bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
RNases and Helicases in Gram-Positive Bacteria
Authors: Durand Sylvain , Condon Ciaran 
Published: April 2018

ABSTRACT

RNases are key enzymes involved in RNA maturation and degradation. Although they play a crucial role in all domains of life, bacteria, archaea, and eukaryotes have evolved with their own sets of RNases and proteins modulating their activities. In bacteria, these enzymes allow modulation of gene expression to adapt to rapidly changing environments. Today, >20 RNases have been identified in both
Escherichia coli
and
Bacillus subtilis
, the paradigms of the Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, respectively. However, only a handful of these enzymes are common to these two organisms and some of them are essential to only one. Moreover, although sets of RNases can be very similar in closely related bacteria such as the
Firmicutes Staphylococcus aureus
and
B. subtilis
, the relative importance of individual enzymes in posttranscriptional regulation in these organisms varies. In this review, we detail the role of the main RNases involved in RNA maturation and degradation in Gram-positive bacteria, with an emphasis on the roles of RNase J1, RNase III, and RNase Y. We also discuss how other proteins such as helicases can modulate the RNA-degradation activities of these enzymes.
Pleasure and practice: a qualitative study of the individual and social underpinnings of shisha use in cafes among youth in the UK
Authors: Mugyenyi Ambrose Evarls K , Haberer Jessica E , O’Neil Ivy 
Published: April 2018

ObjectivesTo explore (1) the social function of shisha cafes for young people living in the UK and (2) other alternative activities (existing or potential) that do not involve tobacco smoking.MethodsWe conducted qualitative interviews with young adults (age 18–30) in Leeds, UK. Snowballing sampling was used in selecting the participants. Interviews were audio-recorded and explored the perspectives and experiences of young people in as well as potential alternative activities. Data were transcribed and analysed thematically.ResultsShisha use plays a central role in social interactions. Youth described using shisha because of emotional and sensory pleasure. Shisha use was implicitly endorsed by respected professionals, such as doctors and university lecturers, who were seen smoking it. Most, but not all, shisha smokers acknowledged that shisha use is harmful. Suggestions for reducing shisha use included use of non- tobacco alternatives, legislation to reduce access and alternative means for socialising, such as sports.ConclusionFor young people in the UK, the known health dangers of shisha are outweighed by its social benefits and shisha is perceived as acceptable. Interventions to reverse the increase in shisha cafes should focus on both individual smoker as well as the community, without sacrificing the importance of social interactions.
Cardiac implant registries 2006–2016: a systematic review and summary of global experiences
Authors: Zhang Shixuan , Gaiser Sebastian , Kolominsky-Rabas Peter L 
Published: April 2018

ObjectivesThe importance of Cardiac Implant Registry (CIR) for ensuring a long-term follow-up in postmarket surveillance has been recognised and approved, but there is lack of consensus standards on how to establish a CIR. The aim of this study is to investigate the structure and key elements of CIRs in the past decade (2006–2016) and to provide recommendations on ‘best practice’ approaches.Settings and participantsA systematic search on CIR was employed in line with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. The following databases were searched: the PubMed (Medline), ScienceDirect and the Scopus database, EMBASE. After identifying the existing CIRs, an aggregative approach will be used to explore key elements emerging in the identified registries.ResultsThe following 82 registries were identified: 18 implantable cardioverterdefibrillator (ICD) registries, 7 cardiac resynchronisation therapy (CRT) registries, 5 pacemaker registries and 6 cardiovascular implantable electronic device registries which combined ICD, pacemaker and CRT implantation data; as well as 22 coronary stent registries and 24 transcatheteraortic heart valve implantation registries. While 71 national or local registries are from a single country, 44 are from European countries and 9 are located in USA. The following criteria have been summarised from the identified registries, including: registry working group, ethic issues, transparency, research objective, inclusion criteria, compulsory participation, endpoint, sample size, data collection basement, data collection methods, data entry, data validation and statistical analysis.ConclusionsRegistries provide a ‘real-world’ picture for patients, physicians, manufacturers, payers, decision-makers and other stakeholders. CIRs are important for regulatory decisions concerning the safety and therefore approval issues of the medical device; for payers CIRs provide evidence on the medical device benefit and drive the decision whether the product should be reimbursed or not; for hospitals CIRs’ data are important for sound procurement decisions, and CIRs also help patients and their physicians to joint decision-making which of the products is the most appropriate.
Regional South Australia Health (RESONATE) survey: study protocol
Authors: Leach Matthew J , Jones Martin , Gillam Marianne , May Esther 
Published: April 2018

