bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Management and outcomes of myelomeningocele-associated hydrocephalus in low-income and middle-income countries: a systematic review and meta-analysis protocol
Authors: Takoutsing Berjo Dongmo , Yanez Touzet Alvaro , Park Jay J , Lee Seong Hoon , Bligh Emily R , Egiz Abdullah , Gillespie Conor S , Figaji Anthony 
Published: February 2023

IntroductionHydrocephalus and myelomeningocele (MMC) place disproportionate burdens of disease on low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs). MMC-associated hydrocephalus and its sequelae result in a spectrum of severely devastating clinical manifestations, for which LMICs are disproportionately unprepared in terms of human, capital and technological resources. This study aims to review and compare the management and outcomes of infant MMC-associated hydrocephalus in LMICs and high-income countries.Methods and analysisThis systematic review and meta-analysis will follow the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses 2020 guidelines. The following databases will be searched without restrictions on language, publication date or country of origin: EMBASE, MEDLINE, The Cochrane Library, Global Index Medicus, African Journals Online and SciELO. All peer-reviewed studies of primary data reporting management and outcomes of infant MMC-associated hydrocephalus will be included. Where high-quality homogeneous studies exist, meta-analyses will be conducted to compare the management and outcomes of MMC-associated hydrocephalus across socioeconomic and geographical regions of the world. The primary outcome will be treatment failure of the first-line hydrocephalus treatment, which we defined operationally as the performance of a second intervention for the same reason as the first. Secondary outcomes include time to failure, rates of mortality and postoperative complications.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval was not applicable because this study does not involve human participants. Dissemination strategies will include publication in a peer-reviewed journal, oral and poster presentations at conferences and an interactive web application to facilitate interaction with the findings and promote the discussion and sharing of findings on social media.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42021285850.
Interventions to increase mammography screening uptake among women living in low-income and middle-income countries: a systematic review
Authors: Nduka Ifeoma Jovita , Ejie Izuchukwu Loveth , Okafor Charles Ebuka , Eleje George Uchenna , Ekwunife Obinna Ikechukwu 
Published: February 2023

ObjectiveTo systematically identify interventions that increase the use of mammography screening in women living in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs).DesignSystematic review.Data sourcesMEDLINE, Embase, Global Health, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Web of Science, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Google Scholar and African regional databases.Eligibility criteriaStudies conducted in LMICs, published between 1 January 1990 and 30 June 2021, in the English language. Studies whose population included asymptomatic women eligible for mammography screening. Studies with a reported outcome of using mammography by either self-report or medical records. No restrictions were set on the study design.Data extraction and synthesisScreening, data extraction and risk-of-bias assessment were conducted by two independent reviewers. A narrative synthesis of the included studies was conducted.ResultsFive studies met the inclusion criteria consisting of two randomised controlled trials, one quasi-experiment and two cross-sectional studies. All included studies employed client-oriented intervention strategies including one-on-one education, group education, mass and small media, reducing client out-of-pocket costs, reducing structural barriers, client reminders and engagement of community health workers (CHWs). Most studies used multicomponent interventions, resulting in increases in the rate of use of mammography than those that employed a single strategy.ConclusionMass and small media, group education, reduction of economic and structural barriers, client reminders and engagement of CHWs can increase use of mammography among women in LMICs. Promoting the adoption of these interventions should be considered, especially the multicomponent interventions, which were significantly effective relative to a single strategy in increasing use of mammography.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42021269556.
Randomised pragmatic waitlist trial with process evaluation investigating the effectiveness of peer support after brain injury: protocol
Authors: Kayes Nicola , Cummins Christine , Weatherall Mark , Smith Greta , Te Ao Braden , Elder Hinemoa , Fadyl Joanna Kirstin , Howard-Brown Christine , Foster Allison , Kersten Paula 
Published: February 2023

