bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bridging Group Divides: A Theoretical Overview of the “What” and “How” of Gateway Groups
Authors: Love Angelika , Levy Aharon 
Published: May 2019

AbstractOne of the most recent developments in the realm of intergroup relations is that of the gateway group notion. This conceptual framework addresses the potential of groups with multiple social backgrounds to play a role in the facilitation of positive intergroup relations between their distinct social counterparts (e.g., immigrants as a gateway between home and host countries). Given their shared identity with different social groups, people with multiple identities can potentially bridge the cleft between the two otherwise separate groups with which they are affiliated. In this article, we first provide a theoretical introduction to the gateway group notion and review preliminary experimental and social network‐based research on gateway groups' potential to improve intergroup relations. We then integrate this novel concept with the existing literature on intergroup contact and social categorization and discuss the potential social implications of gateway groups.
Dermatological manifestations of fungal infection in patients with febrile neutropaenia: A review of the literature
Authors: Maddy Austin J. , Sanchez Nelson , Shukla Bhavarth S. , Maderal Andrea D. 
Published: May 2019

SummaryFebrile neutropaenia (FNP) is a common cause of morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised patients. Although most infections are caused by bacterial pathogens, fungal infections are becoming increasingly more common. Due to its rarity, the diagnosis of fungal infections in febrile neutropenic patients is often delayed. To provide current clinical features, epidemiology, aetiology, diagnosis and treatment of cutaneous involvement of fungal infection in patients with FNP. A retrospective literature review of PubMed was performed, with no language or publishing data restrictions, yielding 116 results. We queried each case for cutaneous lesions associated with fungal pathogens in FNP. We found 54 publications with 215 reported cases of cutaneous manifestations of fungal injury in patients with FNP. This study is limited in that it is a literature review of a disease that is likely underreported. Cutaneous lesions caused by yeasts such as Candida and Trichosporon manifest as diffuse erythematous papules and usually do not develop central necrosis or eschar, while moulds will present as tender nodules that subsequently develop eschar and necrosis. Recognising the cutaneous manifestations of fungal disease can assist in the diagnosis and management of these infections.
Hyperactivated peripheral invariant natural killer T cells correlate with the progression of HBV‐relative liver cirrhosis
Authors: Wei Xin , Qian Jingjing , Yao Weifeng , Chen Liling , Guan Huaqin , Chen Yingxiao , Xie Yaosheng , Lu Hong , Zhang Zhuo , Shi Liang , Lin Xiangyang 
Published: May 2019

AbstractInvariant NKT (iNKT) cells express markers of both T and NK cells and may produce various cytokines to regulate liver immunity. However, the role of iNKT cells in the progression of HBV‐relative liver cirrhosis (HBV‐LC) is incompletely understood. Here, we investigated the impact of peripheral iNKT cells on a cohort of patients with HBV‐LC. The frequency, number, activation status, apoptosis and proliferation ability of peripheral iNKT cells were detected with flow cytometry. The impact of peripheral iNKT cells on the proliferation of hepatocyte cell line (MIHA) and activation of hepatic stellate cell line (LX‐2) was detected with flow cytometry and PCR. In HBV‐LC patients, the frequency and absolute number of peripheral iNKT cells significantly reduced, but the expression levels of CD25, interleukin (IL)‐4, IL‐13 and interferon (IFN)‐γ increased. No difference was observed in the proliferation and apoptosis of circulating iNKT cells between patients and healthy controls (HCs). CXCR6 (CD186), known to be closely associated with iNKT cells migration from the periphery to the liver, was highly expressed on peripheral iNKT cells in HBV‐LC patients. Furthermore, peripheral iNKT cells had a profound impact on MIHA cell proliferation and LX‐2 cell activation through IL‐4 or IL‐13. Our data suggest that in HBV‐LC patients, highly activated peripheral iNKT cells may migrate to the liver and affect hepatocyte cell line (MIHA) proliferation and hepatic stellate cell line (LX‐2) activation through the expression of type 2 cytokines, which may result in excessive healing and contributing to the progression of fibrosis toward cirrhosis in liver.
Laparoscopic entry techniques: What is the controversy?
Authors: Monnet Eric 
Published: May 2019