IntroductionAccess to quality healthcare services is considered a moral right. However, for people living in regional locations, timely access to the services that they need may not always be possible because of structural and attitudinal barriers. This suggests that people living in regional areas may have unmet healthcare needs. The aim of this research will be to examine the healthcare needs, expectations and experiences of regional South Australians.Methods and analysisThe Regional South Australia Health (RESONATE) survey is a cross-sectional study of adult health consumers living in any private or non-private dwelling, in any regional, rural, remote or very remote area of South Australia and with an understanding of written English. Data will be collected using a 45-item, multidimensional, self-administered instrument, designed to measure healthcare need, barriers to healthcare access and health service utilisation, attitudes, experiences and satisfaction. The instrument has demonstrated acceptable psychometric properties, including good content validity and internal reliability, good test–retest reliability and a high level of acceptability. The survey will be administered online and in hard-copy, with at least 1832 survey participants to be recruited over a 12-month period, using a comprehensive, multimodal recruitment campaign.Ethics and disseminationThe study has been reviewed and approved by the Human Research Ethics Committee of the University of South Australia. The results will be actively disseminated through peer-reviewed journals, conference presentations, social media, broadcast media, print media, the internet and various community/stakeholder engagement activities.
Reducing early infant mortality in India: results of a prospective cohort of pregnant women using emergency medical services
Authors: Bills Corey B , Newberry Jennifer A , Darmstadt Gary , Pirrotta Elizabeth A , Rao G V Ramana , Mahadevan S V , Strehlow Matthew C 
Published: April 2018

ObjectivesTo describe the demographic characteristics and clinical outcomes of neonates born within 7 days of public ambulance transport to hospitals across five states in India.DesignProspective observational study.SettingFive Indian states using a centralised emergency medical services (EMS) agency that transported 3.1 million pregnant women in 2014.ParticipantsOver 6 weeks in 2014, this study followed a convenience sample of 1431 neonates born to women using a public-private ambulance service for a ‘pregnancy-related’ problem. Initial calls were deemed ‘pregnancy related’ if categorised by EMS dispatchers as ‘pregnancy’, ‘childbirth’, ‘miscarriage’ or ‘labour pains’. Interfacility transfers, patients absent on ambulance arrival, refusal of care and neonates born to women beyond 7 days of using the service were excluded.Main outcome measures: death at 2, 7 and 42 days after delivery.ResultsAmong 1684 women, 1411 gave birth to 1431 newborns within 7 days of initial ambulance transport. Median maternal age at delivery was 23 years (IQR 21–25). Most mothers were from rural/tribal areas (92.5%) and lower social (79.9%) and economic status (69.9%). Follow-up rates at 2, 7 and 42 days were 99.8%, 99.3% and 94.1%, respectively. Cumulative mortality rates at 2, 7 and 42 days follow-up were 43, 53 and 62 per 1000 births, respectively. The perinatal mortality rate (PMR) was 53 per 1000. Preterm birth (OR 2.89, 95% CI 1.67 to 5.00), twin deliveries (OR 2.80, 95% CI 1.10 to 7.15) and caesarean section (OR 2.21, 95% CI 1.15 to 4.23) were the strongest predictors of mortality.ConclusionsThe perinatal mortality rate associated with this cohort of patients with high-acuity conditions of pregnancy was nearly two times the most recent rate for India as a whole (28 per 1000 births). EMS data have the potential to provide more robust estimates of PMR, reduce inequities in timely access to healthcare and increase facility-based care through service of marginalised populations.
Awareness of diabetic retinopathy and its association with attendance for systematic screening at the public primary care setting: a cross-sectional study in Hong Kong
Authors: Lian JinXiao , McGhee Sarah M , Gangwani Rita A , Lam Cindy L K , Yap Maurice K H , Wong David S H 
Published: April 2018

