bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of cryotherapy as first line therapy in patients with Barrett's neoplasia: a systematic review and pooled analysis
Authors: Hamade N , Desai M , Thoguluva Chandrasekar V , Chalhoub J , Patel M , Duvvuri A , Gorrepati V S , Jegadeesan R , Choudhary A , Sathyamurthy A , Rai T , Gupta N , Sharma P 
Published: May 2019

SUMMARY
Cryotherapy has been used as salvage therapy; however, its efficacy as first line treatment in patients with Barrett's esophagus (BE) neoplasia has not been well studied. The aim of this paper was to perform a systematic review to look at the efficacy of cryotherapy as the primary treatment of BE. An electronic database search was performed (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and Google Scholar) to search for studies with cryotherapy as the initial primary modality of ablation in patients with BE neoplasia. Studies that included patients with other prior forms of therapy were excluded. The primary outcomes were the pooled rates of complete eradication of intestinal metaplasia (CE-IM) and CE of neoplasia (CE-N). Secondary outcomes were recurrence rates of neoplasia and intestinal metaplasia (IM) and adverse events. The statistical software OpenMetaAnalyst was used for analysis with pooled estimates reported as proportions (%) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) with heterogeneity (I2) among studies. The search revealed 6 eligible studies with a total of 282 patients (91.5% male, average age 65.3 years) with 459 person years of follow-up. 69.35% [95% CI (52.1%–86.5%)] of patients achieved CE-IM and 97.9% (95% CI: 95.5%–100%) had CE-N. 7.3% of patients had persistent dysplasia with 4% progressing to cancer. The recurrence rate of neoplasia was 10.4 and that of IM was 19.1 per 100 patient years of follow-up. The overall rate of stricture formation was 4.9%. There are scarce data on the use of cryotherapy as the primary modality for the treatment of BE dysplasia. The published data demonstrate efficacy rates of 69% and 98% for complete eradication of metaplasia and neoplasia, respectively. These results need to be assessed in prospective, comparative trials with other forms of therapy.
The process of prioritization of non-communicable diseases in the global health policy arena
Authors: Heller Olivia , Somerville Claire , Suggs L Suzanne , Lachat Sarah , Piper Julianne , Aya Pastrana Nathaly , Correia Jorge C , Miranda J Jaime , Beran David 
Published: May 2019

Abstract
Although non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, the global policy response has not been commensurate with their health, economic and social burden. This study examined factors facilitating and hampering the prioritization of NCDs on the United Nations (UN) health agenda. Shiffman and Smith’s (Generation of political priority for global health initiatives: a framework and case study of maternal mortality. The Lancet 370: 1370–9.) political priority framework served as a structure for analysis of a review of NCD policy documents identified through the World Health Organization’s (WHO) NCD Global Action Plan 2013–20, and complemented by 11 semi-structured interviews with key informants from different sectors. The results show that a cohesive policy community exists, and leaders are present, however, actor power does not extend beyond the health sector and the role of guiding institutions and civil society have only recently gained momentum. The framing of NCDs as four risk factors and four diseases does not necessarily resonate with experts from the larger policy community, but the economic argument seems to have enabled some traction to be gained. While many policy windows have occurred, their impact has been limited by the institutional constraints of the WHO. Credible indicators and effective interventions exist, but their applicability globally, especially in low- and middle-income countries, is questionable. To be effective, the NCD movement needs to expand beyond global health experts, foster civil society and develop a broader and more inclusive global governance structure. Applying the Shiffman and Smith framework for NCDs enabled different elements of how NCDs were able to get on the UN policy agenda to be disentangled. Much work has been done to frame the challenges and solutions, but implementation processes and their applicability remain challenging globally. NCD responses need to be adapted to local contexts, focus sufficiently on both prevention and management of disease, and have a stronger global governance structure.
Iwasawa Theory of Elliptic Modular Forms Over Imaginary Quadratic Fields at Non-ordinary Primes
Authors: Büyükboduk Kâzım , Lei Antonio 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThis article is a continuation of our previous work [7] on the Iwasawa theory of an elliptic modular form over an imaginary quadratic field $K$, where the modular form in question was assumed to be ordinary at a fixed odd prime $p$. We formulate integral Iwasawa main conjectures at non-ordinary primes $p$ for suitable twists of the base change of a newform $f$ to an imaginary quadratic field $K$ where $p$ splits, over the cyclotomic ${\mathbb{Z}}_p$-extension, the anticyclotomic ${\mathbb{Z}}_p$-extensions (in both the definite and the indefinite cases) as well as the ${\mathbb{Z}}_p^2$-extension of $K$. In order to do so, we define Kobayashi–Sprung-style signed Coleman maps, which we use to introduce doubly signed Selmer groups. In the same spirit, we construct signed (integral) Beilinson–Flach elements (out of the collection of unbounded Beilinson–Flach elements of Loeffler–Zerbes), which we use to define doubly signed $p$-adic $L$-functions. The main conjecture then relates these two sets of objects. Furthermore, we show that the integral Beilinson–Flach elements form a locally restricted Euler system, which in turn allow us to deduce (under certain technical assumptions) one inclusion in each one of the four main conjectures we formulate here (which may be turned into equalities in favorable circumstances).
Human Immunodeficiency Virus Transmission Risk in Analytical Treatment Interruption Studies: Relational Factors and Moral Responsibility
Authors: Dawson Liza 
Published: May 2019