AbstractObjectiveTo review reported complications related to the different laparoscopic entry techniques in the human and veterinary literature and describe the benefits and limitations of each technique.Study designLiterature review of 57 peer‐reviewed articles.MethodsAn electronic database search identified human and veterinary literature describing complications related to entry technique during laparoscopy.ResultsOpen‐ and closed‐entry techniques may result in trauma of abdominal organs or vasculature. During laparoscopy in man, injury to bowel and major vasculature is reported in 0.02% and 0.04% of procedures with open‐ or closed‐entry techniques, respectively. Designs of Veress needles and trocar cannula assemblies have been developed to improve ease and safety. Early complications, defined as those observed at the time of port entry into the abdominal cavity, result from the puncture of a blood vessel leading to substantial visible hemorrhage. Late complications are detected 24 or 48 hours after surgery and result from the puncture of a loop of intestine that was not detected at the time of initial surgery. The major reasons for iatrogenic trauma in man are related to anatomical factors and the presence of adhesions. No explanation for cause of complications was identified for animals.ConclusionThere is no consensus in the human or veterinary literature about the best entry technique for laparoscopy. The rate of complications related to entry technique in small animals is not known because the data are underreported.Clinical significanceComplications related to entry techniques are expected in both man and animals. Improvements in techniques and equipment design are being developed to minimize risk.
Agents of change among people living with HIV and their social networks: stepped-wedge randomised controlled trial of theNAMWEZAintervention in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Authors: Smith Fawzi Mary C , Siril Hellen , Liu Yuanyuan , McAdam Keith , Ainebyona Donald , McAdam Elspeth , Somba Magreat , Oljemark Kicki , Mleli Neema , Lienert Jeffrey , Andrew Irene , Haberlen Sabina , Simwinga Alice , Todd Jim , Makongwa Samwel , Li Nan , Kaaya Sylvia 
Published: May 2019

IntroductionNAMWEZAis a novel intervention that focuses on preventing HIV and promoting sexual and reproductive health and rights by addressing underlying factors related to vulnerability of acquiring HIV, such as depression, intimate partner violence (IPV) and stigma. The goal of the study was to evaluate the effect of theNAMWEZAintervention on risk behaviour as well as factors potentially contributing to this vulnerability for people living with HIV and their network members.MethodsA stepped-wedge randomised controlled trial was conducted from November 2010 to January 2014 among people living with HIV and their network members in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. 458 people living with HIV were randomised within age/sex-specific strata to participate in theNAMWEZAintervention at three points in time. In addition, 602 members of their social networks completed the baseline interview. Intention-to-treat analysis was performed, including primary outcomes of uptake of HIV services, self-efficacy, self-esteem, HIV risk behaviour and IPV.ResultsFor people living with HIV, a number of outcomes improved with theNAMWEZAintervention, including higher self-efficacy and related factors, as well as lower levels of depression and stigma. IPV reduced by 40% among women. Although reductions in HIV risk behaviour were not observed, an increase in access to HIV treatment was reported for network members (72% vs 94%, p=0.002).ConclusionThese results demonstrate the complexity of behavioural interventions in reducing the vulnerability of acquiring HIV, since it is possible to observe a broad range of different outcomes. This study indicates the importance of formally evaluating interventions so that policymakers can build on evidence-based approaches to advance the effectiveness of HIV prevention interventions.Trial registration numberNCT01693458.
Cost and cost-effectiveness of a parenting programme to prevent violence against adolescents in South Africa
Authors: Redfern Alice , Cluver Lucie D , Casale Marisa , Steinert Janina I 
Published: May 2019