ObjectiveTo assess the association between awareness of diabetic retinopathy (DR) and actual attendance for DR screening.DesignCross-sectional study.SettingTwo public general outpatient clinics.ParticipantsThe subjects were people with diabetes mellitus (DM) who participated in a randomised controlled trial, set up in 2008, to test the impact of a copayment on attendance for DR screening.Primary and secondary outcome measuresThe subjects’ awareness of DR was evaluated using a structured questionnaire conducted via a telephone interview. The attendance for screening was from the actual attendance data. Association between awareness and attendance for screening was determined using multivariate logistic regression model and was reported as ORs.ResultsA total of 2593 participants completed the questionnaire. A total of 42.9% (1113/2593) said they would worry if they had any vision loss and 79.6% (2063/2593) knew that DM could cause blindness. Only 17.5% (453/2593) knew that treatment was available for DR and 11.5% (297/2593) knew that early DR could be asymptomatic. The importance of having a regular eye examination was acknowledged by 75.7% (1964/2593), but 34% (881/2593) did not know how frequently their eyes should be examined. Worry about vision loss (OR=1.72, P<0.001), awareness of the importance of regular eye examination (OR=1.83, P=0.002) and awareness of the frequency of eye examinations (‘every year’ (OR=2.64, P<0.001) or ‘every 6 months’ (OR=3.27, P<0.001)) were the most significant factors associated with attendance.ConclusionsDeficits in knowledge of DR and screening were found among subjects with DM, and three awareness factors were associated with attendance for screening. These factors could be targeted for future interventions.
Cost of hospitalised patients due to complicated urinary tract infections: a retrospective observational study in countries with high prevalence of multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria: the COMBACTE-MAGNET, RESCUING study
Authors: Vallejo-Torres Laura , Pujol Miquel , Shaw Evelyn , Wiegand Irith , Vigo Joan Miquel , Stoddart Margaret , Grier Sally , Gibbs Julie , Vank Christiane , Cuperus Nienke , van den Heuvel Leo , Eliakim-Raz Noa , Carratala Jordi , Vuong Cuong , MacGowan Alasdair , Babich Tanya , Leibovici Leonard , Addy Ibironke , Morris Stephen 
Published: April 2018

ObjectiveComplicated urinary tract infections (cUTIs) impose a high burden on healthcare systems and are a frequent cause of hospitalisation. The aims of this paper are to estimate the cost per episode of patients hospitalised due to cUTI and to explore the factors associated with cUTI-related healthcare costs in eight countries with high prevalence of multidrug resistance (MDR).DesignThis is a multinational observational, retrospective study. The mean cost per episode was computed by multiplying the volume of healthcare use for each patient by the unit cost of each item of care and summing across all components. Costs were measured from the hospital perspective. Patient-level regression analyses were used to identify the factors explaining variation in cUTI-related costs.SettingThe study was conducted in 20 hospitals in eight countries with high prevalence of multidrug resistant Gram-negative bacteria (Bulgaria, Greece, Hungary, Israel, Italy, Romania, Spain and Turkey).ParticipantsData were obtained from 644 episodes of patients hospitalised due to cUTI.ResultsThe mean cost per case was €5700, with considerable variation between countries (largest value €7740 in Turkey; lowest value €4028 in Israel), mainly due to differences in length of hospital stay. Factors associated with higher costs per patient were: type of admission, infection source, infection severity, the Charlson comorbidity index and presence of MDR.ConclusionsThe mean cost per hospitalised case of cUTI was substantial and varied significantly between countries. A better knowledge of the reasons for variations in length of stays could facilitate a better standardised quality of care for patients with cUTI and allow a more efficient allocation of healthcare resources. Urgent admissions, infections due to an indwelling urinary catheterisation, resulting in septic shock or severe sepsis, in patients with comorbidities and presenting MDR were related to a higher cost.
Dementia in UK South Asians: a scoping review of the literature
Authors: Blakemore Amy , Kenning Cassandra , Mirza Nadine , Daker-White Gavin , Panagioti Maria , Waheed Waquas 
Published: April 2018

