bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Community perceptions on demand-side incentives to promote institutional delivery in Oyam district, Uganda: a qualitative study
Authors: Massavon William , Wilunda Calistus , Nannini Maria , Agaro Caroline , Amandi Simon , Orech John Bosco , De Vivo Emanuela , Lochoro Peter , Putoto Giovanni 
Published: September 2019

ObjectiveTo examine the perceptions of community members and other stakeholders on the use of baby kits and transport vouchers to improve the utilisation of childbirth services.DesignA qualitative study.SettingOyam district, Uganda.ParticipantsWe conducted 10 focus group discussions with 59 women and 55 men, and 18 key informant interviews with local leaders, village health team members, health facility staff and district health management team members. We analysed the data using qualitative content analysis.ResultsFive broad themes emerged: (1) context, (2) community support for the interventions, (3) health-seeking behaviours postintervention, (4) undesirable effects of the interventions and (5) implementation issues and lessons learnt. Context regarded perceived long distances to health facilities and high transport costs. Regarding community support for the interventions, the schemes were perceived to be acceptable and helpful particularly to the most vulnerable. Transport vouchers were preferred over baby kits, although both interventions were perceived to be necessary. Health-seeking behaviours entailed perceived increased utilisation of maternal health services and ‘bypassing’, promotion of collaboration between traditional birth attendants and formal health workers, stimulation of men’s involvement in maternal health, and increased community awareness of maternal health. Undesirable effects of the interventions included increased workload for health workers, sustainability concerns and perceived encouragement to reproduce and dependency. Implementation issues included information gaps leading to confusion, mistrust and discontent, transport voucher scheme design; implementation; and payment problems, poor attitude of some health workers and poor quality of care, insecurity, and a shortage of baby kits. Community involvement was key to solving the challenges.ConclusionsThe study provides further insights into the implementation of incentive schemes to improve maternal health services utilisation. The findings are relevant for planning and implementing similar schemes in low-income countries.
The accuracy of diagnostic Imaging techniques in patients with a suspected Fracture-related Infection (IFI) trial: study protocol for a prospective multicenter cohort study.
Authors: Govaert GAM , Hobbelink MGG , Reininga IHF , Bosch P , Kwee TC , de Jong PA , Jutte PC , Vogely HC , Dierckx RAJO , Leenen LPH , Glaudemans AWJM , IJpma FFA 
Published: September 2019

IntroductionThe optimal diagnostic imaging strategy for fracture-related infection (FRI) remains to be established. In this prospective study, the three commonly used advanced imaging techniques for diagnosing FRI will be compared. Primary endpoints are (1) determining the overall diagnostic performances of white blood cell (WBC) scintigraphy, fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients with suspected FRI and (2) establishing the most accurate imaging strategy for diagnosing FRI.Methods and analysisThis study is a non-randomised, partially blinded, prospective cohort study involving two level 1 trauma centres in The Netherlands. All adult patients who require advanced medical imaging for suspected FRI are eligible for inclusion. Patients will undergo all three investigational imaging procedures (WBC scintigraphy, FDG-PET and MRI) within a time frame of 14 days after inclusion. The reference standard will be the result of at least five intraoperative sampled microbiology cultures, or, in case of no surgery, the clinical presence or absence of infection at 1 year follow-up. Initially, the results of all three imaging modalities will be available to the treating team as per local protocol. At a later time point, all scans will be centrally reassessed by nuclear medicine physicians and radiologists who are blinded for the identity of the patients and their clinical outcome. The discriminative ability of the imaging modalities will be quantified by several measures of diagnostic accuracy.Ethics and disseminationApproval of the study by the Institutional Review Board has been obtained prior to the start of this study. The results of this trial will be disseminated by publication of peer-reviewed manuscripts, presentation in abstract form at scientific meetings and data sharing with other investigators through academically established means.Trial registration numberThe IFI trial is registered in the Netherlands Trial Register (NTR7490).
The productivity development of total hip arthroplasty in Sweden: a multiple registry-based longitudinal study using the Malmquist Productivity Index
Authors: Goude Fanny , Garellick Göran , Kittelsen Sverre A C , Nemes Szilard , Rehnberg Clas 
Published: September 2019

