bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Seroprevalence of hepatitis C virus infection in Cameroon: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Bigna Jean Joel , Amougou Marie A , Asangbeh Serra Lem , Kenne Angeladine Malaha , Nansseu Jobert Richie 
Published: August 2017

ObjectiveBetter knowledge of hepatitis C virus (HCV) seroprevalence at the national level can help to implement pertinent strategies to address the HCV-related burden. The aim of this paper was to estimate the seroprevalence of HCV infection in Cameroon.DesignSystematic review and meta-analysis.ParticipantsPeople residing in Cameroon.Data sourcesElectronic databases including PubMed/MEDLINE, AJOL, WHO-Afro Library, Africa Index Medicus, National Institute of Statistics and National AIDS Control Committee, Cameroon from 1 January 2000 to 15 December 2016 were searched. English and French languages papers were considered. Two independent investigators selected studies. The methodological quality of the studies was assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa scale.Results31 studies including 36 407 individuals were finally considered. There was no national representative study. The overall pooled prevalence was 6.5% (95% CI 4.5% to 8.8%; I²=98.3%). A sensitivity analysis of individuals at low risk of HCV infection showed a pooled prevalence of 3.6% (95% CI 2.3% to 5.2%, I²=97.7%, 18 studies) among 22 860 individuals (general population, blood donors and pregnant women), which was higher than for a high-risk population (healthcare workers and people with other identified comorbidities), 12.2% (95% CI 4.9% to 22.2%; I²=98.3%, 13 studies); p=0.018. The prevalence was higher in the East region, in rural settings, and when using an enzyme immunoassay technique for detecting HCV antibodies. Sex, sites, study period, sample size, timing of data collection and methodological quality of studies were not sources of heterogeneity.LimitationOne-third of studies (29.0%) had a low risk bias in their methodology and most were facility-based (87.1%).ConclusionThe seroprevalence of HCV infection in Cameroon indicates the need for comprehensive and effective strategies to interrupt HCV transmission in the Cameroonian population. Specific attention is needed for the East region of the country, rural settings and high-risk populations. A national representative study is needed to provide better estimates.
Protocol for a randomised, double-masked, sham-controlled phase 4 study on the efficacy, safety and tolerability of intravitreal aflibercept monotherapy compared with aflibercept with adjunctive photodynamic therapy in polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy: the ATLANTIC study
Authors: Marques João Pedro , Farinha Cláudia , Costa Miguel Ângelo , Ferrão Ângela , Nunes Sandrina , Silva Rufino 
Published: August 2017

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to compare the efficacy and safety of intravitreal aflibercept (IVA) with sham photodynamic therapy (sPDT) versus IVA with verteporfin PDT (vPDT) in a Caucasian population with treatment-naive polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV), enrolling into a treat and extend (T&E) regimen.Methods and analysisRandomised, double-masked, sham-controlled, multicentre phase 4 investigator-driven clinical trial. The primary outcomes are (1) change in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) from baseline and (2) polyp regression at week 52, assessed by indocyanine green angiography (ICGA). Fifty patients with treatment-naive PCV will be recruited from Portuguese and Spanish clinical sites. Eligible patients will receive monthly IVA for 3 months (week 0, week 4 and week 8). At week 16, all patients will repeat ICGA and undergo central randomisation (1:1 ratio) into one of the following groups: Group 1—IVA T&E + vPDT; Group 2—IVA T&E + sPDT. PDT will be performed at week 16, week 28 and week 40 in the presence of active polyps. After week 16, the presence of macular fluid on optical coherence tomography will determine the schedule of observations. When present, the interval between visits/injections will decrease 2 weeks (minimum 6 weeks). When not, the interval between visits/injections will increase 2 weeks (maximum 12 weeks). Efficacy will be evaluated based on BCVA, central retinal thickness and polyp regression. Safety parameters will include assessment of intraocular pressure, adverse events and serious adverse events.Ethics and disseminationThis study was designed and shall be implemented and reported in accordance with the International Conference on Harmonisation (ICH) Harmonised Tripartite Guidelines for Good Clinical Practice, with applicable local regulations and with the ethical principles laid down in the Declaration of Helsinki. The study received approval from Comissão de Ética para a Investigação Clínica and Comité Ético de investigación Clínica del Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge.Trial registration numberThis study is registered under the EudraCT number: 2015-001368-20 and the ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier:NCT02495181.
Evaluating Maternity Units: a prospective cohort study of freestanding midwife-led primary maternity units in New Zealand—clinical outcomes
Authors: Grigg Celia P , Tracy Sally K , Tracy Mark , Daellenbach Rea , Kensington Mary , Monk Amy , Schmied Virginia 
Published: August 2017