IntroductionThis paper presents the costs and cost-effectiveness of ‘Parenting for Lifelong Health: Sinovuyo Teen’, a non-commercialised parenting programme aimed at preventing violence against adolescents in low-income and middle-income countries.MethodsThe effectiveness of Sinovuyo Teen was evaluated with a cluster randomised controlled trial in 40 villages and peri-urban townships in the Eastern Cape of South Africa from 2015 to 2016. The costs of implementation were calculated retrospectively and models of costs at scale estimated, from the perspective of the programme provider. Cost-effectiveness analysis considers both the cost per incident of abuse averted, and cost per disability-adjusted life year averted. Potential economic benefits from the societal perspective were estimated by developing a framework of possible savings.ResultsThe total implementation cost for Sinovuyo Teen over the duration of the trial was US$135 954, or US$504 per family enrolled. Among the 270 families in the treatment group, an estimated 73 incidents of physical and emotional abuse were averted (95% CI 29 to 118 incidents averted). During the trial, the total cost per incident of physical or emotional abuse averted was US$1837, which is likely to decrease to approximately US$972 if implemented at scale. By comparison, the economic benefits of averting abuse in South Africa are large with an estimated lifetime saving of US$2724 minimum per case.ConclusionParenting programmes are a cost-effective intervention to prevent the abuse of adolescents by their caregivers in South Africa, when compared with existing violence prevention programmes and cost-effectiveness thresholds based on GDP per capita.
Evaluating the safety and technical effectiveness of a newly developed intravascular ’flow isolator' stent for the treatment of intracranial aneurysms: study protocol for a first-in-human single-arm multiple-site clinical trial in Japan
Authors: Yamamoto Haruko , Hamasaki Toshimitsu , Onda Kaori , Nakayama Yasuhide , Ishii Akira , Oishi Hidenori , Sakai Nobuyuki , Satow Tetsu 
Published: May 2019

IntroductionWide-neck or large intracranial aneurysms are difficult to cure by conventional surgical or endovascular procedures. A flow diverter (FD) is an implantable, stent-like, fine-mesh medical device for the treatment of intracranial aneurysms. Although endovascular treatment with FDs is becoming a routine first-line option, a systematic review noted the heterogeneity and publication biases of the clinical studies for FDs. We have developed a new honeycomb microporous covered stent (NCVC-CS1) as a ‘flow isolator’ for the endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms.Methods and analysisWe planned the NCVC-CS1_UAN as a first-in-human study to evaluate the safety and technical effectiveness of the NCVC-CS1, a newly developed honeycomb microporous covered stent, for the treatment of intracranial aneurysms that are difficult to cure by conventional surgical or endovascular procedures. The study is a multicentre, open-label, uncontrolled, exploratory, medical device, investigator-initiated clinical study. The primary safety endpoint of this study is any stroke or death related to the procedure within 180 days, while for efficacy, the endpoint is complete obliteration of the target aneurysm and patency of the target vessel (less than 50% stenosis) confirmed by angiography at 180 days after the procedure.Ethics and disseminationFull ethics approval of institutional review boards was obtained at all participating sites. A clinical trial notification as a new medical device was accepted by the Japanese regulatory agency before it started. The study should be followed by a pivotal study to obtain satisfactory data for an application for marketing approval. The main results of this study will be submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal. The planned subject number for this study is 12.Trial registration numberNCT02907229.
Estimates of the 2016 global burden of kidney disease attributable to ambient fine particulate matter air pollution
Authors: Bowe Benjamin , Xie Yan , Li Tingting , Yan Yan , Xian Hong , Al-Aly Ziyad 
Published: May 2019

ObjectiveTo quantitate the 2016 global and national burden of chronic kidney disease (CKD) attributable to ambient fine particulate matter air pollution ≤ 2.5 μm in aerodynamic diameter (PM2.5).DesignWe used the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study data and methodologies to estimate the 2016 burden of CKD attributable to PM2.5in 194 countries and territories. Population-weighted PM2.5levels and incident rates of CKD for each country were curated from the GBD study publicly available data sources.SettingGBD global and national data on PM2.5and CKD.Participants194 countries and territories.Main outcome measuresWe estimated the attributable burden of disease (ABD), years living with disability (YLD), years of life lost (YLL) and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs).ResultsThe 2016 global burden of incident CKD attributable to PM2.5was 6 950 514 (95% uncertainty interval: 5 061 533–8 914 745). Global YLD, YLL and DALYs of CKD attributable to PM2.5were 2 849 311 (1 875 219–3 983 941), 8 587 735 (6 355 784–10 772 239) and 11 445 397 (8 380 246–14 554 091), respectively. Age-standardised ABD, YLL, YLD and DALY rates varied substantially among geographies. Populations in Mesoamerica, Northern Africa, several countries in the Eastern Mediterranean region, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India and several countries in Southeast Asia were among those with highest age-standardised DALY rates. For example, age-standardised DALYs per 100 000 were 543.35 (391.16–707.96) in El Salvador, 455.29 (332.51–577.97) in Mexico, 408.41 (283.82–551.84) in Guatemala, 238.25 (173.90–303.98) in India and 178.26 (125.31–238.47) in Sri Lanka, compared with 5.52 (0.82–11.48) in Sweden, 6.46 (0.00–14.49) in Australia and 12.13 (4.95–21.82) in Canada. Frontier analyses showed that Mesoamerican countries had significantly higher CKD DALY rates relative to other countries with comparable sociodemographic development.ConclusionsOur results demonstrate that the global toll of CKD attributable to ambient air pollution is significant and identify several endemic geographies where air pollution may be a significant driver of CKD burden. Air pollution may need to be considered in the discussion of the global epidemiology of CKD.
Impact of handgrip strength on cardiovascular, cancer and all-cause mortality in the Korean longitudinal study of ageing
Authors: Kim Gyu Ri , Sun Jiyu , Han Minkyung , Park Sohee , Nam Chung Mo 
Published: May 2019

