eg, gastric fistula, bleeding, delayed gastric emptying, wound infection), quality of life, quality of sleep and/or functionality. The systematic review will be conducted according to the recommendations as outlined by the Cochrane collaboration.Ethics and disseminationThe systematic review and meta-analysis will include published data available online and thus ethics approval will not be required. The findings will be disseminated and published in a peer-reviewed journal. Review updates will be conducted if there is new evidence that may cause any change in review conclusions. Any changes to the study protocol will be updated in the PROSPERO trial registry accordingly.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42017081743.
Systematic investigation of childhood sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) in Beijing: validation of survey methodology
Authors: Li Xiaodan , Tai Jun , Xu Zhifei , Ma Jun , Peng Xiaoxia , Pan Yongping , Yan Xiaoyan , Wang Guixiang , Wu Yunxiao , Zheng Li , Du Jiangnan , Ge Wentong , Zhang Jie , Zhang Yamei , Ni Xin 
Published: August 2018

ObjectiveTo systematically investigate and validate the survey methodology for the epidemiological study of childhood sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) in mainland China using the Mandarin version of the Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire-Sleep-Related Breathing Disorder (PSQ-SRBD).DesignA cross-sectional study using randomised, stratified, multistage, cluster sampling method.SettingA total of 11 kindergartens, 7 primary schools and 8 middle schools from 7 districts of Beijing, China.ParticipantsA total of 9198 children with valid questionnaires (4736 boys and 4462 girls; age range 3.0–14.4 years) were included.Primary and secondary outcome measuresData on sociodemographic characteristics and PSQ-SRBD were collected. The score on PSQ-SRBD and the included factors were calculated with the effective data after data cleaning. Logistic regression and factor analysis with the principal components method were used to evaluate the validity of the questionnaire; reliability was assessed by retesting 5% of the respondents after 2±4 weeks of the initial test, and the intraclass correlation coefficient was calculated.ResultsThe effective response rate of80.54% matched the sociodemographic characteristics of the respondents with respect to age group ratio and sex ratio in Beijing. With regard to construct validity of the PSQ-SRBD, the item score, except that of ‘delayed growth’, was highly correlated to the SRBD score as assessed by the logistic regression model. The exploratory factor analysis displayed a credible construct validity, with majority of the items grouped as the original dimensions. The test–retest reliability coefficient of each dimension’s score ranged from 0.758 to 0.901, with an SRBD score of 0.730 indicating significant retest reliability.ConclusionsThis study conducted and validated a successful survey methodology for investigation of childhood SDB in Beijing, China. The questionnaire demonstrated credible construct validity and retest reliability, thereby supporting the applicability and generalisability of the PSQ-SRBD in a large epidemiological survey of childhood SDB in China.
Systemic immunomodulatory treatments for atopic dermatitis: protocol for a systematic review with network meta-analysis
Authors: Drucker Aaron Mark , Ellis Alexandra , Jabbar-Lopez Zarif , Yiu Zenas Z N , Arents Bernd W M , Burton Tim , Spuls Phyllis I , Küster Denise , Schmitt Jochen , Flohr Carsten 
Published: August 2018

IntroductionThere are numerous new systemic treatments for atopic dermatitis in various stages of development and most are being compared with placebo rather than active comparators. In order to understand the relative efficacy and safety of existing and new treatments for atopic dermatitis, robust mixed comparisons (ie, direct and indirect) would be beneficial. To address this gap, this protocol describes methods for a systematic review and network meta-analysis of systemic treatments for atopic dermatitis.Methods and analysisWe will update the search of a previous systematic review, including searches of the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE, Embase, Latin American and Caribbean Health Science Information database and the Global Resource of EczemA Trials database in addition to clinical trial protocol registries. Title, abstract and full paper screening as well as data extraction will be conducted in duplicate by independent researchers. Primary outcomes include efficacy with regards to clinician-reported signs and patient-reported symptoms and safety with regards to withdrawal from treatment due to adverse events and the occurrence of serious adverse events. Secondary outcomes will include change in quality of life and itch severity. Where possible and appropriate, network meta-analysis will be performed for each outcome using a random-effects model within a Bayesian framework. If appropriate, the review will be transitioned to a living review with continuous updating of the analysis.Ethics and disseminationDissemination in a peer-reviewed scientific journal is planned.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42018088112; Pre-results.
ELECTIVIST: a novel system to improve elective caesarean section booking
Authors: Robertson Katherine , Clacey Joe , D’Arcy Rhiannon , Khan Neveen , Reddy Aparna 
Published: August 2018