ObjectiveThe increasing demand for total hip arthroplasty (THA) combined with limited resources in healthcare puts pressure on decision-makers in orthopaedics to provide the procedure at minimum costs and with good outcomes while maintaining or increasing access. The objective of this study was to analyse the development in productivity between 2005 and 2012 in the provision of THA.DesignThe study was a multiple registry-based longitudinal study.Setting and participantsThe study was conducted among 65 orthopaedic departments providing THA in Sweden from 2005 to 2012.Outcome measuresThe development in productivity was measured by Malmquist Productivity Index by relating department level total costs of THA to the number of non-cemented, hybrid and cemented THAs. We also break down the productivity change into changes in efficiency and technology.ResultsProductivity increased significantly in three periods (between 1.6% and 27.0%) and declined significantly in four periods (between 0.8% and 12.1%). Technology improved significantly in three periods (between 3.2% and 16.9%) and deteriorated significantly in two periods (between 10.2% and 12.6%). Significant progress in efficiency was achieved in two periods (ranging from 2.6% to 8.7%), whereas a significant regress was attained in one period (3.9%). For the time span as a whole, an average increase in productivity of 1.4% per year was found, where changes in efficiency contributed more to the improvement (1.1%) than did technical change (0.2%).ConclusionsWe found a slight improvement of productivity over time in the provision of THA, which was mainly driven by changes in efficiency. Further research is, however, needed where differences in quality of care and patient case mix between departments are taken into account.
“Stages of change, smoking behavior and acceptability of a textmessaging intervention for tobacco cessation among cigarette, dokha and shishasmokers: A qualitative research study.”
Authors: Elobaid Yusra Elhidaia , Jabari Andrea Leinberger , Al Hamiz Aisha , Al Kaddour Abdul Rizzak , Bakir Sherif , Barazi Heba , Kazim Elisa , Sherman Scott , Ali Raghib 
Published: September 2019

ObjectivesTo explore: (A) the underlying motivators and barriers to smoking cessation among young Arabic speaking smokers and (B) to examine the suitability and preferences for tobacco cessation interventions (specifically text messages) and study the possibility of enrollment methods for a randomised controlled study using text messages as an intervention for tobacco cessation.DesignQualitative research using focus group discussions and content analysis.Setting(s)Two universities, one of them is the first and foremost comprehensive national university in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The third setting is the largest hospital in the UAE and the flagship institution for the public health system in the emirate of Abu Dhabi.ParticipantsSix focus group discussions with a total of 57 participants. Forty-seven men and 10 women. Fifty-three of them were current smokers.ResultsThe analysis of six focus groups was carried out. Main themes arose from the data included: preferences for tobacco cessation interventions and acceptability and feasibility of text messaging as tobacco cessation intervention. Different motives and barriers for quitting smoking including shisha and dokha were explored.ConclusionInterventions using text messaging for smoking cessation have not been used in the Middle East and they could potentially be effective; however, tailoring and closely examining the content and acceptability of text messages to be used is important before the conduction of trials involving their use. Social media is perceived to be more effective and influential, with a higher level of penetration into communities of young smokers.
Cohort profile: the Canadian coordination and activity tracking in children (CATCH) longitudinal cohort
Authors: Cairney John , Veldhuizen Scott , Rodriguez M Christine , King-Dowling Sara , Kwan Matthew Y , Wade Terrance , Price David , Missiuna Cheryl , Timmons Brian 
Published: September 2019