ObjectiveOver 850 000 people live with dementia in the UK. A proportion of these people are South Asians, who make up over 5% of the total UK population. Little is known about the prevalence, experience and treatment of dementia in the UK South Asian population. The aim of this scoping review is to identify dementia studies conducted in the UK South Asian population to highlight gaps in the literature which need to be addressed in future research.MethodDatabases were systematically searched using a comprehensive search strategy to identify studies. A methodological framework for conducting scoping reviews was followed. An extraction form was developed to chart data and collate study characteristics and findings. Studies were then grouped into six categories: prevalence and characteristics; diagnosis validation and screening; knowledge, understanding and attitudes; help-seeking; experience of dementia; service organisation and delivery.ResultsA total of 6483 studies were identified, 27 studies were eligible for inclusion in the scoping review. We found that studies of prevalence, diagnosis and service organisation and delivery in UK South Asians are limited. We did not find any clinical trials of culturally appropriate interventions for South Asians with dementia in the UK. The existing evidence comes from small-scale service evaluations and case studies.ConclusionsThis is the first scoping review of the literature to identify priority areas for research to improve care for UK South Asians with dementia. Future research should first focus on developing and validating culturally appropriate diagnostic tools for the UK South Asians and then conducting high-quality epidemiological studies in order to accurately identify the prevalence of dementia in this group. The cultural adaptation of interventions for dementia and testing in randomised controlled trials is also vital to ensure that there are appropriate treatments available for the UK South Asians to access.
Enablers and barriers to improving worksite canteen nutrition in Pudong, China: a mixed-methods formative research study
Authors: Li Ruoran , Wu You , Jing Limei , Jaacks Lindsay M 
Published: April 2018

ObjectiveTo identify individual-level and organisation-level enablers and barriers to the provision and consumption of healthier foods at worksite canteens in China and to develop a theoretical framework and evidence-based, specific, practical intervention strategies.DesignMixed-methods formative research, with in-depth interviews, focus group discussions and quantitative questionnaires.SettingTwo community health centres (CHCs) in Pudong, Shanghai, China.ParticipantsIn-depth interviews with three CHC administrators and three canteen managers and staff. Six focus groups with a total of 19 male and 36 female employees, aged 25–67 years.ResultsThree subthemes were identified as important for influencing individual food choice: the cultural perception of ‘eating well’, the need to balance taste preferences and nutrition, and the emphasis on food safety in healthfulness. At the organisation level, two related subthemes emerged: the balance of canteen budget and food safety with the variety and quality of offerings, and the interplay between key stakeholders. Key barriers included cost, poor communication between employees and management, individuals’ emphasis on taste over healthfulness, variation in individual preferences and discordance between perceived and actual weight status, particularly among men. Key enablers included strong, positive food culture in China and trust in canteen food. An ecological framework to describe determinants of worksite food environment in Shanghai was developed and intervention strategies were mapped onto this framework.ConclusionsA balancing act occurs at multiple levels and ultimately determines the worksite food environment and employee food choice at CHCs in Shanghai of China. There is a need to implement these findings and evaluate their impact on diet and health.
The validity of the Rx-Risk Comorbidity Index using medicines mapped to the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) Classification System
Authors: Pratt Nicole L , Kerr Mhairi , Barratt John D , Kemp-Casey Anna , Kalisch Ellett Lisa M , Ramsay Emmae , Roughead Elizabeth Ellen 
Published: April 2018