Elective caesarean sections (ELCS) vary widely in surgical complexity and are routinely performed between 39 and 40 weeks of pregnancy. Unselected ELCS lists may create clinical risk due to inappropriately complex case mixes and over-running theatre time, impacting on emergency care. Despite evidence that ELCS list over-run is a widespread concern for many units, there is a paucity of literature regarding effective ELCS booking systems.We designed a novel ELCS risk scoring system, ELECTIVIST, comprising a risk assessment by the booking clinician and allocation of a complexity score to each case from 1 to 6. The maximum risk score for any one patient was 6, with a maximum total score on any one ELCS list of 6 and a maximum of three cases per list. We performed a retrospective analysis of all ELCS performed in our unit in 2016 using existing booking information and theatre data to assess existing case mix complexity and theatre over-run. This showed that 36% of ELCS lists were overbooked with inappropriately complex case mix and 21% of lists over-ran with 6% impacting on emergency obstetric theatres. Assessment of the impact of ELECTIVIST on ELCS capacity prior to implementation showed that no additional capacity was required to accommodate existing complexity. At 6 months following implementation, theatre over-run was reduced to 10% and over-run impacting on emergency theatre to 1%. The requirement for extra ELCS lists to accommodate capacity reduced by 66%.ELECTIVIST is a novel system that improves ELCS booking using existing capacity and reduces theatre list over-run. It is transferable, cost neutral and could be widely applied in obstetric units.
The reliability of thromboelastography in a simulated rotary wing environment
Authors: Scott Robert , Burns Brian , Ware Sandra , Oud Floris , Miller Matthew 
Published: August 2018

BackgroundWith the increasing role of point-of-care coagulation testing in trauma, we sought to test the reliability of the thromboelastography (TEG)6s machine in a simulated rotary wing environment.MethodA two-arm study was conducted, running TEG6s quality control cartridges in a helicopter flight simulator with realistic vibration and in stable ground conditions. The flight conditions during testing included take-offs, landings and inflight emergencies such as engine failures. TEG values for R time, K time, α-angle and maximum amplitude (MA) were collected and compared with manufacturers’ normal ranges.Results148 TEG samples were included for analysis (72 simulator arm, 76 ground arm). In the simulator arm, four of our K time values fell below the normal range and four MA values were above the normal range. All other values in both simulator and ground arms were in the normal range.ConclusionThe TEG6s is a viable technology in the simulated rotary wing environment, and it is feasible to conduct further studies using human blood in live rotary wing conditions. Extreme flight conditions should be avoided during further testing.
Assessment of industry data on pulmonary and immunosuppressive effects of IQOS
Authors: Moazed Farzad , Chun Lauren , Matthay Michael A , Calfee Carolyn S , Gotts Jeffrey 
Published: August 2018

IntroductionHeated tobacco products are being touted as novel reduced-harm tobacco products by tobacco companies. In the USA, Philip Morris International submitted a modified risk tobacco product (MRTP) application to the US Food and Drug Administration in 2016 in which it purports that its heated tobacco product, I-Quit-Ordinary-Smoking (IQOS), is associated with reduced harm compared with conventional cigarettes.MethodsWe reviewed Philip Morris International’s MRTP application to assess the pulmonary and immune toxicities associated with IQOS use in both animal and human studies.ResultsAmong rats exposed to IQOS, there was evidence of pulmonary inflammation and immunomodulation. In human users, there was no evidence of improvement in pulmonary inflammation or pulmonary function in cigarette smokers who were switched to IQOS.ConclusionIQOS is associated with significant pulmonary and immunomodulatory toxicities with no detectable differences between conventional cigarette smokers and those who were switched to IQOS in Philip Morris International’s studies. Philip Morris International also failed to consider how dual use and secondhand aerosol exposure may further impact, and likely increase, the harms associated with these products.
Existence of simple BIBDs from a prime power difference family with minimum index
Authors: Sun Hsin-Min 
Published: August 2018

We show that under certain technical conditions that simple [Formula: see text] balanced incomplete block designs (BIBDs) exist for all allowable values of [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is an odd prime power. Our primary technique is to argue for the existence of difference families in finite fields, in the flavor of Wilson [J. Number Theory 4 (1972) 17–47]. We provide an extensive analysis in the cases, where [Formula: see text] and also for [Formula: see text].
The Complexity of Contemporary Rural Society: Agricultural ‘Betterment’ and Social Realities in Semi-arid Zimbabwe
Authors: Thebe Vusilizwe 
Published: August 2018