IntroductionTraumatic brain injury (TBI) is an important global health problem. Formal service provision fails to address the ongoing needs of people with TBI and their family in the context of a social and relational process of learning to live with and adapt to life after TBI. Our feasibility study reported peer support after TBI is acceptable to both mentors and mentees with reported benefits indicating a high potential for effectiveness and likelihood of improving outcomes for both mentees and their mentors.ObjectivesTo (a) test the effectiveness of a peer support intervention for improving participation, health and well-being outcomes after TBI and (b) determine key process variables relating to intervention, context and implementation to underpin an evidence-based framework for ongoing service provision.Methods and analysisA randomised pragmatic waitlist trial with process evaluation. Mentee participants (n=46) will be included if they have moderate or severe TBI and are no more than 18 months post-injury. Mentor participants (n=18) will be people with TBI up to 6 years after injury, who were discharged from inpatient rehabilitation at least 1 year prior. The primary outcome will be mentee participation, measured using the Impact on Participation and Autonomy questionnaire after 22 weeks. Primary analysis of the continuous variables will be analysis of covariance with baseline measurement as a covariate and randomised treatment as the main explanatory predictor variable at 22 weeks. Process evaluation will include analysis of intervention-related data and qualitative data collected from mentors and service coordinators. Data synthesis will inform the development of a service framework for future implementation.Ethics and disseminationEthics approval has been obtained from the New Zealand Health and Disability Ethics Committee (19/NTB/82) and Auckland University of Technology Ethics Committee (19/345). Dissemination of findings will be via traditional academic routes including publication in internationally recognised peer-reviewed journals.Trial registration numberACTRN12619001002178.
Individualised consent for endoscopy: update on the 2016 BSG guidelines
Authors: Burr Nicholas Ewin , Penman Ian D , Griffiths Helen , Axon Andrew , Everett Simon M 
Published: February 2023

In 2016, the British Society of Gastroenterology (BSG) published comprehensive guidelines for obtaining consent for endoscopic procedures. In November 2020, the General Medical Council (GMC) introduced updated guidelines on shared decision making and consent. These guidelines followed the Montgomery ruling in 2015, which changed the legal doctrine determining what information should be given to a patient before a medical intervention. The GMC guidance and Montgomery ruling expand on the role of shared decision making between the clinician and patient, explicitly highlighting the importance of understanding the values of the patient. In November 2021, the BSG President’s Bulletin highlighted the 2020 GMC guidance and the need to incorporate patient -related factors into decision making.Here, we make formal recommendations in support of this communication, and update the 2016 BSG endoscopy consent guidelines. The BSG guideline refers to the Montgomery legislation, but this document expands on the findings and gives proposals for how to incorporate it into the consent process. The document is to accompany, not replace the recent GMC and BSG guidelines.The recommendations are made in the understanding that there is not a single solution to the consent process, but that medical practitioners and services must work together to ensure that the principles and recommendations laid out below are deliverable at a local level. The 2020 GMC and 2016 BSG guidance had patient representatives involved throughout the process. Further patient involvement was not sought here as this update is to give practical advice on how to incorporate these guidelines into clinical practice and the consent process. This document should be read by endoscopists and referrers from primary and secondary care.
Impact of pre-existing left atrial appendage occluder on catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation
Authors: Chen Jien-Jiun , Chiu Fu-Chun , Chang Sheng-Nan , Cheng Hsiao-Liang , Huang Pang-shuo , Wu Cho-Kai , Wang Yi-Chih , Hwang Juey-Jen , Tsai Chia-Ti 
Published: February 2023