ObjectivesTo provide a map of Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) Classification System codes to individual Rx-Risk comorbidities and to validate the Rx-Risk Comorbidity Index.DesignThe 46 comorbidities in the Rx-Risk Index were mapped to dispensing’s indicative of each condition using ATC codes. Prescription dispensing claims in 2014 were used to calculate the Rx-Risk. A baseline logistic regression model was fitted using age and gender as covariates. Rx-Risk was added to the base model as an (1) unweighted score, (2) weighted score and as (3) individual comorbidity categories indicating the presence or absence of each condition. The Akaike information criterion and c-statistic were used to compare the models.SettingModels were developed in the Australian Government Department of Veterans’ Affairs health claims data, and external validation was undertaken in a 10% sample of the Australian Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme Data.ParticipantsSubjects aged 65 years or older.Outcome measuresDeath within 1 year (eg, 2015).ResultsCompared with the base model (c-statistic 0.738, 95% CI 0.734 to 0.742), including Rx-Risk improved prediction of mortality; unweighted score 0.751, 95% CI 0.747 to 0.754, weighted score 0.786, 95% CI 0.782 to 0.789 and individual comorbidities 0.791, 95% CI 0.788 to 0.795. External validation confirmed the utility of the weighted index (c-statistic=0.833).ConclusionsThe updated Rx-Risk Comorbidity Score was predictive of 1-year mortality and may be useful in practice to adjust for confounding in observational studies using medication claims data.
Study protocol to assess the effectiveness and safety of a flexible family visitation model for delirium prevention in adult intensive care units: a cluster-randomised, crossover trial (The ICU Visits Study)
Authors: Rosa Regis Goulart , Falavigna Maicon , Robinson Caroline Cabral , da Silva Daiana Barbosa , Kochhann Renata , de Moura Rafaela Moraes , Santos Mariana Martins Siqueira , Sganzerla Daniel , Giordani Natalia Elis , Eugênio Cláudia , Ribeiro Tarissa , Cavalcanti Alexandre Biasi , Bozza Fernando , Azevedo Luciano Cesar Pontes , Machado Flávia Ribeiro , Salluh Jorge Ibrain Figueira , Pellegrini José Augusto Santos , Moraes Rafael Barberena , Hochegger Taís , Amaral Alexandre , Teles José Mario Meira , da Luz Lucas Gobetti , Barbosa Mirceli Goulart , Birriel Daniella Cunha , Ferraz Iris de Lima , Nobre Vandack , Valentim Helen Martins , Corrêa e Castro Livia , Duarte Péricles Almeida Delfino , Tregnago Rogério , Barilli Sofia Louise Santin , Brandão Nilton , Giannini Alberto , Teixeira Cassiano 
Published: April 2018

IntroductionFlexible intensive care unit (ICU) visiting hours have been proposed as a means to improve patient-centred and family-centred care. However, randomised trials evaluating the effects of flexible family visitation models (FFVMs) are scarce. This study aims to compare the effectiveness and safety of an FFVM versus a restrictive family visitation model (RFVM) on delirium prevention among ICU patients, as well as to analyse its potential effects on family members and ICU professionals.Methods and analysisA cluster-randomised crossover trial involving adult ICU patients, family members and ICU professionals will be conducted. Forty medical-surgical Brazilian ICUs with RFVMs (<4.5 hours/day) will be randomly assigned to either an RFVM (visits according to local policies) or an FFVM (visitation during 12 consecutive hours per day) group at a 1:1 ratio. After enrolment and follow-up of 25 patients, each ICU will be switched over to the other visitation model, until 25 more patients per site are enrolled and followed. The primary outcome will be the cumulative incidence of delirium among ICU patients, measured twice a day using the Confusion Assessment Method for the ICU. Secondary outcome measures will include daily hazard of delirium, ventilator-free days, any ICU-acquired infections, ICU length of stay and hospital mortality among the patients; symptoms of anxiety and depression and satisfaction among the family members; and prevalence of burnout symptoms among the ICU professionals. Tertiary outcomes will include need for antipsychotic agents and/or mechanical restraints, coma-free days, unplanned loss of invasive devices and ICU-acquired pneumonia, urinary tract infection or bloodstream infection among the patients; self-perception of involvement in patient care among the family members; and satisfaction among the ICU professionals.Ethics and disseminationThe study protocol has been approved by the research ethics committee of all participant institutions. We aim to disseminate the findings through conferences and peer-reviewed journals.Trial registrationNCT02932358.