Abstract
Modernist assumptions have guided rural development interventions in Zimbabwe since the mid-twentieth century. As a result interventions were not firmly grounded on rural socio-economic and physical realities. The aim was not only to create a society of ‘modern’, ‘progressive farmers’ who followed a predetermined agricultural path, but also, the quest for order and modernity was clearly manifest through centralization measures and increased emphasis on prudent land husbandry. This article seeks to demonstrate that these rural development initiatives were ill-suited to the socio-physical realities in some rural societies. Using a case study of a communal area in semi-arid north-western Zimbabwe, it stresses the importance of the physical conditions, the socio-economic dynamics and the particular livelihood trajectories of rural households. It concludes that, even if the state in Zimbabwe was to succeed in imposing an agrarian order driven by these models, such a policy was more likely to end in dismal failure.
Uniting for Enforcement: Resolving the World Court’s Enforcement Gap
Authors: Begoore Yateesh 
Published: August 2018

Abstract
This article, which identifies the United Nations Security Council’s selective enforcement of the International Court of Justice’s rulings as an enforcement deficit within the Court’s system, delves into the possibility – and legality – of utilising the Uniting for Peace Resolution as an alternative enforcement mechanism in the event of a veto precluding enforcement by the Security Council.
Terra Incognita: What Happens When a Problem of State Succession Occurs during Arbitration Proceedings?
Authors: Dumberry Patrick 
Published: August 2018

Abstract
This article examines the question of State succession to bilateral investment treaties (BITs) in the unique context whereby the events leading to this change in sovereignty happen during an arbitration proceeding. I will assess the impact this will have on the respondent State in the proceedings which may cease to exist (dissolution, unification, and integration) or lose part of its territory (cession, secession). Succession may also affect the home State of the claimant investor and result in that person losing its nationality and acquiring a new one. An arbitral tribunal should continue to have jurisdiction over a dispute whenever a claimant involuntarily changes its nationality in such context. While the same conclusion should apply when changes affect the respondent State, major difficulties will arise if that State ceases to exist and no other State is willing to participate in the proceedings. I will examine the limits of tribunals’ powers in this respect.
Counterclaims in Investment Arbitration: Old Questions, New Answers?
Authors: de Nanteuil Arnaud 
Published: August 2018

Abstract
There have been several cases involving counterclaims in recent investment arbitration practice. Though counterclaims are well-known in international litigation, they raise special issues when it comes to investor-State arbitration, especially when it is based on treaties that recognize only rights and not obligations of private parties; thus, a counterclaim may be a way of rebalancing investment law, by allowing States to file claims against investors. However, certain conditions must be fulfilled which are not always easy to combine with the special features of investment arbitration. That is what this article explores, in order to determine whether counterclaims could be a way of addressing the critique that has been recently formulated against investment arbitration.
Advance Care Planning in Community: An Evaluation of a Pilot 2-Session, Nurse-Led Workshop
Authors: Rabow Michael W. , McGowan Marilyn , Small Rebecca , Keyssar Redwing , Rugo Hope S. 
Published: August 2018

Background: Engaging patients in advance care planning (ACP) is challenging but crucial to improving the quality of end-of-life care. Group visits and multiple patient–clinician interactions may promote advance directive (AD) completion. Objective: Facilitate ACP discussions with patients and caregivers and the creation of notarized AD’s at a comprehensive cancer center. Design: Two-session, nurse-led ACP workshops for patients and their family caregivers. Setting/Participants: The workshop was offered to patients with cancer at a comprehensive cancer center and their family caregivers. Measurements: Validated 4-question ACP engagement survey, creation of a notarized AD by end of the workshop, and semistructured interviews. Results: Thirty-five patients participated in 10 workshops held March 2017 to February 2018. Median age was 52. Of 35, 24 (68.5%) patients completed pre- and postworkshop evaluation surveys. Mean preworkshop ACP readiness was 3.64 of 5; postworkshop readiness increased to 4.26 of 5 ( P = .001). Of 26, 17 (65.4%) of the patients who attended both workshop sessions had a new notarized AD scanned into the electronic medical record at the completion of the workshop series. Three family caregivers completed and had their own ADs notarized. Patient and family member response was overwhelmingly positive, with participants citing opportunities for group discussion and inclusion of family caregivers as important. Conclusions: The ACP workshop was well received by participants and increased ACP readiness, discussion, and completion. Attendance at the workshop was low and barriers to attending workshops must be explored.
Contingency management intervention targeting co-addiction of alcohol and drugs among American Indian adults: Design, methodology, and baseline data
Authors: Burduli Ekaterina , Skalisky Jordan , Hirchak Katherine , Orr Michael F , Foote Albert , Granbois Alexandria , Ries Richard , Roll John M , Buchwald Dedra , McDonell Michael G , McPherson Sterling M 
Published: August 2018