Abstract
Analytical treatment interruption (ATI) is becoming common in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) cure-related research, but its use is controversial. ATI raises concerns about risks of HIV transmission to sexual partners of study participants. Researchers may have difficulty addressing these risks, given that study participants’ private behavior is implicated, the partners are not enrolled in the research, and behavioral HIV risk mitigation strategies usually fall outside the study objectives. This analysis argues that researchers should assume some responsibility for partners’ risks, based on the importance of partner relationships for the study participants themselves, and out of concern for the partners’ welfare. Adding this responsibility is reasonable since the risk is created in part by research procedures, and since concern for third parties is often part of professional standards for healthcare providers. Study participants and their partners also bear some responsibility. Specific recommendations for measures to address risk are discussed.
China's “Politics of Harmony” and the Quest for Soft Power in International Politics
Authors: Hagström Linus , Nordin Astrid H M 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThis article engages with China's “politics of harmony” to investigate the dangers and possibilities of soft power as a concept and practice. Chinese sources claim that China will be able to exercise soft power due to its tradition of thinking about harmony. Indeed, the concept of harmony looms large in Chinese soft power campaigns, which differentiate China's own harmonious soft power from the allegedly disharmonious hard power of other great powers—in particular Western powers and Japan. Yet, similarly dichotomizing harmony discourses have been employed precisely in the West and Japan. In all three cases, such harmony discourses set a rhetorical trap, forcing audiences to empathize and identify with the “harmonious” self or risk being violently “harmonized.” There is no doubt that the soft power of harmony is coercive. More importantly, the present article argues that it has legitimized and enabled oppressive, homogenizing, and bellicose expansionism and rule in the West and Japan. A similarly structured exercise of soft power may enable violence in and beyond China, too. Ultimately, however, we argue that China's own tradition of thinking about harmony may help us to theorize how soft power might be exercised in less antagonistic and violent ways.
Optimal kinetic exposures for classic and candidate antitrypanosomals
Authors: Meyer Kirsten J , Meyers David J , Shapiro Theresa A 
Published: May 2019

Abstract

Objectives
Efficacy is determined not only by size, but also by shape, of drug exposure. Here the critical importance of the temporal pattern of drug concentrations (pharmacokinetic profile) is examined for antitrypanosomals in vitro.

Methods
An in vitro hollow-fibre cartridge system was used to study contrasting drug profiles with four clinically used agents and two experimental candidates against the deadly parasite Trypanosoma brucei. Artificial kinetics were employed intentionally to favour either high peak concentration or sustained duration of drug.

Results
Changing the shape of drug exposure significantly impacted drug efficacy. Suramin, melarsoprol and pentamidine were concentration-driven and therefore more efficacious when applied as short-lived high peaks. In contrast, difluoromethylornithine (DFMO) was time-driven, and therefore maximally effective as a constant infusion. Kinetic preference was robust over a wide range of drug exposures. Promising clinical candidates SCYX-7158 (acoziborole) and fexinidazole (parent and sulfone) were concentration-driven, suggesting optimal clinical regimens would involve relatively high but intermittent dosing.

Conclusions
Antitrypanosomals have an intrinsic pharmacokinetic driver for optimal efficacy, with important implications for clinical management and future candidate development.
The drivers of antimicrobial use across institutions, stakeholders and economic settings: a paradigm shift is required for effective optimization
Authors: Broom J , Broom A , Kirby E 
Published: May 2019

Abstract

Objectives
Significant antimicrobial overuse persists worldwide, despite overwhelming evidence of antimicrobial resistance and knowledge that optimization of antimicrobial use will slow the development of resistance. It is critical to understand why this occurs. This study aims to consider the social influences on antimicrobial use within hospitals in Australia, via an in-depth, multisite analysis.

Methods
We used a qualitative multisite design, involving 222 individual semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis. Participants (85 doctors, 79 nurses, 31 pharmacists and 27 hospital managers) were recruited from five hospitals in Australia, including four public hospitals (two metropolitan, one regional and one remote) and one private hospital.