ObjectiveTo compare maternal and neonatal birth outcomes and morbidities associated with the intention to give birth in a freestanding primary level midwife-led maternity unit (PMU) or tertiary level obstetric-led maternity hospital (TMH) in Canterbury, Aotearoa/New Zealand.DesignProspective cohort study.Participants407 women who intended to give birth in a PMU and 285 women who intended to give birth at the TMH in 2010–2011. All of the women planning a TMH birth were ‘low risk’, and 29 of the PMU cohort had identified risk factors.Primary outcomesMode of birth, Apgar score of less than 7 at 5 min and neonatal unit admission. Secondary outcomes: labour onset, analgesia, blood loss, third stage of labour management, perineal trauma, non-pharmacological pain relief, neonatal resuscitation, breastfeeding, gestational age at birth, birth weight, severe morbidity and mortality.ResultsWomen who planned a PMU birth were significantly more likely to have a spontaneous vaginal birth (77.9%vs62.3%, adjusted OR (AOR) 1.61, 95% CI 1.08 to 2.39), and significantly less likely to have an instrumental assisted vaginal birth (10.3%vs20.4%, AOR 0.59, 95% CI 0.37 to 0.93). The emergency and elective caesarean section rates were not significantly different (emergency: PMU 11.6% vs TMH 17.5%, AOR 0.88, 95% CI 0.55 to 1.40; elective: PMU 0.7% vs TMH 2.1%, AOR 0.34, 95% CI 0.08 to 1.41). There were no significant differences between the cohorts in rates of 5 min Apgar score of <7 (2.0%vs2.1%, AOR 0.82, 95% CI 0.27 to 2.52) and neonatal unit admission (5.9%vs4.9%, AOR 1.44, 95% CI 0.70 to 2.96). Planning to give birth in a primary unit was associated with similar or reduced odds of intrapartum interventions and similar odds of all measured neonatal well-being indicators.ConclusionsThe results of this study support freestanding midwife-led primary-level maternity units as physically safe places for well women to plan to give birth, with these women having higher rates of spontaneous vaginal births and lower rates of interventions and their associated morbidities than those who planned a tertiary hospital birth, with no differences in neonatal outcomes.
Prevalence, incidence and associated mortality of cardiovascular disease in patients with chronic kidney disease in low- and middle-income countries: a protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Temgoua Mazou N , Danwang Celestin , Agbor Valirie Ndip , Noubiap Jean Jacques 
Published: August 2017

IntroductionChronic kidney disease (CKD) is a global public health problem, with cardiovascular disease (CVD) being the major cause of mortality in these patients. Despite a high burden of CKD among patients in low/middle-income countries (LMICs), evidence on the distribution of CVD among these patients is lacking. This review seeks to determine the prevalence, incidence and mortality risks of CVD in patients with CKD in LMICs.Methods and analysisA systematic search of Medline, Scopus, Embase, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health and WHO Global Health Library databases for published studies reporting on the prevalence, incidence and associated mortality risk of CVD in CKD patients in LMICs will be conducted from 1 May 1987 to 1 July 2017 with no language restriction. Two authors will independently screen, select studies, extract data and assess the risk of bias in each study. Clinically homogeneous studies will be pooled after assessing for clinical and statistical heterogeneity using the χ2test on Cochrane’s Q statistic which is quantified by I2values; assuming that I2values of 25%, 50% and 75% represent low, medium and high heterogeneity, respectively. Funnel-plot analysis and Egger’s test will be used to detect publication bias. Results will be presented according to WHO Regions (Africa, Americas, Eastern Mediterranean, Europe, South-East Asia and Western Pacific).Ethics and disseminationThis proposed study will not require ethical approval as it will be based on published data. We will publish the final report of this review in a peer-reviewed journal, and the findings will be disseminated to the appropriate health authorities.
The effects of vitamin B12 supplementation in pregnancy and postpartum on growth and neurodevelopment in early childhood: Study Protocol for a Randomized Placebo Controlled Trial
Authors: Chandyo Ram K , Ulak Manjeswori , Kvestad Ingrid , Shrestha Merina , Ranjitkar Suman , Basnet Sudha , Hysing Mari , Shrestha Laxman , Strand Tor A 
Published: August 2017