BackgroundPatients with drug-refractory atrial fibrillation (AF) and pre-existing left atrial appendage occluder (LAAO) device may need pulmonary vein isolation (PVI). In this pioneer study, we investigated the impact of pre-existing LAAO on AF substrates and outcomes of PVI.MethodsFrom our AF registry, 65 drug-refractory patients with LAAO (72.1±11.4 years old; CHA2DS2-VASc score 3.7±2.1) were included for PVI. A balanced control group with 124 patients without LAAO receiving PVI (70.9±10.2 years old, CHA2DS2-VASc 3.6±1.9) were included for comparison.ResultsWe found PVI is feasible in patients with AF with pre-existing LAAO without new peridevice leak. Two patients with LAAO and one without LAAO had stroke during the procedure (2/65 vs 1/124, p=0.272). Complete isolation of left-sided PVs might not be achieved if the device covered the ridge joining the left atrial (LA) appendage to the body of LA. Local electrogram could be detected over LAAO and there was propagation of conduction over the occluder either under sinus rhythm or under atrial arrhythmia. LAAO might modulate LA substrate and induce peridevice fibrosis, peridevice LA flutter and complex fractionate atrial electrogram. The AF recurrent rate at 1 year was similar between the two groups (9.2% vs 8.8%).ConclusionsThis pioneer study first showed impacts of LAAO on LA substrate and PVI procedure.
Associations of high-normal blood pressure and impaired fasting glucose with atrial fibrillation
Authors: Kim Juntae , Kim Dongmin , Jang Eunsun , Kim Daehoon , You Seng Chan , Yu Hee Tae , Lee Myung-Yong , Lip Gregory , Yang Pil-Sung , Joung Boyoung 
Published: February 2023

ObjectiveTo investigate the association of high-normal blood pressure (BP) and impaired fasting glucose (IFG) with the risk of atrial fibrillation (AF) in two cohorts.MethodsThe Korean National Health Insurance Service-Health Screening (K-NHIS-HealS, 2002–2003, follow-up until 2013) Study and the UK Biobank (2007–2010, follow-up until 2021) were evaluated. We used Cox proportional hazards regression models to evaluate the associations of high-normal BP and IFG with incident AF.ResultsIn the K-NHIS-HealS and the UK Biobank, 2346 and 5314 incident AF events were recorded during the mean follow-up of 7.4 and 11.8 years. The adjusted HRs (95% CIs) for AF in the Korean and UK cohorts were 1.11 (1.02 to 1.21) and 1.07 (1.01 to 1.13) in individuals with high-normal BP; and 1.14 (1.04 to 1.25) and 1.10 (1.01 to 1.20) in individuals with IFG, respectively. The AF risk showed a dose–response relationship with BP and fasting blood glucose level. The risk of incident AF was increased by the combination of high-normal BP and IFG.ConclusionsIn healthy individuals, high-normal BP and IFG were important risk factors for AF. When high-normal BP and IFG were combined, the risk of new-onset AF was significantly increased. These findings may suggest that lifestyle interventions for high-normal BP and IFG should be considered to reduce the risk of AF.
Frostbite: a systematic review on freezing cold injuries in a military environment
Authors: van Dongen T T C F , Berendsen R R , de Jong F J M , Endert E L , van Hulst R A , Hoencamp R 
Published: February 2023

BackgroundMilitary practice or deployment in extreme conditions includes risks, dangers and rare disorders. One of the challenges is frostbite; however, current literature does not provide an overview of this condition in a military context. This review aims to map the incidence, risk factors and outcome of frostbite in military casualties in the armed forces.MethodsA systematic literature search on frostbite (freezing cold injuries) in military settings from 1995 to the present was performed. A critical appraisal of the included articles was conducted. Data on incidence, risk factors, treatment and outcome were extracted.ResultsFourteen studies were included in our systematic review. Most studies of frostbite in a military setting were published nearly half a century ago. Frostbite incidence has declined from 7% to around 1% in armed forces in arctic regions but could be as high as 20% in small-scale arctic manoeuvres. Overall and military-specific risk factors for contracting frostbite were identified.ConclusionDuring inevitable arctic manoeuvres, frostbite is a frequently diagnosed injury in service members. Postfreezing symptoms often persist after severe frostbite injury, which decreases employability within the service. Over time, military practice has changed considerably, and modern protective materials have been introduced; therefore, re-evaluation and future study in the military field are appropriate, preferably with other North Atlantic Treaty Organization partners.
Modifiable risk factors for permanent pacemaker after transcatheter aortic valve implantation: CONDUCT registry
Authors: Rudolph Tanja , Droppa Michal , Baan Jan , Nielsen Niels-Erik , Baranowski Jacek , Hachaturyan Violetta , Kurucova Jana , Hack Luis , Bramlage Peter , Geisler Tobias 
Published: February 2023