PurposeDevelopmental coordination disorder (DCD) is a prevalent, neurodevelopmental disorder affecting 2% to 5% of children, which is characterised by fine and gross motor problems. Children with DCD have been shown to be less fit and physically active than other children; however, the direction of causality is unknown as previous studies have typically been done in older children when the differences in fitness and physical activity are already present. The aim of the Coordination and Activity Tracking in Children (CATCH) study is to specifically address the issue of precedence by recruiting a large sample of children in early childhood.ParticipantsCATCH comprises a community-based sample of parents and children 4 to 5 years of age divided into two groups: at risk for DCD (rDCD; n=287) and typically developing (TD; n=301). Inclusion in the rDCD group required a score at or below the 16thpercentile on a standardised test of motor coordination and a score above 70 on a standardised test of intelligence.Findings to dateChildren in the rDCD group contained a higher proportion of males (67% vs 48%, χ2=21.9, p<0.001). Children in the rDCD group had lower mean IQs, aerobic and musculoskeletal fitness than children in the TD group (p<0.001 for all). There were no differences observed between groups for body composition or physical activity. Parent characteristics did not differ, with one exception: partners of reporting parents of rDCD children were less likely to hold a university degree (44% vs 57%, χ2=7.4, p=0.004). According to parent report, rDCD children experienced more problems in self-care, school and leisure activities (p<0.001 for all).Future plansChildren are being followed up annually for 3 years. At each follow-up, motor coordination testing is repeated, and data are collected on physical activity, fitness and social-emotional problems.
Addressing clinical equipoise for hearing devices: the qualitative COACH (q-COACH) study protocol for Australian stakeholder involvement in the design of a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Rapport Frances , Auton Emilie , Warren Chris , Braithwaite Jeffrey 
Published: September 2019

IntroductionHearing loss is a common chronic problem which can be effectively managed with hearing devices. At present, only a limited number of people with hearing loss use hearing aids (HAs) and cochlear implants (CIs) to improve hearing and sound quality and enhance quality of life. Clinical equipoise, by which we mean healthcare professional uncertainty about which treatment options are the most efficacious due to the lack of evidence-based information, can lead to inconsistent and poorly informed referral processes for hearing devices.A randomised controlled trial (RCT) that offers high-quality, generalisable information is needed to clarify which hearing device (HA or CI) is more suitable for different degrees of hearing loss and for which kinds of patients. Qualitative research can improve this RCT, by gathering the information on patient and provider perspectives, attitudes and values, which can inform design, conduct and information dissemination, either during preparatory stages of an intervention, or as a fully integrated methodology. The Comparison of Outcomes with hearing Aids and Cochlear implants in adults with moderately severe-to-profound bilateral sensorineural Hearing loss (COACH) study is being planned as an RCT with a qualitative arm (the qualitative COACH study, q-COACH), acting as a pretrial intervention examining views of HAs, CIs, equipoise and the impetus for an RCT of this nature.Methods and analysisThe q-COACH study involves semistructured interviews and a demographic questionnaire which will be collected from four participant cohorts: General Practitioners (GPs) and Ear, Nose and Throat Surgeons (ENTs); audiologists; adult HA users and their support networks. Data will be analysed thematically and through descriptive statistics.Ethics and disseminationMacquarie University Human Research Ethics Committee, Australia, granted ethical approval (no. 5201833514848). Peer-reviewed journal articles, research conferences and a final report will present study findings.
Tolerogenic dendritic cell-based treatment for multiple sclerosis (MS): a harmonised study protocol for two phase I clinical trials comparing intradermal and intranodal cell administration
Authors: Willekens Barbara , Presas-Rodríguez Silvia , Mansilla MJ , Derdelinckx Judith , Lee Wai-Ping , Nijs Griet , De Laere Maxime , Wens Inez , Cras Patrick , Parizel Paul , Van Hecke Wim , Ribbens Annemie , Billiet Thibo , Adams Geert , Couttenye Marie-Madeleine , Navarro-Barriuso Juan , Teniente-Serra Aina , Quirant-Sánchez Bibiana , Lopez-Diaz de Cerio Ascensión , Inogés Susana , Prosper Felipe , Kip Anke , Verheij Herman , Gross Catharina C , Wiendl Heinz , Van Ham Marieke (SM) , Ten Brinke Anja , Barriocanal Ana Maria , Massuet-Vilamajó Anna , Hens Niel , Berneman Zwi , Martínez-Cáceres Eva , Cools Nathalie , Ramo-Tello Cristina 
Published: September 2019