ObjectiveTo examine whether reduced handgrip strength, as a marker of muscle weakness, is linked with the risk of cardiovascular, cancer and all-cause mortality among older adults.DesignWe used data from the 2006 to 2014 Korean longitudinal study of ageing study. Estimates of handgrip strength were collected using a handheld dynamometer. Cox proportional hazard models with time-varying covariates were used to estimate HRs and their 95% CIs for all-cause mortality. The cause-specific hazards regression analysis was also used to model cardiovascular and cancer mortality, by treating deaths from the cause of interest as events and other causes of death as censored.Participants5859 participants aged 50 years or older were followed up until death or until the date of censoring (31 December 2014).Primary outcome measuresThe study outcomes of interest were all-cause, cardiovascular and cancer mortality.ResultsOf the participants included in analyses, 515 individuals (8.8%) died, reflecting an overall crude mortality rate of 11.0 deaths per 1000 person-years. Participants in the lowest handgrip strength tertile showed an increased risk of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality evidenced by a multivariable adjusted HRs of 1.90 (95% CI 1.33 to 2.73) and 1.59 (95% Cl 1.08 to 2.34), respectively. However, there were no significant differences in the rates of cancer-related death, with HR of 1.29 (95% CI 0.92 to 1.81 [lowest vs highest tertile; p trend=0.21]).ConclusionThese results demonstrate that lower handgrip strength is an independent predictor of mortality among a population-based sample of Korean elderly; highlighting the importance of interventions targeted at enhancing muscle strength for improvements in survival at older ages.
How to train practising gynaecologists in total laparoscopic hysterectomy: protocol for the stepped-wedge IMAGINE trial
Authors: Obermair Andreas , Armfield Nigel R , Graves Nicholas , Gebski Val , Hanna George B , Coleman Mark G , Hughes Anne , Janda Monika 
Published: May 2019

IntroductionHysterectomy is the most common major gynaecological procedure in women and minimally invasive approaches should be used wherever possible; total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH) is one such surgical approach which allows removal of the uterus entirely laparoscopically. However, lack of surgical training opportunities is impeding its increased adoption. This study will formally test a surgical outreach training model to equip surgeons with the skills to provide TLH as an alternative to total abdominal hysterectomy (TAH).Methods and analysisStepped wedge implementation trial of a surgical training programme for practising obstetrician gynaecologist specialists in four hospitals.Primary outcomesChange in the proportion of hysterectomies performed by TAH, measured between preintervention and postintervention; we aim to reduce TAH by at least 30% in 75% of the trainees.Secondary outcomes(1) Number of hospitals screened, eligible, agree to training and complete the training; (2) number of surgeons screened for eligibility, eligible, agree to training, who complete training and achieve proficiency; (3) proportion of trainees achieving proficiency in correct theatre setup, vascular exposure, mobilisation and surgery closure; change in proportion proficient over time; (4) adverse events (conversion from TLH to TAH, anaesthetic incident, intraoperative visceral injury, red cell transfusions, hospital stay >7 days, incidental finding of malignancy, unplanned readmission, admission to intensive care, return to theatre, postoperative pulmonary embolism or deep vein thrombosis, development of a fistula, vault haematoma, vaginal vault dehiscence or pelvic infection); (5) hospital length-of-stay; (6) cost-effectiveness and (7) trainee surgeon proficiency with TLH.Ethics and disseminationThe study has been approved by the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital Human Research Ethics Committee and has received site-specific approval from all participating hospitals. Results will be submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal.Trial registration numberNCT03617354; Pre-results.
Impact of extreme prematurity or extreme low birth weight on young adult health and well-being: the Victorian Infant Collaborative Study (VICS) 1991–1992 Longitudinal Cohort study protocol
Authors: Cheong Jeanie L Y , Wark John D , Cheung Michael M , Irving Louis , Burnett Alice C , Lee Katherine J , Garland Suzanne M , Smallwood David , Patton George C , Haikerwal Anjali , Doyle Lex W 
Published: May 2019