Results
Analysis of the interviews identified social relationships and institutional structures that may have a strong influence on antimicrobial use, which must be addressed concurrently. (i) Social relationships that exist across settings: these include the influence of personal risk, hierarchies, inter- and intraprofessional dynamics and sense of futility in making a difference long term in relation to antimicrobial resistance. (ii) Institutional structures that offer context-specific influences: these include patient population factors (including socioeconomic factors, geographical isolation and local infection patterns), proximity and resource issues.

Conclusions
The success of antimicrobial optimization rests on adequate awareness and incorporation of multilevel influences. Analysis of the problem has tended to emphasize individual ‘behaviour improvement’ in prescribing rather than incorporating the problem of overuse as inherently multidimensional and necessarily incorporating personal, interpersonal and institutional variables. A paradigm shift is urgently needed to incorporate these critical factors in antimicrobial optimization strategies.
A systematic approach to equity assessment for digital health interventions: case example of mobile personal health records
Authors: Were Martin C , Sinha Chaitali , Catalani Caricia 
Published: May 2019

Abstract
Despite the increasing number of digital health interventions in low- and middle-income countries and other low-resource settings, little attention has been paid to systematically evaluating impacts of these interventions on health equity. In this article, we present a systematic approach for assessing equity impacts of digital health interventions modeled after the Health Equity Impact Assessment of the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care. The assessment approach has 4 steps that address (1) scope, (2) potential equity impacts, (3) mitigation, (4) monitoring, and (5) dissemination strategies. The approach examines impacts on vulnerable and marginalized populations and considers various social determinants of health. Equity principles outlined by Whitehead and Dahlgren are used to ensure systematic considerations of all potential equity impacts. The digital health evaluation approach that is presented is applied to a case example of mobile personal health record application in Kenya.
A digital health research platform for community engagement, recruitment, and retention of sexual and gender minority adults in a national longitudinal cohort study–—The PRIDE Study
Authors: Lunn Mitchell R , Lubensky Micah , Hunt Carolyn , Flentje Annesa , Capriotti Matthew R , Sooksaman Chollada , Harnett Todd , Currie Del , Neal Chris , Obedin-Maliver Juno 
Published: May 2019

Abstract

Objective
Sexual and gender minority (SGM) people are underrepresented in research. We sought to create a digital research platform to engage, recruit, and retain SGM people in a national, longitudinal, dynamic, cohort study (The PRIDE Study) of SGM health.

Materials and Methods
We partnered with design and development firms and engaged SGM community members to build a secure, cloud-based, containerized, microservices-based, feature-rich, research platform. We created PRIDEnet, a national network of individuals and organizations that actively engaged SGM communities in all stages of health research. The PRIDE Study participants were recruited via in-person outreach, communications to PRIDEnet constituents, social media advertising, and word-of-mouth. Participants completed surveys to report demographic as well as physical, mental, and social health data.

Results
We built a secure digital research platform with engaging functionality that engaged SGM people and recruited and retained 13 731 diverse individuals in 2 years. A sizeable sample of 3813 gender minority people (32.8% of cohort) were recruited despite representing only approximately 0.6% of the population. Participants engaged with the platform and completed comprehensive annual surveys— including questions about sensitive and stigmatizing topics— to create a data resource and join a cohort for ongoing SGM health research.

Discussion
With an appealing digital platform, recruitment and engagement in online-only longitudinal cohort studies are possible. Participant engagement with meaningful, bidirectional relationships creates stakeholders and enables study cocreation. Research about effective tactics to engage, recruit, and maintain active participation from all communities is needed.

Conclusion
This digital research platform successfully recruited and engaged diverse SGM participants in The PRIDE Study. A similar approach may be successful in partnership with other underrepresented and vulnerable populations.
Identifying Refugees and Other Migrant Groups in European Large-scale Surveys: An Explorative Analysis of Integration Outcomes by Age Upon Arrival, Reasons for Migration and Country-of-birth Groups Using the European Union Labour Force Survey 2014 Ad Hoc Module
Authors: Solheim Erling F , La Parra-Casado Daniel 
Published: May 2019

Abstract
The aim of this article is to explore the association between self-reported reasons for migration, age upon arrival and Eurostat’s country-of-birth classification, and to study these measures in relation to education, employment and language skills. The European Union Labour Force Survey 2014 (11,345 women; 9,825 men) was used to study the immigrant working-age population (20–64 years) from seven West European countries with a substantial number of refugees. A third had arrived as children (0–19 years). Each reason for migration was well represented within all country-groups and the proportion of respondents reporting each reason was fairly similar across the country-groups. Regression analysis identified significant variation in education, employment and language skills by reasons for migration within country-groups and vice versa, with (female) refugees and family migrants arriving as adults faring worse than other migrants in language skills and employment. There were few significant gender differences. We recommend implementing reasons for migration and age upon arrival as core variables in quantitative migration studies.
Questionnaire Design and Translation for Refugee Populations: Lessons Learned from the REHEAL Study
Authors: Stathopoulou Theoni , Krajčeva Elica , Menold Natalja , Dept Steve 
Published: May 2019