IntroductionBased on the advances in the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS), currently available disease-modifying treatments (DMT) have positively influenced the disease course of MS. However, the efficacy of DMT is highly variable and increasing treatment efficacy comes with a more severe risk profile. Hence, the unmet need for safer and more selective treatments remains. Specifically restoring immune tolerance towards myelin antigens may provide an attractive alternative. In this respect, antigen-specific tolerisation with autologous tolerogenic dendritic cells (tolDC) is a promising approach.Methods and analysisHere, we will evaluate the clinical use of tolDC in a well-defined population of MS patients in two phase I clinical trials. In doing so, we aim to compare two ways of tolDC administration, namely intradermal and intranodal. The cells will be injected at consecutive intervals in three cohorts receiving incremental doses of tolDC, according to a best-of-five design. The primary objective is to assess the safety and feasibility of tolDC administration. For safety, the number of adverse events including MRI and clinical outcomes will be assessed. For feasibility, successful production of tolDC will be determined. Secondary endpoints include clinical and MRI outcome measures. The patients’ immune profile will be assessed to find presumptive evidence for a tolerogenic effect in vivo.Ethics and disseminationEthics approval was obtained for the two phase I clinical trials. The results of the trials will be disseminated in a peer-reviewed journal, at scientific conferences and to patient associations.Trial registration numbersNCT02618902andNCT02903537; EudraCT numbers: 2015-002975-16 and 2015-003541-26.
Risk factors and regional variations of malnutrition among children under 5 in Myanmar: cross-sectional analyses at national and subnational levels
Authors: Khaing Hnin Thiri , Nomura Shuhei , Yoneoka Daisuke , Ueda Peter , Shibuya Kenji 
Published: September 2019

ObjectiveThe levels, distributions of child malnutrition and its potential risk factors are not very well known in Myanmar. The objectives included in this study were: to estimate the current national and subnational prevalence of four types of malnutrition (stunting, wasting, underweight and overweight) among children under 5 in Myanmar; to identify potential risk factors associated with each type of malnutrition and to investigate how the identified risk factors’ distributions explained the regional disparities in malnutrition prevalence.Design/methodsData from the Myanmar Demographic and Health Survey 2015–2016 were used to estimate the prevalence of four types of malnutrition at both national and subnational levels (15 regions). Logistic regression models were applied to examine the association between each type of malnutrition and its risk factors, including child’s factors, parental social status and household conditions. The risk factor-adjusted prevalence of the malnutrition was estimated at the subnational level based on the estimated parameters from the regression models.ResultsThe national prevalence of stunting, wasting, underweight and overweight in children under 5 was estimated to be 29.1% (95% CI 27.7% to 30.6%), 6.8% (6.0% to 7.6%), 18.3% (17.0% to 19.5%) and 1.5% (1.1% to 1.9%), respectively. Substantial regional variations in the prevalence of each type of malnutrition were observed. Several risk factors of each type of malnutrition were identified, including low birth weight (LBW) and inadequate maternal nutritional status. Except for overweight, regional variations largely persisted even after adjustment for the risk factors investigated.ConclusionThe prevalence of malnutrition among children under 5 is still high in Myanmar, most commonly stunting. Targeted interventions aimed at prevention of LBW, improving the maternal nutritional status, in addition to other sociodemographic conditions should be encouraged urgently. Further research is necessary to investigate the potential sources of regional variation in prevalence of malnutrition among children under 5 in the country.
Sickness absence and disability pension before and after first childbirth and in nulliparous women: longitudinal analyses of three cohorts in Sweden
Authors: Björkenstam Charlotte , Orellana Cecilia , László Krisztina D , Svedberg Pia , Voss Margaretha , Lidwall Ulrik , Lindfors Petra , Alexanderson Kristina 
Published: September 2019