ObjectiveThe onset of new conduction abnormalities requiring permanent pacemaker implantation (PPI) after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is still a relevant adverse event. The main objective of this registry was to identify modifiable procedural risk factors for an improved outcome (lower rate of PPI) after TAVI in patients at high risk of PPI.MethodsPatients from four European centres receiving a balloon-expandable TAVI (Edwards SAPIEN 3/3 Ultra) and considered at high risk of PPI (pre-existing conduction disturbance, heavily calcified left ventricular outflow tract or short membranous septum) were prospectively enrolled into registry.ResultsA total of 300 patients were included: 42 (14.0%) required PPI after TAVI and 258 (86.0%) did not. Patients with PPI had a longer intensive care unit plus intermediate care stay (65.7 vs 16.3 hours, p<0.001), general ward care stay (6.9 vs 5.3 days, p=0.004) and later discharge (8.6 vs 5.0 days, p<0.001). Of the baseline variables, only pre-existing right bundle branch block at baseline (OR 6.8, 95% CI 2.5 to 18.1) was significantly associated with PPI in the multivariable analysis. Among procedure-related variables, oversizing had the highest impact on the rate of PPI: higher than manufacturer-recommended sizing, mean area oversizing as well as the use of the 29 mm valve (OR 3.4, 95% CI 1.4 to 8.5, p=0.008) all were significantly associated with PPI. Rates were higher with the SAPIEN 3 (16.1%) vs SAPIEN 3 Ultra (8.5%), although not statistically significant but potentially associated with valve sizing. Implantation depth and postdelivery balloon dilatation also tended to affect PPI rates but without a statistical significance.ConclusionValve oversizing is a strong procedure-related risk factor for PPI following TAVI. The clinical impact of the valve type (SAPIEN 3), implantation depth, and postdelivery balloon dilatation did not reach significance and may reflect already refined procedures in the participating centres, giving attention to these avoidable risk factors.Trial registration numberNCT03497611.
Modified thoracoabdominal nerve block through perichondrial approach (M-TAPA): an anatomical study to evaluate the spread of dye after a simulated injection in soft embalmed Thiel cadavers
Authors: Sawada Atsushi , Kumita Sho , Nitta Asako , Ohsaki Yuki , Yamakage Michiaki 
Published: February 2023

Background and objectivesThere is still no consensus on the analgesic range and mechanisms of action of modified thoracoabdominal nerve block through perichondrial approach (M-TAPA). This cadaveric study aimed to determine the spread of an injectate following simulated M-TAPA.MethodsSimulated M-TAPA injections (n=8) were administered on both sides of soft embalmed Thiel cadavers with 25 mL of a saline-soluble dye. Anatomic dissection was performed to document staining (deeply, faintly, or not stained) of the anterior cutaneous branches of the thoracoabdominal nerves and determine the extent of the injectate spread of the dye to the intercostal space in the thoracic cage following a simulated M-TAPA.ResultsThe median (IQR) dermatome of the stained segmental nerve was T10 (T8–T11) and the median (IQR) number of stained segmental nerves was 3 (4–2). The T9, T10 and T11 segmental nerves were stained in 75%, 100% and 62.5% of simulated M-TAPA, respectively. Conversely, the T8 segmental nerve was stained in only 25% of simulated M-TAPA. No injectate spread of dye to the intercostal space in the thoracic cage was observed in eight simulated injections of M-TAPA.ConclusionOur findings suggest that M-TAPA most likely involves the T9, T10 and T11 segmental nerves and that the local anesthetic may not spread to the intercostal space in the thoracic cage in M-TAPA. Further studies are required to confirm the precise mechanism of action and efficacy of M-TAPA in a large sample of human participants.
A Wideband Transition from Microstrip Line to Microstrip Spoof Surface Plasmon Polariton Line for Microwave/Millimeter-Wave Applications
Authors: Sharma Somia , Singh Rajesh Kumar , Basu Ananjan , Koul Shiban K. 
Published: February 2023