AbstractSurveying the refugee population poses particular challenges: what measurement and culture effects need to be taken into account? Are some of the constructs related to refugees unique or can constructs used in other surveys be adapted? Due to considerable variation in educational background, in trauma history or in perception of ethnicity or gender roles in refugee populations, one needs to raise the question whether a one-size-fits-all approach is suitable when designing a questionnaire for refugee populations. Drawing upon the experience of the REHEAL study conducted in 2016 during the early phase of refugees' settlement in Greek refugee camps, the article addresses the particular challenges when designing and translating a questionnaire for multinational, multicultural and potentially traumatized refugee populations, residing in refugee accommodation settings. A post hoc scrutiny of the Arabic and Farsi versions of the REHEAL questionnaire forms the basis of this article in order to empirically inform best practices in designing and translating questionnaires for special populations. The authors set the stage by summarizing key aspects of concept and measurement equivalence in cross-cultural research, and then by expanding on the fact that cross-cultural differences in response styles or response sets can affect comparability. Translation and adaptation challenges are examined and illustrated by examples. This article serves to empirically document the benefit and pitfalls of appropriate measurements for use in refugee research.
Discussion of “How Errors Cumulate: Two Examples” by Roger Tourangeau
Authors: Dever Jill A 
Published: May 2019

Abstract
Researchers have the ongoing task of improving total survey quality (TSQ). Dr. Roger Tourangeau, winner of the 2019 Morris Hansen award, argues that factors affecting TSQ are not necessarily independent, and their effects could compound poor quality. In this article, I highlight a few aspects of “How Errors Cumulate” related to study design, weighting, and estimation involving nonprobability surveys. Here, I argue for the potential benefits of hybrid estimation, involving probability and nonprobability survey data, to address multiple error sources.
A resonant pair of warm giant planets revealed by TESS
Authors: Kipping David , Nesvorný David , Hartman Joel , Torres Guillermo , Bakos Gaspar , Jansen Tiffany , Teachey Alex 
Published: May 2019

ABSTRACT
We present the discovery of a pair of transiting giant planets using four sectors of TESS photometry. TOI-216 is a 0.87 M⊙ dwarf orbited by two transiters with radii of 8.2 and 11.3 R⊕, and periods of 17.01 and 34.57 d, respectively. Anticorrelated TTVs are clearly evident indicating that the transiters orbit the same star and interact via a near 2:1 mean motion resonance. By fitting the TTVs with a dynamical model, we infer masses of $30_{-14}^{+20}$ and $200_{-100}^{+170}$ M⊕, establishing that the objects are planetary in nature and have likely sub-Kronian and Kronian densities. TOI-216 lies close to the southern ecliptic pole and thus will be observed by TESS throughout the first year, providing an opportunity for continuous dynamical monitoring and considerable refinement of the dynamical masses presented here. TOI-216 closely resembles Kepler-9 in architecture, and we hypothesize that in such systems these Saturn analogues failed to fully open a gap and thus migrated far deeper into the system before becoming trapped into resonance, which would imply that future detections of new analogues may also have sub-Jupiter masses.
Proxima Centauri b is not a transiting exoplanet
Authors: Jenkins James S , Harrington Joseph , Challener Ryan C , Kurtovic Nicolás T , Ramirez Ricardo , Peña Jose , McIntyre Kathleen J , Himes Michael D , Rodríguez Eloy , Anglada-Escudé Guillem , Dreizler Stefan , Ofir Aviv , Peña Rojas Pablo A , Ribas Ignasi , Rojo Patricio , Kipping David , Butler R Paul , Amado Pedro J , Rodríguez-López Cristina , Kempton Eliza M-R , Palle Enric , Murgas Felipe 
Published: May 2019

Abstract
We report Spitzer Space Telescope observations during predicted transits of the exoplanet Proxima Centauri b. As the nearest terrestrial habitable-zone planet we will ever discover, any potential transit of Proxima b would place strong constraints on its radius, bulk density, and atmosphere. Subsequent transmission spectroscopy and secondary-eclipse measurements could then probe the atmospheric chemistry, physical processes, and orbit, including a search for biosignatures. However, our photometric results rule out planetary transits at the 200 ppm level at 4.5 $\mu$m, yielding a 3σ upper radius limit of 0.4 R⊕ (Earth radii). Previous claims of possible transits from optical ground- and space-based photometry were likely correlated noise in the data from Proxima Centauri’s frequent flaring. Our study indicates dramatically reduced stellar activity at near-to-mid infrared wavelengths, compared to the optical. Proxima b is an ideal target for space-based infrared telescopes, if their instruments can be configured to handle Proxima’s brightness.