ObjectiveChildbirth is suggested to be associated with elevated levels of sickness absence (SA) and disability pension (DP). However, detailed knowledge about SA/DP patterns around childbirth is lacking. We aimed to compare SA/DP across different time periods among women according to their childbirth status.DesignRegister-based longitudinal cohort study.SettingSweden.ParticipantsThree population-based cohorts of nulliparous women aged 18–39 years, living in Sweden 31 December 1994, 1999 or 2004 (nearly 500 000/cohort).Primary and secondary outcome measuresSum of SA >14 and DP net days/year.MethodsWe compared crude and standardised mean SA and DP days/year during the 3 years preceding and the 3 years after first childbirth date (Y−3to Y+3), among women having (1) their first and only birth during the subsequent 3 years (B1), (2) their first birth and at least another delivery (B1+), and (3) no childbirths during follow-up (B0).ResultsDespite an increase in SA in the year preceding the first childbirth, women in the B1 group, and especially in B1+, tended to have fewer SA/DP days throughout the years than women in the B0 group. For cohort 2005, the mean SA/DP days/year (95% CIs) in the B0, B1 and B1+ groups were for Y−3: 25.3 (24.9–25.7), 14.5 (13.6–15.5) and 8.5 (7.9–9.2); Y−2: 27.5 (27.1–27.9), 16.6 (15.5–17.6) and 9.6 (8.9–10.4); Y−1: 29.2 (28.8–29.6), 31.4 (30.2–32.6) and 22.0 (21.2–22.9); Y+1: 30.2 (29.8–30.7), 11.2 (10.4–12.1) and 5.5 (5.0–6.1); Y+2: 31.7 (31.3–32.1), 15.3 (14.2–16.3) and 10.9 (10.3–11.6); Y+3: 32.3 (31.9–32.7), 18.1 (17.0–19.3) and 12.4 (11.7–13.0), respectively. These patterns were the same in all three cohorts.ConclusionsWomen with more than one childbirth had fewer SA/DP days/year compared with women with one childbirth or with no births. Women who did not give birth had markedly more DP days than those giving birth, suggesting a health selection into childbirth.
Variation in the practice of discontinuing mechanical ventilation in critically ill adults: study protocol for an international prospective observational study
Authors: Burns Karen E A , Rizvi Leena , Cook Deborah J , Dodek Peter , Slutsky Arthur S , Jones Andrew , Villar Jesus , Kapadia Farhad N , Gattas David J , Epstein Scott K , Meade Maureen O 
Published: September 2019

IntroductionResearch supports the use of specific strategies to discontinue mechanical ventilation (MV) in critically ill patients. Little is known about how clinicians actually wean and discontinue MV in practice or the association between different discontinuation strategies and outcomes. The primary objective of this study is to describe international practices in the use of (1) daily screening for readiness to discontinue MV, (2) modes of MV used before initial discontinuation attempts, (3) weaning and spontaneous breathing trial (SBT) protocols, (4) SBT techniques and (5) sedation and mobilisation practices to facilitate weaning and discontinuation. The secondary objectives are to identify patient characteristics and time-dependent factors associated with use of selected strategies, investigate associations between SBT outcome (failure vs success) and outcomes, explore differences between patients who undergo an SBT early versus later in their intensive care unit (ICU) stay, and investigate the associations between different SBT techniques and humidification strategies on outcomes.Methods and analysisWe will conduct an international, prospective, observational study of MV discontinuation practices among critically ill adults who receive invasive MV for at least 24 hours at approximately 150 ICUs in six geographic regions (Canada, USA, UK, Europe, India and Australia/New Zealand). Research personnel at participating ICUs will collect demographic data, data to characterise the initial strategy or event that facilitated discontinuation of MV (direct extubation, direct tracheostomy, initial successful SBT, initial failed SBT or death before any attempt could be made), clinical outcomes and site information. We aim to collect data on at least 10 non-death discontinuation events in each ICU (at least 1500 non-death discontinuation events).Ethics and disseminationThis study received Research Ethics Approval from St. Michael’s Hospital (11-024) Research ethics approval will be sought from all participating sites. The results will be disseminated through publications in peer-reviewed journals.Trial registration numberNCT03955874.