In this article, a wideband transition from a microstrip transmission line to a microstrip spoof surface plasmon polariton (SSPP) transmission line is reported. The proposed transition is realized to achieve better performance starting from low frequencies up to 40 GHz. The proposed shape of the unit cell is taken in such a manner that the momentum, impedance, and polarization of the microstrip line can be matched with that of the SSPP transmission line. The wide operating band of the transition can be achieved by perturbing only the shape of the unit cell. Extra care is taken in choosing the shape of the unit cell so that the fabrication of the circuit becomes easier, especially at millimeter-wave frequencies. The proposed transition has a good transition-occupation ratio and transmission efficiency. The achieved transition-occupation ratio and transition efficiency for all three designed cases are excellent, and it is 34.18%, 44%, and 39% for

p
=
1

mm, 2 mm, and 3 mm, respectively. It is a potential candidate for realizing millimeter-wave antennas and devices due to its attractive properties, such as compact layout, low fabrication cost, ease of fabrication even at millimeter-wave frequencies, and good operational characteristics.
The Gender Wage Gap in an Online Labor Market: The Cost of Interruptions
Authors: Adams Abi , Hara Kotaro , Milland Kristy , Callison-Burch Chris 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
This paper analyzes gender differences in working patterns and wages on Amazon Mechanical Turk, a popular online labor platform. Using information on 2 million tasks, we find no gender differences in task selection nor experience. Nonetheless, women earn 20% less per hour on average. Gender differences in working patterns are a significant driver of this wage gap. Women are more likely to interrupt their working time on the platform with consequences for their task completion speed. A follow-up survey shows that the gender differences in working patterns and hourly wages are concentrated among workers with children.
Climate Risk and Preferences over the Size of Government: Evidence from California Wildfires
Authors: Coury Michael 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
How does exposure to risk shape individual preferences for an expanded state? I examine this question in the context of climate change-related risk. Using variation in California wildfire activity, I show neighborhoods experiencing large fires increase support by 0.8 percentage points for ballot initiatives which expand the size of government and by 2.4 percentage points for ballot initiatives endorsed by pro-environment interest groups. The effect is stronger in Republican areas and is not driven by shifts in voter registration or turnout, suggesting the mechanism acts through changes in individual preferences rather than compositional changes in the electorate.
Doing More with Less: Predicting Primary Care Provider Effectiveness
Authors: Currie Janet , Zhang Jonathan 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
We use data from the Veterans Administration to examine the efficacy of primary care providers (PCPs). Leveraging quasi-random assignment of veterans to PCPs, we measure effectiveness using ambulatory care sensitive conditions (ACSC) and hospitalizations/emergency department (ED) visits for mental health or circulatory conditions. PCPs’ variation along these dimensions predicts future outcomes. For example, a 1 standard deviation improvement in mental health effectiveness reduces patient risk of death by 3.8% and lowers costs by 4.4% over the next three years. More effective PCPs do more with less: their patients have fewer primary care visits, specialist referrals, lab panels, or imaging tests.
Competition and Quality: Evidence from High-Speed Railways and Airlines
Authors: Fang Hanming , Wang Long , Yang Yang 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
The entry of High-Speed Railways (HSR) represents a disruptive competition to airlines. Utilizing a unique dataset of all flights departing from Beijing to 113 domestic destinations in China since January 2009, we employ a difference-in-differences approach to examine the effects of HSR entry on on-time performance and to identify the channels. We document two main findings. First, the entry of HSR leads to significant reductions in the mean and variance of travel delays on the affected airline routes. Second, the reductions in departure delays and taxi-in time at the destination airports are identified as the main channels.
Short and Simple Confidence Intervals When the Directions of Some Effects Are Known
Authors: Ketz Philipp , McCloskey Adam 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
We introduce adaptive confidence intervals on a parameter of interest in the presence of nuisance parameters, such as coefficients on control variables, with known signs. Our confidence intervals are trivial to compute and can provide significant length reductions relative to standard ones when the nuisance parameters are small. At the same time, they entail minimal length increases at any parameter values. We apply our confidence intervals to the linear regression model, prove their uniform validity and illustrate their length properties in an empirical application to a factorial design field experiment and a Monte Carlo study calibrated to the empirical application.