IntroductionVitamin B12is crucial for normal cell division and differentiation, and necessary for the development and myelination of the central nervous system. Pregnant mothers in resource poor settings are at risk for poor vitamin B12status. Poor vitamin B12status in infancy is linked to poor growth and neurodevelopment. Brain development starts from conception, and pregnancy is a period of rapid growth and development for the brain.Methods and analysisThe study is an individually randomised double-blind placebo controlled trial in 800 pregnant Nepalese women randomised in a 1:1 ratio. A daily dose of 50 µg of vitamin B12or placebo is given to women from early pregnancy, not later than week 15, until 6 months after birth. Weekly visits are conducted in order to record compliance, growth and morbidity. The primary outcomes are scores on the cognitive, language and motor subscales of the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, Third Edition, measured at 6 and 12 months of age, and growth (length and weight) measured at 6 and 12 months of age.Ethics and disseminationNational Health and Research Council, Nepal (NHRC 253/2016) and Regional Committee for Medical and Health Research Ethics of Western Norway (2016/1620/REK vest) have approved the study. Investigators who have contributed to the conceptualising, conducting, as well as being involved in the data analyses and manuscript writing will be eligible for authorship and be responsible to share outcomes with different stakeholders through publications and workshops. The results from this study may support new dietary guidelines for Nepalese and possibly South Asian pregnant women that can lead to improved pregnancy outcomes, neurodevelopment and cognitive functioning in children.Trial registration numberUniversal Trial Number: U1111-1183-4093. Trial registration: clinicaltrials.gov:NCT03071666. Protocol date: version 1.2, 1 June 2017.
Barriers and facilitators to the implementation of a community-based, multidisciplinary, family-focused childhood weight management programme in Ireland: a qualitative study
Authors: Kelleher Emily , Harrington Janas M , Shiely Frances , Perry Ivan J , McHugh Sheena M 
Published: August 2017

ObjectiveTo explore the barriers and facilitators experienced by those implementing a government-funded, community-based childhood weight management programme.DesignQualitative using semistructured interviews.SettingTwo geographical regions in the south and west of Ireland.Participants29 national-level and local-level stakeholders responsible for implementing the programme, including professionals from dietetics, psychology, public health nursing, physiotherapy, health promotion and administration.MethodsFramework analysis was used to identify barriers and facilitators, which were mapped onto six levels of factors influencing implementation outlined by Grol and Wensing: the innovation, the individual professional, the patient, the social context, the organisational context and the external environment.ResultsMost barriers occurred at the level of the organisational context. For all stakeholders, barriers arose due to the multidisciplinary nature of the programme, including the lack of role clarity and added complexity of working in different locations. Health professionals’ low-perceived self-efficacy in approaching the subject of weight with parents and parental resistance to hearing about their child’s weight status were barriers to programme implementation at the individual professional and patient levels, respectively. The main facilitators of implementation, occurring at the level of the health professional, included stakeholders’ recognition of the need for a weight management programme and personal interest in the area of childhood obesity. Having a local lead and supportive colleagues were further implementation drivers.ConclusionsThis study highlights the complexities associated with implementing a multidisciplinary childhood weight management programme, particularly translating such a programme to a community setting. Our results suggest the assignment of clear roles and responsibilities, the provision of sufficient practical training and resources, and organisational support play pivotal roles in overcoming barriers to change. This evidence can be used to develop an implementation plan to support the translation of interventions into real-world settings.
A qualitative study exploring the social and environmental context of recently acquired HIV infection among men who have sex with men in South-East England
Authors: Gourlay Annabelle , Fox Julie , Gafos Mitzy , Fidler Sarah , Nwokolo Nneka , Clarke Amanda , Gilson Richard , Orkin Chloe , Collins Simon , Porter Kholoud , Hart Graham 
Published: August 2017