IntroductionInfants born extremely preterm (EP, <28 weeks’ gestation) or with extremely low birth weight (ELBW,<1000 g) in the era when surfactant has been available clinically are at high risk of health and developmental problems in childhood and adolescence. However, how their health and well-being may be affected in adulthood is not well known. This study aims to compare between EP/ELBW and normal birthweight (NBW) controls: (1) physical health, mental health and socioemotional functioning at 25 years of age and (2) trajectories of these outcomes from childhood to adulthood. In addition, this study aims to identify risk factors in pregnancy, infancy, childhood and adolescence for poor physical health and well-being in EP/ELBW young adults.Methods and analysisThe Victorian Infant Collaborative Study (VICS) is a prospective geographical cohort of all EP/ELBW survivors to 18 years of age born in the State of Victoria, Australia, from 1 January 1991 to 31 December 1992 (n=297) and contemporaneous term-born/NBW controls (n=262). Participants were recruited at birth and followed up at 2, 5, 8 and 18 years. This 25-year follow-up includes assessments of physical health (cardiovascular, respiratory and musculoskeletal), mental health and socioemotional functioning. Outcomes will be compared between the birth groups using linear and logistic regression, fitted using generalised estimating equations (GEEs). Trajectories of health outcomes from early childhood will be compared between the birth groups using linear mixed-effects models. Risk factors for adult outcomes will be assessed using linear and logistic regression (fitted using GEEs).Ethics and disseminationThis study was approved by the Human Research Ethics Committees of the Royal Women’s Hospital, Mercy Hospital for Women, Monash Medical Centre and the Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne. Study outcomes will be disseminated through conference presentations, peer-reviewed publications, the internet and social media.
Major reductions in unnecessary aspartate aminotransferase and blood urea nitrogen tests with a quality improvement initiative
Authors: Strauss Rachel , Cressman Alex , Cheung Mark , Weinerman Adina , Waldman Suzanne , Etchells Edward , Zahirieh Alireza , Tartaro Piero , Rezmovitz Jeremy , Callum Jeannie 
Published: May 2019

Background/contextUnnecessary laboratory testing leads to considerable healthcare costs. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), commonly ordered with alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN), commonly ordered with creatinine (Cr), often add little value to patient management at significant cost. We undertook a choosing wisely based quality improvement initiative to reduce the frequency of testing.ObjectivesTo reduce the ratio of AST/ALT and BUN/Cr to less than 5% for all inpatient and outpatient test orders.MeasuresAbsolute number and ratio of AST/ALT and BUN/Cr; AST, ALT, BUN and Cr tests per 100 hospital days; projected annualised cost savings and monthly acute inpatient bed days.ImprovementsWe created guidelines for appropriate indications of AST and BUN testing, provided education with audit and feedback and removed AST and BUN from institutional order sets.Impact/resultsThe ratios of AST/ALT and BUN/Cr decreased significantly over the study period (0.37 to 0.14, 0.57 to 0.14, respectively), although the goal of 0.05 was not achieved due to a delay in adopting the choosing wisely strategies during the study time period by some inpatient units. The number of tests per 100 hospital days decreased from 20 to 7 AST (95% CI 19 to 20.5, 5.6 to 8.7, p<0.001) and from 72 to 17 BUN (95% CI 70 to 73.4, 16.6 to 22.9, p<0.001). The initiative resulted in a projected annualised cost savings of C$221 749.DiscussionA significant decrease in the AST/ALT and BUN/Cr ratios can be achieved with a multimodal approach and will result in substantial healthcare savings.