Background/Aims American Indian adults have some of the highest alcohol abstinence rates compared to the overall US population. Despite this, many American Indian people are more likely to concurrently use alcohol and illicit drugs and are less likely to participate and remain in outpatient treatment for alcohol and other drug use compared to the general US population. There is limited knowledge about effective interventions targeting alcohol and drug co-addiction among American Indian adults. Contingency management is a behavioral intervention designed to increase drug abstinence by offering monetary incentives in exchange for drug and alcohol negative urine samples. We aim to evaluate and describe a culturally tailored contingency management intervention to increase alcohol and other drug abstinence among American Indian adults residing in a Northern Plains reservation. Methods This 2 × 2 factorial, randomized controlled trial currently includes 114 American Indian adults with alcohol and/or drug dependence who are seeking treatment. Participants were randomized into one of four groups that received (1) contingency management for alcohol, (2) contingency management for other drug, (3) contingency management for both substances, or (4) no contingency management for either substance. We present descriptive, baseline data to characterize the sample and describe the modified contingency management approach that is specific to the community wherein this trial was being conducted. Results The sample is 49.1% male, with an average age of 35.8 years (standard deviation = 10.4 years). At baseline, 43.0% of the sample tested positive for ethyl glucuronide, 50.9% of participants self-reported methamphetamine as their most used drug, 36.8% self-reported cannabis, and 12.3% self-reported prescription opiates as their most used drug. Among randomized participants, 47.4% tested positive for cannabis, 28.1% tested positive for methamphetamine, 16.7% tested positive for amphetamines, and 2.1% tested positive for opiates. Conclusion This is the first study to examine a culturally tailored contingency management intervention targeting co-addiction of two substances among American Indian adults. By establishing a tribal–university partnership to adapt, implement, and evaluate contingency management, we will increase the literature on evidence-based addiction treatments and research, while improving trust for addiction interventions among American Indian communities through ongoing collaboration. Moreover, results have implications for the use of contingency management as an intervention for co-addiction in any population.
A randomized controlled trial to test efficacy and safety of thrombectomy in stroke with extended lesion and extended time window
Authors: Bendszus Martin , Bonekamp Susanne , Berge Eivind , Boutitie Florent , Brouwer Patrick , Gizewski Elke , Krajina Antonin , Pierot Laurent , Randall Gary , Simonsen Claus Z. , Zeleňák Kamil , Fiehler Jens , Thomalla Götz 
Published: August 2018

Rationale The benefit of thrombectomy in patients with intracranial large vessel occlusion of the anterior circulation has been shown in selected patients in previous randomized controlled trials, but patients with extended ischemic lesions were excluded in the majority of these trials. TENSION aims to demonstrate efficacy and safety of thrombectomy in patients with extended lesions in an extended time window (up to 12 h from onset or from last seen well). Design TENSION is an investigator-initiated, randomized controlled, open label, blinded endpoint, European, two-arm, postmarket study to compare the safety and effectiveness of thrombectomy as compared to best medical care alone in stroke patients with extended stroke lesions defined by an Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography Scan score of 3–5 and in an extended time window. In an adaptive design study, up to 665 patients will be randomized. Outcomes Primary efficacy endpoint will be clinical outcome defined by the modified Rankin Scale at 90-day poststroke. The main safety endpoint will be death and dependency (modified Rankin Scale 4–6) at 90 days. Additional effect measures include adverse events, health-related quality of life, poststroke depression, and costs utility assessment. Discussion TENSION may make effective treatment available for patients with severe stroke in an extended time window, thereby improving functional outcome and quality of life of thousands of stroke patients and reducing the individual, societal, and economic burden of death and disability resulting from severe stroke. TENSION is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT03094715).