ObjectivesA key UK public health priority is to reduce HIV incidence among gay and other men who have sex with men (MSM). This study aimed to explore the social and environmental context in which new HIV infections occurred among MSM in London and Brighton in 2015.DesignA qualitative descriptive study, comprising in-depth interviews, was carried out as a substudy to the UK Register of HIV Seroconverters cohort: an observational cohort of individuals whose date of HIV seroconversion was well estimated. An inductive thematic analysis was conducted in NVivo, guided by a socio-ecological framework.SettingParticipants were recruited from six HIV clinics in London and Brighton. Fieldwork was conducted between January and April 2015.ParticipantsAll MSM eligible for the UK Register Seroconverter cohort (an HIV-positive antibody test result within 12 months of their last documented HIV-negative test or other laboratory evidence of HIV seroconversion) diagnosed within the past 12 months and aged ≥18 were eligible for the qualitative substudy. 21 MSM participated, aged 22–61 years and predominantly white.ResultsA complex interplay of factors, operating at different levels, influenced risk behaviours and HIV acquisition. Participants saw risk as multi-factorial, but the relative importance of factors varied for each person. Individual psycho-social factors, including personal history, recent life stressors and mental health, enhanced vulnerability towards higher risk situations, while features of the social environment, such as chemsex and social media, and prevalent community beliefs regarding treatment and HIV normalisation, encouraged risk taking.ConclusionsRecently acquired HIV infection among MSM reflects a complex web of factors operating at different levels. These findings point to the need for multi-level interventions to reduce the risk of HIV acquisition among high-risk MSM in the UK and similar settings.
Advanced chronic liver disease in the last year of life: a mixed methods study to understand how care in a specialist liver unit could be improved
Authors: Low Joseph , Davis Sarah , Vickerstaff Victoria , Greenslade Lynda , Hopkins Katherine , Langford Andrew , Marshall Aileen , Thorburn Douglas , Jones Louise 
Published: August 2017

ObjectiveTo identify the limitations in palliative care provision in the last year of life for people with liver cirrhosis and potential barriers to and enablers of palliative care.DesignMixed methods, including a retrospective case note review, qualitative focus groups and individual interviews.SettingA tertiary referral liver centre in the south of England (UK).ParticipantsPurposively selected case notes of 30 people with cirrhosis who attended the tertiary referral liver centre and died during an 18-month period; a purposive sample of 22 liver health professionals who participated in either focus groups or individual interviews.Primary and secondary outcomesData collected from case notes included hospital admissions, documented discussions of prognosis and palliative care provision. Qualitative methods explored management of people with cirrhosis, and barriers to and enablers of palliative care.ResultsParticipants had high rates of hospital admissions and symptom burden. Clinicians rarely discussed prognosis or future care preferences; they lacked the skills and confidence to initiate discussions. Palliative care provision occurred late because clinicians were reluctant to refer due to their perception that reduced liver function is reversible, poor understanding of the potential of a palliative approach; palliative care was perceived negatively by patients and families.ConclusionsPeople dying with cirrhosis have unpredictable trajectories, but share a common pathway of frequent admissions and worsening symptoms as death approaches. The use of clinical tools to identify the point of irreversible deterioration and joint working between liver services and palliative care may improve care for people with cirrhosis.
Psychometric evaluation of the Chinese version of the Person-centred Climate Questionnaire - Staff version (PCQ-S)
Authors: Cai Le , Ahlström Gerd , Tang Pingfen , Ma Ke , Edvardsson David , Behm Lina , Fu Haiyan , Zhang Jie , Yang Jiqun 
Published: August 2017

ObjectivesThe aim of the study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of a Chinese translation of the English version of the Person-centred Climate Questionnaire – Staff version (PCQ-S) for Chinese palliative care staff in a hospital context.DesignThis was a cross-sectional design. The 14-item English PCQ-S was translated and backtranslated using established procedures. Construct validity and reliability including internal consistency and test-retest reliability were assessed among hospital staff. Construct validity was tested using principal component analysis (PCA), internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha, and test-retest reliability was evaluated with the weighted kappa (Kp), Pearson correlation coefficient (r) and intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC).SettingThis study was conducted in three hospitals in Kunming, the capital of Yunnan province in south-west China.ParticipantsA sample of hospital staff (n=163) on duty in the palliative care departments of three hospitals in Kunming consented to participate in the study.ResultsThe 14-item Chinese PCQ-S consists of the three subscales also present in other language versions. It showed strong internal consistency, with a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.94 for the total scale, 0.87 for the safety subscale, 0.90 for the everydayness subscale and 0.88 for the community subscale. The Chinese PCQ-S had high test-retest reliability as evidenced by a high Kp coefficient and a high correlation coefficient for all scales between test and retest scores, on ‘a climate of safety’ (Kp=0.77, r=0.88, p<0.01), ‘a climate of everydayness’ (Kp=0.82, r=0.91, p<0.01), ‘a climate of community’ (Kp=0.75, r=0.79, p<0.01), and on overall scale scores (Kp=0.85, r=0.93, p<0.01). The ICC to evaluate the test-retest reliability was 0.97 (95% CI 0.95 to 0.98).ConclusionsThe Chinese version of the PCQ-S showed satisfactory reliability and validity for assessing staff perceptions of person-centred care in Chinese hospital environments.
Study protocol for a multi-institutional, randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled phase III trial investigating additive efficacy of duloxetine for neuropathic cancer pain refractory to opioids and gabapentinoids: the DIRECT study
Authors: Matsuoka Hiromichi , Ishiki Hiroto , Iwase Satoru , Koyama Atsuko , Kawaguchi Takashi , Kizawa Yoshiyuki , Morita Tatsuya , Matsuda Yoshinobu , Miyaji Tempei , Ariyoshi Keisuke , Yamaguchi Takuhiro 
Published: August 2017

IntroductionManagement of patients with cancer suffering from neuropathic pain refractory to opioids and gabapentinoids remains an important challenge. Duloxetine is one of the choices after first-line treatment fails. The efficacy of duloxetine has been reported in patients with non-cancer disease and in chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, but no randomised clinical trials have examined its effects on neuropathic cancer pain refractory to first-line treatment. The objective of this study is to assess the analgesic efficacy of duloxetine in patients suffering from neuropathic cancer pain refractory to opioids and gabapentinoids.Methods and analysisA multi-institutional, prospective, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, two-parallel trial is planned. The inclusion criteria are adult patients with cancer suffering from neuropathic cancer pain refractory to opioids and gabapentinoids, patients with a Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) pain score of 4 or higher and patients with a total Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale score of less than 20. Patients with chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy are excluded. The study will take place at 14 sites across Japan. Participants will be randomised (1:1 allocation ratio) to a duloxetine intervention group or a placebo control group. Evaluations will be made at baseline (T0 randomisation), day 0 (T1), day 3 (T2) and day 10 (T3). The primary endpoint is defined as the difference in NRS score for pain intensity (average over the previous 24 hours) at T3 between the duloxetine and placebo groups. A sample size of 70 patients will be examined between July 2015 and March 2018.Ethics and disseminationEthics approval was obtained at all participating sites.The results of this study will be submitted for publication in international peer-reviewed journals and the key findings presented at international scientific conferences.Trial registration numberUMIN000017647; Pre-results.Protocol version2.2, 26 April 2017.